SFBayStyle

Top Holiday Gifts from the San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design

For those on your holiday list who desire something unique, consider a shopping trip to the fabulous museum store in the San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design. Filled to the brim with hand crafted jewelry and accessories, the museum store has something to please everyone’s particular palate.

Manager Ray McKenzie hand selects each item in the store keeping his customers’ high standards in mind. He says he finds artisans from art shows, craft fairs, and word of mouth. I asked Mr. McKenzie to share some his top Hot and Hip accessory picks for this holiday season:

Ginnifer Goodwin Wears Art Students' Design to EMA Awards

Talk about luck - Ginnifer Goodwin wore students' design to the 20th Anniversary Environmental Media Association Awards, and now those students can add celebrity stylist to their resumes. A group of Academy of Art University students, Priscilla Guimarais, Kumiko Haruyama, Nui Tanapornwattana, Audrey Wang and Tramaine Tillman, designed a collection of sustainable dresses for a class project. To them it was just another project for school, and a fun one at best.

Little did they know one of their sustainable designs -- a strapless dress made from hospital scrubs with three front ruffled tiers that fell just above the knee and a black sash -- would be worn by an actress. And not just worn anywhere, but to a red carpet event. The students created an entire collection for their project, so maybe, after the press from Goodwin, they'll have requests for orders. All of the outfits in 1Oak (which stands for one of a kind) are made from start to finish with sustainable practices. The hospital scrubs used to make Goodwin's dress were treated, dyed and pleated using sustainable practices.

So for the students out there, this just goes to show that some homework assignments shouldn't be blown off...you never know who you might impress.

Celebrating the New Look of CHANEL

San Francisco's Maiden Lane was ablaze with activity last Thursday evening November 19th, when several hundred devotees of CHANEL turned out to celebrate the boutique's reopening. A destination store on the Lane since 1988, CHANEL relocated earlier this year while the original boutique was completely redesigned.

The redesign was headed by New York architect and long time CHANEL collaborator Peter Marino. Sleek and tres moderne, the new boutique is a spacious two stories, highlighted by a 25-foot glass wall lining the stairs to the second floor. The wall is created from black metal and glass and backed with sheer gold laser cut fabric. Suspended from the wall are white lacquer shelves showcasing must-have handbags, shoes, and costume jewelry. To provide a bit of respite and comfort for shoppers, each floor has lovely tweed slipper chairs and sofas. The new space is both elegant and classic, with much attention paid to nuance and detail, offering customers a distinctively CHANEL experience.

Help Send SFBayStyle's Sarah Granger to Blog the Olympics!

Getting tickets and access to the Olympic games is no easy feat, but SFBayStyle cofounder and editor, Sarah Granger, has an excellent chance at winning a trip to blog from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February!

Sarah is one of five semi-finalists in a contest sponsored by Microsoft Office that will also send her to the Computers & Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January if she wins. She submitted her BlogHer blog about figure skating to the MS Office contest and so far, so good.

Please join the rest of the team at SFBayStyle in voting for Sarah - http://bit.ly/VoteSarah

Voters can come back once a day every day through November 29th. Every vote counts!

New CHANEL Store Opens Friday in SF

Just in time for the holidays, the newly renovated CHANEL boutique reopens this Friday in San Francisco.

In a special event for customers and friends, the opening day will feature sounds of DJ Michael Smith, complimentary make-up sessions, a sneak peak at the '09/'10 "cruise collection" (i.e. gorgeous resort wear) and limited edition jewelry.

Expect the best quality in everything in the store. Opens at 10am, closes at 6pm. 156 Geary Street.

Hopalong Animal Rescue Fur Ball

It's always stylish to turn out for a good cause and this Sunday, November 15 is one such occasion. It's Hopalong & Second Chance Animal Rescue's 5th Annual Fur Ball.

Hopalong & Second Chance Animal Rescue has been saving abandoned pets since 1993. With dozens of volunteers, this local organization has found permanent loving homes for over 16,000 animals - some from other areas including New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. In addition, Hopalong provides spay and neuter services, animal advocacy and humane education in schools and after school programs. 

This year's Fur Ball will debut Hopalong's new digs in Emeryville. The afternoon festivities promise to be a hoot with live music, wine tasting, food, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit Hopalong so mark your calendars for Hopalong & Second Chance 5th Annual Fur Ball, Sunday November 15, 1-5pm, 5749 Doyle St., Emeryville. Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door.  Visit: hopalong.org

Be there or be square!

A Masked Ball for Survivor Corps

 
Cleo Streets, Pamela Joyner, Russell Gatewood (Photo: Drew Altizer) 

In true festive spirit, guests of Pamela Joyner and Fred Giuffrida arrived bedecked and bejeweled for the third annual Masked Ball. Held on October 24 at Ms. Joyner's lovely Presidio Heights home, this popular event is a fundraiser for Survivor Corps.

Over $750,000 was raised to support Survivor Corps, an organization working to help survivors of armed conflict around the world. The gold and white theme sparked imaginative attire of flowing Grecian ball gowns, elegant wraps, and masks accented with jewels and feathers. Three other cities - Santa Monica, New York, and London joined the festivities in a simulcast.

 Rosalina Lydster, Deepa Pakianathan (Photo: Drew Altizer)

 

Union Square Ice Rink Opens Wednesday with Olympic Skaters

Wednesday, the Union Square ice rink opens again to entertain skaters throughout the season. This year is special since it's the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, so the U.S. Figure Skating Association, in conjunction with local skating clubs like the Skating Club of San Francisco, is putting together a series of events to highlight the opening this Wednesday, beginning at 10 a.m.

There will be a show at noon and another exhibition at 5 p.m. Guests can skate at other times of day, and the daytime event has a requested donation of $20.

Then at 6 p.m., there will be a special reception featuring Olympic Gold Medalist (and Dancing with the Stars champion) Kristi Yamaguchi and U.S. national champion Rudy Galindo across the street at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. Tickets for that are $100 and the money goes to the U.S. Olympic skaters.

To RSVP or ask questions, contact Susan Bonn (susanbonn(at)gmail(dot)com) or Stacey Marsh (smarsh(at)usfigureskating(dot)org).

A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette

Photo: Drew Altizer

Etiquette is a must, particularly while traveling. Certified etiquette consultant Lisa Grotts tells us what's proper and what's not in her new book, A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette.

To celebrate Ms. Grotts' first published book a soiree was held in her honor on October 15 at Montblanc in downtown San Francisco. Attendees had the opportunity to visit with the author, purchase advanced copies of the book and have their copy signed by Ms. Grotts. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown made an appearance commenting that he never knew so much about packing for a trip until he read this book. Intended for the well-traveled and novice alike, A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette emphasizes the golden rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Mummies and Medicine: A Ghoulish Halloween Gala

It was a perfect night for a ghoul-li-cious event in San Francisco.  The fog was eerily rolling over the chilly streets and there was an ominous feeling in the air.  This year's most-buzzed-about Halloween event was held at the palatial Legion of Honor.  Upon entering the gates, we were greeted with ghostly music that echoed in the column-enclosed courtyard.  The creatures and characters of the night made our way up to the grand entrance, where The Thinker, a sculpture by Auguste Rodin, acted as  gatekeeper.  He seemed to ponder the hellish fate of those beneath him.  I wondered if it was an honor or a curse that he had let me pass.

A Smash Hit for the Vintage Clothing & Style Festival

 
Miss Art Deco (Photo by Michele Diane Smith)

It was a fabulous old school happening this past Sunday as vintage enthusiasts gathered at the Alameda Elks Lodge for the very first Vintage Clothing & Style Festival. The historic building was a perfect venue for such an event with ample space and a beautiful stained glass dome adding to the Festival's ambiance. A smash hit with attendees, the Festival offered three floors of vintage hair styling and makeup demonstrations, model touring, music, treasures for sale and lots of food and cocktails.

Highlights included singing by Ann Gibson and Sara Klotz de Aguliar, representatives from the Art Deco Society of California and Mr. Ricks Martini Club, and photos by Michele Diane Smith. Oakland designer Deborah Starks presented her restructured blouses and jackets and San Francisco tailor, Al from Al's Attire, was on hand offering advice. One of a kind vintage inspired hats by Phyllis were a fave as was Theresa LaQuey's original designs.

The Festival organizers are thrilled with the interest and support the event received and are hoping to make this an annual happening, perhaps even biannual. We like that!

Congratulations VCSF! 

Vintage Clothing & Style Festival

 
  

Hold on to your hats fashionistas, I’ve got exciting news! Sunday, October 25 is the big day for some yesteryear thrills at the Vintage Clothing & Style Festival. This all day event happening at the Alameda Elks Lodge is not just about vintage fashion but also about living a vintage lifestyle.

Two years ago vintage enthusiasts Kimberly Manning and her business partners Roberto and Jula Isola decided they wanted to broaden the scope of a typical vintage show. Their desire is to offer not just retail but also an opportunity to socialize, interact and discuss all things vintage. “We want this Festival to celebrate vintage in a way that all ages, sizes, races and sexes feel they too can wear vintage,” explains Ms. Manning, looking tres chic in a 1940s pale pink knit dress embellished with red dragonflies at the shoulder. “Vintage can be for everyone.”

Celebrating the first African American Cover Girl Katiti Kironde

We were all very excited earlier this year to see our lovely First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover of Vogue. But back in the day an African American woman gracing the cover of a top fashion magazine was just not done. That is until Glamour magazine broke with convention by putting Katiti Kironde on their August 1968 College Issue.

On Friday October 9th, Ms. Kironde’s daughter Mireille Schwartz hosted a reception to honor her mother and celebrate the 41st anniversary of that landmark issue in fashion magazine history. Local chic elites gathered in the garden of Ms. Schwartz’s San Francisco home sipping cocktails and chatting with Ms. Kironde who hails from Connecticut.

Discussion with Helen Thomas and Barbara Lee at Mills College in Oakland

Listen up, Bay Area! Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet White House Reporter Helen Thomas and Congresswoman and Mills College alumna Barbara Lee, appearing at Mills College in Oakland, October 12, 7-9. These two stylish ladies of politics will read from their new books and join in a conversation with Mills College President Janet Holmgren.

For over 50 years Ms. Thomas has been sitting in the front row at White House Press Conferences politely but firmly asking pertinent questions of presidents from Kennedy to Obama. She’s always well dressed in a simple suit with pearls and she’s always a lady, closing her list of questions with, “Thank you, Mr. President.” In her latest book, co-written with Washington journalist Craig Crawford, Listen Up Mr. President: Everything You Wanted Your President to Know and Do (Scribner, 2009) Ms. Thomas draws on her years of experience as a political journalist and offers valuable lessons to future presidents and you, the voters!

SF Fleet Week-Style Elevation Event featuring Innovative Designers

An ongoing tradition since 1981, Fleet Week signifies a celebration to the men and women of the armed forces. This year not only do we have the option of viewing the Blue Angels, but we also have the opportunity to check out San Francisco Bay’s best emerging fashion and accessory designers at Style Elevation's Weekend Pop Up Shops on Grant Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach. 

Multi-talented entrepreneur Karri Ann Frerichs is the woman behind Style Elevation, an online retail shop launching this holiday season. In conjunction with the launch, in October Ms. Frerichs is hosting a series of retail happenings in various San Francisco shopping neighborhoods, highlighting the latest fashion trends from around the bay area. These happenings cater to the business growth of new and upcoming designers as well as the local business communities, using the "pop-up shop"scenario where empty spaces are utilized for retail extravaganzas. 

Twenty designers will present and sell their collections directly to the public in retail spaces around 1418 Grant Ave. on Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m.- 7:00 a.m., through Sunday, October 11, 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. If you love art, there will also be a fashion photographers showcase at Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave., on Friday, October 9 from 5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.

See all the designers who have registered here.

David Lebovitz in Emeryville Tomorrow

Sometimes I feel like a stalker. I follow famous chefs on Facebook and Twitter. I have to say, that David Lebovitz is the only famous author, blogger, chef that has ever replied to one of my comments or tweets.

That is not the only reason why I adore David. He is from the Bay Area, did his training at Chez Panisse and now resides in my other favorite city, Paris. David is someone that I have always wanted to meet. Now if I can get a babysitter, I can.

David has flown in from Paris, and will be speaking at Charles Chocolates, in Emeryville this Thursday, September the 24th from 6-8pm.  You can pick up a copy of his newest book, "The Sweet Life In Paris", at the event. (You can also find all of his books on Amazon.) 

For tickets, call 510-652-4412. Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. in Emeryville.

Lily Samii Fashion Show for Arthritis Auxiliary

Next month, the Westin St. Francis will be showered with gorgeous designs by Lily Samii, possibly the most glamorous fashion designer in the Bay Area, in a show benefiting the Northern California Chapter and planned by the Bay Area Auxiliary. On Thursday, October 15, Look models will take the runway for the fashion show luncheon, following a reception and silent auction.

This should be one of the best fashion shows of the year and it will raise money to help fund programs and research supported by the Arthritis Foundation. To purchase tickets, call 415-356-5481.

Oakland Asian Cultural Center Chinatown Oral History Project

San Francisco Chinatown is known around the world, but hey, Oakland Chinatown is pretty fab too. Located downtown, Oakland Chinatown has a fascinating history going back to the 1850s making it one of the oldest Chinatowns in North America. This Saturday afternoon, September 19, The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) is having an exhibit opening and website launch party celebrating the rich history of Oakland Chinatown.

In 1984 the OACC was founded to preserve the history and culture of Oakland Chinatown. Since then the all volunteer organization has sponsored many cultural and artistic events. Their latest endeavor is The Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project, which is a series of taped interviews with Oakland Chinatown residents discussing their lives, families, and community.

More Photos from SF Symphony Gala

We're not the only ones showcasing some of the great looking ensembles from events, but that doesn't mean we don't know our readers like to see the photos too. Here are some of our favorites from this year's San Francisco Symphony Gala, to complement our full article. All photos provided by Drew Altizer Photography.

Pamela Joyner pictured left.

SF Symphony Opening Night Gala Sizzled with Style

Wednesday night's San Francisco Symphony Opening Gala introduced the new arts season with thoughtful music, fine delectables, and throngs of fetching gowns. As the sun set on the warm Bay Area, the event kept buzzing. Turning up the heat, the concert featured one of People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive," Lang Lang, the 27 year-old piano virtuoso and a trio of dizzying waltzes conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas.

The evening began with cocktails and parallel dinner events organized by the San Francisco Symphony League and Symphonix, the young professional league. McCall's catered, and everything looked grand, beginning in the tent pavilion, City Hall, and of course Davies Symphony Hall where patrons flocked for the main event.