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:

Meet Curvy Fashionista Marie Denee

Curvy fashionista Marie Denee has a mission – to bring contemporary, sophisticated, edgy fashions to plus size women. This dynamo Oakland resident is doing just that with her plus size blog and her on line plus size boutique.

In 2008 Ms. Denee finished up her MBA and realized she had gathered a lot of specific information about plus size retail. “For my MBA research I focused on the plus size industry,” explains the perky Ms. Denee. “When I finished my degree I realized I have all this valuable information that I need to share.” She began blogging and quickly became a top resource for the plus size community.

Merla Zellerbach's Latest Novel - Mystery of the Mermaid

Everyone loves a good mystery. Everyone loves a good romance. Lucky for us, San Francisco author Merla Zellerbach has intertwined the two in her latest novel - Mystery of the Mermaid.

Set in contemporary San Francisco, Mystery of the Mermaid tells the story of Hallie Marsh, an attractive 30-something businesswoman working in public relations. Hallie lives a modern life full of blind dates (courtesy of her socialite mother), best-friend chats, high-power meetings, and late night visits from her lover. When confronted with breast cancer and then a double mastectomy, Hallie embarks on a luxury cruise ship to South America for little R&R, but instead she finds mystery, mayhem and romance.

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.

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)

 

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.

Q&A With 944 Magazine Editor & Oakland Resident Laurel May

 

Laurel May relocated to Oakland from Scottsdale, Arizona in summer 2008 to launch the San Francisco edition of 944 magazine. This sassy chic editor shares what she enjoys about living in Oakland. (Photo by Loren Earle-Cruickshanks)

As a new Oakland resident, what's your take on Oakland's sense of style?

Oakland’s the ultimate melting pot. There’s so much variety here! Hippity-hoppers, hippies, hookers, hipsters . . . I feel there’s a real sense of freedom here, everyone is doing their own thing and there aren’t any Marina chicks standing around keeping score on what brand of sunglasses everyone’s wearing.

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!

Vintage on the Ave

Oaklanders with a flair for vintage are thrilled to welcome Mercy Vintage Now  to Piedmont Avenue. Former proprietors of All Dolled up Vintage in Berkeley, co-owners Karen Anderson and Jenny Della Santa made the move to the folksy neighborhood earlier this summer.

What sets Mercy apart from other vintage shops is their fabulous open space with high ceilings, gold moldings and white walls. The clothes are well organized and kept tidy. There's plenty of merchandise but not too much and no musty smell.

The fall collection at Mercy includes '40s to the '80s. There are lots of coats, suits, sweaters and evening dresses to be had at very reasonable prices. Ms. Anderson says the hottest era right now with her clientele is '80s - shoulder pads, neon colors, boyfriend jackets. Ah, ha, just what we're seeing in the mags! Mercy also has an array of super cute reconstructed t-shirts. How green is that?

Mercy Vintage Now, 4188 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, 510-654-5599.

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.

Fall Vintage Fashion Expo Show in San Francisco

 

Dealer Deborah Stark's booth at the Vintage Fashion Expo

If you've been perusing the fall mags, you know it's all about shoulder pads this season and the September issue of Vogue has a fabulous spread on 1940s-inspired fashions. Retro is always in and the Vintage Fashion Expo is here just in time to help us style-up for fall 2009, September 19 and 20, at the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco.   

Now in its third decade, the Vintage Fashion Expo is back again at the Concourse allowing more space for more vendors and more goodies for us. Approximately one hundred dealers come from around the country offering vintage clothing and accessories from the 1900s to the 1980s. Oakland designer and seamstress, Deborah Starks is one of the regular dealers at the Expo and is known for her exquisitely decorated booths and vintage ethnic clothing. "To me the Vintage Fashion Expo is the best place to shop," says Ms. Starks, "because it offers such a variety and wealth of vintage that can be mixed and matched and used to create an unusual look."

David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow in Walnut Creek

 

 

Richard Aiello, Stephen Rexrode, and Sylvia Boboeck star in Speed-the-Plow

What's better than a good story? A good story told well and that's what Role Players Ensemble offers with their Black Box production of David Mamet's play Speed-the-Plow, opening Friday September 18 at Diablo Actors Ensemble in Walnut Creek and featuring local actors Richard Aiello as Bobby Gould, Sylvia Boboeck as Karen and Stephen Rexrode as Charles Fox.

Set in Hollywood's ruthless entertainment industry, Speed-the-Plow centers on the dealings of two successful movie producers and a mysterious temporary secretary who unwittingly (or not?) upsets the balance of power. The original production of Mamet's play opened on Broadway in 1988 and starred Madonna as the secretary, Karen. A recent Broadway revival featured Mad Men's, Elisabeth Moss.

Speed-the-Plow, Diablo Actors Ensemble Theatre, 1345 Locust Street, Walnut Creek, September 18, 19, 25, 26, 8PM. Tickets will be sold only at the door and are a steal at $12. They'll go quickly, so call 925-820-1278 for reservations. NOTE: this show is not suitable for young children.

Peclers Paris holds Trend Forecasting Seminar

 

On August 18th trend forecasting consulting agency, Peclers Paris, held for the first time a forecasting seminar in San Francisco. The half-day presentation was based on the agency's annual forecasting manual Futurs 9 and facilitated by renowned international strategic researcher, Francoise Serralta.  

Just about everyone can benefit from Peclers Paris' research - artists, writers, designers, people in marketing, PR, and sales. Among the attendees were staff from local art universities, independent designers, and people working in high tech. Looking three to five years out, Ms. Serralta commented that this is a unique time to dare and to be creative.  Time to think beyond the norm.  

For more information about Peclers Paris current trend forecasting manual, Futurs 9, go to:

http://www.peclersparis.com/

Martini Brothers Perfrom at Le Colonial

Join the Martini Brothers this Thursday evening, 7:30 at Le Colonial restaurant in San Francisco for some stylin' old school fun. In 1940s matching suits and fedoras, crooners Bob Dalpe and Richard Fishman will transform you to yesteryear with the tunes of Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter, and Ira Gershwin.  

Have a cocktail and a fabulous Le Colonial appetizer. Show off your best moves on the dance floor. See and be seen in your finest. It's all good with the Martini Brothers this Thursday, August 27, 7:30-10:30, Le Colonial, 20 Cosmo Place, downtown San Francisco. 

Be there or be square, Brother.  

Trend Forecasting Seminar with PeclersParis

If you're in any consumer based business -design, fashion, art - you want to know about trends, in particular, future trends. PeclersParis, an international trend forecasting agency, has got that covered. They've been forecasting trends for nearly 40 years and have a proven success record with clients such as Armani, Volkswagen, and LVMH. In conjunction with the publication of their annual trend guide, Futurs9, PeclersParis is offering an interactive seminar on August 18, 2-6, in San Francisco. Featured will be a presentation given by Strategic Research and Planning Director, Francoise Serralta discussing trends 3 to 5 years out and issues such as where sustainability is going. Ms. Serralta is the preeminent expert in the study of lifestyle evolution and consumer trends. 

Seminar coordinator and Trend Consultant, Marieke van der Poel says this is the first time the company had opened up their seminar to the public and it definitely has something for everyone - writers, researchers, people working in marketing and PR. "Anyone making anything for anyone," says Ms. van der Poel. For more information and to register go to: http://www.peclersparis.com/
 

American Craft Council Show

 Wearable art by Kiss of the Wolf will be available at the American Craft Council Show, August 14-16

I've been reading Melissa Leventon's book Artwear: Fashion and Antifashion (Thames & Hudson, 2005). Ms. Leventon is a San Francisco curator and costume historian and in her book she discusses the history and evolution of Wearable Art. Created by artists at the turn of the 20th century and enhanced by hippies of the 1960's, wearable art is a niche market that is on par with couture. Perusing Ms. Leventon's book has put me in the mood for the upcoming American Craft Council Show, August 14-16, Fort Mason, SF.

The ACC show is one stop shopping for one-of-a-kind items hand crafted by artisans from around the country. On offer is jewelry, furniture, clothing, accessories, and home decor - all unique, quality pieces shoppers won't find anywhere else. To mark their 34th year, ACC is also planning extracurricular treats like wine tasting, artists' demonstrations, and a showing of the Faythe Levine film, Handmade Nation, a documentary on the rise of the handmade craft movement in the United States. Get all the details at: http://www.craftcouncil.org/sf/