SFBayStyle

Gatsby Summer Afternoon

"Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" Jay Gatsby, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Repeating the past is what it's all about for the enthusiastic attendees of the Gatsby Summer Afternoon, coming up on Sunday, September 12th at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in the Oakland Hills. This annual event is sponsored by the Art Deco Society of California and is in its 26th year.

 

Click here to see a slide show of past Gatsby afternoons

Several hundred people each year gather on the lovely front lawns of Dunsmuir Hellman House and recreate the 1920s by dressing the part and setting up picnic sites. Adding to the ambiance are classic cars and live jazz music. Some people take months to plan elaborate table decorations including china and crystal champagne flutes while others go simple with a blanket and tea sandwiches. Everyone is encouraged to use vintage furnishings, keeping the day as authentic as possible. For those new to the concept, The Art Deco Society provides a detailed guide on their website offering tips from food to fashion.

Vintage Clothing & Style Festival

Readers, save the date: The Vintage Clothing & Style Festival is coming up Saturday evening, August 14 and Sunday, August 15 at the Elks Lodge in Alameda. Last year’s premiere event was a big success and this year promises even more vintage fun.

What’s new this time are themes. Saturday evening has two – lingerie and Gatsby. Co-producer Kimberly Manning Aker has organized vignettes with models donning lovely vintage lingerie. “Bring your husbands,” suggests Kimberly. In anticipation of the upcoming Art Deco Society's Gatsby Summer Afternoon, the ADSC will give a presentation, Getting Ready for Gatsby, offering tips on the best places to shop for appropriate gear, how to put together outfits, and how to arrange a picnic site. This in-depth presentation is guaranteed to inform and inspire.

Fashion and Student Trends Host Spring Fashion Show at UC Berkeley

Berkeley is not known for its sense of high fashion. But that is of no consequence to 100 UC Berkeley students who belong to the campus fashion club, Fashion and Student Trends (FAST). By producing a fashion show each semester, FAST offers interested students hands-on experience in many aspects of the fashion industry from design to photography to promotion. Currently the UC Berkeley fashionistas are busy bees getting ready for the spring 2010 fashion show coming up this Sunday, April 25. 

FAST co-president Helene Truong says the club is completely student run and in their fifth year, they are growing in popularity. UC Berkeley has no fashion design or merchandising program, so club members come from various unrelated disciplines. “FAST gives students an opportunity to explore fashion as a hobby,” says Ms. Truong, “and an entrance to a possible future career.” Ms. Truong, a junior majoring in Media Studies, is in her third year working with FAST. She explains that students interested in fashion design present their ideas to a committee and if chosen to present in the semester-end fashion show, they must commit to designing 5-7 pieces each. The progress of the designers is monitored with various deadlines and meetings. Students wanting to model are given training sessions and throughout the semester FAST sponsors various workshops and guests speakers on all aspects of the industry. Other club members volunteer for photographing the show, mixing the music, promoting, backstage managing and all the other necessary tasks of putting on a fashion show. The club also works with local fashion industry businesses, like Paul Mitchell Beauty School who provide some of their students to style hair for the show.

Kiss the Curves Rocks Uptown Oakland

 
Photo: Ron Fulcher

Pantsuit by Ashley Stewart

It was a rockin’ Saturday night on February 6th when several hundred enthusiastic fashionistas gathered at Historic Sweets Ballroom in updown Oakland for Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala in the Bay Area. The evening included a VIP champagne reception, a runway show featuring seven plus-size designers, standard tunes sung by local artists, and an opportunity to purchase goods designed and made by local artisans.

A mere four months ago, Oakland based actor and plus-size model Tracie Collins had a dream to produce the first ever fashion show for plus-size women. Concerned about the lack of quality, chic designs for full figured women as well as the messages mainstream fashion is sending to young girls, Ms. Collins set about creating an evening where full-figured women were the stars. With the help of dozens of industry professionals, Ms. Collins made her dream come true. Women from across the Bay Area showed up ready to hoot and holler and celebrate, finally designs for them. (Photo: Ron Fulcher)

Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala

On Saturday February 6, 2010 at Historic Sweets Ballroom, Oakland will step into the runway spotlight as the city-of-choice for Kiss the Curves: The First Ever Plus-Size Fashion Gala. Highlighting some of the top plus-size designers in the fashion industry, Kiss the Curves ultimately wants to encourage positive awareness of the plus-size community as well as send the message to mainstream outlets that fashion is not limited by size.

The Gala’s Executive Producer is local actress and model, Tracie Collins. A Bay Area native, Ms. Collins attended Actors Conservatory Theater as a child. She went on to start a successful acting career, landing roles in Dreamgirls and Misery Loves Company. Eventually she set her sights on modeling, hoping to show young women a realistic image of beauty. Ms. Collins has modeled for Ashley Stewart, Mocha Bridge Magazine and Orisa Wear Fashions.

Mr. Rick's Martini Club rings in the New Year at Oakland's Lake Merritt Hotel

On Saturday January 9th close to 200 guests of Mr. Rick’s Martini Club arrived at Oakland’s Lake Merritt Hotel ready to ring in the New Year all over again. The question was – what year? The stylish crowd, donning their vintage finest, had entered a time warp and every year from 1930 to 1950 was up for celebration.

Since 1990 Laurie Gordon and Richard Fishman of Mr. Rick’s Martini Club have specialized in presenting 1930s to 1950s swing dance supper club events at various venues around the Bay Area. With themed events such as Casablanca and the Rat Pack in Las Vegas, Mr. Rick's offers attendees a chance to experience true glamour only seen in movies today.

(Photo Credit: Michele Smith)

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Berkeley Playhouse's "Peter Pan: The Musical" Takes Flight at the Ashby Stage

I love the theatre. To watch others capture a character and bring such depth and emotion to the room that one becomes completely immersed in another world is a gift unlike any other. As such, I feel the absence of the theatre experience in my life acutely, and so when I saw that the Berkeley Playhouse was presenting Peter Pan: The Musical, I jumped at the chance. At last, here was a production I could take the kids to and perhaps feel a little magic myself. I was not left disappointed. 

From the small yet creatively functional stage to the enthusiastic and well-cast actors, the entire show is a delight. Compensating for a tight space, the atmosphere transitions from nursery to Neverland with ease, and then back again- though you wish it to stay Neverland forever.

Bebe's Concept Store... A Not So Great Concept?

In January, Bebe, the tight-clothes selling retailer with a price range of about $80 to $200, announced it would open a less expensive concept store in the Bay Area called 2b, with a price range of $29 to $79. This new store wouldn’t exactly appeal to the mid-20s to late 30s clientele who shop at Bebe… instead, CEO Greg Scott said it would cater to a younger demographic (late teens to early 20s). But whoever was looking for clothes similar to Bebe’s in this economy would be a fool to at least not check it out. We can always use more stores like H&M.

So…now that it’s July…what do people think of 2b? 

Crossroads Trading Company

The only way I justify shopping is by making room in my closet.  I usually pack up a garbage bag full of clothes that have "expired", and drop it off at Goodwill on my lunch break.  Instead I thought, “why don’t I try to get some cash for them?” I filled two grocery bags full of clothes and took them down to Crossroads Trading Co. consignment store.

Crossroads was created in 1991 by Gerald Block and Chip Gerken, in hopes of offering a great selection of merchandise at reasonable prices for fashion-conscious shoppers.  Now with 24 locations all over the West Coast, fashion-junkies (like me) can buy, “new and recycled clothing and to receive cash or trade credit for the high-quality, fashionable items they sell back to the company."

Blue Bottle @ Charles Chocolates

Oh how wonderful it is when some of my favorite things collide! Charles Chocolates in Emeryville is now serving Blue Bottle coffee at their Chocolate Bar. Blue Bottle is roasted in Emeryville, yet Charles is the only place that you can get a cup in the area. In addition to the coffee, homemade pastries and hot cocoa are served. 

Charles Chocolates is located at 6529 Hollis St. In Emeryville (510) 652-4412

Seeking Sassy Women Biz Owners for CRAVE Guide 2009!

Girl Power indeed. Seems small businesses and mostly female entrepreneurs are going to be the ones to get us out of the economic crisis, by everything I've been reading. And what better way to not only promote small business but celebrate the sassiest, boldest and most innovative women biz owners in the Bay Area than with The CRAVE Guide 2009: An Urban Girl's Manifesto. This 2nd edition has been completely redesigned and it looks gorgeous. This book highlights the women you need to know across the Bay Area and their businesses: shops, boutiques, salons, online marketplaces, interior designers, stylists, photographers, graphic designers, B2B businesses, etc.  It's an amazing (and cost effective) way to invest in press and marketing so that you are ripe to take advantage when the economy recovers. And the book will be seen in all the most fashionable shops and businesses around town, as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders!

Here's a peek at the Seattle one that just came out - how lovely is that?!: http://craveparty.com/book/seattlepeek.htm