SFBayStyle

The Secret Lives of Dresses: Book Launch

Local author and blogger Erin McKean invites one and all to join her on Thursday, February 10 at the San Francisco vintage clothing store Ver Unica to launch her very first book - The Secret Lives of Dresses (inspired by her blog, www.dressaday.com/).

The Secret Lives of Dresses tells the story of Dora, a 20-something college student who decides to put her life on hold to run her ailing grandmother's vintage clothing store. But is her life really on hold or perhaps taking an exciting new turn? 

Come on out, dress in vintage (or not), meet Erin and pick up a copy of this fun and inspiring new book.

The Secret Lives of Dresses Book Launch. Thursday February 10, 2011, 6-9pm at Ver Unica, 526 Hayes St., SF.    

 

Holiday Happenings with Rocket Dog Rescue

WHO: Rocket Dog Rescue

WHAT: An evening of holiday shopping and cheer - 5% of the proceeds go to helping RRR find forever homes for abandoned dogs.

WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 4pm to 9pm

WHERE: Design Quarter, 1478 Church Street, @ 27th Street, San Francisco.

What's more stylish than turning out for a good cause? And what better a cause than Rocket Dog Rescue? The hard working volunteers with RRR save our canine friends from death at overcrowded shelters. RRR provides each dog with all needed medical care and a foster home until a forever home is found. Since 2001 RRR has rescued over 4000 dogs. Way to go!

The evening will include cocktails, food, a raffle and shopping the fabulous home wares of Design Quarter (5% of all sales go to the dogs).

 

Stay in Season with SeeZenn.com

 
This past Saturday local fashion company SeeZenn.com celebrated the opening of their first pop-up shop in the Westfield Mall on Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Primarily an on-line women's clothing outlet, SeeZenn is popping up for real to help spread the word on their new and unique lines of clothing.

SeeZenn offers itself to a select few international designers as a venue for the US market. Currently they house the Asian line LILY and their in-house line, Sorrce. Both lines are particularly appropriate for San Francisco style with an array of 

• short jackets
• cardis
• sweater tunics
• vintage-inspired floral blouses
• loose dresses 
• cotton-stretch tees with vintage graphics
• tweed jumpers
• and trench coats.

Fabrics are lightweight, mostly polyester blends for easy care.

Want to Write for SFBayStyle?

SFBayStyle has a wonderful collection of writers and editors on our site, but we're all so busy, we could use more!

If you or anyone you know might be interested in joining our team, please send e-mail to sfbaystyle (at) gmail (dot) com, with a writing sample and a bio or resume, what part of the Bay Area you live in, and what topics you want to write about. It's that easy.

Our editors will review submissions and contact qualified applicants for phone interviews.

Mireille Schwartz Appointed to Board of Directors of FAAN

Congratulations to San Francisco philanthropist Mireille Schwartz who was recently was appointed to the board of directors of FAAN: The Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network.

To celebrate Mireille’s appointment, friends and supporters gathered last week at Caldwell Snyder Gallery in downtown San Francisco. Among the guests were Joel Goodrich, Karen Tamblyn, Wilkes Bashford, and Charleston Pierce. Damion Matthews and Cameron Noble were honored with appreciation awards and Senator Mark Leno dropped in to present Mireille with a special award for all her hard works on behalf of those who suffer from food allergies. The event was hosted by Karen Caldwell and Susan Snyder.

(Photo: Mireille Schwartz with Senator Mark Leno. Photo by Drew Altizer)

Vintage Fashion Expo

With vintage being all the rage this season, the upcoming Vintage Fashion Expo is on everyone's mind. We can't wait to hit the San Francisco Concourse on Saturday September 18th and Sunday September 19th and start checking off our fall must-have shopping list.

• Camel hair coats
• Structured handbags
• Tailored jackets
• Shirtwaist dresses
• Kitten heel shoes
• Animal Prints
• Gloves
• Cuff and bangle bracelets - lots of ‘em!

Fashion on the Square

It's Stylish ... It's Hot ... It's Local

It's Fashion on the Square, the biggest runway show on the West Coast, coming up this Saturday, August 14, noon-5pm at the Westfield Center Dome, 865 Market Street, San Francisco. Now celebrating seven years, Fashion on the Square features designers of adult and children's clothing from around the Bay Area. Show Producer Y'Anad Burrell is pleased to be back for another year, "We are very passionate about keeping fashion alive in San Francisco," says Y'Anad, "and felt committed to making sure we contributed to that effort."

Don't miss this opportunity to view the unique fashions of ten designers and see in the flesh show hosts Bre from America's Next Top Model and Project Runway's Jay Nicolas Sario. It's all happening at Fashion on the Square.

Click here for tickets.

New Designer Alert -- Lauren Nevada

It’s rare that a clothing line that’s not nationally known that can translate well to several different cities.

Well, maybe we should say that those clothing lines might not be nationally known now, but soon could be.

Lauren Nevada, a line from Brooklyn-based designer Lauren Nevada Batchelder, is currently being sold in Barneys in several different cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and our very own San Francisco. How is Batchelder able to design a line that sells in cities that are very different from each other, especially when it comes to fashion?

Fashion in San Francisco

Do San Franciscans have style and if so, what is it?

A panel of local fashion professionals discuss San Francisco's sense of style with Chris Shafer on KQED's radio show, Forum.

The panel includes:

Bacca Da Silva, fashion designer of Bacca Da Silva in downtown San Francisco
Ben Ospital, partner of Modern Appealing Clothing (MAC) in Hayes Valley
Elisabeth Laurence, host of "Lives of Style" on KRON 4 TV
Jay Nicolas Sario, fashion designer and contestant on Season 7 of "Project Runway"
Jennifer Jones, owner of Candy Store Collective, with stores in the Mission and Pacific Heights

Click here to listen.

Levi's Offers Printmaking Workshops in San Francisco

 
Photo Provided by Levi's

As part of their Go Forth marketing campaign, Levi's invites you to get to work with their series of print workshops happening now through August 28th. Located in a pop-up storefront in San Francisco's Mission district, the workshops offer opportunities for visitors to use old-school printing presses, create zines, design t-shirts, and talk with local print artists. 

Book artist and printer Taylor Reid works at Center for the Book and was hired by Levi's to demonstrate one of the on-site presses.  She thinks these workshops are a great opportunity for the community. "I've noticed a growing appreciation for hand letter press," she comments. "It's not often people get to see printing in progress and do it themselves."

 

United Streets of Fashion: The Art Institute of California Fashion Show

The Art Institute of California had much to be proud of last Saturday evening at their annual fashion show held in the spacious San Francisco Design Center Galleria. Twenty fashion design students showed their wares to an enthusiastic crowd, which included Oakland Museum of California's Marketing Manager Adam Rozan, Rock and Roll designer Jeanne Rose, and stylist Tyese Cooper. Art Institute faculty member Amy Kweskin was seated in the front row cheering on her students as was Fashion on the Square Producer Y'Anad Burelle, seeking talent for her upcoming show on August 14th.    

Showing muted colors and layers, students were inspired by San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods from Union Square to The Haight. Exposed zippers were a theme as were corset style tops, harem pants, super short skirts, and playful patch pockets. The look for men was comfortable in loose knits, shorts, and layers.  

San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design: FourSite Installation Exhibit

WHO: San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design

WHAT: FourSite: 4 Artists, 4 Materials, 4 Sites.

Installations by four top California artists - Tanya Aguiniga, Paul Hayes, Thomas Hill, and Christine Lee. Using paper, fiber, metal, and wood these artists have created unique visual experiences that prompt viewers to rethink the uses of everyday materials.  

WHEN: Now through September 18, 2010

WHERE: San Francisco Museum of Craft + Design, 550 Sutter St., SF, Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm. Admission $5.

Click here to see more images of the exhibit.

Teatro ZinZanni: Love, Chaos, And Couture

How do you put a fresh spin on a San Francisco favorite? Add a splash of Parisian glamour and mix in some haute couture. Teatro ZinZanni, the long-running production now in its tenth year, livens up the show with a fashionable twist guaranteed to appeal to fashionistas and style novices alike.

“Love, Chaos & Couture: All Dressed up With Someplace To Go” is a limited engagement, high-fashion themed performance running from now until August 15^that the storied ZinZanni cabaret tent, located at Pier 29 along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The show stars beloved cast favorites Liliane Montevecchi and Frank Ferrante as fashion-obsessed former lovers reunited in the City by the Bay.

Fashionable Food: Paulette Macarons

Looking for a "just-right" pastry for your sweet tooth?  I suggest you try Paulette Macaron.  Paulette brings the element of haute couture in fashion into desserts with Haute Patisserie.  The whole business is stylish from all aspects:  packaging, website, store design, and of course, the macarons.

Paulette Koumetz collaborated with Christophe Michalak to bring Paulette Macarons.  Christophe is a renowned French pastry chef further recognized by the fact he was a 2005 winner of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie (the World Pastry Cup).

Each macaron is designed inside and out.  Not only are they soft and fluffy, and made with just the right amount of sweetness and texture, but Paulette's has even gone as far as being a certified Kosher dairy product.

Stylin': Bay Area Rock Fashion 1963-73 at the Museum of Performance & Design

 
  
Designer Jeanne Rose in the middle with models sporting Jeanne's original 1960s designs.

Photo byTony Bravo

For more photos click here

It was a rockin’ time last Thursday evening for the attendees of the multimedia panel, Stylin’: Bay Area Rock Fashion 1963-73 at San Francisco’s Museum of Performance & Design. Designer Jeanne Rose, boutique owner Helene Robertson, and musicians Peter Kaukonen and George Hunter each spoke about their personal experiences with 60s fashions influenced by Rock and Roll music and the youth culture in San Francisco.

The multimedia panel was a special event in conjunction with the museum’s current exhibition, Somethin’s Happening Here: Bay Area Rock ‘n’ Roll 1963-1973. Attendees, outfitted in their finest retro duds, perused the exhibit which includes stage costumes worn by Janis Joplin, Carlos Santana, Sly Stone and Peter Albin as well as photos, posters, and other artifacts from the era. Moderated by exhibition co-curator Melissa Leventon, the lively discussion provided a glimpse into the importance of clothing in the San Francisco rock music scene.

San Francisco Hosts Book Launch Party for Derek Blasberg's Classy

It is good to know I’m not a tramp, as confirmed by Derek Blasberg, New York City’s favorite guy-about-town and author of Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady. At his recent San Francisco book launch party co-hosted by model Maggie Rizer and Gilt Groupe, Mr. Blasberg briefly addressed the crowd saying there was not a tramp to be found among us, “… so give my book to your trampy friends.”

Tramp or not, there’s something to learn from Mr. Blasberg’s primer on how to be a lady. A fashion reporter and NYC society party-hopper, Mr. Blasberg has observed many a faux pas, including the certain trend among young women to go bare under their skirts. (Oh dear, I have nightmares about that.) With his mid-western sensibilities and good manners he has taken on the tramps, determined to help them change their ways. In his book marketed to young adults, Mr. Blasberg offers advice on how to be a lady in every possible situation from traveling to hosting a party to falling in love. He also offers tips in how to dress like a lady; BTW, undergarments are a must.

Pictured right Maggie Rizer, Derek Blasberg, and Gilt Groupe's Alexis Maybank. Photo by: Drew Altizer 

Cartier and America: Sparkle and Shine

The 4Cs of diamonds were drilled in my head during school: Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat. The 5th C when it comes to diamonds on my list is Cartier. Now showing through May 9th at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco is Cartier and America. If you want a little extra twinkle in your eye, put this show on your must-see list. I wandered in amazement through the museum taking in every gorgeous gem accompanied by the audio tour. Make sure to allow yourself enough time to see the entire exhibit since the collection is vast and extremely diverse.

On display are sketches from the design process showing different jeweled options for clients and the multiple edits required to create the perfect piece. During a video presentation showing the making of a necklace, a young patron exclaimed "It takes all that work for just one piece of that necklace? That must be expensive!"

Save the Date - Meet Actress Tippi Hedren and Support The Roar Foundation

Join Hollywood memorabilia collector Barry Barsamian in welcoming actress Tippi Hedren to San Francisco's Metreon on Thursday, April 29, 6pm. Ms. Hedren will attend the exhibit Hollywood Legends: The Barry Barsamian Collection and unveil from her own personal wardrobe an original Edith Head gown.

View Barry's collection of some of the most famous fashions from motion pictures and the personal wardrobes of the worlds greatest stars, including:

Judy Garland
Audrey Hepburn
Elizabeth Taylor
Marilyn Monroe
Clark Gable
Cary Grant

Meet Ms. Hedren and view her fabulous Edith Head original gown up close.

Enjoy special performances by Linda Bulgo as Judy Garland
and Doug Wilson, the Singing Cop.

(A Portion of the Proceeds Will Benefit The Roar Foundation through Barry Barsamian)

Thursday, April 29th, 2010
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Champagne and Appetizers

Metreon
101 Fourth Street, Ground Level
San Francisco, CA 94103

$60.00 Movie Star
$100.00 Silent Film Star
$150.00 Academy Award Winner

Please make your check payable to: Barry Barsamian & mail to:
4326 Detroit Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94619
All checks must be mailed by April 25th, 2010

 

 

 

 

Raphael House Gala Roars with the Twenties

Saturday night, the Bimbo's 365 Club came to life in North Beach, transporting guests back in time with its gorgeous nightclub atmosphere, a big band, lounge singers and loads of once prohibited bubbly. Celebrating 39 years as what many call the best shelter for families in San Francisco, the gala aimed to continue successes of previous years, raising nearly 20% of the funds for Raphael House's annual budget.

Entering the main hall, guests were greeted with a glistening presentation by the Richard Olson Orchestra - including a horns section, three singers and a grand piano. With a dress code of "flapper and dapper," men sported fedoras with their tuxes, and ladies came in roaring twenties fringed frocks, complete with pearls, headbands, furs and feathers. The silent auction included a vast array of packages from eco friendly children's items to expensive vacations.

SF Ballet Presents Exclusive Michael Kors Fashion Show Next Week

A handful of fashion shows in the Bay Area make the list of the best every year. Sitting at the top of the list is the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show. Partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue, they always showcase a fall designer collection fresh from the New York runway. This year, Michael Kors was selected.

Wednesday the 28th, the fashion show, previously a luncheon event, will move to cocktail hour at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square. Beginning at 5:30pm, cocktails, live auction and the fashion show (featuring professional models) will show items in the Michael Kors collection that are available for purchase for fall/winter 2010.

In terms of philanthropic bang for your fashion show buck, this is one of the best deals around. Tickets start at $175 and $100 of that is deductible, going straight to the SF Ballet. Limited seats are still available.