SFBayStyle

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/

Back to School with PlanetBox

Is it too early to be thinking about school? My little munchkin will be off to kindergarten this fall, and she asks about it every other day. In her excitement to eat lunch at school, she's already tested out her PlanetBox - a surprisingly fun and "stylish" stainless-steel lunch tray.

PlanetBox couldn't have landed at a better time, as I've been trying to purge plastic from our kitchen due to concerns about BPA and other potentially harmful chemical effects. In addition to being a safe and eco-friendly part of a no-waste lunch, the 'Box has some other nice things going for it.

First, the inside reminds me of a TV dinner tray. (I wonder, do TV dinners even exist anymore?) Since my kids tend to get all bent out of shape when one kind of food touches another food, they like having five separate compartments - and only one latch to open. Extra sidecar containers are great for snacks and can also handle messier foods, such as yogurt, melon chunks, and applesauce.

Summer Soiree with Appel and Frank

August 13 might be a little late for summer clothing in the rest of the country, but here in the Bay Area, we know we can count on being able to wear summer clothes through October. So for those not ready to start setting up fall closets just yet, Appel and Frank are having a girl's night with great discounts from a variety of designers, and the first 300 guests get an eco-friendly gift bag with products from a variety of local companies. Popchips, Nature's Path Organic Foods, StyleChick.com, SF Weekly and Alice and Isa are just a few companies that are helping to fill those gift bags to the brim.

The event happens on August 13, 5-9pm at the Regency Center, Sutter Room, San Francisco. Go to www.appelandfrank.com for a discount of two tickets for $10.

Take the Joey Tote Step Toward the Green Initiative

For those moving forward in the going green initiative, check out Joey Totes. It seems that every company these days is trying to make hip, trendy eco bags - this is true. Joey Totes keep the environment in mind because of its' reusable nature, but the difference is these bags are highly durable. The totes are made out of rip-stop nylon, they hold up to 40 pounds, and they are machine washable.

Monkapaws Jewelry

Besides the wine, fried food and cover bands, why are street fairs so much fun? All the handmade jewelry of course! And I have found my festival favorite, MONKAPAWS.

Renee Berlung, the creator of MONKAPAWS jewelry, designs her pieces out of turn of the century typewriter keys, vintage buttons and antique broken china.  The jewelry resembles a modern design of 1920s pieces with a rough but delicate appeal.  She creates necklaces, rings, bracelets, pendants and earings, all of which are eye catching and original.  The jewlery can fit any occasion, from the "first date wearers" to "everyday accents".

Renee's creations can be purchased online, or if you are a street fair fanatic like me, you can visit these upcoming events to see her collection in person.

August 1-2 Freemot Festival of the Arts Fremont
August 15-16 Los Gatos Fiesta De Artes
September 12-13 Mountian View Art and Wine

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."

Express Makes A Fashion Statement: Stop Driving While Texting!

The world is a scary place, and new technology has made it even scarier.  Not only do we need to worry about drunk drivers on the road but there’s a whole new breed of irresponsible drivers – those who drive while texting.

Luckily, an easy way to bring awareness to this new epidemic (you know you know at least one friend who’s texted and driven, don’t lie) is with fashion.  Hey, people check out what everyone else is wearing, so what better way to prove a point?

Renegade Craft Fair

 

Renegade crafts? Ah, yeah, we're there! It's the second annual Renegade Craft Fair this weekend, July 18-19, 11am to 7pm, at Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion in San Francisco.  

Over 200 artists from around the country are settin' up and selling their handcrafted wares. One-of-a-kind goodies like clothing, jewelry, stationary, bath products, ceramics, oh my! Think holiday gifts. Think birthdays. Think unique looks pour vous. Also, for crafty types, there will be DIY workshops -learn how to make stylin' bangles, brooches, and earrings out of old toys. 

Jimmy Choo Coming to H&M San Francisco This Fall

 

In a brilliant move by H&M, they have partnered with Jimmy Choo and founder, Tamara Mellon (pictured left) to provide an inspired and affordable new line of shoes and accessories for women and men, to arrive in H&M U.S. stores on November 14th - including, of course, San Francisco.

“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M, to be designing a collection that will appeal to fashion-savvy, street-smart women and to be including some great pieces for men, too,” says Mellon.

A match made in fashion heaven, we look forward to the new arrivals for fall.

7 for all mankind spring fashion & art event on Saturday

7 For All Mankind invites customers into the store to shop their new Spring 2009 collection this Saturday.  Guests can sip champagne, eat chocolate covered strawberries and listening to music from a local DJ.

While shoppers enjoy the music and the new Spring Collection they can also catch a sneak peek of exclusive contemporary artwork created by NADA (The New Art Dealers Alliance) artists.  Featuring Rob Racine. Print the image above as a 20% off coupon and bring it to the store.

Event details: Saturday, June 20th, 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the 7 For All Mankind store, 224 Grant Ave in San Francisico.

Fabulous Fashion Fete on Sunday

The Four Seasons Silicon Valley (in East Palo Alto) is quickly becoming a hot spot for events in the Bay Area. Easy to access off 101 at University Avenue, the Quattro restaurant and rooftop pool bar have become popular destinations, so it should come as no surprise that philanthropic events are moving into the Four Seasons now as well.  This weekend, Gala for Giving is hosting a Fabulous Fashion Fete, featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories and home products.

The first 200 guests to attend receive swag bags. $15 is all it takes to get into this great event, and a portion of the proceeds go to BUILD. Show up at 2050 University Ave. at the Four Seasons (note: park anywhere on Sunday) and the event begins at 2:00pm, lasting until 6:00pm.

Nordstrom Rack Comes to Palo Alto

The Nordstrom Rack opened May 7th in East Palo Alto. Finally, I get my chance to search for those Missoni scarves I should have bought. The scarves were on sale, and then were sent to "the rack" for further markdowns. I missed my chance to own a Missoni! But now, I've got a second chance. The rack is where all good markdowns and sale merchandise from Nordstrom end up.

The Rack is located at 1771 E. Bayshore Road in East Palo Alto.

Happy Birthday Miss B

 

On a recent trip to New York City, I discovered Bloomingdale's is celebrating Barbie's big 5-0 in a very big way. On the third floor posing inside square display cases, Barbie can be found reliving her (and our) youthful memories, from retro swimsuit Barbie to modern trendy Barbie all decked out in Juicy Couture. Happy Birthday, you doll!

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

Spring - Summer 2009 Trends List

Each season, we come out with our list of styles and trends.  Spring/summer '09 is no exception.  Key trends include mixed nudes, belts of all kinds, and pastels blended with black and white.

Must Buy Items for the season are a tailored white shirt, thick, low hanging neutral belt, and a classic black crocodile clutch.

Here's the list...

Boot-a-licious at every age

With the rainy cool weather back in town, boots are the way to go in the Bay Area.  Here are my tested recommendations for great stylish boots for every age group.

Teens/Twenties: An absolutely girly look from Poetic License, the Horizon Boot in Purple has a slight wedge heel to make it totally wearable for walking all day long.  Another sassy choice is the Bronx Cody Button Boot in Black or Black Nappa, with adorable buttons along the cuff.  The Bronx Boot runs a little small and narrow.

Thirties/Forties:  For a tougher look with leggings or jeans, Fly London's Tess Casual Boot is a sturdy and hip choice.  Sleek and fabulous, the Velvet Angels Pull-On Boot can go daytime or evening, but is a real splurge at $399.95.  For a more casual look, Gee WaWa's Tom Tom Tall Riding Boot is detailed and cool but very wearable.   

Fifties/Sixties and Beyond:  Marvin K's Aquatalia Boot is chic and delicate, for those of us with narrow ankles and calves.  The color choices range from a solid sleek black, red and silver, to the on-trend ombre grey, olive and berry.  The Miz Mooz Amber Buckle Boot comes in the perfect milk chocolate brown, as well as a great lipstick red, with a medium-height heel that pairs well with skirts.

All of the above are available at www.endless.com as well as other retail and online shoe stores.  Here's to staying warm this winter and looking great the same time!

Dressing up your little man

Everyone seems to say that shopping for boys isn't nearly as fun as shopping for girls. That may be true, but perhaps that makes finding a nice outfit even more exciting. This week I'm shopping ahead for recitals, weddings, and other special occasions coming up throughout the new year - and hoping to get some good deals while avoiding those stressful, last-minute searches down the road.

Elizabeth W

 

If you are like me, you are still running around trying to find the perfect gifts. Not only do I like to give original, luxurious products, I try to shop locally. Thanks to Elizabeth W, I can do both. My sister bought me a Vetiver candle, and soap for my birthday last year from a small boutique in Noe Valley. I fell in love with the clean, simple scent, and became an Elizabeth W fan. The company was inspired by the founde'rs grandmother, Elizabeth Wightman. Started in 1995, the line is available at select boutiques.

Shop Local On Etsy

I am trying to shop locally this Holiday season.  The Bay area is chock full of great products, with so many to choose from.  I try to shop the independent boutiques and in this economy it is more important than ever to support your local businesses.  If you do not have the time to stroll around town visiting all the boutiques and holiday fairs, there is always the online option.  I just made a fabulous discovery - www.etsy.com.  Etsy has a feature that lets you shop locally.  Just type in the town you are in, and voila, a listing of local artists appears.  You can shop while still in your pajamas! I have found some real treasures, and have to confess, I have been treating myself to some goodies as well.  Supplies are limited on Etsy, so purchase your products when you find them. (I missed out on a handbag when I went offline to kiss my kids good night.)  Let me know what your favorite Etsy finds are!