Woolrich, chic done with a north east sensibility ...

So I've been gone for a minute but I'm back! Where you may ask? I've been waaaay up in the north east, near the Canadian boarder, for my Uncle's wedding. He fancies himself an outdoors man, hunter, fisher you may know the type. Very New England macho. So in June when I was in Milan, and my flight was cancelled and re-routed, I met a Japanese fellow who worked for Woolrich . He gave me a look book and immediately I felt nostalgic for my north east roots remembering all my Woolrich gear growing up freezing my ass off in the snow . The line, Woolrich John Rich & Bros. http://www.woolrich.it/ , is so fabulous and PRACTICAL for those who want to look good and stay warm. I've also been thrift store shopping for this line out here since it is an iconic and loved brand for those who must shovel in the winter.

Thom Browne Spring 2011

Thom Browne's fashion show always theatrical and eccentric . This collection however, appears to be more commercial than any other yet. But have no doubt you can still see an artist hands at work. Beam me up Thom.www.thombrowne.com/

Bayonics Photo Shoot

Yesterday I styled a photo shoot for the, Bayonics, http://www.bayonics.com/ , for their new album " Mission Statement". Each member of the group has varying styles, as well as personalities. The goal was to clean em' up and create unity with their looks, that they successfully achieve with their eclectic sound. Photographed by Ryan Gaw.

Having a fashion Inception

Just saw this amazing sci-fi film, Inception inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/ directed by Christopher Nolan. Aside from being a totally kick ass and action packed movie, the costume design by Jeffrey Kurland was just as exciting . Marion Cotillard had an amazing gown on in the first scene. Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphey and Joseph Gordon-Levitt characters ' had some of my favorite looks. Then there were the snow scene and that gear was fierce! Not going to be a spoiler.Hmmm feel like I'll have to go see this one again!!

Why not Frye?

Just got these super boots off zappo's http://www.zappos.com/ . They are Frye's Erin Workboot http://www.thefryecompany.com/, so chic, romantic and European. Wear them with wool socks, dress sock or no sock. Available in black dark brown or natural, oh and they have these great cotton lace's. I feel dandy**

All that glitters is Gravel and Gold

It's great having a friend thats a personal stylist but it's even better when your girlfriend is one, namely me. So, after I got back from my fabulous journey to Milan I told my man that we really needed to work on his wardrobe. One day, shortly after my return, I was jogging around the mission and passed a newer store named Gravel and Gold http://gravelandgold.com/ . I felt compelled to stop in sweat and all. A fashionistas work is never done. Anyways this store was so cool and charming with an Americana appeal. Apparently the Japanese are gaga for this store and it's merchandize. My boyfriend particularly love the R.P Miller cotton woven shirts. He copped 4 for $20 a piece! Chic, trendy, affordable and made with love and history.

Mohnton Knitting Mills has been knitting and sewing up quality cotton sportswear for over 100 years under the guidance of six generations of ownership. Their R.P. Miller shirts—100% cotton with vertical ribbing and no side seam—seem at first like vintage American deadstock.

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Fashion Mash Up: The Business of Fashion

Panel of Speakers:
Yesterday I attended and excellent event put on by SFFAMA www.sffama.com . It was a great panel with amazing, working professionals, from all different angle of this vast industry. The speakers left to right: Bacca Da Silva- Bacca Da Silva Atelier www.baccadasilva.com . He is a Brazilian devo, designer and his shop is here on 590 Sutter Street SF. Dee Smith, one of the nicest and genuine people ever, is the owner of - Luxe Boutique www.shopluxeonline.com . She's a Bay area native her shop is in LA. The very beautiful and exciting Joanna Riley Weidenmiller -360 Fashion Network 360fashion.net . She currently lives in China, was so charismatic and had a plethora of 411 to share. Del Geronimo, a male fashion photographer- www.delgeronimo.us . He always knew he wanted to be behind a camera and continues to snap shots at events and shows. Paula Mattisonsierra- Maximummama, www.maximummama.com . Her online store specializes in maternity apparel and is a fabulous and focused business woman.

All of these speaker were so open! They shared their own journey and process through this industry. All of their suggestions and answers to the topic and discussions where honest, helpful and relevant. They wanted us to succeed as a city and as individuals. So check out their websites. It was a great event thanks Owen! And don't forget to check out SFFAMA @http://www.sffama.com and come out and support the San Francisco fashion scene!! Ta-ta fashionistas.

Finnally It's happen to me

Sooooo, I've been waiting for a pair of shoes that I had ordered off Guilt almost a month ago and they finally arrived today! They are melissa's http://www.melissaplasticdreams.com/!!! These are the craziest shoes ever. I learned about them from my friend Malissa Moore who had purchased a few while she was in Brazil, where the company is from.

When I saw these puppies I thought"Well, I don't have any yellow shoe's." If you do tend to keep your wardrobe darker or more neutral, then a pop of color or metallic texture in the shoe, can really do something amazing to an outfit(red, pink, yellow try it with a relatively uncolorful ensemble).

Ok back to this crazy shoe in particular(long dramatic pause). It is made of totally plastic!!! I know I was going on about natural a few post before but these are awsome!!!

The shoes themselves are made from recycled materials — even last year's leftover shoes. The factory recycles 99.9 percent of waste and water used in production.

They're a jelly heel. I love the design quality of them. They have a ton of styles and colors and they are fun as hell. CHECK IT OUT!!!

Let's talk about Tova's....

Just wanted to share this extraordinary vintage store : www.tovasvintage.com . It's in Old Saybrook , Connecticut. Yes it's BFE but, she has got it together! Beautiful looks from 1880-1970. The website is super impressive and she's got "the passion". This is just a taste from her exquisite palette. Enjoy, ta-ta and good night.

Naturally dahlings...

Part of being a personal stylist is meeting with clients for a closet evaluation. Basically we go through all their articles of clothing and decide what stays and goes. We see what fits, flatters and feels good and what just doesn't work.I was evaluating a closet yesterday and noticed there was an abundance of synthetic fabrics in this wardrobe. I realized we must remedy this. I love natural fabrics like cotton, linen ,silk,bamboo,hemp and wool. They look better, last longer and feel better to the touch. Some natural fibers come from plant fibers that are woven. These fibers are able keep shape better, last longer, withstand heat or when heated return to it's original shape. Incorporated some Animal fiber like yarn or leather in an outfit for some texture. I'm not saying you can't have any synthetics fabrics in your wardrobe. In fact people can have allergies to certain types of natural fibers and they do come in handy for the gym and yoga. Just like nutritionists suggest you to read the label on food, one should read the labels in their garments. See what materials you are putting on your body. Is it most polyester blends? Mabye it's time to try a new flavor......

fashion IS communication: The old news.

fashion IS communication: The old news.: "Yesterday I help my favorite Chola, Mayra, with a photo shoot. It was rad ( pictures to come). Whether you are trying to recreate a period ..."

The old news.

Yesterday I help my favorite Chola, Mayra, with a photo shoot. It was rad ( pictures to come). Whether you are trying to recreate a period look or just want to make your personal style more unique, investing in vintage accessories can be fun, interesting and really step up a look.

It is a sad day in the Bay Area's history. No matter how progressive we are as a community, sometimes we are sadly brought back to the reality of where we really are. But we will assembly we will protest and we will riot and we will do it in style. May Oscar Grants family find peace one day even if they did not receive the justice they and he deserved. To honor this family I would like to feature some Black Panthers photo's and Public Enemy images. In the 70's the Panther's were fierce, proud and presented themselves so in their appearance . In the 90's Public Enemy created trends mixing military and afrocentric sporty gear , to create a new era of hip-hop style.

Black vs black

Black vs black....... you know what I mean? Black can be very fierce, chic, cool or badass. Think bikers and goths. But on the contrary it can also be done to hide, disappears and blend in with the the shadows... Some of my clients will resort to wearing all black because they are not sure what their style is or how to rock colors and prints. They aren't bikers or ninjas however so they end up looking more like waiters and nuns. But if you are incline to a darker pallet you can play with different textures to create more integrity to the look. Incorporate gray shades to give some light and depth. Style with small pops o color, metallic or print. Check it out.

Here are some shot courtesy of NoAmy Henriquez, http://liventechnicolor.blogspot.com/,of the Viviannne West and Ermenegildo Zegna show's that we we so privileged to attend this Men's Fashion Week 2010 in Milan! I really enjoyed how different each designers show was and since I was only able to attend two show's that week, ( left before I could go to more), I felt like I saw two great artist do their thangs in dynamical different styles.

Oh yes I did see a few folks on the fouth rockin’ these!!! Oh how I do miss the style in Milan but i will say an American will buy a T-shirt or tye-die for any occasion no matter how tacky or silly it may be. Be that as it may just a little tribute to two American stlye designs (be that good or bad). The flag and tie-dyes!

You know you look good when you feel good...

Ok My first blog… new at this but here we go! My blog is about style and fashion and people. After returning from a recent trip to Paris and Milan, I rediscovered what I already new about the Bay Area. We are a beautiful, culturally rich city full of sloppy dressed people. I knew we were a casual city but after seeing the way Europeans do jeans and a T, I felt like we had some work to do. I am a personal shopper in the San Francisco Bay Area and what better place to do so! If I were in Milan I’d be preaching to the choir, you know what I mean? So I hope this blog can be helpful and I am able to learn through this as well.CIAO!