Glamwatch

Talking with Trina Turk (Plus, Meet Her this Week)

LorraineSanders — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:41:38 -0700

Best known for her bright and bold Southern California style, designer Trina Turk has watched as her company has grown over the last 15 years from a business run out of her home to household name that includes women’s apparel, swimwear, home accessories, handbags and – most recently – a jewelry line. In town this week for appearances at Macy’s Union Square and the 84th Annual Junior League Fashion Show Gala, Turk dishes about her love of vintage jewelry, San Francisco style, spring must-haves and what she wishes she had known when she started out.

Tell us about your new jewelry line.

I’ve been collecting vintage jewelry for 25 years, 30 years. We started to use the vintage collection as inspiration for more unique swimwear hardware. And it actually became one of the signatures of our swimwear line, which has been in existence for four years now….And at one point we were like, why aren’t we doing jewelry? That’s literally where it came from.

Most of it is pretty bold jewelry. It’s not delicate little chains. It’s like our prints. It’s bold and graphic. Some of the necklaces can be a statement piece that can really pull an outfit together.

What are your favorite vintage jewelry styles?

In the 80’s, I was really into Mexican silver. More recently I’ve been into Scandinavian modernist jewelry….I also have a soft spot for sort of gaudy 70’s pendants. I just love the boldness of some of those pieces.

What do you think about San Francisco style?

I always forget how cold it is in San Francisco, even though I am up there multiple times per year it is always a little chillier than you think it’s going to be. A San Franciscan needs to have a little more cold weather wear in their wardrobe than somebody in Southern California. I think that San Francisco is also less of a car culture. I think that you have to be more sensible about what kind of shoes you are wearing. I see San Francisco as being more bundled up and layered than Los Angeles.

Color is a focal point of your designs. What style advice can you offer to women who may not be as accustomed to wearing lots of color?

The easy way to start is to buy a printed bag and wear it with a black dress. If it’s going to freak you out to wear a brightly printed dress, then start with an accessory, a scarf.

What must-have items are on your list for spring?

For this spring, I think a shorter short is something that’s really important, I’m talking above mid-thigh. A lot of people are wearing them with tights even now that it’s cooler. It looks good with a blazer. You can wear it with flats for a more casual thing or wear it with heels.

Pleated pants that taper down and end above your ankle bone. Everyone’s got their skinny jeans now, and it’s kind of an evolution of the pant. The slouchy fuller through the hip and tapered through the ankle are a fresh thing.

What excites you the most about the fashion world today?

I think that the most exciting thing is that there are great looks available at all price points. For a consumer, I think it’s ideal. You have this huge choice of how you want to dress and what you want to look like and how much you want to pay for it.

What do you know now about the fashion industry that you wish you had known when you started your company?

The thing that I’ve really realized in the last year is that I am glad I started when I started. It would be much more difficult to start out now. I started with minimal funding in a spare bedroom of my house. It’s a rare store that is going to risk as lot of their budget on something that is brand new, so consequently, I think it would be very, very difficult to be starting a business now.

I’ve learned to sort of go with my instinct and stick with who we are as a brand and not try and pretend that we’re something other than who we are. We sell women’s contemporary sportswear at a certain price point….If the trend is all black, we can’t really do that trend. We have to stick to who we are.

Any favorite Bay Area places you’d like to recommend?

I was actually born in San Francisco, and I grew up in San Jose. The one place I went to any many times as a child was Point Lobos National Park near Carmel. At the time, I don’t actually think I appreciated it, and, when I’ve gone there more recently, it’s amazing and gorgeous.

I kind of like the cliché stuff. I like to walk to Golden Gate Bridge, even though I’ve done it a million times, and all those really steep streets are kind of fun. That’s what San Francisco is to me: the bridge, the streets, the architecture. I think the architecture is really interesting in San Francisco.

One of the stores I like to visit when we’re there is Monument. There’s actually a vintage clothing sale this weekend, and I’m definitely going to go check that out.

Want to spot Trina in person? You’re in luck. She’ll be appearing at the 84th Annual Junior League Fashion Show Gala events on Friday. Tickets are available here. On Saturday, Turk makes an appearance at Macy’s Union Square to show off her spring 2010 collection, handbags and jewelry line. Shoppers who spend $150 or more receive a free gift. The event takes place at 4 p.m. on level three. To attend, RSVP to 800-786-2665.

Shopping's Just The Beginning at Revelation Couture

JaclynBinder — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 09:09:51 -0700

Don't get us wrong, we love shopping as much as the next girl, but sometimes bouncing endlessly from shop to shop just doesn't cut it.

Luckily now it doesn't have to.

This Thursday, head to Vessel from 5-9 p.m. for Revelation Couture, a unique trunk and art show showcasing some of SF's most buzzworthy clothing and accessory designers like Harputs Own, Litter, Martha Davis and Jan Warnock, along with an impressive list of out-of-towners too.

And when you tire of making the world's longest wish list (and buying a few can't-go-on-living-without-it pieces), sip $6 champagne cocktails and snacks by the chef behind the W and St. Regis. Then hit the dance floor, where guest DJs will be spinning all night long.

And if that's somehow still not enough to quench your thirst, art aficionados can ogle the latest works from Gordon Stevenson, Baron von Fancy, Hoda Fadel and Alesha Rogness.

We think it's safe to say you've got your Thursday night plans.

Revelation Couture at Vessel, Thurs., 5-9 p.m., 85 Campton Pl., 415-433-8585, vesselsf.com

Vintage Shopping with Splendora’s Gina Pell

LorraineSanders — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:05:02 -0700

Ask Splendora founder Gina Pell about her must-haves style picks for spring, and you might expect a lengthy list comprised of the latest from Louboutin and brand names plucked off the racks at Barney’s New York. But you’d be wrong.

When we sat down recently with Pell to quiz her about spring style, the conversation surprised us with its quick shift to vintage fashion. Instead of visits to high-end boutiques or a trend treatise on choice items from spring collections, Pell’s style radar has its sights squarely set on one local shopping event, this weekend’s Vintage Fashion Expo.

“I love vintage because it’s green, and it’s original, and it lasts a lifetime. I mean, it already has,” says Pell, whose San Francisco-based site has long been a daily must-read for fashion fans.

A regular at the semi-annual exhibition, whose vendors span periods from the Victorian to Art Deco to the 1980’s, Pell has been known to spend hours pouring over the racks at the shows, making friends with dealers and searching for new finds.

“It’s really like treasure hunting,” says Pell.

For those new to vintage shopping, she suggests slowly adding vintage pieces by starting with jewelry and accessories first. And because the sheer volume of vintage at an event like this weekend’s can be overwhelming, Pell recommends narrowing your hunt to a few favorite time periods.

“Figure out what era you’re attracted to. For me, it’s 60’s mod, 70’s hippie and 80’s preppy working girl. And 20’s and 30’s accessories,” she says.

Last but not least, her advice for shoppers frustrated with the notoriously small sizes of vintage: focus on outerwear.

“Coats are always the exception,” says Pell.

The Vintage Fashion Expo takes place March 20-21 at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St., San Francisco. Tickets ($10-$20) are sold at the door.

Peruse A Mission Boutique From Comfort of Your Cubicle

JaclynBinder — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:44:27 -0700

Have you ever dreamed of finding unique treasures ranging from seemingly sweet heart pendants to a double-headed chick, all in one glorious place?

Well then look no further than BellJar's newly launched e-commerce site, perfect for those moments when you're stuck in front of your computer instead of taking a Four Barrel-fueled stroll around the Mission. Just in time for their two-year anniversary, the darling boutique's site features clothing, jewelry, art, trinkets for home and more in addition to a brand-new blog for their musings.

So what are you waiting for? Okay okay, your boss is gone now...click!

New in Cow Hollow: Conifer Opens

LorraineSanders — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 08:24:55 -0700

A brand new reason to come out of the woods and go shopping in Cow Hollow comes in the form of Conifer, a cozy little shop just up the hill on Webster Street from Union in the space previously home to Great Overland Books.

The first retail venture from former longtime Built By Wendy employee Amy Mautz, who returned to San Francisco in 2008 to open the indie label’s now-shuttered Mission boutique after several years in the Big Apple, the shop focuses on the smaller New York labels she fell in love with while living on the East Coast.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own store, and I knew that was going to happen one day,” says Mautz.

Reclaimed wooden floors and redwood shelves from Petaluma’s Heritage Salvage set the stage for racks of industrial black piping hung with women’s apparel by designers such as Rachel Comey, Organic by John Patrick, Lover, Lauren Moffat and Built By Wendy. Bags by Lauren Merkin and sunglasses by Karen Walker accompany jewelry by Dirty Librarian Chains, Wendy Nichol, Aesa and Munted Kowhai. Hansel by Basel socks, Blithe and Bonny soaps and candles, Austin Press cards and what Mautz dubs other “gifty items” adorn a central table Mautz designed herself using salvaged wood and metal.

The table’s hardly the only thing in the shop made by Mautz, who learned patternmaking from San Francisco’s Apparel Arts. A small selection of her designs, which include tops and skirts, are also available at the store. In addition to using the shop as her studio space, Mautz also plans to have rotating art shows throughout the year.

See it for yourself during a grand opening party this Friday, March 19, from 5 to 8 p.m., 2848 Webster St., San Francisco, 415-922-1892, www.conifershop.com.

What’s the Deal: Free Lashes, Discounted Denim, Spring Jackets + More

LorraineSanders — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:21:53 -0800

What's your deal? Here are ours:

shu uemura: If you’re headed to the Asian American Film Festival on Saturday, scope out this Japanese beauty company’s booth for complimentary makeovers and lash applications.

Gap: Turn old jeans into new ones and save at the same time with this retailer’s eco-friendly denim drive. Through Sunday, drop off an old pair of jeans at any Gap store, and you’ll save 30 percent on a new pair. What happens to your oldies? Gap recycles them to become natural cotton fiber insulation used in homes for people in need.

Rock Solid Fitness: Cleansing for spring just got cheaper. Sign up for a spring cleanse session with this local fitness company by March 15, and you’ll save 20 percent on the total package price. You can also get a package of 10 personal training sessions for $550 when you sign up by Monday.

H&M: Jackets and blazers for men and women are $15 off at stores right now, while kids’ jackets and blazers are $5 off.

SenSpa: This Presidio spa is offering a weekend of workshops, mini-makeovers, discounts and free products as part of a grand opening celebration for its on-site Wellness Apothecary. Workshop topics range from stress management to supplements, while appointments are available throughout the weekend for makeup and skin evaluations.

Mara’s Salon: A mani pedi from this Hayes Valley destination is $20 (reg. $35) via a deal on Joffer today.

Tenaya Med Spa: A Laser Genesis Facial can be had from this Union Street destination for $79 (that’s 77 percent off the regular price of $350), thanks to a deal up today on FreshGuide.

Collective: The Mission neighborhood home of TaxiCDC is offering 20 percent off all men’s and women’s boots through March 28.

Oxenrose: The Hayes Valley salon is giving away two tickets to Mighty Tiger on March 27 and a copy of their limited edition vinyl. To enter the drawing, stop by the salon or email nico (at) oxenrosesalon (dot) com. The winner will be chosen March 26.

The Firm: Save $20 on in-store purchases of $100 or more through March 18 with this online coupon from the Pacific Heights boutique.

To Dye For: Lauren Pierce Atelier Hits Barneys

JaclynBinder — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:13 -0800

You've always dreamed of having a famous fashion designer, model and George W's humanitarian niece make a one-of-a-kind dress especially for you. Okay, maybe your dreams weren't that specific, but they should have been because now's your chance.

Today from 4-7 p.m., Lauren Pierce Bush will be on-hand at Barneys to debut her exclusive collection, Lauren Pierce Atelier. Five of her gorgeous eco-conscious garments will be on display on the third floor and if you like what you see (and we bet you will) this is where the fun really begins.

So here's how it works. Choose the silhouette (classic, one-shoulder, mini, etc.) you like best, then make your way to select from the dizzying array of one-of-a-kind fabrics hand-dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, via a program set up by Women For Women International. Six weeks later, your customized dress will be delivered to your door with a personalized label featuring your name and the name of the woman who dyed the fabric for you. If you can't make it today, the collection will be available until Mar. 18 but we definitely recommend going sooner than later for the best selection.

A stunningly original piece that gives back to the global community? Sign us up.

Lauren Pierce Atelier at Barneys New York from Fri, 3/12-Thurs. 3/18, 77 O'Farrell St., 415-268-3500

Look of the Week: Asian Influence

JaclynBinder — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:03:19 -0800

With the nation's largest Asian American Film Festival kicking off today in our fair city, we couldn't help but be reminded of the brilliant Asian-influenced fashion that has been popping up on and off the runway for spring.

Whether you fancy a more literal translation with a brocade silk jacket or a dash of Geisha-inspired style with a kimono wrap dress, there's no better time to head to Chinatown and Japantown to pick up unique authentic pieces that will add an au courant touch to your wardrobe staples.

And with that, this week's look:

1. Victoria's Secret Kimono Wrap Dress, $108

2. Anthropologie Just Knot My Bag, $118

3. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited, $23

4. Jeffrey Campbell Cork Heel, $128

5. House of Harlow Peacock Cuff, $185

Art and Fashion Join Forces in Upper Haight

JaclynBinder — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:05:58 -0800

Kick off your (wearable) art collection this Saturday with the launch of local hatmaker Goorin Bros. Spring '10 1333 Minna Artist Series Line.

An ongoing collaboration between the iconic hat company and Mission-based art studio, this season you can expect to find original designs on toppers of all shapes and sizes from up-and-coming artists including Reyes, Steel, Retna, Lango and Michael Ryan at Goorin Bros.' three SF shops as well as online.

Fittingly, they're throwing not one but two parties to celebrate the release. Start things off from 4-9 p.m. at Goorin's Haight St. shop, where they'll be free booze and beats along with a limited edition hand-printed poster signing by the artists and special giveaways when you buy a hat from the collection. Then skip over to 1333 Minna Studios for a gallery reception from 9 p.m.-late.

In short, this is one...errr...two events that you shouldn't miss if you like amazing art, hats and free stuff. And really, who doesn't?

Goorin Bros., 1446 Haight St., at Ashbury St. (415-436-9450); 1333 Minna Studios, 1333 Minna St., b/t 14th and 15th Sts.

H&M Skincare Line Debuts in San Francisco

LorraineSanders — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:23:28 -0800

Shoppers at H&M stores in San Francisco will find something more than the latest on-trend clothing waiting for them the next time they step inside the retailer’s doors. Starting today, the company’s new skincare line made using organic ingredients and essentials oils arrives in-store.

The line of everyday beauty basics comes in recyclable packaging and includes a shower gel, body lotion, hand cream, lip balm and body scrub in either raspberry melon or lavender mint scents. Certified by Europe’s Ecocert organization, organic ingredients in the products range from organic apple juice in the shower gel and body lotion to organic almond seeds in the hand cream. Accompanying makeup and toiletry bags made of organic cotton come in pink and green graphic prints.

Luckily for consumers, the cost of slathering on scrubs and creams with organic ingredients is relatively affordable. Every product in the line is $4.95, except for a toiletry bag retailing for $7.95.