local designers

Photography courtesy of Colin Vincent

Who says fleece has to be frumpy? One local designer is on a quest to make the soft, versatile fabric into fashion-forward attire ready for après ski, an evening out or even a much-more-stylish jaunt to the grocery store.

“There’s a lot of gear fleece out there, but there’s no reason that it can’t be sexy like any other top,” says Jeanne Feldkamp, a Potrero Hill resident and longtime skier who launched the Fleece-A-Nista line of jackets, tops and accessories in January.

A bathroom from the portfolio of Benjamin Dhong Interior Design.

Benjamin Dhong Interior Design

Decorator Showcase time again already? Well, not quite. The home, a French Normandy number located in the Presidio (of course) at 3450 Washington Street, won't be ready until May, but we're already hearing who has been chosen to adorn the the place.

Be on the lookout for Man Up's bow tie-wearing wire hanger birdies, popping up around the City this week.

Photography courtesy of Man Up

There’s no question that connoisseurship is alive and well in the City by the Bay. But this weekend, the ethos usually reserved for locavore food fans, handcrafted cocktailians and urban cyclists extends its reach into the menswear realm for what is, arguably, the first San Francisco event devoted to dapper style.

Photography courtesy of Fashion Feud

Five months in the making, the final Fashion Feud competition taking place tomorrow night at Mighty brings together three local designers for an on-stage style showdown – all of which unfolds before onlookers’ eyes in just an hour’s time.

Doiliez fabric in Robin's Egg from Swanky Swell

The decorating style over the past few recession-racked years have been all about slapping on a coat of paint, wallpapering, reupholstering – basically any way of prettying up the less-than-perfect without breaking the bank. Here's hoping the new year brings more prosperity than the past one, but let's also hope that the upcycling, DIY mentality that's been prevalent stays put.

The Laura coat from Filippa K

Photography courtesy of Filippa K

Deal or no deal...

Filippa K: A sale currently underway at this FiDi store offers 30 percent off items from the fall and winter collection.

Tan Bella: First-time customers receive a free tanning service of their choice when they book a cut or color at Vim and Vigor. Be sure to mention this offer when you book. The free tan can be redeemed anytime.

“Violynn” by Gordon Chin

Don’t let the drama of the holidays get to you just yet. Sure, trying to come up with the perfect gift can be a daunting task, but there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. From arts and crafts to fashion and books, we’ve compiled a list of fun shopping events to help you check everyone off your list, stress excluded. For even more non-mall holiday shopping, check out our post on holiday Pop-Up Shops.