Plus, Bar Code in Presidio Heights is hosting a sustainable fashion pop-up, cult-fave Ayla Beauty has launched a unicorn cleanser, and we've just found the bag of our dreams.
(Samantha Tyler)
Been to Fisherman's Wharf lately? Whatever the answer, you should make your way there on Saturday, October 8th to check out Kimpton Hotels' brand-new, cool-AF 248-room waterfront hotel, The Alton. (It's named for Alton Kelly, the renowned psychedelic rock-n-roll poster artist.) From 5pm to 8pm, the first-floor meeting space will be transformed into a lush shopping jungle by Blk Girls Green House. ICYMI: The Oakland-based outdoor nursery and home goods store is all about collaborations with Black-owned businesses and inspiring conscious local shopping and gathering.
The pop-up will feature plants galore as well as a rad curated selection of locally made home goods and live beats by DJ Mujie. BGGH cofounders Kalkidan Gebreyohannes and J'Maica Roxanne will be there, so stop by and say hey. The event is free and open to all.
// Alton Hotel, 2700 Jones St. (Fisherman's Wharf), altonhotelsf.com
(Courtesy of Brenta)
Green talk aside, the men's and women's clothing and accessories are also things you'll want to wear. (Plus, it's not too early to start checking things off your holiday list.) You may want to time your visit with one of these special events:
// Pop-up hours are 11am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday; 11am to 8pm Thursday through Saturday; 3600 Sacramento St. (Presidio Heights), thebarcodesf.com
(Courtesy of Ayla)
It's vegan, gluten-free, and oh-so hydrating—your skin will absolutely drink up Dara's Water, a gentle cleansing water designed to easily remove makeup, mineral sunscreen, and other yucky stuff your face collects during the course of a day. Ayla founder Dara Kennedy had been looking for a skin- and planet-friendly unicorn cleanser for ages until she finally decided to create it herself—partnering with Twelve Beauty, one of her fave brands made in Spain.
So what distinguishes this product from what's out there? A unique combo of ingredients: natural sugars and humectants, as well as organic rose and oat waters that reduce the need for more preservatives that can irritate skin. The cleanser's pH is similar to that of skin so it's especially suitable for stressed and reactive complexions. We tried it and our punim's dewy with delight. Did we mention the subtle fresh scent is divine?
// $46, available at Ayla, 1825 Bush St. (Japantown), aylabeauty.com
(Courtesy of Portland Leather)
When it comes to handbag hunting, we're a total Goldilocks…too heavy, too small, the color's off, blah blah. We recently found our just-right with Portland Leather. The direct-to-consumer brand makes full-grain sumptuous leather pieces in classic styles at reasonable prices. It's the small bucket bag (in nutmeg) for us. The size is perfect for every day, with enough space for all the essentials and then some. And unlike some other bucket bags we've tried, the drawstring opening is relaxed yet stays closed. The pebbled leather is soft and looks expensive (it's $98). Next up for grabs: the large Butterfly bucket bag, for the times when more is more. OK, your turn—time to find your perfect porridge.
// Shop online at portlandleathergoods.com.
