Clear your calendar for a sample sale flush with indie brands at OMG prices.
Plus, sniff out Slate Contemporary Gallery for Hannah Franco’s paintings (and perfume), and shop Luna Bags’ plant-based totes, Everviolet x Mission’s first-layer essentials, and Public Land’s new Inner Richmond store.
Calling all fashion girlies: The Soochie sample sale in Oakland is a must.
(Courtesy of @shop.soochie)
On Sunday, July 20th, from noon to 4pm, seriously covetable clothing, accessories, and vintage will be flowing at Alkali Rye, a beverage and hospitality shop in Oakland’s Grand Lake neighborhood. Welcome to the Soochie sample sale.
Not familiar with the Lower Nob Hill boutique? Here’s all you need to know: It’s a wonderland of one-of-a-kind pieces from independent, ethically minded, and emerging designers—and a favorite of in-the-know fashion folk. (Perhaps you’ve spied the store’s iconic tote dangling from the shoulders of hip ladies at the supermarket.) Store owner and longtime stylist Suchandra Bullock’s impeccable eye, passion for color, and love of craftsmanship show up in every cranny.
Among the brands you’ll find at the sale: 11.11, Elsa Esturgie, Marrakshi Life, Umber & Ochre, Et Tigre, Anntian, Bare Knitwear, Bunon, Injiri, Runaway Bicycle, Pairi Daeza, Dunton Ellerkamp, and Sayaka Davis. Items will be priced in the $75–$250 range (previously marked between $300 and $1,200).
Bullock is thrilled to be holding her first-ever sample sale. “Bringing it to Oakland is our way of saying hi to the East Bay community, especially those who haven’t had a chance to make it across the bridge yet to see us at the store,” she says. “While we do have a website, nothing beats trying stuff on in person, and this is a great opportunity to snatch up truly great pieces at super easy prices.”
And for those who like a glass of vino while they hunt for fashion deals, you’re golden: pours will be available for purchase. Salut!
// 3256 Grand Ave. (Grand Lake), shop-soochie.comDelight the senses with art and perfume at Hannah Franco's Traces.
(Kirby Stenger)
Hankering for some creative inspo and/or a painting to fill that empty space in the living room? A visit to Oakland’s Slate Contemporary Gallery is just the ticket: Traces, a solo exhibition from local artist Hannah Franco, runs from Saturday, July 19th through Saturday, August 23rd.
Her oversized abstract works in oil paint draw you in with layers of lines creating wandering paths and interlocking forms—Franco’s signature—in dreamy shades (sky blues, rich creams) and vibrant hues (jade greens, red clays).
“Each color I work with is deeply storied… this series explores the power of memory and interpersonal relationships,” Franco says. Traces, she adds, looks at where we place our attention and how said attention is valued. “My language descends from the visual narrative of women’s craft and quilting, and how societal pressures change and shape lives over generations.”
Traces’ opening reception is set for July 19th (3pm-5pm). Come then for dibs on custom scents from Franco’s collaboration with Oakland-based olfactory artist, Carmen Rose King. Perfume-o-philes will also have a chance to create their own scent in a ticketed Olfactory Portraiture Workshop led by Rose King on August 9th (11am–1pm). The duo will debut their newest fragrance, Ios, (a shoutout to Franco’s Greek heritage) at the closing night reception on August 23rd.
// 473 25th St. (Oakland), slatecontemporary.com, hannahfranco.com
In the market for a new tote? Grab an eco-friendly Luna Bag.
(Courtesy of Luna Bags)
With a less-is-more philosophy, Luna Bags makes backpacks and totes crafted from recycled plastic, canvas, and other plant-based materials for on-the-go professionals of all stripes. Oakland-based, Bangladeshi-born founder Luna Afroz is as intentional about not harming the planet as she is committed to making fashionable bags.
The current roster includes a good-looking trio (Eco Backpack, Eco Convertible Bag, and Eco Tote) designed to fit laptops, tech gear, and all your daily essentials. The durable bags come in gray and olive green with vegan leather accents and have lots of interior and exterior pockets. Prices are $115–$165. Get a handle on your favorite now—the next style drop is coming soon.
// Shop online at lunabags.comStay cool and comfy with a new collaboration between Everviolet and Mission.
(Courtesy of Everviolet)
Never let them see you sweat—and feel really good about it—with the Cool Essential Collection. The limited-edition capsule combines the signature softness of Everviolet’s wellness-focused intimates with cooling technology from Mission, an innovative company founded by Serena Williams, Dwyane Wade, and other top athletes.
The four-piece collection is designed to provide everyday comfort, support, and relief from seasonal heat, daily stress, hot flashes, etc. So how exactly does Mission’s cooling tech work? Without using chemicals, the fabric pulls sweat and moisture away from the skin, regulates body temperature and dries quickly.
The pieces, available in mauve and black, include a wire-free bralette, a lightweight jersey camisole, a full-coverage brief, and a wrap-style robe. Prices range from $29–$98, and sizing is inclusive.
// Shop online at everviolet.com
Score another one for Clement Street: Public Land opens first SF store.
(Courtesy of Public Land)
Public Land has long cornered the plant store/art gallery market in Sacramento, and last month husband-and-wife founders Austin McManus and Mel Eligon finally heeded the cry of San Franciscans to open a shop in the city. The Inner Richmond neighborhood is a perfect fit.
Although smaller in size, the Clement Street space has the same nature-loving heart and mix of houseplants (heavy on cacti and succulents), plant-adjacent gear, and handmade objects and gifts—think ceramics, textiles, apothecary, soaps, hats, and tees. The store is open Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
// 201 Clement St. (Inner Richmond), publiclandstore.com
