San Francisco Independent Fashion
Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the sleekly simple Little Bias Dress, $136, by eco-friendly San Francisco label Turk + Taylor. Available in black or grey organic cotton or black eco wool and jersey stripes, this basic-with-a-twist flatters with three-quarter sleeves and an asymmetrical v-neck draped panel.
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Stepping into Space Gallery for the City Dolls trunk show to do a little holiday shopping was like stepping into an alternate universe, thanks to an art installation by Bunny Reiss and Monica Canilao (en route to the SF MOMA) composed of quilts, lace, branches and collected items ranging from dream catchers to paper cutouts. The overall effect: a gallery with a romantic, bohemian vibe. Oh, and sweet unique finds from local designers and artists.
An amazing art installation by Bunny Reiss and Monica Canilao was a centerpiece of the event.
Gathered at the Polk street space to spread holiday cheer and handcrafted gifts alongside chow provided by Whiskey Commons Street Food and spiked hot ciders were a number of California artists and designers, including Siri Hanson Jewelry, The Loin, Christine Mayrina Jewelry, K.M. Knits, Olivous Retro Jewelry, Stolen Sunday, Paulina Carcach Handbags, Black Pyramid Vintage, Anisa Esmail Jewelry, Phoenix the Fox, Amour Vert and Dear Mina Jewelry.
During our chat at the trunk show, City Dolls founder Kirsten Incorvaia told me she wanted to, “create a place for people to shop that wasn’t about the hectic holiday pressure… a fun and friendly environment unlike the impersonal malls” of the world. The event on Saturday night was the second-ever City Dolls trunk show.
Read on for a few of my favorite items at the show:
Christine Mayrina is a jewelry collector who sources her vintage and antique jewelry from a list of places that ranges from the American Southwest to Turkey for a collection with a bold, international vibe.
Statement necklaces, antique cocktail rings and belly-dancer bangles from the Christine Mayrina Jewelry collection.
Dear Mina, a handmade jewelry line by Mina Caragay, is both modern and primitive, hard and soft, solid and fluid. Her pieces are made with crystals, semi-precious stones, rock specimens, metals and textiles, and fun touches like skull beads and arrowheads happily marry the sophisticated with the quirky.
Jewelry by Dear Mina
Shop or design your own purse with a visit to Paulina Carcach, who has has been personally designing unique and handcrafted handbags since 2008. In luxuriously soft leather with thoughtful details, her bags are affordable and well-made. You can design your own bag on her website and get inspiration from bags in her shop and from previous collections.
Gorgeous handcrafted leather bags by Paulina Carcach (photograph courtesy Paulina Carcach)
Inspired by nature, Siri Hanson's whimsical jewelry line.
Siri Hanson Jewelry is a San Francisco local who creates her handmade pieces from such various materials as clay, rolled bits of magazine paper, metal work, and strips of leather reclaimed from a pair of gloves found at an estate sale. In addition to her line of funky jewelry, she also had on display some handmade ceramic Christmas tree ornaments.
Photography by Alexandra Naughton
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Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the uber-basic, yet still sweetly stylish Women’s V in muted black from San Francisco apparel startup Everlane. At $15, this 100 percent cotton top delivers independent, made-in-California fashion with a big box price tag.
Photography courtesy of Everlane
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Need a holiday party dress? A fun little number for your next big night out? The perfect sparkly, festive, fun thing to don on New Year’s? We’ve picked six party dresses we’d wear in snap. All hail from independent San Francisco sources and are available for sale over the webby-web.
Don the Celeste dress by Kirribilla in black lace with scooped back, gathered bell sleeves, and a statement bow, and you’re sure to turn heads at your next event:
The front is sophisticated, with sleeves and a defined waist.
The back has a big bow for added drama
Make a statement with sequin-covered shoulders and a bombshell silhouette with the Vintage 80′s Trophy Dress from Gravel Ghost Vintage. P.S. the back is open, and the shoulders are padded for even more head-turning impact.
Embellished shoulders and a knee-grazing length stand out in this vintage 80's number from Gravel Ghost Vintage.
Sometimes, when you know you’re about to get loose, you want to dress loose. Amour Vert’s Wendy dress (you knew we were going to throw in an animal print option, le duh) is sassy, eco-friendly and will also let you dance to your heart’s content. We’re thinking big heels and a fitted, cropped jacket would round out this holiday look.
The Wendy dress will let you dance, eat and flounce around the party to your heart's content, thanks to its free-flowing shape and empire styling.
Brighten up the room in this red Alyssa Nicole Cut-Out dress with open shoulders, a gathered skirt and scoop neck. Plus, it comes fully lined and is handmade:
This party dress is made-to-order by a local designer.
The fun and versatile Monaco dress by Eliza Parker is a dressy way to do comfortable stretch jersey. The neckline is also begging for an amazing statement necklace from one of your favorite local jewelry designers.
The Monoco dress by Eliza Parker has a flattering neckline, three-quarter sleeves and also comes in black and burgundy.
Ruffle some feathers (in the best way possible) with the Sierra dress from LHC Couture. With its sweetheart neckline, body-hugging fit and real feather detail, we think it’s festive done with an avant-garde twist. Also, the styling possibilities are fairly endless. We can see this one dressed up with sparkling accessories and soft makeup for the girlie girls or paired with dark tights, huge heels and smoky eyes for a result that’s much more glam-goth.
You'll flock to the Sierra dress by LHC Couture. Hip-level feathers are do avant-garde in a festive way.
More San Francisco local designers…
Tartine XL totes are limited edition and are on sale at the bakery (600 Guerrero Street, San Francisco).
Calling all fans of food and local fashion: Joshu+Vela has released a new bag in its capsule collection for Tartine Bakery. Sold only at the insanely popular bakery, the Boat Tote is one the company says will “last multiple generations.” More reasons to snag a tote with your next morning bun?
Made by a San Francisco company known for its attention to detail and thoughtfully-assembled products, the Boat Tote ($200) is a limited edition piece of 24-ounce, super sturdy canvas printed with the word “Tartine” on the front and the number in the series individually hand-stenciled on the bottom. Other features: solid steel hardware, solid copper washer rivets, leather handles and a leather shoulder strap.
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