May 26, 2013

New & Local: gr.dano Spring 2013

San Francisco’s gr.dano recently dropped images of its forthcoming Spring 2013 collection on the media, and we were glad to finally be able to share news of the design duo’s latest with readers. During a sneak peek of the collection a few weeks back, it was lovely to see new adventures in texture, color and draping appearing in the spring line alongside the label’s signature embrace of structural details, neutral hues and versatile shapes.

When the collection hits stores next year (440 Brannan Studio being the go-to place to find the line in San Francisco), expect to find plenty of the drapey details, solid colors, all-occasion dresses and skirts gr.dano has turned out in previous seasons. But along with these, you’ll also spot the label extending its aesthetic into new territory. The results are several pieces in a striking maize hue, prints with ethnic and tribal undertones, a playful romper in sophisticated stripes and – a favorite – a cropped lace jacket with a deep scoop-v front (above left).

As for designers Brian Scheyer and Jill Giordano, we hear they’re already thinking Fall 2013 from the subterranean studio they run in the back of 440 Brannan.

More San Francisco fashion news

Look Different: The Perfect Transition-to-Fall Clutch

Transitioning to fall doesn’t have to mean a whole new wardrobe (in our dreams). Instead, stepping stylishly into the season ahead can be as seamless as finding an accessory that pops, but works with both your warm weather wear and the longer hemlines on the horizon. For that, we love the Willow Clutch by Bryna, an independent label with San Francisco roots.

Available at Circle & Square, this flat envelope clutch amps up its summery, woven texture by rendering it in cowhide and embossed ostrich accents perfectly in line with fall’s emphasis on hints of leather. With a roomy interior capable of handling the essentials for a night out during the busy months leading up to the holidays and an interior zip pocket, this is a bag that’s both chic and functional. The detailed construction and neutral hues dress this bag up enough to carry a polished jeans and t-shirt look or complement your next little black dress adventure.

For more independent style by emerging artists and designers from around the globe, visit Circle and Square online or in person at the Presidio Heights showroom (344 Presidio Ave., SF.).

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This sponsored style series brought to you by Circle & Square, a San Francisco boutique and showroom offering the best in independent design and accessories from designers and artisans around the globe.

Party Seen: Peoples Barber Shop Opening

The recent grand opening celebration for San Francisco’s Peoples Barber Shop drew a crowd decked out in 1920′s style worthy of its Prohibition-themed interiors. Read on for a look at the new Polk Street destination for straight razor shaves, hot towel treatments and quality haircuts.

Painted Lady: ShopNear.me’s Pick of the Week from Neighborhood Boutiques

This week’s on-the-ground local boutique intel from ShopNear.me‘s San Francisco editor, Ashley Laurel: I’ve been in an artistic mood lately, so when I was out and about the other day, I was excited to see some very creative pieces that were made by designers who clearly have a love for the art world beyond fashion design.

Over at D-Structure on Haight Street, I came across a really cool silk top (by Costa Blanca, $40) that’s perfect to wear for a night on the town or easily toned down with a basic blazer or cardigan for a day at the office. (Denim by Cheap Monday, $65). The artistry looks straight out of an art gallery.

However, it wasn’t just this top that reminded me of something you’d see in an art space, but also the setup of paintings (in the $300- $400 range) that decorated an entire wall, with an eclectic collection of tee shirts for sale on the shelves just below. D-Structure is, in fact, half art gallery and half boutique and makes you feel like you’ve entered a world other than Haight Street when you step inside.

A great tie-dye print maxi dress by LA-based designer Raquel Allegra (on sale for $430) at Dish in Hayes Valley grabbed my eye next. It would be perfect for the woman looking to really make a statement with her style through pattern and texture.

Lastly, I fell in love with some beautiful scarves at Polk Street’s six-month old boutique Capulet. One scarf was vibrant with a mixture of oranges, yellows and greens and the others, though more muted, definitely had detailed enough designs that would make great accent pieces for a top of almost any color. Each scarf is by Subtle Luxury and retails for about $88.

After my time half in the fashion realm and half in the art world, I now feel inspired to do some of my own work with fabric manipulation.

This post originally appeared on SF Indie Fashion content partner ShopNearMe, contributed by editor @AshleyLaurel. ShopNear.me is the new style app for finding and buying amazing fashion from local boutiques near you. Download ShopNear.me app or visit ShopNear.me website to discover and shop local starting today!

Snap Judgment: Daughters of Simone Lola Custom Lace Wedding Gown

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: Here comes the bride, all decked in lace thanks the custom-order Lola gown, $1,100, by San Francisco’s Daughters of Simone. Part of the label’s latest Vintage Inspired collection, the floor length crochet lace dress delivers retro style with a modern cut and can be customized to your liking.

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