May 21, 2012

Rain, Boo. Let the Slick Umbrella Make it Better.

The only upside to a downpour? The potential for a cool umbrella to keep the drops at bay. Here’s one that not only satisfies the cute factor, but is also made of recycled plastic bottles by a local company that donates a portion of its proceeds to charitable organizations.

By Danville-based A Lot to Say, the Slick Umbrella, $70, is printed with an all-over message that promotes earth-friendly action through better care of our oceans and waterways.

The company also makes t-shirts, bags and totes, yoga accessories and items for the home – all from recycled plastic bottles and 100 percent sustainable, non-toxic materials.

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Snap Judgment: Martha Davis Sugi Sandal

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the pleasantly minimalist, but seriously more-than-meets-the-eye Sugi sandal, $320, by Martha Davis and available at The Workshop Residence. Rotate the reclaimed wood heel and lock into place to transform this shoe’s heel height from two inches to three inches.

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Snap Judgment: Claire Hummel Necklace

http://www.belljarsf.com/search.php?mode=search&page=1

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: Revitalized and making a statement, artist Claire Hummel‘s glamorous crystal and gold chain costume necklace, $275, was locally-designed using found and vintage jewelry. P.S. You’ll find Claire’s jewelry at Bell Jar in the Mission District.

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Sneak Peek: Elizabeth Street Cosmetics Launches Spring Hues

Continuing the brand's love affair with San Francisco street names, new Spring hues from Elizabeth Street Cosmetics include a creamy violet named Lilac St (top) and a sheer fuschia gloss dubbed Poplar St.

A fresh batch of lip colors from Elizabeth Street Cosmetics means all new, seasonally-savvy hues from a local source. You can sneak peek them this week during the company’s spring show, and, in the meantime, brush up on your lipstick know-how with expert advice from founder Kelly Crispen.

Five new colors named for Mission streets are out this month from the company, which garners fans with its paraben-free formulas and personalized service (Crispen does house calls, where she helps clients choose colors and dishes out beauty knowledge culled from her 20+ years in the industry).

Expect juicy brights in sheer, glossy formulas.

“It’s an accessory, like a clutch or like a bracelet,” says Crispen of her lipsticks, balms and glosses.

You’ll find Crispen and her spring collection on view this Friday evening at Pixie Hall Studios in Noe Valley during a spring show featuring special guest stylists from Harper Paige Salon (details on the calendar). We recently caught up with Crispen to get her take on wearing spring’s exuberant colors.

We’re seeing bright lip colors everywhere this season. What advice do you have for women who’d like to try out a brighter hue, but usually opt for nude lips?

Bright colors are actually highly wearable, they just need to be “sheered out.” Try a glossy formula. Avoid anything matte or opaque. Use a lighter hand when applying or opt for a lip brush when applying brights, but don’t be afraid to go for a pretty pop of color this season.

Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping lip color on longer, making it last?

The best trick for making your lip color last is to dab a hint of concealer or transluscent powder on first. Avoid pencil liners, as they can look drying and accentuate tiny lines and imperfections.

Are there colors you’d recommend for any skin tone? Sometimes it’s fun to give lip color as a gift, but hard to pick out a color for someone else.

Most skin tones do well with a neutral rosy brown such as Church or Noe Streets from my line, Elizabeth Street Cosmetics. Church is a creamy satin with more color payoff, as opposed to Noe, which is a super sheer tint or glaze.

How can we use lip color to complement what we’re wearing, but without looking matchy-matchy?

Staying in the same color family works but vary the hues. For instance if you’re wearing an orange silk top, try a fresh peach or apricot sheer lip color like ESC’s new Linda Street. If you’re wearing a pale rose top, opt for a bolder fushcia lip color like ESC’s new Rosemont Street. Think of your lip color as another accessory in your wardrobe, one you can change up on any given day.

You’ll find Elizabeth Street Cosmetics in San Francisco stores such as Mira Mira, Two Birds and Rare Device.

More San Francisco beauty

Snap Judgment: RunRunRun San Francisco Tote

 

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: a bright carry-all for a rainy day comes in the form of the foldable San Francisco tote, $17.95, made of waterproof material in 13 color patterns by Chicago-based eco-label RunRunRun, whose bags are named after cities that have adopted the plastic bag ban.

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