SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

Phew. The week is almost done-zo, except, of course, for the best part. The weekend part. Wish me luck as I try to sell my 13-year-old car that’s crusted in birdie poop to some brave citizen. In the meantime, do check out all this lovely indie fashion news:

- Designers: feelin’ a last minute vending oppie? Get in touch with Kelly of Still Life and Indie Mart fame. The first outdoor Indie Mart Street Fair event goes down next weekend in Potrero Hill, and they’ve got a few outdoor spaces left. Contact missionindiemart (at) gmail (dot) com if you’re down.

- Bernal Heights boutique Ladita is marking down the sale racks and adding new stuff to ‘em to make room for fall shiznit, so bargains abound.

- Online jewelry shop LittlePretty is having a sale on lovely items by Gorjana, Saylor Sage, Milara Designs, Juliet Ross and more.

- GAMA-GO wants to be your friend with benefits. Hence its new Friends with Benefits Membership Tiers, which are available through July 31 only. Basically, fork over some cash ($80 and up) for membership benefits like limited edition art, a two-year merchandise discount and your name on the window of the flagship store once it opens. All proceeds go toward the opening of the flagship store.

- My Roommate’s Closet just got new merch from Raven denim, Catherine Malandrino and Milly (love!!).

- HeidiSays is finishing its summer sale off with a bang. All sale items in the three Pacific Heights boutiques are now 50 to 75 percent off.

- Hayes Valley’s travelicious boutique Flight 001 is getting its summer sale on from July 22 to Aug. 9, so pop in before your next jaunt and save on this shop’s rad travel gear.

- Want 10 to 20 percent off at Ambiance locations through the end of the month? Check out this flier. Print it and take it into the store for your discount.

- Designers: Wanna be in the November 2008 Bazaar Bizarre show? Applications are being accepted through July 29, so get to it.

- Local plus-size women’s apparel label Harper Greer reports that it will not be losing its Berkeley store, after all. To celebrate, both the San Francisco and Berkeley stores will be offering 20 percent off all sale merchandise through the end of the month.

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

Super quickie news round-up, ’cause my head hurts and I don’t wanna type anymore. But these things are good enough to make me want to do it anyway:

- It’s the LAST CALL for Carrots‘ summer sale. We’re talking 70 percent off Stella McCartney, Sari Gueron, Rag & Bone and Narciso Rodriguez.

- As the Stitch blog reminded us, there’s a new craft and music street festival gearing up for a major outdoor throwdown in August. Here’s the Rock Make Street Festival myspace page.

- Stefanie Wolf and When Modern Was (one of my fave fave fave spots for antiques and funky, restored furniture) are teaming up this Thursday night from 5pm-7:30pm with a little summer soiree trunk show featuring Wolf’s latest baubles.

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SF Locals in Fred Flare Contest

I was psyched to discover several familiar Bay Area names as finalists in Fred Flare’s Next Big Thing 2008 contest. The annual design competition features funky indie items from artists and designers around the world. Voting is open through July 16.

Hailing from the Bay Area, Jennifer D’Angelo’s Nooworks made the list, along with artist Mati Rose McDonough. Congrats to both for making the list and good luck in the competition!

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News, news, news…

- Secession Art & Design is having a summer party tomorrow night from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm featuring the work of Sita Rupe, Blair Bradshaw, Hilary Williams, Designs by New Skool, Taxi CDC, Saaz Designs, Green Dog Designs, Judy Aurora, Twelve Designs, Colleen Mauer and Heather Robinson.

- Goodwill Industries is looking for “regular people” models with a flair for thrifty fashion. Here are the details, copied from an email I received:

Were looking for a variety of people for a fashion shoot! You can be Goodwill’s next top model if you think you fit one of these categories:

* Young guys and gals 18-30, with a flair for fashion. Someone who really knows how to rework an old outfit or a piece of clothing. It’s your personal style and individuality were interested in.
* Funky fun families - Moms, dads, sons and daughters. If you can’t all make it at once then bring who is available.
* We also want some enthusiastic moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas. You’ve seen the styles change from Zoot suits to Jimmy Choo’s. So you know a thing or two about fashion.

DETAILS
Photo shoot to be held in San Francisco on July 2nd & 3rd. All selected candidates will receive a $100 flat fee per individual (or $200 per family), and a complimentary photo of you from the shoot.

SEND US YOUR INFO
To be considered, you’ll need to send:

1. A recent photo (non professional)
2. Contact information including phone number, email and mailing address
3. A sentence or two about why you would like to be a model for Goodwill: Are you a donor, a shopper or simply a person who wants to make the planet a healthier place by reworking fashion in a creative way?

So reply to this email now - GScelta (at) sfgoodwill (dot) org - and become a Goodwill star!

Thank you for your continued support,

Goodwill Industries
of San Francisco, San Mateo & Marin Counties

*Must be of consenting age or have written permission from a parent or guardian. You must be available for a 1/2 day (morning or afternoon) photo session.

- R.A.G. and Lemon Twist will be closed for the month of July while the Hayes Valley building they’re in undergoes renovations. Both stores are offering sales until the 30th - so stop by now and get your fix.

- Been missing those free-for-all Swap SF events? Well, you aren’t alone. Turns out the organizers have had to put the popular clothing exchange events on hold for two reasons:

1) the events draw so many people that they can no longer be held at Cellspace in the Mission. So if you know of a place that can hold 450+ people, has an entertainment license and isn’t crazy expensive, let the Swap SF people by emailing jason (at) swapsf (dot) com.

2) The organizers’ other business, Lollyphile, has been slammed with orders for absinthe lollipops. Since launching last fall, the company has become something of a local sensation - so instead of organizing swaps, they’ve been making candy and filling orders at a breakneck pace.

- The Bay Area Guide to Independent Fashion Festival has been moved from September to October. It will now take place on Oct. 11 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. We are proud to be co-sponsoring this event. If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, get in touch by emailing Letitia at bayareafashion (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News,  news and more news.

- GAMA-GO is running another photo contest. Snap a pic of yourself in the throws of summer recreating while wearing your fave GAMA-GO gear, upload it to the GAMA-GO Photo Royale flickr group, write a short description with a link back to the official site, and you could win a $175 gift certificate ($75 to the runner up). Deadline is August 1.

-  Through July 15, score discounts on Goldenbleu bags thanks to a deal from Daily Candy. Check out Goldenbleu for details.

- The San Francisco Chronicle just ran a story about Nikki D.’s monthly Prepare for the Playa events that lead up to Burning Man. Get the details at How to be Hip, Stay Safe on the Playa.

- Bernal Heights boutique Ladita is having a sale to make room for fall merch. Stop by for deals on JBrand, Porridge, silk dresses and jewelry…

- A bunch of local indie designers will be congregating tomorrow night at the Bus Stop Gallery (135 Dore Alley) from 6pm to 10pm for a trunk show featuring Bad Unkl Sista, Domini, Estar, Gibbous, Kayo, Kittinhawk, Medium Reality, Minerva’s Antenna, Miss Velvet Cream, Va-Shee Metal by Auberon, and more…

- Noe Valley boutique Isso is having a sale on jewelry through June 29. But the new inventory from Nicacelly (one of my personal faves) and the store’s own brand new Isso label of basics are reason enough to stop by anytime this summer.

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Built By Wendy Opens

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News, news, news you can use:

- Rose & Radish is having its latest Switch Sale right now. While the boutique and gallery changes up its interiors to prep for the next installation, you’ll find great deals on a selection of this Hayes Valley shop’s artisanal wares. Buy online, pick up at the store this week or next.

- Going to the North Beach Festival this weekend? ooma wants to give you a mimosa, so stop by the shop. You’ll also find new jewelry by local artists, as well as some great last-minute Father’s Day gifts.

- The folks at Honey Ryder are participating in the Hayes Valley Block Party this Saturday and Sunday. Head down to the Hayes ‘hood for this Moroccan-themed event, complete with belly dancing, live music, Moroccan food and perks from the local businesses along the main drag.

- Sample Angel is getting its sale on starting today with lots of summery dresses from labels like Single and Akiko.

- This week, Gama-Go came out with a rad new line of messenger bags. There are six new styles available in two different sizes, the Go-Right (larger) and the Go-Might (smaller).

- Still need something for dear ‘ole Dad? Save 20 percent on guy-friendly typewriter key cufflinks from The Weekend Store with the coupon code DAD08.

- Another Dad discount you can take advantage of before Sunday? Thanks to a promo from Billion Dollar Babes, you can save 20 percent on purchases of $50 or more and get free shipping at Kiehls (they have great dude-friendly skincare products) when you place your order before the end of the day tomorrow (June 13) and use the coupon code SFBABES at checkout.

- This Saturday, Divisadero boutique Still Life launches its Summer Designer Series with a party from 7 to 10 pm. Stop by to check out work from The Feathered Leopard.

- Also on Saturday, at the exact same time, Root Division will be celebrating Under 100, a new exhibit featuring a slew of art from local peeps for under $100 a pop. Here’s the fashion angle: During the event, local artists will be there screen printing their designs on t-shirts, bags, paper, etc. You can bring your own or buy print-friendly materials at the show.

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Is there an echo in here?

Not to be a totally snarky biatch or anything, but it seems like this fashion blog could have thought of a more creative name for its new daily email newsletter. I dunno, kinda feel like I’ve heard something v. similar to that name before….

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Call for Entries

Attention designers! The Bay Area Guide to Independent Fashion Festival, a project from the author of the forthcoming book of the same name, Letitia N., and Bay Area Now, an art series produced by San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, is seeking vendors, runway designers and volunteer event coordinators for an all-day fashion event to be held on Sept. 6 at the YBCA.

The deadline for designers who want to be part of the runway show is June 10. The deadline for vendor applications is July 1. Here’s the Bay Area Guide to Independent Fashion Festival Application. You can also learn more about the forthcoming book, the event and volunteer and sponsorship opportunities by emailing Letitia at bayareafashion (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Here’s some info about the event from the organizer:

Sure to be a dynamic event—and even better with your participation—The Bay Area Guide To Independent Fashion Festival is also a pre-launch for the upcoming book The Bay Area Guide To Independent Fashion, which is a resource for both design makers and lovers alike. Featuring interviews with up-and-comers as well as local icons, The Bay Area Guide To Independent Fashion aims to put the local scene on the map in a way that hasn’t been done before—-by providing resources for people who are new to independent fashion and giving the industry-insiders a deeper look at what sets Bay Area fashion apart from the crowd.

Bay Area Now (BAN 5)
YBCAlive! – The Bay Area Guide To Independent Fashion Festival
Sat, Sep 6, 12 – 7pm • Forum & Grand Lobby • $10/FREE YBCA Members (includes Gallery Admission)

Celebrate and explore authentic local style and the Bay Area’s progressive approach to the industry of apparel design with The Bay Area Guide To Independent Fashion Festival at YBCA. Built upon progressive ideals about ownership, production, diversity, originality, accessibility, and social responsibility—independent fashion is alive and well in the Bay Area. This all day festival event is part of BAN5 and highlights homegrown talents and innovators with Locally Bazaar, a market featuring the latest clothes and accessories from emerging and established regional brands; a panel discussion on fashion and diversity with Susan Kaiser, Chair of Textiles & Clothing UC Davis, Irene Hernandez-Feiks of Chillin’ Productions, Erica Varize of Evarize Designs & Evarize Fashion Cafe, and Leandrew Robinson of Ragamuffin Clothing; plus a runway show featuring the craft and couture of some of the Bay Area’s most inspiring and dynamic independent designers. Conscious shoppers, passionate fashionistas, and freethinking tastemakers alike won’t want to miss this must-attend event!

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News, news, news you can use:

Rare Device, a wonderful Market Street store that should be on the go-to list for any gift-buying excursion, just updated its web site to make it easier to shop, handle a gift registry and create a wish list.

Secession Art & Design opens its new show with a reception on Friday night. Stop by for beats, drinks and a good hang celebrating artists Sita Rupe, Blair Bradshaw and Hilary Williams and designers New Skool, Taxi CDC, Saaz Designs, Green Dog Designs and Judy Aurora.

Self Edge has just released a new shirt by  Iron Heart called the Hickory Stripe Shirt. There are only 100 available, no restocking. Check out the store’s blog for all the recently added items.

San Francisco-based WaterField Designs just won an award from Ding Bat Magazine for its ultra-slim Pic Pocket Camera Case, which comes in eight sizes and a bunch of cool colors. Congrats!

At Dollhouse Bettie, take 10 percent off any order through June 8 with the discount code V401AB at checkout. New items in stock include sexy silk bed jackets (for those cold San Fran summer nights), vintage Perlcrest slips and more.

Combine shopping with brunch at Foreign Cinema this weekend. Local independent peeps like Twelve Designs and Colleen Mauer will be there from 11am to 4pm in the Mission restaurant’s Modernism West Gallery.

Through June 23, save 20 percent on uber-cute vintage-inspired CaraLyndon accessories with the coupon code SpringSummer.

Looking for indie products or the stores that carry them? Check out Afterglow’s Guide to Independent California Shopping. Designer Amy of Oakland-based AC Clothing & Bags takes pains to include all the great indie designers she can. She also does a solid job of keeping it updated. It’s one to bookmark, for sure….a great resource for both consumers and designers.

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