Simply Thoughtful: Holiday Looks from Azadeh Couture

She may be best known for her deft use of lace and special occasion gowns, but that doesn’t mean San Francisco’s Azadeh Riaz, once a designer for the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia, shies away from versatile, functional pieces suitable for frequent wear.

Proof comes in the form of these easy-to-don Azadeh holiday styles, available at the longtime local label’s Union Square and Los Gatos retail showrooms. We love how the pieces shown here are simple enough to become a trusty staples, but carry just the right amount of thoughtful detailing to render each more than a see-it-everywhere basic. Note the Swarovski crystals on the black cocktail dress, the drapey sleeves of the top grey cashmere sweater and the festive pom-poms adorning the bottom cashmere sweater’s shoulder-hugging collar.

At $242 and up,  Azadeh’s holiday offerings will no doubt hold the most appeal for those willing to drop a little more on the contents of their closets, we dare say many will part with $295 for a go-anywhere LBD that not only stands out this holiday season, but easily carries into the next.

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The Fascinator: Jay B Millinery Launches

Recently, our hair informed us of something we were hitherto unaware: adornments for the head need not stop at the hat, cap, barrette or band. For adventurous coifs, festively adorned headpieces known (mostly among milliners and knowledgeable vintage fans) dubbed fascinators await.

A local source for these sweet little ‘do decorations? Jay B Millinery, whose collection of cocktail fascinators and bridal headpieces launches tonight at SoMa’s Eve Lounge.

Created using antique feather fabrications sourced from Paris, felts, crystals, silks and leathers, they can’t help but turn heads from their perch atop yours.

Stop by launch for 20 percent off amid happy hour drink specials or shop online whenever your noggin’ gets the notion.

[Photography by Nicole Best]

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Aisle Style: Atelier Des Modistes

We’re taken with the you-won’t-see-it-everywhere-else glamour of bridal gowns by Russian Hill designer and Atelier Des Modistes boutique owner Suzanne Hanley, whose one-of-a-kind gowns are constructed of Italian silk satins and shantungs and embellished with vintage French trims and bead work featuring precious and semi-precious stones.

If you’re headed down the aisle and Hanley’s style appeals, make haste: this weekend is the Hyde Street bridal shop’s annual sample sale. What’s it to you? Up to 75 percent off gowns, veils, headpieces and bridal jewelery. Prices start at $500.

Feel free to swing by and peruse, but call ahead if you’ve got designs on the dressing room, as try-ons are done by appointment.

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