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viv&ingrid Opens First Boutique in Downtown Berkeley

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Oxford Hall building in downtown Berkeley is getting a little more feminine flair, thanks to the opening of the first retail shop from longtime Bay Area accessory company viv&ingrid.

Vivian Wang and Ingrid Chen are the two jewelry designers behind viv& ingrid, known for both everyday and special occasion necklaces and earrings made with semi-precious stones, cute charms and fun, yet unfussy details. The pair  decorated the shop with antique gold and crystal chandeliers to compliment the high ceilings and sky blue walls. Along with their line, they will be selling an array of gift-worthy items, including Famille Summerbelle tote bags, John Robshaw scarves, Jonathan Adler desk accessories and Laughing Elephant notebooks alongside children’s toys, handbags and Mr. Boddington notecards.

Guided by Vivian’s free-spirited flair and Ingrid’s attention to detail, the duo joined forces in 1999 to create their line. Twelve years later, and they’ve been featured in Vogue, Elle, InStyle and many others. Their new line, with prices ranging from $46 to $139, features a variety of island-inspired colors, precious gems and gold accents and is a refreshing summer compliment for the sunny weather attire we’ve been craving lately.

 

Designers Ingrid Chen and Vivian Wang

 

Photography courtesy of Viv&Ingrid.

More Bay Area Shopping…

 

 

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Fashion for a Good Cause: Wardrobe for Opportunity

June 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Instead of online shopping while you’re supposed to be (ahem) working, try online shopping that’s designed to get others working by visiting Wardrobe for Opportunity’s new virtual donations boutique.

Designed for the Oakland non-profit’s summer fundraising campaign that’s running through June 30, the “shop” offers different donation options matched with the items of clothing the organization provides to employment-seeking men and women in need. If you can’t donate funds, the shop also encourages browsers to do the next best things by volunteering time or sharing news of the campaign with friends through social media and email.

For proof of what a difference polished, professional attire can make in scoring a new job, check out the before and after shots in the Wardrobe for Opportunity video below.

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An Indie Take on Private Online Sales: Moxsie First

June 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

moxsie-first-screenshot

Into the world of members-only online sample sales comes a fresh idea from Bay Area-based company Moxsie, an online retailer that sells independent apparel and accessories brands for men and women. Instead of offering past season merchandise at a discount, the Moxsie First shopping site launched earlier this week allows indie fashion fans to pre-order collections from independent labels.

Sure, you’re not going to find super cheap bargains on merchandise, as the apparel and accessories sold through Moxsie First haven’t even arrived in stores yet, but the new feature means diehard independent fashion fans can scoop up items such as the polka dot romper by New York-based Dolce Vita shown above before anyone else has a chance to purchase it. Judging by items featured during the debut week of the site, you’ll typically have to wait four or five weeks from the time of purchase before you’ll receive merch.

More San Francisco fashion news…

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News: Princess Project Dress Drive, The BKC’s 1st Girlie Items, New Collections + More

February 15, 2010 By 1 Comment

brooklyn-circus-womens-earrings

All fashion-minded eyes may be on New York this week, but there’s still much to love right here in good ‘ole SF. A few examples:

The Princess Project has kicked off its 2010 dress drive. Check here for Bay Area drop-off locations and stay tuned for upcoming information about additional events.

The Brooklyn Circus brings something for the ladies to the Fillmore shop – for the very first time. Now in store, you’ll find the elephant earrings shown here. Even better, they’re handmade and exclusively available in San Francisco.

San Francisco native Patrik Ervell impresses Anna Wintour at New York Fashion Week. Via 7×7 Glamwatch.

Speaking of San Francisco natives and New York Fashion Week, Metier has the scoop on the mayhem outside the Alexander Wang show on Saturday.

Gold & Citrus just released its latest collection of delectable baubles. Dubbed Show Some Skin, it features feathers and lots of gold.

If you’re looking for spring dresses, Simply Chic has a slew of new styles priced under $80.

Today only, you can enter to win a dress from Amanda Archer, a once-local designer who’s moved on to Portland (and soon, Chicago from there, we hear). It’s a great chance to own one of this independent designer’s feminine dresses.

The Seventh Heart declares that comfort is the new luxury.

SF Unzipped reminds us that we really need to go see the Cartier & America exhibit on view at the Palace of the Legion of Honor.

We tend to agree with The Finer Dandy that Kell on Earth may be just what Bravo needs most right now.

Filed Under: Indie Fashion, Indie-friendly stores, jewelry, Local designers, San Francisco boutiques, San Francisco Fashion News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,