May 21, 2012

It’s Official: Time to Party with Lia Kes

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We had a lovely time last night at Lia Kes, where a press preview introduced media and friends of the (until-very-recently) New York designer to her very first retail location in advance of Thursday night’s official opening party.

Pieces from the fall and holiday collections hanging from the racks during our visit struck us as ideal for the urban dweller fed up with fussy garments and, instead, in search of silhouettes that are edgy in a soft and seriously subtle way. Here’s what we mean: many of the pieces have clean lines and fluid shapes in solid hues of black, white, gray, blue and orange. But they’re far from boring. Zippers allow a cocktail dress to turn into a top and necklines to adjust, while versatile button downs and soft t-shirts take on enviable edge with the help of fringe panels and tastefully rendered cut-out backs. And while the line isn’t dirt cheap by any means, the price point is notably affordable, especially when you consider that, outside the boutique, the clothes share racks with much more expensive wearables at Barney’s and Neiman Marcus.

Though the store has been quietly open since December, the party’s only just begun. To celebrate with Kes, head to the shop tomorrow night for an official opening party from 5:30-7:30 pm. Enticements include Champagne, snacks and models donning selections from the current collection.

Lia Kes, 3024 Fillmore St., 415-829-2225.

More stylish things to do in San Francisco…

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Playing Footsie: Footsie Party at My Boudoir

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A new way to play footsie is coming to San Francisco, and you can get a sneak peek (as well as 30 percent off all merch) this Friday at My Boudoir Lingerie boutique if you’re brave enough to meet three lovely ladies who’ll most certainly challenge you to pole dance, dress scantily and prep for professional boudoir pictures with your girlfriends (now that’s the kind of pants on the ground action we welcome).

It’s all part of the Footsie Party sneak peek from Footise creators Michelle Valeriano, Val Cunningham and Monica Michelle.

“I sincerely believe we can make a huge impact in confidence for each lady we serve.” says Cunningham, a longtime local dance instructor. “I teach women everyday who strive so hard to be as strong and successful as their man that they have lost touch with their most feminine side.”

So what is a Footsie party exactly? Think of it as a grown-up version of a slumber party with pro hair and make-up sessions for each guest and a pro boudoir photo session. Oh yeah, and instead of Rainbow Bright pajamas and a pillow fight, you’re more likely to be rockin’ sexy lingerie while learning a gravity-defying pole dance move. We think it begs to be part of your next bachelorette, girls night out or girlfriends gone wild adventure.

The footsie festivities go down tomorrow from 6-9 p.m.at My Boudoir,  2285 Union St.

More upcoming fashion events

– By SF Indie Fashion Contributor Michelle Ruiz

Good Move: Lia Kes Opens in San Francisco

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After nine years in New York City, international designer Lia Kes has chosen San Francisco as her next haven. If you haven’t already seen Kes’ pieces in the style pages of fashion glossies such as Lucky and InStyle or on celebs from Kate Hudson to Kim Kardashian, try stopping by her store opening today and see for yourself.

With a studio in Pacific heights and a list of buyers begging her for her spring collection, Kes is, for the moment at least, focused on her first store opening today in Cow Hollow.

“My hope is to get to know the customer, to listen to them to see how the clothes fit on them, to hear their response…It’s definitely a step forward.  I am glad that I have the opportunity to show my idea the way I want to show it,” Kes said.

She’s also inspired by San Francisco, its micro-climates and its people.

“I’m completely influenced by San Francisco…I like the idea that everyone is working out. There is a sophisticated casualness. There is a lot of intellectuality around, a lot of European taste around,” she told us.

Step into her shop soon to scoop up pieces from her mostly sold-out fall collection or the newly released resort collection. Come early 2010, you’ll find a spring collection with pieces of a new silk, CDC, and charmeuse. The result? Effortlessly chic silhouettes full of femininity, but with a welcome dose of edge.

Lia Kes: 3024 Fillmore St. (at Union), 415-829-2225, www.liakes.com.

– SF Indie Fashion contributor Michelle Ruiz

Krimsa Multi-Designer Trunk Show

krimsa_redjewlery2If the We Can Care Food Drive hasn’t already put Cow Hollow’s Union Street shopping corridor on your map this week, may we suggest yet another reason to venture to the ‘hood: tomorrow evening’s multi-designer trunk show taking place at Krimsa.

Stop by from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for goodies from designers such as Noah Handbags, Treat, Red Jewelry, Bryna Nicole, Raina Bags and Ellie Mae, among others, at 20 to 50 percent off retail. If that isn’t sweet enough for you, we’re thinking the promise of Cups and Cakes cupcakes and a wine tasting by Ritz will be.

Another perk? Select designers are donating a percentage of the proceeds from pre-holiday purchases to charitable organizations of their choice.

–SF Indie Fashion Contributor Michelle Ruiz

[Photo: RED Jewelry]

Time to Can Up: Union Street Shops’ “We Can Care” Food Drive

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Bringing a can or two to Union Street by Dec. 12 for the We Can Care Food Drive won’t just help out others in need, but also saves you on purchases at stores such as Mable Chong, Jest Jewels, Lush, Marmalade and Sean, just to name a few. Most participating stores are offering shoppers 10 percent off with a canned good donation, but several are offering additional discounts and promotions.

We suggest you seriously consider clearing out your cupboards for Mable Chong. Bringing in 10 cans or more means 40 percent off your second purchase at this local jewelry designer’s boutique.

If the sales aren’t enough to convince you to lug your cans (not to mention your canned goods) on over to Cow Hollow, maybe Santa and a display of lights that rivals the Griswold’s gracing Union Street this Saturday, December 5th for the annual Fantasy of Lights celebration will do the trick.

– SF Indie Fashion Contributor Michelle Ruiz