May 20, 2013

The Do List: San Francisco Fashion Events This Week

The SF Indie Fashion Calendar is always full of events to keep San Francisco fashion lovers busy with trunk sales, beauty happenings, fashion shows and places to shop from independent sources. This week is no exception. Here’s our pick of top events this week:

  • Make it to Thursday this week, and you’ll be rewarded with two go-out-worthy events. First, there’s the Fashionistette Sip & Shop Trunk Show at Hayes Valley’s Sugar Lounge, where labels such as Black Halo and Rich & Skinny will be going for up to 70 percent off. Also that night, there’s the Red Tie Launch Party, a pre-party for the main gala event in November that benefits the Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Anne’s Home in San Francisco. What’s so stylish about it (other than giving back, of course)? A wearable art installation from Academy of Art students, as well as complimentary bevs, food and tunes.
  • When Friday rolls around, the charitable spirit continues with This Old Bag, a benefit for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund. Attendees will eat, drink and be merry while bidding on coveted designer handbags once owned by celebrities, socialites and prominent vintage collectors.
  • Come Saturday, Swap SF returns to San Francisco for an afternoon of “free shopping” that promises plenty of people elbowing their way through tables of cast-off clothing in search of newfound treasures. Bring clothes to swap, and you’re in for $6. Those without swappables pay an extra $5 at the door. Thanks to ongoing drink specials, part of the fun is downing liquid courage while you’re on the hunt.
  • And last but not least, this weekend also marks the autumn installment of  Capsule, held twice a year in Hayes Valley. Head there on Sunday for a slew of local, independent designers and artists offering all manner of apparel, jewelry, t-shirts, art and wearables.

You can find details on all of these events and more happening this week on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

A Chat with Fashionistette

One of the great things about blogging is the fact that you meet a lot of great people. I met Pamela at one of the fashion blogging events and I instantly fell in love with the clothing brands she is caring at her online store. I’ve wanted to interview her since then and we finally found some time to chat. Pamela was also so generous and offered extra special discounts for Moda Epidemic readers. Just go on her website and enter Chic30 on the check out page for EXTRA 30% off!

Pamela is the founder of Fashionistette, the Bay Area-based online clothing store that carries contemporary brands like Black Halo, Genetic Denim, Cynthia Vincent, Tracy Reese, Rory Beca and more.

To date, Fashionistette has had great success with its latest fashions, including: evening and casual dresses, jeans, tops, tunics and more.

“I decided to go online because it is so exciting to reach more people. With the growth of bloggers, social media and online fashion communities I was able to market my business online and reach a bigger audience”, says Pamela.

Also, more than almost anywhere else, the Bay Area consumers value contemporary, sophisticated and affordable clothing and that is what Fashionisttete is all about.

1. I know your background is in retail. What made you decide to start your own business and go online?

I’ve always wanted to start my own business. After working for traditional retailers for over 20 years in planning and buying I decided to go online to reach more people. I’ve always wanted to open my own online boutique that would carry unique, fashion forward brands easily accessible for everyone online. I wanted to respond to the customer demand for shopping online for one of the kind pieces. It is undeniable that online shopping has been increasing tremendously over the past couple years and it has been overshadowing traditional ways of shopping for clothing. With the growth of bloggers, social media and online fashion communities I was able to market my business online and reach a bigger audience.

2. How would you describe your client’s style?

The Fashionistette customer is 25-45, mostly educated professional. The merchandise I carry is contemporary, casual and chic. The Fashionistette client shops for brands like Rory Beca, Twelfth Street and Nation Ltd Tees.

4. How does your buying process look like?

I buy from established California designers mostly in Los Angeles. I bring in new merchandise each month and select the best pieces offered for each delivery carrying and assortment of tops, dresses and denim.

5. Is Fashionistette a reflection of your personal style?

Yes, the merchandise I carry is a reflection of my personal style. It’s fashionable, feminine and fun. The fabric and tailoring are high quality with unique details and fabrics.

6. If you had to wear one thing for the rest of your life what would that be?

Genetic Denim Dark Skinny Jeans, a stylish Nation Ltd Burnout Tee untucked and a pair of cool, stand out shoes like Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedges or my new sky high peep toe clogs. My new favorite pieces this season are from Generra, the Stone Trenchcoat and Charcoal Stripe Dolman Sleeve T-Shirt Dress.

7. Fashionistette carries only new merchandise, have you ever thought about adding some vintage pieces as well?

Yes, I would like to bring in vintage to pair with new merchandise to give my customers styling ideas.

8. Skinny jeans or Boyfriend jeans?

Skinny Jeans

This post originally appeared on Moda Epidemic

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Storefront Opens This Weekend

DNA-STOREFRONT-san-francisco

Saturday and Sunday are the days to visit new weekend-only Hayes Valley pop-up shop Storefront, opening its doors tomorrow with a trunk show sample sale from Sausalito-based online retailer Fashionistette, fashion photography by Michelle M. Mitchell and Tiny Treats cupcakes.

Storefront Pop-Up Shop, 644 Laguna St. (between Hayes and Grove), SF.  Open Saturday 12-6pm, Sunday 12-5pm (closed May 9th for Mother’s Day).