Appliques Gone Rad: Nicacelly

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We’ve been big fans of Nicacelly apparel since first stumbling across the label from San Francisco designer Nicole Markoff at RAG Co-Op four years ago.

We’re doubly impressed by Markoff’s ability to make floral appliques look edgy in a street-inspired urban way and her consistent use of bold hues and graphics to amp up the otherwise casual look of her gear.

But what seriously gets us every time is the fit. Markoff knows how to create pieces that flatter in subtle ways through the gentle flair of a shirt at the hips, the wrap-styling of a top or the careful placement of an obi belt.

Want to see Nicacelly’s designs in person? You’re in luck. She’ll be opening her SoMa studio this weekend as part of ArtSpan’s Open Studios. An added incentive? We hear Eden of Secession will also be on the scene with wares from her Bernal Heights boutique and gallery.

More upcoming fashion events in San Francisco….

Do Good While You Indulge: I-Spa + Dress for Success

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We’re not sure about you, but we’ve certainly been having more trouble skipping off to the spa with carefree abandon lately. Despite the protests from our skin and workout-besieged muscles, we haven’t indulged in a facial, massage or posh mani-pedi in months. But I-Spa at the InterContinental Hotel in SoMa may very well convince us to reconsider our indulgence-averse ways, thanks to a recent partnership with non-profit Dress for Success.

Right now, the spa is offering $50 off weekday spa treatments when you donate a gently-used handbag to Dress for Success, a national organization that provides professional clothing and career development tools to empower and promote economic independence among women in need. Each month, the spa will accept a different accessory on behalf of Dress for Success, so stay tuned for future opportunities to donate.

To book, contact the spa at 415-616-6597 and mention the I-Ccessorize Program.

Picky 4 Life Fashion Show Fundraiser

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

Yes, if it seems like we just featured a news roundup, that’s because we did. But we’ve got more news. So here’s another one comin’ atcha….

Jobbie job alert: Mitch got in touch from Theory to say he’s looking for a fashion-savvy sales associate for the Maiden Lane store. It could be full or part time, depending. If you’re interested in a retail gig with the store, contact him at mitchs (at) theory (dot) com.

Jobbie job alert part deux: GAMA-GO is also hiring. We imagine it would be tres fun to work for this cool SoMa company.

Ugh. And another one bites the dust. Bernal Heights eco boutique Ladita is, we’re sad to say, closing its doors in two weeks. Until then, take 40 to 70 percent off everything in the store as it liquidates merch, fixtures and even its mannequins.

Harputs Market is getting its discount on, too. Anything from a previous season – i.e. not spring/summer ’09 – is on sale for $100-$150. That means Ann Sofie Back, Junya Watanabe, Comme Des Garcons for prices you’ll rarely see outside of a serious sale.

Feeling sew-sew? Check out the latest and greatest issue of Modern Seamster magazine for free. It’s the second offering from this San Francisco-based publication.

Thursday night is gettin’ packed. Covet Boutique celebrates its grand opening with a party, Divisadero gets down with the Divisadero Arts Walk and Shotwell is having a sample sale featuring the revamped vintage creations of Taxi CDC. Find all the details on the SF Indie Fashion Calendar.

y & i is having its twice-yearly clearance sale this week. Through June 7, head to the Marina boutique for 30 to 70 percent off merch.

Need supplies for D.I.Y. projects, cheap art materials, furnishings, etc.? Try the Palo Alto Citywide Yard Sale this Saturday.

CC Rider is putting its space up for rent (don’t worry, they’re just moving up the street to a smaller location). If you’re interested in moving into this space, send an email to RENTME (at) CCRIDERSF (dot) COM.

Funky & Fabulous is offering 15 percent off all jewelry through June 20 when you enter Summer09 at checkout.

She-Bible has lots of new dresses for summer up in the online store.

Rebecca Minkoff San Francisco Sample Sale

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Looking for a great deal on a luxe new bag for summer? Try this weekend’s Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale at 111 Minna. The California-raised, New York-based designer’s bags will be on sale for up to 50 percent off retail prices during the daytime sale.

We hear you can expect to find both classic styles and new pieces during the sale, including Rebecca Minkoff’s Petite Pouchette for $150 (reg. $250), the Nikki Hobo for $357 (reg. $595) and the Morning After Bag – the original design that launched the collection – for $381 (reg. $635).

Looking for more events like this? Check out the SF Indie Fashion Calendar….