Face it: Pretty soon you’ll have to start buying gifts for other people. Our advice? Squeeze in plenty of “me” time while you still can! To that end, we invite you this week to get slashed (and lost) in Berkeley, head to Richmond so you can treat your body like the temple it is, find some kick-ass community (and some cheap Spade) online, relive the craft fairs of your youth in Antioch, or kick back and watch a fabulous fashion show in Berkeley’s “Left Bank.” That’s right: Be utterly selfish. No one deserves it more than you.
StyleFile #3
Who: Camille Mason, 33 Spotted: Her boutique, Magnet, on San Pablo Ave. and Dwight Way. Wearing: Mongolian cashmere V-neck sweater by The Color Mustard, Steven Alan shirt, Earnest Sewn skinny jeans, & sparkly Repetto ballet flats Personal Style: Simple, elegant, and pared-down with the occasional flash of color or prints.
Fashion Influence: Her grandmother. “It wasn’t about what you spent but how you put it together.” Style Tip: “Don’t buy things that fit you funny.” Shop at stores (like Magnet!) where someone will be honest and not sell you for the sake of selling, says Mason. Hot New Item for Fall: Issa’s silk jersey wrap dresses ($300-$500)
Get SLASHed Tonight (and save 15 percent!)
Formerly a hole in the wall basement boutique known for being the best place in Berkeley to score a pair of vintage Levi’s, 27-year-old Slash has tripled in size and introduced a whole slew of new stuff by local designers. Everything’s 15% off during tonight’s grand opening fete–and, of course, the wine and munchies are free. Start your weekend off right by slipping into a cool graphic tee from Noo Works or one of SheBible‘s flattering fleece tops and dresses. (Yes, fleece can be flattering, people!) Jeans are still key–the new range runs the gamut from a $30 used pair to premium American-made brands like Yanuk’s for $175. And feel free to bring the man in your life–about a quarter of the inventory is devoted to him. When: Fri. Nov. 10, 6-9. Where: 2840 College Ave., Berkeley
San Pablo Ave. is the New Runway
The East Bay Style Collective is hosting its third fashion show previewing hot Fall ’06/Winter ’07 looks at the chic San Pablo boutique Magnet tomorrow night! Some fabulous East Bay models (i.e., everyday folks) will sport vintage and new ensembles from Dolled Up Vintage, Icon Vintage, Magnet, and Twisters, plus make-up by Shawn Burke of Herringbone Apothecary and hair by BarberElla Beauty Lounge. The biannual event has gotten so popular that the organizers have decided to extend the catwalk into Magnet’s window displays so people on the street won’t miss a thing. If those looks are enticing, shop till 11 p.m. and get a 10 percent discount at each store. Don’t miss this stylish event! When: Sat., Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. Where: 2508 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
Sale: Anthropolgie
Looking for that last-minute holiday dress? There are still some great finds at Anthropologie’s massive sale. Last night, we scoped 40 percent off already reduced items, like silk dresses, wrap sweaters, and tons of wide-leg trousers. Also, a bunch of super cute and highly-coveted dishes and glasses are also reduced – they make great gifts! But hurry, they’re going fast!
When: Now, till supplies last Where: 750 Hearst Ave., Berkeley
Flight 001 Lands in Berkeley
This awesome little shop -pronounced “Flight One,” by the way-opened its doors on Fourth Street last month. It’s supersonic shelves are stocked with every kind of hipster travel gear imaginable, from lightweight Tumi luggage to eyemasks printed with retro beach scenes. Here’s a thrifty little tip: Head to the store and take notes, then hop online and save 25% by entering the code “DAILYCANDY” at checkout. Or, go ahead, pay full price and flaunt your shopping bags on Fourth Street. Then get lost. Where: 1774 Fourth St., Berkeley
When: Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Get a Little Kitschy
In the mood to spend a few hours poking around booth after booth filled to the gills with jewelry, candles, crafts and, no doubt, lots of items that resemble those your mother sends every year when the holidays hit (Santa-embroidered tea towels and potholders, anyone)? Or, hey, perhaps you want to send some to her, for a change! Head to the Contra Costa County Holiday Craft Faire. $2 for adults, kids free. Where: 1201 West 10th St., Antioch. When: Nov.10-12; Nov. 17-19. Fridays 10-4; Saturdays 10-5; Sundays 10-4.
Reward Yourself for Being So Damn Perfect
Sick of seeing Nicole Richie’s withering body splashed across magazine covers? Treat yourself to some self-affirming, body positive art while celebrating the launch of online boutique VoluptuArt.com.
When: Nov. 11 & 12, 11-5 (For more information email Nomi at: [email protected])
Kate Spade Online Sample Sale
Still carry that rainbow striped knock-off from eighteen seasons ago? Time for an authentic update! Register online now and save up to 70% off bags, shoes, sunglasses and more starting Tuesday, Nov. 14. When: Tue., Nov. 14-17
Custom Made
Sick of not being able to find stylish clothes that fit you and your pocketbook? Check out local designer Erica Varize of Evarize Fashion Café. The “Bay Area’s first cut and sew boutique” features already-made super-soft items like jersey dresses and fluid pants on its racks, but designer Varize also specially makes any item for the same price. Choose the style, size, and fabric you want, provide 25 percent of the total, and pick it up in just seven to ten days. Try Evarize’s Kimono Dress, $82, which features a full circle skirt, halter top, and obi-like sash.
Fatshionista: Online Plus-Size Paradise
Fatshionista is one of the coolest online fashion communities around-and not just because it was created by an Oaklander. It’s not only a forum for hundreds of women to share plus-size fashion tips, pics and politics, it’s a virtual shopping mall of sorts. Members frequently sell cool clothes here via their blogs-like this one -and you can often pay via Paypal. (To read more about plus-size fashion, check out this recent EBX article.)
Buy-Spurious: The Snag-A-Man Candle*
We cracked open the new Lucky mag the other day and this ad popped out at us. “Oh, joy!” it screams. “I’ll be a housewife in no time!” It’s a candle that promises to infuse the psyche with an “irresistable love vibe, sure to attract Mr. Right, or at least Mr. Right Now!” A candle that will “awaken your inner babe!” And, coming soon, according to the company’s website: room spray and air freshener. Geesh. To awaken your inner babe, we’d recommend spending your money here instead. And for the record, you snag a cute crocheted sweater, and it’s a total drag. You don’t snag people.
*This occasional feature will highlight products so lame they can’t possibly be real…and yet somehow, they are.
Every Friday, Buy Curious posts photos of the fashion fabulous of the East Bay, as well as news on store openings, closings, new items, and sales. We want to hear from you! Tips? Send them to us! and Kathleen Richards
Back to 92510, the East Bay Express news blog.
