Sartorial Superlatives: The Best Of Rainboots

Chooka Window Wool. Zappos.com, $60.99. These are pull-ons so if you have a high in-step, they may not slip on easily.

Even though it seems completely absurd that I'm writing this in the middle of a major San Francisco Indian Summer, we all know that the Bay Area's Fall and Winter are just around the corner. Though we don't too often get snow, we do have a nasty wind chill that will surely freeze any tourist or unsuspecting townie right to their bone. And what's worse than the wind chill? Not much actually, except when the chill comes with a rainstorm. Talk about a gloomy day. Luckily, I happen to have an eye for all things fashion and decided to gift you dear readers with the best rainboots I could find. This way when you're out there puddle jumping your way through the town, you're feet stay warm and dry. Just remember to also bundle up!

Most Likely to Go with Everything

Best Print, For Grown-up Gals

Sperry Houndstooth, Zappos.com, $78

Best Print, for Young Gals

Gabriella Rocha "Soma", Zappos.com, $49

Best for Kids

Keds "Champion" bootie, Zappos.com, $65

Best Plaid, an alternative to the Most Likely to Go With Everything

LAUREN Ralph Lauren "Rossalyn II" boot, Zappos.com, $55.99

Best Heels

Gabriella Rocha "Duckee" boot, Zappos.com, $89

Best Bootie/ Best Splurge

Loeffler Randall "Rain Slip On" bootie, Zappos.com, $150

Image(s) courtesy of www.zappos.com

New Kid on the Block: Lydali

Part home decor store and part boutique, Lydali is a collection of artisans from around the world who create unique items and then sell them through Lydali. I first heard about them through a Refinery29 article that caught my eye. I thought I should share some of their super cute wares so the next time you're killing time in the office, treat your eyes to some virtual window shopping candy!

A beautiful scarf hand-made in Ghana, Lydali, $66

Lovely colors and a leathery texture makes this a double win. Snakeskin Wristlet, Lydali, $32

Dusty agate ring, cut from the stone. Agate Ring, Lydali, $42. One more view below:

A beautiful dress with subtle and bold color. Very nice detail. Dress, Lydali, $178.

It's easier than you thought to become a citizen of the world. It's as easy as wearing items from artisans local to the countries you've always wanted to visit.

Image(s) courtesy of www.lydali.com

HeidiSays San Francisco Blowout Sale

 

See Beyond Black's Work on The Today Show

Check out my brilliant client Tara Sophia Mohr in her new Beyond Black wardrobe as she shares her expertise on the Today Show.  Tara, you look amazing!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tara is wearing a turquoise Diane von Furstenberg dress and Jimmy Choo purple suede shoes, both available at Bloomingdale's Union Square.

 

San Francisco Symphony: Orchestrate Your Outfit

As much as we all say "you couldn't pay me enough to ever go back to high school"- and as much as I completely agree- there is one thing I do miss about it: the dances. When I was a teenager, the thought of billowy dresses with big hair and makeup inflated my spirits and shot me sky high when I slipped on the heels. My every-other-day high school life was spent in flip flops and tank tops. I was an athlete growing up in southern California so reasons to get dressed up were few and far between. But the dances...they were there to give your inner girly girl an night out. Now that I find myself well out of high school and even college, I've discovered "prom" type occasions are even more scarce. Apparently adults no longer want a reason to gallivant throughout the night in a fancy dress and sharp suit...unless of course it comes with a striking orchestration courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS).

The beautiful exterior of the Davies Symphony Hall, home to the SFS

Like any reasonable stylist out there, I love an excuse to play dress up. The San Francisco Symphony celebrates it's 100th season this year with an opening night fast approaching. You know what that means right? Time to ask your mom to take you shopping because you're going to the gala with the hottest boy at work and you need a new dress and shoes. And bag. Probably hair and makeup too. But it will totally be worth it because not only is your date going to look so cute in a suit, the night has the promise of magic!
But I digress...

The Opening Night Gala (held this season on September 7th) is the only night guests wear formal attire. Every other show you can wear business or cocktail clothing; however, for the opening show of a centennial season I think that throwing on a little extra shellack is called for. This then begs the question of: what am I going to wear? Lucky for you, Bloomingdale's has some pieces that are sure to be music to your...ears?

You can go bold...

Aidan Maddox, $440 (Go for an up-do to soften the impact of this dress)

You can go clean and classic...

BCBGMaxAzria, on sale for $104! (it has a beautiful cut-out back)

And if you're pregnant...

Halston Heritage, $495. (For this look, add a long earring to accentuate the neck)

For the hot date you're sure to be taking...

Theory, ~$700. There is nothing like a man in a suit...too bad this fine gent isn't free

Tickets to the symphony are more than affordable (they start at $15!) but if attire and ticket cost are still a concern, you're in luck. There will be a FREE concert the night after the Opening Gala in honor of the symphony's triple digit birthday. Festivities begin at 1130am but the concert starts at noon. September 8th is a Thursday but on the chance of a clear, SF summer day with free music, you might just find yourself skipping there.

Image(s) courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Mad Men Style Sweeps the Nation: Are you a Betty or a Joan? A Pete or a Don?

With the 4th season of AMC's hit TV show Mad Men airing soon, they're doing a recap of all of the previous episodes to catch people up.  It's one of those shows my husband and I were never interested in until everyone starting raving about it, then we never started because we were behind.  Even if the show turned out to be crap (which it isn't), I would have loved it anyway due to the set and costume designs.

Now I've officially jumped on the Mad Men bandwagon.  (1) In my house- mid century modern is the one design style my husband and I can agree upon- and (2) in my closet because my curves love 1940-1950's era styles.  And I know I'm not the only one....

Banana Republic is showing their love by releasing a limited edition Mad Men collection in time for the fall season.  August 11th at 6:00PM (in select stores) you can shop the collection and drink a free "Mad-tini".  Receive a gift with purchase if you use your Banana Republic card.

Guys, they didn't forget about you...  "Are you MAD enough?"


Want something a little more literal?  Check out this Etsy shop for curvaceous creations that look like they came straight out of the show.

Image(s) courtesy of Google search. Quote from Banana Republic marketing.

"Honey Don't"- Men, What Not to Wear This Summer

In the article "Honey Don't: Menswear Faux-pas", Women's Wear Daily (WWD) asked some of their favorite fashionable ladies what their take on bad men's summer fashion looked like.  Some of the answers varied from obvious...

"...I don’t like that Speedos thing. I see it in France and Brazil all the time. In Brazil, it’s different, I think, because there that doesn’t count, it’s fine. But here…no." - Doutzen Kroes

 

...to equally obvious but pretty darn funny...

"A rhinestone T-shirt. You don’t look like a man. You look like an idiot." - Sophia Bush

I read this and had to add my two cents on the topic.  Living in the San Francisco Bay Area where tech is king, I've seen plenty of this "uniform"...

"Pleated khakis and short sleeved button-down shirts for work. Don't forget multiple cell phones attached to belt."- Jennifer @ Beyond Black

So I ask you, if you had the chance to ask your man "Honey, don't..." in regards to his wardrobe, what would you tell him not to wear this summer?

 

Fabulous Florals

I think several of you are aware of my love for all things 90's. (and if you're not, then I'm not talking about it enough) Sure the 80's were great, the time of my childhood, and seem to be everlasting with several styles still sticking around today. But, the 90s are where it's at, and I can prove it!

Who What Wear recently published a post on looks they love. The subject? Florals! And not just any florals, LARGE PRINT florals! I know you know that's a 90s thing. Needless to say, I had to share it with you here.

I'm mildly obsessed with Ashlee Simpson's jumpsuit...

If you want to stand out from the crowd with this trend, keep things contemporary by finding floral designs in modern silhouettes:

Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress, $134

A flirty top would be super cute with jeans or under a blazer for work:

Free People top, $47

Floral skirts are always sweet and keep you looking feminine and fresh:

Leifsdottir, $123

And if you've got a baby blossom, let them bloom in this sweet little dress!

SO CUTE! Ralph Lauren, $39.50

Since San Francisco summer days tend to show up around September, you've got some time to get your floral on. Don't forget you can add some edge to this uber sweet style by throwing on a motorcycle jacket or some combat boots...You'll be a gal after my own 90s-loving heart.

Image(s) courtesy of whowhatwear.com & Bloomingdales.com

Litter SF: Body Jewelry

Among the many truths I live by as a stylist, one is that a T-shirt and jeans will look 10X better if you jazz it up with a little jewelry. Nothing like a little sparkle and shine to help elevate your look as well as your mood. And when those happy baubles come from a San Francisco-based designer, it's like the cherry on top. One line I love has focused their glitz into pieces that are industrial and worn like armor. Nothing is typical and their brilliance lies in pieces like harness necklaces, gauntlet/sleeve bracelets, and garter chains. I always say you can be anyone you want to when you get dressed in the morning so why not be a fashion warrior, literally?!

Litter SF is a San Francisco-based company where the designer sisters create a particular kind of jewelry. They grabbed my attention when I saw their work in a past issue of 7X7 magazine. For me, the earth moving moment came when I saw the pièce de résistance, the harness necklace. I'd never seen anything like it and being a jewelry jockey (aka, magpie) it blew my mind. I had never even thought of having chains and metal hang around my neck and torso!
...I was hooked.

Love at first sight. Multi Chain Harness, $150

I feel like the harness necklace is the gateway drug. Once you see it, use it, you'll want more. And Litter does not disappoint. There are so many more pieces you'll be craving in those "what do I wear" moments.

Chica Gold Shoulder Piece, $160

There's a piece of jewelry for every limb and every section of your body, even your shoes!

Possibly my second favorite. Loop Chain Garter, $120.

Is your inner Amazon woman coming out yet? You can't tell me you don't want to me a cool, urban ninja rocking these down the street. (It could just me I suppose...)

Once you're torso, leg and shoulder are attired, you can finish out your outfit with a sleeve...

Light Silver Forearm Sleeve, $98

...And a ring for the fingers. 

Stone Thumb Holster, $225

Of course claws and ear cuffs are available if you're feeling especially fierce.

Feather Ear Cuff, $85

Sterling Silver Cougar Claws, $48

Happy hunting ladies!

Image(s) courtesy of LitterSF

San Francisco Is A Fashionably Happenin' City

Danielle Steel, eat your words!*

Who says* San Francisco has no style?! psh.

Image(s) courtesy of The SF Style.com

"Thou Shalt Not Endure Mom Butt"- Our SF Indie Fashion Interview

When popular online resource SF Indie Fashion contacted us to help put together a denim buying guide, I thought YES! Now there's a tool I know most women would definitely benefit from. How many of us have looked at those neatly stacked squares of jeans and found them threatening? Digging for your size alone is an act of futility as no matter how hard you try those darn things tumble off and wind up in a mess on the floor. Plus, who knows if you even get the right style or fit and have to go back in for round two.

Needless to say I was thrilled (I'm even doing a little jig right now) to put some of our experiences onto paper as our heads are practically bursting with clandestine clothing knowledge from years spent as personal shoppers and wardrobe stylists.  It felt great to get that information out there, in a readily available and formidable fashion resource like SFIF*.

There's nothing like working with other people in the fashion industry who equally share your enthusiasm for sartorial problem solving.  They came armed with a list of queries ranging from how to pick the right pair of skinnies- now considered a staple in your closet- to butt pocket adornments and affordable denim options. Hopefully this guide with help everyone assuage any future denim debacles. Even in a city as seemingly laissez-faire as San Francisco, thou shalt not endure "mom butt", muffin top, or butt cracks.

To read the full article and check out SF Indie Fashion, click here.

*If you're not already, get acquainted with SF Indie Fashion. I've been following their tweets now for sometime and if you ever want up-to-the-minute San Francisco Indie Fashion information, start following their sartorial shout-outs immediately. They offer an insight into the independent fashion scene of SF, an area we in the industry value as it's what sets us apart from LA and NY.

New Online Trend: Stores That Shop For You

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: being a personal shopper/stylist in the Bay Area is awesome. There's so much style everywhere it's inspiring! Plus I'm a confessed shopaholic, whether it's online or out on the street, so my eye never settles as I'm constantly on the hunt for the next best thing. Imagine my surprise when I started coming across websites designed to do what I do; shop for you! I feel a little like Captain Picard on the USS Enterprise facing the final frontier. Except this time, the ship can steer itself.

I can sense your apprehension, Captain

The concept is relatively simple: you go to said site, set up an account- which is just like adding yourself to a mailing list- answer a few questions as to whether or not you find some items and people in different images "more my style" or "not my style", and sit back and let the website do the shopping for you. You'll receive email updates when your "boutique" has new items in it to entice you to shop and viola! you've just established your own virtual personal shopper and boutique all rolled into one. It's all a little weird, isn't it?

So many options, so little time

Sites like the much hyped boutiques.com (owned and operated by Google) and justfab.com boast that they've cut out the middle man (ahem!) to make our shopping lives easier. The "tastemakers" used at boutiques direct the recognition software used within the site to add various items to your store while justfab relies on their style experts, Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr (aka founders of whowhatwear.com), to choose the best pieces for you. With both sites backed by huge internet power players, you can expect to see more websites following suit. At least, that's my prediction.
(You can read more about a boutiques.com here. It's a fantastic article.)

This could be me and you, finding fabulousness together

But speaking as a personal shopper, I'd like to offer a rebuttal to this seemingly amazing new break through. I read recently in InStyle magazine that based on a poll of readers, over 94% had never used a personal shopper. I was shocked but not blown away. I know that the prices revolving around these types of services can be steep. It is after all considered a "luxury" service and we are in a recession. However, the pay off and benefits are more than worth the money. The one thing we do that no online site ever will is make a personal connection to our clients. We are physically there with you, working through the emotions your closet has held onto, and we're there holding your hand as we help you find that new you in the dressing room. That sort of process can be life changing. What website can claim to do that? Without us, these websites are nothing more than cold, flat images on a screen assuming they're your taste. With us, you have a sounding board and hopefully, a friend. 

Image(s) courtesy of callcenterguy.wordpress.com,  fashionweektampabayblog.com, thsstyling.com.au