Do you feel like there’s so much shopping to do these days that it’s practically a full-time job? Allow us to commiserate�and make you work even harder! From designer trunk shows to craft fairs to chillin’ with Santa Claus in shoeland, your options have never been better. For optimal results, print out this week’s guide, then arm yourself with a stash of candy canes and plenty of java.
STYLEFILE
Molly Green Credits: Photo by Kathleen Richards “Layered, Soho,” posted last week on The Sartorialist.
Who: Molly Green, 19 Occupation: UC Berkeley PEIS (Political Economy of Industrial Societies) student, originally from South Dakota Spotted: Crossing Mario Savio Plaza at UC Berkeley on her way to class Wearing: Slip worn as a dress from a vintage store in L.A., black shirt from The Limited, Mary Jane flats from Old Navy. What She Was Thinking: “It was a good dress day because it’s so nice outside.” Fashion Inspiration: 1950s and 1960s, classy, Audrey Hepburn Fashion faux pas: Ugg boots!
Favorite stores: The Gap, vintage stores, H&M
SHOP TALK
Web Site Alert: The Sartorialist
OK, we know we’re a little behind, but we’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the genius behind this site, The Sartorialist. The premise is simple: a guy takes artful photos every day of some of the most stylish men and women in New York. If you’re feeling discouraged about fashion or just need some inspiration, this site doesn’t disappoint!
Local Shout Out: ShopMyCloset This local Web site has been a daily habit of ours for months. As the Express reported back in July, ShopMyCloset is one of the first blogs to sell stuff. And this one specializes in second-hand, new, and vintage items from the closets of its fashion-obsessed and locally-minded bloggers. Besides being a great place for a cheap find (think Marc Jacobs for half off), the site also posts sample sales and trunk shows happening all over the country, including the Bay Area. Check it out!
TEN REASONS TO LEAVE THE HOUSE (EVEN IF IT’S RAINING)
#1 You Still Don’t Have an Outfit for Your Office Shindig (Not to Mention New Year’s) EVarize and Mui Mui Studios host the East Bay Winter Sidewalk Sale featuring twenty local designers, including Oaklandish, Ragamuffin Clothing, Nopal, and Anti Matter. Plus take 20 percent off EVarize’s custom-made apparel. When: Sat. Dec. 9, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: 2634 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley
#2 To Help Feed Hungry Students
Students, profs & alum from California College of the Arts (yeah, pretty much every hipster you see strolling the streets of North Oakland) pimp their finest creations while jazz music soothes your soul. Ceramics, blown glass, photography, jewelry and more. When: Sat., Dec. 9, 11-3. Where: Oakland Campus, 5212 Broadway (@ College). Main walkway.
#3 Because you {heart} independent? Pro Arts Gallery introduces i {heart} independent‘s first Bay Area extravaganza, with high-end handmade bling, clothes & bags at prices you’ll totally {heart}. Free.
When: Sat., Dec. 9, 11-4. Where: 550 Second Street @ Jack London Square, Oakland.
#4 You Missed The Living Room’s First Annual Trunk Show Dozens of local artisans share their wares at the gallery’s Second Annual Holiday Trunk Show. Come for the hats, photos, drawings, jewelry and Dia de los Muertos keepsake boxes. Stay past the witching hour to dance. The press release informed us that “toasty drinks” will be available and that “plenty of mistletoe will abound.” So perhaps you can skip your usual rendezvous with Craig’s List casual encounters tonight? When: Sat. Dec 9, 8pm-12am Where: 3230 Adeline St., Berkeley
#5 After Last Year’s Fiasco, You Owe Your Mother-In-Law Something Stunning
Oakland artists Bruce Pizzichillo and Dari Gordon will be selling one-of-a-kind glass vases, bowls, and sculptures in their studio. For more info, call 510-832-8380. When: Sat. Dec. 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: 2680 Union St., Oakland.
#6 Multi-Tasking Sustainable Shopping Is So You Get your organic fruits and vegetables, shop for gifts, and listen to homegrown music all at once at the Berkeley Farmers’ Market 15th Annual Holiday Crafts Fair, hosted by the Ecology Center. When: Sat. Dec. 9, & 16, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Center St. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in downtown Berkeley
#7 Because Cody’s May Be Gone, But Telegraph Lives on Yes, it’s that time again. The 23rd Annual Telegraph Avenue Street Fair brings out all the wind-chimes, pottery, political t-shirts, knit hats, and more silver jewelry than you can shake a stick at. When: Sat. & Sun. Dec. 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24; from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Telegraph Ave., between Dwight Way and Bancroft Way in Berkeley
#8 You’re a Sucker for Santa (& Shoes)
Need an excuse to go shoe shopping? Santa Claus will stop by Rabat Shoes in his spiffy vintage 1946 motorbike complete with sidecar. Your kid will be distracted for at least two hours while you check out the latest handbags and boots. When: Sat. Dec 9 & 16, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.; Mon. Dec. 18 through Sat. Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Where: Rabat Shoes, 1825 Fourth St., Berkeley
#9 When You Hear “Potter,” You Don’t Think “Harry” The Berkeley Potters Guild offers up pieces from 16 local artists. When: Sat. Dec. 9 & 16; Sun. Dec. 10 & 17; Mon. Dec. 18 through Sun. Dec. 24. In all cases, 10-5.
Where: 731 Jones St. at Fourth St. in Berkeley
#10 You Can’t Face Supercuts but Don’t Have $80 For A New ‘Do We can relate. So do what we’re doing, and get a high-end cut while supporting a good cause in the process. Peter Thomas Hair Design is hosting a benefit for Village Hopecore, a nonprofit working in Kenya to alleviate poverty through microlending. Every cent of your $35 haircut will support the organization. When: Tues. Dec. 12, 3 pm.-7 p.m. (It may sound like a short time frame, but There are plenty of slots open!) Where: Peter Thomas Hair Design, 1700 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley
AND THERE’S MORE ACROSS THE BAY
Shopping, Cocktails, and Music … Oh My! Check out the free holiday boutique sale going on at Bottom of the Hill, featuring goods from Mixt Bags, vintage jewelry from Cara Lyndon, plus handmade notebooks from Recover Your Thoughts. Food, special drinks, and music will keep you moving. When: Sat. Dec 9, noon-5 p.m. Where: Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., San Francisco
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.
