Bay Area Fashion

Circle & Square SF has launched online

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Handbags / Jewelry / Shopping  tagged circle and square sf / local shops / spring 2011 by

Circle & Square SF is a hot designer boutique located in San Francisco which features up and coming, high-end designers as well as custom designs available exclusively through Circle & Square SF. In December, Circle & Square launched their boutique online, bringing their designer accessories online for shoppers everywhere.

Circle & Square SF features hard to find and amazing designers such as Annie Handbags, Courtney Laine, Aki Kano and Adriana Castro. The online shop features amazingly on-trend jewelry items, handbags, belts, shoes and gift items such as fragrance bottles. They also sell San Francisco’s own Ineke Perfumes! Fabulous!

We here at Bay Area Fashionista are currently eyeing the Annie Handbags Rhea clutch, the Le Capri clutch, Arcadian Design tourmaline bracelet, Adriana Vargas Forero sand croc cuff, Ute Guenther’s scarves and of course Ineke perfume!

For more information, and to shop, please visit Circle & Square SF on at circleandsquaresf.com.  Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 

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Photos: Sophia Necklace by Courtney Laine $2200;  Gold Mari Hobo Handbag By Aki Kano: $440 (custom designed by C&S); Vibora Clutch in Silver Crocodile by Adriana Castro $1274
Photos courtesy of Circle & Square SF.

Denim trends for spring 2011

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion / Trends  tagged denim / historical fashion / levis / spring 2011 / summer 2011 by

Every time denim makes a big splash for a particular season, the smiles on Fashionistas in the Bay Area grow slightly larger. Denim is one of the fashion claims to fame we have here in the San Francisco Bay Area and it is no secret that we are proud of our denim history and how important denim has become over the last century to fashion around the world. Denim started its’ Bay Area history during the gold rush when Levi Strauss found the gold miners were in dire need of pants that were durable. Since the gold rush, Levi Strauss continually improved upon the pants and soon ventured into creating other types of garments using the thick fabric that was made stronger with the use of rivets; an innovation from Levi Strauss himself.

Fast forward to spring 2011 and denim is popping up, once again, on everything imaginable. Denim dresses, shirts, jackets, shoes and handbags are popping up on store shelves this spring with a vengeance. Interestingly enough, denim appeared on the spring 2011 ready-to-wear runways, but not with a large impact. Store buyers seem to understand that consumers love denim since it washes well, wears well and for some reason is incredibly flattering. Wonder if Levi Strauss knew back in the 1800’s that his pants would become the ultimate way for a woman to show off her, shall we say, derriere?

Denim pants for spring are popping up in several silhouettes; the skinny jean, wide leg jean, classic boot cut and the cropped skinny jean. In addition to pants, there are denim dresses in casual and structured styles; such as the structured, vintage 1940’s style by Lela Rose which offers a slim silhouette, cap sleeves and square neckline.

Denim shorts are being shown in short styles as well as Bermuda lengths and Prada even created a denim peacoat for spring. Handbags are sitting on store shelves in denim by designers such as Prada, Gucci, Christian Louboutin and Kooba have created denim handbags in varying styles for spring 2011 as well. Denim shoes are flying off of store shelves; Christian Louboutin created denim kitten heels for spring which are already creating a waiting list at Neiman Marcus.

The verdict is in! Denim is, once again, hot. So feel free to stock up on denim items, they are classic, easy to care for and part of Bay Area history. Love it! Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

Prada1

Prada spring 2011 denim tote bage with detachable strap.
Photo: Prada

Stay fabulous and warm on New Years

 in Bay Area Fashion / General Fashion  tagged holidays 2010 / loro piana / new years style / outerwear / winter 2011 / wraps by

New Years Eve is an evening when many Fashionistas find themselves attending a semi-formal or formal event where keeping warm just is not on the agenda. Most party attire does not offer long, warm sleeves; rather, they bare the shoulder or provide little coverage in the form of a short sleeve. For an evening such as this, a wrap is in order.

The one type of cover up Fashionistas should have their closets, or invest in for New Years this year, is a black formal wrap. A formal wrap is an easy way to keep warm and not hide your entire outfit underneath a large coat. If you have a black wrap in velvet, silk or cashmere buried in your closet, then you are all set for keeping warm this New Years Eve without sacrificing your fabulous outfit. If you do not already own a wrap that works with your holiday attire or is basic black, then it is time to go shopping.

There are several classic yet festive wraps on store shelves right now that will also make great investment pieces. Iiana Wolf has a sequin silver and black wrap that is perfect for New Years and can easily be an investment piece for years to come. Gucci has a festive black or lavender animal print wrap that features fringe on the edges. Loro Piana has a wool scarf that features animal prints. Although not a formal wrap, the Loro Piana wrap can easily be worn for a semi-formal event and with any pant outfit.

The thing to look for in an investment wrap is longevity and quality. Wraps should be classic and in a color that you know will integrate well with your current wardrobe. The quality should also high since a wrap is on the outside of your outfit, it will be the first impression someone has of your ensemble. Look for quality wools, velvet and smooth silk. Happy shopping, Happy New Years and have a fabulous night  

LoroPiana

Loro Piana wrap from the winter 2010 collection. Photo courtesy of Loro Piana