Events


Wilkes Bashford Palo Alto celebrates their Grand Re-Opening

Wilkes Bashford is a name which draws ooohs and aaahs from Fashionistas around the Bay Area. Known for carrying the most beautiful designs from Italy’s top designers, Wilkes Bashford has been a San Francisco Bay Area icon since 1966.

This is the store our parents shopped at when we were growing up and as children; we would see all the beautiful clothing they brought home after a shopping trip to the city. Now, in 2012, the iconic shop is celebrating a make-over with newly, redesigned stores in both San Francisco and Palo Alto.

The Palo Alto location, which is near Neiman Marcus at the Stanford Shopping Center, is a cozy shop with both men’s and women’s attire. Shoppers can expect to find fabulous designs from designers such as Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Kiton, Valentino, Chloe, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin and more.

The amazing mix of apparel, shoes, handbags, fine designer jewelry, fragrances and accessories is any fashion-savvy shoppers dream. The new, open floor plan in Palo Alto lets you, as a shopper, see the entire layout and easily find the department you wish to shop in right away. Love that!

In order to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the Palo Alto location, Wilkes Bashford threw a fabulous cocktail party complete with runway show, DJ and live acrobats. The runway show featured fall and resort clothing from Italy’s top designers which drew ooohs and aaahs from the fashionable crowd. 

Below you will find photos from the Grand Re-Opening event in Palo Alto which took place on Friday, November 16th from 7pm to 9:30pm. The event was amazing, and of course the merchandise in-store is even more amazing! To learn more about Wilkes Bashford, and to see a list of fabulous in-store events, please visit WilkesBashford.com.


Santana Row celebrates 10 years of fabulous shopping, dining and entertainment

Santana Row kicked off their ten year anniversary celebrations on September 27 at 6pm with a special VIP cocktail party for 200 guests which attracted local politicians and celebrities. Guests of the event dined on delicious food provided by Santana Row restaurants and guests also enjoyed an exclusive cocktail which was designed for the evening.

We knew the evening would be fabulous when we arrived at the VIP party and quickly noticed the amazing floral arrangements, hip white furniture and cozy pillows. The DJ kept the party energetic and the crowd was one of the most fashionable gatherings we have spotted in a long, long time.

After guests were able to enjoy the fabulous food and drinks provided by Santana Row, party goers were treated to informal modeling by Federal Reality employees, Santana Row VIP’s and even Sal Pizzaro from the San Jose Mercury News. (We have to admit, he stole the show when he went down the runway with his beautiful daughter in-hand.)

Mayor Chuck Reid was on hand to give a heartfelt speech and so was Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio. Debbie Allison, a member of the Junior League of San Jose and professional singer from England closed the runway show by singing Katy Perry’s “Firework.” And let me tell you, her voice is one of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear!

In addition to the fabulous VIP soirée, H&M was celebrating their grand opening in their new; two story location where Border’s used to be. The retailer offered in-store, opening day only discounts and rocked the house with a DJ. Shoppers were buzzing and purchasing armloads of clothing and accessories. The new H&M has a huge women’s department, men’s department and the cutest kids clothing you have ever seen! Loved it!

Also, if you happen to be in the San Jose area, September 29 & 30 Santana Row retailers will be donating 10% of sales back to the San Jose Fire Department in honor of the heroic work they did ten years ago fighting the famous Santana Row fire which threatened the grand opening  of the shopping area. Of course, due to the fabulous work by the firefighters and perseverance of Santana Row, the energetic shopping, dining and entertainment opened without a hitch and continues to grow and thrive to this day.

Cheers Santana Row! It has been a fabulous ten years and here’s looking forward to many decades to come!

For more information about Santana Row, please visit SantanaRow.com

Happy shopping, dining and playing; and stay fabulous 

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Photos: Cathy/Bay Area Fashionista 2012©


Santana Row celebrates ten years

Has it really been ten years? Santana Row in San Jose is celebrating their tenth anniversary this year and it seems like only yesterday the fabulous shopping, dining and residential village opened its’ doors.
The tenth anniversary brings back memories of anticipation as Fashionistas throughout the San Francisco Bay Area waited to see how $450 million and 42-acres could bring together both residential and retail spaces to create a village within a city.

As the grand opening of Santana Row approached, everyone watched closely as an 11-alarm fire raged through the largest building on August 19, 2002. The fire destroyed 538,000 square feet of retail and residential space. The fire turned out to be the largest in the history of San Jose!

Santana Row is marking ten years and celebrating Silicon Valley’s economic resurgence by undergoing a $300 million expansion. This exciting expansion will include a central plaza, resort-style residential units and additional retail and office space. Oh, and never fear, this includes more parking! Love that!

The tenth anniversary celebration at Santana Row will take place from September 27 through September 30 2012. The official anniversary is November 7, 2012.
For more information, please visit santanarow.com

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Photo: Santana Row ten years ago, under construction. Photo courtesy of Santana Row.