It’s so weird how women evolve style-wise, isn’t it? I remember back when I didn’t care AT ALL about shoes. Like, I had the rattiest pair of hightop Reebok sneakers and (for real) would wear them with anything and everything. I swore nobody looked at my feet, so why waste the precious money that I could ill afford, being very young and financially….lean. Clearly, I have transcended this issue, as evidenced by my crazy vast footwear collection:
 Ahhh...my babies. Some of them.  ...and the big sistahs. Now, there’s a new sheriff in town…my nails. I’ve always thought of getting my nails done as something for special occasions, and I was happy to paint them myself once in a blue moon. As much as I type, and periodically (read “practically never”) play the guitar, chipping and cracking was pretty much a sure thing. Which is why I’m so in love with the shellac trend of polishes, which doesn’t do the damage of acrylics, and lasts 2, sometimes 3, WEEKS. It’s a nail miracle! To top it off, you can get your nails done and immediately fish your keys out of your purse, as the polish is dry and totally unable to be smeared, smudged, or damaged. I love that it comes in glitter polish that can be layered, and my nail salon, Nails by Vivian in El Cerrito, has talented nail techs that take their creativity very seriously. Shellac is very much lik gel polish in that you dry your nails under UV light following every layer of polish, including base coat. For me, with my multiple coats, designs, and glitter extravaganza, this is usually about 4 times.
 This was not intended to be posted, hence the horribe cell phone blur, and post-grow-outness. But this is one of my fave looks, leopard print nails with gold glitter, all shellac polish.  Black polish and gold glitter polish, with extra gold chunks added individually. Sorry, another cell phone shot.  All pink, with gold glitter ring finger. This was my making an effort to be conservative.  Finally a decent pic with my Nikon! So this is teal blue shellac polish with regular nail polish ladybugs. This is a great way to have designs on your nails with alot of detail, with the added bonus of being able to remove the design if you get tired of it...regular acetone polish remover will take OFF the design, but NOT the shellac polish! Genius. My two co-workers and I are all nail crazy, and it’s fun to compare nail designs…it’s almost like who can out-do who, from week to week, and I’m getting more and more creative with my design ideas in preparation for what I call Office Nail Wars. It’s not too expensive to get shellac (only about $5 more than a regular mani, at the 3 nail salons that I’ve gone to in the past year). I have yet to see this done in pedicure form, so I don’t even know if salons typically offer it…I don’t need it because my pedis last long enough. By the time they start to look wack, my feet are begging for professional pampering anyway. To remove the shellac, you can soak your fingertips in acetone, a process which is followed by scraping off the remnants with a metal tool. As time passes, the polish will start to peel on its own; however, resist the temptation to pick and peel it yourself, as it can damage your nails.
My next big nail move will be….well, you’ll see when it happens. There’s a look that I’ve been putting off due to the ridiculous cost, but I must do it at some point…..I guarantee you, victory will be MINE in Nail Wars when it finally happens! Stay tuned
Saturday night came storming into the Bay Area, bringing its pounding rain and wind. It seems, however, that San Francisco was the eye of the storm–it was all fun, fashion, and fierceness thanks to the Bossini Fashion Show at San Francisco’s beautiful Regency Center! The show was to benefit BCAction (Breast Cancer Action), and celebrate Bossini’s launch of luxury women’s wear. Bossini, a luxury retailer based in in Santa Clara, teamed up with Melange and Byrdsong Productions in a brilliant move that made this event a pleasure to attend. From the opening live music by Ella Cooley & Band and the flavorful fare provided by Sukhi’s, all the way to the sinfully delicious desserts by Black Tie Desserts and music courtesy of DJ River, the evening was high energy entertainment and fashion for a cause. What could be better?
 Attendees mingle before the show.  The girl sitting in front of me got these beauties in London. 
Me with fellow makeup artist Regard Tang. I’m wearing my favorite red this season, Red Stiletto lipstick by Lancome, topped with Venetian Lustreglass by MAC.
 It was great to see Amanda stompin' the runway last night.  The generous selection of colorful pants was killing me. There are no words to describe how much I love these green ones. Gorge! 
………………………………….Model Shai White wears a design by Danielle the Dressmaker.
 Danielle the Dressmaker wears one of her own amazing designs. 
………………………………….Designer Tuan Tran wears a vest of his own design.
GHANA FASHION & DESIGN WEEK ANNOUNCES EVENT DATE, VENUE AND LAUNCH
OF A NEW WEBSITE
Accra, Ghana (12th March, 2012) — Ghana Fashion & Design Week (GFDW) today announces
event date, venue and launch of its new website. The three-day event will be the most
innovative and the first of its kind to take place on the global fashion calendar in Accra, Ghana.
GFDW will launch the first Ethical Fashion platform in Ghana under its umbrella themed -
ETHIKHATM during the three-day international fashion and educative seminar event scheduled to
take place in Accra, the capital city of Ghana on the 5th -7th of October 2012 at the Moevenpick
Ambassador Hotel. The event aims to empower Ghanaian designers, highlighting their
contributions to the industry and branding Ghana as a global player in culture, fashion and
tourism.
GFDW has launched its new official website www.ghanafashiondesignweek.com, the newly
designed website boasts a modern, creatively designed portal as its main online point of
reference for all information relating to the upcoming event. Designers, models, press, buyers,
sponsors, and the global audience will be able to access quality information relating to the GFDW
event.
This is a major step forward as preparation takes place for the first ever Ghana Fashion & design
Week, with educative seminars about the business of fashion and creativity. GFDW vision is
reinforcing its already powerful message, an aim to develop and educate creative talents in
Ghana through its mentoring platforms.
Application for catwalk showcase and exhibition are available online at
www.ghanafashiondesignweek.com All Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis to
determine eligibility based on Designer specifications. The application deadline is 30 of June
2012.
Vision. Education. Creation
####
One may argue that I take shopping too seriously. All the planning, pre-sale store mapping, night-before sales floor reconnaissance, retail staff interviews….in my opinion, there’s no such thing as being too prepared. But one factor of the shopping experience that often, and sadly, goes unconsidered, is our own clothing.
I have spent hours and hours walking around San Francisco’s Union Square on countless occasions–sometimes with my friends, when we make a day of trowling our favorite stores. We love to start a shopping day early, enjoying Bloody Marys at the Rotunda in Neiman Marcus, and end the day at one of the many restaurants or bars that offer a sumptious variety of mouth-watering delights that us hungry foodie chicks die for. But all-day shopping, especially if there are sales involved, is not for the faint of heart, or high of heel. Since my hideous back injury in 2010, I am even more aware than usual of the importance of my shopping attire. My outfit has to work for me, not against me. My clothes have to be an entity unto themselves whose sole purpose is to support and promote my shopping experience.
Take, for example, the recent launch of Jason Wu’s collection for Target. I was standing outside of my local Target at 7:45am, waiting patiently for the doors to open. I admit, I was a tad chilly, as I had wisely chosen to leave my jacket in the car as to avoid carrying anything cumbersome which might inhibit my speed, or prevent me from moving with dexterity through the tight racks without getting caught on something. A lovely woman came up behind me at about 7:50am. I casually checked her out…was she around my size? Could this be competition for the limited pieces that I had already marked for try-on? I quickly sized her up as being at least one size smaller than me, therefore, of no concern. But what I did notice was her outfit. It was cute, but I didn’t get it–skinny jeans tucked into high-heeled boots, button-down long-sleeved shirt, brown leather jacket, a scarf around her neck, and a clutch. I snickered…amateur! Good thing for her we were in different size categories. By the time the doors opened, there were at least 20 women standing at the doors. The poor dude who opened them almost got stampeded, but guess who was fastest? ME! I moved with the impressive speed and agility of a linebacker. Or whatever football guy does the most running. But dressing for speed and comfort is not just for retail combat like designer launches and sales. Whether you’re doing an all-day stroll in the city, or a quick trip to your favorite bargain haunt, here are a few tips to help you along.
#1: COMFORTABLE, SLIP-ON SHOES
There are 2 reasons why you want to heed this advice: comfort is key when you’re on city streets, and in S.F., there are a lot of hills. Also, you never know when you’re going to see a cute pair of shoes or ten that you wanna try on. Who needs the hassle of trying to get out of boots, or untie shoelaces? That works for skirts, but what if you’re shopping for pants, or moving from store to store? So annoying! Stick to slip-ons, preferably ones with some support.
#2: ONE-PIECE DRESSING
I don’t buy ANYTHING without trying it on. I can seriously delude myself into thinking something will look good on me, and then, cold, hard reality turns its ugly head. So, keeping in mind that I may have tons of stuff to try on, I keep my shopping outfit simple–one piece, or occasionally 2 simple pieces, such as a tunic and leggings. Whip it off over my head, try stuff on, whip it back on, and keep it movin’.
 Comfy, stretchy dress, padded slingback platforms, and a bag big enough for my sweater. Add my black Chanel sunnies, and I'm ready to go. #3: WELL-FITTING UNDERGARMENTS
This is not the time to reach for old, stretchy panties or a bra that’s seen better days. You want to know how your new garments will look best on you, and you can’t determine proper fit without proper undies. If you’re looking for something specific, such as a strapless or form-fitting dress, decide if you need to pack a strapless bra, spanx, or thong. Speaking of which….
#4: LARGE HANDBAG
…to carry your regular purse stuff, light outerwear (or undies for specific try-ons), and smaller stuff that you buy. I will occasionally pack a pair of leggings in my bag if I have concerns about it getting cold as the day/evening progresses. If I don’t need to carry shopping bags (which aren’t necessarily rip-proof or waterproof), then I won’t. If your purse is big enough, you can carry your purchases and personals, and still avoid the extra bulk and possible rippage of a shopping bag.
 This cute striped mini is from my Jason Wu for Target haul. I have a sweater and a dress in the red bag! My Paul Frank eyeglass frames are from Next Eyewear on College Ave., Oakland.
 I used to hate these shoes since I bought them out of desperation when my back was messed up. Now? Fab shopping shoes. Shop smart, whether you’re window shopping, bargain hunting, or just using the word “shopping” as an excuse to hang out with your friends. Keep in mind that you want to minimize discomfort and maximize fun. Any questions? Let me know, and happy (comfy!) shopping!
As a person who likes to dance to the beat of her own drum, I’m not usually one who enjoys when some bossypants event tells me what to wear. But in the case of ”SNOW: A White Fashion Event, 2012″, hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Fashion Network, I was willing to make an exception. Finally, an opportunity to wear my beaded vintage jacket! Fortunately, it was also an opportunity to partake of the delicious visual rock candy of some of our most talented local designers.
 As usual, Ruby Envy's Diva of Fabulosity, Athina, adds her own brand of chic to the front row. Her cute plats are from ALDO. With talent like Violetta Vieux (whose designs I loved at S.F. Fashion Week), Herbert Williamson, Cari Borja, Cana Klebanoff, and SFBAFN Founding Director Joseph Domingo, there was something for everyone.
 Violetta Vieux  I feel a quick change coming...wait for it....wait for it.....
 ....Love it! 
 Julie Schindler created sheer sexiness in a sophisticated 2 piece look.
 Julie Schindler's full-length quilted jacket.
 Cana Klebanoff's menswear...I love that it's a little Dr. Zhivago meets James Bond.  Herbert Williamson. Love this.
 ....and this.
 Cari Borja
 A prime example of menswear that I want to wear....those pants! From Cari Borja
 One word: ADORABLE.  So flattering! The movement when she walked was gorgeous, and I can picture this working on a variety of body types. Thank you, Joseph Domingo.  Gorgeous layered ruffles at Joseph Domingo. I have to admit, the attendees’ fashion was as creative and diverse as the designers’. Hats were a definite show-stopper.
 I said, "Love your hat!" He replied, "Love your jacket!"  Emily told me that she picked up this dashing feathered hat in Vegas....darn!
 This owner of this vintage-inspired chapeau was sporting head-to-toe elegance.
 My gold/rhinestone feather earrings from A Diva's Closet went perfectly with my vintage jacket.
 The eyes have it at Violetta Vieux.  Was Joseph Domingo dreaming of "The Valley of the Dolls" when he was inspired to create his delicious collection? My two favorite pieces were perfection, and the retro styling was on point.
 Joseph Domingo and I at the after party.
 Models and attendees mingled at the after party. It was a great evening of sumptious designs, delicious wine and snacks, and fashionistas who gave the runway a run for its money. Athina and I ended the evening at Cafe Rouge in Berkeley, where we indulged in the always yummy roasted bone marrow, kale caesar salad, and cocktails. Although we were bleary-eyed by the time we headed home, we had visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads–and a SNOW white feast of fashion we won’t soon forget.
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