Let the holiday (pop-up) shopping begin.
(Courtesy of Molly M Designs)
Molly M Pop-Up at Rare Device
On Friday, November 10th, from 6pm to 9pm, the Rare Device flagship in Alamo Square will be fêting local designer and queen of laser cutting, Molly McGrath. The occasion? It's opening night for the Molly M Designs holiday pop-up, which is set to run through January 16th. Expect to see a range of the Mission-based artist's laser-cut goodies—jewelry, leather pouches, artwork, housewares (pillows, vases, coasters, etc.) and items from MMD Mini, her new kids line. (How cute are her gunmetal laser-etched leather booties?) // 600 Divisadero St. (Fillmore), raredevice.net
(Courtesy of The Arrivals)
Valencia Street Welcomes The Arrivals
At least through the holidays, Mission shoppers can get their hands on NYC-based digi-first label The Arrivals at a new pop-up on Valencia Street. Known for its architecturally-inspired luxe outerwear, the three-year-old brand's recipe for success is pairing simple silhouettes with high-quality leather and innovative materials (plus seriously dope details). One look—and touch— at the latest unisex designs and it's clear that co-founders Kal Vepuri and Jeff Johnson (a onetime architect) have a love of design. They're also focused on creating "foreverwear," which is why they recently unveiled a lifetime guarantee regarding material and manufacturer defects. // Outerwear prices range from $295 to $1295; accessories are $85 to $145, 11am–7pm Sun to Tues, 11am–8pm Wed to Sat, 866 Valencia St. (Mission), thearrivals.com
(Courtesy of Maya Kini)
Noe Valley Boutique Hosts Jewelry Trunk Show on Saturday
San Francisco metalsmith Maya Kini's jewelry designs may be known as minimalist but, boy, do they make an impact. See for yourself at her trunk show at nail salon-cum-florist-cum-clothing boutique Voila in Noe Valley. Kini uses high-karat gold, silver and textured stones—much of it recycled—to create her sculptural rings, earrings, necklaces and bangles. Most pieces fall in the $100–$400 range. // 10am–6pm, Nov 11, 1431 Castro St. (Noe Valley), mayakini.com
(Courtesy of Bite Beauty)
Bite Beauty Commits to Fillmore Street
It was last December when San Francisco puckers were first introduced to Lip Lab by Bite. Clearly the company's months-long temporary shop at the corner of Fillmore and Clay Streets (now occupied by denim-maker Frame) proved to be successful; the Canadian biz just put down roots with a permanent storefront just a few doors away. The cozy-cool 360-square-foot-space serves up the same opportunities for creating custom lip colors. For $55, and with the help of a Bite artist, you choose a shade from a palette of 200 colors, your finish (glossy sheer, matte cream or Amuse Bouche), and an all-natural scent—cherry, vanilla or mango. Serious splurgers should try the Bespoke Lipstick Service that includes two hand-mixed custom lippies plus an exclusive lip kit (mini agave lip mask, mini line & define lip liner and whipped cherry lip scrub) for $150. Kiss off, indeed. // 2132 Fillmore St. (Pacific Heights), bitebeauty
(Courtesy of Matilda's Magnolias)
New Flower Delivery Service for DIY-ers
Matilda's Magnolias is all about serving up fresh-cut flowers from local farmers. The new biz, which delivers Bloomboxes throughout the Bay Area, is kind of like a meal-kit delivery service: all the ingredients (i.e. flowers and greenery) come included but your creativity is key to the final product. Instead of a recipe, you get tips and recommendations (with beautiful hand-drawn illustrations) on how to create a flawless arrangement. While the specific petals in each box are kept a surprise, Matilda's focus on big-bush blooms, like dahlias, peonies and Akito roses, make for naturally raw, yet elegant bouquets. Both subscription and single Bloomboxes ($39) are available. // matildasmagnolias.com
