Other musts for the summer agenda—shopping for kimonos at Kim + Ono, new plus sizes at J. Crew, and a whirl through a lady empowerment pop-up.
Mid-July means just one thing in our book: Freda Salvador sample sale.
Freda freaks, the time is nigh: Saturday, July 21st is the day. The General's Residence in Fort Mason is the place. Scoring a pair (or pairs) of the local brand's signature d'Orsay oxfords, mules, booties, and mid heels at significantly reduced prices is the point, and pleasure. Most styles will fall in the $120 to $180 range. Sale hours are 10am to 4pm but queues will, no doubt, start forming before the sun comes up. Trust us, SF girls on a Freda mish ain't taking prisoners. A few things to note: Bags and oversized jackets aren't allowed in the shopping area (there's a coat check at the entrance). Plus, no saving spots for latecomer friends; everyone gets a wristband upon arrival so all is fair. Let's face it, sample sale-ing of this magnitude is not for the faint of heart. // 1 Fort Mason (Marina), fredasalvador.com
(Courtesy of Kim + Ono)
You'll be craving kimonos once you peep this new Chinatown boutique.
For more than 30 years, the Tam family has been making and selling beautiful handcrafted silk and charmeuse kimonos in eye-popping botanical prints. Last week, sisters Renee and Tiffany Tam—who are currently helming the Kim + Ono brand and e-shop—toasted the opening of their first real-life store on Grant Avenue, situated just inside the Chinatown Gate. What was once an old factory building is now a modern and airy blonde-floored, white-walled space—and an amazing backdrop for shuffling through racks of killer kimonos. ( We're stalking this one.) Prices range from $55 to $220. // 729 Grant Ave, (Chinatown), kimandono.com
(Courtesy of Adam Lippes/Forty Five Ten)
Brunch (and shopping) with designer Adam Lippes, anyone?
All you have to do is show up at Napa Valley's Forty Five Ten boutique on Friday, July 27th (11am to 1pm). NY designer Adam Lippes, known for understatedly elegant and easy-to-wear pieces, will be hosting a Pre-Fall trunk show. Almost as exciting...mimosas, java, and bites from nearby Bouchon Bakery (god, please, let there be monkey bread) are also on the guest list. We can't think of a better way to celebrate the almost one-year anniversary of the Yountville outpost of the Dallas-based retailer, famous for a mix of emerging and established designers for women and men, as well as a stellar beauty department, gifts, home items and more. // 6540 Washington St. (Yountville), fortyfiveten.com
(Courtesy of J.Crew)
J. Crew turns to Universal Standard for its first dip in the plus-size pond.
Last week, J. Crew, in partnership with Universal Standard, debuted a 22-piece collection of modern essentials with inclusive sizing. All the jersey and linen tees, sporty track pants and skirts (our pick), and striped dresses come in sizes XXS to 5X. Prices range from $50 to $150. The pieces are available online and in select J. Crew stores, including Westfield San Francisco Centre. J. Crew turned to cult-fave Universal Standard because of its expertise and technical approach to fit and tailoring for diversified sizing. "This is J. Crew's first step towards taking down the barriers that keep tens of millions from participating in style. We know this is overdue," according to an official brand release. In other words, there are sure to be more US x JC capsules to come. Can't wait. // 865 Market St. (Union Square), jcrew.com
Take a swim in the Sea of Objectification, a titillating ball pit.(Courtesy of That Lady Thing)
The next not-to-be-missed experience is part speakeasy, part speak out.
It's called That Lady Thing, and this pop-up devoted to various gender issues means business. But in a lighthearted way, with craft cocktails. From August 5th through 9th, the Great Northern in SF's Design District will be transformed into a women's empowerment wonderland with art installations and interactive exhibits dedicated to everything from the wage gap and equal representation in leadership to harassment. For example. you'll be able to scale the Corporate Climb wall to reach the same career heights as the guys or dive into the Sea of Objectifcation ball pit, which turns the idea of treating women like playthings on its head. Tix are $25 and include a cocktail, cotton candy, and popcorn. If all goes well, the ladies will be taking the show on the road. // 119 Utah St. (SoMa), thatladything.com
