Red Dot 4th of July Deals

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Feeling Shifty

I happened by the Mission Statement earlier this week to gather a few details about the shop for Citysearch.com, and I spotted the Cotton Shift Dress by local designer Amanda Archer hanging in the racks. I’m in a summery mood these days (wonder why), and this dress just calls out for warm, breezy days, bare feet, itty bitty finger sandwiches and a rocking tan (not that I’ll ever have one, but I can always dream). If you like what you see, Amanda can whip up a custom version for you through her etsy shop.

After working for Lily Samii for several years, Amanda struck out on her own - and we’re certainly thrilled with the results. You can learn more about Amanda and the work she’s done (including a custom piece for me) in her 2007 interview with SF Indie Fashion: Indie Interview: Amanda Archer.

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Indi Denim: Conclusion (Dangerous Curves Ahead)

Warning: certain of the images you are about to see contain disturbing material. In fact, I would even recommend reading this post on an empty stomach, perhaps with a friend or loved one nearby for comfort. Because what you are about to see is not pretty. I am personally still recovering (as is my injured muffin-top). Perhaps I shouldn’t be so disturbed, because it’s my pasty white stomach and borderline cameltoe (there, I said it) that I am about to show you. And I should probably be comfortable with them by now. But you, well, that’s another story. You didn’t ask for this. And for that, friends, I am truly sorry (not that you didn’t ask, but that you have to suffer through this viewing). But once I begin an investigation, I don’t stop until the mission is complete.

As you may know, about a month ago, I decided to try out Indi Denim, an East Bay company promising $135 custom jeans cut to customers’ measurements and designed according to their specifications. For background, you can read my two previous posts on the ordering process:

Indi Denim: Part 1

Indi Denim: Part 2

Last week, I finally received my jeans. They arrived on Wednesday June 25, just shy of a month after I placed the order on May 31. They were neatly packaged and arrived carrying all the details I’d requested (back pocket flaps, distressed edges, etc.):

But the fit. Oh, man. It was terrible. I’d taken each measurement several times using a dressmaker’s tape measure, so I was surprised at how off it was.

Against my better judgment, I now reveal to you the tragi-comedy that ensued as I stepped into these jeans:

I know. You can say it. Oh MY god. As my husband said with his characteristic matter-of-factness, right before shielding his eyes, “The fit is not good.”

Next up, my impression of Bret Michaels, only without the massive unit. Just check out this pick from Rock of Love 2, and I think you’ll get what I’m sayin’.

I would show you more, but they are really embarrassing. So I won’t. Because I am not sure my fragile self-esteem can recover from knowing that tons of strangers have seen my denim-swaddled crotch region in this compromised state (or any state, for that matter).

To be fair to the folks at Indi Denim, they do offer customers the option to reorder for free, but I didn’t feel like expending the energy to re-enter all my measurements, fit choices and specifications. On top of that, I wasn’t that impressed with the fabric. So I’m returning them to the company, which does offer a refund within 30 days, minus the cost of shipping.

And that, folks, is all I have to say about that.

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Vote For Indie Businesses!

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite indie businesses in this year’s Best of the Bay poll by the San Francisco Bay Guardian. The deadline for casting your vote is 5 p.m. July 2.

Vote now for Best of the Bay 2008

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Built By Wendy Summer Sale

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Impressed by the Dress

The Olivia Dress by Central Valley-based label Armour Sans Anguish is one of my current favorite indie pieces in my closet (ps not me in the pic). I scooped it up at the last San Francisco Capsule event in May, but hadn’t actually taken her out on the town until last weekend, when I wore it to a casual rehearsal dinner held at a Chicago wine bar. Note the unexpected orange sherbet and pink hues, contrast of the felted wool top and cotton skirt, raw hem and deep scoop neck. The combo worked for me - my wardrobe strategy is generally to showcase the top half and camo the bottom as much as possible, and the cut of this dress certainly works for that. I paired it with a Mabel Chong necklace that dressed it up a few notches.

I was really impressed with the great fit - I’ve bought plenty of indie pieces in the past that I love, only to be disappointed with the fit in the end. Great fit is hard to achieve - even if you have something custom made. When I run across an independent designer who can make things that are not only creative and unexpected, but also fit really well, it’s notable - and certainly memorable.

Oh last (but not least) thing - all of designer Tawny H.’s pieces are made from salvaged and recycled materials and each is one-of-a-kind. That scores extra love from me.

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News, news, news…

- Secession Art & Design is having a summer party tomorrow night from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm featuring the work of Sita Rupe, Blair Bradshaw, Hilary Williams, Designs by New Skool, Taxi CDC, Saaz Designs, Green Dog Designs, Judy Aurora, Twelve Designs, Colleen Mauer and Heather Robinson.

- Goodwill Industries is looking for “regular people” models with a flair for thrifty fashion. Here are the details, copied from an email I received:

Were looking for a variety of people for a fashion shoot! You can be Goodwill’s next top model if you think you fit one of these categories:

* Young guys and gals 18-30, with a flair for fashion. Someone who really knows how to rework an old outfit or a piece of clothing. It’s your personal style and individuality were interested in.
* Funky fun families - Moms, dads, sons and daughters. If you can’t all make it at once then bring who is available.
* We also want some enthusiastic moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas. You’ve seen the styles change from Zoot suits to Jimmy Choo’s. So you know a thing or two about fashion.

DETAILS
Photo shoot to be held in San Francisco on July 2nd & 3rd. All selected candidates will receive a $100 flat fee per individual (or $200 per family), and a complimentary photo of you from the shoot.

SEND US YOUR INFO
To be considered, you’ll need to send:

1. A recent photo (non professional)
2. Contact information including phone number, email and mailing address
3. A sentence or two about why you would like to be a model for Goodwill: Are you a donor, a shopper or simply a person who wants to make the planet a healthier place by reworking fashion in a creative way?

So reply to this email now - GScelta (at) sfgoodwill (dot) org - and become a Goodwill star!

Thank you for your continued support,

Goodwill Industries
of San Francisco, San Mateo & Marin Counties

*Must be of consenting age or have written permission from a parent or guardian. You must be available for a 1/2 day (morning or afternoon) photo session.

- R.A.G. and Lemon Twist will be closed for the month of July while the Hayes Valley building they’re in undergoes renovations. Both stores are offering sales until the 30th - so stop by now and get your fix.

- Been missing those free-for-all Swap SF events? Well, you aren’t alone. Turns out the organizers have had to put the popular clothing exchange events on hold for two reasons:

1) the events draw so many people that they can no longer be held at Cellspace in the Mission. So if you know of a place that can hold 450+ people, has an entertainment license and isn’t crazy expensive, let the Swap SF people by emailing jason (at) swapsf (dot) com.

2) The organizers’ other business, Lollyphile, has been slammed with orders for absinthe lollipops. Since launching last fall, the company has become something of a local sensation - so instead of organizing swaps, they’ve been making candy and filling orders at a breakneck pace.

- The Bay Area Guide to Independent Fashion Festival has been moved from September to October. It will now take place on Oct. 11 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. We are proud to be co-sponsoring this event. If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, volunteering or sponsorship opportunities, get in touch by emailing Letitia at bayareafashion (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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HeidiSays, “Sale!”

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If You’re In NYC…

…then be sure to check out my friend Eloise’s show Paper Doll on display at the Anthropologie Rockefeller Center through August 1. A Brooklyn-based fashion designer and graphic artist, Eloise Corr Danch built this massive paper doll by hand over the course of several weeks - she even had the paper she used custom-printed. Congrats E!

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SF Indie Fashion News Roundup

News,  news and more news.

- GAMA-GO is running another photo contest. Snap a pic of yourself in the throws of summer recreating while wearing your fave GAMA-GO gear, upload it to the GAMA-GO Photo Royale flickr group, write a short description with a link back to the official site, and you could win a $175 gift certificate ($75 to the runner up). Deadline is August 1.

-  Through July 15, score discounts on Goldenbleu bags thanks to a deal from Daily Candy. Check out Goldenbleu for details.

- The San Francisco Chronicle just ran a story about Nikki D.’s monthly Prepare for the Playa events that lead up to Burning Man. Get the details at How to be Hip, Stay Safe on the Playa.

- Bernal Heights boutique Ladita is having a sale to make room for fall merch. Stop by for deals on JBrand, Porridge, silk dresses and jewelry…

- A bunch of local indie designers will be congregating tomorrow night at the Bus Stop Gallery (135 Dore Alley) from 6pm to 10pm for a trunk show featuring Bad Unkl Sista, Domini, Estar, Gibbous, Kayo, Kittinhawk, Medium Reality, Minerva’s Antenna, Miss Velvet Cream, Va-Shee Metal by Auberon, and more…

- Noe Valley boutique Isso is having a sale on jewelry through June 29. But the new inventory from Nicacelly (one of my personal faves) and the store’s own brand new Isso label of basics are reason enough to stop by anytime this summer.

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