An Impromptu battle erupted, causing a slew of onlookers to cheer on the dancers.

Style in the Park

Frocks n' Fringe

Nerdy Chic

If you got it, romp it!

Post By Jennifer Elias

Notable booths that stuck out for me included Beadzilla, Jax Hatz, and Yan’s Embroidery Art.

Beadzilla

Bedzilla owner and designer Laura Thompson isn’t new to the world of beading.  Her ten years experience have substantiated her collection of high-quality, handcrafted jewelry.  Laura describes her social jewelry as fun, easy to wear, and convertible to any outfit.  I found these unique dichroic-glass beads and gemstones to be the most appealing.

Jax Hats

Butterflies and flowers seemed to be the theme for Jacqueline “Jax” Ryan’s hats.  Full of color and artistry, each creation was individual in its own right.  Hats off to Jacqueline for pulling off ingenuity in every one of her pieces.

Yan’s Embroidery Art

The crowd in artist Yan Inlow’s booth was enough to draw me in.  You wouldn’t believe that her art was embroidered by hand until you got a closer look.  Can you believe it takes a whole month to finish just one of these fine designs?

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-                          Local businesses also participated in the bayou fun and my favorite fashion stores were Dutchess Intimates Boutique, Simply Smashing and Urban Girl.  They were all kind enough for me to take some pictures of what they had to offer the huge crowd that weekend.

Dutchess Intimates Boutique

I was impressed at this boutique’s selection and affordable prices.  The store was very classy and carried everyday wear to sexy wear.  The store owner Melanie was knowledgeable about her stuff.  After visiting I can say that I would be willing to cheat on my big-name designer store with Dutchess for my next intimate apparel need.

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-Urban Girl

395 E. Campbell Ave

A perfect location, Urban Girl was right dab in the middle of the festival.  My accessory favorite was this sparkly purple-flower bag.  I knew I had to leave before my obsession with handbags took over.  I did catch a picture of this ripped-effect shirt I thought was interesting on my way out.

Simply Smashing!

It didn’t take me more than two minutes to realize that the shop owner Deb Rohzen knew how to intice her lady customers.  The boutique was filled with sales racks and lots of cute gift items.  I loved this poodle-print upholstered bench.  I was even invited to their upcoming Sex and the City party.  How could you say no to that kind of fun?

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The festival included New Orleans style food and music including New Orleans Blues, Country Cajun, and Zydeco.

It goes to show that you don’t have to travel far to have fun and support local designers and businesses.

Written by Amanda Holst

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The Unpretentious Type

You definitely don’t care about what others think about you and you don’t take yourself too seriously when it comes to fashion.  As if you didn’t have an impossible boss to please and moral standards to uphold, deciding to play the part is what has you in shambles here.  Do the clothes make the person or does the person make the clothes?  This is for you to decide.

The character that best describes you is Andy Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada.

The Dramatic Type

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Just as ostentatious as the title of this type suggests are you about being admired for the time you’ve invested on your fashion execution.  Good taste can be awarded by designer logos and your self-esteem can easily be boosted by visiting any designer store that you deem worthy.

The character that best describes you is Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic.

The Mood Type

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

If you are going to make it as a New York socialite in the 60’s you know that Givenchy’s version of  the Little Black Dress will get you there.  You know that every occasion demands its own outfit and above all you know and understand your body type, which serves as your main template.

The character that best describes you is Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The Timeless Romantic Type

Days of Summer (2009)

Dainty and feminine are the two words that best describe your fashion style.  Adorned by floral prints and open to experimenting with ruffles and anything vintage, you certainly establish yourself as the epitome of nostalgia.

The character that best describes you is Summer Finn in Days of Summer.

The Trendsetter

Annie Hall (1977)

You know that adopting risky and fearless behavior in fashion is what separates the leaders from the followers.  In order to remain fashion-forward you are always at the top of your game by constantly changing and experimenting with your look.

The character that best describes you is Annie Hall in Annie Hall.

Perspective by Amanda Holst

Whether you are buying it for your favorite fashionista friend or for your own fashion-indulgent purposes, the Coca-Cola Light gift set will ship straight from Paris! You can grab this stylish soft drink at Paris online shop Colette beginning April 24th.

“Fashion is the healthiest motivation for losing weight.” – Karl Lagerfeld

Post by Renata Gar

Fashion Art Music Exhibition, F.A.M.E. brought a dynamic collaboration of live music, artists, and models to the Women’s Club in downtown San Jose last weekend.

The venue was filled with local venders and boutiques showing unique products and creations. From bow ties and cupcakes, the Women’s Club contained wall-to-wall street-inspired designs.

Live music included master mixes and beats from performers DJ ThuyVu,
DJ Quantum,
DJ Snare, and
TradeMark Krew.

Treatbot, a karaoke ice cream truck, made an appearance outside of the building, where gourmet ice cream was served to those who wanted a sweet break.

Outside of the building, sunshine and summer-like weather greeted painters and onlookers viewing the artist’s developing creations. Alongside the artists was another deejay playing as people of all ages went freestyle and break dancing.

Umbrella Salon was the official hair salon of the night, creating looks for the runway models and prize packages.

As the night neared the end, everyone’s attention veered to the F.A.M.E. finale as models walked the runway in new and recycled clothing by retailer Crossroads Trading Company from Blossom Hill.

Several beautiful models sported spring’s biggest trends of floral prints, stripes, cropped tops, overalls, oversized sun hats, and bright makeup.

Tarina Tarantino has always had a dream of a sparkle factory of jewelry, cosmetics and the glamorous life of fashion. When she was 3 years old, Tarantino’s mother bought her Fimo clay, which she used to create her first pieces of jewelry. As time went on, Tarantino began working as a fashion model in Europe while still practicing her hobby of jewelry-making. Seeking a more creative challenge, Tarantino began working as a freelance makeup artist where she found true happiness. Still selling jewelry, she decided to launch her own brand with collections for everybody to buy, as opposed to the few lucky people who met her. And now, Tarantino has launched her greatest, and final collection- a buzz worthy cosmetics line.

I know everyone wants to check out what the worldwide “Queen of Irreverent Luxury” has to offer – Sephora in Valley Fair Mall is the place to do so!

With L.A. being home to many celebrities what better location to launch a celebrity clothing line than this. White Trash Beautiful, a new contemporary women’s line by designer Nikki Lund and Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora sent their collection down the runway for the first time ever.

You can only imagine the rock-n-roll inspired pieces from leopard print leggings to distressed leather ponchos to embellished zippers, giving the overall look of the ultimate rocker girl.

Other designers to hit the runways were Rami Kashou and Jeffrey Sebelia, both past Project Runway contestants. Rami chose a more classic goddess look while Jeffery chose a more avant-gard style with darker colors.

Designer Jen Awad took a different approach as she introduced her Matrix inspired line with a twist of a 1940’s girl. Among the looks were sweetheart necklines in radiant jewel tones all styled with the 40’s inspired big curls and fingerless leather gloves.

Bebe also strutted the catwalk in their newest spring 2010 collection.
Bebe design director Zaid Affas explained the line to be very fresh and young with lots of drapey skirts and dresses. New looks also included the Bebe-Kardashians collection, which will be out in stores mid April.
Adding some spice to the Bebe show, former pussycat doll Carmit Bashar sang and danced, bringing a burlesque vibe to the runway.

By Karissa Joan

“Where is Tina Fey when you need her?” actor Benjamin Bratt replied when asked how it felt to be a maverick. Referring to Fey’s impersonation of Sarah Palin, Bratt instantly hit it off with the sold-out audience in the California Theatre on Thursday, March 4th to conclude the Cinequest Movie Festival.

Bratt spoke after a special showing of La MISSION, a movie that earned him the Maverick Award for his character based on a true story of a San Francisco man, Che Rivera.

In the movie, Bratt delivers a noteworthy performance as a tough, “Machismo” character whose violent behavior disables him from finding a meaningful relationship with those closest to him.

Directed by brother Peter Bratt, La MISSION took place in the Mission district of San Francisco, where the Bratt brothers grew up.

You may recognize the Maverick Spirit Award winner from programs such as Law & Order, The Cleaner, and a favorite of mine, Miss Congeniality.

At 47, Benjamin Bratt is still lookin’ good! Event interviewer (and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s wife) Jennifer Siebel Newsom couldn’t resist his charm.

Bratt accepts the 'Maverick Spirit Award'

Don’t let the gift of ugly sweaters or socks give you the winter blues.  After the tireless effort to act excited for the less-than exciting gifts, you deserve a little self-indulgent gifting. Warm up your winter with the season’s hottest deals in stores and online. These savings usually only come once a year, so grab them while you can!

Therapy

This hidden treasure of a boutique in downtown Campbell is having their Year-End sale beginning January 1^st. The larger-than life sale includes 40% off the entire store! But hurry, because these huge savings will continue while supplies last. This sale is guaranteed to warm you up! For more info and find other locations around the Silicon Valley, click on the above link to Therapy’s website.

Free People

With high-quality and unique, romantic designs, Free people  clothingi is seldom on sale. But, for a limited time, receive %25 off already on-sale items. Try this on for guilt-free shopping!

Victoria’s Secret

Women, indulge in America’s favorite lingerie and loungewea at the semi-annual sale. Save up to 50% on the best bras, underwear and clothing. You can also receive free shipping on orders over $100. Save both in-store and online.

Nordstrom

Men, enjoy your favorite big brands with even bigger markdowns for the Nordstrom Men’s half yearly sale. There are a ton of great items on sale including accessories like watches, wallets, and much more. Women wrap yourselves in winter’s hottest fashion and enjoy up to forty percent off with online winter savings.

Target

Target is having a New Year Home Event, where you can save 10%-40% on all types of home supplies from furniture to décor. These savings end January 23^rd.

Target’s The Great Save Event promises bulk bargains and savings on items from items of all different categories from Apparel to electronics.

Piperlime

The online mega-store brings up to 40% off at their Lime Tag Sale. Save on an array of items from clothes to shoes for men, women, and children. If that isn’t enough, they are offering free shipping and returns!

Gap 

Enjoy up to 40% on select items of Gap’s cozy knit sweaters, plaid blouses and other signature items. These savings will only last as long as their supplies, so get em’ quick!

Sephora

Sephora’s Big Beauty Sale has quality beauty products and tools.  At this event, find your favorite brands like Peter Thomson Roth, Benefit, Bare Escentuals and more.

I’ve been commuting by bike for about a year and a half now.  But by no means am I a black belt when it comes to the fixed gear scene.  If I had to guess I’d say I’m closer to the white belt range of the spectrum, maybe working for my third stripe (by Ernie Reyes West Coast Tae Kwon Do standards).

Since I am the ranking officer on this blog about these affairs, allow me to drop some knowledge on a young padawan.  First off, you get one gear, that’s it – you wanna climb hills with your bike, eat your Wheaties before hand and hope you were blessed with redwoods for thighs.  Next up, no coasting.  Alongside having to be built like Hercules, you better pray for Mercury’s endurance because when that bike is moving so are the pedals. 

If you’re thinking about getting into the scene, don’t fear baby deer, there are no tests for your white belt and everything else on a fixed gear is about the same as your garden variety bicycle.

Photo: iMiNUSD 

Now that we’re all up to speed, let’s talk a little about It’s a W.R.A.P. Alleycat Series Finale, hosted by local fixed gear boutique, iMiNUSD.  This “fixed only” bike race, or alleycat, is a point to point race traversing the Silicon Valley urban landscape – requiring townie-navigation-skills, not to mention Amtrak-type locomotion to the pedals. 

It’s a W.R.A.P., as the name implies, is the last hurrah to a series that began early this year where racers were met by challenges at each checkpoint.  These challenges, while presented in good fun, range from the culinary (downing spoonfuls of cinnamon) to the transsexual (see Back-to-the-Fashion post on “manscara”). 

Despite wrapping up the racing in Portlandesque riding conditions, racers still came out of the gates in the fashion that the fixed gear community is known for.

Photo: iMiNUSD

This is a great snapshot of fixed gear fashion.  Both guys fit into the genre and show where the roads split.  Andrew (right) is slated in standard cycling gear, save the cut-off jeans.  To his left, flannel and cycling cap keep this rider warm and fashionable while riding.

Henry, representing SJ Fixed with pride, has on a messenger bag with seatbelt-style buckle – a popular feature on fixed gear styled bags.

Pavel’s got on a water-proof shell that’s great for riding when the skies are looking grey.  He’s also got a marled beanie on – one trend this season that I’m falling in love with.

Photo: iMiNUSD

Photos from iMiNUSD are labeled.