Stylecheckup.com covered the Vintage Fashion Expo on September 18, 2010 at the Concourse in San Francisco, California. Watch the Video!

Reporters: Julia Gleason and Monica Saich
Directed and Produced: Erin C. Higgins
Videography, Photography, Sound, and Editing: Jeffery Alvarez

San Francisco Style

When we think of the fashion scene our minds naturally drift to the The Big Apple, Hollywood or even Milan. San Francisco, while not completely forgotten, is definitely a distant second to these style powerhouses. Although, we’re not New York City in the height of Fashion Week (oh, how I wish we were), The Foggy City still has quite a bit to offer.

San Francisco’s style is unique because we don’t experience seasons like other big cities. The majority of our year is windy and cold, windy and rainy, or windy and overcast. On a rare sunny day (at 68 degrees) you’ll see everyone out in full summer garb, soaking up the two pathetic heat rays radiating off our hilled pavement.

That doesn’t stop us from looking chic and it most certainly doesn’t indicate that we’re behind on the trends. It simply means we need to modify and layer…a lot. San Francisco fashionistas are all about comfort, practicality, moveable and relaxed clothing, and versatility. It’s hard to walk up the California Street incline in 5-inch stilettos and a mini skirt!

Aside from Union Square, which has every department store and boutique one could possibly imagine, SF is the host of a myriad of fashion events. Last night I went to Sassy Chicks Fashion Bash at Fort Mason. I bought a voucher online from Tippr; the ticket to get in was originally $20 but I got it for $10. Right when I arrived I was handed an awesome goody bag with nail polish, eyelashes, lacy underwear (don’t worry, they were in plastic) and some other fun stuff. That alone was worth the entry price.

From there I meandered through all the different vendors. Some of the merchandise I couldn’t get enough of and others were beyond salvageable. In the end I bought a gorgeous gold necklace with two sets of wings joined in the middle and some decadent feather earrings that fall to my shoulders. All together I spent $55, which seems a tad on the high side but it was nice to support up-and-coming designers.

If that wasn’t enough for one week, this Saturday and Sunday is the Vintage Fashion Expo; an event held at the Concourse Exhibition Center. With hundreds of vintage vendors represented, it’s going to be a mad house of fashion fun. I’ll be reporting out for Stylecheckup.com. Watch out for some videos of me fumbling my way through interviews and talking with customers.

If you’re launching a fashion career (like me!) or simply love to immerse yourself in the style culture, don’t rule out SF. Not only are we exceptionally stylish people, there are some great resources to take advantage of. If anything else, it’s a great stepping stone. Just make sure to stock pile your scarves and jackets.

By Julia Gleason

http://stylecheckup.com

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THE VINTAGE FASHION EXPO IN SAN FRANCISCO HAS IT ALL (AND MORE) FOR FALL!!

The Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco directions

WATCH THE COVERAGE OF THE VINTAGE FASHION EXPO

The Vintage Fashion Expo’s dealers are ready to fulfill all your fashion fantasies for Fall 2010. This is the season when you can REALLY go wild with accessories. Fall jackets and coats can easily hold large pins and cocktail dresses are perfect for those statement necklaces and pendants. Huge jewelry has never been more popular. Large cocktail rings: costume, semi-precious and estate rings are on every hand for Fall. Hats, scarves, gloves, belts, boots, gladiator platforms and all types of large jewelry are on everyone’s ”must have” list  for Fall.

When heading to the Vintage Expo don’t forget the fine men’s clothing and accessories available at the show: beautiful tweed and cashmere topcoats, jackets, pleated pants, cardigans, pullovers, vests, shirts (Hawaiian and gabardine), belts, shoes, boots, cufflinks, tie pins and rings.

Vintage fashion lover Dita Von Teese (international Burlesque artist, model, actress and pinup star) created a sensation when she attended the VFE in April on both Saturday and Sunday. When Dita Tweets her loyal fans follow!

The Vintage Fashion Expos Fashion Fanatics who attend both San Francisco and Santa Monica shows will be thrilled to know that the Vintage Fashion Expo will be staying at the Santa Monica Civic for all of 2011!

Remember Fashion Lovers you can download a discount coupon from the Vintage Fashion Expo website to your iPhone or Blackberry.

Regular Hours: Saturday, 10:30 am – 6 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am – 5 pm; Tickets $10.00

Early Buying Saturday from 9:00 – 10:30 am; Tickets $20.00

**STUDENTS FREE ON SUNDAY with STUDENT I.D.**

For more information, visit the Vintage Expo website www.vintageexpo.com or call 415 468 7482 or 707 793 0773

2010 SHOW SCHEDULE:

September 18 & 19 San Francisco

October 16 & 17 Santa Monica

Your Friendly Neighborhood San Francisco Vintage Shop

My absolute favorite kind of shopping to do is vintage store shopping. Not that I don’t enjoy going to other types of shops because shopping is shopping and I’m happy whenever I can par take in it! However, there is something different about vintage stores, because you never know what you are going to find. You could stumble across an amazing denim jacket from the 80’s or a hand stitched rainbow embroidered clutch from the 60’s (both of these examples are things I have found!). You can make your personal style into anything; that is why I think vintage shopping is the most fun! Luckily, living in a city like San Francisco offers many of these great shops, so read on to find out a few of my favorites.

First off we have the Painted Bird located at 1360 Valencia St. in the mission district. This is a very small boutique like shop sandwiched between great local food joints and bookstores. My favorite thing about the Painted Bird is their selection of local designer’s jewelry. I recently came across a gorgeous arrowhead pendant there for only 30! It also feels great to support local designers, not something so mass produced. The shop also obviously carries a wide array of vintage finds from around the country, prices usually range from 10, yes 10 to 100 dollars, of course depending on what item your looking for. One more amazing thing about the bird is that you can sell your clothes there too! It’s sort of a step up from stores like ‘Crossroads’, etc. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed!

Afterlife boutique, located at 988 Valencia St. is another favorite of mine. In my opinion, this store has the best vintage in the city, the owners go all the way to LA and back to constantly stock the store with new finds. The best part is that it is completely affordable, prices range from $5-60 dollars. This store even lets you know the decade in which your buying, with tags labeling garments like, ‘cute 80’s sequin crop top’. The store set up is small but very well merchandised and clean looking and they have a rocking jukebox straight out of the 50’s to appreciate!

Lastly, at 998 Valencia St we have a boutique called Viracocha. This one is a sort of window shopping destination for me, because it is a bit out of my price range. They have lovely interior decorations, and a great array of vintage clothes, but pricier than the other two stores. For example, you might find a great authentic fur coat there for 130 dollars or an amazing vase for 60. The store itself is beautiful and completely rustic looking, like something out of an old western movie! So, if you have some spare time in the city, check out any of these stores, you will not be disappointed, and remember, it’s fun to shop vintage!

By Monica Saich

http://stylecheckup.com

Best Beauty in the Bay

Every girl knows that pampering oneself is essential every now and again. My treat to myself is bi weekly mani/pedis. Yet, everyone has their own little treat that they love to indulge in. With that being said, it is important to know where to go in a city like San Francisco, because it can definitely get expensive out there!

Lush Life Nail Bar, is a great nail salon at 3108 Fillmore St. Fillmore St. is known pretty much for it’s expensive boutiques and restaurants, it is after, all right by the water. However, this great nail salon, offers many different affordable packages. You can get mani/pedi combos for about 40 (pretty good in the city) or just one or the other for about 15 dollars each. They do nail art there, give great massages, and my personal favorite, is that they serve mimosas and/or champagne! There’s nothing like getting pampered and having a little bubbly at your side to make it truly a ‘you’ moment.

Another indulgence that I highly recommend to you stylecheckup.com readers is at least a monthly facial. Not only is this one of the best things you can do for your face, it always feels fantastic! Skin care, is obviously really important, and facials exfoliate, moisturize and brighten all at once and they usually last for at least an hour! My favorite spot to go for this might be slightly surprising but it is San Francisco’s Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology located at 1067 Folsom St. My reasoning is that facials there are 45 dollars!! There are many different services rendered at this spot and all for very reasonable prices. The prices are so hard to beat because technically these are students learning the tricks of the trade. They do a great job though, no complaints here, and it is way cheaper than a big time salon and paying over 100 for the same thing.

My favorite spot to get my hair done in these parts has to be Hairplay Salon located at 1599 Dolores St. in the mission district (can you tell that the mission is where I spend most of my time?!). It has a super fun retro ambiance with old school saloon chairs and an ultra friendly staff. I have never had a bad experience at this great little joint, and they specialize in all areas of hair care. Prices, of course, depend on exactly what you want done, but just to give you all an example, I’ve gotten a cut and color for about 130, and again, that is pretty good for SF!

Hopefully, I’ve offered insight on affordable spots to primp yourself up at bit! Do take advantage because every girl deserves a little luxury!

By Monica Saich

http://stylecheckup.com

With only so many hours in a day and with so many choices for shopping, a girls got to know her way around San Francisco.

Some of the best shipping in the world is offered within it’s many diverse districts.  Whether you are looking for an affordable piece from one of the many thrift stores to a boutique catering to the top echelon of society and style, it’s all found within a seven mile perimeter.

Westfield San Francisco Centre: Market and Powell
Housing a five level Nordstroms, a two-level Abercrombie & Fitch a mecca of commercialism lending itself to all outlets found in malls across the country, also including high-end retailers.

Chestnut Street Shopping: Post and Stockton
An eccletic collection of high end boutiques to the beauty outlets.  Whether you are looking for memorable trinkets or instant favorites for all your style and cosmetic needs, Chestnut street has a wide array that will capture the hearts of all.

Union Square:  Post and Stockton
Centered around a column standing lone in a vast square, Macy’s, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Levi’s stores surround the hopes and desires of every shopper.  Just beyond the first ring of stores lays superstores; Gump’s and Britex Fabrics, Armani, Diesel, Pada, Escada, Gucci, Agnes B., the list goes on and on.  The area lends itself to high end, high prices.  On the lighter end for the wallet; check our DSW, a large discount shoe warehouse and Imposter’s selling very classy faux, affordable jewlery.

Polk Street:
Polk Street may be better known for it’s rows of user friendly drinking pubs.  During the day light hours it still thrives with bustling life, whether you are looking for affordable dining or bottomless momosa’s Polk Street lends itself to fun day or night.  A great hidden gem of a store is the Fashion Exchange where one can buy, sell or trade high end, name brand garments for fractions of the original costs.  The quality is always present accompanied with the most affordable prices seen in the city, if you don’t mind shopping at a glorified thrift shop, it’s still worth the look.  1446 Polk Street San Francisco

Happy Shopping Ladies!

By Launi K. Condit

http://stylecheckup.com

Those glorious sunny days, depending upon where you reside, are coming to an end.  This is no reason for you to feel as if the sun kissed hues of your tan, as it fades away should make you feel down.  Looking flawless for fall this year is effortless.  Don’t let the coming gray days make you blue.

Treat yourself to some papering this fall: even if you’re on a budget in San Francisco
Great affordable tips for the working girl.

Shine Hair Styles: 280 Kearny
Friendly service, big smiles and they always welcome you back with a personal touch.  Quick, in and out service, at very low prices.  While it may not be a regal atmosphere, they do get the job done professionally, great place for eyebrow waxing.

Salon and Spa: 356 Kearny
During lunch hour as you walk by you will see numerous suited professional women flipping through magazines while receiving spa treatments.  Whether that be a foot massage to a manicure these ladies are efficient and thorough.

Oxenrose: 448 Grove Street
You enter into a world of classy, chic style.  Regarded highly for their individualized hair creations, you can go in for a new look or stay with your current style.  The basic haircuts start at $40.

Fall is your time to shine.

By Launi K. Condit

http://stylecheckup.com