Everlane Open Studio

A couple weekends ago I got a chance to visit Everlane for one of their open studio events.  While sipping on a cocktail, I perused the racks of their new styles and colors.

Their studio/office space is a bright and airy loft in the heart of the Mission district that’s simply furnished with modern pieces.  It was filled with dreamy, natural light that really brought the space to life.

The men’s new knit blazer – available tomorrow!

Guests could also take a peek at the creative work space with inspiration boards, fabric swatches, and sample pieces. It was personally inspiring to have even the slightest glimpse at the work that goes on behind the company.

Are new women’s sandals in the works?!

If you’re in San Francisco and another open house is announced, definitely be sure to stop by! It’s a rare opportunity to get so up close to a clothing brand and it’s a neat experience.

Photos by Robin for Dressed In Orange

 

Shop Spotlight: Pretty Penny

A few months ago I learned that my go-to hair salon was closing.  While I was mourning the loss, I noticed a sign in the covered windows that said “Coming Soon: Pretty Penny Clothing”. Intrigued, I looked them up. A vintage shop just down the street from my apartment? I almost forgot about the salon.

I contacted Sarah, owner of Pretty Penny (and owner of the former salon it turns out), about coming by to check out the space. She kindly invited me to her grand opening party on Valentine’s Day.  Seeing as my only plans were to watch House of Cards, I decided to pop in and snap some photos.
This is Pretty Penny’s 2nd location – they have another spot in the Rockridge District of Oakland.  All their items are well curated and organized and their prices are fair.  I had a great time looking through the sections and trying on some unique pieces.

And if you’re looking to sell, Pretty Penny buys clothing, jewelry, and accessories, offering 30% in cash and 40% in trade.

This dress came home with me.

If you’re in the Mission (or Oakland!), stop by Pretty Penny at 1201A Guerrero St. for a vintage fix. I walk past the store every morning and night on my way to and from work, so I’m bound to return soon.

Shop Spotlight: Zoë Miyori Fujii

The Peter Pan Collar Boxy Top

After inquiring about a unique top our friend Daniella was wearing, we discovered it came from designer Zoë Miyori Fujii.  Just a quick scroll through her Etsy shop and it was instant love.  We got a chance to ask Zoë a few questions about her and her designs:

 

Dressed In Orange: What got you started in fashion?

Zoë: I have always been interested in the arts. When I was younger I thought I might want to be an artist or illustrator. But when I hit high school, I found my love of clothing and fashion. I loved expressing myself through clothing, and started learning to sew and sketch. I’ve been able to combine the two professions a little, and I’m so glad I have this outlet of expression!

DiO: Can you describe your creative process?

Zoë: I like to keep lists of all the little ideas I have over time, and once I’m ready to sit down and plan out a collection, I’ll revisit all of those lists. I’ll sketch out silhouettes, doodle print ideas, scan over inspiration pictures i’ve saved etc. I’ll translate these ideas to watercolors, pick my favorites, and work with them on the computer. I have my fabric custom printed, so there’s always sampling involved too. Oh, and then there’s drafting the patterns, of course!

The Exploding Poppies Boxy Top / The Poppy Picnic Print Shift Dress

DiO: Where do you find inspiration for your playful prints and silhouettes?

Zoë: I LOVE color and prints, and take notice of them in everyday life. Poppies are my favorite flowers, and they’re featured in three of my prints. The 101 Print was literally inspired by me seeing a photo of a dalmatian and being like, “wow, that’s beautiful.” Haha! I love how it turned out like a black and white polka dot print and an animal print in one! Many of my prints are also inspired by my Japanese heritage. Indigo quilts, ink paintings, and vintage kimono prints have inspired some of my prints.

The Tiny Houses Print Party Dress / The Poppy Peony Print Midi Skirt

DiO: Can you describe the woman who would wear your clothing?

Zoë: Honestly, I design for myself! I design clothing I would wear, my friends would wear, and women I aspire to be like would wear. My silhouettes are classic and clean, and great for a variety of women. My customers all have a little artistic flair!

DiO: What’s next for your brand?

Zoë: I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing for now! My shop has been open less than a year, and I’m so grateful the business I’ve had so far : ) This shop has been a great creative outlet, and I’ve been able to share my designs with so many people I would have never met otherwise!

 

You can shop her designs here – only a couple more days to order in time for Christmas!  And our readers get 10% off with discount code “DRESSEDINORANGE”.

 

Thanks, Zoë!

Shop Spotlight: Baggu

Living in San Francisco, it’s pretty much a requirement to have a reusable bag handy.  In an effort to reduce waste, the city even passed a law to discourage the excessive use of shopping bags.  Since then, Baggu bags have become part of my list of everyday essentials.  These are great reusable, packable totes that fold into slim squares to be easily stored in your purse.  They hold much more than you’d think and are sturdier than the reusable totes you might find at a grocery store check-out line.

Baggu not only sells nylon bags, but also leather and canvas totes, backpacks, and pouches.  All the designs are wonderfully simple and come in a variety of playful colors and designs.  The whole collection would be perfect for traveling or just grocery hauls.

all images via Baggu

 

Shop Spotlight: Petitor

via 1 / 2 / 3

I love a good statement necklace to punch up an outfit, but for most days, I prefer more subtle accessories.  I default to delicate gold jewelry that adds the slightest femininity to even the most tomboyish of outfits.  I purchased a simple 14k gold necklace from Petitor a couple months ago and it has quickly become a go-to piece.  Petitor’s Etsy shop has great handmade jewelry perfect to wear on their own or layered together.  And each piece is carefully packaged in sweet wrapping – perfect and ready to give as a gift. I’m tempted to add several more pieces to my collection. I’m currently eyeing the multi strand initial necklace shown above.  What are your favorites from the shop?

 

Shop Spotlight: Kate Spade Saturday

Sweatshirt / Dress / Purse / Necklace

What better shop to spotlight today than the aptly named new line from Kate Spade, Saturday? With all the modern, colorful spirit of the Kate Spade brand at a lower price point, here are a couple pieces I am planning to scoop up.

Happy Saturday!

Grace

Images via

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung seems to be everybody’s favorite “it” girl these days. Her style is to all appearances all-encompassing from girly frills to boyish basics. She’s always on best-dressed lists, had a show on MTV, and we all know she had a popular Mulberry bag named after her. She has collaborated with Madewell before, and now another collection has arrived!

Credit: madewell.com

Credit: madewell.com

In just one week, you’ll be able to get your hands on these great styles. I personally love all of the looks shown above. It’s definitely in my style range and I am anxious to try these on in-store on September 11th at the Century City Madewell. Hope to see you there!

Lovin’ Lanvin for H&M

Good morning dear readers! I’m spending my Friday morning with a big cup of coffee and energy to blog! If you’ve been keeping up with fashion news, there’s no doubt you’ve already heard about the Lanvin – H&M collaboration. For the uninitiated…

According to yesterday’s press release, Lanvin’s artistic director Alber Elbaz, and menswear designer Lucas Ossendrijver have been working on a sure-to-be fabulous collection for H&M, set to hit stores this November.  Unlike other H&M designer collaborations, they will be increasing the anticipation by previewing the collection 3 weeks before its launch on November 23. A video of the collection will be posted to hm.com on November 2.

Be sure to check with your local H&M because the collection will only hit 200 stores worldwide. You can bet I’ll be waiting in line ready to fight for my very own piece.

Some designers would never collaborate with a store like H&M, but Alber Elbaz said it best – H&M is going luxury rather than Lanvin going public.

I know I’m not alone when I say “I CAN’T WAIT!”

Rebecca Minkoff at Bloomingdale’s Santa Monica

(click to enlarge)

I’m on my way to meet Rebecca Minkoff and to check out her new fall line!  The meet and greet is taking place at the new and redesigned Santa Monica Place, right off the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. I’ll be live blogging during the event (with pictures!) so be sure to follow @DressedInOrange on Twitter to receive updates.

Also be sure to enter Refinery29 and Rebecca Minkoff’s giveaway here. Just sign up for Refinery29’s email newsletters to be entered for a chance to win THREE Rebecca Minkoff bags.

Look out for a post-event update tomorrow!

xoxo Robin