One of the best things about fashion blogging is getting invited to fab events around town. This morning's event was a doozie, as I got a sneak peek at the new exhibit at the de Young: Nan Kempner: American Chic.



This San Francisco native was truly a style icon and a muse to Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta. A fashion freak of the highest order, Kempner collected couture clothing for more than 50 years and owned one of the foremost private collections on the planet. She died two years ago, but she truly lives on through her mind-boggling collection, which at one point included 5,000 haute couture pieces. The exhibit, features 75 ensembles, heavy on her favorite YSL and chock full of Chanel, Valentino, Oscar and many more.

Tall and thin, Kempner's personality was just as big as her bank account (literally limitless), and her ability to make a conservative suit look carefree and elegant gown seem breezy are legendary. And cannot be bought or taught. This was all part of her allure and the reason she was a member of the International Best Dressed List's Hall of Fame.

With my mouth agape, I cruised the exhibit, wowed by the many evening jackets encrusted with vibrant beading and gems and licking my chops at the amazing shoes and jewels. But my favorite thing was a ginormous photo at the exhibit's entrance: It was a picture of one of her closets. The sweaters, the boots, the suits and dresses -- oh my. No doubt, it would make the fashion closet at 'Vogue' look like child's play. (Sorry, Anna.)

So, my sisters in style, get thee to the de Young. The exhibit runs through November 11.

Are you a Chloe or Jade ? Maybe you're more Sienna than Kate? No matter which of Urbandencity's four distinct jewelry collections speak to your style personality, the truth is they are all Kim Shepard's, the brilliant designer/entrepreneur behind the brand.

With every pendant and earring handmade in Shepard's San Francisco studio, the former fashion art director uses leather and semi-precious stones along with delicately crafted metals to create her eye-catching designs. Urbandencity's signature piece is the spiral pendant which comes in an array of incarnations, appealing to every fashion archetype you can think of -- funky, femme, sporty, hippie, you name it.

While Kim categorizes her work into four collections -- Chloe is simple and chic, Jade is bold, Kate is sporty, Sienna is romantically eclectic -- her intention is that women have fun, and mix and match the pieces to truly create their own individual looks.

Here's a quick Q & A with the designer.


What is the inspiration for your designs?
I am a very sensory-oriented person. The visual and tactile definitely drive the origin of my designs. Color, texture and shape are really influential when it comes to creating each piece. And I would say some of my most inspired moments have come after being in a museum. I derive a lot of great ideas from other art forms -- it helps me think outside the box.

What do the names -- Chloe, Jade, Sienna and Kate -- mean?
I wanted to create a line that had a broad appeal and spoke to different types of women. As someone who has always lived in a metropolitan area, I have had friends with vastly different styles. Especially, nowadays, I love how women are making individual statements with their sense of style. The different collections speak more to an abstract mood or persona ... and the nice thing is you can be anyone of these girls ... or mix and match to create your own style. The campaign has been really successful. Women do like to identify themselves as one of the personas.

Here's where [the names] came from and their identifying characteristics:

Chloe: A close friend of mine, really beautiful with an amazing sense of style. Everything she wears is on the more delicate, subtle and sophisticated side.

Jade: All about Jade Jagger. She has an aesthetic that I truly admire. It's one that works for her completely. She makes bold statements with her choices and with her own jewelry, and the jewelry in the collection reflects that attitude. The boldest statement pieces can definitely be found in the Jade collection.

Sienna: Another style icon that I admire -- Sienna Miller. She captures a bohemian flair that is perfectly suited to her. I love how individual her look is. The jewelry in this collection falls into the feminine and bohemian category.

Kate embodies a few women that I went to college with on the East Coast -- sporty, playful and casual. Not too fussy so pieces are simple.

What's your favorite part of the job?
Designing and watching a piece come together. I love those little victories. The creative process is really important to me. It's the reason I started the business.

What next for you and Urbandencity?
Seeing as the business is still relatively new [about a year-and-a-half old], the primary focus is on growing the business and constantly working to come up with beautiful, unique designs that speak to our customer. ...We would like to move into leather cuffs and other types of bracelets as a way of extending the line, as well. My husband would like to see Urbandencity move into leather hot pants, but I don't foresee that in the immediate future.

How would you describe the San Francisco fashion scene?
I find that the fashion in SF is neighborhood-dependent. For example, the Mission is defined by urban hipsters --cool and irreverent. Potrero and South Park are [filled with] "urban-chic" architects and graphic designers, a hip slant on the more traditional attire found in the financial district/downtown. Pac[ific] Heights and Marina are more preppy and polished. In general, if you look at fashion in SF versus NY or LA, it's more low-key, more like lazy-chic.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is low key with an eclectic twist. Since I work in the studio most days, you can find me in jeans along with layered tees. While most women have a shoe fetish, mine is for tops -- tees, camisoles, you name it! Rena calls my style casual cool.

(Urbandencity jewelry can be purchased at Romi boutique on Fillmore Street (@ Sacramento) and online at www.urbandencity.com.

Notebooks and stationery may not be as sexy as handbags or clothing, but Little Otsu's crop of artistic-inspired print products including notebooks, greeting cards and journals, are chic and cool and won't set you back a month's rent.



Little Otsu, a toddler business tailor-made for San Francisco with its green and indie vibe, is both the name of the Mission storefront and its line of print products, which use soy-based inks, and recycled and tree-free papers. ("Otsu" is an old Japanese word, meaning strange, quaint, witty, chic.) Run by former zine-ies Jeremy Crown and Yvonne Chen, both entrepreneurs' passion for art and the environment is lovingly on display in the small shop.



Little Otsu's sketchbooks, datebooks and stationery all feature simple and refreshing designs and are the boutique's raison d'etre. A few of our current faves include the Aquatic Adventure weekly planner by illustrator Allison Cole, the bird-covered journal by Oakland artist Chris Duncan, and the Teacup cards by Kate Sutton.



Along with the affordable print products, a smattering of equally kitschy-cool sweatshop-free tees by talented graphic artists (including Jeremy Tinder, Martine Workman and Lilli Carré) and other gifty items, like wallets and jewelry, are sold here.

Can't make it into the store? You can purchase products online, too.

Little Otsu is located at

849 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110

; (415) 255-7900.

No doubt, fashion addicts had a month-long bout of withdrawal when five-year-old Hayes Valley boutique R.A.G. (Residents Apparel Gallery) closed its doors for a month for a major spruce up, which included becoming a top-to-bottom certified Green Business.

Becoming enviro-friendly is just one more thing that sets this hipster paradise apart from the crowd and it all stems from R.A.G.'s creative and innovative proprietor/curator Blakely Bass. Both a fashion lover and environmentalist, Blakely's co-op style boutique for men and women was designed to champion and support local and indie designers from day one. Operating as a true co-op, local apparel and accessory designers rent their shelf/hanger space and are encouraged to promote their businesses in store, to build a following and test out new styles.

One of the coolest things for shoppers is that the store -- in a new and happy light color palette anchored by natural wood -- is always filled with fresh items from an eclectic group of local talents, selling everything from edgy tees to chic streetwear to femme frocks and one-of-a-kind gems and lots more. Every month, an ever-changing lineup of 60-plus designers are showcased. It's like going to a new store every time you shop.

Yup, owner and store are green and gorgeous and they exemplify the best that San Francisco has to offer : peace, love and shopping.

R.A.G. is located at 541 Octavia Street; 415-621-7718.

What do you get when you cross a stylish soon-to-be architect with a chic hotel-management whiz? Azalea Boutique.

When Corina Nurimba, the aforementioned architect and Catherine Chow, the hospitality superstar met in San Francisco , the fashion gods were smiling. Both possessed an insane passion for clothing and style and they became fast friends -- and fast business partners. Both confident Cornell graduates -- ironically, they didn't know each other in school and only met when introduced by a mutual friend -- they ditched their jobs and focused all of their energy into their new retail baby located in Hayes Valley.

Although only four years old, Azalea has earned its reputation as one of the hippest boutiques in town. The large-ish space is packed with quite a mix of women's (and men's) brands, including lots of independent labels and up-and-comers, as well as designer and contemporary brands. You'll find tanks and tees from Ya-Ya and James Perse mixing it up with See by Chloe jackets and designer denim. Fab tunic dresses by APC nuzzle gorgeous trenches from Grace Sun.

Along with I-want-to-buy-everything clothing and accessories, Azalea is home to Z Beauty Lounge which focuses on hand and foot treatments using only natural and organic products. Do a little mani-pedi action, then give the credit card a good ol' workout. Paradise .

Not only has Azalea been wowing San Francisco babes, but the boutique's online shop has become one of the hottest retailers on the web. Indeed, the world may have lost one talented architect and hotelier, but style mavens the world over have gained hipper-than-thou wardrobes.

Azalea Boutique is located

411 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

; (415)861-9888.

Although small in size -- just like petite owner Kate Logan -- Ooma (Objects of My Affection) has gigantic style and is stuffed with a smattering of femme and funky apparel, and accessories from local designers to well-known labels. All this served up in a bright, happy and very accessible space. (Clearly, this is an extension of the super-nice, super-stylin' proprietrix herself.)

Logan has a sharp buyer's eye and her well-edited selection of dresses, tees, shoes, handbags, denim and the like clearly reflect her fashion icons: Audrey Hepburn, Diane von Furstenberg and Trina Turk. Although her racks and shelves experience lots of turnover, current inventory includes pieces from Kara Janx, Vix, Protea, Angela Adams, Alice & Trixie, Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk, among others.

Make sure to sign up for Logan 's sassy email newsletters. They're fresh and fun and often feature scoops on special sales, promotions and the hautest new finds.

Ooma is a definite object of my affection.

Ooma

1422 Grant Avenue

(between Green and Union )

415-627-6963

Although Tracy Matthews just moved to the Big Apple, the jewelry designer who called San Francisco home for 10 years still holds the city close to her heart. She started Tracy Matthews Designs in SF and the city's spirit is infused in her collection of timeless-with-an-edge pieces for women, as well as a cool men's line that combines hand-carved rosewood with various iconic shapes, including the designer's favorite: crests with fleur des lis. Although she's embarking on a new life in New York City, Matthews' jewelry collection is readily available at various San Francisco shops including American Rag, Chrissy B, Jest Jewels, Rolo, In Lieu and Bloomingdale's. Thankfully, it's also available to gem-hunting fashionistas all over the map at Matthews' online shop.

Stylelist caught up with the designer on Matthews' visit back home.



How would you describe your jewelry to someone not familiar with it?
I always try to blend my love of old with my love of new. My hope is that my jewelry will be worn and treasured for a long time. In feeling, I would say that my women's line is delicate and feminine. It ranges from mixed metal earrings and necklaces with an edgier vibe to classic, clean and simple hoops.

Where do you get your design inspiration?
My inspirations come from everywhere. But if I had to narrow it down, I would say the shapes I use are either more natural or architectural in form. I have always loved antique and estate jewelry, so I am always looking backwards to find a unique vision moving forward for my collection. I also love color and blending unusual colors with each other. This is definitely reflected in my gemstone collection.



I use all sorts of precious materials: sterling silver, 14K and 18K gold and semi-precious and precious stones. Black diamonds and brilliantly colored topaz drops are the primary focus of my line of fine jewelry that will be launching in a few months.

Currently, my favorite stones in the TMD (men's) line are the sliced rubies mixed with sterling silver and gold vermeil. TMD is primarily sterling silver and hand-carved rosewood. I use oxidized sterling silver to create a darker, masculine look. I am working on some "finer" cufflinks for men in 14K gold with black diamonds for the man who enjoys some finery.




What's your favorite part of the job?
Definitely designing and meeting with the buyers. I love having hours to toil in metals and beads, and just play. I also love the opportunity to meet the people who are selling the line and getting them a bit more familiar with who we are.



How would you describe the San Francisco fashion scene?
One of the things I love about the SF fashion scene is the unique vision the designers have here. The Bay Area has everything from the independent one-of-a-kind designer making clothes for Burning Man to the boutique-store designer to fashion visionaries on the rise. I have come across so many creative people here ... where you are looking at something they created, whether it be jewelry, handbags or clothing, and say how did they think of that? It's so cool.



How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is eclectic and individual, so I am told. I just wear what I like and feel comfortable in. I love mixing things that I collect with new items. My favorite things right now are loose tops by Rebecca Taylor, straight-leg jeans by Habitual, vintage Souchi sweaters, dresses and leggings with my Pedro Garcia or Loeffler Randall flats. And, oh yes, my new patent-leather clutch by Sobella. Of course I wear my jewelry mixed with some vintage pieces from India every day. On a daily basis, I am a denim, wife beater and flip-flop girl ... all of this with 18K gold hoops and a long necklace.

What are your favorite things about San Francisco?
What's not to love? The Golden Gate Bridge on a sunny day, the Bay, the yoga community, the lifestyle and the vibe. My most favorite things about SF are my friends, and the people in general.

Then why did you move to New York?
I moved to New York for a combination of reasons -- love, business and a new adventure. It had been a dream of mine to live in NYC and the timing and circumstances just all came together to embark on a new phase and level of experience in my life.

Check out more of Tracy's collection at www.tracymatthewsdesigns.com.

Go Dutchy

Audree started her Dutchy handbag line in 2001, after creating a few handbags for herself and being bombarded with rounds of "where'd you get that bag?" The daughter of parents who owned a fashion boutique, Halas' "wink-wink" sense of style was definitely in the genes and in fact it was her fun-loving father who provided the inspiration for the name of the former costume designer's sassy line. Derived from the saying "in dutch" -- which means getting into mischief -- it's the perfect catch-all for the playful details, hip silhouettes and fun hues that characterize the functional, fashionable handbags.



The sweet satchels, hot hobos and gorgeous totes also have topnotch hardware and cool signature brocade linings. (Right now, I am salivating over the Nana Doc Large in lovely-for-spring lavender.)

Sure, Dutchy is wreaking havoc (the good kind) in California as the favorite label of indie boutiques and fashionistas about town, but the line is also available at loads of boutiques all around the country. Locally, head to R.A.G., Mingle, Bettina, Doe and Paragraph, among others, to find the right Dutchy for you.

Karl Hasz is my kinda guy: He's creative and smart, successful with a social conscious. His name may ring a bell, but probably not. However, most San Franciscans with a thing for good food in cool spaces (read: most of the population) have been touched by Karl, who has left his unique stamp on several hotspots around town.

As founder and president of Hasz Construction, the 37-year-old entrepreneur-slash-designer-slash-builder has had a hand in the look and feel of some of the city's most notable restaurants and nightspots, including Supperclub, Tres Agaves, Bambuddha Lounge, Frisson, Rubicon, Crimson Lounge, and Bacar. (You know that three-story wine wall? That's Karl.)

Clearly, growing up with a dad in the construction biz had an influence on this affable guy, who was serving as foreman and carpenter by age 16. But Karl has forged his own unique path, one that really came together about six years ago when he struck out on his own and found his passion -- turning restaurant concepts into structural realities.

What truly sets Karl apart is his sharp designer's eye along with his ability to make the best use of every space, often thinking outside of the proverbial (and literal) box, as well as fostering strong relationships with owners, architects and designers. (No easy feat, as anyone who has ever built a home or retail space knows all too well.)

And along with great talent, Karl also takes social responsibility and preserving the architectural (and otherwise) history of his adopted city (he's originally from, gasp!, LA) to heart. As the newly appointed commissioner of the San Francisco City and County Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, he has created Pro-Impact, a nonprofit that helps professional athletes plan and implement community-based projects. He also works with many other community organizations, ranging from the San Francisco Food Bank to the Neighborhood Parks Association.

Like I said, I love this guy. Next time you're enjoying a swank cocktail at the swank Tres Agaves, toast to Karl.

Pushing the Envelope

OK, it may not give you quite the same rush as clothes shopping but searching for just the right wedding invitations or personal stationery can provide quite the rush. Union Street Papery, a constant for 20 years or so on boutique-laden Union Street, is the unequivocal go-to shop when looking for anything but cookie-cutter invitations, stylish stationery or just the right wink-wink greeting card.

There's just something about paper that's so personal and fun. (Anyone old enough to remember trading Betsy Clarks for Snoopies back in the day?) Stacey Bush, Union Street Papery's owner since 2000 became hooked on the stuff when she started working in a stationery store in high school.

Today, the ever-passionate paper lover has filled her shop with a wide variety of unique products and a knowledgeable and friendly staff that are experts at matching paper and people. (In the wrong hands, searching for your dream engagement party invite can be as frustrating as finding the perfect denim to hug your particular curves --in which case, you can walk across the street to the Blues Jean Bar.)


Here's a quick Q & A with Stacey.

What were you doing before you bought Union Street Papery?
Managing a similar store on the Peninsula.

How has the store changed since you took over?
We've really brought in a huge selection of paper products and change the inventory frequently, so customers see fresh items each time they visit. We've also acquired some of the premier custom stationery vendors (many exclusive to us in the Bay Area), and hired a team of associates and designers that are really interested in the products they help create. Some of the associates have even created their own card lines, which we've sold in the store.

What excites you about stationery goods?
The paper industry is ever-evolving and changing. It follows trends much like the fashion and design industries, and there is always something new just around the corner. A person's taste in paper reflects just as much of their personality as a fantastic handbag or paint color choice does. In our case, we bring our customers the options to really make a statement with paper.

What sets Union Street Papery apart?
Great customer service, a creative staff, unique products, and the idea that we can create the perfect paper pieces for any occasion.

How does your location on Union Street attract customers?
There are many independent retailers on Union Street that really bring different merchandise to their customers, and we fit right into that category. Customers return to Union Street and Union Street Papery because they can shop for items that are hard to find in many chain retailer environments.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with customers to create something completely individualistic to their event. Pushing the envelope, so to speak.

Any plans to open another store? What does the future hold?
We've got something really exciting for brides and wedding planners just around the corner that's going to raise the bar on what they can expect in the way of event invitation service. It will also virtually expand the store. We can't tell you what this is yet, but we will be making an announcement soon.

How would you describe the San Francisco retail scene and San Francisco style?
We are lucky we live in a city that is so full of art and culture, and I think that makes the retail scene very exciting. San Francisco is at the forefront of fashion on many levels on the West Coast. The fact that San Francisco has so many unique neighborhoods allows us to be eclectic yet traditional at the same time ... which makes everything more interesting.

What is your personal style, your everyday uniform?
Jeans, funky shirt or sweater, strappy sandals or boots, and a great big handbag for work and play. And I always wear sunglasses. It's the optimist in me.

What are your favorite things about San Francisco?
The restaurants, theater, museums and its close proximity to wine country, the beach and mountains. You never have to wonder what there is to do at any given moment. We have it all.

Union Street Papery is located at 2162 Union Street between Webster and Fillmore.

She's a San Francisco gal so it's no surprise that Deanna Bratt's cotton/Lycra and lightweight jersey knit dresses and tops are tailor-made for casually chic local lookers.



Although most silhouettes are fairly simple, Deanna's use of vintage fabrics gives the label a hip edge. From fun print skirts paired with solid tops (always with cool detailing) to yellow chevron-striped form-fitting dresses, Deanna's pieces are all wonderfully versatile. (Simply dress up the skirt and top with killer heels and glam gems, or lower the temp on the va-va-voom dress by throwing on a grandpa cardigan and flats.)



Currently, Deanna essentially operates as a one-woman show. While she clearly loves fashion and all the creativity that goes into it, this designer is also concerned with the world around her. As her business grows, she will be incorporating organic and recycled materials into her designs, doing her best to limit any adverse effects on the environment.

Green and gorgeous, what more could you want?

Deanna's collection is available at many cool boutiques around town, including R.A.G, Rabat and Backspace.

When San Francisco native and stylist Bryna Nicole couldn't find just the right handbags to complement her clients' outfits, she designed her own. Her first eponymous handbag collection launched last fall and has already become a favorite of style hounds from coast to coast. The soft, supple leather bags have a bit of an edge and are anything but prissy, says Bryna. They're cool and seasoned with a little funk and vintage flair. The FIDM grad's beauties are sold at several boutiques around town including Dish, Mingle, Dylan and Honey Ryder.

What is your fashion background?
Knowing that I wanted to design a line of bags, I applied to FIDM to learn about the industry and basic fashion design before I started the line. I majored in Product Development, which balances the business side of fashion with the design aspects.

What sets your designs apart?
The signature detailing is the braided handle with a chain woven through the braid. My designs are so versatile that my customer can carry the bag with her from day to night, from work to play and from San Francisco to New York!




Where do you get your design inspiration? Are you still naming your bags after hidden SF alleys?
My inspiration comes from my day-to-day life. I carry a different one of my designs almost every day depending on what I'm doing, what I need to have with me or just the look I'm putting together that day for myself! My bags can go to the beach, shopping downtown or to a meeting with investors. I'm inspired by women in the city who need to be professional but also have their after-work life that takes them out with friends and to the best parties in the city. The bags are continuing to be named after hidden SF alleys.

Do you run the business by yourself?
Currently I run the business by myself. I source materials from Italy and South America mostly. Each bag is made by hand in a New York factory.

What's your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is designing a great bag that maybe wasn't expected. When I design something that I'm not sure about, and it works and fits perfectly. And when the style comes together with the leather and hardware and lining, and I can't wait to carry it!

Who is your customer?
My customer is a woman who has a busy life. She needs a functional bag but doesn't want a boring basic style. She is up on the trends and is sophisticated and elegant. She appreciates the detail and workmanship of a domestically made handbag.

How would you describe the overall San Francisco fashion/retail scene?
The SF Fashion scene is really growing. Since I've moved back up north from LA about 5 years ago, I have seen fashion really trying to create a presence and an industry here. San Francisco Fashion Week used to be in a small theater by the Palace of Fine Arts and is now in a huge venue, and I can't even afford a ticket! Not to mention this year's Fashion Week Live with all the great designers and models coming to our little city! It makes me really proud to live here and see the growth of -- and be a part of -- an industry that's just introducing itself to this world of finance and technology.

How would you describe San Francisco style in general?
San Francisco style is really eclectic and it changes from district to district. I went to FIDM in Union Square where the style is very urban chic and brand oriented. I have lived in the Marina and in Pacific Heights where it is casual dressy. People are in sweats and jeans, but they're the best-looking sweats and jeans! I love to go out in the Mission and Hayes Valley area where its much more punk-inspired and original. It's a little more grunge and organic there.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is jumbled -- I love the look of vintage and the current '60s mod trend. You can definitely find me in a minidress and ankle boots. My style is also a little boho -- I love to wear subdued prints and flowy tops and dresses. I am 5'10" so I mostly wear flats but I love a high heel once in a while. It's really hard to pick an everyday uniform. I never know what I'm going to walk out of the house in, it's really whatever I feel like that day. My favorite designers are Phillip Lim, Cynthia Vincent, Milly, Marni, Chloe, Stella McCartney -- so many!

Do you plan to put your design skills to use in any other arenas?
Well right now I'm just focusing on building my brand and creating a beautiful new fall 2007 collection, and getting the line out there. At this point, I can't imagine any other design efforts but the next logical area would probably be shoes.

What are your favorite things about San Francisco?
Running on the Marina green. The amazing yoga community. The gorgeous views from every hill; the antique, vintage furniture and clothing shops. The unexpected 70 degree sunny weather in February, and the everyday people I encounter that make up the city.

Do you and your friends talk about how great it would be to go into business together? Most of us do, but few make it happen. Meet a male quartet who put their business where their friendship is: Vintage 415.

It's comprised of four buds -- Nate Valentine, Demetrius Chapin-Rienzo, Lawrence Vavra and Todd Palmerton. The company is a management, events and PR group whose client list includes H&M, 7x7 magazine, Bliss Spa, Bryna Nicole Handbags, Hotel Vitale, Levi's and Butterfly Restaurant among others. Vintage 415 also operates various businesses including local restaurants, bars and a clothing boutique (Dylan). Whether you know it or not, if you eat, drink or shop in San Francisco you've been touched by Vintage 415. And it's a good thing.

Here's a Q & A with the hip lads:

What inspired the four of you to start Vintage 415?
A lack of nightlife that consistently made us excited to go out and hit the town with our friends in San Francisco. Namely, places where a few hundred friends, and friends of friends could get together to socialize, dance and hear the kind of music we liked (what is now called "mash-up"). Nate was a manager at Charles Schwab, Demetrius and Lawrence were making their way through law school. Todd was working in the fine-dining world as a restaurant and lounge manager.



What is the company philosophy?
The concept and core of our company has always been about going out and having fun, and we still espouse that mantra [in] our sixth year. Also, we operate by the 'work hard and play harder' philosophy. Bring good people together and a good time will be had by all. You are your own brand.



Do you primarily do events?
Although Vintage 415 has built its foundation on throwing events, for the past few years Vintage has expanded into a more entrepreneurial brand. By forming different partnerships, Vintage 415 is now primarily a management and PR group that operates and markets our various businesses (2 restaurants, 2 bars and a clothing boutique).



What's your involvement with 'Dylan' and 'Mamacita'?
We are owners in both businesses. However, there are additional partners that have ownership as well. Depending on the project, we either are the marketing arm, the operating partners, or both. We work at all of our ventures as we believe in being very active and present in anything that we attach our brand to.



What is a typical day in the life of Vintage 415?
No day is ever the same. We have often joked that the ups/downs, fun times, stressful times and hard work would make a great TV show. It is filled with emails, phone calls, meetings with new clients, old clients, potential clients, social gatherings, big lunches and dinners, travel around the country, managing different businesses and great parties... and of course, the not so glorious stuff, too.



What's coming up for Vintage 415?
Several ideas are in the works, however the focus of this next year is honing the businesses that we have recently opened. In the past six months, we opened Double Dutch, Umami and The Ambassador (and moved Dylan to a much busier locale). Although we say the next year is about building infrastructure... in reality, we will probably last about six months before we get bit by the entrepreneurial bug.



How would you describe the San Francisco nightlife/restaurant/fashion scene?
The economy has really picked up in SF and it has sparked a lot of new business in the city. With that comes more money and more people who want to spend it on the town. The nightlife, fashion, and restaurant scene is currently booming due to this upswing in the local economy. A lot of people try to compare SF to other cities in the country. What we have learned is that SF is amazing and unique in its restaurants, nightlife and fashion, and can't really be compared to anywhere else. San Francisco has a rare mix of conscientious and practical people that try to live everyday to the fullest.



What is each of the four founders personal style/fashion uniform?
From t-shirts and jeans to vintage suits and skinny ties, our styles run a pretty wide spectrum. The consistent element is trying to be unique while at the same time being comfortable.



Favorite men's clothing stores? Favorite women's clothing stores?
American Rag, Huff, Nida boutique, Static, and Painted Bird. Women's: DYLAN, DYLAN, DYLAN.



Favorite things about SF in general?
The people, the food and the location. SF is close to everything, Skiing, hiking, sailing, surfing, wine tasting. We love that SF is a big city with a small-town feel. Plus, where else in the world can you be downtown and decide to go hiking and 20 minutes later be in the middle of a forest with no other person in sight? SF is a world-class city that breeds imagination and innovation.

Tanya Zilinskas is a Southern California babe who quickly fell in love with San Francisco. Likewise, San Francisco has fallen for her one-stop online shop Maneater Threads. Makes sense since the "store" is filled with the kind of fashions SF style hounds adore--clothes that are infinitely wearable with unique sensibilities and lots of standout details. But, of course, New Yorkers are smitten, too. Actually, the store has shipped to all 50 states. Alaska was the last holdout but eventually succumbed to Maneater's charms.




Here's a quick Q & A with the lovely Tanya.



What were doing before you opened Maneater Threads?
In terms of my fashion background, I would say I was a fashion enthusiast more than anything. Prior to opening Maneater Threads, I worked in public relations and in nonprofit fundraising. It sounds pretty disparate, I know, but both of those particular experiences did lend themselves well to opening and running Maneater. The PR work helped me to get the store's name out there, and working at a nonprofit essentially prepared me for all the ins and outs of running a small business.



Do you have any aspirations to open a brick-and-mortar shop?
I've always been after smaller, lesser known designers for myself, and unique pieces in general. I had built up quite an internal encyclopedia of designers that I liked that weren't necessarily well known. I just had a lightning flash one day -- that I had essentially already built an online store in my head. I just needed to make it happen. I wanted to create a store that carried pieces that were different, but classic pieces that I would covet myself. I have zero aspirations to open a brick-and-mortar. It sounds bad, but it has absolutely no appeal to me. I love the flexibility of having an online store, and I love the infinite reach of selling on the internet. I have clients in every corner of the world, -- from across the pond to rural areas of Kentucky. Furthermore, I think it has made me a better buyer in a lot of ways because I have to critically evaluate pieces in terms of not only finding them beautiful and special but examining how well they will represent themselves to an online buyer.



What makes Maneater Threads stand out in a sea of online shopping options?
I think I've been lucky in the sense that Maneater has translated well and that people seem to "get it." I really wanted to carry pieces that I believe in, because if the business was going to fail, I wanted it to fail gloriously on my terms, and not fail because I carried items that I thought I should but that I didn't necessarily like or believe in.



Do you have any employees?
I have occasional part-time employees, but I largely do everything myself. The store has been consistently very busy for some time, and it's a bit much right now. But I will be moving into a larger office space in March or April, so I'm sort of holding out until then to hire some full-time workers. I'm a workaholic anyway, so to some degree it's a matter of pride to get everything done myself. Foolish, foolish pride.





What's your favorite part of the job?
As exhausting as the markets can be, I have to say I love buying and seeing what's new for the season. It's exciting to see what designers are coming up with, discovering new designers and visualizing what the store inventory is going to look like in the future. I also love customer feedback, especially, of course, the positive feedback. Recently, I had someone call to tell me how much she loved her new Burning Torch jacket. She had never seen Burning Torch before, and she just raved about the detailing, the construction, and she was so in love with it and the line in general. That sort of thing makes my day.



What is your buying philosophy?
I really look for pieces that are somehow different, and I'm a sucker for small details; for example, an asymmetrical collar, an oversized button, you name it. For the most part I also go for items that will stand the test of time. I love classic pieces, and I want people to purchase items that they will get a lot of use out of because that's what I look for in my personal wardrobe. I have a lot of fantastic new designers coming in for spring and summer, but I also have a really solid stable of designers that I know I'm always going to carry: Kara Janx, Rami Kashou, Geren Ford, Candice Held, Burning Torch. The list goes on.





How would you describe the overall San Francisco fashion/retail scene?
San Francisco is a very different scene from Los Angeles and New York. People are decidedly more casual here, and I think there's a big DIY (do it yourself) population here, as well. In LA and NY, there can be a frenzy to get a particular piece by a particular designer. I don't know that that phenomenon exists here.

How would you describe San Francisco style in general?
I think to a degree San Francisco style is dictated by comfort and adaptability. You never know when the fog is going to roll in. It's not a big deal to go out in your sweats to run errands, but people also like to get dressy when they go out.



How would you describe your personal style?
Right now I am all about long tops and jeans, as well as jersey dresses. On a daily basis, I go for pieces that are easy, flattering, and comfortable, and then I add the gold jewelry and heels. Items from my store that I end up wearing a lot are my Geren Ford Kimono Top, Denim of Virtue Patience Jeans, Rami Kashou Eva Bubble Top, Made Her Think Zodiac necklace, Fighting Eel Waikiki jersey dress, and Burning Torch Tuxedo Top and recycled cashmere cardigan.



What's on the horizon for you?
Goodness, there are so many new things on the horizon for Maneater. I have a ton of new designers coming in. This week alone I will be adding Stella & Jamie, Young, Fabulous, Broke and Louis Verdad. I have new international designers coming in that I'm very excited about like Lundgren & Windinge and American Retro, and just a slew of talented new American designers like Fluet, By Francine, Laila Azhar, and Vanitas just to name a few.



What's your favorite thing about San Francisco?
I moved to San Francisco from Los Angeles about a year ago, and I love that I'm able to leave the car at home and walk to a lot of places. I think San Francisco combines the best of a major city and a small town. I actually run into people I know on the street, which never happened in LA. At the risk of outing myself as a piggy, I also have to say I love the food in San Francisco. Of course, it doesn't hurt that San Francisco is just a beautiful place to live.

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