It's hard to believe a three-year-old company has "vintage" styles worth coveting. But local accessories label Goldenbleu does and is serving up a feast of its original and now discontinued styles at jaw-dropping low prices. This is the last call for the fun and fashion-y classic styles (clutches, totes and hobos) that celebs like Cameron and Heidi Klum drool over. The Goldenbleu Blowout Discontinued Styles Sale will be held at 111 Minna on Friday, July 27th, from 5pm to 9pm. Come and get 'em while they're hot. And still available.


111 Minna is located on Minna between New Montgomery and Second Street

Bring your sweet tooth and stylist's eye to Minnie Wilde's scrumptious summer sale on Saturday, July 21st, from 11am-7pm. You'll find select summer wares by the local label, including bonafide samples up to 40 percent off. Plus local fave Pink Spike tees will be served up, with prices starting at just $10. Grab a Popsicle as you shop the feminine-meets-funky figure-flattering flowy dresses, vintage-y tops, precious print skirts, edgy shorts and hip jackets. Yum!

Minnie Wilde is located at 3266 21st Street @ Valencia; 415-642-WILD.

Forget about bad luck, black cats and all that: this Friday the 13th is all about fashion, fun and, what else?, cocktails. Lucky 13 Katwalk and Trunk Show, sponsored by Bad Kitty Productions and SF Station, will be held on Friday from 4pm to 9pm at 111 Minna Gallery (between New Montgomery and Second). More then 30 independent designers (Shawna Hofmann Designs, Gypsies and Lords, Milkbomb, Lady Noir and Regine Pfanz, Crafty Bitch and Alba Nikka, among others) will be selling their wares, and a "lucky 13" will be featured in a fashion runway show at 7pm. Appetizers from local top chef Erik Hopfinger, rockin' DJ tunes, and a flowing cash bar will keep the party hopping.

One of the yummiest combos in all the land-art and fashion-will be on display at Mission favorite CandyStore. On Thursday, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, the jewel-box boutique will be toasting to its new art exhibition: 98 Painting by Annie Wexford. Annie Galvin (from Wexford, Ireland) is a talented local artist and writer, who has a thing for painting Mexican wrestlers, flowers, trees, and women. Her stuff is colorful, fresh and poignant.

Of course, in between the wine sipping and hors d'oeuvres nibbling, you can squeeze in a bit o' shopping. Indeed, CandyStore is, well, a veritable candy store of fun fashions, filled with tees, dresses and jackets-heavy on the local designers. Happy accessories for the bod and the home (with a vintage-y vibe) also inhabit this delicious space. And sweet tooths will be happy to know that, yes, you can find a selection of old-fashioned candy here, too. Can't make it to the opening party and reception? No worries, the show will be on display through August 2.

CandyStore is located at 3153 16th Street (@Albion); 863-8143.

Minnie Wilde
June 14, 2007, 7pm-9pm
3266 21st Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
415-642-WILD


Any chance to make a sojourn to Minnie Wilde is a welcome one. So should you need a reason to head to this Mission fave, volia: On June 14, everything in the entire store will be 10 percent off. This includes new summer finds, including adorable sun dresses, funky jewelry and even the coolest socks with deer and sailboat motifs. (Ashlee Simpson has nothing on you.)

Along with the shopping fest, the boutique will be displaying the art of local Kevin Hailey, the designer behind Coma & Cotton tees, in an exhibit entitled A Mini Bit Wild: New Works on Paper. Roar!

WHAT: Stylish Chicago boutique HEJFINA's Annual Spring Sale

WHEN: Starting June 16

THE GOODS: Hejfina has an astounding array of hard-to-find labels like Alexander Wang, Acne Jeans, Edun, Preen and Alexandre Herchcovitch; along with more tried-and-true indie favorites like Vena Cava, Opening Ceremony, Isabel Marant and Alice Ritter ... all 25-50% off.

WHERE: http://hejfina.com/



WHAT: Eternal accessories diva KATE SPADE

WHEN: June 12-15

THE GOODS: Kate's trademark ladylike bags and accessories are all on sale online for up to 65% off, if you sign up using the link below.

WHERE: https://www.katespade.com/samplesale/login.jsp?&source=CME_KSP:SampleSale:HTML:06_12_07

Get your bought-em-at Loehmann's-True-Religion-clad derriere to Nordstrom's pronto. The Women's Half-Yearly Sale kicked off on Wednesday at 7am and goes through Sunday at 8pm. As any serious shopper knows, you gotta get there early to get the pick of the name-brand worms. This bird couldn't make it downtown until about 6pm on opening day but lots o' merch was still ripe. I scored an adorable DVF ladybug-print dress for $91 (originally $325) and a cool, enviro-friendly cami by Edun for, ya ready?, $35. Originally $125.

I'm so happy with my purchases, I wanna scream it from Neiman's Rotunda (but they probably wouldn't go for that). I restrained myself from buying everything in sight ("because it's on sale") but there were lots of great designer goodies at sick prices. So you better hightail it over there--only two days left to go. Then it's the guys' turn, when the Men's Half-Yearly Sale begins on June 15. Whatevs.

Appel & Frank Chic Summer Soiree
June 14, 2007 (5pm-9:30pm)
Regency Center
1290 Sutter Street @ Van Ness
San Francisco, CA 94109

Karen Appel and Jody Frank know how to throw a fashion event. So get ready to par-tay and shop till you drop at the Chic Summer Soiree, featuring clothing, accessories and gift items from more than 65 mostly local designers (Kathy Kamei, Talla and Vintage Vantage,among them). Adding to the festive environs: sushi, complimentary Tiger Beer, and beauty services all while a DJ spins I-can't-help-but-shake-my-booty tunes. Admission is $10 at the door, two for $15 on line, or $25 at the door ($20 online) with VIP goodie bag. A percentage of the door proceeds will be donated to Root Division, a community arts and education organization.

Billion Dollar Babes Sale
June 1-2, 2007 (noon-9pm Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday)
Regency Center
1290 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109

One of the best sample sales around, Billion Dollar Babes (BDB) features more than 40-plus top labels at seriously shop-worthy prices. So definitely hold off on any non-essential consuming until this weekend--you're bound to score lots of chic and stylish bounty. Just a few apparel and accessories designers you'll see crowding the stuffed racks include Alice and Trixie, Alvin Valley, Bryna Nicole Handbags, Charlotte Ronson, Geren Ford, Jovovich-Hawk, Kooba, Maya Brenner, Petro Zillia, Sobella, TIBI, Tree and William B. Nudge ya in the crowded dressing room.

Thread Lounge Designer Sample Sale
May 31-June 12, 2007 (11am-7pm)
575 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 269-3557

Everyone can get in on the fun at Thread Lounge, which features designer apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men and kiddies-at wholesale prices and below. Mmm hmm. Must-have labels include Antik Denim, BCBG, Chip and Pepper, Diane von Furstenberg, Earnest Sewn, Ella Moss, Erica Tanov, Goldenbleu, Industry, James Perse, Marc Jacobs, Margaret O'Leary, Ted Baker, Yanuk and many more. We're getting dizzy just thinking about it.

Capsule Design Festival
May 27, 2007 (11am-6pm)
Hayes Valley Park (@ Octavia btwn Fell and Hayes)
San Francisco, CA 94102

Prepare for fun in the sun and a bad case of I-must-have-this-now-itis as you browse the cool clothes, jewelry, art and more from 140 West Coast designers at the always fabulous Capsule Design Festival. Plus, for the first time this year, there will be live music, as well. Jamming out and shopping -- two of our favorite hobbies.

Gen Art's Shop SF
May 31, 2007 (6pm-10pm)
San Francisco Design Center
101 Henry Adams Street
San Francisco, CA, 94103

Grab your BF or gal posse and hit Gen Art's premiere Shop SF event. Prepare for a serious 240-minute shopping spree, where women's and men's clothing and accessories from more than 40 chic designers will be on sale at discounted prices. Plus, there's an open bar, spa treatments, makeovers, and a DJ spinning tunes all the while. Music to any fashionista's ears, indeed. Tickets are $10 for non-members; free for Gen Art members.

Bazaar Bizarre

May 19-20, 2007 (10am-5pm; till 6pm on Sat)
Part of Maker Faire

San Mateo Fairgrounds

2495 S. Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403

Calling all creatives, tinkerers, I-can-make-that-myselfers! The family-friendly, DIY extravaganza known as Bazaar Bizarre is definitely worth a jaunt out of the city this weekend. You'll find lots of genius indie and local proprietors selling everything from jewelry to tees and accessories to crafts, soaps and candles to housewares and more. Just a few hipsters you'll find selling their wares at the San Mateo Fairgrounds include Custom Industries, Crafty Bitch, Craftser, Ezme Designs, Dorklandia, Luxury Lab Linens and many more.

I Heart Independents Sale

May 19, 2007 (11am-4pm)

Jillian's

101 Fourth Street

San Francisco, CA 94103

I'm not gonna lie. There are lots of big-name designers and mega labels that I love and splurge on sporadically. However, nothing makes me happier than buying fabulous clothing and handbags and general stuff from locals who put their heart, sweat and creativity into every piece they design. This is exactly why you will find me at the I Heart Independent Sale, featuring lots of local artists and designers (Pellemelle, Siren, Mylie and Heart's Desire, among others). Prepare to consume: Discount prices are the order of the day.

BCBG, Ella Moss Sample Sale

May 12, 2007 (10am-5pm)
Fort Mason Center (Building D)

Marina Boulevard

@

Buchanan Street

San Francisco, CA 94123

This designer blowout sale features chic dresses, denim, tees, handbags and more form BCBG, Ella Moss, and Splendid, among others. Prices are 50 to 70 percent off retail prices. Get 'em while they're hot. Bring cold hard cash and get an extra 10 percent off. We likeee.

3 Girls and a Truck Productions' Big Summer Sale

May 15-18, 2007 (11am-7pm; Tuesday 4pm-7pm)

Jennifer Croll

1810 Union Street

San Francisco, CA 94123

Get ready for those two magic words you long to hear: Wholesale. Prices. Yup, it's time for the 3 Girls and a Truck Summer Sale where loads of designer names are available for 50 to 80 percent off retail prices. Designer labels you will find include Margaret O'Leary, Johnny Was, Sigrid Olsen, Joe's Jeans, True Religion, City Lights, Weston Wear, GI, Seven Jeans, Lacoste and Verivaine. Happy hunting.

Feria Urbana

May 4, 2007 (5pm-9pm)

Oakland Museum of California

1000 Oak Street

Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 238-94607

Local designers will be peddling their clothing jewelry, art and other goodies as part of the always fun Feria Urbana. With Mom's Day here in a flash, this urban fair is the perfect place to pick up something special that won't kill your budget for the rest of the month. Plus, since this event is held at the Oakland Museum, your $8 admission grants you access to the exhibits and First Fridays After Five featuring live performances from local artists, full cash bar and eats from the museum café.

Chrissy Bee Special: Free Gift With Every Purchase
Through May 12, 2007
622 Shrader Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

(415) 221-3020

It may be located in the Haight but dreads and patchouli are nowhere to be found in the sophisticated, yet light and airy, Chrissy Bee. Along with being stocked with a great mix of designers like Saint Grace, Lure and 575 as well as wow-inducing jewelry, handbags and other accessories, special services set this chic-and-chill boutique space apart from the crowd. Free alterations and pants hemming, complimentary chilled beverages and monthly art openings featuring local artists make the shop a fun hangout, too. Plus, you'll receive a free gift with first-time purchase. Now that's our kinda store.

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Take a break from shopping and get some style inspiration by attending an upcoming fashion show and exhibit.

Academy of Art University and Open House
April 28, 2007 (open house: 10am-2pm; fashion show:3pm)
601 Brannan Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
(Between 5th and 6th Streets)
Courtesy shuttles from 79 New Montgomery (ongoing)

See what tomorow's top designers are creating today at this fun and fresh event at Academy of Art University. Professional models will be sashaying down the runway dressed in the haute couture designs of select students. Prospective students and good old-fashioned fashion lovers are invited to this free event.


Masterpieces of French Jewelry exhibit
Through June 10, 2007
Legion of Honor
100 34th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94121

This sparkling exhibit celebrates the refined workmanship and creativity of French jewelry from the 20th century, with more than 150 examples. Among the objets d'arts are pieces by the most famous Parisian jewelers, such as gorgeous Art Nouveau works by the likes of René Lalique and Boucheron to more daring Art Deco gems designed by Cartier, Lacloche Freres and Van Cleef and Arpels. Prepare to be dazzled by pendants, rings and earrings made of every precious metal, and precious and semi- precious stones, the likes of which you've never seen. Bling, indeed.

Twenty Two shoes: Donate and Save

April 9-11, 2007

5856 College Avenue

Oakland, CA 94618

(510) 594-2201

There's hardly a better rush than shopping for fashionable footwear and doing something to help others at the same time. This weekend, East Bay superstar Twenty Two is offering a 22 percent discount on all shoes in the store. All you have to do is donate an old pair to the charitable organization Soles 4 Souls. Once you get an eyeful of the hot spring line, you're gonna want 'em all. Bring the guys along as Twenty Two sells men's kicks too.

Find the Perfect Pants at Flicka

April 11, 2007, 5pm-8pm

1932 Fillmore Street

San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 292-2315

Imbibe a bit o' vino and get pants that fit like a glove while you're at it. Local company Lucy & Lily will use the latest technology to customize styling trousers just for you. (It will take about two weeks for your hand-sewn, perfect-fit pants to reach your doorstep.) While you're enjoying yourself, check out Flicka's fab Scandinavian fashions and accessories, featuring hard-to-find Scandinavian superstars J. Lindeberg, Marimekko Filippa K, Denimbird, Dagmar and many others.

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