Maureen’s Blab and Blog

One of my FAVORITE designers, Trina Turk, will be in town today speaking at the SF Design Center with the editor of California Home + Design magazine.  I have long admired the graphic fabrics used in the Trina Turk line.   Trina Turk launched her business in 1995, having learned to sew and design from an early age.  Within the first year she had Barney”s New York, Fred Segal and Saks selling her clothing.

“Inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of Los Angeles and California, The Trina Turk Collection is full of the Season’s most casually sophisticated – and “must have” silhouettes. Trina’s philosophy is to create wearable, optimistic fashion that incorporates the best aspects of classic American sportswear.”

 Trina Turk opened her flagship store in Palm Springs in 2002, to much excitement and fanfare, as the desert was a constant inspiration to her.  A store in LA soon followed, and her NYC store opened in 2006 in the meatpacking district.  Trina Turk residential opened right next door to the original clothing boutique in Palm Springs in 2008.  In 2009 she introduced an indoor-outdoor fabric line with home furnishings manufacturer F. Schumacher

“Turk will sit down with California Home+Design Executive Editor Erin Feher for a frank, funny and insightful conversation about finding your style, building your brand and why California is still the land of risk-takers and tastemakers. Audience questions and participation are highly encouraged. “

Design SF 2012 Keynote, SFDC Galleria, 101 Henry Adams Street SF, Ca 94103 February 1, 2012 10:00 – 11:00 AM

New Years Eve has come and gone, the kids are back at school and we are left with our semi -realistic resolutions to grapple with.  I’m not sure why we make resolutions in the first place, but I’m as guilty as the next guy of making them and trying to keep them.  At the top of the list of New Years resolutions, is always the “lose weight/get in shape/ exercise more” variety.  With obesity rates skyrocketing in this country, it’s a noble goal for many.  For those of us not battling the bulge, so much as the slowly expanding midsection, I have a great product!

Much more slimming with the Booty Wrap!

Kathy Kramer started with a brainchild called the “Invisibelt”, a belt meant to smooth out the button or snap front of pants or jeans.  Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to review that product in the future.  Anyway, Kathy is truly a mother of invention.  Her newest invention is the “Booty Wrap”.  I LOVE this product!  The Booty Wrap is and piece of fabric that can be tied around your waist like a sweater or sweatshirt without the bulk or heft.  The best part is the pockets sewn in to it, that allows you to leave the house without a handbag.  The pockets can be used for credit cards, cash, cell phone, keys, etc.  The amazing part is that the Booty Wrap is actually SLIMMING and hides your behind!

A few months ago, I was going for a walk/hike with a friend.  She was wearing a Booty Wrap and I asked her about it.  It was perfect for stowing the few things she had to carry.  I have to say, I have been using mine for the gym, going to yoga and for walking/hiking.  I chose black and it goes with everything.  I’m going to buy a white or light colored Booty Wrap for the summer so that I can wear it with tennis clothes or to the beach/pool!  I’m a real sucker for a product that results from a need or just plain great idea, and Booty Wrap is it!  Keep it up Kathy!!!

You are down to the wire…it’s Christmas Eve and you don’t have gifts for all of the people on your list.  Although you vow not to let this happen yet again, here it is and you’re in the same place you were last Christmas Eve.  I have some suggestions that will help you put the ‘jolly” back in “holly, jolly Christmas”.

Giftcards are always a great option for the last minute shoppers.  EVERY major chain of grocery and drug stores has a kiosk of gift cards.  While this is certainly one option, giving the gift of a service or class is also a great gift.  What about a gift certificate for house cleaning for the busy mom, or elderly relative?  What about a gift certificate for a massage for the sports enthusiast, or a yoga class voucher for the stressed out business person?  What about a gift certificate for flowers from your favorite flower shop for a friend or relative on a tight budget?   A personal organizer for the family getting ready to move or move in.   I just sent out a gift certificate for my personal shopping services to a man who is surprising his wife and 2 daughters with their own version of “What not to wear”!  In many cases you are also giving your dollars to locally owned and operated businesses.  The ideas abound for services as gifts…

Memberships are also a favorite gift of mine.  Many people would love to get a museum or zoo membership.  Lots of moms with young children would adore getting a membership to a kids’ museum or attraction.   In this same vein, tickets to an event, that the recipient would enjoy is always welcome.  Tickets are a great way to enjoy the gift of time with a loved one, especially if they choose to bring you!    Opera, the symphony, Broadway, concerts, comedy, take your pick.

The most economical gift you can give is your time, experience or expertise.  What about a voucher for babysitting?  What parent of young children would not JUMP at the prospect of free babysitting?   What about manual labor in a loved one’s garden or around the house?  What about cooking for a stressed- out family or lonely elder…even better if you offer your company as well.

Lastly, making a donation to the charity or non-profit close to the recipients’  heart is a “can’t miss” gift.  We all have organizations that are important to us for one or many reasons.  A donation in their name or a loved one who’s passed on , can mean so much.

Thank you for reading and following my blog this year.  I‘m wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2012!!!

If you’re like me, you will have started out the gift giving season strong and organized.  Much like running a marathon, you’re quick off the starting line, but then you hit the “wall”.  You start to panic, and the decision making abilities you thought you possessed are suddenly gone.  I have a few quick and easy gift ideas to help you enjoy the holidays rather than stress about them.

My first gift suggestion is a great one because it’s a “unisex” gift…great for both men and women.  It’s called a Slapwatch and I LOVE them!  They are fun, colorful, has an easy -to -see face and is reasonably priced.  They are a straight piece of plastic that curves around your wrist when “slapped” on.   The face pops out and can be inserted into a different colored band.  At around  $18 – $20 per watch, it doesn’t break the bank!

The other product I LOVE is the POCH (I, II, III, IV).  They are little rubber change purses, clutches, eyeglass holders and cell phone cases.  These are so cute and are imported from Japan.  Unfortunately, you can’t order them online yet, but I’m sure that’s coming.  They too, come in fun, bright colors that retail for around $10- $20 dollars.  This has been my “go-to” gift for many of my friends’ birthdays recently!

Both of these products are available at Pelago on Medau Place in Montclair village in Oakland, (510)339-7090. Pelago is one of my favorite stores for every kind of gift imaginable.  Owners and buyers, Mark Wallaert and Bill Fidrych, have impeccable taste.  It will take you more than one go round before you see everything in the store.  They have a knack for getting a lot of different products into a small space, and merchandising it beautifully.  They also do complimentary gift wrapping which I totally appreciate during this crazy season!

Stay tuned for more fun and easy holiday gift ideas!

Does packing for a trip get you stressed out?  Do you pack WAY too much for a trip?  Do you feel like you never pack the “right” clothes?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, join me at ATHLETA at 2226 Fillmore St. in San Francisco tomorrow night (Thursday 6/9) for a summer packing seminar!  There will also be a representative from Timbuk2, to show you a great regulation sized carry-on bag.  Refreshments will be served, and I’ll be available to answer all of your packing questions after the presentation.

ATHLETA opened on Fillmore St. in January, and they are the perfect place to find all kinds of summer clothing staples.  I also LOVE their bathing suits.  They are sized like bras, and are sure to fit just right.  They also just got a ton of cute summer dresses in.  One of my favorite packing tips is to use a dress as a cover-up for daytime, and pair it with heels or fun sandals for evening.  Think of your clothes as multi-taskers, just like all of us!

I’d love for you to share your best packing tips here…that way we can all use them!  I do hope to see you at the seminar tomorrow night!

I am not usually a big fan of consignment shops, but I have found the mother lode in Phoenix.  There is a chain of stores called My Sister’s Closet, www.mysisterscloset.com and they do consignment right!  They have current styles by designers and mass retailers alike.  Everything is beautifully organized and the better labels are merchandised separately so that they are easy to peruse.  There are 4 locations in: Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler.  The Desert Village store had a beautiful black Prada bag for $380 and a gorgeous Cream colored Celine bag for around $700.  The Lincoln Village store had a wonderful pair of spectator Chanel ballet flats for a few hundred.  Also part of the chain is Well Suited, clothing for men and My Sister’s Attic for home furnishings.  Check them out the next time you are in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area for a spa weekend or golf getaway.