Maureen’s Blab & Blog

With Earth day approaching, we all start considering what we are doing to reduce our “carbon footprint”.  A lot of us drive hybrid cars, buy organic produce, take public transportation and of course, recycle.  As a personal shopper, I started thinking of ways I can encourage people, including myself, to be a little greener in the way they dress.  I don’t mean to suggest that green is the new black, but keep an open mind, and it just might be.

Designers getting into eco-friendly garments, shoes and handbags are truly multiplying at a staggering rate.  Denim brands like 7 for all Mankind, James Jeans and even Levi’s are all doing eco-friendly versions. Skinny, wide legged and boot cut styles are all covered.   Most are made with organic cotton with some stretch thrown in, some even using recycled zippers, buttons and rivets.  One company will even “fix” the gaping holes in your favorite old pair of jeans by reweaving them with matching thread… www.denimtherapy.com.

Stella McCartney, talented designer and offspring of Paul has never used animal or fur products in her designs.  As a lifelong vegetarian, her designs align with this long held principle.  She even has shoes in her line and watch out, they are high and tres chic!  Terra Plana (www.terraplana.com) is another shoe line that is made from sustainable or recycled materials.  This line includes everything from sandals to dressy pumps.  Tom’s Shoes also adheres to the socially conscious concept by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you buy (www.tomsshoes.com).

If it’s handbags you want, no worries, there are plenty of green alternatives.  Canadian designer Ashley Watson (www.ashleywatson.com) makes every bag out of recycled leather, which makes each one a little different from the next.  Ella Vickers (www.ellavickers) is one of several designers that use old sail boat sails to make roomy tote bags, duffels, backpacks and dog beds as well.  You have to love Kim White handbags (www.kimwhitehandbags.com) because they are all made of reclaimed car upholstery from the 70’s and 80’s!  She also uses furniture upholstery from the 50’s to 70’s.  I never thought the “Gremlin” could look this good!

In a similar category, my favorite shopping bag, beach bag, and all around great tote is the Envirosax line (www.envirosax.com).  They are carried locally at Maison d’Erte, 5640 College Ave. in Rockridge.  This line comes in many different colors and graphic prints, is paper light and folds up super small.  They are reasonably priced and last forever.  This is my very favorite gift giving item.

White Apricot (www.whiteapricot.com) is a great website for those of you who want to take green fashion to the next level.  They have great top ten lists and feature only designers, clothing, shoe and handbag lines that are eco-friendly.  They make dressing green easy to do.

In addition to buying green, there are many ways to make what you already own green.  Obviously, recycling clothing by giving it to a worthy non-profit is a great way to reuse clothing.  Re-purposing clothing by having it altered is another way.  A good seamstress or tailor is very important in this endeavor.  The main alteration I suggest to clients is to shorten long pants to a Capri or walking short, and shortening a traditional trench to knee length or shorter.  Consigning current styles and making some money back is another way to guarantee more wear from a stylish garment.  Vintage is one of my favorite ways of recycling.  I happen to love the lines and shapes of vintage handbags.  They take me back to a different time, and I find myself wondering who once carried my stylish bag.  I have a wonderful vintage Christian Dior handbag that I just love using and I can feel good about reusing.

On Saturday, April 26, 2008 is an event that I think is the epitome of the whole green movement.  “Discarded to Divine” (www.discardedtodivine.com) is the brainchild of Sally Rosen with the St. Vincent DePaul society.  Academy of Art University, City College of San Francisco and FIDM students have created over 100 garments from the discard bin at St. Vincent DePaul.  50% of every garment is discarded material including curtains, upholstery, old wedding dresses, bedding and many other materials.  The event is being hosted at the Academy of Art Tent at 601 Brannan Street from 7-9:30 p.m. on April 26th.  There will be both a silent and live auction and all proceeds from the ticket sales and auctioned items will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul.  All of the food, drinks, models fees and venue have been donated and the theme of the event will be …you guessed it, GREEN!

This event really closes the circle of recycling and giving back to the community, what a potent combination.  It should also be noted that Oakland born, later Piedmont High School Alumni, Amanda Cleary is one of the Academy students that has designed a couture dress for the event.  The dress is featured on the www.discardedtodivine.com website.  Tickets are $45-$90 and they are going fast!  Happy Earth Day!

New Year’s eve has come and gone and most of us are still pondering what our resolutions will be and how long we’ll stick to them.  Two of the most popular, yet disappointing resolutions are the desire to loose weight and start an exercise program.  I started thinking about how I can accomplish this without all of the pain and deprivation associated with dieting and exercise.  Then I had my “AHA” moment, to coin Oprah’s much used phrase.  Why not DRESS thin instead of dieting my way there?  So with that as my goal, here are my suggestions for dressing thinner.

I have to start with what NOT to wear.  For both men and women, pleats add weight!  Remember this always, unless you are very thin (thus no need for above resolutions) pleats are extra fabric and are rarely going to make you look thinner.  Similarly, pants with a tapered or “peg” leg type bottom, will exaggerate your middle, an area most of us don’t want to draw attention to.  Pants that are too short (listen up all you men out there) also make you look shorter and heavier.  The combination of pleats at the waist with a tapered bottom is going to add 10 lbs. without the fun of eating and drinking your way there.  You make the call!

Clingy and tight fabrics are not our friends.  If you are trying to look thinner, keep the focus away from your problem areas, thus no tightness in the middle.  Also remember that bigger is not necessarily better.  A very tented style makes it hard to discern where the garment ends and you begin.  Overly baggy tops or bottoms definitely add unnecessary pounds.  Large horizontal stripes are also to be avoided as they make people appear wider than they are.  Large scale prints are another possible pitfall in the quest to dress slimmer.

Make sure you don’t cut yourself off in the middle.  In other words, extend a vertical line down your body and try not to chop it off in the middle.  You can accomplish this by wearing monochromatic outfits or colors that are not totally contrasting like black and white.  You can always add some color interest with a scarf or interesting piece of jewelry.

Now that you know what not to wear, let’s focus on what to wear.  For bottoms, a wider legged pant or trouser will always balance a larger middle, as will an A-line skirt or dress.  These gently fall away from the body making your bottom and hips look smaller and more balanced.  Obviously, darker colors on the bottom half of your body will minimize that area.  Black is not your only choice either.  Try dark wash jeans, brown, navy or dark grey pants and skirts instead.  Pay attention to the quality and drape of the fabric.  Fabrics with a little more body are not going to hug your problem areas, and will fall nicely away from your body.  Bottoms that are lined are also going to look smoother and sleeker than those that are not.

As you may imagine, any type of clothing that creates a vertical line from your head to your toes is slimming and makes you look taller.  This is one of the most appealing things about wearing high heels, as it visually extends that line.  You can also create the line by wearing vertical stripes.  These can be on a button down shirt for men and women, a chalk or pin stripe in a pant (men or women) and also in a skirt or dress for women.  This illusion is one that is proven over and over.  Wearing a longer top for women also extends that imaginary or real vertical line.  This can be done with a longer jacket, tunic top or long cardigan.

Keep your prints in check, and scale them back if you tend toward more dramatic colors.  Remember that your accessories should also be considered in dressing slimmer.  Handbags should be chosen in relation to your natural size.  If you are larger boned, carrying a very small bag will make you appear bigger and vice versa.  Be sure to choose a handbag based on what your needs are, but also what your body type is.  Jewelry falls into this same category.  Chunkier jewelry looks better on a body that can accommodate the oversized look.  Choose jewelry that catches people’s attention, but is also in sync with your body size.

The last tip for looking slimmer is perhaps the most important.  Wearing the right “foundations” (aka undergarments) is the key to looking thinner.  The right fit takes away 5 lbs. visually and the wrong fit can add 10 lbs.  Which would you prefer?  You can find a good fitter in the lingerie area of most major department stores.  Following these suggestions might just get you that much coveted question, “have you lost weight?”  Don’t worry…I’ll never give away our little secret!

The wait is over. I have just returned from my first foray into the spectacle that is New York fashion week. Did it live up to all the hype and hysteria??? You bet it did! It was all that and more. From the time you enter the “tents” in Bryant Park where the majority of the major shows are held, you enter another universe. People suddenly speak your language and talk your talk. Both men and women are dressed well, although some go a bit overboard to say the least. Every time I flashed my press pass to enter the tents, I felt a new jolt of excitement

I was only able to attend the last three days of an 8 day long fashion week. The first show I attended was Milly by Michele Smith on Monday afternoon (9/10). Michelle Smith launched Milly in 2000. I was happy to have my first star sighting right off the bat. LeAnn Rimes was quickly escorted to her seat so that us common folk would not be a bother. Keep in mind that designers are one or more seasons ahead of what’s in the stores, so I was seeing Spring/ Summer 2008 collections. This collection was fun and feminine, with the predominant colors being navy, white and electric green along with graphic black/ white prints. Together, this color combination looked really fresh and clean. The models wore different head coverings including a turban like hat that I could certainly use on my bad hair days! The clothing looked retro and elegant with a modern twist. Skirts were pencil thin and EVERYTHING is being belted (note this for next season). Cardigans tied around the neck were prevalent as were tiny bikinis in fun playful prints. Large oversized totes were shown with beachy cover-ups. This is a really cute line with a younger vibe, but some pieces are definitely wearable for the over 40’s set. Milly is carried locally by Bloomingdale’s, Saks and Neiman’s.

Monday night was the John Varvatos show. Varvatos is the designer credited with infusing the Converse brand with new life. This show was held on the 45th floor of a building in lower Manhattan. The space had a very industrial quality as it was unfinished office space. There were windows all along 2 sides which made for a beautiful view of tribeca and the financial district. John Varvatos does great menswear with a hip, urban feel to it. Tim Robbins (Susan Sarandon’s partner) was my next star sighting of the day/night. This was a great show although the male models looked all of about 13, more boys than men.

The runway looks were casual and cavalier, not taking themselves too seriously. The inspiration noted in the show notes mentioned the bohemian feel of the collection. Even the more tailored pieces did not look overdone. The colors were very neutral with a lot of grey, dusty rose, faded brick and pale pink along with washed shades of black and brown. The pants were very slim cut, with few grown men able to pull this look off. The knits were memorable with the vest making numerous appearances. The knits coupled with more traditional plaid shirting, made for a striking combination. The music for the show was vintage Alice Cooper, who was apparently joining Varvatos at his after show party. John Varvatos dressed several of the Emmy award attendees this past Sunday. Throwing a menswear show into the mix was a good move indeed.

Tuesday (9/11) began with torrential rain and stayed that way most of the day. Getting to the tents without getting soaking wet was a real feat. Not having packed a raincoat, but throwing in an umbrella at the last moment was like the proverbial Band-Aid on a break. After walking one block on my way to the subway, a quick stop in a drugstore for a child’s rain poncho (it was all they had left) torn at the neck to get it over my head, was all I could do to help myself. My footwear was a pair of trusty Havaiana flip flops that fared pretty well through the massive puddles. Once safely in the tents I headed to the Betsey Johnson show.

This was a show I was really looking forward to. The invitations were hot pick with black lettering and had pictures of Betsey’s 1958 Prom (during which she was crowned homecoming queen). The tent was decorated like it was 1958, complete with little tables lining the catwalk with centerpieces and silver tablecloths. Tori Spelling and hubby Dean McDermott were the celebs dujour at this show. Betsey never disappoints when it comes to theatrics. The show was a walk UP memory lane as the styles started in the 1950’s and proceeded all the way up to present day. The dresses were fun and frilly with more tulle than anyone should ever use, but that’s signature Betsey Johnson. The music mirrored each decade and the colors were candy store hues, both bright and pastel. Johnson also showed some summer looks with the main colors black and white (again) with polka dots and stripes in abundance. Cinched at the waist or bodice was the trend here. This is a show totally dedicated to wit and whimsy. Betsey cart wheeled down the runway at the conclusion of the show to the strains of Eric Clapton’s “Layla”, (her granddaughter’s name). Fun, fun, fun!

Tuesday night was Custo Barcelona, a line I had seen a lot while in Barcelona this summer. This collection has a European esthetic. The prints were bold, graphic and geometric and the color palette was bright: blues, purples, fuchsia, and lots of metallic sliver and grey. Custo Dalmau is a designer who is not afraid of color or pattern. There were lots of dresses in this collection as well as daring menswear, not for the faint of heart. Tote bags were oversized and dresses were not. There were wide legged trousers, and asymmetrical swimsuits and cover-ups. Beautiful jackets, jumpers and skirts tailored expertly wowed the packed tent. Evening ensembles, swimsuits and handbags are new to this line and will debut in stores in Spring 2008.

The tent lobby is a bit more crowded in the evenings than during the day. Drinks were being passed, and champagne was plentiful. I watched the Zac Posen show on live video feed to the lobby while sipping champagne with all of the beautiful people. Zac seems to be the designer of the moment with Mariska Hargitay and Katherine Heigel wearing his dresses to the Emmy awards Sunday. As you may recall, Zac Posen was the guest of honor for the Academy of Art University student show in April. He is boyish, charming and self deprecating all at the same time.

Wednesday was the last day of fashion week and a slower day all around. I went to a show by Caravan, which was more of a collective show with lots of different international designers. The show included Vivienne Westwood, Fred Perry (England), Walter Baker (USA), Purp7e (Brazil) and Edun, the line launched by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson. This was a more low key show at a warehouse space in Chelsea. This show was a good way to wind down my few days in fashion heaven. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and next time, I’ll pack the raincoat!

Finding the perfect handbag is a lot like finding the perfect partner.  Before you think me a fool, let me explain.  When you meet your match, there is instant chemistry and you know they are the one.  Well, the same can be said for a handbag that you just have to have!  There is instant infatuation and you can’t live without it.  I’ve had this experience lately, but more on that later.

There are several requirements that this handbag must have before you decide to “settle” down with it.  It has to satisfy several litmus tests, if you will.  The first is size.  Does it fit everything you need to get through a typical day?  Does is feel OK even if it is at full capacity?  Can you comfortably wear it on your shoulder for long periods of time?  If you have to habit of stuffing your bag to within and inch of it’s full capacity, look for a bag that you can’t do this with.  There is nothing more unattractive than a handbag this is too full.  Another tip is to feel how heavy the bag is when it is completely empty.  If it’s already heavy you might want to take a pass and keep on looking.

The next thing to consider in this all important coupling is the color of the bag.  I personally treat handbags as accessories, meaning that I change mine constantly.  If you are going to stick to one bag for the whole season, I would stick with black or brown.  If you are looking for a way to turn up your color quotient, choose a bag in a fun spring color.  Try to stick with a color that will coordinate with most of what you wear.  Handbags are a fun and safe way to jazz up your look a little, without worrying about what size you wear, or weather it will make you look fat!

On the size note, consider the scale of the bag.  In other words, if you are a petite person, don’t choose a huge oversized handbag.  It will overcome you and all people will notice is the bag.  Conversely, if you are a larger woman, do not carry a tiny bag, again think scale when choosing.  Of course, this rule does not apply the evening or cocktail bags, where the point is not to notice them much.

Another factor in determining compatibility is what material your bag will be.  Most people choose leather for its great look and durability.  If you are sticking with one bag I highly recommend leather.  If you want to be more adventurous, there are a lot of manufacturers/ designers that are coming out with Vegan (non leather) alternatives, very durable straw or synthetic materials.  Remember, you want a long and stable relationship with this bag, so stick with a material you can relate to!

Now, think of the all important “style” of the bag.  Do you like a slouchy boho kind of bag with just one strap, or do you prefer a more structured look like the revered Birkin style?  Is a backpack style the only thing your back can handle, or do you like a briefcase style with room for all of your high tech gadgets?  Handbags are very personal territory, so only you can determine what works for you.

Lastly, how much should spend on this all important decision?  Remember that this bag should elevate your look, not bring it down.  I am not advocating buying a bag with the same price tag as a small economy car (they ARE out there, believe me), but you should spend enough to for a good looking, quality bag that you love carrying around with you.

I recently fell in love with a bag.  I’m ashamed to say that I am quite fickle when it comes to handbags.  Luckily, I am quite committed to my husband/ partner of 13 years.  I saw this bag and couldn’t get it out of my mind.  I thought about it a lot.  It was a beautiful patent leather (a very IN look, by the way) tote, with just the right amount of space inside.  Let me mention it had a hefty price tag to match it’s beauty.  I had used the bag as a prop at a packing program I did at Bloomingdale’s, and it was love at first sight.  What did I do?  I went back and bought it!  I now carry it proudly (you may see me around the village with it), and every time I carry that handbag, it makes my outfit and me look better!  That’s the beauty of a perfect match!

Another fashion note: My favorite student fashion show is happening today, Friday April 27th.  The Academy of Art University student fashion show is being held at 601 Brannan Street @ 5th St. in San Francisco.  There are two shows open to the public at 3:00 p.m. today, Friday and another tomorrow, Saturday, at 3:00 p.m. also.  The show for industry is at 7 p.m. tonight by invitation only.  Guests of honor include: fashion designer Zac Posen, Yves Saint Laurent friend and muse Loulou de la Falaise, and fashion editor of The Washington Post, Robin Givhan.  For more information logon to www.academyart.edu.

As temperatures start to warm a little (at least temporarily), spring cleaning will start to move to the top of our “To Do” lists.  I’d like to offer a few ideas for getting rid of the items you clean out of your closet.  In the spirit of giving and welcoming our new columnist Bill Somerville’s “Simple Gifts”, here are some suggestions for organizations that would love to get your cast-offs.

Wardrobe for Opportunity (website) is an organization I am delighted and proud to be associated with.  Wardrobe is an Oakland and Pleasant Hill based non-profit that helps its clients, both men and women, to dress for interviews and subsequent hiring.  Their mission statement reads “Wardrobe for Opportunity is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing and career support to low-income jobseekers so they can secure employment and become economically self-sufficient.”  Every month I show up for three hours to help dress clients.  Each time I leave, I feel happy, grateful and appreciative of the experience and thankful for the dedicated staff at WFO.  WFO also offers its clients a program called “Pathways to Opportunity” as additional training and preparation for their new jobs.   WFO is hosting a breakfast on Friday, March 16, 2007 from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. for donors, referral agencies and volunteers if you are interested in finding out more about Wardrobe for Opportunity.  I will be the keynote speaker, and will be talking about “de-mystifying business casual”.  All of the details can be found on their website.

A Miner Miracle (www.aminermiracle.org) is a San Francisco bases non-profit that also helps men & women dress for their entry or re-entry into the job market.  Miner Miracle has a retail store that is an additional source of revenue for this organization.  The shop is located at 899 Mission Street on the ground floor of the Mission & 5th St. garage right across from Bloomingdale’s.  In 1995, Kathy Miner founded A Miner Miracle after working with the Salvation Army on a similar pilot program.  A Miner Miracle also provides job skills workshops and additional education for its clients in order to prepare them for the current job market.

Dress for Success Worldwide (www.dressforsuccess.org) “is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women located in 78 cities across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and New Zealand. The professional clothing, employment retention programs and ongoing support that we provide our clients symbolize our faith in every woman’s ability to be self-sufficient and successful in her career.”  Dress for Success just opened a San Francisco affiliate in 2006.  Dress for Success serves women only and also offers job skills training as well as professional clothing.  They will be opening a retail store, as soon as a suitable space is found.  Since its founding in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success has served 300,000 women around the world.

Each of these wonderful organizations has guidelines for donations, but generally, all clothing should be dry cleaned, on hangers and in good condition.  Business casual clothing is also accepted.  Don’t forget that these organizations also need belts, shoes, handbags, ties, scarves, briefcases, overcoats and raincoats.  Each of them can provide a tax receipt and lets you determine the value of the donation.  Check their websites for donation locations around the bay area.  Of course, monetary donations are always welcome and appreciated!  If you are looking for some way to “give back” this spring, consider one of these amazing organizations!

For the “packing challenged”…  If you stress about packing, weeks before a trip, join AICI (Assn. of Image Consultants Int’l, www.aici.org) for their Travel Express: Tour with Style program.  It is being held at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco on Tuesday, March 20th, 2007 from 6:30 – 9 p.m.  The program will include spring trends, great luggage options, and current FAA regulations.  Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served.  For tickets and information call Katherine Wurzburg at (650)949-3170.

If you take a look in anyone’s closet, the owner would no doubt be able to give you a short history of the majority of their clothing.  In almost every closet there will be several, what I like to call “expensive fashion mistakes”.  What exactly is an expensive fashion mistake you ask?  It’s the piece you bought, because you thought you couldn’t live without it.  You’ve come to learn it’s exactly the opposite, and it’s never seen the light of day.

First, it’s important to know why people (men, that includes you too) make these lapses in judgement so often.  I find there are several explanations for this common situation.  First, you bought it on impulse.  You didn’t really plan on buying it, but you got caught up in the moment and you did it.  This is sometimes the case when we are shopping with friends, and fashion mistakes just happen.

Next is the last minute fashion mistake.  You have an event to go to, perhaps it is work related for you or your spouse/partner.  You’ve had ample notice before the event, but just didn’t make time to look for the perfect ensemble.  This is the prime environment for fashion mistakes to happen.  We usually feel very stressed as the time of the event draws closer, and our decision making ability is not based on what fits the best and looks great, it is based on sheer desperation!  You can see why this in never the optimal frame of mind for shopping and why so many fashion mistakes thus occur.

Another scenario for fashion mistakes is the all too common vacation purchase.  You see a beautiful hand painted sarong that costs a king’s ransom.  It looks beautiful on, and fits right in with the island vibe of ________ (fill in the blank with an island paradise).  The problem here is that a hand painted sarong is not something you’ll wear very often in your everyday life, unless you are a tour guide for tropical getaways.  Men make this mistake quite often with Hawaiian shirts.  If the only chance you’ll have to wear it is the yearly “Hawaiian Party” then take a pass and buy one from Goodwill when you need it!

The number one reason I hear from people about fashion mistakes, is the “it was on sale” excuse.  Let me be very clear here …just because something is on sale, does not mean it looks good on and fits you properly.  You are so much better off waiting until you find exactly what you want and are looking for, even if it means paying full price.  You will wear it more often and really get your money’s worth versus something you NEVER wear sitting in your closet collecting dust.  Enough said.

Now, let’s examine how you avoid making the above faux pas.  Always keep classic pieces in neutral colors in mind and know that you will always get the most wear out of these pieces.  These are the “investment” pieces that you will get tons of use from.  Spend more on these core pieces and less on the trendy garments that will only be worn for a season or two.

If you are considering a really amazing garment, that will make a big dent in your checkbook, consider using the 24 hour rule.  The 24 hour rule goes like this: if, after 24 hours, you are still obsessing over the garment, go back and buy it.  If your doubts about the garment intensify, forget about it and move on.  Most stores, both boutiques and large department stores, usually have a least a 24 hour hold policy.  This is precisely the amount of time you will need to decide if the clothing passes muster.

Make sure you always ask about the return policy.  Most small boutiques have somewhat more restrictive return policies than larger department stores.  I am not advocating for department stores, as some of the best finds are in smaller boutiques.  I am advocating being an informed consumer.  Make sure if you are uncertain about your purchase, you can at least return it for store credit.

The best solution for vacation purchasing, is to make sure that whatever you are contemplating, you wouldn’t be embarrassed to don in public, back “home”.  While vacationing in Puerto Vallarta a few years back I happened upon this wonderful “Zappateria” where they made the cutest hand- tooled sandals.  I bought a few pairs, and never regretted it because sandals are something I wear a lot in my “everyday” life.

My last suggestion for the fashion mistakes in your closet is to find a good place to consign it.  You may still be able to recoup some of your investment this way.  In the end, learn from those expensive fashion mistakes, and vow never to repeat them…at least until next season!

With Christmas just barely over, and trees still trimmed with holly, It’s time to turn our attention to the bargains that await us in the coming weeks. Everyone knows that the big department stores are full of marked down merchandise that needs to be sold to make room for the new spring fashions.  What lots of people don’t realize, is that the same is true of their favorite local boutique.  They also need to sell goods to make room for new arrivals.  As customers, we score big this time of year!

Here are a few of the many sales that are taking place in the coming weeks around our part of town.

One of my favorite local boutiques is Red Bird at 2938 Domingo Ave. in Berkeley (510)644-0294 (right near Rick & Ann’s).  Owner Karen Park does a great job of combining lots of different women’s clothing and accessory lines that really work together.  Red Bird’s sale starts December 27th and includes 40-50% off selected merchandise, and 25% off selected jewelry.

I was thrilled to find out that Red Bird has opened and outlet!  It is located just around the corner from the main store, behind Rick & Ann’s and Peet’s coffee.  They are open Thursday through Sunday only.  This is great news for those of us that love the main store.  The outlet telephone number is (510)848-5530.

Another great sale will be starting on January 2nd at twenty two shoes located at 5856 College Ave. in Rockridge (510)594-2201.  Owners/ designers Chris and Alexandra Silverman have a great selection of upscale shoes in their store that are perfect for those of us not interested in sky high heels.  The Silverman’s also design their own line of shoes and boots that are manufactured in Italy and carried by many other retailers including Gimme Shoes in S.F.  The entire fall collection of shoes, boots and handbags will be 50% off starting January 2nd. ..run, don’t walk to this great sale!

The folks at FIT, 5707 College Ave. (510)923-0784, are already in sale mode.  Their sale is in progress, with 40-50% off  selected merchandise.  They have Diane von Furstenberg dresses on sale along with wool suits, beaded slippers, handbags and casual stretch velvet jackets.  Owner Joyce Gardner will be adding items to the sale each week, and will include cashmere sweaters in the very near future.

Pimlico Place at 4135 Piedmont Ave. (510)655-7081 is also getting it’s sale on.   They have beautiful ornaments and Christmas related items on sale for 40% off.  Some of the special ornaments are imported from Switzerland.  Handmade and decorative pillows are 20% off, and beaded velvet handbags from Paris are 25% off.  These bags have that unmistakable “boho” feel to them.  Check out their designated sale area in the store, as new items are being added each and every week.

Nancy and Melissa at Utopia, 6466 Moraga Ave. in Montclair village will also be getting into the January sale spirit.  They will be putting coats, boots, sweaters, robes and the  designer Cari Borja’s line all on sale.  Call the store at (510)339-1002 for additional information, because they may add more to the list.

Serrahna will be hosting a store wide sale starting on January 5th.  They are located at 5303 College Ave. in Rockridge (510)654-2332.  Owner Andrea Serrahn, is embarking on another buying trip to India, and needs to make space for all her beautiful acquisitions.  She will be offering 25-75% off selected merchandise.  This will include coats, scarves, pants, some costume jewelry and selected purses.  Serrahna’s store hours will be 11-6, (instead of 7) Monday through Saturday and 12 -5 on Sundays, during the month of January.

Make sure to take the time to call your favorite fashion haunt and ask them if they’re having a sale.  You may be pleasantly surprised to find that the great jacket you were coveting last month, can now be yours for a song!

Calling all readers!!!  As the new year begins, I’d love to hear from all of you.  Please

e-mail me with your most difficult fashion /wardrobe conundrums.  I will try to answer your burning questions in future columns.  In the meantime, I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous 2007!

Does the prospect of holiday shopping leave you in a cold sweat?  Do the crowds in Union Square have you running for cover in the corner of the nearest café?  Is your mantra for the season more “Bah Humbug” than “Deck the Halls”?  If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you can count yourself among the large group called “shopping phobics” or “shop-phoebes”.

For those of you who prefer to go shopping from the comfort of your own home, this one’s for you!  I understand your plight, especially since I make my living shopping for other people.  If you are not a natural shopper, the holidays only turn up the heat on an activity that is already up there with having a root canal.  If you prefer more “green” gifts, and want to save the environment, read on.  I have come up with the ultimate list of gifts; you never have to circle a crowded parking lot to purchase.

Personally, I love memberships.  Zoos, museums and science center memberships, all make wonderful gifts.  This is an especially valuable gift for families with children, or for the art lover.  They get to use it all year long, and each time, they will think of your generosity.  There are so many right here in our backyard:  The Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space and Science Center, and the Lawrence Hall of Science to name a few.  All can be purchased on-line with minimal effort!

Another favorite gift is tickets to the theater, symphony or ballet.  What is better than the gift of your time to take in a performance with an old friend, sibling, partner or grand child?   If there is a Broadway show coming to the area, getting tickets ahead gives the recipient something to look forward to.  Again, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Oakland Symphony and California Shakespeare Theater are good local options.

Magazine subscriptions are a fun gift to receive, for any age.  Does your friend love gardening, flower arranging or knitting?  There are many choices for hobbies or interests of all kinds.  For children, Ranger Rick, Highlights or American Girl is great magazines to give.  For the armchair quarterback, Sports Illustrated is a touchdown.  Log on to your favorite, and check one more name off your gift list.

Speaking of sports, tickets to a sporting event is a home run.  If professional is out of your budget, why not the Cal Bears, Stanford Cardinals, U.S.F. Dons or any other local college team?  We love taking our children to the Cal soccer games, both women’s and men’s.  It cost a total of $16, adults are $8 and children are free.  Shattuck Ave. is close to the stadium for lunch or dinner before/ after the game.

As a parent, there is no better gift for my children, than books.  I love to read, and so far, my children do too.  One of their favorite gifts is when their Aunt Sally sends them a gift card from Borders.  We put it away for a few months, and take it out when they are looking for good books, or I need a rainy day activity.  We pick the date and make an outing of it.  The kids really look forward to it.  We all come out of the store excited to get started on the books we chose.   Again, if done on-line, the recipient gets and e-mail notification.

For the teenagers on your list, the gift of music will always be appreciated.  An iTunes gift certificate is a sure fire hit with the younger set.  I could use some new music for my iPod.  Anyone who owns an MP3 player can appreciate this kind of gift.  Podcasts are also an option, and can be purchased the very same way.

If budget is your biggest issue, vouchers or coupons for services are the way to go.  What parent wouldn’t appreciate a night of free babysitting?  What busy professional wouldn’t love a prepared meal delivered to their home, or a dry-cleaning pick-up or lawn mowing or grocery run or….you get the idea.  This gift cost nothing, but really means a lot.

In the end, if you find yourself with a few missing gifts, shop your local stores!  Montclair Village, Piedmont Ave. and College Ave. all have wonderful eclectic and independently owned businesses that need our patronage.  Most have complimentary gift wrapping, personal service and a lot of good cheer.  Before you know it, “Bah Humbug” just might turn into “Deck the Halls”

As a personal shopper and wardrobe stylist, I always get asked the same question; “Where do YOU shop?”.  This question is harder to answer than you think, not because I don’t have a multitude of really great places to shop.  It is more about finding a great place and slowly discovering all of the gems held within.  So here is my first installment of “Maureen’s Merchants”. Utopia, 6466 Moraga Ave. in Montclair village.  (510)339-1002, www.utopiamontclair.com  Utopia is the relative newcomer to Montclair village.  Mother and daughter team, Nancy Ekstrom and Melissa Munyer opened Utopia just a little over a year ago.  Nancy is a Montclair resident and Melissa hails from Sausalito with a PhD. in psychology to boot.  Nancy and Melissa make a great team with style to burn.  They try to carry lines that you won’t see in every other store or boutique.

Considering they have only been open a year, Utopia is really creating a ‘buzz’.  They get a lot of their customers from word-of-mouth marketing and have built a lot of local loyalty.  Utopia’s target market is definitely the Montclair and Piedmont woman.  Melissa and Nancy carry a lot of local designer’s lines, and insist they try on every piece they sell.  That way, they can comment on a wide array of fit issues.  Utopia carries shoes from Italy and Brazil, handbags, hats and some one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.  They carry singer Beyonces mother’s line called House of Dereon, and a line of great fitting jeans called Pure Color that were featured on Oprah.

Tootsie’s, 5525 College Ave. in Rockridge. (510)595-7272.  Carrie Bradshaws take note, if your opinion of the perfect day includes buying several pairs of cute shoes, then Tootsies is your place!  Tootsies carries over 200 styles of shoes, and at this time of year, that means SANDALS!  This is a veritable playground for the shoe-aholic.  Walk in and you are immediately transported into a kind of shoe high.  You’re not sure of what to try on first….your mouth is a little dry…you’re eyes looked a little glazed over…..you take a deep breath and start trying on.

Tootsies has also been open just over a year, and already has gained the reputation of being the place for sandals.  Tootsies also offers amazing spa pedicures.  Owner Liz Taylor also will schedule pedicure parties on Thursday and Friday nights or by appointment.  This is a great idea for a bachelorette party or shower. Once the polish is dry, you can pick out a trendy pair of sandals, most with a price tag less than a dinner out!

Serrahna, 5303 College Ave. in Rockridge, (510)654-2332, www.serrahna.com  Immediately upon entering Serrahna, you feel as if you have been transported to a far away place.  The colors are saturated and rich, and are candy for the eyes.  For owner and designer Andrea Serrahn, that’s exactly the way she wants you to feel.  She visits India several times a year to scout fabrics and check on the hand cut and hand sewn production..   Serrahna is that rare boutique where time seems to fly by.  After shopping there for what seems like a long time, as you head for the door your eye settles on something that sucks you right back in!

Serrahnas clothing is flowing and ethnic, but also fitted and stylish. Serrahn has taken the spirit of India’s native dress, and reinterpret it to fit today’s woman.  Serrahn and her staff are very skilled at putting their pieces together in a way that might not have occurred to you.  Whether you are looking for a top to go with jeans or an entire outfit, they are up to the task.  Serrahna is designed for the “real” woman, with “real” figures.

Serrahna also holds several fashion shows during the year so be sure to get on their mailing list.  Serrahna’s website is great, and you can order directly from it.  It also offers information on the craftsmen and women that are such an integral part of Serrahna’s look.  Andrea feels a real responsibility and has embarked on numerous goodwill projects, including raising money to buy a community sewing machine.

I will continue to highlight some of what I think are interesting and eclectic boutiques in our neighborhoods.  I’d love to hear about reader’s favorites as well.  E-mail me at maureen@maureenfrench.com with your suggestions!