Keeping It Local - Alice & Isa
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 5:04PM 
I'll be honest: one of the cool things about being a style blogger is the invitations. I feel so in-demand when I get invited all over town oooh and ahhh over the latest thing, incented by so-so vino in catered glassware. At least this is how *most* of the parties are: soulless, boring, and plastic. Le sigh. Yes, it's tough to be a social bloggerfly. But then, every once in a while, a party is really great and the latest thing actually IS the latest thing...
A number of weeks ago I got an email from a company called "Alice & Isa", inviting me to their launch party last week. The name of the co-founder, Dawn Miller, matched the name of a girl I used to work with in the corporate world long ago, so, thinking Alice & Isa was her new project, I readily agreed to support. Upon arrival at the party at the lovely Inner Richmond shop Modern Relics, I was instantly greeted by a very friendly hostess. I introduced myself and said I was a friend of Dawn Miller...
"Wait, that's me..." We looked at each other quite puzzled, and then laughed. This was clearly not the Dawn Miller I knew! After clearing up the confusion, Dawn asked me if I was a San Francisco native, and when I told her my history she said, "oh - let me introduce you to my husband!" Her charming husband comes over, takes one look at me and said "yeah, I know you, we went to St. Ignatius together - I'm David Schaefer." I laughed again, because while slightly familiar around the edges, he didn't look like anyone I remembered...
Gosh, Ms. P&C can sometimes really embarrass herself, can't she? Just when it was looking like I couldn't do anything but fumble my social graces in front of this fantastic pair, they both put me at ease with a cup of champagne and a canapé being passed by some kids from the Star of the Sea School. All at once I felt more comfortable than I've ever felt at any "fashion" party, ever. And that's just the beginning...
Big Mouth Hobo by 49 Square MilesMs. Miller proceeded to guide me around the shop and introduce me to the many incredible accessories being featured on Alice & Isa. The whole site is devoted to showcasing San Francisco talent alone, with a goal to remedy our reputation as a "fashion-less" metropolis. To this end, I was overwhelmingly impressed. Each piece featured incredible quality, design details, vibrant creativity, and a refreshing uniqueness. Again, I was a bit embarrassed for not having encountered some of the designers before - San Francisco artists and designers are truly under-represented!
Take for instance the rich leathers of 49 Square Miles. Their bags are simply luscious - true luxury pieces with hand-stitched details and innovative designs. I'm completely in love with their Big Mouth Hobo - roomy, comfortable, and a bright pop of color. A very reasonable purchase at $650, and far more singular than a big-brand handbag. I also loved their little patent clutches and wallets - amazing, and only around $100 for something totally unusual and lasting.
;)
Secret Garden Necklace by Van + ElloMuch more in my price range right now were a pair of copper-patinaed hoop earrings by Van + Ello. I fell head over heels for the Secret Garden Necklace, but thought I'd get more wear out of the hoops, which are light, lovely, and easy to wear with just about anything.
When I was introduced to the other co-founder of Alice & Isa, Stephanie Belfiore, I almost bought her gorgeous Jennifer Tutone earrings right off her ears! The Branch Earrings are each a gorgeous golden branch is finished with cubic zirconia stones, creating a glamorous but natural look. So stunning!
;)
Stalactite 24K Amethyst Necklace by Jennifer TutonJennifer Tuton's pieces bring a modern bit of subdued "bling" - lots of stone clusters, gold chains, filigrees, and amazing craftsmanship. Take for instance her Stalactite Amethyst pendant necklace in 24K gold. The piece is a show-stopper!
I also loved the charming button barettes and clips from Vivi Dot - little girls, bunnies, hedgehogs, cupcakes, bows, apples - all kinds of cute things for little ladies to wear. Too bad I don't know any little ladies, or I'd have definitely indulged!
Stripes & Dots Scarf by Irina KenderovaI also thought of the many things someone like my sister would enjoy... Take for instance this fun and funky Big Button Bag by Bvann - featuring a paint by number print. So cute for bumming around on the weekends! Or perhaps a glorious necktie silk scarf by Irina Kenderova? This designer began making scarves out of necktie silk when a local manufacturer went out of business and they started tossing their silks. Yes - into the garbage. Salvaging boxes of the gorgeous and colorful fabric, she now makes scarves and headbands out of the incredibly rich silk. I almost swooned when I saw her red Touring Bus scarf on the wall at the party, but had to restrain myself - everything I buy seems to be red - must branch out into other colors too! Or maybe this will be my next Alice & Isa purchase? This blue Stripes & Dots version would be great on my sister too since this is totally her color.
Clearly, there is something for everyone at Alice & Isa - not just me! The assortment is well-chosen and very considered. I am so impressed by the level of quality and design - it makes me so proud of San Francisco's designers! Both Dawn Miller and Stephanie Belfiore are charming saleswomen whose passion and commitment to the San Francisco design world comes through. It is indeed time for our local talent to be represented well via something like Alice & Isa.
Overall, this party was a fantastic event. Not only did I meet some fantastic local entrepreneurs and reconnect with someone from high school, but I also got to chat (and shop) with the lovely Kimara from J'Adore Couture. I also ran into another of my favorite local designers - Lily Fighera of Lilyhats - whose chapeaux I've been sporting for a number of years now. Suffice it to say, the whole event made me warm & fuzzy - good people, great product, local endeavor, and no attitude. Hmmm...just like Alice & Isa!
Reader Comments (3)
hey i'm a san francisco girlie too (ok, technically east bay....but i work here and i lived in the city for 10 years!). alas, no one is sending me invitations to glammy parties.
sniff.
;-)