November 26, 2007

Sleight of Hands

Ses Petites Mains Clothing

Asparagus. Doctor. Hand-me-downs. Some words provoke untold childhood anxiety.

Unless you’re about to inherit a closet full of outfits by Ses Petites Mains. Local designer Beth Miles created the covetable line to last throughout the ages.

The holiday collection is jing-a-ling-a-ling and meant for mixing and matching: plaid jumpers, trousers, and kilts pair effortlessly with striped boatneck tees and jaunty toppers like the cropped Dandio jacket. Of course, the bubblegum pink Grace dress in tiny wale cord may incite sibling rivalry.

But all’s fair in love and wear.

Available at Fiddlesticks, 508 Hayes Street, at Octavia Boulevard (415-565-0508 or shopfiddlesticks.com); Milk, 5833 College Avenue, between Oak Grove Avenue and Chabot Road, Oakland (510-547-6455 or jadoremilk.com); online at store.shoporangebutton.com. To see styles, go to sespetitesmains.com.

BUY
Tea Collection
What: SF-based kids line will donate 15 percent of all sales to The Global Fund for Children.
Why: Tea and sympathy.
When: Mon.-Wed.
Where: Online at teacollection.com.

PAINT
The Family MAPP
What: Tots ages 3 and up are invited to paint murals and take in special performances with the Mission Arts & Performance Project.
Why: Fun. Down to an art.
When: Sat., 1-5 p.m.
Where: The Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom St., at 23rd St. (415-826-2402).

SHINE
Lights from the Philippines
What: Gaze at star-shaped lanterns made by local youth and learn more about the Filipino holiday tradition.
Why: Star of wonder, star of night.
When: Wed.-Fri., 1-5 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Zeum, 221 4th St., at Howard St. (415-820-3320).