San Francisco - September 24, 2007

Euro Trip

By Malene Birger Fall 2007

Top three ways to feel better about not going to Europe this fall:
1) Coit Tower beats the Eiffel. It stands in your backyard, and you can actually walk to the top.
2) Triple cream from Cowgirl Creamery packs as many calories as French fromage.
3) You can still be a fille about town in By Malene Birger clothes.

Okay, so technically Birger is Danish. But her elegant prêt-a-porter collection is très Parisienne.

Puffed-sleeve sweaters and discreetly quilted leather jackets exude edgy sophistication. Especially when layered over ladylike printed silk dresses and fluid blouse-and-trouser combos. You’ll look like a million euros in a smoldering zip-up cape, which transforms a bustling sidewalk into a veritable runway.

Meanwhile, your unflattering passport pic stays hidden in your sock drawer.

Try to contain your joie.

Available at Dish, 541 Hayes Street, between Octavia and Laguna Streets (415-252-5997); 2981 College Avenue, between Ashby Avenue and Webster Street (510-540-4784). To see styles, go to bymalenebirger.com.