Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Vote for this year's most innovative, inspiring, and promising designer or boutique.
-
Elizabeth Charles Elizabeth Charles Boutique
The Aussie shop owner blessed the Bay Area with Down Under chic from trendsetting designers like Lover and Alice McCall when she opened a boutique on Fillmore Street this year. Read More
-
Originally published on April 27, 2007
Charles in Charge
Elizabeth Charles Boutique Opens
According to Men at Work, The Land Down Under looks like a bunch of beefy tan dudes chugging beer and eating Vegemite sandwiches.
Here’s what it looks like in Pac Heights: Elizabeth Charles, the newly opened namesake boutique from the stylish Melbourne native.
The small, pretty space feels like a pal’s living room. Unwind with a crisp NZ sauvignon blanc or a Grinders’s cappuccino before diving into the expertly edited selection of Aussie and Kiwi designers.
Up-and-comers like Alice McCall mingle with established labels like Karen Walker and Anna Thomas. Smart Sheilas go for breezy heart-print dresses from Stephanie Cranford, cropped military-green jackets by Lover, and adorable bathers by Anna & Boy.
You might say the shop is Australian for chic.
Elizabeth Charles, 2056 Fillmore Street, between California and Pine Streets (415-440-2100 or elizabeth-charles.com). -
Michelle Janezic Janezic
Michelle Janezic spent years in the corporate world before following her true passion for fashion design. Her vintage-inspired collection expertly combines '60s and '70s bohemian flair with modern simplicity. Read More
-
Originally published on March 19, 2007
Fine Vintage
Janezic Spring/Summer Collection
Vintage clothing is a lot like an ex. Worn in, full of holes, and always easy to go back to. But eventually it’s better off left alone.
SF-based designer Michele Janezic brings you the best of both worlds with her new boho-inspired spring/summer collection: They’re like oldies but goodies — without the flea market snags or stains.
Soak up the compliments in eye-catching English floral silk cotton. The empire draping on the sleeveless Christina cuts an effortlessly elegant figure. Worn loose, the Cathleen dress (printed or in solid ivory) is ideal for playing in strawberry fields. Belt it for more business-like decorum. Flirt away in the short linen denim Agnes jumper.
Easy-to-wear tops like the scoop-neck Katie look snazzy with cropped jeans. And the Christen top is roomy but still shows off the goods tastefully.
Just try to resist showing them to Mr. Been There Done That.
Available at Dish, 541 Hayes Street, between Octavia and Laguna Streets (415-252-5997); Erica Tanov, 2408 Fillmore, between Jackson and Washington Streets (415-674-1228). To see styles, go to janeziccollection.com. -
Cristina Moe, Melissa Ryan, and Joanna Dawson Hush
The stylish Walnut Creek trio transformed an old Union Street antique shop into a must-shop destination for established and emerging designers like Mayle, Alexander Wang, and Band of Outsiders. Read More
-
Originally published on August 24, 2007
Hush Up
Hush Boutique Opens
Secrets fall into two categories: those you keep closely guarded (age, weight, addiction to The Bachelor) and those too good to keep in the closet.
Like the new Hush boutique, opening today on Union Street.
The cozy space is a former antiques dealer that’s been spruced up with vintage lighting from Paris, black Louis ghost chairs, and art nouveau shelving adorned with iron skulls.
Come for luxe labels for him (Band of Outsiders, Rogues Gallery, Ever) and her (A.P.C., Jovovich-Hawk, Jenni Kayne). And don’t forget local talent: Snap up Alexander Wang’s clingy knitwear and wide-leg trousers, then mosey over to the pink case with claw legs for gorgeous handmade jewelry by Melissa Joy Manning.
Pssst. If you’re into leather, head for the Spanish Malababa purses with adjustable chains. Wear them as messenger or evening bags. Rumor has it they tend to sell at lightning speed.
On second thought, maybe you’d better keep mum about those.
Hush, 1878 Union Street, between Octavia and Laguna Streets (415-563-4874 or myhush.com).