Bobbi Brown at Sephora

I nearly fell out of my chair this evening when I received the email notification that Bobbi Brown is now available at Sephora. Although Bobbi Brown is one of my favorite cosmetic brands, I purchase it infrequently. While I may occasionally make the trek to Neimans in San Francisco for a much needed concealer, I rarely purchase my fill of new products due to parking problems and no desire to battle the sf crowds.

Sephora offers me an alternative I find exhilarating. Like a personal shopper, Sephora Online alerts me of new product launches, gives me points toward free products, and offers special incentives and gifts I imagine are just for me. Many times I've desired a new Bobbi blush but purchased a Bare Escentual's one because a deluxe sample of a fragrance I want is available at Sephora and Bobbi Brown isn't. No longer will I be forced to make these tough beauty decisions.

One of the few cosmetic brands that offers color match perfection for fair and yellow toned African-American women is now available at Sephora. While Bobbi Brown isn't offering its full line of products with Sephora, there is enough choice to make true lovers of the product happy and newcomers drool. None of the current Bobbi Brown sets are available at Sephora, but we can be sure the beauty mega store has many "only at sephora" kits in the works.

For Bobbi Brown newbies:

Sophia adores the LONG-WEAR GEL LINER in Graphite, $21 because it is easy to apply and lasts. She also uses EXTRA SPF 25 TINTED MOISTURIZING BALM, $50. It is extremely moisturizing and soothing for her rosacea. She gets the moisture, sun protection, and coverage she needs all in one product.
















I love the CREAMY CONCEALER KIT, $32 and SPF 15 TINTED MOISTURIZER, $40. The kit comes with its own setting powder and subtle differences in the concealer kit's colors means there is a perfect match for everyone. My perfect color is Honey. The Tinted Moisturizer offers the light, sheer coverage I love.

Global Action Through Fashion Reconstruct your Tee Event

Last night, Sophia and I attended the RECONSTRUCT, REINCARNATE, and RE-COOL your old t-SHIRT event hosted by Global Action Through Fashion. In an effort to show the beauty that comes from from recycled materials, the folks at Global Action invited local designers Dustin Page of PLATINUM DIRT and Joui Turandot of VAGADU to showcase their designs and speak about their inspiration.



Dustin Page (Left), Joui Turandot (Right)


Here are some pics from Joui's VAGADU line:




And Platinum Dirt:





Ruby Goldberg picked up this fabulous bra top from VAGADU:



Peter Labberton showed off his BART-inspired Oaklandish shirt:



Seamstresses helped attendees recreate their old tees:





Artist, John Ruszel, created trendy green, screen-tees for Sophia and I:





Sophia's red and white long-sleeve tee is a keeper:






Keep up with all the amazing events Global Action Through Fashion hosts through their website.

Thread Show San Francisco

Thread, along with SF Design Week, brought a fantastic shopping experience to the Concourse Exhibition Center in San Francisco on June 19th.

Offering some of the best unique and budget shopping in the Bay Area, Threadshow brought high style with sales galore. Model Ava Berlin and hubby Jeffrey Paradise, MC and DJ'd the fashion show presented by 7x7 magazine (If you haven't been to Club 1994, your missing out). Here are some of my favs from the fashion show:

I loved these vintage-inspired comfortable fashions from Effies Heart:










She also makes these adorable leggings called cabaret leggings. They have a tiered, ruffle hem. Check them out on the website.

The selection from Smoke & Mirrors was figure-flattering with adorable details:











Jules Elin makes adorable coats and sweaters perfect for California weather:









I will be picking up one of these Arka tees for my man.

And one of these Shane & Palemale belts. They bring style and art together!

Thread was a fantastic shopping experience, highlighting lots of local talent. I cannot wait for the next San Francisco event, November 28th at the Galleria. Entry is reasonably priced at $10, $8 if you RSVP in advance.

I made some great contacts and met some wonderful people. I had to bring my baby (thanks to Danielle from Elle Communications for being so kind, I know a writer with a stroller isn't a professional look). I ran out of cards! There were a few designers I wanted to speak with but they were busy. It would have been easier to give them a card to set up a meeting or interview later but I was out!

LESSON: Always refill the business card case before leaving and pack spares.

Decadestwo Pre-Sale Shopping Party in San Francisco

Sophia and I had the privilege of attending Decadestwo pre-sale party hosted by Vanessa Getty, Gina Pell (Splendora), and Hautelook at the Firehouse in Fort Mason. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefited Orangutan Foundation International. Music was provided by Monet Mazur (Great actress, I am a fan).



Eager shoppers scoured the racks in search of the perfect frock, including Sophia and I.

Tables of shoes were lined up by size. Thank goodness the crew at decadestwo was so organized or it would have been chaos.



While Sophia and I both agreed we needed to add another pair of green shoes to the closet, we differed in opinion on which one. No consensus meant no shoe. Feel free to offer your input! My choice, the Philip Lim's on top, Sophia picked the Gucci's on the bottom.






















Sophia tried on a fantastic pair of YSL heels but these Jil Sanderss didn't make the cut. I would have loved to pick up a pair of pumps but alas, I am a true 11, making it virtually impossible to purchase shoes on consignment.



Handbags were in constant need of replenishment. Turning my back on a bag meant losing it to the wind. Frequently Sophia asked if I'd seen a bag that disappeared within seconds of the hand release.



I absolutely adored a little necklace with a single gold ball, but couldn't justify it as a wardrobe addition. I wanted it so badly, I regret not buying it! There were plenty of coats and sweaters on the main floor, but Sophia found this one hiding in a back room.





















Several people complimented my vintage feather hat, even though a kindly bartender had to pluck a windblown, disoriented bug from its clutches upon arrival. We had a wonderful time but focused on shopping. Events are a great way to network and we may have missed that opportunity with stylist tunnel vision. A designer in attendance engaged an audience showing off one of his designs.


















LESSON: Be more vocal. You never know where it may lead.