Archive for November, 2011
It’s Almost December…Do You Know Where Your Presents Are?
By that, I mean do you have a gift-buying plan in place yet? Let me first reassure you that I am not one of those people who buy family and friends their holiday gifts way ahead of time. I’m certainly not the crazily-organized woman who gets her Christmas presents at the same time I get [...]
Unexpected pleasures
Mix this season’s trends for the essence of chic By Donna Kato, photos by Nikki Ritcher A smidge of mod, a scattering of ’70s and equal parts of boyish and bombshell add up to a season of extremes and contradictions. Consider the mood evoked by delicate lace, and then do the unexpected: Wear it with [...]
Out & about in Silicon Valley
YWCA Silicon Valley held its 21st annual fundraising luncheon last month, with Dee Dee Myers as keynote. The former White House press secretary, media pundit, author and Santa Clara University alum spoke to the crowd of 1,300 about how empowering women was what would change the world. We heartily agree.
Out & about in the East Bay
At last month’s “On Broadway” gala, the annual fundraiser for performing arts and youth programs at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, nearly 600 guests noshed and networked. They also bid on auction items that netted at least $250,000 for the Diablo Regional Arts Association, the Lesher’s nonprofit partner – a record! Photos by [...]
Esqueleto
Boutique with good bones Esqueleto (Spanish for “skeleton” ) feels like a darling desert bungalow, with its whitewashed interiors, cacti and skeletal accoutrements. The stable-turned-store, nestled in Oakland’s up-and-coming Temescal Alley, opened in August at the helm of jewelry designer Lauren Wolf, a Brooklyn transplant and avid world traveler. Wolf’s forte is cast-silver skeletal forms [...]
The butter paddle
The Butter Paddle in Los Gatos is filled with delightful gift items. Inventory changes daily, so each visit yields new finds. And the best part: All proceeds go to the nonprofit EMQ FamiliesFirst, serving children and families in need. 33 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos 408.395.1678, butterpaddle.com Shopping to help others [...]
Close to the heart
Ah, the pendant, center of attention, worn close to the heart. We think of pendant necklaces as fine accessories, with their glints of precious metals, sparkles of gems and stones. ❦ Historically, however, pendant necklaces were worn to express identity and status. ❦ In some instances, they were thought to possess protective or spiritual attributes. [...]
Luxe urban living
New upscale developments lure sophisticates with granite countertops, fitness centers, concierge services, nearby transit and shopping – and views. What’s not to like? By Julia Prodis Sulek, photos by Desiree Northend There was a time when the Jack London Square area was just for the urban pioneers – the ones bold enough to venture into [...]
Holiday head games
Ho-ho-holiday stress? Um, yes. You too? Here’s something to look forward to: iBar2′s Indian head massage promises 30 gloriously delirious minutes of scalp massage, topped off with natural hot oils to increase the shine of your hair. The treatment tames tangled nerves, quiets the mind and works wonders for “Grinch pinch” between the eyes (the [...]
A singular vision
Iconoclastic designer’s work, life on view come spring By Katharine Fong Before Gaga there was Gaultier – creator of the man-skirt, cone bra and that bandage get-up worn by Milla Jovovich in “The Fifth Element.” The once-enfant terrible of fashion, now 59 and still a working, fiercely unconventional designer (who in fact has dressed Lady [...]
