Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful readers and supporters! We appreciate all the love and help in spreading the word in the short amount of time we have been up and running. Today, we give thanks for all the we have in our life--a sound mind, health, love, wisdom, and secure finances. Nothing Broken is possible because of these and the many other blessings that enable and empower us to do good. Blessed to be a blessing, we aim to help restore and repair the individuals and communities around us. We would also like to give a big thanks to all that contribute, support, exchange, and help make the fabulous San Francisco fashion scene all that it is.

Beautiful and Thankful: Opportunities to Give Back and Be Fabulous This Thanksgiving

With Black Friday on our heels and holiday parties quickly filling up our social calendars, it is important to make sure we remember the reason for the season and for all that we are thankful. We are blessed and fortunate in making our long lists, bookmarking our favorite Cyber Monday deals, and mapping our shopping destinations. Before you rush to go see Johnny Weir light the Christmas tree in Union Square, or scout out the best deals on the Isabel Marant heels you've been coveting, or hit up Acrimony's Archive Sale this weekend, remind yourself these newly slashed prices are still not "doable" for many and  the "Outfit of the Day" and "Top Ten" lists we check daily are luxuries granted to few.

San Francisco, though, is a city with lots of heart--the list goes on in the ways to give back, volunteer, and donate this season. Here are few with some stylish appeal:

The Maas's Clinc's Beauty for Books Event 

Tuesday November 29, 2011 @ 6:30pm 620 Jones St. San Francisco

The Maas Clinic for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery have partnered again with The Appearance Care center for their annual outreach program addressing illiteracy in Bay Area Schools. Since November 1st through the end of the year, patients and community members are encouraged to donate new or nearly new books at K-8th grade reading levels for distribution to local schools and libraries. 

When many of our students remain far below average reading levels and education budgets are being drastically slashed, the involvement on behalf of the community to correct the lack is critical. As an incentive, the Maas Clinic, in exchange for 5 books, is offering a variety of prizes from Latisse treatments, Botox, facials, and skin rejuvination. To top it off, the event will be held at the newly popular 620 Jones venue with complimentary drinks and eats.

RSVP: beauty4books@maasclinic.com

SF Weekly's Benefit for One Warm Coat 

Wednesday November 30th, 2011 @ 7:00pm Academy of Sciences

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The San Francisco based One Warm Coat works with agencies and donors to foster a spirit of selflessness, generosity, and social responsibility. The more than 650,000 homeless individuals on any given night and 1 out of 5 children living below poverty lines face cold nights and chilly winters without the comforts of quality clothing or shelter. Buying a coat for children and family members places an additional burden on already strained living conditions. One Warm Coat works nationally to bring attention to the problem in addition to helping volunteers and agencies gather funds and coats and deliver them to people in need--for free.

SF Weekly is reaching out to their large following and hosting their annual drive benefiting One Warm Coat. Complete with a DJ, hors d’oeuvre, and a bar, the event makes it easy for us to clean out our overflowing closets and donate for a raffle ticket for every coat you bring. Last year, SF Weekly was able to warm up hearts across the city and collected over 1,000 coats. Not only does your donation give you the chance to win amazing prizes, it also makes room for all the great buys from over the weekend!

Nothing Broken will proudly be at both events. They are a perfect way to give back and say thanks for all we have. Much love to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving!

 

Victor Tung Couture Debuts at Runway Couturier's San Francisco Premiere

 Last night the fashion only production and marketing brand, Runway Couturier, opened the first of its monthly shows to an eclectic crowd eager to see the unique craftsmanship of Victor Tung and support the Harvey Milk Foundation. The audience and stylings were perfectly matched to Counterpulse--the underground, independent theater hosting the inaugural event. Rather than the usual scene attendees, the show attracted a diverse community of tightly knit individuals--new and old, fashion and art fanatics, hipsters, and foreign students committed to supporting the underground scene. 

Besides coming for the one of a kind clothing creations that would better be described as wearable art, the surprisingly strong turnout focused on remembering the work of Harvey Milk and fundraising for The Harvey Milk Foundation. Stella and Dot provided a large statement necklace for a silent auction benefiting the non-profit and an opportunity to shop a small selection of other items on location. Before the show started, Fritz Lambandrake introduced Anne Kronenberg, manager of Milk's historic 1977 San Francisco campaign, who spoke briefly of Milk's legacy and contributions toward social diversity, equality and tolerance. A video short encouraged submissions to the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' production, "Dear Harvey, We've Got Hope", commemorating the upcoming 35th anniversary of the visionary's assassination and the progress to a world without hate.

Although the venue was dark and too cramped for the sold out show with standing room only, Tung's creations did not disappoint. Known for his hand-painted textiles and fabrics, the two collections also showed off his eye for silhouettes and shapes. His first line had an edgy, more structured black and white motif with painted floral designs, portraits, and scripts. 

After a brief intermission, Tung's second collection was much more playful with bright colors and a more feminine motif. The bouncy dresses and dangerously short hemlines was reminiscent of the Mad Hatter from Alice and Wonderland. And, although very much different from the first collection, it stayed true to Tung's detail and signature hand painted designs and fabrics.

Runway Couturier's first show was a definite success and has established itself amongst a unique, particular audience as a leader in bringing exposure to lesser known designers and emerging artists. During the reception and intermission, everyone was excited to mingle and get to know fellow supporters. Although the venue could use more space, lighting, and basic improvements to compete at the level of higher end shows, it was well-suited for the show's underground appeal. The nervous models that walked too quickly down the runway, the late start time, the ill-planned seating arrangement, and the less than professional registration and holding area were expected markings of a new and developing event. Hopefully, the next event in January will have addressed some of these glitches while maintaining its alternative and independent appeal.

A few of the cool people I met there....

Thread Show SF Returns: Local Designer Summit Draws A Stylish Crowd

On Sunday, San Francisco's up and coming designers and fashion's most dedicated woke up bright and early to line up for the Thread Show SF's comeback at the Metreon. A VIP, early bird special of sorts, allowed shoppers to peruse the vendors without the later crowds. The $25 VIP ticket came with a swag bag, one complimentary drink ticket, and a calmer atmosphere to connect with the friendly and excited designers as well as be the first to sign up for free mani-pedis (provided by Marinello Beauty Schools) and massages. While the Luna Bar, a strange choclatemint flavored water from Metromint, and random assortment of Milani cosmetics in the gift bag were relatively lackluster, the greatest benefit to arriving early was beating the crowds.

Not long after noon, the crowds poured into the City View room and quickly cramped the narrow isles--for good reason. The designers brought their best and the show provided the creme de la creme of fashion and style at affordable price points, especially for accessory addicts. Although the majority of those present were jewelry designers, those that came with clothing brought the goods. The show provided options for fans of vintage, unique jewelry pieces and hardware, edgy and feminine apparel, and even tailored and custom pieces for men. Not to be missed was a live artist armed with spray paint and tubes of color, hairstylists offering blowouts and curls, and booths from SF Weekly, Honest Tea, and even a lash lab.

  Besides the amazing selection of unique items, the Thread Show remains at the top of to-do lists for the style scene because of the opportunity to meet the hands and brains behind the work. As shutterbugs snatched up pictures of best dressed, popular writers, and noteworthy designers, conversation and exchange of thoughts and ideas were just as important as the gems and textiles. The event's focus on supporting the rich fashion community of bay area designers and bloggers makes it perfect ground to hob nob with the brilliant people behind some of the most coveted and special brands. The connections made there continue to strengthen the growing force behind San Francisco's fashion scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monica Hernandez, examiner.com San Jose Women's Style Examiner (left) and Me, Punam Patel, (Right)

 

Look out for a post on all my amazing purchases and features of the special people behind the show.