San Diego Fashion Calendar

San Diego's Gordana at The Emmys

San Diego's Gordana of Project Runway Season 6 appeared on the red carpet for the Emmys this past month in her hand dyed creation with four models in her couture Spring 2010 line. Her line was recently launched during Mercedes Benz Fashion week and will appear again in Los Angles on October 12.

I will be attending her LA fashion show so I must say I am particularly excited about her new line  inspired by Lady of the Lake. If you have been keeping up with this season's Project Runway as I have, her talent and skill with fabrics is obvious and her vision is truly one of feminine elegance. Her designs are perfect for an incredible event that requires silky sophistication.

by Vanessa Valiente, a fashion and lifestyle writer in San Diego. If you have a question about this post or want to read more of Vanessa's writing go to www.vstyleblog.com.

May*Star's Fashion Whore the short review

Tonight was May*star Fashion Whore, I brought a camera along and shot some really cool photos of the event. I rushed home right after the show so I could upload photos of  the event for those that couldn't make it out. Here's the short version: the band Little Red Radio killed it! Their music is awesome, they had such great energy.The music had everyone dancing. The fashion show was amazing! I was able to have a brief chat with Kenny King designer of Fit for a King. He was super nice and I loved his outfit.Check out the pictures below.

Model posing at the end of the runway.

Kenny King posing for my camera, his pants looked so hot!

Model posing in her colorful dress before the fashion show.

Model posing in her vintage  dress from Hunt & Gather.

I also love her shoes, red satin so pretty.

The May*Star maven and models getting posed by a photographer.

Little Red Radio rocking out.

Model walking the runway.

posted by: Ma Frangine

Have any questions about this post? Email me:mafrangine[at]gmail.com

May*Star's Fashion Whore the short review

Tonight was May*star Fashion Whore, I brought a camera along and shot some really cool photos of the event. I rushed home right after the show so I could upload photos of  the event for those that couldn't make it out. Here's the short version: the band Little Red Radio killed it! Their music is awesome, they had such great energy.The music had everyone dancing. The fashion show was amazing! I was able to have a brief chat with Kenny King designer of Fit for a King. He was super nice and I loved his outfit.Check out the pictures below.

Model posing at the end of the runway.

Kenny King posing for my camera, his pants looked so hot!

Model posing in her colorful dress before the fashion show.

Model posing in her vintage  dress from Hunt & Gather.

I also love her shoes, red satin so pretty.

The May*Star maven and models getting posed by a photographer.

Little Red Radio rocking out.

Model walking the runway.

posted by: Ma Frangine

Have any questions about this post? Email me:mafrangine[at]gmail.com

Stylish San Diegans At The Wonderhaus Bread Factory

The Wonderhaus Bread Factory is a historical building located in the ballpark district of downtown. Built in 1924 this building is being redeveloped to house retail locations as well as events for photography, weddings, rehersals, filming and last night it was used for a fabulous party. Flaunting an expansive 56,000 sq feet across two floors, this space has ceilings as high as twenty-five feet and stylish industrial details, but the factory wasn't the only thing on display.

This event brought out some of the most stylish San Diegans including Angie Kemp, the event planner for The Dana Hotel and Marina and Lara Mathews, the go-to woman for renting out the Wonderhaus Bread Factory.

Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: Anthropologie

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction

by Vanessa Valiente, a fashion and lifestyle writer in San Diego. If you have a question about this post or want to read more of Vanessa's writing go to www.vstyleblog.com.

Stylish San Diegans At The Wonderhaus Bread Factory

The Wonderhaus Bread Factory is a historical building located in the ballpark district of downtown. Built in 1924 this building is being redeveloped to house retail locations as well as events for photography, weddings, rehersals, filming and last night it was used for a fabulous party. Flaunting an expansive 56,000 sq feet across two floors, this space has ceilings as high as twenty-five feet and stylish industrial details, but the factory wasn't the only thing on display.

This event brought out some of the most stylish San Diegans including Angie Kemp, the event planner for The Dana Hotel and Marina and Lara Mathews, the go-to woman for renting out the Wonderhaus Bread Factory.

Shirt: Banana Republic

Skirt: Anthropologie

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Kenneth Cole Reaction

by Vanessa Valiente, a fashion and lifestyle writer in San Diego. If you have a question about this post or want to read more of Vanessa's writing go to www.vstyleblog.com.

Rocking Fashion

As you already know today was the grand opening of the new Urban Outfitters in Hillcrest. As I walked up to the store I could hear some music playing, you could tell something fun was going on. Gathered by the door  was a small crowd of fans and friends of the band Los Hollywood.The window display looked like a page from their catalog. The event started at 6pm, I arrived a little before 8pm just in time to catch the end of Los Hollywood's set. The music was rock, loud, and good. The female signer was wearing a bold yellow v neck sleeveless shirt and gray skirt. The clothes selection was very good and I found some really cool stuff like a selection of funny books.

They had sales items scattered in the middle and back of the store. Overall, I really like this location, it feels more like a large boutique than a chain, kind of like their sister company Anthropologie.
 






posted by: Ma Frangine

Have any questions about this post? email me:mafrangine[at]gmail.com

Rocking Fashion

As you already know today was the grand opening of the new Urban Outfitters in Hillcrest. As I walked up to the store I could hear some music playing, you could tell something fun was going on. Gathered by the door  was a small crowd of fans and friends of the band Los Hollywood.The window display looked like a page from their catalog. The event started at 6pm, I arrived a little before 8pm just in time to catch the end of Los Hollywood's set. The music was rock, loud, and good. The female signer was wearing a bold yellow v neck sleeveless shirt and gray skirt. The clothes selection was very good and I found some really cool stuff like a selection of funny books.

They had sales items scattered in the middle and back of the store. Overall, I really like this location, it feels more like a large boutique than a chain, kind of like their sister company Anthropologie.
 






posted by: Ma Frangine

Have any questions about this post? email me:mafrangine[at]gmail.com

A Successful Show for Local San Diego Apparel Company, Crow Thief

Last night on a foggy quiet corner, one restaurant was grooving with good style and great company.   San Diego's new apparel brand Crow Thief showed it's spring/summer 2010 preview.  They also had a viewing of their current fall/winter line.  Layered photography by Kimo Easterwood from Random Elements was adorning the walls, and the place was buzzing.

Alchemy was an awesome host, and I just happened to pick a great seat to enjoy my 4 dollar Belgian brew and fashion show.  Here are some shots I snapped of the line.

I was curious where designer Melissa Hendrix gets her inspiration.  Turns out, she and her boyfriend Ray Lawson do the collaborating and designing together, and the collections are mostly a product of their lifestyle.  The result is a raw feeling, reflective of their everyday lives.  Ray is in the Navy full time, and you can see many of their pieces take on a slight military spin.  Add some of hand sewn lambskin leather and you've got yourself an awesome fall piece that is going to set yourself apart from the crowd. See this jacket?  I WANT IT!

Crow Thief strives to use all local supplies for production, and for the most part hits this target every time.  "Sometimes I have to go to LA for things, but my sewers, pattern makers, cutters, everyone, are right here in San Diego".   That's what we like to hear!

What can we expect for future collections?  Melissa explained that their upcoming pieces are going to be integrating more of Kimo's artwork.  Very cool.

You can find Crow Thief at Junk Boutique in San Diego, or on their website crowthief.com

Questions about this article?  Email tkinnaman@gmail.com

Melissa stands with her spring/summer preview (left)

Dreaming in Denim

If you caught our Fashion Calendar event for last night with Mog & Rue and Dreamy, congratulations!  You found a hard working pair of women who don't take fashion lightly.  If you missed it, don't worry- I chit chatted my way through a glass of wine, a cupcake, and some awesome stories about these two! 

Apparel store Mog & Rue (meaning Cat Walk in French slang) is newly owned by Kristen Di Zinno.

Originally from New York, she met her husband on an airplane (I can't lie, I've imagined this scenario on countless boring plane rides) and followed her love to the west coast.    Kristen purchased the 3 year old store about 4 months ago.  "People were always complimenting me on my style and I realized I needed to do something with this!"  Her resolve?  Just buy for the store like she'd buy for herself!

Since the change of ownership, Kristen has kept the variety of dresses Mog & Rue is known for, but added must haves like denim, accessories, and a more extensive range of price points. 

One thing I fell in love with right away was their new brand of denim called Work, started by the same Los Angeles duo who created True Religion.  Recently these "boyfriend shorts" have been spotted on celebrities like Nicky Hilton and Lindsay Lohen. 

Adding brands like Work have helped solve a problem fashionistas living in north county communities often have to face- a love of style that isn't always found in a relaxed beach community, which means more driving and more hassle to find what they are looking for.

"I was always driving to fashion valley to get my denim," Kristen explains, "but now I can finally shop where I live."

Up next for Mog & Rue is the launch of their new online shopping catalog, scheduled to begin in November.  You will be able to make purchases on the website or even just pick out what you want and have the girls set it aside for you to come in and try on.  Oh and I can't leave out one of the best details of the night!  Complimentary hemming on all full price jeans.  Now that makes me one happy denim lover.

I asked the ladies why they decided to team up and have this event.  Their response?  Local small businesses need to support each other and their community.  I know what she means.  After 2 years of doing Bikram yoga right across Coast Hwy from the store, I'd still never known it was there. 

The other boutique I perused was Dreamy, showcasing bath, body, and gift.    Owner Heather O'Quinn grew up in Encinitas and wanted to contribute something more to her community.  She is interested in developing long term relationships with people, and bringing it back to a personal level.  Heather often asks herself, "What does it mean to be a merchant?" and then strives to make things happen that betters those around her.  That includes local philanthropy and of course, teaming up with neighborhood shops and working together on special nights such as tonight's sale.

I asked Heather to show me one of her favorite new pieces they carry now.  Check out this great wallet from Deuxlux!  Its sparkly and pretty, comes in tons of colors, and holds everything!  Here is Heather with one of her favorites. 

I found my obsession right away.  Vintage rings from J Fein.  The rings are made from sustainably harvested wood and everything thing adorning them is pure reclaimed.  Many of them are even from vintage Chanel suits...aahhh sheer joy!

I had a great time meeting Heather and Kristen, and I still can't believe I had never shopped their walls.  Next time you're in Encinitas, definitely pop in and check it out.  Both are located in The Lumberyard shopping center.

Store hours for Dreamy are: 10-6 everyday. 937 Coast Hwy 101, Suite C108

Store hours for Mog & Rue are: Sunday 10 -5 and Mon -Sat 10-6 (except for Thursdays 10-7) 937 Coast Hwy 101, Suite C102.

Stay tuned for extended holiday hours, and see their websites for other exciting events in the area, including Mog & Rue's fashion sketching classes. 

See, north county is not as sleepy as they say!

Questions about this article?  Email tkinnaman@gmail.com

A Successful Show for Local San Diego Apparel Company, Crow Thief

Last night on a foggy quiet corner, one restaurant was grooving with good style and great company.   San Diego's new apparel brand Crow Thief showed it's spring/summer 2010 preview.  They also had a viewing of their current fall/winter line.  Layered photography by Kimo Easterwood from Random Elements was adorning the walls, and the place was buzzing.

Alchemy was an awesome host, and I just happened to pick a great seat to enjoy my 4 dollar Belgian brew and fashion show.  Here are some shots I snapped of the line.

I was curious where designer Melissa Hendrix gets her inspiration.  Turns out, she and her boyfriend Ray Lawson do the collaborating and designing together, and the collections are mostly a product of their lifestyle.  The result is a raw feeling, reflective of their everyday lives.  Ray is in the Navy full time, and you can see many of their pieces take on a slight military spin.  Add some of hand sewn lambskin leather and you've got yourself an awesome fall piece that is going to set yourself apart from the crowd. See this jacket?  I WANT IT!

Crow Thief strives to use all local supplies for production, and for the most part hits this target every time.  "Sometimes I have to go to LA for things, but my sewers, pattern makers, cutters, everyone, are right here in San Diego".   That's what we like to hear!

What can we expect for future collections?  Melissa explained that their upcoming pieces are going to be integrating more of Kimo's artwork.  Very cool.

You can find Crow Thief at Junk Boutique in San Diego, or on their website crowthief.com

Questions about this article?  Email tkinnaman@gmail.com

Melissa stands with her spring/summer preview (left)

Dreaming in Denim

If you caught our Fashion Calendar event for last night with Mog & Rue and Dreamy, congratulations!  You found a hard working pair of women who don't take fashion lightly.  If you missed it, don't worry- I chit chatted my way through a glass of wine, a cupcake, and some awesome stories about these two! 

Apparel store Mog & Rue (meaning Cat Walk in French slang) is newly owned by Kristen Di Zinno.

Originally from New York, she met her husband on an airplane (I can't lie, I've imagined this scenario on countless boring plane rides) and followed her love to the west coast.    Kristen purchased the 3 year old store about 4 months ago.  "People were always complimenting me on my style and I realized I needed to do something with this!"  Her resolve?  Just buy for the store like she'd buy for herself!

Since the change of ownership, Kristen has kept the variety of dresses Mog & Rue is known for, but added must haves like denim, accessories, and a more extensive range of price points. 

One thing I fell in love with right away was their new brand of denim called Work, started by the same Los Angeles duo who created True Religion.  Recently these "boyfriend shorts" have been spotted on celebrities like Nicky Hilton and Lindsay Lohen. 

Adding brands like Work have helped solve a problem fashionistas living in north county communities often have to face- a love of style that isn't always found in a relaxed beach community, which means more driving and more hassle to find what they are looking for.

"I was always driving to fashion valley to get my denim," Kristen explains, "but now I can finally shop where I live."

Up next for Mog & Rue is the launch of their new online shopping catalog, scheduled to begin in November.  You will be able to make purchases on the website or even just pick out what you want and have the girls set it aside for you to come in and try on.  Oh and I can't leave out one of the best details of the night!  Complimentary hemming on all full price jeans.  Now that makes me one happy denim lover.

I asked the ladies why they decided to team up and have this event.  Their response?  Local small businesses need to support each other and their community.  I know what she means.  After 2 years of doing Bikram yoga right across Coast Hwy from the store, I'd still never known it was there. 

The other boutique I perused was Dreamy, showcasing bath, body, and gift.    Owner Heather O'Quinn grew up in Encinitas and wanted to contribute something more to her community.  She is interested in developing long term relationships with people, and bringing it back to a personal level.  Heather often asks herself, "What does it mean to be a merchant?" and then strives to make things happen that betters those around her.  That includes local philanthropy and of course, teaming up with neighborhood shops and working together on special nights such as tonight's sale.

I asked Heather to show me one of her favorite new pieces they carry now.  Check out this great wallet from Deuxlux!  Its sparkly and pretty, comes in tons of colors, and holds everything!  Here is Heather with one of her favorites. 

I found my obsession right away.  Vintage rings from J Fein.  The rings are made from sustainably harvested wood and everything thing adorning them is pure reclaimed.  Many of them are even from vintage Chanel suits...aahhh sheer joy!

I had a great time meeting Heather and Kristen, and I still can't believe I had never shopped their walls.  Next time you're in Encinitas, definitely pop in and check it out.  Both are located in The Lumberyard shopping center.

Store hours for Dreamy are: 10-6 everyday. 937 Coast Hwy 101, Suite C108

Store hours for Mog & Rue are: Sunday 10 -5 and Mon -Sat 10-6 (except for Thursdays 10-7) 937 Coast Hwy 101, Suite C102.

Stay tuned for extended holiday hours, and see their websites for other exciting events in the area, including Mog & Rue's fashion sketching classes. 

See, north county is not as sleepy as they say!

Questions about this article?  Email tkinnaman@gmail.com

Review on San Diego Fashion Week 2008

San Diego Fashion Week – A Reality Check

The only thing that is more upsetting than the fiasco SDFW turned into was the way many people in the local fashion business got sucked into this obviously not happening event. While it’s true that it was not supported by any of the local “fashion insiders”, still the sheer numbers of people who should have known better is astounding.

Let’s start with some basics. What really is a “Fashion Week”? A good place to start can be found at: http://www.slate.com. Put in a nutshell a fashion week is where wholesale clothing buyers come to see the latest fashions to determine what they are going to buy for the upcoming seasons. There are actually only 4 fashion weeks that are counted as important by the world’s fashion community. They are the New York, London, Milan, and Paris shows. They are held one right after the other twice a year, in the Fall and Spring. Even a one day alteration in their schedule can cause an international uproar, see: http://www.independent.co.uk/ .

Now let’s be clear about one thing: All other events that are calling themselves fashion weeks are, to varying degrees, fashion week wannabes. Even the LA Fashion Week which is sponsored by Mercedes Benz is struggling, see: http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/ .

At the other end of the spectrum we now have fashion weeks sprouting up in the most unlikely places. How about the Ulaanbaatar Fashion Week in Outer Mongolia? – not a joke. Or maybe the Swahili Fashion week in Tanzania? Or, even closer to home the Escondido fashion week, (with it’s 75 unpaid volunteers)? The list is long and goes on. Just imagine what would happen to the fashion world if any of these fashion weeks were canceled. I seem to recall a saying from my childhood: calling something by a name does not make it so. Which brings us back to the SDFW.

Let me just say this clearly: San Diego will never have a real fashion week. It can have what many of the other fashion weeks have, a few days of fashion events and parties where the local populace comes to view the latest fashions, have fun, and be seen by other cool people. This is important mainly for those people in the local fashion business who may think that by participating in the local fashion week they will launch and/or expose their clothing line to potential wholesale buyers. For those people who are coming to the fashion week to party and have fun, they should, by all means, continue to maintain the fantasy that it’s a real fashion week. Thereby maximizing their enjoyment of the event.

Also, consider the following.

The latest SDFW was selling tickets for up to $400. However if a person desired to see a designer fashion show in San Diego all they would have to do would be go to a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, or Nordstrom show for free. Now, let’s see, go to designer show at Neimans with professional models for free, or a boutique show at a downtown bar using street casted models for $400? Is it any wonder that SDFW kept getting smaller and smaller until it basically disappeared into a one night event at a sky bar downtown filled with complaints and threatened lawsuits? See http://www.signonsandiego.com

And finally, a memo to those aspiring clothing designers and/or boutiques who feel the need to show at a fashion week. First head to the many websites that feature how to get started in the fashion business, try googling “starting in the fashion business”. Then make some calls to the California Mart http://www.californiamarketcenter.com to set up some appointments for one of the reps to consider representing your line to their buyers. Third, be prepared for the long hours, hard work, and rewards that go along with being a successful clothing designer. (Note that showing at San Diego Fashion Week was not listed as part of a successful business plan for your clothing line).

Review on San Diego Fashion Week 2008

San Diego Fashion Week – A Reality Check

The only thing that is more upsetting than the fiasco SDFW turned into was the way many people in the local fashion business got sucked into this obviously not happening event. While it’s true that it was not supported by any of the local “fashion insiders”, still the sheer numbers of people who should have known better is astounding.

Let’s start with some basics. What really is a “Fashion Week”? A good place to start can be found at: http://www.slate.com. Put in a nutshell a fashion week is where wholesale clothing buyers come to see the latest fashions to determine what they are going to buy for the upcoming seasons. There are actually only 4 fashion weeks that are counted as important by the world’s fashion community. They are the New York, London, Milan, and Paris shows. They are held one right after the other twice a year, in the Fall and Spring. Even a one day alteration in their schedule can cause an international uproar, see: http://www.independent.co.uk/ .

Now let’s be clear about one thing: All other events that are calling themselves fashion weeks are, to varying degrees, fashion week wannabes. Even the LA Fashion Week which is sponsored by Mercedes Benz is struggling, see: http://www.hollywoodtoday.net/ .

At the other end of the spectrum we now have fashion weeks sprouting up in the most unlikely places. How about the Ulaanbaatar Fashion Week in Outer Mongolia? – not a joke. Or maybe the Swahili Fashion week in Tanzania? Or, even closer to home the Escondido fashion week, (with it’s 75 unpaid volunteers)? The list is long and goes on. Just imagine what would happen to the fashion world if any of these fashion weeks were canceled. I seem to recall a saying from my childhood: calling something by a name does not make it so. Which brings us back to the SDFW.

Let me just say this clearly: San Diego will never have a real fashion week. It can have what many of the other fashion weeks have, a few days of fashion events and parties where the local populace comes to view the latest fashions, have fun, and be seen by other cool people. This is important mainly for those people in the local fashion business who may think that by participating in the local fashion week they will launch and/or expose their clothing line to potential wholesale buyers. For those people who are coming to the fashion week to party and have fun, they should, by all means, continue to maintain the fantasy that it’s a real fashion week. Thereby maximizing their enjoyment of the event.

Also, consider the following.

The latest SDFW was selling tickets for up to $400. However if a person desired to see a designer fashion show in San Diego all they would have to do would be go to a Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, or Nordstrom show for free. Now, let’s see, go to designer show at Neimans with professional models for free, or a boutique show at a downtown bar using street casted models for $400? Is it any wonder that SDFW kept getting smaller and smaller until it basically disappeared into a one night event at a sky bar downtown filled with complaints and threatened lawsuits? See http://www.signonsandiego.com

And finally, a memo to those aspiring clothing designers and/or boutiques who feel the need to show at a fashion week. First head to the many websites that feature how to get started in the fashion business, try googling “starting in the fashion business”. Then make some calls to the California Mart http://www.californiamarketcenter.com to set up some appointments for one of the reps to consider representing your line to their buyers. Third, be prepared for the long hours, hard work, and rewards that go along with being a successful clothing designer. (Note that showing at San Diego Fashion Week was not listed as part of a successful business plan for your clothing line).

The Simon Malls Fashion Now - by Crosby Noricks

The Simon Malls Fashion Now event descended upon Fashion Valley October 24 & 25, boasting celebrity appearances by Robert Verdi (of E! Fashion Police) and 2007 Project Ruway winner Christian Siriano (the little guy with the hair), as well as Style Stops in the Court, where Sephora, Origins, Kiehls and etcetera were on hand to showcase new products and latest techniques. Spread out over two days, the autograph sessions, runway fashion shows and of course, random "Socially Stylish LG Lotus Experience" infused the mall with a little something extra for the weekend.

 
The Luxury Fashion Show took place Friday evening and featured some of the newer retailers to the mall - Henri Bendel, M Missoni, Custo and my beloved Betsey Johnson. Though the only thing this girl can do around 7pm after working a full week is head home to nap until it's time for Martini town. I confess that I also missed both autograph sessions, though I heard all about meeting Christian from this girl in American Apparel while my friend tried on high-waisted skirts in the dressing room, and got to see her photo of the flat-ironed diva. Seriously, I thought the autograph focus was a bit strange - the last time I can remember wanting someone's autograph was in second grade when my entire Brownie troupe got to meet the entire cast of Punky Brewster, but I digress. I was mostly there to witness the grand finale, the Macy's Fashion Show which ended the event, thinking that would be the big to-do.

 Compared to other shows of late, the Macy's finale had a great tent, well lit and enough chairs that everyone could sit comfortably, built around the back of Macy's near the parking lot. The Ivy had a nice little lounge outside with beautiful floral decorations, and the music was loud but not too loud. The models showcased the latest merchandise - most of it from the Impulse section, including a Free People Maxi Dress that I had my eye on. Literally, I had fingered the dress only minutes before seeing the show, right there on the rack at Macy's. It was a nice little show, nothing special or particularly wow - very wearable, very on-trend for San Diego. I admit it would have been nice to see the outfits styled up with a bit more flare, but I suppose for a local department store, the whole affair was rather chic.

The Simon Malls Fashion Now - by Crosby Noricks

The Simon Malls Fashion Now event descended upon Fashion Valley October 24 & 25, boasting celebrity appearances by Robert Verdi (of E! Fashion Police) and 2007 Project Ruway winner Christian Siriano (the little guy with the hair), as well as Style Stops in the Court, where Sephora, Origins, Kiehls and etcetera were on hand to showcase new products and latest techniques. Spread out over two days, the autograph sessions, runway fashion shows and of course, random "Socially Stylish LG Lotus Experience" infused the mall with a little something extra for the weekend.

 
The Luxury Fashion Show took place Friday evening and featured some of the newer retailers to the mall - Henri Bendel, M Missoni, Custo and my beloved Betsey Johnson. Though the only thing this girl can do around 7pm after working a full week is head home to nap until it's time for Martini town. I confess that I also missed both autograph sessions, though I heard all about meeting Christian from this girl in American Apparel while my friend tried on high-waisted skirts in the dressing room, and got to see her photo of the flat-ironed diva. Seriously, I thought the autograph focus was a bit strange - the last time I can remember wanting someone's autograph was in second grade when my entire Brownie troupe got to meet the entire cast of Punky Brewster, but I digress. I was mostly there to witness the grand finale, the Macy's Fashion Show which ended the event, thinking that would be the big to-do.

 Compared to other shows of late, the Macy's finale had a great tent, well lit and enough chairs that everyone could sit comfortably, built around the back of Macy's near the parking lot. The Ivy had a nice little lounge outside with beautiful floral decorations, and the music was loud but not too loud. The models showcased the latest merchandise - most of it from the Impulse section, including a Free People Maxi Dress that I had my eye on. Literally, I had fingered the dress only minutes before seeing the show, right there on the rack at Macy's. It was a nice little show, nothing special or particularly wow - very wearable, very on-trend for San Diego. I admit it would have been nice to see the outfits styled up with a bit more flare, but I suppose for a local department store, the whole affair was rather chic.