Rebecca Minkoff West Coast Sample Sales!

West Coast Minkettes get excited, Rebecca Minkoff is coming your way! If you're in SF or LA make sure to check out her upcoming sample sales!  To see what to expect check out our full report from the NYC Sale last month.

xo

Who: Rebecca Minkoff LA Sample Sale
When: December 2-4, 2011. Fri-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
Where: 4661 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Who: Rebecca Minkoff SF Sample Sale
When: December 3, 2011. Fri-Sat 10am-4pm
Where: Madrone Studios, 1417 15th St, San Francisco CA

LA & SF Sample Sale: Rebecca Minkoff

This weekend, Rebecca Minkoff will be holding two west coast sample sales, one in LA and one in San Francisco.

Los Angeles
When: Friday June 3rd-Saturday June 4th (10AM-7PM), Sunday June 5th (11AM-5PM)
Where: Confederacy 4661 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

San Francisco
When: Saturday June 4th (10AM-4PM)
Where: Madrone Studios 1417 15th St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (near the 16th St. Mission Bart station)

In Theaters: Breaking Upwards

A few weeks ago my friend Mike sent me an email about his friends' film. He said it was a film worth catching and supporting - a true passion project, "weekends here and there" type of shoot with a super low budget. The movie was Breaking Upwards.

I watched the trailer and fell in love. There's something so honest and relatable about the story. The movie is semi-autobiographical, based on a year in the lives of real life couple director/actor Daryl Wein and actress Zoe Lister-Jones. They're so great, so cute and creative. Just watch this promo video they made.

Breaking Upwards is currently playing at IFC Center in NY until Thursday, April 15th. Support NY independent films!

For those in California, the film will be in theaters April 9th Laemmle Sunset 5 in LA and April 16th Lumiere in San Francisco.

Target Pop-Up hits 3 Cities!

Why there is not a Target in Manhattan is often beyond me, but then again there wouldn’t be those awesome Target Pop-up shops, like the Proenza Schoueler at Opening Ceremony, the Bullseye Bodega, the McQ shop and the SoHo Anna Sui effort that features the newest exclusive designer collaborations all in one place and usually days before it hit’s Target stores across the nation.

Often these special pop-ups caused a bit of an outcry by non-New Yorker as being unfair but now Target has heard your cries. There will be not just one Target pop-up but 3 this time around. Lucky Washington and San Fran can join NYC to celebrate the Holidays with their “Target to Go” stores. This location will not only have holiday based merch but the lovely Mulleavy sister's Rodarte for Target line The pop-ups will be open December 11-13, 2009 from 10am to 8pm.

NYC: Hello, Meatpacking! Gansevoort St & Washington (at the High Line)
Washington D.C.: M Street & Wisconsin Ave (Georgetown)
San Fran: 5th Street b/n Market & Mission (Mint Plaza)

Funky Fresh New Clothing Line: Funktional

Lani and I are always on the lookout for affordable, wearable, cutting edge fashion. That is why we couldn't contain our excitement when discovered Funktional, a brand new LA based label that just launched earlier this year. Designed by Jennifer Park, a former economics major who went back to school at FIDM pursue her passion, she launched her line after toiling for several contemporary brands. She wanted to create a modern luxurious feeling line that was accessible to every woman in high quality fabrics. Therefore no piece will set you back more than $150 except for the leather goods that max out at $400. 10/20 Update: The designer will be adding a few more expensive pieces to her line, but everything with the exception of leathers will be under $200. You can find pieces from the line like the blazers and cage dress on shopnastygal.com and styleq.com.

Thanks to the lovely folks at Dietch PR we got the chance to check out the clothing hands on. I was seriously impressed by the prices as many pieces are in a similar price point with H&M or Zara but with a significantly higher quality of fabric and detailing.

Some of the clothing looked even better on than it did on the hanger. I was only attracted to the zip front dress because of the fabric and color but once I had it on, I realized it was also super flattering. Lani even told me I look curvy and that almost never happens! Lani was obsessed with the ponte dress with caged shoulders! So fun!

As for myself, I thought that this jacket with the Balmain shoulders was super versatile and the leather skirt with the corseted was unexpectedly flattering.

In addition, I felt that the leather vest was a great staple piece

Lani had fun with this great sweater piece that loops around and can be worn in multiple ways. She also notes that it is super soft and fun to touch like a ball of cotton. The denim sweetheart dress incorporates boning which allows it to have a bell like skirt!

I wasn't sure what to make of this studded harness vest but it's definitely a fun statement piece that can add some flair even to the plainest tee.

Overall, I really felt like everything was super wearable, the color palette is easy enough to integrate into ones wardrobe and pieces are spot on trend without being fashion victim-y. Fabrics are really great feeling, sewing looks neat and prices are definitely decent. Fit wise, it feels slightly snug in the waist but still looks good, I might size up for bottoms. I'll definitely be picking up some Funktional to add to my closet :) For now it's available at the Belljar in San Francisco. ; 415-626-1749. Also, look out for Funktional on ShopNastyGal.com. I'll update you additional retailers when the information becomes available.

He’s Just Not That Into You Movie Screening

If you're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Detroit, grab your best girl friend and register for Health Magazine's Girls Night Out - "an evening of cocktails and conversation, fun giveaways, and an advance screening of the romantic comedy, He’s Just Not That Into You. Plus, enjoy a selection of mini-massages, hairstyling stations, beauty makeovers, light hors d’oeuvres, product samples and more."

There are screenings scheduled for New York and Chicago, but unfortunately have already sold out.

The screenings are taking place early next month, and the film is in theaters everywhere February 6th. For details and to register, click here.

San Fran Sample Sale: BCBG & Ella Moss

Bay area, this one is for you. Shop over 2,000 dresses, tops, hoodies, and bags from designers such as BCBG, Ella Moss, and Splendid. Find all sizes 0-12, in most styles, including cocktail dresses at 50-70% off.

When: Saturday, Nov 22 10am-4pm
Where: Fort Mason Center (free parking)
Building A - Golden Gate Room
Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
Payment Accepted: Cash, Visa, MC - additional 10% off cash purchases

All About Yves

After 3 months of showcasing in Montreal, the Yves Saint Laurent Eternal style exhibit is now open in San Francisco, in it's only Stateside stop before returning to Paris.

Yves Saint Laurent changed the way women today dress. He is the creator of so many iconic fashion pieces ranging from Le Smoking (the tuxedo for women), the bubble skirt, the Safari Jacket to Mondrian inspired looks. If you are a fashionista who lives in the area, don't miss this exhibit!

Who: Yves Saint Laurent Eternal Style Exhibit
What: This exhibition contains nearly 130 accessorized garments and sketches illustrating the lines, colors, and fundamentals of Saint Laurent’s work. In addition to 5000 personal pieces plus photographs spanning the the course of YSL's life.
Where: M.H de Young Museum, San Francisco
When: Now through April 5, 2009