DailyCandy San Francisco

Monster Stash

2009-11-06T18:00:00Z

Sweets la Petite Decorated Sugar Cookies

From the Desk of Cookie Monster

Dear Sirs:

I am delighted to accept your invitation to perform at Confection Theater — but I do have a few dressing room requirements.

I’m tired of the same old, same old chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. Please stock my lounge with something more colorful, like decorated butter cookies from Hayward’s Sweets la Petite Bakeshop.

Owner Stephanie Bushnell adds a touch of lemon and steers clear of preservatives, so they’re fresh as can be. And because she has an arsenal of cutters, she can make just about any shape, from footballs for sports gatherings to carriages for baby showers.

Me? I’d like a letter “C.” You know what it stands for.

Yours,
C. Monster

Available by phone order (415-717-7227) or e-mail orders@sweetslapetite.com. For more information, go to sweetslapetite.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sweets la Petite

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T18:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Pop goes your heart.

SHOP
DNA (Designers + Artists) Holiday Pop-Up Shop
What: Discounts up to 40 percent on a curated selection of established and emerging SF designers, including Bird by Alyssa Nicole (pictured), Catherine Fulmer, and Pretty Little Thing.
Why: Holidays come early.
When: Fri., 5-10 p.m.
Where: Space Gallery, 1141 Polk St., at Sutter St. (415-377-3325).

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: A new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs (and we’re giving away $100 gift cards to 100 early members).
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DINE
Mayes Oyster House Reopens
What: Classic seafood dishes in an equally classic space. Late-night dining seals the deal.
Why: Shell games.
When: Open for dinner.
Where: 1233 Polk St., at Bush St. (415-885-1233).

NOSH
Fabulous Food Festival
What: Sample gourmet nibbles and watch cooking demos at the only specialty foods show for consumers.
Why: Go F yourself.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 Eighth St., at Brannan St. (415-388-7208).

CELEBRATE
Street Art San Francisco: Mission Muralismo
What: Friday Nights at the de Young kicks off a yearlong celebration centered around the just-released book about SF’s vibrant street art scene. Expect live music, art activities, and projections of thousands of archival Mission murals.
Why: You’re on a mission.
When: Fri., 5:30-8:45 p.m.
Where: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., in Golden Gate Park (415-750-3600).

CONTRIBUTE
Local 415 Trunk Show
What: Ecodesigners like Mr. Larkin, PACT, Josh Podoll, and Molly M Designs come together for an exhibition. Ten percent of the opening’s profits goes to Global Green.
Why: Shop local, help Global.
When: Reception, Thurs., 5-8 p.m.
Where: Eco Citizen, 1488 Vallejo St., at Polk St. (415-614-0100).

Photo: Courtesy of Bird by Alyssa Nicole

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

Queen of the Stone Age

2009-11-04T18:00:00Z

Jessica Winzelberg Jewelry

Mutants and bespectacled wizards are so last year. And vampires are the Paris Hilton of the imaginary set (way overexposed).

But some mythical creations never go out of style — like a piece from Jessica Winzelberg’s debut jewelry collection.

The banker-turned-jewelry designer crafts ethereal one-of-a-kind stunners, as well as limited-edition gold hoops, bangles, rings, and necklaces in her downtown studio.

Winzelberg mixes multihued (some unusually cut) stones (boulder opal, variscite, and malachite) with faceted gems (orange garnet, blue topaz, and light blue and green sapphires) for a look that balances edgy elegance with natural beauty.

Because they have a multidimensional quality, the customizable pieces look great layered or as standalone statements.

Making them an immortal part of your wardrobe.

Available at Metier, 355 Sutter Street, between Grant Avenue and Stockton Street (415-989-5395 or metiersf.com). Additional styles online at jessicawinzelberg.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Jessica Winzelberg

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

Do the Local-motion

2009-11-03T18:00:00Z

The Marin Store Launches

Local Leslie picks up a lantern at her favorite boutique and gives it a rub. Out pops a genie.

Shopping Genie: I shall grant you one wish.

Local Leslie: Oooooh! I wish I didn’t have to run to the Ferry Building for Cowgirl Creamery cheese, then to Sephora for my Juice Beauty cleanser, then to Sausalito for Heath Ceramics. Why can’t I get all of my favorite local products in one place?

SG (snapping): Poof! I give you The Marin Store, a new online boutique and quarterly catalog that celebrates Northern Cali artisanal producers of everything from home and beauty to food and fashion.

LL: You mean Sarah Swell jewelry and Woodhouse Chocolate in one place?

SG: Yes. And most ground shipping is free. There’s also a 24-hour customer service number in case you’re wary of ordering online.

LL: Just one more wish, pretty please? An unlimited budget.

Available online at themarinstore.com.

Photo: Courtesy of The Marin Store

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Aims to Tweeze

2009-11-02T18:00:00Z

Eye Candy SF Brow Shaping

Threeways aren’t usually your thing (save for that carton of Neapolitan ice cream in your freezer).

Start slow. Like with your brows.

At Eye Candy SF, a minuscule Parisian-inspired studio perched above Union Square, Tracy Chavez combines three methods — texturizing, tweezing, and threading — to create the perfect shape.

After a consultation with first-timers, Chavez applies a quick yet gentle hand to even the most stubborn hairs. Brows look symmetrical and shaped but not overly so.

She’ll also do lash tinting and perms while she works. The result? Peepers that look striking and utterly refreshed.

And put bedroom eyes to shame.

Eye Candy SF, 166 Geary Street, at Stockton Street, 15th floor (415-756-1177 or eyecandysf.com).

Photo: Hansvandenberg30 / Flickr

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Caped Crusaders

2009-10-30T17:00:00Z

Oishii Knit Capelets

Sequin leggings proved to be just a pair of crazy pants. And the leather bustier never made it past the bedroom.

But a knit capelet from Oishii? That you can wear out of the house.

Local designer Erika Jennifer Kemp makes each lightweight layering piece (she calls them “cosis”) by hand, using super-soft merino wool, alpaca, and kid mohair. They can be worn around the neck or slung over one shoulder for a scarf-like effect.

Kemp says the creations only become warmer and softer as you wear them. And since she favors neutral shades with bright pops of color, yours will look different each time it’s wrapped.

Proving it’s no one-knit wonder.

Available at Dish, 541 Hayes Street, at Octavia Street (415-252-5997); August, 1 El Paseo Alley, at Sunnyside Avenue, Mill Valley (415-381-2711 or augustshop.com); online at oishiihandmade.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Oishii

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T17:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

We ain’t afraid of no ghosts.

TREAT
The Candy Store’s Third Annual Halloween Event
What: The Russian Hill shop sets up its candy cart outside, where patrons can fill their own containers for free. Costumes aren’t required, but prizes will be given for the best ones.
Why: Sweet surrender.
When: Sat., 2-6 p.m.
Where: 1507 Vallejo St., at Polk St. (415-921-8000).

TRICK
Free Tango Class at ODC
What: Even dancers with two left feet can participate in this free Argentine tango lesson, celebrating 30 years of Rhythm & Motion.
Why: In this case, it doesn’t take two.
When: Fri., 8:30-10 p.m.
Where: 351 Shotwell St., at 17th St. (415-863-6606).

EXORCISE
Muni Diaries Live: Under the Influence
What: Even BART gets bashed as participants share transportation tales (points are given for transit-related costumes, natch).
Why: Muni’s scarier than a ghost story.
When: Fri., 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., at Valencia St. (415-647-2888).

BEWITCH
Halloween Fashion Bash
What: Discounts of up to 80 percent on designers like Marc Jacobs, DVF, Nanette Lepore, and Betsey Johnson (plus free cocktails).
Why: Mention DailyCandy at the door or enter promo code SFShopper online for a complimentary pair of tickets.
When: Thurs., 5-10 p.m.
Where: Cathedral Hill Hotel, 1101 Van Ness Ave., at Geary Blvd. (310-318-1731). Advanced tickets online at sassycitychicks.com.

CACKLE
Kevin Smith at The Warfield
What: A Q&A with the Jersey-rific filmmaker and actor famous for Clerks and Dogma.
Why: He’s not so silent (Bob) after all.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.
Where: 982 Market St., at Sixth St. (415-345-0900). Tickets online at ticketmaster.com.

Photo: Courtesy of The Candy Store

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

Endless Summer

2009-10-28T17:00:00Z

Summer Kitchen Bake Shop Opens

Warning: This winter, Seasonal Affective Disorder may approach pandemic proportions. (Early symptoms include waking up and leaving work in the dark.)

Get your vaccination in the form of new Summer Kitchen Bake Shop in Berkeley.

Americano chef Paul Arenstam and his wife, Charlene Reis, opened the spot as an homage to Martha’s Vineyard, where Arenstam used to cook during the bustling summer season. Naturally, the teensy space resembles the area’s classic New England farmhouse kitchens.

Chef Greer Nuttall uses produce culled from local farms to whip up luscious carry-out items like homemade thin-crust pizzas; fried chicken; and farro with leeks, delicata squash, walnuts, and sage. Dinner sees slow-braised beef short ribs and sides like herb-stuffed tomatoes.

Pastries in the a.m. and seasonal fruit tarts for dessert lift the spirits.

And are just what the doctor ordered.

Summer Kitchen Bake Shop, 2944 College Avenue, at Ashby Avenue, Berkeley (510-981-0538 or summerkitchenbakeshop.com).

Photo: Paul Arenstam / Courtesy of Summer Kitchen Bake Shop

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher