Dogmom's Dish

Why Be A Target Hater?

The fashion press loves to hate on Target these days.  With Isaac Mizrahi's departure and no exciting guest designers for the summer, the rag wags are piling on.  Worse, they're praising WalMart to the hilt...trumpeting the heavy celeb use in their OP campaign (Pete Wentz, Rumer Willis, Corbin Bleu, etc.) and their upcoming partnership with Norma Kamali.

WWD and others appear completely befuddled by the limited distributions partnership between Barney's and Target for the Rogan Eco Go International collection.  Pieces were sold in Barneys NY last weekend and will be available in the LA store this weekend.  No word on when the collection will be available in Target stores.

Designer Rogan Gregory is a darling of the celebrity design set,

Swap 'Til You Drop

Lindsay Lohan may or may not be swapping out vodka for water in those bottles she carries around.  She is, however, definitely swapping something else…clothes!  The past face of Miu Miu and Jill Stuart is lending her mug to a new campaign for ethical fashion, called Visa Swap.  For three weeks from June 21, swappers can donate clothing to a pop-up shop in London’s centrally located Covent Garden and receive the value of their clothing in points on a special Visa card.  (I feel for the folks who have to value the pieces in front of the customers…can you just imagine the whining???) The card can then be redeemed for donated items starting on July 19.  Leftovers will be donated to TRAID, a British non-profit raising money to support communities in developing countries through donated clothing sales in its stores. 

This is all well and good, but in the Bay Area, we have something much more entrepreneurial, effective and efficient for both swappers and the great causes these events support.  I’ve written extensively on Clothing Swap's Diva Eves (click here and here for details/photos from recent events), run as a labor of love by the indefatigable Suzanne Agasi.  Bottom line is that you can ‘be good, be green, be glam’ while having a great time with a stellar group of women.  I’m such a huge fan of these events--the quality of the clothing, the pamperers and the women I meet are all amazing.  In fact, I’m wearing my latest fave find right now--a Paul Smith-look (doesn’t have a label, but I’m positive it’s his) multi-stripe scarf that doubles as a wrap and a hoodie when I’m on planes and want some shut-eye. 

Snag your own divalicious find at next week’s Diva Eve at the Sugar Café in San Francisco! Click here for details on the May 12 event.

Congrats, Perez--You GO Honey!

Love him and I'm sure I'll love his clothes.  He's been the epicenter of what we really want to know and the arbiter of cool for some time...plus he's an AMAZING Dog Dad, a la his precious Teddy whom he videotapes on each of his monthly birthdays (see his site for links). (-:  His pieces will debut in Hot Topic stores starting on June 6 and will retail from $1.75 to $46...I'll post photos ASAP.   Products will include pieces like Gossip Gangster Flip Flops, Perezcious Pink and Purple Lip Gloss and P-Nasty Shades.  (For all of my beloved international customers...you can let me know what you want and I'll get for you w/no mark-up...let's make his line a hit!!) Can't believe he's had time to do this, given his jet-setting, constant clever posting AND daily trips to the gym.  He's given me no excuse to sit on my 'I-work-from-home-with-a-small-biz' butt excuse.  Grazie and kudos!

This is the kind of built-in branding and online customer base that business schools can't even teach you about.  Hey, Mario--if you ever have 15 minutes to let me interview you for a case study for my Berkeley MBA alumni, lemme know...you would be a total super hero there, like you are to me.  (-:

Life Absurdly Imitating Art

I couldn’t help thinking of Gary Shteyngart’s Absurdistan when reading today’s New York Times article about Turkmenistan’s Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, the new-ish president of this desert country of 5 million.  He's trying to put his own stamp on things, but it's a difficult proposition, since his predecessor Saparmurat Niyazov (ruler from Soviet Union independence in 1991 to his death in 2006) did wacky little things like naming the days of the week and months of the year in honor of himself and his family.  Seeking to dent his predecessor's cult of personality, the new president just removed a 246-foot tall statue of Niyazov from the center of the Turkmen capital. This is no ordinary statue, a la the stone effigy of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad--this one rotates to always face the sun.

Due in part Niyazov's antics, Turkmenistan residents have live in abject poverty and the country has been widely considered a joke. Like Shteyngart’s fictional Absurdistan, Turkmenistan is relatively isolated and holds huge hydrocarbon reserves coveted by US and European companies hoping to mitigate Russia’s Gazprom’s dominance.

Even though Absurdistan is a fictional and satirical work, it definitely exposed me to a part of the world for which I have little frame of reference. Shteyngart is a Russian émigré who, much like Nabokov, has an incredible command of the English language and an eye for illuminating detail. He clearly revels in skewering the foibles of all cultures and will keep you laughing out loud, even while not-so-subtly teaching you a thing or two and occasionally boiling your blood. If the terms ’Gollyburton’ and ’KBR’ make you scowl, you’ll know what I mean. Shteyngart breaks down quasi-seriously, how profitable war can be, even to the point of influencing the strategy and tactics for firms who stand to benefit...and the politicians who own and love them.

It’s all depressingly familiar and certainly rings true with special poignancy today. This morning, I heard a CNN report that KBR is responsible for the deaths of several US soldiers in Iraq. The cause? As the main building contractors and material suppliers for Iraq, they used substandard, non-US approved plumbing parts from China to build  shower facilities. The result? Several deaths from electrocution when soldiers tried to turn on the water. Let’s hope that justice is served for the families and that the war profiteers are held accountable for their misdeeds.

Sadly, I fear that this story will be lost, superseded by ones on rising gas/food prices, how the American Idols (and judges) are faring and the latest outrage over Miley Cyrus photos. This is a separate tragedy, as the US seems to have lost perpective on what matters.

More Art Meets Fashion

Attention artists:  if designer clients fall hopelessly in love with your work, you just may find it walking down the street.  Elie and Rory Tahari are the latest designers to hang art on bodies, not walls.  The Taharis picked up several Kenny Scharf paintings after meeting him at last year’s Art Basel in Miami. Their children especially loved his doughnut-themed pieces. 

Scharf created the doughnut-free ‘Floatungle’ for the collaboration and Elie promptly translated the painting into a print used on a silk chiffon caftan ($248) as well as a cotton voile pareo ($168).  Both pieces will be available in yellow or green and sold exclusively at their East Hampton and SoHo boutiques.  Part of the pareo sales will benefit the very worthy cause of God’s Love We Deliver.  The pieces will launch at a reception in East Hampton on May 31 -- doughnuts will be served.

The Beautyrest of Hoodies

I can’t decide if this arose from genius or the psychosis that comes from one too many red-eyes. All I know is I want one. Burton's Premium Sleeper Hoody comes with a removable, inflatable neck pillow, light shield, ear plugs, etc…basically everything you need to get your snooze on, even while suffering the indignities of riding coach. I get dreamy just thinking about it.

DogMom Does Hollywood...Join Us And Save A Bundle!

Join us on Saturday, May 17 at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood (on Melrose).  We'll be one of approximately 40 vendors at the next Fashion Elements (FEM) sale --savvy LA fashionistas know that this is THE event for finding deals on emerging designers as well as for samples, close-outs and overruns from your favorite designers.  We'll be bringing Diane Von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Nanette Lepore, Betsey Johnson and more.  Please let us know if there's something you're eye-ing in your eBay, Amazon or Yahoo stores so that we can have it ready for you to try-on (changing rooms provided).  Click here for more info and tickets--see you there!      photo courtesy of FEM

Stop Unwanted Phone Calls

Find Out Who's Calling (.com) can’t help with pesky relatives, political parties or non-profits, but they can help you identify stalkers (like Uma Thurman’s) or companies that continue to call despite your being registered on the National No Call Registry.  Fight back and stop those unwanted phone calls by using their Reverse Cell Phone Lookup service.

Counterfeit Crochet Leads A Revolution

Dish readers know that as a retailer, I abhor counterfeit products and happily report on busts across the country.  So, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the Counterfeit Crochet project at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Galleries.  The Project was started by Stephanie Syjuco as a ‘critique of the political economy‘.  She was fascinated by using the ’lowly medium’ of crochet to make the process of owning a ‘designer' bag more democratic--materials are cheap and it’s easy to learn.  The idea caught on and now people from all over the world share their patterns and results on her website. 

The YBCA exhibit displays some of these creations and offers patterns for take-away.  In addition, Stephanie and friends will teach visitors how to crochet their own luxury brand accessories in several Saturday workshops…the next one is May 10.  Bargain tip: YBCA participates in ‘free first Tuesdays’, so gallery admission will be free on May 6.

Is It Art? The Debate Rages On

Have Americans totally lost their minds?? I realize that a puritanical streak runs deep and that we'll never be as comfortable with nudity or as appreciative of art (and other pleasures) as any average European.  However, the whole Miley Cyrus - Annie Leibovitz debacle is ridiculous beyond words. Never mind that Annie is a mother whose own unconventional path to motherhood only solidifies how much she truly wanted her children. Also, forget that Miley's parents, PR people and god knows who else in her entourage were on site while these photos were taken. 

The fact is that the Vanity Fair spread shows a girl in all of the complicated full bloom of her teens. Anyone can ascribe any kind of meaning to anything -- that's what art is all about. What irks me is when the opinions of a few (in Pilgrim hats and big buckle shoes) result in a revisionist interpretation (usually to the detriment) of the original subject. Come to think of it, maybe that's why Pilgrims wore those buckle shoes -- ankles were considered obscene in their day. 

Miley, honey, you have nothing to apologize for. Annie, thanks for reminding us of how it feels to be on the verge of womanhood...for many of us, it's hard to remember.

Betsey Johnson: There Really Is A Betseyville

...on the sparkling coast of Mexico, that is! It's no surprise that Betsey is inspired by the colors and passion of Mexico. She fell in love with the seaside resort of Zihuatanejo by accident, after scuttling a rainy vacation in Miami for somewhere "guaranteed hot, the water guaranteed warm, the people wonderful." At the suggestion of friends, she trekked to the low-key town (2 hours from Acapulco) and fell in love. Over time, she's purchased and lovingly decorated two properties that she rents out when not in residence. Betseyville and Villa Betsey can be rented by the week...more info and photos here.

Betsey Johnson dresses plus shoes and accessories at Diva Deals

Diane von Furstenberg's Resort In Italy

Sorry, it's not a Betseyville-like place where you can surround yourself with style, but it's still pretty cool.  DVF is launching her Resort pre-collection (whatever that means...I can't keep up!) in Florence on June 18.  The collection is called 'Hotel Life' and will, according to DVF herself, 'be seasonless, very travel-oriented, whether you're going to Aspen or St. Barth's...for the woman on the go'.  Given her overachiever active life-style, she should know!

DVF at Diva Deals

Nanette Lepore's Not-So-Hidden Talent

You love Nanette Lepore’s glam and girly designs, but did you also know that she’s quite an illustrator as well? No surprise, since her father is a famous abstract painter. Keeping it all in the family, her husband (and CEO of her company) is also an artist and their nine-year old daughter Violet is said to be exhibiting a talent for color and design.

Nanette began drawing and styling clothing as a child and later graduated from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology with a design degree. She’s used illustration extensively on her labels, packaging and in-store décor.  Occasionally, she produces self-illustrated prints.  We have two gorgeous examples in our stores…her Cirpriani Scarf print (on a silk top) and her Blustery Day retro-inspired print (also on a silk top). 

Nanette Lepore at Diva Deals

Doug Varone & Dancers 'Lux' Is Lush

This NY-based company doesn’t get to the west coast often, so when they do, it’s time to drop everything and head to the theater. I first saw them back in 2000 in a site-specific performance at the New York Tenement Museum. Because of the small space, only 20 audience members could attend each performance. Far from being gimmicky and trite, the piece was one of the most profound and moving I’ve experienced. The closed spaces and constant movement (both by the dancers and the audience) through the narrow passages served as the perfect setting for Varone’s exploration of his two central themes -- relationships and community.

Varone has continued to evolve both as a choreographer and as a dancer -- he still performs in at least one of the pieces for each performance. In San Francisco last week, he joined with long-time company member Natalie Desch for ’Home’, a moving pas de deux that explores both the grand gestures and micro-movements of a relationship’s inner spaces. He also danced in the full company ‘Lux’, set to Phillip Glass’ ‘The Light’. I’m not always a Glass fan, but this piece’s jagged edges were rounded nicely by the whirling, exuberant and ultimately flowing athleticism of the dancers. I couldn’t help but make comparisons to Shen Wei’s recent visit (also by San Francisco Performances…bravo!!)

‘Boats Leaving’ showcases Varone’s skill and experience as an opera choreographer and expands on his thematic exploration of community. This emotional piece is dance on a grand scale and like an opera, has signature flashpoints as well as more than meets the eye happening in the background. Doug Varone & Dancers is always a satisfying feast for dance fans and I hope that they’ll make the trek out here more often.

photos courtesy of www.dougvaroneanddancers.org and Richard Termine

Drink More, Drive Less

Think you have to slog through the crowds in Napa to taste great wine? Think again.  San Francisco’s East Bay has some killer wineries featuring grapes from the best vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and the California Coast. 

We recently tasted our way around a group of wineries known as the East Bay Vintner’s Alliance. EBVA held an ‘Urban Wine Trails’ Passport Event in March with 13 participating wineries, running the gamut from single varietals and blends to chocolate wine (read on, I'm not kidding). For $30/each, we received a souvenir Reidel glass and a map of participating locations. 

Eno winery (above) in Berkeley was our hands-down favorite. This happened to be the northernmost stop on the tour (near the 80/580 split + close to the Pt. Isabel dog park) and the registration point for many tasters, so there was quite a line when we arrived.  Not to fear, it was a beautiful day and winemaker Sasha Verhage worked the waiting crowd with a delicious cheese platter.  Although Eno doesn't have a formal tasting room (they're open by appointment only), they have a courtyard in the back that's perfect for tastings and events. Chef Anders Bengtsson from Savory Cook Special Event Catering whipped up a number of stellar small plates including Syrah-braised short ribs and a frittata with celeriac and lemon oil. These paired perfectly with the Russian River Valey pinots and Mendocino grenache poured among the barrels inside.  Eno's wines range from $28-45 and they offer free shipping to many states as well as a wine club...check out their website for details as well as to see the cool artwork on their labels.

Next stop was Adams Point Winery, near Berkeley's trendy Fourth St. area.  Mick (left) served as the official greeter and gratefully accepted pats as well as small bites of egg roll. Adams Point specializes in fruit-based wines including mango, mango/papaya and persimmon.  These were interesting and quite good, but the chocolate wine (port with natural chocolate flavoring) blew us away. Not that we're wine snobs, but we were pretty skeptical.  Suffice it to say that this is our new go-to hostess gift and a staple in our wine rack. Wines are prices around $16 and their tasting room is open on the second Saturday afternoon of each month.

The third stop on the tour was just down the road in Emeryville, near Chiron and Pixar.  Home of Periscope Cellars, the Hollis St. location was originally a WWII submarine repair facility. Winemaker Brendan Eliason (left) doubled as bartender for the day, serving glasses of Zin, Petite Verdot and a luscious blend  of Syrah/Tannat/Cab Sauv/Petite Verdot/Petite Sirah/Zin, known as 'Deep 6'. Periscope offers tastings Fri-Sun afternoons as well as a weekly Happy Hour on Wednesdays ($5/glass). Their wines are priced from $18-22 and will be featured at a Winemaker's Dinner on May 18th at Oakland's Franklin Square Wine Bar.  Definitely check them out!

After sampling a cup of jambalaya in the lobby (and saving a few bites for Mimi) , we braved the crowds in the back of the winery to taste some interesting wines (more Petite Verdot, Sangiovese and Gamay) from Urbano Cellars and Andrew Lane.

Further down the road off of 880, we found JC Cellars/Dashe Cellars. Dashe specializes in high-end Zins ($20-32) and JC in Rhone-style wines ($25-40).  Aubin Cellars also poured a number of Pinots and reds from their Verve line ($12-28).  All of these complemented the divine chocolates from Truffle Gateau. Founder Linda Bartlett Keys was on hand to offer samples and product information--I've been a fan since her 'baked like a brownie, tastes like a truffle' treats were sold in Neimans, so it was fun to meet her and learn that you can now order directly over the phone. Linda is a real stickler for freshness and continues to produce one of the best-loved gifts you can give either to your friends or yourself.

Across 880, we visited our friends at Lost Canyon Cellars. We're long-time wine club members and this is our absolute favorite local winery for beautifully crafted Russian River Pinots and stellar Syrahs. If you you're visiting San Francisco and can only go to one tasting room, definitely head to Lost Canyon (Fri-Sun, 1-6 pm, $5 tasting fee) and save some room in your luggage.  Their winemaker dinners, education and tasting events usually sell out, so it's a good idea to get on their mailing list and buy tickets early.  Here are some of the events and tastings we've attended.

 We swung around the corner to Irish Monkey Cellars , also hosting  newcomer Two Mile Wines. This was one of the liveliest spots of the day, with lots of wine, tables of breads and cheeses and a bluegrass band.  The wines were pretty awesome, too, with unusual red varietals (Primitivo, Touriga) and full bodied blends, including a Syrah/Malbec, known as SyrBec.  Wines range from $20-55 and the tasting room is open Sat-Sun, noon-5 pm. 

  We ended the day at our other local favorite Rosenblum Cellars (Alameda). We're longtime members of their Reds Rangers wine club and since well-behaved dogs are always welcome in their tasting room, it's Mimi's paws-up, all-time favorite.  Founder Dr. Kent Rosenblum is a veterinarian and has long supported worthy causes, in addition to making great wines.  Rosenblum recently donated $43,000 to Paws for a Cause from sales of their 'Cote Du Bone Roan'. (Click here for my review and info on where to purchase.)  For the Passport event, they poured a number of delicious reds paired with yummy barbecue sandwiches. After a morning running/splashing at Pt. Isabel and then napping in the car, Mimi was more than happy to see the familiar faces at Rosenblum...and a few bites of bbq. 

 

 

   

Travel Like A Queen...

If you don't want to travel like a rock star (see below), you can always travel like a future Queen. Although she didn't actually step onto the Chinook helicopter that Prince William landed in her family's garden last week, who wouldn't have been tempted?? Although he's taken a lot of flack for his unorthodox training exercise, I think it was sweet and hope that they have many happy journeys in the future.

Little sister Pippa (in what looks like Issa) and Kate Middleton at a 2007 book event.

'Lies You Can Dance To' Is The Real Thing...Redux

Lies by Jo Krieter is one of the most profound dance pieces I've seen, investigating 'the absence of truth in American politics and how this resonates in the bodies of our citizens'. I reviewed a development performance of the piece last September at The Marsh and can't wait to see the finished product tonight. The piece is part of a double bill with Color Me America from Butoh artist Ledoh this weekend at Project Artaud Theatre. Color explores 'the cumulative effect of constant low-grade threats and small manipulations by using sustained tension, explosive punctuations and expansive tempos'. Should be an amazing evening of thought-provoking dance!! Click here for 1/2 price tix from Goldstar ($10).

Fly Like A Rock Star

It’s tough to tell the stars from the hoi polloi these days -- everyone stumbles out of clubs, sells their newborn photos and makes a sex tape. There’s a much more glamorous way to distinguish yourself as a celeb and no, it‘s not having your own reality show. True divas are whisked through the airport past the unwashed masses or better yet, through secret corridors and directly onto the plane. Of course it helps to be a name-brand star, but that isn’t always necessary. American Airlines provides ’Five Star’ service at LAX and JFK,  where reps meet passengers curbside, herding them (plus bags and entourage) quickly through security and then on to the gate or lounge.  They don’t advertise the service and if you have to ask…  If you’re a legend in your own mind, you can always call them at 877-578-2702.

There’s still hope for us mere mortals. For less than the price of bottle service or a poolside cabana, you can get the ‘star’ treatment by paying a private firm to perform virtually the same function. Airport Assistance Worldwide and LJR & Associates provide curb to seat management of baggage, security and even, as reported in the WSJ, watching bags for PR exec Amy Goldsmith, her husband, nanny and infant while they slipped into Starbucks. Although she received the first experience as a gift certificate, she’s now a repeat customer of LJR’s service. Cost? $110 including tips. Avoiding the exposure of god-knows-what on your bare feet? Priceless.

Vera's Bridal Umbrella...ella, ella

Next month, Vera Wang moves one step closer to realizing her dream of selling us the complete bridal lifestyle.  She will launch a collection of specially designed, Italian-made linens at www.verawangonweddings.com. In addition to featuring her signature bridal gowns, the site will aggregate all of her bridal-related products under a single umbrella. Wang also plans to feature runway footage and video advice segments, no doubt building on her successfull book, 'Vera Wang On Weddings'. Retail prices for the linens will range from $225-295 for sheets and $475-$2400 for bed blankets.  With the economy the way it is, I think I'll stick to shopping her Simply Vera linen collection at Kohl's...when it goes on sale.

Vera Wang & Simply Vera at Diva Deals

Join Us For A Live Sale At The Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash!

We love meeting everyone at our live events and hope to see you in San Francisco on June 19 for the Sassy City Chicks event. Tickets to this night of fabulous fashion are normally $20. However, savvy fashionista that you are, you know you NEVER pay retail with us! Click here for $5 tickets and enjoy a night of deals from top and emerging designers, as well as spa treats, drinks and other surprises. We'll be bringing at least 3 racks of items from our eBay and Amazon stores...be sure to get in your requests if you'd like us to bring specific items. There will be dressing rooms to make sure everything fits perfectly.  See you there!!