Just Say “Yes” to Asian Fast Fashion
San Francisco’s fast-fashion scene has gone full-on fusion with the launch of YesStyle boutique in Stonestown Galleria. The store’s grand opening marks the first exclusively Asian retail concept to set up shop in a mainstream mall location in the United States. This is thrilling new territory for mass fashion in the Bay. Not only is YesStyle’s presence furthering global fashion consciousness, now we plain-Jane and yawn-John U.S.A.s can get our Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong fashion on, without having to leave the mainland.
Some of the store’s more notable brands include Googims, colorful T-shirts and hoodies with cuddly Korean cartoon illustrations; the multi-layered femme-eclectic drapery of Dodostyle; Osaka’s Buden Akindo, offering what the Japanese do best—”churning” contemporary urban style and Japanese culture; and Namitatsu, evolving the East-meets-West tradition by combining ancient Japanese art with modern surfer culture. YesStyle also offers designer fashion collaborations from the likes of Dirk Lui, Koogi, and Dean Clau.
Even better, any American shopper who’s died a little each time she’s attempted to wedge into diminutive Asian fashions will be pleasantly surprised; while the store itself may be small, many of YesStyle’s fits are a generous “one size,” accommodating a wider variety of … well, to put it delicately, wider body types.
Then there’s the price. Yours truly brought home a pair of men’s football-inspired trousers with origami-fold pockets for under $30 (like the white ones on the gentleman pictured above, only in black). And I’m already craving my next steal, a faux-fur cardigan best described as a streamlined version of a real fur chubby, for the lean price of $55.
YesStyle is located on the upper level of Stonestown Galleria, 3251 20th Ave, in San Francisco, 415.661.8390. You can also shop the store online. For more YesStyle flavor, check out some of the store’s fan compilations over at Polyvore.
— Kay
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Fancy That: A Fistfull of Phi
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Kay fancies Phi’s studded denim leggings (and more) for Spring/Summer 2010.
While several of the S/S collections have left buyers feeling a little bit “meh,” Andreas Melbostadt’s latest lineup for Phi offers not just closet fillers but, rather, full-blown wardrobe defibrillators—in the form of sheer boyfriend sweaters, subtle bondage dresses, and these lovely stud-encrusted denim leggings. In an industry embattled by the continual tug-of-war between polarizing extremes, it’s refreshing to see a designer balance commercialism and creativity in a way that fits the here and now.
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Beat Box: Sugar and Spite, That’s What GIRLS Are Made Of
So you’re sick of all your music and ready for some new tunes to rock out to? Have no fear, Taylor, our Bay Area woman on the beat is here to rescue you from your funkless funk with the latest sounds from the music scene. Listen up.
It’s not everyday that you hear something so totally new and yet so derivative and reminiscent of simpler times. Girls’ Christopher Owens and long-time band mate Chet ‘JR’ White have created a unique sound that balances beautifully somewhere between good pop music and gritty low-fi cool.
Their debut album Album sings of California beaches, the streets of San Francisco (where they met and consider home) and of course, love lost and found. They attack with vigor, and some sense of irony, themes that you and I have pondered our whole lives through, and it’s impossible not to find some solace and understanding in Owens’ sweet lyrics. ‘Hellhole Ratrace‘ begins as a slow almost Beach Boy-ish ballad that ultimately ends as a balls-to-the-wall hipster anthem that exclaims “I don’t wanna cry/my whole life through/yeah I wanna do some laughin’ too/so come on, come on, come on, come on and dance with me.” Owens goes on to sing “I don’t want to die without shaking up a leg or two/I wanna do some dancin’ too.” Call it a case of impeccable timing but damn, the first time it played I felt as though Owens was reading my mind.
I suppose the true testament starts and ends in my truck, which has become my travelling music reviewer’s laboratory. Honestly, I haven’t hit the eject button once since inserting Album into my awesome Chevy sound system, over a week ago. I can’t help it, I keep hearing new nuggets and gems worth savoring and something about Album makes being on the California road feel like the best place on earth to be! In fact, I’ve nearly overshot work twice now on purpose just to hear the song go on…
Girls is playing at Bottom of the Hill on November 21st. You’d be a fool to miss it.
—Taylor
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Fancy That: Kasa Rechargeable LCD TV
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Michael fancies a new high in LCD tech. The Kasa Rechargeable LCD TV is the futuristic result of a collaboration between industrial demi-god Kit Men and Korean electronics company LG Innotek.
How do you compete with an industry where manufacturers are constantly one-upping each other with enhanced benefits and increased energy efficiency? Try battery-operation and an ethereal acrylic frame. I’m sold, but don’t go rushing to your local Best Buy. This crystalline beauty isn’t projected to hit stores until 2020.
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What’s Your Damage? Drive By
People are strange, and no one knows it better than Heather, our resident smart-mouthed, drink-slingin’, sociologist. Join her adventures in the ridiculous, hilarious, and grotesque, on a quest to understand just what makes us Bay Area weirdos tick.
Vol. 5: Drive By
When I’m driving down a busy road and the light is clearly green and someone is sauntering across the street, clearly not obeying the don’t walk sign or color of traffic lights, can I speed up to try and teach them a lesson?
— 4Run’er Over in Oakland
Dear 4Run’er Over,
While I’m slightly horrified that you’re inquiring about justification for inciting the fear of death in someone, I empathize that pedestrians can be amazingly oblivious in the crosswalk. It’s frustrating when someone walks into the intersection just as the light is changing, but to do so at a leisurely pace, especially if they’re on a cell phone, that’s just narcissistic foolishness. Now, no one likes to knock an egomaniac off a pedestal more than I do. But before you get all revved up calculating how many points you could get for hitting homie, consider this:
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, an act such as this could cost you up to $1000 in fines, or worse, land you in state prison for up to six months (ouch on many fronts). That doesn’t sound worth it at all! Especially if said pedestrian gets to sit on the sidewalk and laugh as you get chastised by Officer Nasty.
There’re bound to be a lot of readers who would insist “pedestrians always have the right of way,” but that’s just not the case. Drivers are expected to yield (obviously) to people in the road, but that doesn’t mean pedestrians can cross on the red, or jaywalk. Still, the fact remains that San Francisco doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to walking around safely—per capita, it’s rated as the fourth most dangerous city in the nation for pedestrians.
Still not inspired to join a pedestrian advocacy group? Perhaps the best alternative then is to teach them a lesson by killing them with kindness. After years of working in customer service, you learn the art of telling a pompous ass to kiss yours in a way that makes them initially swoon with delight, only to realize moments later what you were really implying. Enthusiastically invite the pedestrian to slow down and take their time. When you gain their attention, give them two thumbs up and a big smile.
Whatever you do, resist the urge to lay on the horn. No other single act can simultaneously throw everyone in a two-block radius into a cataclysmic frenzy. Besides, we live in a city of constant sirens—please don’t add to the noise.
Good luck sharing the road!
- Heather
Baffled by Bay Area life? Send your questions to heather@culturcosm.com and get some answers for once!
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Fancy That: DWNTWN Skate Supply
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Sara fancies skaters. Nothing gets her attention like the sound of skateboard wheels on pavement. More newsworthy, Sara fancies the newest addition to the Tendernob’s collection of tiny shops overflowing with coolness—DWNTWN Skate Supply.
Officially launching today, 9/11/09, the brick and mortar home of San Francisco’s own Roughneck and 48blocks.com also carries a variety of hand-picked skate decks, hardware, apparel, and accessories. With Huf just around the corner, DWNTWN is in good company, and to prove they are among SF’s finest they have the honor of being the first stop on this year’s Bart Tour skate event this Sunday.
Stop in, check out the goods, peruse the art displayed on the gallery wall, and congratulate owners Leland and Johnny Roughneck on their new endeavor. A new storefront opening in the ‘hood is well worth celebrating, especially one that supports San Francisco’s venerable skate culture.
DWNTWN Skate Supply is located at 644 Hyde Street in San Francisco. Open 11am - 7pm daily. 415.913.7422.
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Let Them Eat Red Bean Cake
I don’t bake. But to listen to those that do, it seems a relatively manageable endeavor. A dash of flour here, a dab of butter there and, voilà, anyone can be Sara Lee.
To me, baking is still an unachievable art form, and best left to the experts. And none appear to be more expert in their craft than the Japanese. Famous for the refined artistry that guides their creative spirit, they, no doubt, bring the same quiet elegance to their confections.
Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) are said to have been developed, and refined, during the Edo Period, before any influx of influence from the West. The sweets themselves are made not with the expected butter, milk and cheese standards, but rather with rice flour, sweet bean paste (azuki) and sugar. No need to count calories here; despite their deceptively wicked taste, wagashi are typically lower in fat and healthier than most Western cakes and pastries. Their all-natural ingredient formula adheres to the teachings of ancient literature. Even their names are poetic, echoing the beauty of shape, color and taste of the sweets themselves.
This novel brand of delectable treats is the newest of East-meets-West fads to land in San Francisco. Minamoto Kitchoan’s recently opened Market Street location is poised to win over fans with its unique zen-like interior and seasonal menu selections. Pick up a tray at the counter and let your eye guide you to a visual smorgasbord of flavors. In store now, look for the Hakuto Jelly, made from high quality white peach, or the Tsuya [pictured below], a coupling of mini pancakes with a red bean paste center.
My sweet tooth has a new pleasure and it’s turning Japanese.
Minamoto Kitchoan is located at 648 Market Street in San Francisco. The nearest BART Station is Montgomery Street. Open 9:30am - 7pm daily. 415.989.1645.
—Michael
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Head & Tails: Lake Chalet
Up or over, shaken or stirred, we’re looking for the best bets to quench your thirst. This is where we spill it all about the area’s nearest and dearest brewpubs, bars, wine cellars, tasting rooms, package stores, liquor aisles, and well, we ARE thorough.
Where Labor Day signals the end of summer throughout most of the country, in the Bay area it cues our eagerly-awaited heat wave. September heralds those warm halcyon days that are typically thwarted by June and July’s blankets of fog. So, toss off those North Face jackets and hipster hoodies. It’s time to soak up some sun.
Enter Lake Chalet, the East Bay franchise of San Francisco’s ever-popular Beach Chalet and Park Chalet. The Mission Revival rendezvous breathes new life into Lake Merritt’s historic boathouse and (finally) brings an outdoor oasis to the inland waterway. In addition to the contemporary California fare and fresh seafood served inside, patrons can enjoy a burger or weekend brunch on the expansive dock.
But really, what better way to rejoice in the beautiful rise in temperature than with a refreshing cocktail. High marks go to the Gondola Sour, which pairs aged amber rum with hints of amaretto and lemon. Then, continuing in theme, set out on a panoramic tour of Oakland and the newly refurbished park banks on a Venetian-style cruise, courtesy of Gondola Servizio.
Sail on, Oakland. It looks like your ship has come in.
Lake Chalet is located on the western shore of Lake Merritt at 1520 Lakeside Drive in Oakland. 510.208.LAKE.
—Michael
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Fancy That: Luxury Laptop Carrier
There’s nothing like your first crush. And if you’re anything like us, you crush hard and often. This is where we pay homage to all things worthy of lusting after.
Kay fancies the Burnett Silver Python laptop carrier from Violet May of London. The luxury of being an itinerant worker notwithstanding, the reality of schlepping one’s workspace from classroom to coffee shop to client office affords very little in the way of sanity, let alone style. The search for an attaché with cachet ends with this handcrafted leather laptop bag from Violet May. Designed in London by women for women, comprised of Italian leather, and lovingly made by a family-run leather goods operation in Spain, the Burnett combines the best of Europe with a commitment to quality, function, and fabulousness.
Violet May supports the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the continuation of fine craftsmanship and design. Learn more at the company’s website. The Burnett Silver Python laptop carrier will set you back about $675, not including shipping and handling from across the pond.
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Angel on the Bay
Labor Day weekend is almost here, and for many Bay Area dwellers, the budget might be a little tight for long-distance travel. So, what’s there to do close by this weekend? Well, there happens to be a little drop of paradise right in the middle of the Bay, and chances are it’s been on your list of places to go for quite a while—Angel Island.
In addition to being a beautiful piece of wilderness within sight of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland, and a stone’s throw from Belvedere and Tiburon, Angel Island is also a treasure trove of local history. There are many tour-worthy historic buildings and landmarks on the island that offer a peek into the Bay Area’s past.
The Miwok Indians made use of the island’s resources for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived and began using it as a base for exploring the Bay Area’s waterways in 1775. Angel Island began its U.S. Military career as early as the Civil War and played a defensive role in both World Wars. The years before the turn of the century saw the establishment of both a quarantine station for foreign ships and their passengers, as well as an immigration station. Billed as “The Ellis Island of the West” the Immigration Station was actually more of a detention center, used to control the influx of Chinese immigrants, who were officially unwelcome with the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Some 175,000 Chinese came to Angel Island over the course of the station’s 30 years in operation.
Angel Island is now a wonderful escape from the buzz of the city, and you don’t even have to get in a car—perfect since the Bay Bridge will be closed Sept. 3-8. The Blue and Gold Ferry departs from The Ferry Building (easily accessible by BART) and Pier 41. The ferry ride is a big part of the fun. There’s nothing like sitting on the deck in the Bay wind, sipping a bloody mary, watching Alcatraz slip by as sailboats flit and dart in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
To prepare for a holiday party on Angel Island, all you really need is an empty bag and a corkscrew. Arrive at the Ferry Building an hour early and stock up on a few gourmet sundries from the local merchants: Acme for a loaf of delicious crusty bread, Cowgirl Creamery for some artisan cheese, Boccalone for handcrafted salami, Farm Fresh To You for organic fruit, and of course the Wine Merchant for a bottle of wine or two. Out The Door offers The Slanted Door’s renowned Vietnamese cuisine for take-out. If you’re feeling more ambitious about your picnic fare, bring charcoal—grills are provided, but wood fires are a big no-no. (There is still some visible fire damage on the West side of the island from last year’s accident.) If all food planning fails, have no fear. The Cove Café has beer, wine, signature burgers, oysters on the half shell, and a deliciously juicy shrimp ceviche.
If the idea of indulgently lazing around by the water on the green lawn of the picnic area, occasionally getting up to play Frisbee, somehow sounds like a bore, you’re in luck. There are plenty of activities on Angel Island. Bring a bike or rent one there and ride around the perimeter road for a rare view of San Francisco. Take a docent-led tour of the Immigration Station Detention Barracks Museum, Fort McDowell, and Camp Reynolds, or a wildflower nature hike up Mt. Livermore. If lazy sounds pretty good, motorized tram and Segway tours are also options, and there are many more.
Just remember, unless you’re prepared to camp overnight (another great way to holiday on Angel Island, but reservations must be made well in advance), make sure you don’t miss the last boat back to the mainland. The ferry waits for no man.
Angel Island Ferry Tickets can be purchased online or in the Ferry Building for $15 round trip. The Ferry docks at the North end of the building, and departs at 9:20 and 11:20am. Check schedule for return trips. Ferry service to Angel Island is also offered from Alameda/Oakland, Tiburon, and Vallejo.
–Sara
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About
Culturcosm is your online authority on the climate of trend throughout the Bay Area. Your roving reporters are taking to the streets and chasing down the real story. Be it stormy or serene, torrid or just plain tragic, we will break it down before you hit it up. Stay tuned. There's a new trend breaking every minute.
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General Inquiriesinfo@culturcosm.com
Michael, founder / editor-in-chiefmichael@culturcosm.com
Kay, founder / contributing editorkay@culturcosm.com
Sara, trendcaster / managing editorsara@culturcosm.com
Heather, social commentatorheather@culturcosm.com
Taylor, music trendcastertaylor@culturcosm.com
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