SHOP WELL = SHOTWELL

SHOTWELL SAN FRANCISCO BRINGS THE HOTNESS 

There are a lot of great boutiques in San Francisco, but this is one I really love. They buy from some of my favorite designers and have a knack for finding incredibly cool vintage pieces that make you basically want to move into their store. The two owners Michael and Holly are husband and wife and obviously love what they do (they've been selling clothes out of make shift stores for years including the living room of their house on Shotwell street before they finally got their permanent location!). The best part of it all is that you don't have to go to San Francisco to get the goods. Visit their website HERE and shop online all you want. My favorite dude duds are below but they also carry womens. Get it!

- brother

Kai Aakmann Trench $312.00

PLAY by Comme des Garcons Cardigan $395.00

Shades of Grey Navy Suit - $336.00

Them Atelier T with vintage vest - $46.00

Cheap Monday Plaid Shirt - $68.00

FAMILY DISCOUNT: COME AND GET THE PERFECT PEARL!

IT'S TIME FOR THE FAMILY DISCOUNT!

SPONSORED BY TODAY'S FAMILY BUSINESS:

THE ENDORSEMENT:


Hamilton Jewelers has been around since 1946 and there's a good reason... they are the creme de la creme of the jewelry world, folks. They carry designer jewelry and watches of the highest caliber, but they also have some of the most amazing (and reasonably priced) costume jewelry we have ever seen! Not to mention, the owners at Hamilton's could not be more approachable or more helpful. Walk in and you are given first class assistance, no strings attached. Located in the Pavilions Shopping Center, conveniently snuggled next to a coffee shop and several clothing boutiques, Hamilton's is worth the trip. Trust us.

THE S|B EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: 

30% OFF ALL FRESH WATER PEARLS!!

*mention sister|brother blog and you get this exclusive Family Discount!*

THE LOOK:

Snatch up these magnificent, 8mm, 72-inch pearl strands and layer, knot or twist them. Pearls are timeless, never losing their stylistic edge. Dress them up or down - jeans or a cocktail dress it so doesn't matter. A girl can never have too many. These playful strands come in hues of chocolate, cognac and copper OR in pink, lavender and white. These strands are $395.00 before the discount.  If that's not enough for you, Hamilton's has a matching necklace and bracelet in playful pink 10 to 11 mm with a beautiful sterling clasp for $225 without the discount (not shown). Like you need incentive... who are we kidding? Grab your car keys now because these babies are limited. You're welcome.

START TIME:    10 AM, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010

END TIME:         6PM, FRIDAY NOVEMBER 5, 2010

LOCATION:       504 PAVILIONS LANE

                              SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95825

                              (916) 927-2300

      

WELCOME TO THE LAPO LUXURY

IS LAPO ELKANN THE NEXT BIG THING?

The great Jay Z so eloquently said "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man." There is an art to branding one's self that frankly few people truly understand as well as the worlds rapper/moguls, and well, J-Lo. Enter Lapo Elkann. You've no doubt seen his face in fashion magazines over the years, appearing in GQ's best dressed of all time, and followed by paparazzi for his royal connections in Italy and his high profile position at Fiat. The New York born Italian Lapo has become a fashion icon of sorts in Italy and elsewhere while until recently not capitalizing on his inherent ability to set trends. 

With his Italia Independent line, while limited, Lapo has managed to encapsulate young Italian bravado in a brand that makes his elusive joie de vivre accessible for those willing to pay to dress the part. I think there is serious potential here. I'm loving the eyewear options and would love to see him branch out more in the formal wear department. Check out his stuff and the interesting video and photos on his site HERE. Expect this star to rise quickly in the next year or so. 

- brother  

Blue Velvet 

Denim Camo

Obsessed with these

Lavender Crew Sweater

Oversized in Sand

WHAT COAT WILL YOU WEAR THIS SEASON?

SISTER'S FAVORITE COAT TRENDS.

Animal Print

Animal print has always been one of my favorites and what better way to show it off then in a glamorous coat. Belt it, wear it short or long. Your inner fashion beast is sure to come out.

Wrap Coat

I love the wrap coat for its cozy sophisitication. I like it in cashmere or a soft merino wool with a skinny alligator belt. So on trend with the luxe, drapey look this season. 

Red Coat

My favorite color hands down is red. I am in LOVE with this season's red coats. Try one in leather or a high shoulder trench. So chic and so very current.

- sister

I'M HEADED FOR A ROCK REVIVAL...

AND MY DENIM IS LEADING THE WAY.

I remember the first time I saw them... one of my best friend's, Brooke, was wearing them. Dark blue, boot cut, stitched in yellow. It was love at first sight - me and these jeans. Heart beating fast, hard to focus. I'm an addict for fashion that breeds a particular uniqueness, I get the shakes and everything. I literally obsess. And so it happened. The first time I laid eyes on Brooke's Rock Revival denim deliciousness, I tackled her (okay, not literally) and demanded to know where I could find them. She told me, her eyes big and wide and somewhat worried by my frantic behavior, that she picked them up at a local vintage boutique here in town called Fringe (how rock star is that?). They were, of course, gone when I went there. I searched online for weeks until I found them at some obscure denim wherehouse website that has since gone under. My penchant for these jeans remains as strong as the day I bought them. RR re-launched their company in 2008 and was slowly dabbling its way to online stores, but sizes and washes and fits were limited during my original search. I couldn't have been the only one suddenly all-consumed. Much has changed thanks to the rock gods and godesses of fashion.

RR Stephanie Bootcut Jean, $189

Back side of Stephanie Bootcut Jean-- my favorite cut and wash.

And then just like that, last week, while perusing Krazy Mary's boutique, I came across the beloved jean. Hanging there like nobody's business, but as spectacular as ever. I almost cried. Way to go Mary for bringing the RR to Sac. Keep 'em coming. If you don't own them, you should. They are awesome! The detail on the pockets, the buttons and the overall fit. There is amazingly a ton of stretch in this jean and the signature yellow stitching gives these denim doozies added flair, though they come in tamer versions. I like that you can change their look around, too. Go for a bohemian rocker vibe with a flowy, sweet top and floppy fedora or set the stage on fire with some crazy fringed leather jacket and motorcycle boots. Get some for your honey, RR does not discriminate (read: men included in this fashion find).

RR Cline Skinny Stretch in Gray, $148

RR Gray Cline Bootleg, $189

Man's RR Victor Straight Jean, $138

RR Victor Straight Jean Behind ;)

I have always wanted to unleash the hidden bohemian rock star. Thank you, RR. 

Mary in RR's Debbie Skinny Leg Denim.
Photo courtesy of Lauri Levenfeld at Zoom Photography.

- sister

DUMPY BUTTS IS ALL THE RAGE...

Paired with tevas and socks...

DESIGNER UMIT BENAN THINKS WE'RE STUPID.

Ok, so let me just state that I am all for new styles, fits, cuts etc. The truth is however, that there is fashion for the runway and fashion for the streets and then there is fashion for idiots. What is fashion for idiots you ask? Ever heard of Ed Hardy? Juicy sweat suit mean anything to you?  Every once in a while a perfectly respectable designer comes out with a new signature look that just confuses me. I mean, Umit Benan, WTF? I liked his retired rocker stuff last season. The dude usually is pretty quirky and cool. Well apparently he let his gardener who also happens to suffer from incontinence to design his mens spring 2011 line. Dumpy Butt high water pants? Really Umit? Who are you designing for? The booming diaper wearing demographic? I just don't get it. Sorry, had to share. See more HERE. 

- brother

Thanksgiving pants maybe?

I dare you to let this man in your house. 

For guys that only work out their legs?

MEET BEHIDA DOLIC'...

YOU'LL BE SAYING "THANKS A MILLINER"!

SO sorry. I couldn't help a little hat humor. I mean, I thought it was pretty hat-larious... ok I'll stop.  While perusing my beloved Etsy.com I came across this positively charming little shop. Behida Dolic is a 28 year old Bosnian hat maker who specializes in pieces with a flare for the romantic. I can just picture these hats on the heads of the classic black and white actresses of Hollywoods early years. What is unique about these hats however, as opposed to vintage and costume hats, is that they have a certain lightness to them that makes them modern and cool. I would love to see a young lady in a simple dress and a pair of flats rocking one of these in midtown. They are so elegant it makes me wish their was a man-quivalent. Check out Behida's website (she's now based out of SF) HERE and buy her stuff at her Etsy Shop HERE. Enjoy!

- brother

Film Noir

Simply Wine (Love that name ;)

My Sweet Red

HOW TO WEAR WHITE IN THE COLDER MONTHS:

WITHOUT GETTING ARRESTED BY THE LABOR DAY POLICE.

So, I've already done a piece on the LWD that I thought it prudent to finish my thought on this silly and rather stylistically inept approach most of society has to wearing white after Labor Day. It's simple, white is one of the most beautiful colors for dressing. Most people look great in white or at least an off-white or nude. The fresh, souffle de vie of white brightens most people's day merely by being worn. White is a color for ALL seasons.

Chanel, Valentino, Anna Sui 2010

The key to wearing white in the Winter months is picking a thicker, matte material. Layering is crucial, too. You want the look to portray South of France, not South Beach. Lace and ruffles are all okay, too. As you can see above, designers threw in trends we've seen all year long into their Fall/Winter 2011 shows.

Givenchy White Oversized Tux Jacket with Red Mittens. So cool.

Stella McCartney Pleated Nude Pant, $575 at Netaporter

My latest obsession and one my clients' can attest to, is the high-waisted white pant. I just love this look. So clean and chic. I prefer it be made of a wool, but cotton or jersey works, too and again, a matte fabric (never do this look in a shiny fabric unless being worn in warmer months). You already know how I feel about red, white and blue combined (do it), but white and navy is simply divine - as seen on Chanel Runway 2010. If you have a hard time finding the high-waisted, wide-legged white pant in the Winter months, try designers' resort collections. Almost all of them have a variation of this look. And if you care, layering with Fall/Winter pieces (think cardigans, leather jackets, scarves and gloves) deems the look "appropriate" by all around you. HOWEVER, if you pair it with a pair of white strappy sandals (please don't ever do this regardless of weather), you will look atrocious. Sorry.

Salvatore Ferragamo High Waisted White Pants

Citizens of Humanity White Jean Leggings/Jeggings, $180 at Netaporter
Perfect with a long, cashmere sweater and paired with brown riding boots or lace up military boots.

If white on the derriere scares the bejeebers out of you, consider going nude with the color or trying a palazzo version of the pant. Or, throw in a white jacket or a crisp white blouse instead. And please, NEVER EVER wear white shoes. Not even sneakers. They make you look dorky. It's true. Nude is always better and that includes your brasierre. ;-)

That's all I've got.

- sister

HOLIDAY FROCKS FOR THE SOPHISTICATED TOT!

Gracie Mae, The Violet Party Dress, $58

GRACIE MAE KIDS OFFERS 20% DISCOUNT EXCLUSIVE TO SISTER|BROTHER.

Gracie Mae Kids recently introduced a new line of party dresses just in time for the holidays.  sister|brother was front and center providing both styling and three adorable models (okay, so we're biased) for the recent photo shoot with Brenda Bisharat to promote the line.  Here are some pics....
The best part is that Gracie Mae is offering a 20% discount to our readers through November 15th.  To receive the discount visit her at Etsy or email designer, Brooke Govenar, at Brooke@graciemaekids.com and reference sister|brother in your conversation.  

Gracie Mae, The Jadin Party Dress, $58

Gracie Mae Boy Yoga Pant, $30

- sister

CROP THAT 'DO:

WINTER PIXIE IS A GIRL THAT DOESN'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER.

Sure, not everyone can pull off a super short coif, but girl, if you've got the ability to do it, do it. It's so amazingly chic and shows everyone around you how confident you are and how you're ready to conquer the world.

Model Agyness Deyn

Take my friend Chrisa, for instance, beautiful mother of two, owner of Pappas Investments and fashionista extraordinaire all balled into one. When I met Chrisa in high school, she had long, luscious brunette locks (the enviable kind), but I have to say, when she decided to crop her hair into a short, layered pixie my jaw dropped in utter envy. She looks gorgeous. It opens her face for sunshine and makes her eyes and lips pop (her Greek heritage certainly helps, but still). It also makes her look powerful, astute and in charge. Wouldn't we all like to play that part? I sure would. One of my best friends from college and roommate in San Francisco, Erika (also a mother of two) has had a pixie cut for about a decade. She'll never turn back to her long locks and why would she? She looks a-maz-ing and free as a bird. This is THE hot trend in hair for Winter 2011, folks. Gets to cuttin'...

Chrisa Pappas Sioukas' Fashion Gives Back Modeling Shot
Hair courtesy of Heath Hamilton at Coif Salon

Chrisa and her husband, Dean, at Neo Crocker. Tres Chic.

Erika in her adorable pixie with her boys.

Me (pregnant- what's new?) and one of my best friends, Erika. She epitomizes the Pixie Girl. Strong-minded, smart, beautiful and doesn't give a WHAT. 
Hair courtesy of Melissa Grace at Salon 359 in Newport Beach, California.

- sister

FEAR THE BEARD!!!

(patchy beard and multiple rally caps...)

ACCORDING TO MY BROTHERS - LOOKING LIKE A DUFUS IS THE KEY TO WINNING THE WORLD SERIES...

I'm going to have to go out on a limb and agree with them on this one. A lot of people thought we had no chance of making it this far, but somehow the Giants are headed to the World Series! Ordinarily, I would credit this phenomenon with great coaching, excellent players and hard work. Sure, those factors have come into play, but obviously the one element that has proven devastating to our opponents and thus key to our impending victory is - the BEARD. Yup. Wilson's dyed black freaky subway man beard is so disturbing that it has subsequently crippled all opponents in its path and inspired thousands of loyal fans to start growing equally vial versions. Northern Californians have all but lost their minds with the prospect of winning. Every orange chest, black beard and inside out rally cap contributes to our overall intimidation factor and thus brings our beloved Giants just one step closer to victory. We're so blind with pride that we're really losing our minds. I even heard my roommate's sister say yesterday that she found the beard "sexy". Wow. Winning is really messing with our collective sense of sanity. 

Whatever it is, this fashion catastrophe is working. So, for the good of the community we at sister|brother officially issue a hall pass until the end of the World Series. Get buck wild. Grow out your beard, throw on your rally cap, eat only orange foods from now until Halloween... It's simply the right thing to do. Below are some inspiring examples for you to follow. 

Go Giants!

- brother

This individual is nearly 40 years old. 

The Rally Pumpkin man dramatically improves our chances of winning. 

Don't mess with this bitch. 

SO SCRUMPTIOUS I HAD TO SHARE.

Etro oversize pink fur coat. 

- sister