The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

{Photos via sfgirlbybay | makeshift society | dailycandy}

Makeshift Society

Makeshift has been on my radar for a year now. And rightly so, it’s quite possibly the coolest co-working space ever. Leave it to two design-savvy ladies (retail veteran + business strategist Rena Tom along with Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay fame), to create a space specifically for us creative folks. Think working alongside bloggers, architects, photographers, designers and more. The “clubhouse” looks totally gorgeous {bright, white and cozy} and they even have classes for members to learn everything from how to craft floral arrangements to the in’s and out’s of social media. Awesome, right? You can peep a little behind-the-scenes video about Makeshift here.

{Photos via b. patisserie | upout.com | matcha dipped baguette | sfgate.com}

b. patisserie

I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about this little bakery in the lower pacific heights area of San Francisco. Pastry Chef Belinda Leong is creating masterful art with her highly coveted sweet treats. I’m dying to try her famous kouign-amann {pronounced “queen amon”}, as well as the macaroons, tarts, brioche . . . I mean, where do I even begin? Remind me to take my “gluten-ease” pill before I go.

{Photos via DailyCandy | No3}

No.3

Jenny Chung is to retail what Thomas Keller is to restaurants. The girl has some major retail cred with ACRE/SF and Acrimony, and now she’s added No.3 to the mix. The shop specializes in custom and unique jewelry, including wedding pieces. Everything from stunning black diamond rings to skull studs, plated collar necklaces and lots of rose gold {my fave}, this shop is the antithesis of the typical ring shopping experience. I can’t wait to stop in and check out not only the jewels but the shop itself. Word on the street is that the decor is super eclectic and fun. The whole place sounds right up my alley!

{Photos via Kabuki Springs | joie de vivre}

Kabuki Springs

I’m almost embarrassed to admit this. But I’ve never been to Kabuki {and I lived in the Bay for 8+ years}. Oopsy! Time to fix that pronto.
Located in Japantown, this spa is modeled after the traditional communal bath houses in Japan. You can literally spend the entire day at the communal bath for $25. There are hot and cold pools, steam room and sauna to keep you busy and of course massages, acupuncture and assorted beauty treatments if that strikes your fancy. My friends all love this spot, I think it’s time I finally take the plunge {pun intended}.

{Photos via AmericasCup.com}

America’s Cup 2013

I love being near the water. There’s something so calm and serene about watching the ocean do its thing. Yet no matter how much I love the beach and the ocean, I’m not much of a boat girl. Truth be told, being on boats makes me sea sick in a big way. That must be why I’ve always been kind of fascinated by people who love to sail. So, what perfect timing that the America’s Cup is coming to San Francisco’s Pier 27/29 this summer – starting July 4th! Not only can you watch the races and see some of the finest boats in the world, but there’s even a concert series (The Lumineers, Avett Brothers, Jason Mraz and many others) – and it goes all the way through September. Count me in!

Since I’m headed to San Francisco this weekend, I’d love to know, what’s on your radar there? Leave me a note below!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Portland, Oregon Edition.

{Photos via Oregonlive.com | Eater PDX.com | The Fledglings Gourmet}

Tasty n Alder

A follow-up to John Gorham’s uber popular Tasty n Sons, this downtown Portland hot spot will be my first food related stop next time I’m in town. Period. With brunch items like Korean fried chicken, Bim Bop bacon & eggs and a sinful sounding chocolate potato doughnut with creme anglaise? I mean. Come on. And that’s just brunch! Dinner looks equally off the hook. I can’t wait to try it all!
Sidenote: Gorham’s new book Toro Bravo is being released on October 15th and is tops on my holiday wish list.

{Photos via Callooh Callay | Official Mfg. Co. | Frances May on Twitter}

Frances May

This boutique has my name written all over it. From their simple website + branding to carefully curated selection of designers {think A.P.C., Mara Hoffman, Steven Alan, Dieppa Restrepo} to the fact that it’s run by a grandmother + granddaughter duo {how sweet is that?!} – it all adds up to a true dream shop. Even Lucky Magazine gave it their stamp of PDX approval. And on top of all that, there’s zero sales tax! Ummm, for real? Done and done.

{Photos via PDX Pop Now! | Oregon Music News | Portland Monthly Magazine}

PDX Pop Now!

A free, all-ages celebration dedicated to expanding participation in Portland’s music scene. How awesome is that? PDX Pop Now! has been around since 1998. It started out as an online listserv that organically morphed into a festival. It is put on by an all volunteer crew, who are committed to celebrating and promoting Portland’s music community. Shouldn’t all cities have something like this? I think so. This year’s summer festival is July 19th thru 21st, so if you’re in the area, stop on by for some auditory inspiration!

{Photos via Portland Monthly Magazine | Plastics Today | Frank D. Joe for The Oregonian}

Remedy Wine Bar

Remedy, a neighborhood wine bar is set to open this Friday June 21st in the North Park Blocks area of Portland. Their focus is international small brand wines and family-run wineries. With a super laid back vibe and expert wine selections {combined with a simple menu of local + seasonal dishes}, this is a wine lovers dream spot. I love that they are focusing on small labels that aren’t on your radar necessarily. It means you will likely discover something affordably amazing every time you go. Remedy, here I come!

{Photos via CJ Castillo | Sam Bowman via Chicago Weekly | Artwork by Stephen T. Leflar}

Powell’s City of Books

To say this is a book lovers paradise is a bit of an understatement. I’ve walked by Powell’s flagship, which spans a city block, more than once. It’s sheer mammoth-ness left me feeling a smidge intimidated to even go inside. I mean, there’s even a map to help you navigate! But next time, I will brave the aisles and probably end up spending the better part of a day inside their four walls. This literary wonderland has been a PDX staple since 1971 and has grown to include four full-service bookstores, two specialty stores and their famous online store. If Reading Rainbow was still around today, I’d want LeVar Burton to shoot an episode here. Just sayin’.

What are you wanting to hit up in Portland right now? Leave a note below and let me know what’s on your radar!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Chicago Edition.

Second City

This place needs no introduction. The Second City is a legendary training ground for up and coming actors and comedians. Their history is long and impressive.
Think: Alan Arkin, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy and Eugene Levy – just to name a few.
The performances are top-notch. The training is unlike any other.
And I would LOVE to catch a performance, in their hometown location!

Caffè Oliva

A beach? In Chicago? This newly opened hot spot at Ohio Street beach is definitely on my radar.
With a Mediterranean inspired menu, this idyllic little spot is the perfect place to grab a bite + a drink, lounge in one of the private cabanas with your friends and take in the beauty of the surroundings. Plus I hear it’s a great spot to watch the 55th annual Chicago Air and Water Show!

The Midwest Independent Film Festival

With on-going programming, this film festival looks like a great spot to check out the latest and greatest indie filmmakers {from the midwest of course}. The first Tuesday of every month they showcase a new film and usually have a fun Q+A with the filmmakers and cast afterwards. I love that the festival is ongoing and that it highlights it’s own indie filmmakers who are out there making their dreams happen. So very cool.

Broadway Antique Market

If Nate Berkus says this place is a goldmine, that’s all I need to hear. Unlike a lot of other antique markets and fairs, this spot is open to the public 7-days a week. That leaves plenty of time to rummage through their antique furniture, clothing and knick knacks. And hopefully score some great loot!

{Photo by Andrea Bauer}

Rickshaw Republic

This restaurant has my name written all over it. I’m a sucker for places that serve authentic, street-food from Asia. And so there’s no doubt that this family-owned Indonesian hot spot is a must try! The whole street food thing has become somewhat of a trend in the U.S. over the last few years. There are a ton of places in L.A. and San Francisco that I’ve tried. Some have succeeded wildly and others are a disgrace {and usually owned/operated by someone who doesn’t understand the culture}. I love that this was created by an Indonesian family, who is living out their dream of owning their own restaurant – done their way.
They say their food is, “authentic, unpretentious and delicious.”
I say, THANK YOU!

What are you loving in Chi-town right now? Leave a note below and let me know what’s on your radar!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

NorCal Wine Country Edition.

{Photo via Remodelista}

Hydeaway House in Sonoma

I posted this in Miscellany a few weeks back, but it’s so beautiful that I had to post again. I simply MUST stay here during my next Sonoma visit. It’s a prefab dream come true. A modern take on a wine country retreat {which you can rent for short term stays}. I’m such a fan of the clean, modern yet rustic design. And the indoor/outdoor style living. The massive windows. The spaciousness. It’s my idea of a dream house!

{Photo via Shed}

Shed

A modern day culinary emporium in the heart of wine country. This couldn’t be a better idea. The building itself is gorgeous, a whopping 10,000 square feet of space made of recycled steel panels, with huge windows and garage doors that create a stunning indoor/outdoor effect for shoppers. It’s genius and I can’t wait to visit!

{Photo via Bardessono}

Bardessono

Technically I’ve already been to this luxurious hotel in the heart of wine country. I visited when I was producing events and weddings in the Bay Area and again when they launched their Shop, which my good friend helped bring together. But I haven’t yet stayed in their rooms. Or visited their spa. And it’s long overdue. Bardessono is one of only three LEED Platinum certified hotels in the U.S. Meaning, they’re extremely eco-friendly and employ environmentally sound practices across not only their building materials but in their business practices as well. It’s something I deeply admire, hence my excitement to go stay and experience their brand of wine country elegance in person.

{Photo via Kadist}

Ben Kinmont Bookseller

It seems fitting that a store specializing in super-duper antique books, on all things gastronomy, would relocate to one of the richest culinary regions in the United States. I recently heard about this famed NYC bookshop, which is now located in Sebastopol (near wine countries best) and have been thinking about visiting ever since. Though it’s by appointment only, I still dream of dropping in and perusing the shelves of 15th and 16th century books on food, wine, perfume and all things related to taste. Hope I get to visit this treasure trove soon.

{Photo via Simply Salted}

The Culinary Institute of America

I’ve written about the pride I take in being a well-rounded foodie. And yet, I haven’t taken any proper cooking classes to speak of. Lately I’ve been eyeballing CIA’s classes, and specifically their Boot Camps. How fun would it be to learn some knife skills, learn how to make the perfect bread and become a master of sauces? My dream vacations are always about good food. These classes would just take it to the next level. Sign me up!

Have you been up to NorCal wine country lately? I’d love to hear what’s on YOUR radar!
Do let me know, in the comments below.

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

Sayulita, Mexico Edition.

{Photo via Flow Hood River}

Haramara Resort

My friend recommended this spot to me, the last time I was visiting Sayulita. Sadly we didn’t get a chance to stop by, but I’m hoping we can go check it out in June while we’re there. Famed yoga teacher Rodney Yee calls Haramara, “a sanctuary for the soul”. Between the outdoor yoga, fresh food, pristine beaches and lush tropical landscape . . . I’d say Rodney might be spot on.

{Source: Luster}

Pacha Mama

I spent a teensy bit of time {ok, maybe a little bit more than that}, at this chic little store that is owned by the famous Mignot Sisters. Their family story is the stuff of movies – think being raised on a wooden boat all over the world, many lovers and children, traveling around to the best surf towns in the world. Bohemian living at its’ finest. They’re famous for their Tahitian pearl necklaces. I bought one the last time I was in town – but this time I want to check out their gorgeous handmade wraps and dresses.

{Source: childwithavision.com}

Choco Banana

Lately I’ve been craving bananas. But I’m admittedly not a huge fan of them. I think it’s the combo of sweetness + texture that just throws me off. However. A chocolate covered banana dipped in sprinkles? Yes please! This little Sayulita dining spot is legendary, not just for their bananas. It’s for sure a must try on my visit.

{Source: Sayulitalife.com}

Amor Ocean and Jungle Spa

Care for a massage? You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m such a fan of getting body work. But doing it overlooking lush flowers and greenery? That’s just over the top. This spot has rave reviews and looks like a little slice of tropical heaven. Can’t wait to get my butt on that massage table, asap!

{Source: Can Go Mexico}

Petit Hotel Hafa

Looking for a super chic, laid-back hotel to rest your sun drenched body while in Sayulita? This family owned hotel is your spot. I will be stopping by to check out their fabulous looking digs while I’m in town next. Too bad we already have our house booked or I’d be here in a heartbeat. So gorgeous!
Psst ~ ’tis owned and operated by the family who runs Pacha Mama. So you KNOW it’s gonna be all kinds of fabulous.

Have you made the trek to beautiful Sayulita? I’d love to know what’s on your radar there!
Let me know what’s up in the comments!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

San Francisco Edition.

{Source: The Architect’s Newspaper Blog}

Aether

I’m not even a woodsy, outdoorsy kinda girl {my idea of “roughing it” is a Motel 6}, but Aether’s San Francisco outpost, filled with plenty of quality wears for the outdoor enthusiast, is definitely on my must-see list. Mostly for the obvious reason. It’s made of three shipping containers! Peep the cool video below . . .

{Source: The Bold Italic}

Ramen Shop

Ok. I’m cheating.
This one’s in Oakland, but I just had to include it. It’s Ramen. In my old ‘hood (Oakland).
A worthy reason to pull me across the bridge if there ever was one!

{Source: Aesop}

Aesop

Aesop has hit my old stomping grounds on Fillmore Street. This Australian brand is among my top favorite skin + body care lines.
Clean. Luxurious. Perfectly scented. I highly recommend trying out their products. I’ve only seen them in boutiques and major luxury retailers, so I’m super excited to check out their new west coast digs.

{Source: Alt Summit}

Altitude Summit SF

I have such awesome blogger friends. They alert me to new blogs I should check out and most especially events like this one {thank you Rubies & Ribbon}. If I can make it happen, you bet your sweet cheeks, you’ll see me at Alt SF.
UPDATE :: I just saw tickets are already sold out. Sign me up for the waitlist por favor.

What’s on your San Francisco radar?
Anything I should check out this weekend while I’m in the Bay?
Let me know in the comments below!

xo

The Top 5 things on my radar this week!

NYC Edition.

{Source: Sarah Wilmer Photography}

Sleep No More

I’ve been terrified of the idea of seeing this but more and more I’m just downright intrigued. It’s moved to the top of my “must see” list next time I’m in NYC. An immersive, theatrical experience based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. People have described it as haunting, epic, voyeuristic, thrilling, sexy and absolutely unique. Gotta check it out!

{Source: NY.Eater.com}

Willow Road

This new(ish) Gastropub is definitely on my hit list on my next visit to NYC. Their small bites and dinner plates look equally scrumptious. Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Mussels a la plancha, house made pickles . . . I’ll take one of everything! Bonus: they have a beautiful and fun website!

{Source: Wythe Hotel}

Wythe Hotel

Even though my bro just moved “over the bridge”, and I have a cozy place to stay in Brooklyn, I just might have to spend a night or two here. I’m a sucker for converted buildings. Especially brick ones. And I’ve been wanting to stop by since they opened their doors. All the rooms look fantastic. A little bit rustic. A little industrial. A little Americana. I love it!

{Source: 3rd Ward}

3rd Ward

A co-working space with killer classes in metalsmithing, business development and culinary arts? Sounds AMAZING. I will definitely be looking into this once my bi-coastal living plan comes together. *mwah*

{Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art}

PUNK: Chaos to Couture at The Met

As a fan of all things fashion-related, I’m always excited to see what the annual Costume Institute exhibition will be every year. Though not much could top the hype of the 2011 Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibit (which I will never forgive myself for missing), I’m pretty excited for this years experience!

What’s on your NYC radar? Anything I should check out in the Big Apple?
Leave a comment below + let me know!

xo

Love + Metal!

I’ve never really been a sparkle + jewels kinda girl.
My taste runs more simple, refined, understated (with a teensy hint of glam + edge).
I’m always on the look out for great clothing + accessories, but jewelry has never been a “go-to”.
It’s great when it’s gifted, but not usually something I’ll purchase for myself.
But honestly, after this post, I think that’s about to change!

A few months ago I was exploring Oakland’s Popuphood, which has been garnering quite a bit of buzz lately.
I turned the corner into a beautiful brick alleyway and stumbled on a true gem, Kate Ellen + Crown Nine.

Crown Nine is designer Kate Ellen’s flagship store, an expertly curated jewelry gallery, that feels like a perfect mix of art studio + boutique. Everything in the store feels ultra-refined. From the hand-picked designer collections, to the quirky art and elegant accessories. Each and every item in the store feels purposely chosen.

My senses were in full overdrive mode once I stepped inside. The white walls are the perfect backdrop for the beautiful art that adorns the walls. The jewelry is flat out stunning. And the accessories are to die for.

Kate is self-taught.
She’s a jewelry designer + metalsmith, who was appropriately named Best of San Francisco in 2010 by 7×7 Magazine.
No small feat!

Everything she makes is 100% handcrafted in her humble studio in Oakland’s Jack London Square.
She focuses on marrying the industrial with the natural and uses a mixture of ancient techniques to craft her work.
Her design philosophy centers around simplicity, timelessness, and “things I want to wear myself”.

I’m a fan-girl for all things curated.
So, you can imagine how excited I was to meet the lovely designer in person and get a generous invite to her work space + studio.

I watched her create some gorgeous pieces while we chatted about life + passion + teaching + art.
The girl is so down-to-earth, mega-talented and incredibly generous (she gives back to several charitable org’s thru her business).

In fact, she was a social worker and educator before she found her creative calling.

“I always daydreamed about being a painter, a singer, a dancer– but none of these things came very naturally to me. When I found metal work, I was instantly in a groove. My hands just seemed to know what to do. And I enjoy the thrill and excitement of wielding dangerous tools and getting dirty at work everyday. The process very much appeals to the tomboy in me, and the end product adorns the girl in me.”

~

I put together a little teaser video so you could get a behind-the-scenes peek at designer Kate Ellen and her store, Crown Nine.
Watch + read on for an in-depth Q+A, plus 2 crazy sweet surprises at the end (oh yeah)!

Edited + Creative Direction by fistfull of cake films
Music by Arcade Fire, “Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)” ~ buy here.

~

Tell me about the origins of the name Crown Nine (which I LOVE).

When I was trying to name the space, I tried a lot of names and sent out a survey to family and friends–which was a great way to eliminate ones that did not work.
An artist buddy and I were talking about some possibilities, and he suggested combining words from two of my favorites into Crown Nine, and I immediately loved it.
Now it means a lot–it’s about adornment, it’s about our location on 9th st, but more importantly it’s about civic pride.
We created the logo to give the viewer a sense of confidence and connection to the city of Oakland with it’s oak leaves.

How do you define beauty?

Beautiful is what stirs up your heart and your guts, things that move you from within. For me, beauty is about the poignancy of realness and truth.

How do you stay inspired and motivated as a business owner?

I chose to be a jewelry designer because I like projects. I need discrete objectives over short periods of time, and then I want to move on and do something new. Custom work is also invigorating for the same reason, I love being able to combine my style with someone else’s vision.
I am also highly motivated because I am constantly rewarded for what I put into my work. The more thoughtful energy I put in, the more surprising the rewards have been.

I personally believe that body adornment (jewelry) is a way to express aspects of who you are. What’s your philosophy behind your designs? How do you want someone to feel when wearing your pieces?

I think jewelry is a really special and sacred art.
Each person has within them a form or shape that they are drawn to, whether they create it themselves or simply recognize it in the world. When I create something, it is my shape or form coming out and being manifested as an object and when another person sees that and connects with it, it’s almost like finding someone else who shares your form, who shares your aesthetic view of the world.

My uncle calls it finding other members of your aesthetic tribe.
Adornment is then very personal, and you add another layer of significance when jewelry acts as talisman for intimate experiences and relationships.

When someone wears my work, I want them to feel a shade truer to themselves and very confident.
I also want them to feel very comfortable and to interact with the jewelry– I design a lot of things that are kinetic and fun to play with while wearing.

What does your creative process look like?

Usually it is very spontaneous and very driven by the material. I don’t do much sketching or pre-planning, I just get an idea and go. Some of my best and most popular pieces were accidents that I edited and refined over time. While I am working I have to listen to something, either music or one of my favorite radio programs like This American Life or RadioLab.

What is a quote that you love (that guides your life)?

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.
~Leonard Cohen

What are your Top 3 fave spots in your ‘hood (Oakland)?

This question is SO hard, I have so many favorites and a long list of places I want to try!
So here is a list of what I did this week:
Cafe 817
Lake Merritt
Dogwood
Luka’s Taproom
Cosecha
Farmer Joe’s

What music are you listening to right now?

I’ve been sort of obsessed with George Harrison and I always have Broken Social Scene on rotation.

WHY do you do what you do?

Because I love living creatively, I like things to be challenging and always changing, and I really value freedom.
There are certainly trade offs when working for yourself, but my work really suits my personality.
I like being able to make a decision and make it happen, to put things in motion right away. I was always terrorized by the slow pace of things in school and while working in the professions. Maybe I am impatient. But I like things to be interesting and new all the time.
I also hope one day to have kids so I have intentionally built my business in a way that I will be able to be a mom and a designer if I am ever lucky enough to have my own family.

How do you balance the creative part of your job with the business part?

This can be a struggle, mostly because I always feel short on time and in order to be creative I really need to have free space and time.
I would say that 10% of my business is the highly creative part where I am developing brand new ideas.
The other 90% is the hustle–which I love and find rewarding and challenging in other ways.
The hustle includes everything from marketing, branding, event planning, social media, and all the way down to the smallest tedium involved in running a store, a studio, and an online business.
I am just now really beginning to know what my key competencies are, and I am going to hire folks to take care of the parts I am not good at which I know will free me up to put more energy into the things that I rock at.

What do you absolutely KNOW for sure?

Who I love. (Turns out I love a lot of people).

~

Did I tell you Kate is amazing?! I’m totally smitten with her + her work.
I hope you loved getting to know a little bit about this talented designer + incredible entrepreneur!

Kate is a big fan of The Girl Who Knows community and decided to offer a rare, limited time 25% discount on ANY Kate Ellen Metals pieces from today thru November 24, 2012!

Hello?! Crazy right?

Don’t wait.
Get over to Kate Ellen Metals online shoppe and select one of her many pieces (or a few).
The holiday’s aren’t that far off + personally I think these unique pieces make the PERFECT gift + you support an amazing independent business owner!
Total win-win.

Enter this unique coupon code at checkout: THEGIRLKNOWS.

And P.S.
Because you’re awesome (and so is Miss Kate), I’ll be giving away a pair of her best-selling Birch earrings (an $85 value)!

All you have to do to be entered to win is the following ::

1. Get signed up on The Girl Who Knows mailing list (if you aren’t already) by filling out the form at the bottom of this post OR clicking HERE.

(note :: be sure to tag The Girl Who Knows on Facebook in order to be entered to win)

Easy peasy!
Good luck + the winner will be announced in next week’s blog post.

Until next time . . .