Charles & Marie

San Francisco’s Sarah Shaw boutique channels a modern day Audrey Hepburn with a well-edited selection of dresses by American designers Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese. Owner Sarah Shaw has created an airy, sun-dappled space that makes shopping for a work wardrobe a sophisticated affair, yet still fun and casual. Micro-thin belts by Kristin Kahle and handbags by Botkier pull together an outfit with polish, and jewelry is presented in creative ways—on top of black eyed peas or illuminated inside vintage display cases. Spacious hardwood floors provide plenty of twirl-about room for inspecting your rear view in Paige jeans or Chaiken trousers.

Have a closet full of voluminous jeans, wide leg trousers and luxe t-shirts that embody a casual kind of opulence? You may adore New York-based Rogan, noted for advanced construction and wash-processing techniques. Also the designer behind Loomstate and Edun, Rogan Gregory produces t-shirts with poignant messages about New York City. If you’re not into tees (even though they are luxe), you might still want to snap these up to wear to bed.

Colour-it-yourself Kakara-skirt for little artists! This package contains an elasticated waist skirt that twirls nicely plus three textile markers. Colour the skirt in just the way you want. Decorate it with circles, stripes or any design or writing you like – it´s all up to you!

If you don’t have your own private jet to whisk you around the globe, look on the bright side: Bay Area airports are now catering to travelers who love to shop on the run. Barcelona-bred women’s clothier MNG by Mango has opened in SFO’s Terminal 3 with threads for young urban women, and Oakland International’s Terminal 2 has bragging rights to the country’s first Techshowcase for big name electronic devices. Other Oakland airport shops include luxury eyewear retailer Sunglass Icon, and Under a Silver Moon which carries gifts from the Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland. It’s not exactly Rodeo Drive, but it satiates a craving for credit card action.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, hotspot, Marie’s closet, shopping

The St. Regis Hotel’s Aficionado program connects guests with their passions. This includes everything from wine, art and antiques, to architecture, design, and (our favorite) fashion. Now the program is giving you the opportunity to book a custom session with San Francisco-based fashion designer Julie Chaiken. Adored by discriminating fashion editors, socialites and hipsters, Chaiken will personally design and fit her signature black pants for St. Regis guests in her showroom. For information, contact Pavel Sirotin at 415-284-4112 or stregisaficionadosf@stregis.com.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

Do you adore bold, oversized graphics to go with your bold, oversized personality? Adorn yourself in Verivaine’s artful tees. Many of the colorful, sheer cotton and raw-edged designs are digitally printed with customized themes, such as Asian animals, beautiful peacocks, and 16th century playing cards. Have a look online: there’s something for every taste.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet, T-Shirt

Handcrafted premium denim with an edge. That’s what you’ll find from L.A.-based Level 99. The label is known for a variety of superb, bun-hugging designs but it’s the Icon wide leg jeans we’re lusting after. Pair this standout pair with a clingy turtleneck, long strands of pearls, and sexy kitten heels for a long that’s beautylicious.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, jeans, Marie’s closet, Tragically Hip

Looking for an ensemble that will effortlessly transition from cubicle to cocktails? Of course you are. For all things timeless and tantalizing, turn to Danish designer Malene Birger. She creates fluid clothing with a French twist, so you can essentially look the part of a Parisian princess without the Paris shopping spree. For maximum impact, hit the urban pavement in her zip-up caps, tailored leather jackets and wide leg trousers.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet

We love socially responsible luxury. Avita (Italian for “vita,” meaning life) is the brainchild of Los Angeles-based designer Amanda Shi. Her shop is a one-stop destination for those who seek to build an ethical (read: sustainable) wardrobe that uses organic, recycle and earth-friendly materials. Think classics with contemporary touches. Sweaters, dresses and tanks are made from organic cotton, bamboo or silk cashmere, and they feature bold patches, asymmetrical lines and strategically placed cutouts. For fall, stock up on recycled cashmere, which boasts the plush feel of 100% cashmere at a third of the price.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, fashion, Marie’s closet