Hey Tomatoes, this week it’s all about fashion and art. Because I still think of September as back to school, even though it’s been a hundred years, my mind goes to fall clothes and shopping.  SF celebrates its 7th fashion week, and what a unique take we present. Love the runway designs but not the prices? I found a few stores you might want to visit. If you are inspired by creativity that stirs your soul, the Museum of Craft and Design will spark your own creative genius. Lastly, my favorite, Anne and Mark’s Art Party in San Jose, 5 days of incredible art culminating in a fab runway show featuring wearable art (yup, I get to model in it!) Tomatoes get your fashion fix here.

Sept. 24-Oct. 2. Sf Fashion Week

Unlike the shows in New York or Paris, our beautiful city embraces fashion in a more unique way. Marrying fashion and technology is the focus of this year’s fashion week. Since we are home to the world’s leading hub of technology, the 2016 event theme “Tech Drives Fashion” highlights the evolution of the fashion industry’s future. Featuring fashions including 3d printing, virtual reality, and wearable technology, this event will open your mind to the possibilities of the future. Think Judy Jetson, only a thousand times cooler!

The San Francisco Fashion and Merchant’s Alliance, a non-profit championing sustainable projects that support our local fashion industry, produce this week of wow. SFFAMA offers a week of varied programs: from Virtual Reality Hackathons, to a Retail Tech Summit, Fashion Tech Expo and the grand finale is a Fashion Tour & High Fashion presentation. For more information: www.sanfranciscofashionweek.net

Museum of Craft and Design

Just when I think I have explored all of the really great museums in the area, I discover a new one. The Museum of Craft and Design located in SOMA on 3rd street is host to incredibly innovative exhibitions and programs. One of the current programs that runs through January is titled “Beyond the Pour II: The Creative Process”. Featuring over 50 original works of art, from photography and works on paper to painting and collage, the exhibit uses the wine label to highlight the collection and provide us with unique insights into the artists ‘creative ways. Through the implementation of videos, text and visual documentation we get to explore how the artists work from inspiration to final product.

An easy museum to navigate with its clean lines and beautiful layout, you can pop in for 30 minutes on your way to shop, dine or sip, or spend the day.

For more information: www.sfmcd.org

Labels for Less

Yes, I love the runway fashions, but realistically how many of us can purchase those hot designer items?  Always in search of a fashion bargain, I found a few places worth visiting.

My Roommate’s Closet

Located on Filmore Street this little gem of a boutique features high-end designer apparel and shoes along with emerging designer labels. All items start at half off the original retail price. You will recognize some of your favorite brands such as Nanette Lepore, James Perse, Velvet and the like…  go see for yourself!

For more info: www.myroommatescloset.com

Cary Lane

With three locations in the city, this unique clothing business offers deals on designer apparel at up to 80% off the regular retail price. Samples, overstocks and past season apparel for men and women can be found gracing their racks. This is not a consignment store as all of the fabulous fashion finds are brand new and unused. Each week new treasures arrive so it’s best to stop by often. Want to have a shopping party? That can be arranged with tasty treats, drinks and music.

Get the fashionable scoop here: www.carylanesf.com

Retail Therapy

This tiny little boutique on Chestnut Street houses designer clothes and accessories at deep discounts. They are also an online “boutique outlet” offering sample pieces as well as collections by various up and coming designers. Best discounts are found online, but sizing and styles are limited. New stock arrives in the store every Wednesday and markdowns occur every Friday. Prices are 35 – 50% off original. Let’s go shopping tomato pals. For more information on getting the deals: https://needretailtherapy.com/

Sept. 24-Oct. 1. Anne and Mark’s Art Party

Anne and Mark’s 10^th art party is truly a San Jose “happening” not to be missed. This year the theme is “Down the Rabbit Hole” and the wonders you discover may be akin to what Alice encountered on her journey. The Santa Clara County Fairgrounds is host to this “occasional and irrational San Jose arts fest”. Rather hard to describe, so please head to the website to absorb, this is one big tribute to the creative arts in the San Jose South Bay area. Some people equate it to a local Burning Man; others call it a vibrant mix of art employing all manner of mediums including painting, food, clothing, sequins, flannel, found objects, fire, and dance… The variety is immense.

The opening gala takes place on the 24^th, but all week long your senses will be reeling over the creative exhibits on view. For only $10 you can be surrounded by some of the most unusual and unique art you will find anywhere. Take a tech break and check it out. The closing night bash is Saturday the 1^st featuring “The Art of Fashion”.

My good friend and fashion designer, Ellen Brook, www.ellen-brook.com, will be showcasing her one of a kind hand painted silk fashions. I will proudly be boogying down the catwalk in one of her amazing creations. For more information about this art party like no other: https://artpartysj.com