SF Street Style

Brie works at Crossroads Trading Company on Haight street in San Francisco. It is no surprise that everything she is wearing, except for her watch and Lamb bag, is from Crossroads.

Yana is a San Francisco high school student I spotted inside the Russian foods store. I fell in love with her Forever21 off-the-shoulder tee right away. Her look is fun and breezy in this hot weather, and it promotes recycling!

Polina Polishchuk

BARE Reporter

The Underdog of High Fashion :: Richard Chai

Photos from Style.com

Richard Chai, the underdog of high fashion, has come out with a highly anticipated secondary line named “Love.” This season, Chai found it to be the perfect timing for the release, as it seems like more affordable lines are the only ones that are profiting. The new Chai girl seems to be cooler and more downtown. She’s not afraid to steal her boyfriend’s blazer and pair them with a tough floral.

No words of price ranges have been released yet, but these statement pieces will make anyone’s wardrobe more colorful and comfortable.

John Kim
Editor-in-Chief

Macy's Networking Event Tonight!

Macy's Store is having an event on Berkeley campus tonight. Tonight (Wednesday Sept 30th) from 6 pm - 7pm, store executives will be on campus letting us know about what they do as store executives and possible career paths with Macy's!

Sorry for the late notice, but RSVP via Callisto now!

Networking Event & Info Session

Wednesday, September 30th, 6pm-7pm

MLK Jr. Student Union, Tilden Room

Karen Kwok

Blog Editor

BARE Magazine Casting Call

Food Junkies at "Tut at Twilight" Event

Take a break from studying and head over to the de Young Museum in San Francisco next week because King Tut’s in town! For you fashion junkies out there, the King Tutankhamen exhibit displays complex and spectacular accessories gilded in gold and decorated with semi-precious stones; prepare to be inspired in any of the ten gallery rooms dedicated to the exhibit!

I got a chance to visit the museum last night and enjoyed the exhibit, but what I loved most was the special ‘Tut at Twilight’ event offered on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. In addition to discounted admission into the exhibit, the Museum café offered a special prix fixe menu that highlighted the local flavors of the Bay Area. This three-course adventure left my taste buds and wallet singing praises. For fourteen dollars, I enjoyed a ‘trio tasting’ sampler of red bell pepper & citrus hummus with toasted saffron couscous, pita chips, and a rich and velvety roasted green leaf zucchini and squash soup.

The next course featured a tender, red-wine braised short-rib served with caramelized fall veggies and Mission fig jam.

For dessert, we finished it off with decadent panna cotta, an Italian custard-like dessert, infused with cardamom and served with vanilla syrup, orange snap, and dark chocolate brittle.

The presentation of each course was like an art piece itself, and the portions were enough to leave me satisfied. The Tut at Twilight Café menu is one that I would recommend to all, and is a perfect way to spend an autumn evening with friends. The King Tut exhibit is here until March 28, 2010, but the Tut at Twilight event ends next Wednesday, so don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity! For more information and planning tips, check out the Tut at Twilight website at http://www.tutsanfrancisco.org/twilight.

Anisha Hingorani
BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: Chelsey

At first glance, anyone can tell that Chelsey’s look is very chic and relaxed. Even more cool is that her look is totally functional.

Chelsey is a junior transfer studying Media Studies. Like many Cal students, she rides a bicycle to get around. She told me that she likes wearing clothes that are easy to ride a bike in, “biking should not have to make you wear sweatpants”; she reiterates that you can still be feminine and stylish even if you cycle.

When I asked her about which piece she likes best, she said it is the Urban Outfitters crop-top, which she got on sale! Her roomy slouch bag is also from Urban Outfitters.

So for all you bikers who sacrifice style for transportation, follow Chelsey’s example and don’t sacrifice anything!

Polina Polishchuk

BARE Reporter

Bubblegum Isn’t Just To Chew

Photos from style.com

Spring is the essence of fun and vibrant colors and that is definitely what Mulberry brought to the table this spring ‘10. Full of kaleidoscope prints and bubblegum colors, Mulberry’s spring line is a throwback to those childhood days of eating ice-cream in the sun but, of course, with an edge. They even had dogs work the runway to go along with the free-spirited theme! Denim jackets, coats and dresses with a vintage wash, fringed detail, and moccasins: the hippie movement is mixed in with the innocent pieces. Of course a Berkeley girl has to love the edgy, hippie look! Bows mixed with constructed denim pants, ruffly, flowing tops, and sweet cardigans-these good-girl outfits make up for the bad girl in all us.

Amaris Montes
BARE Reporter

Blogosphere's Week in Review

It’s time for this week’s installment of the fashion Blogosphere’s Week in Review with your host, Brittany Curran.

- The Sartorialist spots sequin- and rainbow-clad Londoners.
- Stock up on bulky bead, ribbon, and chain jewelry via The Glamourai.
- Step into Actress Leelee Sobieski’s “Bridget Strass” Louboutin heels with Shoebunny.
- The Coveted gives us a taste of zippered accessories.
- Love Tim Burton? Check out “The Fashion of Tim Burton” by Sound and the City.
- Want the knitty-gritty on Pringle of Scotland’s latest creations? Knitkicks highlights their Spring/Summer 2010 favorites.
- Obsessed with Shoes explores Anna Sui’s butterfly-cutout gladiators.
- Make a Pumpkin Spice Latte while taking in your daily dose of Milan Fashion Week via The Kitchn.
- The Sartorialist shows us how to make orange tights look good.
- Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte industrial heels to die for via Jak & Jil Blog.

I’ve showed you my top ten blog posts for the week. What about yours?

Brittany Curran

BARE Reporter

Out & About Rockridge 2009

If you have ever taken a walk or a bus ride down College Avenue, you have surely seen the abundance of clothing boutiques, restaurants, and other specialty shops especially located near the Rockridge Bart station. This weekend, you will have a chance to see all of these shops and more showing off their finest clothing, dishes, and products at Out and About Rockridge 2009. The street festival will take place on Sunday September 27 on College Avenue between Claremont and Manila. You can chow down on amazing food as your browse the booths from local vendors, explore the Green Expo booth, and even watch a fashion show featuring some of BARE's favorite East Bay boutiques! If you have never explored Berkeley outside of Telegraph and Shattuck, this is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the unique and lively stores that reside just where Berkeley meets Oakland.

Jordan Silver

BARE Reporter

UC Berkeley Faculty & Student Walkout

As we all know, yesterday marked a historic point in the history of the UC system in California. Reported to be around the thousands; staff, students and faculty at UC Berkeley participated today in a UC campus wide effort to create awareness about how the cuts have affected our education system. Picket lines started as early as 7 a.m., and a couple of hundred people were seen going around campus holding out signs in protest.

Whatever the expectations were, it was nothing close to what was seen at the noon rally scheduled to be held at Upper Sproul Plaza. People ranging from various backgrounds and institutions showed up to voice their support for the cause. Only close in magnitude to rallies performed at Sproul during the 1960s and the early 90’s, this event turned out to be a complete success in bringing in media attention. Union members, current faculty, community college professors and students voiced their opinions on the highly controversial issue of the budget cuts along with a recently proposed fee increase from the UC Reagents President Mark Yudolf.

Red was definitely the color of the protest. Whether to serve a purpose of aggressiveness, fierceness or something else, it proved to be a trend hard to resist as the energy of the event took off after various speakers talked about the issue.

Libby Te, a fourth year Earth and Planetary Science major voiced her support for the walkout while sporting a pair of aviator shades. She believes it is unfair students “…don’t have a say” in the current changes to the system and fears Berkeley won’t be the same anymore.
“What we stand for is being taken away”

Freshmen and Rhetoric major Tyler Hill was caught supporting the Berkeley red campaign against the cuts. She believes the actions undertaken by the California legislature as well as the UC reagents have created “results which are hindering the students.”
“[It] sets aside the goals of a public university”

This being at Berkeley, we certainly had more unconventional approaches. These students decided to BARE it all, arguing for transparency regarding the handling of the budget problems our state and educational system face. It is hard to draw the line as to where this situation became a leadership rather than a financial crisis, but whether you’re showing off your red band or a body in high need of a tan, it is clear the battle for higher education is not over.

Jonathan Uriarte

BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: Valerie

Valerie Tu, a first year is wearing boots from DSW and a skirt from H&M in a look "inspired by New York City" in front of Wheeler!

Jordan Silver

BARE Reporter

London Fashion Week :: Christopher Kane

Photos from style.com

Christopher Kane has to be one of my favorites from an emerging group of British/Scottish designers, and for good reason: this Central Saint Martin's graduate and former designer for Versace knows his clothes. As it were, expectations for his next show were monumental, with everyone from editors (Anna Wintour, anyone?) to buyers waiting breathlessly to see what he would whip up next. He did not disappoint. Gingham, beaded flowers, pastels, and intricate corsetry transformed these potentially dowdy frocks into something almost downright naughty. No surprise, either, since Kane's eclectic inspiration source included Lolita, religious cultism, and Nancy Reagan on the White House Lawn. So while I'm not sure the former First Lady would approve of the thigh-high dress slits, I say a job well done, Mr. Kane. A job very well done.

Aimee Shimizu

BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: Mindy

I love everything about Mindy from the her contemporary haircut to her studded flats. It's in the details, like the texture of the skirt and the elongated pen pocket, that really bring this outfit together.

Sean Gin

BARE Reporter

Proenza Schouler Makes a Splash For Spring 2010

A California native and beach girl at heart, I was instantly drawn to Proenza Schouler’s exciting Spring 2010 collection. Designers Lazarro Hernandez and Jack McCollough took a step away from their usual sophisticated, neutral-toned designs and created a fun and flashy aquatic-themed line. Working with a vibrant color palate of neons and jewel tones including turquoise, ultramarine, and lime green, the designer duo stole the scene with a line that they described as youthful and "a little street". The collection showcased wildly printed minidresses and skirts that were sequined, ruffled, feathered, and fringed. Standouts included an embroidered frock edged with metallic “shark-fins”, and a creatively draped variation on the shirtdress, not to mention the amazing shoes with neon trim and sky-high heels shaped like the curve of a wave.

Photo from Onsugar

We at BARE magazine always appreciate a nod to laid-back West Coast style, and the boys of Proenza Schouler did just that, adding their own sharp city spin to it. Even the models sported relaxed, beachy hair and whimsical sunglasses. With wild prints drawing from inspirations like seaweed and tropical fish, the collection seemed fit for a mermaid, albeit an edgy and street-wise one!

Elizabeth Maxim
BARE Reporter

TREND ALERT :: Get Educated About the Walkout

We all know our school is known for its activism, rather than its fashion forwardness. While Berkeley brings to mind Birkenstocks, tye-dye and daisy chains, it is also historically tied to free speech, progressive movements and an educated, opinionated and active student body.

Indeed, many of us are aware of the UC systems dangerous position. There have been massive budget cuts and our institution is still reeling from the effects. Professors are being "furloughed", classes and entire departments are being cut and restructured, student fees are to increase 32% within the next two semesters, UC employees are being fired by the thousands and in general there seems to be a sense of crisis in the air. It seems that we are being asked to pay more and will essentially be recieving less in return.

While ultimately the long-term solutions to these problems must come from the state government, we as students must organize now. The quality, access and affordability of our education is being threatened and we ought to be a part of the solution. As The Daily Cal puts it, "There is a budget crisis, but there is also a crisis of priorities." Unless we insist on an alternative solution, one will not come about.

Most importantly, BARE urges you to educate yourselves on this issue. While the red solidarity arm bands students have been wearing do add a vibrant pop of color to an early fall ensemble, nothing is hotter this season, or looks better on everyone than a knowlede of this crisis.

so, what can YOU do to educate yourselves?
--> attend the teach-in on Wednesday September 23 from 7-9 in Wheeler Auditorium
--> visit http://berkeleycuts.org/ and www.ucstudentwalkout.com for videos, links, and information regarding how students, GSIs, professors, staff and even UC parents are taking action on the issue.

and PLEASE consider:
- Walking Out as a gesture of solidarity with all UC faculty as well as your fellow students
- honoring/joining the picket lines on campus
- attending the rally on sproul at Noon
- attending the general assembly for students at 6 pm on Sproul following the days activities
on Thursday September 24th

Ultimately it is wrong to let this great university lose its vibrance and diversity because certain people are denied access and we can't allow cuts to be dolled out in this way because the system of governance- as UCB professor Ananya Roy puts it- "consults us, but does not hear us."

Although you may rock gladiator sandals over Birkenstocks, the fighting spirit that made us famous back in the 1960s is still alive in lots of us. In a time of crisis, it's not only imperative- but fierce too- to voice your opinions.


Julia Heidelman
BARE Reporter

Coco Before Chanel :: Chanel in Film

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was extremely talented as a dressmaker, but what made her a master of the craft was her vision of women. The new movie about her life, Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel, in English), shows a girl with a very strong personality, who said out loud whatever popped into her head, but most of all, who thought far outside her own epoch.

Photo from firstshowing

At that time, women in the bourgeoisie were wearing loads of feathers, jewels, laces and were imprisoned in corsets. Coco Chanel (played by Audrey Tautou) grew up in an orphanage with nuns dressed in black and white, which greatly influenced her own style. In her definition of fashion, she stood on austerity, simplicity, and informality, which highlights the beauty of women far better than much too frilly outfits. Throughout the film, Chanel rejects the normal fashion of the time by wearing men’s shirts and pants, or a very simple plaid dress to go to the ball. It’s Chanel’s philosophy in a nutshell. Even in her pajamas, Chanel radiates style and elegance, as one of her love interests in the film tells her. This is one of the great qualities of this movie – it’s not only about fashion. The director, Anne Fontaine, is far more interested in Chanel’s love stories and how they gave her the consciousness of who she wanted to be. Fontaine describes the French society of the early 20th century very well, especially the ambiguity and difficulty of trying to be an independent woman in that time.

You’ll also find many current trends in the movie, like the boater, the sailor t-shirt, bows, and sequins, with different stories behind them. The beautiful and Chanel-inspired costumes are a way to support Chanel’s point of view; what she hates to see women wear, and what she actually wants. Tautou gives a great performance, catching the construction of a very strong self and the special gaze Chanel had on everything around her, celebrated in the last scene of the movie during the first runway show. This summarizes who Chanel was – someone who saw women’s liberation before it happened in society or in fashion. This is why she inspired her century, and continues to do so even today.

It will be playing in San Francisco on October 2nd and Albany Twin on October 9th. Check out www.songclassics.com/cocobeforechanel/dates.html for exact time and dates. And, of course, stay tuend for BARE's next outing!

Marine-Emilie Gauthier

BARE Journalist

Cal Street Style :: Another Great Use of Feathers

You may have seen Steph's use of a single feather as an ear accessory, but Katie shows us how you can work feathers on both ears too!

Katie, 2nd yr. Comparative Literature

Gina Harris

BARE Reporter

This Ain’t Your Obama’s Jason Wu

Photos from fabsugar

With an inaugural gown that thrust him into the fashion spotlight this past January, Jason Wu has been a prominent figure on the runway radar ever since. But if his fall/winter collection seemed fit for royalty, his spring/ summer collection is very egalitarian in concept. You don’t have to be the first lady to rock the array of flirty and whimsical cocktail dresses, youthful separates, and smart (but not stuffy) tweed suiting pieces. This “polished with a twist” collection will leave fashionistas everywhere pledging allegiance.

Katie Grant
BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: Leilani

Sean Gin

BARE Reporter

Narciso Rodriguez Lets Loose Spring 2010

Unlike seasons past, the runways of NY Fashion Week have been letting loose. Literally. Narciso Rodriguez was no exception to the rule, sending his models down the catwalk in flowing yet structural pieces that oozed with the essence of femininity. Soft colors, flattering fabrics and romantic silhouettes, Rodriguez captured the hearts of flirty and feminine all the while maintaining his crown for its sophistication and chic.

All photos retrieved from style.com

Gina Harris
BARE Reporter

Your Weekly iPod Stop

Simple, androgynous, chic. These were the first words I thought of when I spotted third year psychology student, Steph Gray, rushing to work on Bancroft. The first thing that caught my eye was the use of feathers in her hat and in her ear accessories. Sometimes using too many feathers can look overdone, but Steph did it in perfect moderation.

After looking even closer I noticed the token pair of white headphones sticking out of her messenger bag. I simply had to know what this effortlessly stylish girl was listening to:

Artist: The Veils

Album: Nux Vomica

Song: Nux Vomica

Genre: Indie/Alternative rock from the UK

She told me that her style depends on how she is feeling, and that her hat is inspired by the singer of The Veils, Finn Andrews, whose signature look includes a black fedora with a feather.

Thanks Steph, we hope you weren’t too late to work!

Polina Polishchuk

BARE Reporter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Everyone on the BARE staff would like to wish a very happy birthday to Karen Kwok, the blog editor. Without her, this amazing internet resource would not be possible. Everyone wish her a happy 19th in the comments!

Blogosphere's Week in Review

Brittany’s back with another report from the fashion blogosphere. If you haven’t read my last post, I made a list of must-read fashion blogs. Now, I’m here to highlight the top ten blog posts I found this week.

So here we go…

- Annie Spandex shows you how to turn your plain tee into an enviable tank top.
- Waitin Round 2 Be a Millionaire gives her Runway Roundup of designers, such as Badgley Mischka, Jill Stuart, and J. Mendel, for Spring 2010 RTW.
- Nick from Sound and the City shares his top Spring 2010 looks from Rodarte.
- Chic Too Chic spreads his love of Jose Castro’s new spring collection of fiery hues, black, and interesting hats.
- Kingdom of Style shares the monochromatic androgyny of Australia’s Claude Maus.
- Laced Magazine links to Complex’s list of the Top 100 Sneakers of the 2000s.
- Shoe Queen Imelda discusses Proenza Schouler’s towering new concoctions.
- Bloggers Style Bubble and Bryanboy are spotted in Bryant Park by Style Clicker.
- Tommy at Jak & Jil Blog shares a pair of studded stilettos.
- Lauren of AsianCajuns tries on different feathery animal masks.

What are the top posts you found this week?

Brittany Curran

BARE Reporter

Congratulation Newsoms!

The staff here at BARE Magazine would like to congratulate our friends Jennifer and Gavin Newsom on the birth of their daughter Montana Tessa Newsom! Little Montana Tessa was born this morning, September 18th, and we couldn't be happier for the family. We are confidant that she will grow up to be as cute, charming, intelligent and fabulous as both her parents! You can read about Montana Tessa's mother, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, in our upcoming issue of BARE Magazine, due out later this month.

Katie Sarna
BARE Reporter

Cal Street Style :: Chau

Sean Gin

BARE Reporter

Designer to Watch :: Cushnie et Ochs

Good talent in the fashion industry is difficult to find, especially with the emergence of countless brands every year. Enthusiasts do small fashion shows, hoping to become the next Alexander Wang – who exploded in the fashion scene less than three years out of college.


Looking at the resume of Cushnie et Ochs, the French duo has all the ingredients for a successful business. Silk dresses that otherwise would resemble an everyday dress is cut with extraordinary creativity. An evening gown becomes fit for a hipster by adding sheer panels to the side of the train. Gladiator sandals are upgraded to warrior pumps as models stomp down the runway in six inch heels – either in black or white of course.

In a way, designers Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs seem to pay homage to the minimalist designers, Narcisco Rodriguez and Calvin Klein, while keeping the rock and roll artist Alexander Wang in mind. Everyone appreciates a smart duo, and BARE is no exception. Cushnie et Ochs is definitely one to keep an eye on.

John Kim

Editor-in-Chief

Cal Street Style :: Indra

Sean Gin

BARE Reporter

Fashion Blogs to Watch

I'm a fashion blog junkie. Just look at my Google Reader Trends page. (Google Reader is a blog syndicator and Trends keeps track of the number of blogs you follow and posts you’ve read.) I currently follow 142 blogs, 135 of which are fashion-related. In the past month, I’ve read about 1400 fashion posts, which is about 47 per day. This is actually not a bad thing because I can tell you lovely readers about the eye-popping, noodle-scratching, or just-plain-strange fashion blogs you may or may not have ever heard of.

So begins my list of Fashion Blogs to Watch. (Fashion Blog Watcher’s General Warning: I do not list blogs like Style Bubble, Sea of Shoes, and similar blogs which are listed in the BARE blogroll at the bottom right. They certainly are good reads, but not-so-secret nonetheless.)

Staples for life
the fashion void that is DC: Definitely fits under the peculiar category. I often don’t understand her fashion choices, but admire her just the same.
Garbage Dress: A globe-trekking, once SF resident. Knows how to wear black and a fan of the stud.
Jak & Jil Blog: This will change your life. Seriously. Street-wear blog portraying the fashion industry’s finest.

Icing on the cake
Cheap Thrills: Amazing photography. If that doesn’t sell you, her great style will.
The Divinitus: Drapery, drapery, drapery! It’s what she does best. Highly recommended.
lulu and your mom: A Bay Area local. Known for towering platforms and cheetah print. Good read.
Too Many Tights!: I don’t even like leggings very much, but I love this site!

Global street-wear
Moscow Street Fashion: In one post, a woman is wearing a muff over hands, like in Madeline. Need I say more?
The SF Style: Essential for all Bay Area residents.
Stockholm Street Style: All I got to say is that these Swedes know what’s up.

BARE readers, I’ve shared by favorites. Now, you tell me your top fashion blogs!

Brittany Curran
BARE Reporter

Saitowitz Architecture at Cal

Design: Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects INC.

UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design unfurled its latest exhibition featuring Professor Emeritus of Architecture, Stanley Saitowitz and Natoma Architects Inc. This highly energetic exhibition features contemporary architectural projects and promotes an intelligent eye for the future of design. Projects presented include work from abroad as well as local bay area context. The exhibition will be on display all week in the College of Environmental Design in the lobby of Wurster. Explore the excitement of design brought to UC Berkeley as the College of Environmental Design celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Ivan Nicholas Cisneros

BARE Reporter

Insider Alert :: 50% off H&M

H&M, the wardrobe staple for everyone on a budget, has launched an relatively unknown discount to their fellow shoppers. Now until Sunday the 20th, the European fashion chain is offering a "Buy one get one 50%" deal. Just print out the coupon and shop away!

John Kim

Editor-in-chief

Alexander Wang Scores a Touchdown for Spring 2010!

For his Spring/Summer 2010 collection, Alexander Wang was inspired by someone a little unexpected, you! That's right, Wang was inspired by American college girls and athletes for this season. However, it wasn't blue and gold jerseys and running shoes walking down the runway. Wang took American athletic wear and gave it an edgy, but still slightly feminine twist. Every day basics like fleece pullovers and short day dresses are made exciting with developing trends like broad shoulders, cut-outs, knee-high socks, and exposed boy shorts. The collection is filled with neutral colors, lots of cotton and jersey accented with brown leather, lace, and even pom-poms.

I love this collection because it is truly wearable and it makes athletic-wear more fashion forward. Although we at BARE are all for getting into the school spirit and enjoying a good old-fashioned football game, we are a little mortified by a sea of ill-fitting jerseys. Wang's spring collection is the perfect answer to this dilemma. Below are a few of my favorite looks from this collection!

All photos from style.com

Jordan Silver

BARE Reporter

Swap Not Shop :: This Saturday in Oakland!

Homeygrown’s biannual clothing exchange, “Swap Not Shop,” is coming to Oakland this Saturday, 9/19. “Swap Not Shop” provides the time and place for people to exchange used items ranging from clothing to non-perishable foods to household items. A silk screening service is even provided to allow attendees to personalize their “new” things. It’s welcome to all ages, but if you’re 21 and over, be prepared to enjoy $1 drinks. All you have to bring are $5, a bag of items and an open mind! The event is taking place at Soundwave Studios at 222 Wood St., Oakland, CA. For more information on what you can and can’t bring, visit www.swapnotshop.info.

Lyka Sethi

BARE Reporter