The velvet ropes were set and the bulky security guard was in place for the new Guess? store at the San Francisco Westfield Shopping Center.

Adding more girth to the shopping experience at the ginormous center, the store offers anything and everything for all you Guess? brand lovers. What better way to christen the new store than with a lovely celebrity appearance by Brittany Snow?

West Coast Regional Director of Guess?, Dave Metz (left) and Brittany Snow

“I’ve always liked Guess” says Snow while looking fabulous in a fitted skirt and crisp white button down shirt. “It’s always a sure thing because they always have something in my style.”

In case you don’t know, Snow was recently seen in one of my fave movies of the summer, Hairspray playing the bratty diva daughter, Amber Von Tussle:

Snow as Amber in Hairspray

I asked her if there is anything in particular she liked about Guess? clothing and what some of her favorite items were. Turns out she had more favorites than expected…

“I just bought three jackets,” she says amongst the loud music of the DJ and the lively noise of the crowd. “And I might get those shoes!”

Ah….to be a movie star with money. From the sound of it, she may have an obsession with shopping - but she begs to differ…

“I have a severe problem with not shopping,” she laughs. “I don’t want to spend money because I am just weird! But I’ve learned that it’s healthy for me to buy stuff.”

And believe it or not, even though she has lived in Los Angeles since she was 15, this was her first time in the San Francisco Bay Area!

“I love it!” she gushes. “It has such a good vibe. The people are so nice. We went around all day today and went shopping and to Fisherman’s Wharf. It was so cute! We took pictures with all the sea lions!

So what’s up next for Miss Snow? Well, there’s a dark comedy in which she stars with Matthew Broderick called Finding Amanda that she said is in the same vein as Little Miss Sunshine. But don’t expect to see her dancing and singing around joyfully like she did in Hairspray.

“I play a prostitute,” she says.

Really?

She laughs, “She’s a prostitute with a heart of gold!”

I laugh, “That’s the best kind!”

Darn! We were getting along so well and I never asked her to sing a couple of lyrics to “The New Girl in Town” from Hairspray with me.

I also had the opportunity to chat with West Coast Regional Director, Dave Metz (pictured above) about the new store and what it has to offer.

“It goes along with our new concept of European and being fashion-forward,” says Metz who resides in Marin. “We cater to Generation Y.”

Metz says that even though the denim is what makes Guess? stand out, its their focus on the entire look that makes them different from their competitors.

“It’s very updated, contemporary, hip and free flowing,” Metz adds. “Guess? just represents a great lifestyle.”

Of course, it was nice to see Brittany Snow there, but I was definitely keepin’ my eye out for anything I could buy while I was at the opening party of the new Guess? store hosted by Vogue at the SF Westfield Shopping Center…

Of course, I had to take a gander at the men’s section and you know how I am a sucker for man jewelry:

I think I may have outgrown Guess? but I still love their denim - especially the vintage ones with the triangle and the signature Guess? logo. I remember back in the day when that was the HOTTEST thing and if you didn’t have a pair of Guess? jeans you were so uncool. But it seems like nothin’ has changed because their garb is still a hot commodity:

Dave Metz, Guess? regional director, said that right now, they are all about the handbags (especially their metallic ones) and shoes. This made sense considering the core of the store was a virtual salon for the two items:

That is like heaven for shoe and handbag addicts.

And of course, how can we forget some of the fancy people that showed up:

The men’s department at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco was turned into an intimate concert venue Oct. 2 as Perry Farrell’s Satellite Party teamed up with my favorite menswear designer John Varvatosfor a VH1 Save The Music benefit.

Since Perry Farrrell was going to be performing, I decided to ask my lovely co-worker Laura Casey to come with me - she’s a DIE HARD Jane’s Addiction fan (one of Farrell’s past bands). She was going to wear her classic Jane’s Addiction tee, but she couldn’t find it - I’m serious, she’s a hardcore fan of Perry. Just ask her to tell you her run-in with Perry 15 years ago!

But before Perry and Sattelite Party took the stage, there were some things for auction to raise money for VH1 Save the Music. And there some pretty snazzy things that kept up with the whole rock n’ roll theme of the evening:

Laura started to get really excited when the show started. First off, SF-based band Magic Bullets took the stage - well, at least one-half of them. I liked the Edie Sedgwick t-shirt the guitarist was wearing:

When Perry Farrell came out the crowd went WILD! Well, not really WILD, but they were excited - I think Laura was the most excited. I thought he was such a great performer - he’s a cross between Mick Jagger and a 5-year-old boy - and I mean that in the nicest way. He’s so cheeky and fun and silly and entertaining! I thoroughly enjoyed it! He’s such a great performer - especially when he sang some classic Jane’s Addiction hits and “Superhero” - which is the theme song to Entourage.

Check out the many faces of “Perry the Performer”:

At the end of his set, he grabbed a video camera from one of the audience members…he’s such a hoot!

And for those who need more of a video representation, check out this video - sorry for the audio, I was standing right next to one of the speakers. If you watch closely you can see how enamored Laura is with Perry:

After the performance, Laura was really tempted to stalk Perry… as fun as that might have been, I convinced her not to.

To shop the “Bloomingdale’s and John Varvatos Rocks” Auction, visit www.vh1auctions.com.

So…on my birthday I decided to spend it chillin’ at Bloomie’s with the fabulous folks at Gola. (do you like how I said “chillin’” to recognize the fact that I am trying to maintain my coolness as I grow older?)

It just so happened I was helping them celebrate the UK-based shoe’s own little birthday with Gola at 101: Faces and Memories of Centenarians. Remember when I did a little thing about it a couple days back?

The photo exhibit of people peppered throughout the store was very curious. The subjects pictured were of the age 100 and up. There was even one man who was 109. These dandy gentlemen and fine ladies told stories of their lives and basically made my life sound so boring…wait a minute…my life IS boring.

What amazed me the most was how none of the folks pictured looked a day over 70 or 80 - I was just hoping I looked as good when I turn 100 - if I even get that far.

Then there were the was the wonder of the actual GOLA shoe.

Now I have to admit - I’ve only seen Gola in passing at boutiques and select stores. In other words, I have admired from afar.

While I was chatting it up with VP of Gola, North America, Steven Weinreb, he showed me the latest line of sneakers…or should I say vintage?

Reminds me of those days when I used to breakdance on the street corner with my b-boy crew while “Give it all you Got” by Afrorican blasted on my boombox.

These sherbert-coated retro goodies are the result of a recreation of the 1982 sneaker that was popular back in the day. Weinreb informed me that they followed every single protocol to make the sneaker as if it were 1982. The only difference is that they have a new variety of colors - very tasty.

The exhibit continues through April 23, but you can get Golas anytime you want at www.golaclassics.com.

Located at the Men’s Department in Bloomingdale’s, 4th Floor, 845 Market St., San Francisco.

From candy-coated colors to sleek neutrals, Gola reaches its centennial year, which makes it the oldest - no - let’s call it the “most experienced” brand in the ocean of fashion sneakers.

So in honor of this momentous occasion, Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco hosts Gola at 101: Faces and Memories of Centenarians April 16 through April 23. The event features British photographer, Edmund Clark as he presents an exhibition of over 20 subjects who have lived through the Theodore Roosevelt presidency, the opening of Yankee Stadium, the year the New Year’s ball first dropped in Times Square, the first Superbowl, the first New York Fashion Week, the first Woodstock and the initial construction of the World Trade Center. Needless to say, these people have been through a lot and have character that transcends the

The classic sneaker brand hosts a cocktail reception 6 to 8 p.m.April 18 to help ring in this nostalgic exhibition:

CLICK TO ENLARGE

The exhibit and the reception (which just so happens to be on my birthday:) all takes place in the Men’s Department at Bloomingdale’s, 4th Floor, 845 Market St., San Francisco. To RSVP for the reception call (212) 343-3920. For more info on Gola and to buy their fab shoes, visit their site: www.golaclassics.com

It’s gonna be a grand ol’ Gola time!

Did I mention that the reception is on my birthday?

I decided to test my “stalkerazzi” skills this past weekend at San Francisco’s Westfield Shopping Centre and in random places around the city.

I tried to find some stylish looks within the hustle and bustle. I was looking for someone that stood out from the crowd - in a good way. Don’t get me wrong, while walking through the various neighborhoods of SF, there are many trendy people - but it’s seldom that I find someone that stands out with a unique style. I’m looking for someone who doesn’t look avant-garde, experimental or looks like they just stepped out of an Urban Outfitters catalog.

Perhaps I took pictures in the wrong area - I was in the tourist-heavy neighborhood of Union Square. Many people started looking alike after a while - and when I did see someone who had genuine style, they were walking too fast for me to snap a photo of them. They must’ve knew that I was “stalkerazzi-ing” them.

Nonetheless, here’s what I found and some stories (at least in my eyes) behind the outfit:

What’s her story? She is calling her “shopping lifeline” to justify her recent purchase. She’s not 100% comfortable with the purchase of a shirtdress and a boldly colored belt. Her friend is telling her to return the belt, but she’s thinking differently.

What works for her: I am loving the Kimono-inspired top and the springy tone of the the outfit. The light blue skirt and matches well with the white without making it too brighty.

What doesn’t work: The flats. I am not big on them to begin with.

What’s his story? His blind date is shopping inside H&M and he’s talking to his homeboy to tell him how much of a bust the date is. His epidimec of wearing sunglasses indoors has clearly spread to the other girl walking out of the store.

What works for him: You can’t really see it, but he was carrying a bag from the Cheesecake Factory. I wonder what he ordered.

What doesn’t work: One of my biggest fashion qualms is wearing sunglasses indoors. I know the SF Shopping Centre is highly illuminated, but I just think it is very unnecessary to wear sunglasses indoors. Unless you just got your eyes dialated, blind, a heavy user of narcotics or you are suffering from an intense hangover - don’t do it.

What’s her story? A lady who has a quirky style. She likes classic garments like the trench, but she always likes to add a twist of color to all that she wears. She’s works as a nurse, but on the side, she is a very talented artist who’s eye for color that will rub off on her child.

What works: The trench. I absolutely love the pattern and the spring-friendly shade. The knee high socks add a good touch because if they weren’t there, it would look like she wasn’t wearing anything underneath - that would just be in bad taste. And how cute is that kid?

What doesn’t work: Honestly, I couldn’t find anything terrible in what she was wearing.

What’s her story? A photographer who was looking for subjects to add to her portfolio for an exhibit she’s working on. Frustrated, her and her friend are exiting the mall annoyed with the lack inspiration.

What works: The hat was the thing that caught my eye as I took her picture from the second floor.

What doesn’t work: She was too far for me to analyze her outfit.

What’s her story? Her and her fiance are at Crate and Barrel registering for gifts. They are a classy couple with a modern eye for home decor. She is a owner of a start-up online high-end fashion boutique and he is a savvy IT in Silicon Valley. Her artistry and his need for structure make a perfect match.

What works: The coat was a fabulous purple. The back detailing was the kicker. If you saw the outfit from the front she had a romantic ruffled lavendar blouse. Paired with some brown boots and a huge hobo bag, her whole look worked.

What doesn’t work: She was moving around too much for me to get a good picture of her.

What’s his story? He’s a college kid majoring in graphic design who is obsessed with Superman. He’s currently working on his own graphic novel about a superhero based on him.

What works: I like how he’s still a child at heart with the novelty Superman t-shirt.

What doesn’t work: What’s with the draping of the sweater across the shoulders? We’re not in the Hamptons.

What’s their story? You know that movie Mean Girls? The movie was based on these girls.

What works: They are all walking in sync. How cute.

What doesn’t work: Uggs. Need I say more? Yes I do. I see a fashion oxymoron in how two of the girls are wearing the furry boots and one of the girls is wearing flip flops.

I have now become a frequent browser and loitering body at San Francisco’s Westfield Shopping Centre.

This past weekend, after I got pampered at a lovely male spa (you’ll read more about that at a later date), it just so happened that I ran into Chad Jones (our theatre critic). So, we decided to invade the shopping centre like two delinquent shoppers running amok. Well, we didn’t do that, but we did manage to stumble upon numerous sales: Zara, Martin & Osa, J. Crew…and then we stopped at Ruehl.

Remember when I did a post on the store? Actually, it was one of the first posts I did (click here to read). The store doesn’t really adhere to my personal taste, but it’s in the same vein as Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister - preppy boy meets upscale surfer dude.

As we walked in, it was just as I remembered. There were the staple pretty boys who are hired to hang out in the front to greet customers, the space was dark and mysterious and as an added bonus there was one female shopping there who looked like she rolled out of bed and came straight to the store in her underwear and Ugg boots.

But the most distinguishing quality was the smell of the store. There was an odor of really strong cologne that a frat boy with low self esteem would bathe himself in. It was unbelievably strong and Chad said, “What do they do? Do they pump that odor into the store?” I used another analogy to describe the odor, but because of taste boundaries, I prefer not to repeat it.

The store had some good sales, but the smell was so overbearing I was too blinded to browse through the products, let alone figure my way through the labyrinth of dark rooms.

We finally left and I was happy to breathe in the smells of the Food Emporium down below instead of some really strong cologne.

The moral of this story is…nothing really - but here’s a tip to the Ruehl store management. Please lay off of the cologne. It smells nice, but when nice crosses the boundaries of masculine-scented nausea, then it’s time to hold back.

Last Thursday at the M.A.C. Chinese Dress Event, I was desperately trying to find someone who had an interesting style so that I could post them on the blog. After roaming around the shirtless cocktail servers in a sea of sleek, yet monotonous black, I ran into Bay Area designer of Genevieve Primavera, Mary-Elizabeth Genevieve.

She was wearing this event-appropriate top that was captivating (which was one of her own designs). The ensemble utilized an enjoyable Asian-esque floral print and it played a bit with volume (hence the sleeves) but it wasn’t too costumey. The whole outfit flattered her theory of the “hour-glass figure” in a very creative way.

Check out her site for more of her fabulous designs: www.genevieveprimavera.com.

Last night, I attended the M.A.C. Cosmetics Chinese Dress Exhibition at Nordstrom in San Francisco’s Westfield Shopping Centre. It was a live gallery exhibition where women modeled the traditional Chinese Qi Pao (pronounced chi pau) except they weren’t wearing any clothes at all.

But before all of you horndogs come to drool over the pictures, the models were clothed, but they were in body paint. Over 50 M.A.C. artists used these women’s bodies as blank canvasses to create strikingly beautiful and intricate walking pieces of art that made it look like the women were actually wearing garments:

THE WAVE

Design: Nadine Luke; Lead Makeup Artist: Amna Pervez; Makeup Artists: Casey Wallin, Maranda James; Headdress: Stephen Jones

THE FAN

Design: Nadine Luke; Lead Makeup Artist: Bryan Campbell; Makeup Artists: Manuel “Monroe” Casado, Melinda Cazarez, Beck Morgan, Nick Fancolli; Headdress: Stephen Jones

JUICY COUTURE

Design: Juicy Couture; Lead Makeup Artist: Kris Jorgensen; Makeup Artists: Alecia Littledale, Kimmee Park, Miriam Carvalho, Daniel Belena

From the get go, I knew this one had to be related to Juicy Couture in one way or another. It was very…pink. And it made me crave cotton candy.

CHINESE OPERA

Design: Vivienne Tam; Lead Makeup Artist: China-li Nystrom; Makeup Artists: Melissa Kerekes, Sarah Pugh, Jeff Jarwin, Chase Alvarez, Caline Raab; Headdress: Stephen Jones

I love the use of men as props. Besides that, I was intimidated by this piece - in a good way. It epitomized the power of a woman and was beautifully menacing. The detailed design by the renowned Vivienne Tam is absolutely fierce!

Hands down, this one was my absolutely favorite piece. I marveled at this piece of art and wanted to take a closer look, but that would make me look like a pervert. John Stapleton, the lead makeup artist jokingly said, “This is the most expensive dress out here!” Actually, he really wasn’t joking. The gold in the model’s dress is actual 24 carat gold leaf. The material gave this “dress” texture and an unbelievable amount of realism. Plus, yellow gold is hot right now!

“I like how it gives it some movement,” says Stapleton. “It makes it look like actual fabric - even though it’ll all probably flake off by the end of the evening.”

…and what about that back detailing? That model worked it!

LILY PAD

Design:Nadine Luke; Lead Makeup Artist: Victor Cembellin; Makeup Artists: Thang Dao, Shauna Pierce, Jennifer Ledo; Headdress: Stephen Jones

Bay Area native (Alameda to be exact) and MAC artist extraordinaire, Victor Cembellin created this magical pond inspired wonder. Like many, Cembellin said it took approximately six to eight hours to finish the painting. The model, Kristen Lui, said it was weird when they started painting her body, but she got used to it after a while, but at times, the artists forgot that she was a living being.

“I would move and the artists would freak out and say, `why did the canvas just move?’” says Lui.

She must’ve been a real happy girl because she didn’t have to stand there in heels for the three hour event.

Design:Nadine Luke; Lead Makeup Artist: Christine Salopek; Makeup Artists: Rosana Vares, Jorge Monroy, Noelle Barce; Headdress: Stephen Jones

PEONIES

Design:Nadine Luke; Lead Makeup Artists: Glenn Moala, Jenn Karsten; Makeup Artists: Yvette Soares, Ignacio Maciel, Jack Caton, Rachel Ervin; Headdress: Stephen Jones

From Oakland, Glenn Moala said that even though he worked hard on this piece, he isn’t really disappointed that it has to be washed off at the end of the day.

“Disposable art is good,” says Moala, “it gives you room for more creativity on your next project.”

I wouldn’t be as easy going as he is. If I worked as hard as these people did on a piece of art, I would force the model to wear that body art forever. In fact, I would have it permanently tattooed on her body. Okay…maybe that’s too harsh.

SUE WONG

Design:Sue Wong; Lead Makeup Artist: Demia Keppel; Makeup Artists: Pam Jacobsen, Christine Biggers, MEgan Sutherland, Elisa Nunez, Sylvia Lee, Hallie Jacinto; Headdress: Stephen Jones

All of the dresses were mind-boggling and true works of art. It was one of those “how did they do that?” fashion moments. At times, I didn’t notice that all the models were wearing a layer of body paint, Swarovski crystals, a thong and some pasties. I felt like they were fully clothed.

As for the crowd…

…I guess I didn’t get the memo to wear all black. It was so goth and morbid in there. I felt like we were mourning the death of color. Even so, it was nicely contrasted with the models and these amazing colorful pieces of body art.

And no party would be complete without a gratuitous array of shirtless oily variety bohunks serving the guests cocktails and appetizers in gold jeans and heavy eye makeup:

There’s already one in Concord, one in Walnut Creek and a total of THREE in San Francisco…I’m talking about my favorite inexpensive Swedish retailer of trendy clothes, H&M.

In case you haven’t heard already, they are planning to spread their clothing goodness even more throughout the Bay Area. They are slated to open a new store next door to Emeryville’s Ikea in 2007!!! How exciting is that?! Two Swedish frugal shopping experiences right next to each other - it’s like being in a middle-ranged salary retail shopping utopia!

There’s something about H&M that makes me so happy. Sure, some of their clothes don’t last very long, but it’s European-style tailoring (for men, women and children) and trendy aura provides me with good wardrobe basics at fair prices. To make things better, its trendy clothes (like their skinny ties and other in-vogue youthful looks) last long enough to see the end of their run as “cool” clothes.

They have even planned to open a store in Japan in the fashion-forward Harajuku district of Japan! I am just waiting to marvel at the looks those Harajuku street kids do with the clothes at H&M. The conceptual structure of the store is even stylish:

Ah, H&M, you are my best friend.

If you haven’t been to one already, go visit one of the following stores:

CONCORD:
Sun Valley Mall
1 Sun Valley Mall
925.969.0209
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WALNUT CREEK
Broadway Plaza
1450 Mt. Diablo Road
925.935.2394
Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SAN FRANCISCO:
150 Post Street
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
415.986.0156

150 Powell Street
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
415.986.4215

Westfield San Francisco Centre
845 Market Street
415.543.1430
Mon-Sat: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit H&M.com for more info!