SF STYLE: The San Francisco Style Street Fashion Blog

Point Out a Morsel! - Tenderloin

2009-07-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: So after storming the Edinburgh Castle in 1964, my esteemed colleague--JD Elquist and I--confirmed that this demure coquette was a bona fide morsel with a 2-thumbs-up-ensemble. Her hat and top were cute, but it was the clutch and shoes did it for me. It's true, she's pretty much wearing the current SF hipster uniform, but as J-Lo once said, "You're doing it well."

She was surrounded by a bunch of klinger-on guys that night, all hovering around hoping to obtain her affection. This sort of scenario is a common scene at any debaucherous SF hotspot.

Trends We Love: Over-sized Hair Accessories

2009-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Semi-Gothique/Victorian/Hipster/Little Bo Peep-Chic.

Boys love it.

JT's suggestion: Contrast it with your hair colour or let it be the centrepiece!

Dyanna Pure: We love to see how a simple over-sized hair accessory can add such a degree of interest and character to even the most mundane of outfits. This trend has been building steam for a while now, and we predict it is soon to hit critical mass and implode.

For now, however, we give it our seal of approval.

Fringe Purse - Revisited

2009-07-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: Thanks to everyone for voting in our Fringe Purse Poll. It seems that you all collectively feel the same way about the trend that we do--generally abide, but leaning towards hate. From what JT and I have observed, to really pull off the look you need three components:

Quality leather and craftsmanship
A classic, simple design
A slouch, over-sized hobo shape

It's definitely not a trend for amateurs.

The Presence of Evil - Tenderloin

2009-07-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: This unfortunate pair of footwear was lying derelict on the unsavoury streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin District. Despite the repugnant rubbish surrounding them, these platforms remain the most offensive object we could find. The impotence-inspiring design represents all the wrongdoing fashion has ever committed.

Dyanna Pure: Oh, Steve Madden! Shame on you, sir, for allowing your label to be attached to such a gruesome product. We implore you to send the evil design back to the Pagoda-Brothel whence it came.

Black-On-Black-On-Black - Couture Corridor

2009-07-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: I'm a HUGE fan right now of boys in high neck collars. This gentleman's outfit is also a great example of the importance of mixing different fabrics and textures in order to pull off the head-to-toe black-on-black-on-black look.

JT Paradox: His Ben Sherman man-bag has a burst of colours in the corner which Dyanna said, "Really pulls the outfit together." I also like that his clothes fit well and are not overstylised. Rock on, my fellow asian dude. Rock on.

San Francisco Summer Essential: A Scarf

2009-07-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

Heather is a JT Paradox friend and SFstyle alumnist from the EARLY days.

Some man-morsels with scrumptious accessories.

Mark Twain was alleged to say, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

So true. San Francisco fog brings a chill cold enough to ice beach-volleyball injuries. And it strikes when you least expect it, like the 4th of July or when you decide to brave the Richmond in pursuit of tasty dim sum. It is a wonder Dolores’ palm trees survive the season.

Another summer has come. Memorial Day has passed; it’s time to break out the white shoes and the snow gear. Inhabitants of the City by the Bay must prepare for sunny summer days that turn to misty haze. Distilled comes to the rescue with the San Francisco Summer Scarf™.

The San Francisco Summer Scarf™ is made in the season’s trendiest cotton yarn-dyes, because it may be cold, but sporting wool in August just isn't cool. Washed for softness, wrinkled for visual texture and cut to just the right length for easy-wear convenience, it adds a smart splash of color, washes easy and like many of this great city’s residents, it’s cool with both girls and boys. Best of all, it’s made right here in San Francisco.

distilledclothing.com

Trends We Abide: Fringe Purses

2009-07-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

Slouchy, oversized hobo fringe purse. Cute.

Suede fringe purse. Vintage looking.

Current fringe purse offered in the mall. Not so cute.

Another retail fringe purse. Rather unfortunate.

Q and A: Fashion vs. Function?

2009-06-30T03:02:00.000-07:00

We recommend the Burlington Coat Factory on 5th and Howard if you need to buy a heavy coat during the summer.

These boots are acceptable to wear in a snowstorm.

Noelle Garza: All right Mr. Paradox, let me hit you with something.

So, I've been randomly stumbling on thesfstyle for a few months now
and with the new discussion on the UGH boots, I have a question to ask
of you.

How do one's feet stay warm and fabulous in cold weather?

I mean, I've been living in SF my whole entire life, but now that I'm
getting ready to move over to the moody and white east coast, I'm
forced to confront the fact that I have no fabulous footwear suitable
for the coldest of the cold weather. I've never even visited the east
coast. I think I might just freeze and never leave the indoors. I
mean, I can hardly remember the last time I wore socks. (On second
thought that might be kind of gross, pretend I never typed that)

I said to a friend of mine, "I want some shoes that are casual,
comfortable, not fugly, and can keen me warm in shitty ass east coast
winter. What should I look into?"

She responded with, "why not some uggs?"

Needless to say, I recognized that as a dead end.

So what say you, Captain Paradox?

Dyanna Pure: Dear Noelle,

I too am planning a move from sunny(ish) California to a colder
climate and can commiserate with your situation. While JT and I cannot
condone the use of UGHs here in San Francisco, we admit that drastic
weather situations do call for drastic measures, and concede that
sometimes utility must trump style.

While I don't plan to run out and purchase a pair of Leopard-print
Sasquatch UGHs at the first sight of snow, I do plan to invest in a
nice pair of winter boots (and lots of layering socks to go
underneath). To be honest, you probably won't find anything
mind-blowingly fabulous that will also fit your functional needs, but
its hard to go wrong with classic, elegant styles.

Good luck!

JT Paradox: My Dear Noelle;

There's a reason you don't see snow boots or desert regalia parading
down the runways of Milan. Fashion houses simply do not design
clothing for extremely hot or cold climates. This is an unfortunate
fact, and thus, all bets are off when you are in such conditions. I
have had the misfortune of travelling to New York during the
winter--and after experiencing the frigid temperatures there--I
sincerely believe that one should wear whatever is necessary to keep
one's bollocks warm. This is why SF is a great place for fashion,
since the weather is relatively consistent and rarely frozen over or
boiling hot.

The East Coast has some unbelievably intolerable coldness.

My suggestion? Roll with it, and wear:

-Utility snow boots with many layers of thick wool socks
-Leggings and/or thermal undergarments
-Layers of shirts and sweaters
-Heavy down Eskimo-looking coat
-Scarves, gloves and knit cap

You won't look glamorous, but you'll be warm.
There will be a time to dress to impress, but not at the risk of frostbite.

THE MORE YOU KNOW

Trends We Hate: UGH Boots

2009-06-29T02:32:00.000-07:00

These Clan of the Cave Bear classics were spotted on the 38 Geary.

Luscious Cheetah-print number that we tracked into an American Eagle Outfitters. (Shocking).

Dyanna Pure: I took the above pair of floral UGHs! out for a spin around the Nordstrom shoe department--just to see what all the hype was about. In my official (and completely uncredentialed) opinion, this type of footwear is not NEARLY comfortable enough to balance out how atrocious they look. I'd much rather be caught out in my $5 Walgreens house slippers than these $200 abominations (**not that I would recommend wearing either**).

JT Paradox: We actually spotted a girl wearing the floral print boots with a matching floral print purse, but I was stunned by the atrocity and found myself unable to ready my camera.

UGH Boot Cons:

- Expensive. $200 average MSRP

- Not as comfortable as you would think

- Your feet will be sweaty and stank

- Suede and fur are impossible to clean

- Easily ruined by moisture and dirt

- Cannot wear to: work, gym, club, bar, or dinner

- Make you look like a dragon ball cartoon character

- You will suck at life

UGH Boot Pros:

- Easy to take on and OFF. I suggest the latter.

- Warm--but suede will be ruined by snow

- You will fit in with the Abercrombie-wearing masses

Conclusion: UGH Boots are UNACCEPTABLE.

A Fabulous Morsel - Bloomingdales Union Square

2009-06-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: It's hard to go wrong with perfectly tailored Dior, and this gentleman's suit is no exception. His skinny lapels hit the trend right on the nose.

JT Paradox: He's also got Paul Smith shoes and striped socks. I had him cuff his trousers up a little so you could see. It's men like this that make me wish I was actually gay.

The Shades of Great

2009-06-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

He's the Chuck Bass of San Francisco.

He's a rising star in the fashion industry.

He works with Ralph Lauren's Designers.

He's an SF Fashion icon and a dear friend of mine.

JD Elquist unveils his gentlemen's style blog:

http://theshadesofgreat.blogspot.com/

Join us for the launch party this friday!

RSVP: shadesofgreat@gmail.com

MOAR photos at theJTparadox.com

Outstanding 3 Piece - Couture Corridor (Paul Smith)

2009-06-16T02:32:00.001-07:00

Dyanna Pure: Good grief Charlie Brown, you grew up to be fabulous! I wish more gentlemen our age would take the initiative to wear three-piece suits.

JT Paradox: A solid example of how a good suit should fit, with standard lapel width. The multi-faceted textures are well balanced by the somber colour of the suit. The loafers are a buttery coup de grace.

Ooh La La 2 - SoMa

2009-06-16T02:29:00.000-07:00

Last saturday's Ooh La La mayhem in Paradise!

MOAR fashion and madness at theJTparadox.com

Ooh La La - SoMa

2009-06-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Dean Junior, taking a respite from the dancing and drinking.

Ooh La La at Paradise Lounge is arguably the premier Mod night in SF.

There's always plenty of outrageous sixties fashion and great music!

This Saturday, June 13th

1501 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103

There are MOAR photos at theJTparadox.com

Well-Dressed Homeless - 38 Geary

2009-06-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: Ran into this wayfaring vagabond on the 38 and again later in the SoMa district. He's got mad style for a pan-handling derelicte. I want his man-bag, but I'll settle for his shoes.

More Oldies but Goodies - Downtown

2009-06-09T02:28:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: I love a lady (or gentleman) that can pull off a trench.

JT Pure: Old white dude is looking refined and carrying the goods all gentleman-like. Thumbs up!

Shop 'Til You Drop

2009-06-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: Hmm. Floor-length down Eskimo jackets. Toasty.

JT and I made an expedition to the basement of the Burlington Bro Factory (AKA Jessica Simpson's flagship store). We wouldn't necessarily recommend shopping at said factory, but it appears to be the only place in San Francisco currently selling weather appropriate garments for the frigid summer months.

JT Paradox: Yes, it was problematic to try to find a winter coat for the frigid weather we are currently experiencing during JUNE here in our fair San Francisco. Stores are stocking skimpy summer gear, and yet, SF is cold almost year-round. So the only place that came to mind was the Burlington COAT factory. Which did indeed, carry coats deep within it's bowels (the basement).

I managed to acquire a JESSICA SIMPSON ORIGINAL. (I recommend petit gentleman like myself to be bold enough to wear women's coats, because men's coats are extremely large and lengthy. Just make sure the coat is somewhat unisex looking). I'll post a photo of said coat soon.

Seriously, Dyanna and I found several Jessica Simpson Label coats that were remarkably acceptable. Who knew the pop-idol turned reality-star could also craft such fashionable outerwear? Is there anything she can't do??? (I'm being sarcastic--yes; but we really did like some of her coats).

Join us vintage shopping as well! theJTparadox.com

The Devil's Tailor

2009-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: People often ask Dyanna Pure and I where we obtain our covetable wardrobe. The answer? Dyanna spent years cultivating her vintage pieces one by one at thrift shops all over the bay area. As for myself, I wear original pieces from the Todd Hudson Collection.

Since I've been called 'The Devil in Disguise' before, that would make Todd Hudson--The Devil's Tailor. He is my personal couturier, and my best wardrobe garments are handcrafted by the skillful Todd Hudson.

Here he is, laying out sample swatches for my next masterpiece I have on order. He works exclusively with men's fashion, and should you be a sartorially obsessed dandy such as myself with the finances to build a couture wardrobe, Todd Hudson is the SF Bay Area's finest seamsman.

He collaborates with afinetooth.com (Men's vintage Fashion) where you can order his custom made trousers! and can be contacted at hudsontg@yahoo.com

He is also a contributor to the extremely clever quality content laden blog: welcometothesalon.com Seriously. You need to read this blog. I don't endorse many websites, so when I do, it means it is something kinda EPIC.

Gemini Disco

2009-06-05T01:18:00.000-07:00

If you live in or near San Francisco,

and like having good times on a saturday night,

come and bring all your rowdy friends to Gemini Disco

at Underground SF (424 Haight Street near fillmore)

It starts at 10pm every first saturday of the month.

I'll most certainly be there with my camera on hand,

looking for cute fashion and fabulous times!

More photos at theJTparadox.com

Have a debaucherous-yet-safe weekend, kid.

XOXO.

Oakland Imports - Powell Street Mall

2009-06-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: One thing that's constant with ALL of the couples that we feature is how well each individual's style complements the couple's aesthetic as a whole. With these two geriatric hipsters--he's a little conservative, she's a little beatnik--but together they manage to be well put together and age appropriate without being overtly matched.

JT Paradox: Tighten homeboy's trousers and he's pretty much me. His dime-piece is taking matchy-match to an epic level with the sanguine shoes, bag, hat, necklace, and even details on her lengthy cardigan. Older folks and rappers can get away with this sort of recklessness.

SF Style Q & A!

2009-06-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

AK: i do indeed enjoy that rolled up jean look. how tall do you reckon someone must be to pull that off? it never seems to work out for me.

JT Paradox: Dearest AK, that's a great question, and it came to pass that I should address this concern--being a man of short stature. Dyanna Pure is fortunate enough to be rather lengthy for a female, and thus, has not had experience dealing with this limitation.

Well, I would say that it is definitely not an exact science, with specific height requirements, but rather, a matter of proportions. It depends on the length of your legs and torso, and your girth. (I'm talking about thickness of your overall body, you dirty birds!)

This is why I've seen petite girls still pull off the cuffed-jeans-look, because they might have long legs in comparison to their torso, and also thin builds.

In my personal opinion, I feel gentlemen should just exercise extreme caution when attempting cuffed jeans, unless:

0. You are a rockabilly guy.

1. You are on the beach or some body of water.

2. There is a flood of biblical proportions. (Noah was the first man to cuff his jeans.)

3. You are fabulous.

My JT Paradox no BS answer? At 5'4" on a good day, I avoid cuffing my jeans at any cost. Cuffed jeans make your legs appear a bit shorter, unless you are really thin and/or tall. If I were forced to provide an educated guess, a man of average proportions, roughly 5'8 and taller, could possibly get away with wearing cuffed jeans. The fit of the jeans should not be too loose, and the shoes should of course be fabulous. When employing this look during warm weather, socks are optional--in my opinion. Just make sure to use a foot spray or powder in your shoe, lest it become a breeding ground for odorous bacteria. Experiment with the size of the cuff (2-4 inches?), and how high, but remember that quite often for men's style, LESS IS MORE.

Have fabulous friends and fashionable morsels critique your final look before heading out to that sidewalk runway. After all, television and movies teach us: Looking good = Being a good person

-THE MORE YOU KNOW-

British Imports - Union Square

2009-06-04T03:19:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: She certainly looks like Princess Leia on the forest moon of Endor--which is a good thing--and I even love the cute accessory she's toting on her arm. I'm talking about the man morsel she's staring at ever so lovingly. I would have had him tuck his shirt in, but hey, I'm not here to split hairs.

Also, we spotted these two moments later inside a starbucks, mirroring each other's hands and being so in love. If I had a heart, I'd feel all "warm and fuzzy."

Dyanna Pure: We had originally stopped this pair of imports on account of the young lady's poncho (it's the first time I'd ever seen one SUCCESSFULLY worn outside of a Speedy Gonzalez cartoon), but I must agree that they are pretty adorable together.

I think what makes her outfit such a hit is her (very British) exercise of restraint in wearing only ONE standout piece, while keeping the rest of her outfit (shoes, bag, boyfriend, et al.) very simple and polished. It's a fine line between classy and cartoon, but this Brit is definitely on the right side.

Like OMG, Who Does Your Hair????

2009-06-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

JT Paradox: My beloved counterpart--Dyanna Pure, was long overdue for a trim, and though we may be fashion fanatics, we know very little about hairstyling. Hair is a very crucial part of one's overall appearance, and the greatest outfit in the world still needs a well-groomed individual underneath to wear it. We felt it best to leave the cutting of hair in the hands of a professional, so we consulted The Great Owl. theJTparadox.com

Mature, Mauve and Manly - Downtown

2009-06-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

Dyanna Pure: This gentleman is a departure from the usual 20-something hipsters that we normally feature, but I appreciate how he balances being both stylish AND age appropriate.

You might not be able to tell in this photo, but:

A) his shoes are suede

B) his man-bag is alligator

C) he manages to pull off a vibrant sweater/pocket square combo without looking like a walking stereotype

His pants are a bit baggy for my taste, but over forty--that's to be expected.

JT Paradox: Ahem.

0. Icy blue dress shirt with Amethyst sweater-pocket square is sexy as all get out

1. Not wearing a tie is a big thumbs up in my book, save it for when you NEED the tie

2. Single button coat is sleek and not just for younger men

(Many people say you MUST keep it buttoned, but I disagree)

3. His lapel width and cuffed flat-front trousers are well chosen

4. Restrained men's fashion is one of the manliest things a man can do

5. Greys in your facial hair is also one of the manliest things a man can do

Mod Nights

2009-05-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

What do mod gentlemen wear for casual nights?

Letterman jackets! Brilliant!

The fact that The Incomparable Sergio Iglesias

has a huge 'S' on his jacket makes things even more supreme.

Lots of morsels wearing their finest mod livery

It's about time to head to theJTparadox.com