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Eco-Friendly Fashion, Los Angeles Noir, Scandal, Murder and Unsolved Mysteries Come Together in popomomo’s Fall 2009 Collection

popomomo, the Los Angeles-based sustainable fashion line, debuts new collection inspired by famed Nancy Drew book series, alongside a T-shirt design partnership with the mysterious Source Family Cult

About Nancy: She becomes involved in mysteries without always being a welcome presence. She is more courageous than her friends and undaunted by the money or time spent in investigating a clue.

Lizz Wasserman, designer of the popular Los Angeles-based eco-friendly fashion line popomomo, confirmed that her fall 2009 collection will pay homage to Great Depression era book series heroine Nancy Drew; dressing women in pieces akin to Los Angeles “who done it?” noir. The budding designer, who recently showed as part of Gen Art’s Sp09 runway presentation, also unveiled her new partnership with the Source Family Cult, to release a limited run of hand-drawn T-Shirts.

“I’ve always been interested in the idea of women solving mysteries, chasing suspects and sleuthing.” said Wasserman. “The popomomo fall collection has details that are perfect for hiding clues and has prints that feature hawks, trees, coyotes, and objects that Nancy could spy from the popomomo studios. I actually bought tons of Nancy books at thrift stores, and I thought to myself, what would Nancy do? What would Nancy wear?”

popomomo will debut the collection on Thursday March 19, at 9:00pm via a short film that Wasserman commissioned from award winning director Peter Shanel at the Mandrake bar in Culver City, CA. The short takes it’s narrative and style directly from the inspiration behind the collection, taking a knowing and intelligent look at Los Angeles film noir, and showcasing, beyond the typical runway show, the meaning behind the designer’s work through film.

Wasserman has taken a modern interpretation of the book icon, flipping her known-look of sophistication, smart suits, matching hats, gloves and handbags, and adding a contemporary edge. “This is not 1940s vintage Nancy,” says Wasserman, “this is Nancy in Los Angeles, in 2009.”

Also on display on Thursday evening will be the results of the popomomo partnership with the Source Family Cult, a hippie-centric commune family who made their name in Los Angeles during the 1970s from scandal and of course style. Founder Jim Baker, was a restaurateur who owned and operated the popular Sunset diner and was accused of bank robbery and murder. His women wore long gowns, kept their hair long, meditated in their Griffith Park mansion, drove around in a Rolls Royce and were part of a rock band called Yo Ha Wha 13; sparking much interest and urban legends surrounding their lifestyle and dealings.

Popomomo has teamed up with Isis Aquarian, Source member and author of the book, The Source, to create a limited run of hand-dyed unisex T-shirts inspired by Aquarian’s memories, which will debut at Los Angeles’s March Market. “I was focused on the idea of aesthetic utopias, and really got inspired by the Source,” said Wasserman. “They were so specifically true to their time and place, and in search of something transcendent.”

Check out both concepts this Thursday – 3/19!

Event Information: The Mandrake is located at 2692 S. La Cienega Blvd, Culver City, 90034. The screening starts at 9:00pm, with DJ Cielo Alano spinning before and after the screening, and noir drink specials throughout the night.

rsvp: list@popomomo.com

And now the icing on the cake – you can purchase one of these exclusive designs on Shopflick.

Not a lot of extra spending cash? Put it where it matters: Shopflick presents the top 10 must-haves right now! Mix & match with what you already own – these simple purchases will give an instant update to your wardrobe & leave you feeling ultra stylish!

Drum Roll, please:

10. Over-sized Cardigan: Give your grandpa’s back and purchase your own – this comfy knit looks great with all your wardrobe staples.

9. Versatile Leggings: The legging is hanging on for dear life – so don’t hate – just figure out the best style & way to wear these spandex treasures. Once added correctly to your wardrobe mix – you’ll wonder how you had functioned.

8. Floor-length Dress: A trend-worthy style that offers a new perspective when matched with flat boots and a boyfriend blazer. Bonus- this piece gives you a head start on summer ‘09.

7. Faux Fur Jacket: The faultless way to channel your inner Rachel Zoe – keep your outfit simple and let this timeless piece work its magic. This is a goody you’ll pull out of your closet year after year.

6. “Layer-able” Jewelry: Simple rings, necklaces & bracelets perfect for layering and stacking. Mix materials, sizes & colors to achieve an individual look all to your own.

5. Signature Scarf: Just what the doctor ordered- a functional winter accessory that gives you an accessible way to add personality to the coldest of outfits.

4. Plaid Shirt-Dress: Working hard or hardly working – the plaid shirt-dress gives one unquestionable impression – you’re serious about style. The classic print and practical cut works well for all!

3. Go-to Booties: Paired with tights, leggings or your favorite pair of skinnys’ – this style of boot can take any outfit from day to night.

2. Essential Wrap: Ideal for traveling, dining out or at the office – like a fashionable blanket- the essential wrap is the perfect go-to for warmth & style.

1. Everyday Leather Bag: Invest in one bag you’d – gasp- “die for” and go for it. Pick from the classic backpack, functional messenger or go-to hobo & say hello to the bag your will carry everyday.

Shop this look >>

A few of us at the ‘flick recently went though a fun yet scrutinizing process to determine the Top 9 Emerging Designers to watch for 2009. As a marketplace featuring a vast range of talent- we looked at style, innovation and momentum, as well as overall individual feel to the work.  Keep a pulse on these fresh faces & check out Shopflick Editorial Director Davida Hall countdown the Top 9 for ‘09:

Shopflick: Visit this store | Get your own Store!

Top 9 for ‘09 Press Releases >>

Read More & Shop these Designers >>

Ganache Couture

Quiana Smith

SF: What does your brand stand for?

QS: Ganache Couture features footwear, handbags, and other accessories from independent designers and emerging lines. Ganache is a type of frosting. I believe that shoes, handbags, and accessories in general serve as the icing on one’s image….thus Ganache Couture!

SF: What is the inspiration?

QS: Individuality is the inspiration of Ganache Couture. Creating your own image instead of mimicking what you see others do. We provide a small number of hard to find items so our customers don’t have to worry about everyone wearing the same shoes or carrying the same bag that they purchase from us.

SF: Who are your customers?

QS: Fashionistas who are or want to be ahead of the fashion curve and who are confident individuals who create their own image.

SF: What’s new this season?

QS: We are closing out our fall and winter season now, so look for a slight change in Ganache Couture for the spring and summer. We will still carry footwear and handbags but will also pick up tees, jackets, and more belts.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

QS: Our most popular selling item is the eggplant pony hair Wino handbag from Tarah Smith. It’s a very unique bag and the ladies love it! We are also receiving a lot of buzz from the Kathryn Amberleigh knee-high patent and cow leather boots.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

QS: The Pussycat Dolls have worn the Velvet Angels Peepshow Bootie & Paris Hilton is an avid fan of Tarah Smith bag.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

QS: I’ve always loved fashion, specifically footwear and handbags and how they make or break an outfit. I took that love (which is more like an obsession) and let it drive me. I’ve always wanted to be a merchandiser for a boutique, so I decided to start my own business instead of working for another company.

SF: What is your must-have item?

QS: Stilettos and a large, unique hobo bag! You can NEVER go wrong with these items. They can dress up a wife beater tank and jeans any day (if done correctly).

SF: What are you wearing right now?

QS: I’m absolutely in love with my tiger print pony hair Wino hobo from Tarah Smith, and I just splurged on a beautiful pair of Barbara Bui heels. I’m pretty simple when it comes to clothing. I’m a fitted t-shirt and jeans type of lady!

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

QS: Ganache Couture also provides image consulting, personal shopping, and personal styling services.

Thanks to Shopflick for giving us the opportunity to share our passions with the masses & make sure to visit our Shopflick Store!

As you wrap up purchasing holiday gifts for everyone on your list- or just starting – the gratification of giving to the ones you love is always a satisfying sensation. So, to keep the good feelings rolling, we have another exceptional giveaway for you:

Eco- friendly seller- BTC Elements- is all about keeping it natural. With a variety of clothing & jewelry to pick from- the designs makes going green that much easier! One lucky Shopflick Style Scouts reader will win a pair of handmade Kris Nations Peach Drop Earrings made from recycled gold fill and vintage beads.

To win, share with us your favorite gift pick via Shopflick’s Gift Guide. Send your submission to: fingerscrossed@shopflick.com by 1/15/09.

Anna Selena Jewelry

Anna Selena

SF: What does your brand stand for?

AS: My brand name is Anna Selena. Not only is it my first and middle name, it represents 2 parts in each of us – Anna is the part in us that stays the same, the part that people know us as. Selena means the goddess of the moon, and represents the ever-changing spirit in us that we have yet to figure out. The two balance each other into our original selves. In complete, Anna Selena stands for the expression of us. My tagline for Anna Selena is “Jewelry for kindred spirits”.

SF: What is the inspiration?

AS: People. The one thing I always loved to do ever since I knew how to talk was meet people and learn something from them. Each person is so different from the other and have their own way of telling their stories. My pieces just give the customers a palette to start with, a concept I think is important. In particular, the inspiration that started this was my father. He showed me the world, literally. He took me everywhere and always brought back inspirations from around the world if I couldn’t go with him on his travels as an architect.

SF: Who are your customers?

AS: The eclectic, expressive artist who appreciates the process of creating; the classical, sexy business woman who is not afraid of leading; the humanitarian philanthropist who remembers through texture.

SF: What’s new this season?

AS: My 1970s free-form engagement rings- there are 5 styles, and I used unconventional ways of setting semi precious lab stones on sterling silver and vermeil. They are a bit forward-thinking or retro, as they are meant for the modest yet eclectic bride. I tried to think of life without diamonds and create a limited collection of stunning colorful, classy rings that are a merge between cocktail rings and engagement rings.

SF: What items are people responding to most?

AS: The Elephas Royale and Infinite Prism are my biggest hits.

SF: Are any celebs wearing your pieces?

AS: Yea there was Queen Latifah who bought the elephas royale in blue sapphire. She was awesome I love her. Eric Roberts wore the Pisces hook, Natasha Henstridge has my promise bracelet, Fernando Romero, Nadine Velázquez is a recent one. She has my custom black leather cuff and anklet.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

AS: I headed the design team for my old company who manufactures costume jewelry for various chain stores. I travelled and trained at their factory in Qing Dao, China and really started to understand the science behind manufacturing and the difference in quality in all stages from mass manufacturing to high end custom jewelry. I then studied with Alan Revere in SF in metalsmithing, and received my associates in apparel manufacturing and management at FIDM. My undergraduate study was done at USC in fine arts. All my life I have been centered around the arts.

SF: What is your must-have item?

AS: I must wear my Elephas Royale in yellow sapphire. It’s a heavy little thing. Basically it’s loaded. Lots of sterling silver, hand-made, set and finished with my special vintage finish. It gets warm when I wear it and I like to hold on to it when I’m thinking about something and I need to concentrate. My lucky charm I guess.

SF: What are you wearing right now?

AS: It’s 1am and I always wear this one coconut charm my friend gave me. It was blessed by the hugging saint Omma who was in town about a year ago. The charm hangs stationary on a 14k ball chain. Yes I love elephants.

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

AS: There is so much beautiful jewelry out there. If you feel like you are gravitating towards a certain piece, I believe that you have a connection to it and you should just follow it. It’s difficult to understand what happens next but good things should happen when you express yourself.

Visit Anna Selena’s Shopflick Store to watch & buy!

Congrats to Ebony David who just scored a free pair of limited edition Black Sabbath Converse sneakers! Ebony shared with us her favorite cons via Barneys NY- we like!

Ok, so November wasn’t your lucky month- start December off on the right foot and enter to win an exclusive pair of The Doors converse sneakers. In honor of the band’s extraordinary legacy, Converse has released a new collection of Chuck Taylor All Star shoes including “The Unknown Soldier” inspired military-style, high-top and white low-top version featuring the logo in a unique print. Mixing music w/ fashion can be an amazing combo!

ENTER TO WIN!!!

Submit your answer to conversegiveaway@shopflick.com.

Q: What did Jim Morrison do to get banned from the Ed Sullivan Show?

***If your size is not available you will receive a Converse gift card for the value of the shoes. Giveaway deadline 12.31.08.

Going GREEN is no longer an option- but a must & we’re here to help! Shopflick offers tons of giftable green goods including luxe finds from eco-friendly designers like The Battalion, Popomomo & EcoSkin- plus a Green Gift Guide.

In addition to these one-of-a-kind finds- lucky LA gals & guys are invited to check out Green with Glamour’s 1st ever holiday shopping event. Featuring women’s & men’s fashion, furnishings and gifts from top names in eco-luxury design all at 30% off- plus 5% of every sale that evening will go to the charity of your choice. Enjoy organic wines, vegan goodies and of course… fantastic photography. And if that’s not enticing enough- how about a gift bag & complimentary valet!

The Logistics:

Thursday, December 4th from 7-11 pm.

145A N. La Brea Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

RSVP: rsvp@greenwithglamour.com

Shopflick seller Violent Valen is having a party! Check out the Buddy Sweatshirt Collection Exhibit this Saturday from 7-11 in downtown L.A. Valen & BPM Magazine will present her one-of-a-kind hoodies while hubby, Stone Throw Record’s Peanut Butter Wolf, dj’s the event. Purchase one of her works of art, available exclusively on Shopflick, or watch more on Valen at her store. Just make sure to RSVP (buddybyviolet@gmail.com) for Saturday’s event!

It’s Friday night! I’d love to offer you a cold beverage, but how about a sale instead?One of Shopflick’s fav’s- Miss Misa – added two new pieces to her collection and in celebration Misa has marked both pieces 20% off for a limited time.

Emerald Green Owl Ring

Reg Price- $34

Shopflick Price- $27.00

The Double Strand Saint Necklace

Reg Price- $35

Shopflick Price- $28.00

Original designs and reasonably priced make both of these pieces perfect for gifting!

Shopflick: Get Miss Misa Saint Necklace SALE yourself!
See more of Miss Misa on Shopflick!

You’ve read the reviews, now check out Shopflick’s L.A. Fashion Week 2008 behind the scenes footage from Gen Art’s FRESH FACES Show:

Visit Shopflick.com | See more on Shopflick TVAnd for you trendSETTERS- purchase your own indie couture find right now!

We’re constantly trying to make the site better for all users. Now Shopflick buyers and sellers can enjoy numerous new updates- a faster checkout process, new store layout & listing store improvements are just a few launching today! Check the below for a full list of improvements that were designed simply- to make life easier!

And register now to join the Shopflick community and stay up to speed with the newest, emerging indie designers, boutiques & brands.

Shopflick’s Improvement Check List:

Checkout Process Improvements
- Streamlined checkout flow that makes it significantly easier to purchase an item on Shopflick

Listing Page Improvements
- Key product information now closer to the video (cost, store policies, product images, descriptive copy)
- More of Sellers other items and more related items on display
- Improved “tools” area making it easier to Favorite, Share, Send to a Friend and Review products

Store Page Improvements
– Moved key seller information to top of page so it’s easy to find
- Added a quick way to scroll through product with “Featured Item” carousel
- Easier to find and use tools like Favoriting, Reviewing, Sharing and Sending to Friends
- Easier viewing of all Store inventory in Gallery or List view
- A “Related Stores” area where you can browse similar Shopflick stores
- A News feature that allows sellers to post relative information about the line

I posted earlier this month about Shopflick’s day in Venice Beach dressed head to toe in James Perse- but now see for yourself what went down! The final edit is in! Check us out- checking out the new ‘08 collection. The soft, comfy basic are pretty much perfect for any occasion- including the solution to a smart, tasteful gift this holiday. The James Perse Store on Shopflick is loaded with all the goods, so click away!

Shopflick: Visit this store | Get your own Store!

The new TV channel, Planet Green has filled its line-up with eco-minded programming. One show that caught our eye is Hollywood Green, which features different Hollywood celebs going green. Maria Menounos took her involvement further by helping inspire the Planet Green Room, one of the displays at the Young Hollywood Home event at the Pacific Design Center. Hollywood Life magazine hosted last evening’s event that took the chance to honor the eco-friendly design & Maria Menounos involvement.

Shopflick was on the scene and our new Editorial Director, Davida was a natural in front of the camera. Celebs Maria Menunous and Kim Kardashian gave Shopflick some love while supporting the bigger cause. Various green furniture and clothing designers shared with us the inspiration behind their work and own personal green beliefs.

In a short speech, Menonous thanked the show for pushing her to make the “full” green commitment and recaps one of her first real green moments: “Cindy Crawford suggested I get rid of every plastic bottle in my house and use a refillable bottle instead.” The suggestion is an easy, practicable solution for anyone considering the number of stylish water bottles available.

Check back to see on our on-camera re-cap of the event- including more from the eco-line clothing lines Green Apple and Little Society. Until then, stay green with these three easy steps:

*Eat locally grown food

*Buy eco-friendly clothing

*Greenerize your home- everything from light bulbs to furniture

L.A. Fashion Week Spring ‘09 was Oct. 10th – Oct. 17th and Shopflick was out & about for the festivities.

Things kicked off with Gen Arts 11th Year of Fresh Faces in Fashion Los Angeles. The show has helped debut designers like Louis Verdad, Kate O’Connor, Michelle Mason, Alicia Lawhon, Claire La Faye, Rami Kashou, Corey Lynn Calter & Grey Ant and is a must-attend event for the week.

Lucky us, not only was Shopflick invited, we got back-stage access for exclusive interviews with the designers. Mandy Moore played host for the night and the show line-up included LAEKEN, Maxine Dillion, Nanushka, Peonie, Quail, WAYF, K.Z.O. and Wayne Hadly.

I had the chance to speak with each designer on camera and everyone was truly excited and greatly appreciative for the opportunity Gen Art provided. The collections were unreal & each one of these designers has a promising career ahead!

Also, make sure to catch up on other Shopflick Style Scout posts for more on L.A. Fashion Week: Gen Art: Fashionably Natural Show, Smashbox Studios: Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show

Pics from Backstage & Runway:

Waiting to walk the runway- models in Quail

Models backstage in Wayne Hadly

Designer, Maxine Dillon

Nanushka designer Sandra Sandor