Holiday Picks

5 Holiday pieces that will be perfect 

for the seasons galas and parties.

Available at Grand ave. 

and online. 

xo

McMullen

Inspiration Monday :: The Little Things

"In the sweetness of friendship 

let there be laughter, 

and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things, 

the heart finds its morning

and is refreshed."

- Khalil Gibran

xo

McMullen

Getting to Know our Designers :: Westward Leaning

 

Westward Leaning, a San Francisco based sunglass company, is quickly becoming

 the hottest accessory label for Hollywood's elite and fashionista's in the know.  

The secret is in the design. 

Each pair is crafted from one universally flattering shape, 

while thoughtful accents and a mix of materials are used to distinguish one collection from another. Each collection focuses on an aspect of human achievement and social progress,

 like the Children of California collection, which uses reclaimed redwood with proceeds going to Teach for America in the Bay Area.
This quirky mixture of style and heart has made Westward Leaning one of our favorite new brands at McMullen.
Check out an interview with the Westward Leaning team to find out how they created their signature shape and what causes they will be representing next.

 

Q. What's the key to creating sunglasses that are universally flattering?

 

A. The key to creating sunglasses that are universally flattering is keeping the design simple and minimalistic. Our universal frame is based on the classic wayfarer frame, and we inlay the unique materials at the temples in a flattering parallelogram shape. 

Q. Your project is based a lot on social causes and progressive issues. How have these inspired Westward Leaning and the overall collection? What issue is the current collection touching on and why is it important to the brand to highlight human achievement?

A. The original inspiration came from a brainstorm session when our co-founders Robert Denning and Karlygash Burkitbayeva where classmates at Stanford Business School. They were trying to figure out ways that retail could better engage with contemporary social issues. Rather than use social issues merely for marketing, they wanted to make them core to a brand's identity, and central to the actual design and manufacturing. Therefore a social lens has inspired every aspect of the brand from where we source to the materials we choose to incorporate in the glasses. 

The current collection, Model No. 9 honors the color revolutions that have brought about democratic change throughout the world. While the sunglasses honor all the various color revolutions, the specific models—in blue, orange and pink—celebrate the Orange Revolution, the Blue Revolution, and both the Rose and the Velvet Revolutions, respectively. For every pair of sunglasses sold, we donate $10 to Reporters Without Borders, which works to protect and defend the journalists who report on the front lines of social change.

It is important for us to highlight human achievement for two reasons. The first is that we strive to offer sunglasses that let people express both their personal style and their outlook on the world around them. The second is that, while past visionaries were responsible for the achievements our sunglasses celebrate, we support education programs dedicated to creating future visionaries in order to ensure we have a bright future - bright enough for shades! 

Q. What is your favorite style tip for women (of any age)?

 

A. Our favorite style tip, or something we love, is subtle color matching. For example, when someone matches the reflective cobalt blue on the lenses of our color revolution model with their belt, handbag, or the color of their nails. It is subte, and hard to catch, but when you do it gives a powerful sense of togetherness to the outfit. 

Westward Leaning is now available at both McMullen locations. 

Stop by and find your perfect pair!

XO

McMullen

Karen's Picks of the Week!

1. Westward Leaning Sunglasses. Im loving the new Westward Leaning 

sunglasses available at McMullen

2. Faux fur vest by Graham & Spencer

3. Maxi skirt by Graham & Spencer

4. Borgo Italia, Oakland. Borgo Italia is the newest restaurant to hit Old Oakland. 

I'm loving their homestyle Italian fare. It's simple, rustic, and delicious!

5. 88 Orange knit long sleeve black tee

6. Giovanna Torrico black and gold hoop earrings.

Items 1-3, 5 & 6 available at Grand ave. location.

Stop by McMullen to shop Karen's picks

or call 510.658.6906 for 

more information.

Inspiration Monday :: Giving Thanks

"Forever on Thanksgiving day

the heart will find the pathway home."

- Wilbur D. Nesbit

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for.

xo

McMullen

Plaid Friday + Fall Sale!

Join McMullen

for Plaid Friday

Friday, November 23rd 11-7pm

We will also be celebrating Plaid Friday at both locations.

Gift wrapping stations, Pietisserie pies, and hot cider will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!

xo

McMullen

Getting to Know our Designers :: Erica Varize

Based in Berkeley, Erica Varize has quickly become one of our favorite local designers.

Erica's collections feature a contrast between soft, fluid jersey knits, and structural, vibrant Ankara print cotton. Her designs remain simple, allowing the fabrics to speak for themselves, but are always offering a unique architectural silhouette that works on every body type.

Recognized for being one of the first cut and sew boutiques in the bay area, Erica has now transitioned to off the rack collections so that she can quickly satiate the rising demand for her designs.

While Erica is deeply rooted in the urban community, her heart lies in Africa where she spent time as a teenager, and later as an adult, living and working in Guinea and Uganda. Erica's passion for her experiences in Africa inspired her use of traditional African wax fabrics from Uganda, which she incorporates into her collections through modern silhouettes.

Erica has also used her design skills to start a sewing camp for girls called Sew What, teaching them how to draft patterns, sew, and develop their creativity. 

We love Erica's unique designs, and based on how quickly they've been flying off the McMullen racks, we're pretty sure you do to!

Check out an interview with Erica below, as well as a link to her website where you can find out more about her design process and involvement with the local community. 

Q. Your designs utilize both architectural and fluid elements. What is your inspiration when creating your collections?

A. I have been asked this question many of times and the truth is this: I design for the woman that is in me, my inspiration comes from women that I am surrounded by ~ Self confident, moms, singles, career driven, women who understand the beauty of work and play ~ these women inspire our bohemian separates and also appreciate their own beauty when wearing one of our gowns. She is the same woman.    

Q. Many of your designs feature traditional African wax fabrics. Do they have a particular meaning for you other than aesthetic appeal?

A. My love for the Ankara fabric began in 2007 after visiting Uganda, I immediately wanted to share my gift of design through this fabric, designing modern clothing with Ankara fabric that any woman could rock! I began supporting my passion of the fabric by purchasing from women in Uganda whom sell the fabric to support their families. Since 2007 EVarize has supported these women, and continues to design with Ankara. 

Q. What is your style tip for women (of any age)?

A.Wear whatever the hell you wanna wear; just make sure you look good!

Q. What is your favorite fashion indulgence?

A. Shoes Shoes Shoes, all day!!!

Erica's pieces are available at McMullen and McMullen in Old Oakland. Stop by and browse her amazing collection! Click here for a link to her website where you can see more designs, and read more about this amazing local designer.

xo

McMullen

McMullen Turns Five!

Getting to Know Our Designers :: The Podolls

In their own words, the story goes something like this: boy meets girl, boy makes tees to impress girl, sparks fly, they launch a dream, boy and girl fall madly and deeply, boy needs girl's partnership, girl commits to loving and living the dream with boy, boy and girl run off together with wild abandon.
Thus is the beginning of the local, sustainable, and superbly chic line called The Podolls. Started in 2003 when abstract painter Josh Podoll met with, and later married, boutique buyer Lauren Berdell to discuss a line of graphic tees, The Podolls grew from t-shirts to a full collection of versatile, sustainable clothing for women.
With a focus on local production and using organic, responsibly grown materials, The Podolls create easy to wear, stylish clothes with a conscience. We love The Podolls because of the emphasis they place on keeping production, from the fibers in their textiles to the finished product, within the U.S.A. The Podolls combines comfort and style into versatile pieces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched for any occasion.
Check out an interview below with Josh and Lauren Podoll, as well as a link to their collection available at McMullen!

Q. The Podolls started as graphic tees. How did you move from t-shirts to an entire collection?

A. We started out designing tees and silk screening our drawings onto them. Making t-shirts to our specifications taught us so much about the process of creating patterns,

 scaling them to fit and how various fabrics affect the look and feel of the piece. Within a few seasons of starting the collection of tees, we wanted to challenge ourselves and started making other silhouettes like button down shirts and skirts. The evolution of our line felt very natural to us and we tried to keep learning and pushing our boundaries. Our experience drawing designs to silkscreen on tops has informed our current process of creating exclusive prints each season-- we still start with our drawings and water colors and translate them into silk prints for our blouses, dresses, and pants. Both of us love textiles and enjoy dreaming up new ways to drape and execute our ideas to make beautiful, wearable garments. 

Q. What are you favorite fall indulgences?

A. Fall is such a cozy time of year. At home we start making soups, roasted applesauce, homemade chai and slow rise breads. We love hosting friends and family so we cultivate a warm environment for entertaining. Our climate here in San Francisco is perfect sweater weather so it's easy to justify adding some new pieces to our wardrobes come fall! 

Q. What is your favorite style tip for women (of any age)?

3. The best style advice we follow is that comfort is key. You'll look your best when you feel good in your skin and comfortable in your clothing. Trust your first reaction when you try on clothes and choose what contributes to a sense of ease and confidence.  And besides that-- enjoy getting dressed! Life can be tough so choose to be playful with fashion-- take some risks, try something new and have fun!

Stop by McMullen to see the fall/winter 2012 Podolls collection!

xo

McMullen

Lynna's Picks of the Week

1. Graham and Spencer sleeveless dress in Cabernet

2. Pinkberry. My current guilty pleasure is Pinkberry.

 They just opened in San Francisco, which I'm pretty excited about.

 3. NmberNine Omy clutch in Natural Flower

 4. Modern Family. My go to drama is Modern Family.

Every single episode is a good laugh.

 5. Alexis Bittar ruby dust hinge bracelet

 6. Lizzie Fortunato crystal column earrings

Items 1,3,5, and 6 are available at Grand Ave. location.

Stop by McMullen to shop Lynna's picks!

Or call 510.658.6906 to order or for more information.

Neighbor Appreciation Night at Pop Up Hood

Join us Thursday, November 8th, as we celebrate the one year anniversary of Pop Up Hood Oakland with our Neighbor Appreciation Night! As a small business community, we want to take the time to say thank you to all who have supported Pop Up Hood and its retail businesses, including the McMullen Old Oakland location, for the past year. We will be celebrating our neighbors with 

food, drinks, music and late night shopping at all of the Pop Up Hood stores. Come celebrate with us this Thursday from 5-8pm and discover how Pop Up Hood is changing small businesses in Oakland. See details below, as well as a link to Pop Up Hood's homepage to find out more about their program and amazing stores. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you there! 

Click here to find out more about Pop Up Hood and our Neighbor Appreciation Event

Thursday, November 8th 5-8pm

Pop Up Hood, Old Oakland at 9th and Broadway

xo

McMullen