Haute How to: Get Party Glam in SF

Photo Credit: Richard Van

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are officially here and with them come Christmas cocktails, Hanukkah dinners, Santa brunches, office celebrations, and charity galas. Tis the season for parties! However, the next six weeks can be filled with festive revelry, but the gift shopping, vacation planning, and wrapping-up work can also be incredibly stressful. That’s why we’re here to help—one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is your look. With a little savvy know how, you won’t waste any time standing in your closet wondering what to wear. No need to whither away in the bathroom with the blow-dryer, either. There are professionals who will make sure your frock is pressed, your hair is styled, and your eyebrows sculpted. Here’s the 411 on how to get glamorous—be it for an extravagant gala or intimate New Year’s Eve countdown—in San Francisco.

Photo Credit: Richard Van

Styling

Don’t be afraid to open your closet; even the most stylish trendsetters work with a professional to help refine and finesse their look. The best stylist in the Bay Area is Mary Gonsalves Kinney. Kinney’s clients include tech titans and poised professionals. She offers a variety of styling options, from a full closet edit to monthly package options to hourly sessions for special events. Kinney ensures that every client feels confident in their own skin. She has long-lasting relationships with Marni, Stella McCartney, Intermix, Gucci, and Barneys.

Photo Credit: Richard Van

Custom Clothing

Perhaps you want a special dress made just for you? Yuka Uehara is your girl. The creative director of Tokyo Gamine makes one-of-a-kind couture gowns. She hand sews pearls onto cascading layers of fabric and paints abstract designs on full skirts. The entire experience from start to finish is completely personalized and unique. Uehara gets to know each client and takes the time to make a stunning piece that truly fits the client’s body. The resulting article of clothing makes the wearer feel beautiful, self-assured, and stylish. Other local designers that will work with you to make a custom piece? Jake’s Blake Patterson and Jake Wall create dazzling evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or jumpsuits. Don’t believe us? Check out the looks in Jake’s recently released music video. Altana Danzhalova is a Siberia-transplant who makes fantastic skirts. Haute Living’s style editor-at-large, Sonya Molodetskaya and Danzhalova are working on a highly anticipated, soon-to-be-released capsule collection called Major Obsessions, so you know Danzhalova’s pieces are lust-worthy.

Photo Credit: Richard Van

Beauty

When it comes to on-demand beauty, you can’t beat La Mienne. Patricia Ivancich Dassios’s start-up empowers local makeup artists who make women look fabulous in the comforts of their own home. Book a hair stylist, makeup artist, or manicurist to prepare you for any event. Makeup artists will also perform an in-depth review of your beauty arsenal and teach you how to use the makeup you already own. La Mienne’s artists are available most days from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., so they can service even the busiest of working mothers. If you prefer to visit a salon for your hair styling, allow us to introduce you to Prête. The blow-dry membership service allows you to book unlimited blowouts per month at the last minute. For makeup needs outside of the house, the Social Beauty Co. is an excellent one-stop shop for makeup application, eyelashes and brow care, and waxing needs.