A Few of My Favorite Things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes...and now jewelry by BO J.C.

I tried to find an accurate photograph to display the beauty of this jewelry line but none do it justice. The jewels are gorgeous, understated, and sophisticated (kind of like the owner of iniam, Lisa Raja).* The gemstones are rich (tourmaline, opal, peridot, etc) but delicately strung, with some on braided gold thread. That's right...tiny braids in gold around your neck. Check out these earrings (we received some similar, but better I think)...just in time for stocking stuffers.

* I was not paid extra to write this.

Feed the World...or at least Alameda County

This year, food shortages are more prevalent than ever. To that end, iniam is collecting non-perishable donations for the Alameda County Food Bank in order to help those out in need. We've already filled one barrel of generous donations from our customers, filled with lots of healthy vittles...with Trader Joe's nearby, we figure this is a no-brainer. Donate today; it's the right thing to do.

Party time

It's party time in the Bay area. With all the holidays and the festivities surrounding them...one can never have enough dresses, can one? Especially when they (the parties) overlap (as do the party goers themselves) and who wants to be caught dead in the same dress worn thrice? In order not to, check out the new frocks from Trina Turk... long and silky...what's not to love? And the peacock dress hardly says "birds of a feather dress."

CHANGE you can believe in.

I'm not talking about political candidates,I'm talking about something equally important however: your wardrobe. Yes, change your wardrobe at iniam as well as save some change by coming to our historic event:

30% off everything sale TODAY AND TOMORROW only.

And we too believe in a more perfect union -- Bring a friend and if your friend makes a purchase, you both receive 35% off. That gets my vote.

Left on Houston

New in our Fall line-up is a reasonably-priced sweater line "Left on Houston" - yes, that's right, so reasonable in fact they are almost sold out! Take a look at this soft sweater in blues and grays and buttons up the back and the toffee- colored bell sleeve cardigan. Cute as the buttons on the sweaters themselves. Don't wait - they'll be gone faster than you can say "thank god the election is over"

Riotous

So my mother called yesterday afternoon, to ask me if I voted yet (I like voting on Election Day) and then said CNN reported that if Obama doesn't win, there will be riots in the street of Oakland. Hmmmm...I think a way to prevent this from happening, is to VOTE. I've yet to see a McCain sign anywhere in Oakland, though I did see some chocolates with the GOP on them, and if all the supporters of Obama vote, then the issue will be moot. So VOTE VOTE VOTE. Besides, don't believe everything you hear on the news, especially CNN

Tis the season...

No, it's not Christmas time yet; we at iniam usually wait until the pumpkins are long gone from windows and stoops before we start worrying about Santa and tinsel. It is the season in the Bay area however, to pick up a few turtlenecks from James Perse (navy, black, charcoal, heather gray). These tops have the earmarks of a classic turtleneck without you ending up looking like a turtle. You see, the necks are snuggly, but not TIGHT, and definitely not so loose you would loose a graham cracker down the front. And James Perse softness, quality, and ease. These are the perfect foil to these rainy blustery days of late.

Airtight Theory

With goosebumps on your legs, there is no better solution than a pair of tights, and who better but iniam (and Theory) to provide them? With designs and colors that reflect the current season and styles, these tights winter-fy your dresses and skirts and those long tunics you were wondering what to do with after summer yawns its way to sleep.

Theory tights: in chocolate, pine, plum, black, charcoal, and black diamond pattern (ooo...sounds dangerous!)

James Perse tees

A boxload of tops from James Perse recently arrived in jellybean-ish colors; 180 degrees from their usual subdued color palette. Long-sleeved v-necks, just in time for the cooler nights in evergreen, azaela, charcoal, lakeshore blue, and of course white and black. Same color palette, different style, the contrast panel button up shirt with rolled up sleeves, is a little dressier, albeit still the same comfort you find in all James Perse tops. I'll be darned if I can find a photo of any of the colors, but you can at least see the style in the one posted here.

Furry Friend

Having a pet on a cold winter day is nice; you can nuzzle up with them to watch the newest episode of Mad Men or Dexter, sipping a glass of red wine or eating a warm bowl of soup. But now you can get that same warm fuzzy feeling in the new Gryphon coats that just arrived last week. Fur trimmed (faux fur) at the wrist and knee mine hanging woefully in my closet waiting the first cold snap. In the meantime, I 've got a my cat.

Better late than never!

For those of you following along this Blog, you may have noticed no blogging for a few, er, weeks. There's good reason, but none of which I claim to confess right now. Onward...

We've got so many great new things in the store, it's hard to choose which to write about, but I'll start with our newest addition to the denim family, Earnest Sewn.

We've got three styles and three colors on the racks: "Decca" is Earnest Sewn's popular straight leg jean, and we have it in a dark, even wash. Then there is the Keaton, a medium wash easy going boot cut. Finally, look for the Ali, a little wider than a boot cut and slightly slimmer than a flare- in the best wash - reminds me of my favorite pair of Levi's after hundreds of washings.

Quick and dirty

No, the title of this post is not about pillow talk, it's a list of upcoming deliveries at iniam. Expect in the next week or so; the earlier the better:

- Trina Turk - dresses, dresses, dresses - see photo at left - (and a great pair of pants)
- Theory - cashmere sweaters, turtlenecks, dresses, and more great basics in a fall palette
- Vince - cashmere hoodies, belted sweaters, riding pants - giddy-up!
- Paul & Joe's Sister - trendy short sleeve dress in grey
- James Perse - v-neck long sleeve comfy cotton tops

It's a Wrap

Am I greedy or is there another compelling reason I want every color in these new Chan Luu wrap bracelets? Leather with faceted gold vermeil and silver beads, these very wearable bracelets are just the pick me up I need after the toils of Labor Day weekend (I worked, what about you?). At iniam we received brown, white, and red leather with gold beads, and gray, nude, and black with silver beads, as well as black leather with both silver and gold beads... you can't have just one!

Enchanted? By All Means.

For literati set who also happen to be obsessed with fashion, grab yourself this newest edition of the New Yorker, where the entire mag is devoted to style; and none other than Marc Jacobs is featured in the wonderful profile, "Enchanted; The transformation of Marc Jacobs" by Ariel Levy.

Read how Jacobs, despite being snarked by fashion critic Suzy Menkes, (among others) for his runway antics, he has parlayed his personality into his product and the two have become inseparable. Jacobs's cheeky renditions of contemporary fashion have made him a force in the industry and he is one of the most watched designers this side of the Atlantic. He injects and reflects American culture into everything he creates; provocative, but wearable, and cool without being aristocratic, his designs mirror America and Americans both on and off the runway.

iniam is deep into Marc by Marc Jacobs and the fun began in June and continues throughout upcoming chilly October evenings. Look for a flurry of flirty dresses, luxe sweaters, lively and colorful silk tops, well-fitted pants, and a bevy of fall and winter coats. Oh, and look for them at iniam.

Pre-Fall SALE August 14-16

Due to an overabundance of cute things in the store, we decided to share the wealth and offer all Marc by Marc Jacobs clothing 20% off from Thursday August 14-Saturday August 17th. It's all new stuff too: coats (both cotton and wool), adorable silk tops with polka dots or a riot of color, gray flannel pants, khaki trousers with a thin pinstripe, cotton/silk blouses, and more. Plus, with your MJ purchase, you get some schwag: a canvas tote or a purse-sized mirror!

(Noted in Diablo.)

Another Obsession

Lately I've had a lot of obsessions in the store; not sure if it is the jewel colored tops, the svelte coats, the cozy cashmere sweaters, or just the smell of new clothes, but I do know one thing, I can't stop thinking about this VEST by A Common Thread.

A Common Thread, as you may know, is the little sister collection from Rozae Nichols. When I say little sister, I don't mean the clothing is for your little sister, it's just something your little sister could likely afford. Anyway, back to the vest. This vest makes everything I wear just that much cuter. It's progressive but classic, sexy and assertive, and despite it looking mousebrown in this photo, it is a gorgeous loden green soft wool with a delicate silk back. Looks great over a sparkly dress, no?

Wear it with a tank top, a t-shirt, a sweater...I cannot think of anything it wouldn't look good with, except maybe another vest.

Why Not?

Who needs a black or beige coat when you can have this one from Marc by Marc Jacobs? The coat is well-tailored and made of a ever-so-slightly ridged cotton and lined with purple silk, so every time you put it on, you have to smile. It's got some heft to it, so it will work with these chilly nights of late, as well as chillier nights to come. It's a great length too; long enough to feel dressy but short enough to not get caught in your bicycle tires or your car door. Red. It's the new black.

What to Think About When You Think About Clothes

Today's obsession? This Trina Turk dress!

Unwrinkleable fabric, with that fabulously flattering neckline, in black and charcoal gray, with a 3/4 sleeve that is slightly belled, what's not to love? Did I mention that the fabric doesn't wrinkle? The necklace closure is a matte silver metal with a small chain. And of course, Trina Turk's clothing has a great fit for many body types. Wear it with electric blue tights (or not!), or with boots, pants, or flats...the versatility is inspiring.

Can't make it to the store, just call and ask for it by name: The Babylon dress by Trina Turk.

NEW AT INIAM: A Common Thread

New to iniam is A Common Thread, a little sister line to Rozae Nichols. A Common Thread's clothing offers a little elegance and a smidgen of whimsy rolled into one...it's fashion forward without being forward. The dress (see photo - dress on left) is in red, pink, and orange silk, which may sound a tad rioutous, but the colors somehow are soothing. For everyone that walks into the store - it is the first thing they touch.

The ivory silk pintucked and pleated blouse is adorable and comfortable and looks great with the loden colored wool and silk vest. The vest, which I've tried on at least a dozen times, also looks great slung over a t-shirt, a think sweater, or the sleeveless dress I am wearing today. It cutifies (Gina's word, not mine) everything it touches. They also sent us a succulent sleeveless top in stretch silk, not unlike the colors and pattern on the dress in the right of this photo. The early bird gets the worm on these...I've already sold one dress...

The Right Stuff

Are you fashion savvy, mature, somewhat experienced, and/or looking for a part time job that will fulfill your soul (and your closet)? Are you comfortable doling out fashion advice to people? Are you sociable? Do you have a sense of humor? Does the smell of new clothes drive you wild or does the fine pintuck of a well-made blouse make you weep? At iniam, we are looking for a part time person to fill two or three shifts so if you, or somebody you know, fits the bill, stop by or shoot us an email (with your CV).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Bad Weather?

I almost turned the heat on
yesterday morning to rid my house of the chill, but living with an east coast yankee (my carmudgeonly husband, not a baseball player), I relinquished myself to putting on another layer of fleece and hovering near our Wedgewood stove. It's a luxury problem really, to be living here in the East Bay, where the temps fluctuate gently between 60-75 degrees, and a cold day is somewhere between 50-60. I used to live in Sweden near the coast where there was a constant headwind usually combined with some form of rain, where in the winter the sun sets early, before you have had a Swedish ficka. Fortunately, at iniam we've got a gaggle of coats arriving soon for the finicky days of late summer and early fall in the Bay area and one of our new lines is Gryphon. Gryphon, a premier maker of contemporary coats, is our new favorite here at the store. Three styles (see photos) are romantic, feverishly stylish, and all have an amazing fit. They are so gorgeous you may not even have to wear clothes (you can bet your pants I'll be wearing mine all the time- it's the FAUX fur-edged one).

As they say in Sweden, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes.

Pre-Fall Goodies

On one side of the store we are continuing our summer clearance sale (as of yesterday items are marked up to 50% off and are going fast!) and on the others side of the store we have new pre-Fall/late-Summer collections making their way onto the racks.

Starting the line-up is Trina Turk's glorious sturdy silk numbers - a halter blouse in vivid colors of cranberry, dark teal, black, and bluey green OR a sleeveless black swing dress, as well as her signature well-fitting pants, currently in black.

We've got a full rack of James Perse basics (long sleeve, short sleeve, tanks, etc.) as well as a few special pieces like the one button hoody; feels like sweatshirt but looks much more glamorous and the new open drape-neck cotton sweater in an pearly oyster color.

Theory is making a splash in vibrant red day dresses and cotton pintuck tees that are almost gone and new Marc by Marc Jacobs separates are easy to wear and easy to buy..! The MJ fitted cotton black tank with XL zipper on the back is trendy without being obsolete in a month (I hope not; I bought one)

StoreAdore.com + iniam = lurve

We just got a generous write-up in the new online
shopping website, StoreAdore. StoreAdore is (in their own words) "an online forum for passionate shoppers to find and share insights and information on the very best boutiques and specialty stores in the cities where they live, where they travel, and online. As both a practical resource and an online shopping community, Store Adore is a place where shoppers can discover new stores (or find out what's new with their long-time favorites!) and have the opportunity to talk shop(ping) with likeminded individuals."

I couldn't have said it better myself. So I didn't.

Summer Clearance Sale!

It's that time of year when in the middle of summer, retail shops start getting sweaters in for fall ... speaking of fall, that is what is happening to our prices starting today. Today and throughout the month, come to iniam for hefty savings on your favorite designers like Trina Turk, Theory, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Twinkle, and more...we are even offering 25% off some already marked down denim to make room for Earnest Sewn, Hudson, and James Jeans beginning to arrive in July.

Moreover, you can get a good look at all the new stuff coming in for early fall like Vince Sweaters, our new Marc by Marc Jacobs collection, Chan Luu cashmere scarves, with more to come in the next couple of weeks.

For cool summer nights...and even colder fall days

At last! Cashmere and silk scarves for the summer AND winter...we just received a flurry of these soft, wide, and wafter thin scarves - but trust me, they are not your typical pashmina. Our scarves are indigenous to College Avenue in Oakland; pashmina's are found in the high altitudes of the Himalaya's. So you don't have to go far for comfort or warmth. Warmth, you say? In the middle of summer? Again, even if you are in the Central Valley, nights tend to cool off and these throws are perfect for swaddling around your neck (or your naked baby) or throwing over your shoulders as you toss back another mojito. Good over tees or tea party dresses, we just can't get enough. Comes in charcoal gray, grass green, deep teal blue, black, offwhite, burnt orange, pink (shown), and peacock blue.

One for you and one for me

We can't seem to keep the new Jennifer Tuton initial necklaces in store! The tiny gold filled disc is hand stamped (in my vernacular - 'tunked') with any letter of the alphabet and hangs in that perfect necklace spot (for lack of better anatomical reference - below the jugular and above the cleavage). These are apparently appropriate for any occasion according to our customers-birthdays, graduations, friendship, anniversaries, and are great gifts for your daughter, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, girlfriend, wife, yourself, your mistress, effeminate son, small dog, etc...

At $62, you will not only be fashionable, you will be smart - they are a simple statement for a fraction of the cost of a Henry Cuir bag. On the chain closure, Tuton embellishes them with a small stone of varying colors and shapes - always a surprise, but always lovely. Special orders are welcome with no extra shipping charges, as Ms. Tuton is a local and is quick to replenish our supply. Call us or stop by to see what's available (they are usually right on the counter). You won't walk away empty handed or naked necked, I guarantee.

Bike, don't drive

At iniam, we are usually not making loud political statements, and we don't intend to start, however, with gas prices creeping up, we are thinking that bicycling is probably the way to go lately. Not only do you save gas money, but you also save dollars on those pesky meters lining College Avenue. What a pain when you want to be donning all the new Marc by Marc Jacobs tops or dipping into the bowl of Jane Tran hair accessories at iniam. Lucky that just down the street, at Hank and Frank's bicycle shop, you can swing by and pick up the new Amsterdam bike: a real street cruiser built made for whizzing past all the traffic on College Ave. No time to go there? We just happen to have one at the store for you to admire.

MJ on the Way!

Slowly but surely we are just starting to receive our newest line, Marc by Marc Jacobs...and of course the owner of iniam was careful to select the best fitting items for the store. As a matter of fact, this shirt modeled by our very own Gina, is almost gone already!

Though it's coming in dribs and drabs, by the end of June, we'll have a good selection, by July we will start getting in early Fall goodies, and by August, we will be deep into the collection. Keep your eyes peeled or sign up for our email list at www.iniam.com for upcoming Marc by Marc Jacobs specials!

ADDENDUM: Today the very cutest pima cotton MJ shirts arrived in blue and white just in time for the weekend. The round collar is femmy and pretty and just the right touch for your everyday t-shirt.

We also got a replenishment of Jane Tran bobby pins, hair clips, and headbands to jazz up your windblown or sun-tampered locks.

Talent

There exists a heap of talent among our customers, friends, employees, neighbors, and colleagues and once in awhile, we'd like to share their celebrations, openings, readings, etc. with you!

Recently we discovered Ana Labastida, an amazingly talented artist who stopped by the store one day seeking a dress to wear to her first show. After June 21st, some of her work will be shown (and for sale) at LOLA, a new home and accessories store, part gallery, in Berkeley on College Avenue. Ana's mixed media is tactile, beautiful, and ethereal, as is she! And best of all, at her opening she can be found in a Cynthia Steffe long pink dress! Good luck Ana!!!

A Few Words on Simplicity

Occasionally simplicity rues the day; insomuch as the beauty of a thing is sometimes found in an unassuming detail, a humble color, or a modest inclination. Look no further than this James Perse white tee. It came out of the box yesterday and is probably the loveliest thing I've set my retailed little hands on in awhile. There's no trick, no fancy tuck or hem, nothing really to detract from the elegant essence of a well-made white shirt.

Vacation

With Memorial Day behind us and school's end in the near future, most of us are thinking of vacation (actually I just took two weeks off in case you missed me). In the US, we rue the Europeans who are entitled to at least one month off, no matter if they are a retail clerk or a CEO, while we plan our little escapes by the day or the hour, squeezing in our pleasures by the spoonful.

There's much to do in Northern California no matter what your style, time constraints, orbudget: rock climbing, biking, hiking, surfing, shopping, eating, concert going, tracking mountain lions, etc. But if you are seeking a smaller adventure, then look no further than iniam. There are many colorful frocks on the racks sure to brighten up your un-vacation days, making even the dullest Monday feel like a holiday. Check out Trina Turk's new dresses in bold colors and swishy fabrics ; one with sleeves and one without. And try on Cynthia Steffe's classy and wearable zebra striped tea dress and a classic black silk dress both reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday.

We got a stack full of new shoe styles too; neutral colored sandals and heels in taupe, chocolate, beige, caramel, silver, and white (not in the same shoe of course) by Pedro Garcia, Chie Mihara, and Rachel Comey. So if you can't be on vacation all the time, why not feel like you are?

I biked to work today, did you?

I used to live in Virginia where automobiles aim for you if you are biking down a country road (of which there are many)... then I moved to bike heaven - Sweden, where bike lanes have their own lights and are plowed after every snowstorm, before even the roads. Today is the official Bike To Work Day in the Bay area as I was reminded by the guys from Hank and Frank Bicycles who are handing out bikery swag in front of the Safeway on College Avenue.

There are so many reasons for biking, but one of the better ones dawned on me the other day. I was trying on a dress at Viva Diva, a neighboring boutique, and one of the gals said to me, "boy, you've got great legs...how to you do it?" Not only do I bike to work, but I bike to get groceries, I bike to do errands, I bike to parties, I bike when I go out to dinner, and I bike for the sheer pleasure of it. Biking is a way to tour a new city or a new country; biking makes you see things you wouldn't see if you were driving.

I have a friend who lives in the hills near Skyline Drive in Oakland/Montclair and just recently I biked up from my house near College Avenue to her house. I took her on a short bike ride up Grizzly Peak Road to Fish Ranch Road, something she had not done since moving there seven years ago. What was her response? "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee" she railed behind me as we cruised along the road. That is another particularly good reason for biking.

With the high cost of fuel there's not really a better time or way to save money than by biking everywhere. And I'm no scientist, but I'm betting biking also is also more gentle on our environment.

So before you get in your car yet again, think about all the benefits of biking and stop by Hank and Franks after stopping by iniam (they are about a block from us) to see what they have in stock. If nothing else, your legs will look better in that Trina Turk dress...

Getting the Boot

The consistent fit, the great styles, and the loyal following all ensure that Hudson is our best selling denim line. A big box of their Signature Boot Cut pants arrived yesterday - in two washes: one light and one medium but both seem to be a nice summer weight. These pants are scooped up faster than you can say "earthquake preparedness."

Speaking of earthquakes, after China's recent natural disaster of unearthly proportions, do you have your "go bag" ready? Do you have enough canned food, water, kitty litter, and batteries to make you sleep better at night? Oakland Magazine published a fantastic guide in their February 2008 issue in case the big one hits. Check it out online.

Warm days ahead

Well, let's not mince words. Most of you come here to see what is new, so I'll quickly update you on our most recent arrivals.

The new 3.1 Phillip Lim shipment is a mixed bag of two different soft and style-ly t-shirts - one a tank in navy and turquoise and one a tee in white and buttercup yellow. There is also a gorgeous lined linen dress in navy and beige, just the pick-me-up for the warm days ahead.

Speaking of warm days ahead, if you haven't been by the store lately, you probably haven't noticed the new bathing suits in the window! Yes, that's right, we dared to bare all and are now carrying Trina Turk Swimwear. Same great design, same great cut, her swimsuits fit as well as her clothing. She also provides a little 'bling' on some, fashioned and inspired by her own love of vintage jewelry.

Currently we have several bikinis and tankinis which are mixable and matchable...you are also welcome to pair an XS top with a Medium sized bottom or vice-versa depending on your body. If you don't see your size (because they are going fast) you are welcome to special order what you need from us...ask for details when you visit us!

There is an awfully cute white eyelet dress from Cynthia Steffe on the racks (and to the left of this post). So cute in fact, two of us at the store already own it. We also have a Cynthia Steffe knit top in turquoise, a very easy fit and gorgeous color for almost anyone.

INCOMING: keep your eyes on this blog for exciting news about what we expect in JUNE!

New Arrivals

Lately I configure my white linen pants into nearly every outfit considered. I was never a gal to wear white pants, with all my bustling and biking about; on the weekends I am always found sporting a long sleeved t-shit and a pair of cutoffs. But, as I said, every time I see a chemise, a camisole, a top, a sweater, a blouse, I think "boy, that would great with a pair of white pants."

Take the Trina Turk tops we recently received pictured here...These scream "WHITE PANTS." (Actually, one of the models is wearing white pants, so I cannot take credit for that particular outfit). Anyway, it's a whole new way to look at all those unworn tops in your closet or dresser. Just scream, "WHITE PANTS."

Spring Cleaning

Spring is usually the best time to take stock of life and limb; whether you start a new workout regimen or go through the giant piles growing in your home office, frankly, there's no time like the present to get your act together. At iniam, we can't promise to save you from mental anguish or financial woes, but the least we can do is help you clean out your closet. But first, take this simple test:





Is getting dressed in the morning a bore or a chore?
Do you have a closet full of nothing to wear?
Do you have clothes in your closet that don't fit you but you can't bear to throw away?
Do you clothes you haven't worn for over a year?
Do you own a beautiful skirts (or pants or tops, etc.) but nothing to wear with them?
Do you feel self-conscious about your style?
Are you changing career paths?

If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you are a likely candidate for our Closet Consultation service. We provide complete wardrobe revamping, seasonal wardrobe revamping, fashion fine-tuning, and personal shopping. Closet consultations are an iniam service to help you adjust the clothes you already own to your life and style. Taking stock of your needs and goals, we examine everything—from your sock drawer to your winter coats—and help clear out what’s not working, highlight what is, and pinpoint gaps in your wardrobe if you have them.

Our goal is not to make you toss everything you own—after all, you probably bought it for a reason—nor is it to create needs you don’t have. We want to help make your clothing work for you. Closet consultations at iniam adhere to our philosophy about fashion: if it’s not flattering, fun, and functional, then it’s not worth it.

Prices are $100/hour and for that we also provide a follow up list of dos and don'ts, suggestions, and what we feel you need to fulfill your wardrobe dreams!

Our New Partnership

In case you haven't heard, we we are now carrying select styles of shoes because of a recent partnership with the shoes and accessories store, Deliciouz of Walnut Creek. Tamara, the owner, is providing iniam with shoes and we are providing her with another outlet for her gorgeous shoes. We only have about 11 styles currently, but are projecting more for the Fall...in the lineup now, are shoes by Chie Mihara, Rafe, Alberto Fermani, Argila, Repetto and more. The shoes are well made, stylish, comfortable - basically everything a woman could want in a shoe! If you don't see what you want at iniam, please visit her store on North Main Street in Walnut Creek; and for her loyal customers, seek out iniam at 5902 College Avenue for outfits to match all those shoes in your closet!

FEATURED DESIGNER: Bianca Nero

New for Summer! Maria Bianca Nero, an ex- model based in Milan, likely knows what it takes to look good. She is inspired by old fashioned glamour icons like Hepburn and Harlow and you can see that in the shapes and fabrics she chooses. But don't think her dresses are old fashioned themselves; on the contrary!

The three dresses we have on tap at iniam are completely different but perfect for that special date (even if it is with your husband), a summer wedding, an art opening, the prom, or a graduation or whatever excuse you need to have a new dress. Check out the lipstick red silk charmuese number with skinny black patent leather belt, or the iridescent blue dress with beaded waist, or the peacock chiffon one shoulder dress.

Earth Day

Earth Day puzzles me. Why is one day designated to be Earth Day? Shouldn't every day be Earth Day? I've just finished the April 21st issue of the New Yorker which featured eco-earth friendly writings. If you've got time to celebrate Earth Day, you should have time to read this issue. In it is "Letter From the Yangtze Delta - A journey through China's future" by Jonathan Franzen where he visits Chinese factories because of a plush puffin golf club cover he received as a gift (made in China naturally). His travels take lead him to unearth (no pun intended) why and how industry that created the fake bird was destroying real birds. Well-done Mr. Franzen and thanks for not waiting until Earth Day to write about environmental issues.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Blouse

Wenlan Chia, the influence behind Twinkle, is known for her feminine yet contemporary designs and look no further than our most recent shipment! The yellow and blue baby doll silk blouse (see photo) is deceivingly fitted because it's made with some kind of stretch silk that fits superbly around the torso. The colors are fun without being silly and the style is contemporary without being too trendy. Also, what I deem the "butterfly blouse" (see photo) makes you look like, well, a butterfly (only in a good way). It's also made of silk. We also received a cozy comfy dress made of white cotton lightweight waffle weave with a bit of black trim...it's running a little big, but we like it that way. Looks good with denim or leggings or a slightly longer black cotton or linen slip.

Time Out

Apologies for no new info on our Blog lately; I've had the last week off to noodle around the SF Bay area with my sister who was visiting from Maine before she jets off the Kazakhstan to adopt a baby. If any of my dear readers are going through an adoption, my sister maintains her own Blog on the process read by over 17,000 visitors! She's also a big knitter and offers up oodles of knitty resources (you can even see the sweater she made for me). See http://bychance.wordpress.com

During my absence, so many new things arrived I haven't even had the chance to try it all on yet! The store is packed with citrusy-goodness from Theory: a lightweight cotton top in orange and watermelon, just the thing for an easy breezy day in the East Bay. Also on tap, a strappy tangerine linen dress, white linen pants, white linen narrow bermudas, and a screaming orange blouse that will perk up your office outfits and keep eyes open across the boardroom table for hours on end. No need for coffee in the morning with this Theory delivery.

We also received a shipment from 3.1 Phillip Lim (did you know he named his line after his age of his first collection - 31?) and the colors just keep on getting bolder: try the peacock colored wide-leg pants or the sunset colored silk dress or top. To tone things down in the Lim line, you have got to see the detail on the cropped black pants.

...And the James Perse leaves the store as fast as it comes in! We got a whopping big box yesterday and after the end of the day tally, we realized over we sold 10 pieces of Perse. Must be the nice weather. Either that, or everyone is digging into last summer's t-shirts and realizing it's time to replace and replenish. If that's your story, you'd better get to iniam quickly to get your tops. We also got some cute shorty shorts in black.

Bianca Nero made her debut at iniam last week too. Three dressy numbers grace the racks for those special occassions; a one-shoulder teal chiffon dress, and another dress quite the opposite in a devil red silk charmeuse with a skinny black belt. Lastly, a silk taffeta tea length ballgown in iridescent blues with beading across the waist.

If that's not enough, we also received verdant green dresses and tops from Beth Bowley. The grass green crochet dress is the standout, comfy and drapey and gorgeous.

Trina-Fest continues

Last weekend's Trina Turk blowout was only missing one thing: this week's Trina Turk delivery! Hot off the UPS truck are some new early summer dresses, tops, and cool cotton pants. We've already sold two of the long green halter dress "Florencia" (shown here) so come try it on before it's gone. This dress also came in a short version in black, which is just as cute and extremely versatile.

Some summery pants came along for the ride: one pair of camel cuffed khaki's (say that three times fast!) and a pair of wide-legged white SHORT pants which look terribly cute with the wide-strap orange tank that came in.

And if you need a pair of shoes to go with that dress, we've got those too! If you don't already know, we've partnered with Deliciouz of Walnut Creek to supply you with their shoes in Oakland.

If you are still reading this post, stay tuned for Philip Lim, Beth Bowley, Theory, and Bianca Nero deliveries coming within the next week!

Trina seen in NYT Style Section

One of the Trina Turk dresses at iniam was featured in the New York Times Style section a few weeks ago...in swimming pool blues, the dress is just the thing to cool down on those yet to come hot summer days...

Besides the Trina-fest we are having this weekend (20% off all Trina Turk in case you haven't heard), we just got a boxful of Theory separates including a hot pink strapless dress; belted and prim on the outside, it's smoking on the inside, as is whoever wears this little number. Great for that daytime wedding or graduation or just for drinking cosmos with the girls. Keep your eyes peeled for Theory's new soft khaki pants and a great full zip short navy blue dress with short sleeves; also looks smart with pants as a top. Honestly looks odd on the hanger, but on your body, it makes sense. I'll get you in that dress no matter what!

Green with Envy

Goes with everything shoe

Orange you glad for shoes?

These are a few of my favorite things...

iniam is delighted to announce what promises to be a long lasting partnership with shoe store Deliciouz! We've got the clothes and they've got the shoes to match, so we thought, why not work together to bring a diverse and beautiful selection of contemporary shoes to Oakland? On tap are shoes by Chie Mihara, Pedro Garcia, Repetto, Eileen Shields, Costume National and so much more. But you would probably rather see some shoes than read about them. (All shoes are representative of what we may receive, however if we do not, Deliciouz is only a tunnel away). Plus the more you buy, the more we will receive!

New James Jeans!

Two new styles of James Jeans arrived today just in time to replenish our denim supply. One pair is a high rise, wide legged, thin denim pant with a nice thick hem at the bottom to keep yourself grounded. The other is a more casual denim back pocket bootcut in a nice faded wash (see pic).

More goodies to come this week: looking forward to a Theory delivery of tops, dresses, and pants and a Beth Bowley delivery of flirty dresses and skirts. Oh, and did I mention that we also resupplied ourselves with Hanky Panky boyshorts and thongs? The thongs are in crayola colors and the boyshorts in the basics: beige, black and white.

Also on tap, a Trina Turk trunk show in April. If you are not already on our email list, sign up now, because only customers with emails with be notified of this fab event. Cheers!

Buzz - Home Grown

Lucky Magazine had a field day on their field trip to Oakland last month, photographing and fussing over the wonderful selection of independently owned boutiques and we were lucky (no pun intended) to make the grade. Check the April 2008 issue of Lucky Magazine to read the review and consider shopping locally. While it's not a secret that SF just over the bridge has pretty much every department store and atelier known to humankind, there's nothing like knowing the owner of a store, or as one of our FAVORITE customer's noted, shopping here is "like going to Cheers...where everybody knows your name..." Cheers to our customers is what I say.

Click HERE for a downloadable map of the Oakland shopping guide generated by Lucky Magazine on their visit or HERE to see the photograph and write-up of iniam. Shop locally, dress fashionably.