Cameron Marks Trunk Show and Kelly’s Dinner Market
In our ever-increasing desire to expose fashionable finds to Santa Cruzans (and those far away as well), we recently stumbled across an event that’s not to be missed—the Cameron Marks Trunk Show and the Kelly’s Dinner Market, both going on in the same location on Saturday, June 26.

Cameron Marks is an upscale boutique on the Westside of Santa Cruz, and Kelly’s French Bakery is a beloved eatery next door. In the expansive adjacent courtyard, local restaurants and dining kings and queens will be selling their scrumptious dinner items from 6 to 9 p.m. A local jazz band will entertain guests.

In addition to eating some fine foods, fashionistas will be treated to V.I.P. pricing on items at Cameron Marks, which is holding an extensive trunk show from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. where items like Blank Verse Jewelry will be on sale, as well as Tina Frey Designs, and a bunch of clothing items from designers like Lina Rennell, Sofie Olgaard, Mika Organics, Samantha Sung, and Mr. Larkin. Also on hand is a rep from a cosmetics line, COR, who will discuss and unveil this line of skincare.

Fine dining and shopping—how could you miss it?

The Kelly’s Dinner Market and Cameron Marks Trunk Show are on Saturday, June 26. Food is for sale from 6-9 p.m. and shopping is available from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 402 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz.

Call it fate, luck or chance that my fellow Obsessive Beauty writer Christa Martin and I happened to be in New York City at the same time. Our paths would only cross there by one day however, so it was imperative that we cram as much shopping as possible into a single 24-hour period. With much pre-planning and a trusty iPhone to guide us, we navigated the world class shopping streets of SoHo like native New Yorkers.

Recently, Obsessive Beauty flew all the way to New York in search of new fashionable finds. We discovered quite a few surprises, but while we were gone, a jewelry design team sprung up in our hometown, and we suggest you take interest now, because August Mae Designs is going to take off—fast. Gorgeous antique looking rings remind you of a distant era when women wore their hair in Veronica Lake-inspired waves, with red lipstick, and chic heels. But these stunning rings also display a knack for the present times—they’re ethereal and modern, sophisticated and romantic, artistic and original.

The other day, a friend told me that she knew I was at work because my scent had lingered (pleasantly) in the elevator. What an oddly wonderful compliment. The reason she knew I was around? 88 Orange. It is perhaps one of the most lovely up-and-coming fragrances around. While Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and every celebrity is hawking their own “personal” fragrances, which really aren’t quite that appealing to our olfactory senses, why not create an aromatic statement of your own with fresh, fruity, and slightly floral notes by way of 88 Orange. This barely-there scent is just light enough that it won’t waste away during the day, it’ll make people take notice, but it won’t get in the way. You won’t find a prettier scent.

88 Orange sells for $55 and is sold at 88orange.com or at Stripe, 107 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz, stripedesigngroup.com, 421-9252.

It’s not like this company needs any more advertising, but there’s a good reason why Bare Escentuals is such a hot standard in the beauty industry. As the forerunners of the mineral powder bonanza, this line has never ceased to impress. And they just keep getting better with a new Matte Foundation that keeps the shine away. In the past, we had to schlep over treacherous Highway 17 and log in miles to find a store in San Jose to buy our favorite mineral foundation. But for those who aren’t aware, you no longer have to do that. Here in Santa Cruz, there are numerous destinations that sell Bare Escentuals, including one that we frequent, Bubble Lounge in downtown Santa Cruz off Pacific Avenue. Tucked away in a quiet shopping alley, Bubble Lounge offers every shade of the powder blog_beauty3-2(Bare Minerals) that we’re obsessed with. A few application tips: Use a good mineral powder brush (we suggest one by Bare Escentuals or Sephora brand), and as the infomercials suggest, swirl, tap, buff. And only put a small amount on. It goes a long way. In the world of mineral powders, we’ve tried them all, and this one by far is the winner.

We’ve got a crush. On a bag. A purse. A carryall. Whatever you want to call it. It’s so pretty it makes us blush. Meet the Couture Pleated Purse by Lex Designs. We’ve written about its designer, Alexis Meschi, in the past, and gushed about her impressive frocks, but this time around, we’re smitten with her trio of cream, blue, and pink purses. The Couture Pleated Purse is priced at $240—but for a hand-made, stunning design, what else do you expect? We’re talking gorgeous here. Clearly, we’re obsessed. The roomy bag is four-inches deep, 13-inches tall and 19-inches wide. We’ve seen it in person and our favorite is the pale pink, with its rows of pleats and origami style flower attached to it. In any color, this originally designed bag goes with any outfit. Dress up jeans and a T-shirt, take it with you for a spirited shopping trip to the city, or use it to spruce up your evening attire. This bag is for the fashionista who clearly has something to say (and plenty of stuff to carry).

For those of us blessed with ultra fashionable sisters, we have the luxury of raiding said sisters’ closets to obtain the latest apparel and accessories trends without spending a dime. I am always envious of my lovely little sister’s careless chic, looking as though she just stepped out of a bohemian café in the 6^th Arrondissement in Paris, yet always managing to retain a touch of that glam California girl in her style portfolio. For those of you lacking in the sister department, Cameron Marks boutique on the Westside is a close second choice.

An open letter to fashionistas: Dear ones, we’ve recently become obsessed with the modern, stylish, clean lines and creative designs of indie label Dear Creatures. Owning their garments is our most recent addiction and obsession. Put on one of these frocks and you’ll no doubt feel lovely and inspired. Maybe you’ll take up painting, enroll in singing classes, or begin that novel you’ve always been longing to write. There’s something about the garments by Dear Creatures that stirs up creativity and makes you feel like a fashionable, free spirit. While hordes of designers are turning over new creations in the race to make it in the challenging fashion industry, this line of clothing stands out from the rest with its daring vision and completely original pieces that are enticing to women. You can pair any striking blouse with a pair of jeans of your choice and some sweet flats or heels, and you’ll be quite the eye-catcher. Our favorites?