Sui Generis Designer Consignment - San Francisco

Sui GENERIS Gems: John Galliano

christina — Sat, 18 May 2013 00:06:37 +0000

Madeleine Vionnet is perhaps best known as the author of the bias cut dress. The idea of a time without the benefit of easy, slinky dresses with no internal structure might be beyond the modern woman, but Vionnet ushered her gowns into a society of women who grew up in corsets. Vionnet believed that “when a woman smiled her dress should smile too.”

The influence of Vionnet is still seen today. John Galliano with his dramatic runway looks was certainly inspired by her bias cut gowns. The use of draped cowls and diagonal stitching is seen in both of their garments.

Obviously, John Galliano has been surrounded by scandal since his offensive outbursts last year. However disappointing his behavior is, there is no denying his importance as a designer. In an article on designers to collect, Harper’s Bazaar mentions Galliano’s independent label including this image of Kate Moss in a look from his Fall/Winter 1995 collection.

This picture is almost 20 years old and yet it still provides impact; some things never get old (like Kate Moss and great style.)

This dress is most likely from the same collection with its color, cross body decorative stitching, cowl neckline and low back. The Vionnet influence gives it a classic elegance that transcends decades while the ruffles provide some Galliano flare.

www.suigenerisconsignment.com/shop/JOHN-GALLIANO-Size-6-Fuschia-Silk-Gown-Evening-Wear.html

Style Education: Colors of the Spring/Summer Season

Lauren — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:08:43 +0000

Spring is halfway over and the hot sun of summer quickly approaches. Winter coats and sweaters are being stored away in the back of your closet while shorts and summer dresses begin to come out of hibernation. You see those bright red pants you purchased last season when colored denim was the hottest trend and you wonder, “Is this color even trendy this season?” Well put your mind at ease as we inform you of the trendiest colors for the spring/summer season. Warm hues of yellow and orange, bright shades of pink and red, cool tones of blue and green, and dramatic blacks and grays will all lend hand to the trendy designs of the season. The following images show how these colors are dominating today’s fashionable runway looks. If you’re looking for a garment in one of this season’s colors, we’ve also included images of some of the pieces you can find here at Sui Generis Illa. Be inspired!

Yellow and Orange

Etro

Emanuel Ungaro Silk Halter Top

Pink and Red

Gucci

Chanel Silk Tank Top

Blue and Green

Burberry Prorsum

Dior Silk Sleeveless Button Up

Ashen Black and Grey

Ann Demeulemeester

Gucci Silk Cocktail Dress

Here Now: Your New Favorite T-shirt

david — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:23:29 +0000

Now don’t get the wrong idea, we here at Sui GENERIS love to play dress up. Nothing is more gratifying than sending you out the door looking smarter and sharper than when you came in. But we also believe in the power of the perfect casual outfit. You know, that timeless, effortless look that celebrates the classic simplicity of quintessential menswear. The t-shirt is that staple in a guy’s wardrobe that can speak volumes about his personal style by saying very little. Think James Dean a la Rebel in his crisp crew neck and blue jeans, or Bruce Springsteen in his iconic v-neck on the cover of Darkness on the Edge of Town. Being a t-shirt and jeans guy doesn’t have to be a drab affair. Throw on a leather or denim jacket and pair with sneakers to pull off a perfect casual look with attitude. Try a t-shirt under a blazer with dark wash denim and loafers that will keep you looking casually chic and never sloppy.

Browse the selection of newly added t-shirts in our online shop or stop by Sui GENERIS (Ille) today to find the right look for you. After all, vintage tees are how we got our start back in 2006 on Church Street. Scroll on down for some perfect examples of how to go casual without sacrificing your personal style.

Vintage size M cotton black t-shirt, $97.50

Vintage size S cotton khaki Grace Jones t-shirt, $125

A.P.C. size M cotton charcoal t-shirt, $47

Prada size XS cotton white t-shirt, $82.50

Comme des Garcons size L cotton multi-color t-shirt, $113

White Mountaineering size XL cotton gray t-shirt, $110

Matsuda size L cotton black t-shirt, $92.50

Here Now: A Gift For Mother’s Day

Lauren — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:38:37 +0000

When it comes to the real Superwoman of your life, not just any present will do on Mother’s Day. Last year it was a bouquet of flowers, and the year before that it was a gift card. This year, however, you want to get her something unique and really special to show her there is no other mother like her. How about some amazing designer accessories so she could show off her true elegant style? Here at Sui Generis Illa we have a great selection of accessories that mom can easily fit into her daily wardrobe. A blue, silk Hermes scarf for some color, a LANVIN cuff for some feminine edge, a Louis Vuitton handbag for a day out shopping, or a raspberry Tod’s tote to fit her daily necessities. The list of beautiful accessories goes on so stop by Sui Generis Illa to check out what other pieces we have. A mom couldn’t ask for a more fashionable present!

Tod’s “D-Styling” Tote, Hermes “Qalamdan” Scarf, LANVIN Petals Cuff, Louis Vuitton Velvet Handbag

“Lady Dior” Handbag

“Precious Symbols” Chanel Handbag

Sui Generis Gems

christina — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:46:47 +0000

This year Missoni and Chloé shared a 60th anniversary and each fashion house chose to celebrate with re-releasing select garments from their archives. Chloé reproduced seven iconic pieces including this Violin dress from the seventies by Karl Lagerfield.

Missoni, the Italian fashion house, placed their archival pieces alongside their current collection. The ads from this season require more than a second look to decipher which dress is current and which is from the past. Fashion might be known as fickle and insatiable, but houses such as Missoni show how well designed clothing retain their relevancy.

Missoni 2013 Vintage on the right, current collection on the left

The interest in past collections illustrates what we at Sui GENERIS already know: that with proper styling a quality garment can continue to make an impact, long after its debut. Investing in the carefully curated consignment pieces that Sui GENERIS provides, builds a wardrobe that is classic and fashionable. And you don’t have to wait for the designer reissue.

In the weeks that follow we will be highlighting our most treasured pieces from the store. These exceptional garments stand out because they are unique, iconic, or remarkably on trend. These “gems” are your opportunity to own stunning pieces handpicked from Sui GENERIS’ personal archives.

Tip of the Week: Dress Belts vs. Casual Belts

david — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:36:57 +0000

When it comes to accessories, belts are often overlooked and usually added to an outfit almost as an afterthought. But if you’re one to be a stickler for the small details, as we know you are, you’re going to want to know the real purpose of a belt and how to choose the right style that will appropriately compliment the look you’re going for. First of all, you’ll need to consider one simple fact: belts should not be worn to hold up baggy, ill-fitting pants. You should never need to wear a belt, and if you do, a trip to the tailor should be a necessity in your immediate future. The decision to wear one should be a stylistic choice, much like adding a pocket square or a time piece to round out an ensemble. Secondly, when selecting the right belt, you’ll need to consider whether you’ll be wearing it with casual or dressy pieces. Generally, casual belts are wider with oversized, unique buckles and distressed or matte finish leather. Dress belts are typically a little more than an inch wide, usually of calfskin with a simple silver or brass buckle and a smooth finish throughout. When choosing the right belt for a suit, remember to keep it simple and make sure the color and finish match the leather of your shoes to hit all the right visual notes every time. Simply choose a belt size that is two sizes up from your normal waist size to get the correct fit and you’re good to go.

Stop by Sui GENERIS (Ille) today or browse our online store to find our newly added selection of belts for any occasion you might find yourself in!

A fitting example of a no-fuss, classic dress belt.

Just one of many styles of casual belts.

Gucci black leather belt, $133

Chrome Hearts black leather sterling silver belt, $294

Gianni Versace black leather belt, $123

Lambertson Truex brown crocodile belt, $244

Loro Piana brown suede belt, $183

Werkstatt:Munchen brown leather belt, $325

Here Now: The Chameleon (Versatile) Suit

david — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:46:04 +0000

April is suit month here at Sui GENERIS! It’s that time of year to reconsider everything you thought you knew about being on your suit and tie game. We feel that a great suit should be the Swiss army knife in your sartorial arsenal, the chameleon in your closet, the well-adjusted garment with multiple personalities. Ideally, it should be versatile and wearable in transition from day to night, business to pleasure, and everything in between. Worn appropriately, this will be your garment for all occasions.

Taking a suit from the office to a gala to a wedding is as simple as choosing the right accessories to complement it. Keep it simple at the 9 to 5 with an oxford shirt, patterned or madras tie, tie bar, and lace up wingtips. After work, swap the tie for a bow tie, the oxford for a flat front tuxedo or hidden placket dress shirt, stuff a white square in your breast pocket and you’re ready for a night at the opera. You can even make sure the suit transitions effortlessly for the upcoming wedding season by lightening up with a pastel or floral patterned button up and a pair of loafers that you would feel comfortable wearing sockless. These are all ways that demonstrate the economy of a smartly done suit that you can put to work for your multi-faceted lifestyle.

So stop into Sui GENERIS (Ille) or browse our online store today and find the perfect suit that you can make work for you!

Paul Smith 42 short wool/mohair indigo 34 30 suit, $385

Louis Vuitton 40 regular wool/silk slate 32 32 suit, $687

Burberry Prorsum 36 regular cotton charcoal 30 32 suit, $455

Alexander McQueen 40 regular moleskin beige 32 33 suit, $757

Rag and Bone 42 short wool black 32 31 suit, $385

Style Education: Pockets Revisited

david — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:49:11 +0000

You may remember a previous post in which we distinguished between different trouser pockets. Well, the pocket lesson continues! This time around, we thought we’d take a moment to give you a rundown of the ones you’ll find on your sport coats and jackets. Knowing how to tell the difference between a patch pocket and flap pocket, for instance, can come in handy when considering how you’re going to be wearing a jacket and what exactly you’ll be using the pockets for. You may admire the casual nature of stuffing your hands in the patch pockets of your jacket a la an elegant Italian man or having a pocket square peek out of your breast patch pocket as stylish men are wont to do. You may wish to go the more formal route and opt for a traditional conservative jacket with flap pockets. It’s all about personal preference. Scroll on down and allow us to drop some pocket knowledge.

Patch pocket

Patch pocket with topstitching

Flap pocket

Buttoned flap pocket with box pleat

Smile pocket with piping and arrowhead reinforcements, as found on most western wear.

Bound or jetted pocket

Stand or single-welt pocket

Tip of the Week: Easter Dress Ideas

Betty — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:26:21 +0000

Easter is coming up fast! Have you prepared what to wear this Easter? Hey girls, it’s definitely a holiday in which you can be well dressed. Our fashion tip is to use color to brighten your mood and look in the beautiful spring time. Let’s think pastels, neon brights and floral patterns! Don’t hesitate to come and check out the gorgeous Easter dresses at Sui Generis Designer women’s consignment store, also you can check out our Sui Generis online store here. Enjoy the sun and indulge in some of your favorite seasonal treats!

ELIE TAHARI Size 6 Coral Cotton Polyester Dress

ESCADA Size 4 Taupe Silk Dress

MARC by Marc Jacobs Size 4 Yellow Silk Blend Dress

MARC by Marc Jacobs Size 10 Pink Silk Dress

MISSONI Size M Green Viscose Blend Dress

Here Now: Spring Bags at Sui Generis illa

Betty — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 20:28:55 +0000

Spring is officially here! Are you looking for a cute spring bag to your spring wardrobe? Sui Generis designer women’s consignment store covers your different looks from sophisticated city style to casual brunch outfit. We currently have your favorite designer brands, such as Bottega Veneta, Prada, Christian Dior, Valentino! Ready to punch up your look with a cute color bag? Our spring bag selection featuring soft and vibrant colors with playfully feminine designs will instantly freshen your spring look! Stop by Sui Generis Illa to check our bag selection or check our online store here.

BOTTEGA VENETA Red Leather Handbag, $685, now available at Sui Generis Illa

CHRISTIAN Dior Off White Leather Shoulder Bag Handbag, $424, now available at Sui Generis Illa

Prada Multi Color Canvas Shoulder Bag Leather Handbag, $585, now available at Sui Generis Illa

VALENTINO GARAVANI Beige Cotton Top Handles Lace Handbag, $484, now available at Sui Generis Illa

Louis Vuitton Top Handles White Canvas Handbag, $1,470, now available at Sui Generis Illa