In addition to sales (most of the shop will be 15%-40% off), yummy bites and good people, DAVIDsTEA will be popping by with two delicious tea blends to share with all JJV shoppers.  You may have seen them around the city, as they have multiple locations located in Noe Valley, Union Square inside Westfield Mall, Marina and Russian Hill.  I fell in love with this brand ever since I saw them building out the Noe Valley store.  The crisp white and teal color scheme automatically makes you take a deep breath and relax.  Not to mention, their tea blends are out of this world and down right irresistible.  You can taste for yourself at the launch in a short two weeks!

“DAVIDsTEA is making tea fun, modern, and friendly. We have over 150 flavours of loose tea, hot and cold drinks to go, modern tea accessories, and the world’s greatest, most knowledgeable staff.”

DAVIDsTEA

Twitter | Facebook

Don’t forget when you arrive, to check in on Facebook or Yelp!  Instagraming is most welcome and be sure to use hashtags #jjvshop and #davidstea!  Wear your favorite vintage outfit (bonus points if it’s a JJV purchase) and get your photo on the blog!  The best dressed will win a $25 gift certificate to shop in person or online!*  Woot!

After the opening, on Sunday May 19th, join us at 5:30 pm at Amber Dhara for specially made JJV themed cocktails and a fabulous happy hour!  Enjoy $5 drinks and Indian cuisine all day!  If you are curious as to how good this place really is, check out my article on Amber Dhara.  What’s not to love!?  To RSVP and for more information visit the Facebook event.  Don’t forget to share and invite your friends!

Get ready for a day of shopping and tastebud excitement!  See you there!

*Winner will be announced on the blog after the event.  $25 certificate will be a credit (refund) for purchases made online on orders $50 and over before taxes (if applicable).  Certificate cannot be used on shipping.  $25 certificate will be deducted on all in-person purchases on all purchases $50 and over before taxes.

Dry your eyes my friend, there is a place you haven’t tried, and without a doubt- you will be back.  There are many Amber Dhara restaurants around, but only one has food prepared by a seasoned chef from India and two bartenders whose admitted love of fresh ingredients and flavor will have you smiling with every sip.  What you may also not know is Amber Dhara’s revamped mission has brought flavor back in a whole new way.  Authentic Indian flavors, fresh ingredients, and house-made infused spirits are the soapbox this place proudly stands on and they will shout it to anyone who passes.

Manish Tyagi hails from northern India with 14 years of experience under his chef hat.  He was executive chef at both Daj Group of Hotels and Oberoi Group of Hotels before he moved to Washington, DC to become the acclaimed Chef de Cuisine of the notably impecable Rasika.  His belief in fresh spices, fresh vegetables and a soulful blend of flavor will have you crying out with delight.  He came to Amber Dhara back in March, and since has taken the menu by the reigns and has steered across every region of India and back.  There are also plans for a brand new lunch experience for all you working folks who have a hankering for Indian cuisine during your work day.  You can look forward to Indian-style bento boxes where you can eat-in or take-out a delicious wrap of your choice.

Paneer (cottage cheese) wrap with side salad

Spiced chicken wrap with side salad

My favorite was the paneer wrap, made with house-made paneer cheese simmered in a fantastically flavorful tomato sauce with sweet yellow bell peppers.  The side salad has fresh arugula, chic peas, golden raisins, carrots radishes and topped off with crunchy walnuts.  My head is spinning just thinking about it.

Chef Tyagi even has a vegetarian dish that comprises of fig balls with a delicious fig sauce.  ”Many people think it is a Thai dish, but it is so Indian,” he said smiling.  His pride for his craft goes without saying, and he won’t say a word; he will present the dish, fold his hands and watch your reaction and then smile.

“I believe in fresh spices- not pre-made powders.  I believe in fresh vegetables, and good balanced flavor” -Chef Tyagi

Ryan Ingram was born and raised in Redwood City, and would have never guessed he would have been running a bar with a like-minded counterpart when he was working at Starbucks in his 20′s.  His love of food and flavor began when his ex was in culinary school and they began exploring restaurants together.  His first “out-of-the-box” cocktail was a Southside.  And being a gin drinker- he was hooked.  Soon after, it took little convincing for him to enroll in SF School of Bartending.  He loved it so much that he would come to class early and leave late and after he graduated, his reward was a trip to BevMo where he stock piled $900 in spirits to take home for his personal bar…you know, for homework.  After his stash dwindled, he didn’t get sad- he got creative.  Ryan had heard of infusing alcohol before but wasn’t really sure what all the fuss was about…until he tried it himself.  He began to experiment with fruits and vegetables to find the best most impactful combination.  ”Infusing requires so much patience, it’s so hard not to taste a bit of it everyday- you have to wait so you can have some at the end to make your drinks!” Ryan chuckled.  Ryan likes whipping up fresh creations so much, would much rather prefer to go home and add more recipes to his book than hang out at a dive.  ”Why go somewhere where I know the drinks aren’t going to be up to my standards, when I could just do it at home?,” he says.  Ryan’s ah-ha moment came after working at Friday’s as bar manager, and realized there was no room to stretch his creative wings.  Enter- Amber Dhara.

Favorite Spirits:

1. Gin!
2. Tequila
3. Irish Whiskey

Favorite Flavor Combinations:

1. Spicy, spicy, spicy!
2. Cucumber + gin
3. Pineapple + spicy hot peppers (habanero or serrano)

John Harris isn’t your typical San Francisco transplant.  A New Orleans native, John had been in the service industry for years.  Starting out as a dishwasher, and soon after an oyster shucker at a bar in NOLA, he gathered his skills working in practically role a restaurant has to offer.  His first real bartending job was at a high-traffic bar on Bourbon Street where serving drinks was like fighting your way out of a lions den.  His first introduction to infused spirits was at a friend’s Mexican-themed party where he mixed strawberries, tequila, and Grand Marnier.  And like magic, he noticed as he put time and effort into his cocktails, there was a shift; “I noticed when I made better drinks, I had better parties, and when I had better parties- I had better friends.”  But living in small-town South, something was pushing John to do more.  Interested in construction, John enrolled in Louisiana State University to study architecture, bartending his way through school.  After a stint working as a carpenter and some training to become a Green Baret, there was just something about the service industry that kept calling him back.  But where could he go where he could embrace his creative passion for food and drink?  So, with Seattle in mind, John hopped on his bike (not a motorcycle- an ACTUAL bike) and rode to the West Coast, stopping in San Francisco with plans to stay for a couple of weeks to see a few friends.  John has been in San Francisco for a year now and is loving every inch of the The City.

Favorite Spirits:

1. Tequila

2. Vodka

Favorite Flavor Combinations:

1. Light airy

2. Spice / Heat

I was surprised to find that Ryan and John didn’t know each other prior to working at Amber Dhara together.  I just assumed they were life-long friends.  Their shared passion, joy and discovery of finding unique flavor combinations is nothing short of kismet.  They are practically yin and yang.  Together, they have created 16 (yes, you read that right) infused spirits from scratch and put together an extensive cocktail menu (in which they only had a week to construct).  Check it out.

1. Espresso Vodka
2. Blueberry Vodka
3. Raspberry Vodka
4. Strawberry Pepper Vodka
5. Blueberry Ginger Gin
6. Cutie Tangerine Gin
7. Cutie Raspberry Gin
8. Blood Orange Gin
9. Dried Red Pepper Tequilla
10. Chocolate Vanilla Bourbon
11. Mango Rum
12. Avocado + Cutie Tangerine + Verte Absinthe + Mezcal
13. Bloody Mary Vodka: Cherry tomato, cucumber, serrano peppers, worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper
14. Serrano Pineapple Tequila
15. Apple Pie Rye
16. Serrano Pineapple Strawberry Tequila

Serrano, Pineapple, Strawberry Tequilla

Apple Pie Rye

Serrano and Pineapple Tequila

“You may come in here as vodka lover, but I will make sure you go out loving everything else” – Ryan

“When you learn to drink, it’s like eating.  You should eat well, and you should drink well”  -John

“We want [Amber Dhara] to be just as comfortable as your home” -Ryan

“There is no reason you can’t have high quality” -John

Signature Amber Dhara Cocktails:

Mallika

-White Jasmine Tea infused gin, fresh lemon, honey water, egg white foam and topped off with dried rose petals

Has a smooth and elegant body, with a light as air finish.  Enjoy the smell of an ancient rose garden as you sip.

Tantra Mantra

-Ginger root, blackberries, muddled Tobasco, lime juice, vodka, topped off with ginger beer

Has a sweet base with a kick in the tastebuds with Tobasco heat and ginger spice.  Timid need not apply.

Mojini

-Green cardamom pods, Tequila blanco, Pimms, pineapple juice, lime juice, and saffron infused simple syrup

Has a floral bouquet with a perfect balance of citrus acidity and smooth finish.

Mithya

-Coconut paste, coconut rum, lime juice, simple syrup, mint, coconut water, soda water

Has a smooth and sweet frothy balance, with a dreamy hint of citrus and mint.  Mysteriously hydrating and potently sneaky.

From left to right: Chef Manish Tyagi, Ryan Ingram, John Harris

Basically it’s like this, mix one part passion, one part fresh ingredients, one part renegade chef and one part love.  Shake and serve neat.  You, my friend, just made yourself an Amber Dhara.  You will never have a typical night ever again.

While at the Swing Madness Shop N’ Hop event, we got to talking and well, now I’m joining her for her garage sale in NOPA.

I love this picture Allyson took of me at the Shop N’ Hop event.

The sale will take place during the hours (and perhaps a little after) of the Divisadero Farmer’s Market.  We will be set up at Grove & Broderick at 10am.  There you can find cheap and chic goodies for your home, wardrobe and more from Allyson, her friend Amanda, and yours truly.  I will also be whipping up some yummy bites for you and your pup!  Hibiscus Berry Zinger Iced Tea (from scratch- oh yes), Zucchini Cranberry Banana Bread and two kinds of homemade dog biscuits!  Who knows, you may even see some handmade fresh flower crowns for sale!

Meet Amanda! She bought this awesome 60′s dress from me at the Shop N’ Hop event last weekend.

Don’t forget your reusable bags and plenty of cash (if you forget, we have a Square)!

Antique Victorian Solid Walnut Tiffany Blue and White Column Table $125

Retro Golden Wire Barstool Set with Table $220

Mod 60′s Set of Two Dining Room Chairs with Brass Studs and Leaf Upholstery $135

I am also working on more furniture as you are reading this.  I have a very cool and very ergonomic office chair from the 1950′s and a very covetable Tulip Table by Knoll.  Yes, that’s right- KNOLL!

Tagged: DIY, domore chair company, ergonomic office chair, fixing furniture, furniture, furniture diy, knoll, knoll furniture, knoll table, knoll tulip table, mid century furniture, mid century furniture repair, refinishing furniture, studded furniture, vintage furniture, vintage knoll ]]> http://jjvintage.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/diy-furniture-new-finished-projects-ready-for-your-home/feed/ 0 DSC05851 jjoules04 DSC05842 DSC05845 tiffanybluetreasury 305846_10100319705584637_1514536710_n DSC05865 DSC05851 DSC05856 391081_10100318482470767_1446852687_n 601686_10100320446135567_1735565824_n 381398_10100320446424987_725399404_n 936405_10100319806687027_61530511_n 936803_10100319806956487_886048757_n http://jjvintage.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/sf-events-fashion-industry-networking-event-fashion-show-by-icu-networking-group-x-jjv-lix-perle/ http://jjvintage.wordpress.com/2013/04/14/sf-events-fashion-industry-networking-event-fashion-show-by-icu-networking-group-x-jjv-lix-perle/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:48:03 +0000 Jillian K. http://jjvintage.wordpress.com/?p=2984 Read more]]> Today at 7pm, join us at Temple for the best fashion industry networking event since sliced bread.  From 7-9pm enjoy shopping fashions by local designers and artists such as myself and my very talented friend Lyseen of Lix Perle.  Be sure to purchase a drink ticket, since wine will flow like water at the open bar until 9pm, when the fashion show starts!  After the show at 11pm, dance till you can’t until 1am!  This event is by iCu (I-see-you) networking group, a meetup.com group here in San Francisco.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

THEY ARE ONLY $10 ($20 at the door)!

540 Howard St 
San Francisco, 94105

Since the opening of our new space in the mission, we were able to spread out and get organized, which means I will be bringing fashions that have NEVER SEEN THE LIGHT OF DAY…until now.  Joseph Magnin, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Albert Nipon, Limited, Nicole Miller, Diane Von Furstenburg, Furla, even items hand-picked in Paris, and so many more!  The rack will be STUFFED with deluxe faux furs, 1960′s a-line coats and hand-dyed and distressed denim.  There is something for everyone and at every price point from $20-$160+!  Get your fashion on!

I first met Lyseen at Treasure Island Flea where we were booth neighbors.  Lyseen is incredibly talented and makes infinity scarves that are sewn by hand or crocheted.  Even her adorable mom pitches in with the handiwork.

LIX PERLE

ETSY |  FACEBOOK

Here are a few behind the scenes photos for you to enjoy as well!

All items will be in the shop next week!

xoxo, Joules

It took us a while to move all the vintage into the space and install all the necessary shelves etc!  Three van loads later, we got it all in!

We don’t have a storefront at the moment (that’s the next step!), but it’s a small showroom/boutique on the second floor of a lovely building in The Mission that is all set up for you to shop by appointment.  There is a room with three wall racks totaling over 20 feet in length and a wall of shoes!  Shoot us an e-mail and schedule your time to shop!  If you are looking for something in particular, please be sure to mention it!  Groups welcome!  Bring your girlfriends, your homeboys or your boo, coming to shop at JJV is like shopping a huge fabulous closet!

We will be officially launching next month with a brunch-themed shopping experience!  This launch is invite only, so be sure to add your name and e-mail to our JJV SHOP LIST!  You can count on a sweet sale during our opening too!  Stay tuned for more awesomeness!

xoxo, Joules

Aside from the beautiful weather, my booth was right next to a lovely little lady, Lyseen, from Lix Perle.  How cute are we in red houndstooth?!  Lyseen makes super awesome infinity scarves made from vintage fabrics or that have been knit by either her or her (totally adorbs) mom.

We had so much fun being neighbors, and Lyseen even brought her favorite inspiration book to share with me, Fruits by Shoichi Aoki (also by my favorite publisher Phaidon), about Tokyo street fashion.  There is also a second book, by the same author; check it out HERE.  Tokyo is totally on my bucket list– I have always been inspired by Japanese street fashion and the fashion fearlessness everyone possesses.  Lyseen and I even stopped by T-We for some yummy tea samples.  There, we met Christopher and Kier, two totally awesome tea blending, holster-wearing guys.  Turns out they knew my accountability buddy Dani, from The Recoverie.

While sitting at my booth drinking my favorite Earl Grey, photography student, Kim Nguyen, zipped by me with two cameras and then came back and asked me if she could take my picture.  She was so sweet, and I love that she was using two cameras– one for black and white and the other for color.  Rock, on Kim, rock on.

PS The hat I am wearing is totally my fave!  I don’t think I can part with it…sorry ladies.  But I have many many more for your spring time pleasure!  Coming soon!

xoxo, Joules

The other incredible thing I love about Chicago is the food. I have been in San Francisco for two years now and I still can’t fully understand why simple eats like pizza and hot dogs cost upwards of $5-$6. And if you want fries with it, it’s extra…huh? Chicago has so much good food for super cheap prices it’s almost like a food fairy tale. My fiancé and I both ate great food at a walk-up diner for $11. Taxes included. We got fries and a drink at no extra charge. Where else are you gonna get a deal like that (Hint: South Side, Pilsen and Logan Square)?! There are also so many great places to try where food and creativity collide. For instance, The Peasantry in Lakeview gets a huge 5 stars for their elevated street food and mind bending desserts. Late night, you can look forward to Telegraph in Logan Square for their très magnifique selection of French cheeses and wine and the most succulent Spanish olives you swear you’ve ever had in your life. Lucky Platter, in Evanston has some of THE best eggs benedicts around where lump crab cakes or fried green tomatoes are served up on a crispy slice of cornbread instead of an English muffin. Yeah, you heard me.

You can pretty much bet that when I come to Chicago, I go shopping for the store (and myself). It makes me feel good knowing I can scoop up union-made goods from people back in the day who actually cared about the goods they made instead of solely focusing on the dollars they got in their paychecks. Let’s face it- if you spend your hard-earned money on clothing you love, it should last you a long time.

I literally picked up POUNDS of vintage! I also dug up a few designer duds for the label lovers out there. Hermès, Diane Von Furstenburg, Jordache, Samsonite, Enid Collins and a few Italian artisan designs. I got lots of luggage and hand bags, 1930′s and 40′s hats and blushers for you Downton Abbey loving brides. And the topper on it all, faux fur coats. Yummy, oh so yummy.

So excited to share with you guys all the new goodies I picked up here in Chicago! They will be in the shop in the next few days, since, as you are reading this, I am a mile in the sky on the way back to the west coast. As you may have seen on Instagram, I did a little photoshoot in my in-laws’ back yard to show you all the sweet vintage you can get your hands on! I am so in love with everything, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

That’s right!  In the name of love, and loving you- our valentine’s sale is going to be spectacular!

You can enjoy 25% off the ENTIRE SHOP from February 11-16.

Use promo code JJVLOVE13 at checkout.

Also, all purchases made during this time will get a FREE UBER FUN GIFT with your package!

Be sure to tweet that you made a purchase from our shop!

You will be sent a personalized one-time use promo code of 10% off your next purchase*!

Don’t forget to check out our V-Day Gift Guide on Pinterest!

*Personalized promo code can only be used after February 16.

For you love rabbits out there who need a little romantical playlist for V-day, enjoy my Meyow Mix

And for you woeful indie love birds try this on for size AMORE: love songs for creeps

Enjoy a little Outkast today too…why not.