Red Carpet Diamonds

Drop the zero and get with the hero.

DINE
An Evening with Food Heroes
What: Celebrate the release of Georgia Pellegrini’s book with bites from Pizza Politana, Charles Chocolates, and others paired with Four Barrel Coffee and vino from Terroir.
Why: Proceeds benefit Edible Schoolyard.
When: Wed., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 1116 Folsom St., b/t 7th & 8th Sts. (415-558-9946). Tickets ($20; $30 for ticket and book) online at eventbrite.com.

HEAR
Panda Bear
What: The band, headed by Animal Collective’s acclaimed front man, Noah Lennox, stops by the Fox Theater to play hypnotic tracks off its upcoming third album, Tomboy.
Why: Support from Nite Jewel.
When: Mon., 8 p.m.
Where: 1807 Telegraph Ave., at 19th St., Oakland (510-302-2277). Tickets ($25) online at ticketmaster.com.

SHOP
Under-$50 Finds
What: Swirl scoured its closet to bring you the best fashion under $50 from labels like Dallin Chase, Loomstate, Isabel Lu, and more.
Why: While you’re there, pop into the Gar-de sale for up to 60 percent off simple tunics, sheer tanks, and solid dresses.
When: You’ve got nothing to wear.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

SHARE
Porta Via at Pizzeria Delfina
What: Feast from the comfort of your home (or conference room) with nine new takeaway platters (fresh-stretched mozz, Neapolitan meatballs, an Amarena cherry sundae kit).
Why: Have a dinner party without the dirty work.
When: Daily; two days’ notice required.
Where: 2406 California St., at Fillmore St. (415-440-1189).

LISTEN
If You Lived Here You’d Already Be Home
What: Authors John Jodzio and Chelsea Martin (of The Really Funny Thing About Apathy) spin tales that range from a gay birthday clown who can’t get over the loss of his dog to a bikini model with a barnacle stuck to her bum.
Why: Maybe you don’t have it so bad after all.
When: Tues., 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., b/t Clayton & Cole Sts. (415-863-8688).

SEE
SF Shorts
What: Four days of mixed-genre shorts from twenty countries presented in seven film mash-ups.
Why: An international film fest for those with ADD.
When: Starts Wed., 7:30 p.m.
Where: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., b/t Shrader & Cole Sts. (415-668-3994). Tickets ($8-$10; $35 for pass) online at ticketleap.net.

Photo: BitBoy / Flickr

The rest of the country is mourning the end of summer, but ours is just beginning. Gloat a little by cranking our ten favorite warm-weather tunes for every mood.

“Summertime,” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
(Parents still don’t understand.)

“A Summer Wasting,” by Belle and Sebastian
(The bittersweet passage of time.)

“Summer of ’69,” by Bryan Adams
(Bought it at the five and dime.)

“Summer Mood,” by Best Coast
(Best of the West.)

“Hot Fun in the Summertime,” by Sly and The Family Stone
(The soundtrack of every hazy, humid day.)

“Summertime,” by The Sundays
(Everyone needs a day of rest.)

“Cruel Summer,” by Bananarama
(Just dance.)

“Summer Girls,” by LFO
(Boy band bonanza.)

“Girls in Their Summer Clothes,” by Bruce Springsteen
(The Jersey shore, minus the Jersey Shore.)

“Summersong,” by The Decemberists
(A lilting lullaby.)

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

	Our trusty Dossier is where we share all the newsy bits NY Fashion Week has to offer — behind-the-scenes beauty madness, street-style snapshots, designer giveaways, and porn (for fashion fetishizers).

	Up to 65% off E.vil & 80%20 We’ve got you covered from head (er, shoulder) to toe: E.vil’s playful T-shirts and 80%20’s hidden-wedge booties and two-tone tennies are up to 65% off today on Swirl.

We’ve had a girl crush on model-turned-interviewer-turned-whatever-she-wants Alexa Chung for ages. So we’re using the upcoming launch of her amazing collection for Madewell as an excuse to subject her to the same brilliantly funny questions she’s asked celebrities on her beloved, departed MTV talk show, It’s On with Alexa Chung.

Here’s one you asked the cast of Glee: Let’s say you’re opening a chain restaurant. What will you call it?
A themed restaurant or just a restaurant?

A themed one, obviously.
Well, it’s a shame that Jekyll & Hyde is already taken, because that is really good. Um. I’d really like to do a Spice Girls restaurant. We can call it Spice Up Your Life. It can have Spice Girl memorabilia everywhere and serve curry.

Speaking of Spice Girls, which one would you be?
Definitely Ginger Spice.

You asked Emile Hirsch how he’d describe his smell. So how about yours?
Ha. I don’t know. I wear rose perfume, so maybe I smell like roses.

Now for Lady Gaga, you asked her about what she wears to the grocery store. So how do you dress to go grocery shopping?
I dress like Lady Gaga.

Would you rather lose an eye or gain one?
Oh, that’s from John Mayer. He was cracking me up at the time, and I couldn’t hold it together, because I thought that was the best thing I’d ever heard. As he said, I’d gain one then work an eye patch — a really cool, bedazzled eye patch. Though maybe I can gain one and put it in the back of my head and switch between the three. I’d be like an owl.

And you could cover the third with hair?
And you could see what people were saying about you, literally, behind your back.

This last question is also something you asked John Mayer. And it’s our favorite question ever.
It’s about the hairline, isn’t it?

Yes! Would you rather have a receding hairline or a — if this is a word — proceeding hairline?
Oh, man. I don’t know, because neither is particularly attractive on a lady. I mean, if you’re a guy, you can just kind of have a receding one, and it’s fine. Or a proceeding one, and it can be like a beard. But I’m a lady. No facial furniture’s okay really, right? So I guess I’d have a receding one, and I can cover it with wigs.

We like that answer.
Well, I don’t want to be bothered with shaving every day. I can’t even bother with shaving every day now, so if it were on my face, it’d be a real nightmare. There’d be a lot going on.

Finally, is there anything you wish we’d asked?
If you die tomorrow, would you be happy with everything you’ve accomplished so far?

That’s a good one. So what’s the answer?
You’re quite deep. Well. It’s aiiight.

For more delightful insight into the world of Chung (her Madewell collection, fave foods, and whose closet she wants to raid), click to the DailyCandy Dossier. Visit regularly during Fashion Week for the chance to win one of the great makeup bags from the collection, launching September 9 online at madewell.com. Still want more? Check out our gallery of her original sketches.

Photo: Thomas Giddings

	Our trusty Dossier is where we share all the newsy bits NY Fashion Week has to offer — behind-the-scenes beauty madness, street-style snapshots, designer giveaways, and porn (for fashion fetishizers).

	Up to 65% off E.vil & 80%20 We’ve got you covered from head (er, shoulder) to toe: E.vil’s playful T-shirts and 80%20’s hidden-wedge booties and two-tone tennies are up to 65% off today on Swirl.

Chung’s quirky sketches appear on T-shirts and accessories in her Madewell collection. We kind of want to print these out and frame them.

To see a Q&A with Chung — and for a chance to win a makeup bag from her collection later this week — visit our DailyCandy Dossier.

There’s no denying the goings-on at Hogwarts are irresistible (and if loving the books and movies is wrong, we don’t want to be right). But at what point does the affinity for adolescent wizards get weird/creepy? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan works his advice magic.

Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.

OK computer.

SEE
Over Normal at Fifty24SF Gallery
What: British artist Stanley Donwood is best known for creating Radiohead’s album and poster art. His latest exhibit (including Forgot Was Sorry, pictured here) is inspired by the repetitive nature of billboards and spam.
Why: The chance to score a limited-edition newspaper created especially for the exhibit.
When: Thru Oct. 27. Opening reception, Thurs., 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: 218 Fillmore St., b/t Haight & Waller Sts. (415-861-1960).

GRUB
Brunch at Nopa
What: Your (and everyone else’s) favorite restaurant launches its midday weekend menu with dishes like butter-basted farm eggs and strong cocktails, of course.
Why: They’re taking reservations now.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: 560 Divisadero St., at Hayes St. (415-864-8643).

SHOP
Arts Market
What: Browse goods from local artists and designers at this new, weekly, open-air market at UN Plaza.
Why: Sunshine plus shopping local equals bliss.
When: Thurs., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 1182 Market St., b/t 7th & 8th Sts. (415-819-6367).

WATCH
Jean-Michel Basquiat: the Radiant Child
What: The much-buzzed documentary by Basquiat’s friend, director Tamra Davis, comes to the Lumiere.
Why: Rare interviews with the enfant terrible.
When: Starts Fri.
Where: 1572 California St., at Polk St. (415-267-4893).

FLIP
SF Zine Fest
What: Head to Golden Gate Park for the annual indie and underground publishing mecca that showcases zines, comics, crafts, and all other DIY printed matter.
Why: Who said print is dead?
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: SF County Fair Building, 9th Ave., at Lincoln Way.

Art: Stanley Donwood / Courtesy of Fifty24SF Gallery

	Up to 60% off Denim We’ve rounded up covetable jeans from the likes of Paige, Rich & Skinny, Dylan George, and Rockstar. They’ll leave your wallet (but not your butt) nice and big, since they’re up to 60% off on Swirl.

Technically speaking, shouldn’t all other days be called leisure days?

TREAD
Loeffler Randall Rain Boots
What: Much-anticipated (they’ve been about two years coming) impermeable rubber versions ($165-$195) of LR’s popular Matilde knee-high boots and June lace-up ankle booties in infallible neutrals (black, olive green, and taupe).
Why: Your feet will be drier and better styled than the soggy masses.
Where: Online at loefflerrandall.com.

READ
DailyCandy+Fashion Week
What: We did it up big. Up-close-and-personal looks into the lives and lines of nine of our favorite indie designers (including Albertus Swanepoel, Ann Yee, and Samantha Pleet) join our usual NYFW cast (The Dossier, giveaways, groundbreaking show coverage).
Why: Our friends at Swirl wanted in; look for their Fashion Week pop-up shop featuring five of the previously mentioned designers.
Where: Online at dailycandy.com.

SCORE
SnappyTuna
What: If ramekins, zesters, and obscure cooking gadgets make you giddy, geek out with the members-only sale site filled with top-notch kitchen utensils and table settings.
Why: There’s nothing fishy about 50-70 percent off the likes of Outset barware, Danica table linens, and Rosanna tableware.
Where: Online at snappytuna.com.

CELEBRATE
Sweet Sally’s Bakeshop Rosh Hashanah Treats
What: Rugelach (chocolate apricot, raspberry cinnamon raisin) and mandelbread ($12-$13) made by a nice New York girl who bakes just like (but probably better than) your grandma.
Why: The best part of every holiday? The food to which it’s intrinsically linked. Shana tova!
Where: Online at sweetsallys.com.

THROW
Beklina Prairie Rugs
What: Do you have a floor? Is it naked? Cover up with sustainably made, 100 percent recycled cotton carpets, mats, and runners ($50-$290) that are sturdy, washable, and come in bold colors (brick, mint, cobalt).
Why: The rug doesn’t always have to match the drapes; in fact, complementary colors can really open a room.
Where: Online at beklina.com.

Photos: Courtesy of Loeffler Randall

	Up to 60% off Denim We’ve rounded up covetable jeans from the likes of Paige, Rich & Skinny, Dylan George, and Rockstar. They’ll leave your wallet (but not your butt) nice and big, since they’re up to 60% off on Swirl.

If your walls could talk, they might say something like, “We feel naked.”

End their distress with finds from online gallery Paperwork. The site releases new, limited-edition prints from international artists every Tuesday.

The art is printed by an SF-based, family-run printing press on ecofriendly bamboo paper. Here are some of our favorite locals on the site.

Alex Greenburg: The contrast and clarity in this Mission-based photog’s “Anuk” portrait (pictured here) are arresting.

Christina Guerreiro: Her “Bairro Alto 01” painting is one part whimsical, one part vibrant, and completely enchanting.

Sarah Beth Goncarova: “Where Ice Meets Sky II (Day),” created with paint and a knife, is totally cool.

And did we mention that the prints start at just $20? Your entire apartment better get ready for a new fall wardrobe.

Available online at paperwork.ugallery.com.

Photo: “Anuk,” by Alex Greenburg / Courtesy of Paperwork

Now that your walls are taken care of, spruce up your kitchen with fifteen essential cookbooks and gadgets for your countertop.

	We played fly-on-the-wall as nine of NYC’s most exciting indie designers sketched, kvetched, and dressed their way to the runway. Check out the action on our Fashion Week site and just try to resist retweeting it.

	Up to 60% off Lucky Lucky added loungewear to its denim repertoire with the same dedication to fit and style. In vibrant prints and flattering cuts, everything’s especially comfy at up to 60% off on Swirl.

Indie band Ra Ra Riot’s melodic, strings-driven new album The Orchard is just in time for the last road trip of the season. Their unique, orchestral sound has us wondering which late-summer tunes are on their playlist. Here’s what guitarist Milo Bonacci has to say.

“Midnight Lover,” by Kisses
“A warm summer night in SoCal.”

“Sabali,” by Amadou & Mariam
“Pleasingly simple. Plus, I’m a sucker for synthesizer arpeggios and old-school drum machines!”

“In Particular,” by Blonde Redhead
“I love the guitar work in their songs. There always seems to be something new the closer you look.”

“Collector,” by Here We Go Magic
“Fun and mesmerizing with a nice dynamic arc.”

“Siberian Breaks,” by Mgmt
“Its musical scenes are structured more like a movie than a typical pop song.”

“This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” by Talking Heads
“An all-time favorite song. Nearly perfect.”

“I Wanna Be Your Lover,” by Prince
“I love the rhythmic tension between the drums and keyboards.”

“Forever,” by Walter Meego
“They have a whole bunch of new material from a soon-to-be record. I’m curious and excited to hear what they put out next.”

“Tomboy,” by Panda Bear
“I really like the depth and audible space. It’s a trademark of Panda Bear’s music but captivating nonetheless.”

“Wind Chimes,” by The Beach Boys
“It’s not that it sounds like a cool summer night — it feels like a cool summer night.”

For more information and U.S. tour dates, go to rarariot.com. Download The Orchard online at itunes.com.

Photo: Doron Gild

	We played fly-on-the-wall as nine of NYC’s most exciting indie designers sketched, kvetched, and dressed their way to the runway. Check out the action on our Fashion Week site and just try to resist retweeting it.

	Up to 60% off Lucky Lucky added loungewear to its denim repertoire with the same dedication to fit and style. In vibrant prints and flattering cuts, everything’s especially comfy at up to 60% off on Swirl.

Like what you see in DailyCandy’s Fashion Week coverage? Visit the Swirl pop-up shop. Starting September 8, the site will be selling the F/W 2010 ready-to-wear pieces (everything you see in this video) from designers Ann Yee, Bodkin, Samantha Pleet, Tom Scott, and Whit. Our editors are already drooling over the merch. Still not a Swirl member? Join here.

Benz in his studio.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
At my desk, sketching spring 2021.

What are you currently reading?
Role Models, by John Waters. I’m a die-hard fan, and have been my whole life. I’ve read everything he’s ever written, and Role Models doesn’t disappoint. Hilarious!

What’s your favorite under-the-radar spot in NYC?
Karavas on West Fourth, for its burgers and jukebox.

What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“If You Could Read My Mind,” by Gordon Lightfoot. I listen to it all the time.

What fashion trend will we never see Chris Benz design?
Never say never, but I don’t prefer a jegging.

What’s something we’d be surprised to know about you?
I eat cheeseburgers every day, but I hate French fries.

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Scott means business.  (But he’s really very nice.)

The next place I’d like to travel is …
Astoria. For Greek food.

It may sound distorted, but I collect old doll parts.

If I could be anyone from a TV show, I would be …
One of the women on the Mormon fundamentalist compound in the show Big Love. I’m obsessed with their style.

One of my favorite places in NYC is …
All the bike lanes.

When I was little, I wanted to be …
Greg Louganis.

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Don’t miss our top-seeded Deals.

If your weekend uniform still includes Juicy sweats, our gentle advice would be to leave ’02 behind (and logos off your butt).

Step it up with C.Z. Falconer’s fall 2010 collection, by L.A.-based designer (and USF grad) Katherine Zabloudil.

C.Z. Falconer’s got low-rise lounge pants, sure, but they’re 100 percent cashmere and come in taupe or black. Our favorite piece, pictured here, is the loose, flowing Carla poncho ($425). It’s the perfect SF layering piece: More refined than a hoodie, it’s great over leggings for running errands. And we like the kangaroo pocket for stashing your keys and cell.

As for the rest of the collection, think what you’d wear to your favorite resort: a wrap-front jumpsuit; a sheer, long-sleeve boatneck tee; a form-fitting bateau minidress. Preferably poolside with a cocktail.

Enter code DailyCandy for 25 percent off the Carla poncho though September 7 at czfalconer.com. Select pieces available at Luna Boutique, 3615 Sacramento Street, at Locust Street (415-359-0198 or lunaboutiquesf.com), $85-$525.

Photo: Courtesy of C.Z. Falconer

How’s this for crafty: Learn to make a dress out of your boyfriend’s old sweater.

	Up to 65% off Kas Kirat Anand’s classic boho styles with exuberant embellishments (tribal print, embroidery) are equally at home on a front porch or in far-flung locales — and they’re up to 65% off on Swirl.

Swanepoel and cat at home.

When milliner Albertus Swanepoel was 7 years old in Pretoria, South Africa, he found a doll’s head, stuck a pencil where its neck had been, and draped it with fabric. Later, in his early 20s, he sold his beloved piano so he could afford fashion school.

Now, almost 30 years later, the CFDA winner’s elegant-yet-modern hats are featured in runway shows like Proenza Schouler, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Peter Som, Carolina Herrera, DVF, and Narciso Rodriguez. And he still makes every single cloche, fedora, turban, and boater in his Garment District studio. To see the charming Swanepoel in action, watch our video.

Read our Q&A with the designer

Take a virtual tour of his apartment

Lust after his previous designer collaborations

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