Spring has sprung and we are celebrating at gather! We've got a special rack at the shop marked up to 50% off that includes gems like Preloved sweaters, Curator striped tops, and Nooworks favorites. And for this week only we are offering 10% off ALL regularly priced clothing too! That includes new arrivals, and all men's and baby stuff too! That means you can take 10% off this adorable chambray Bridge and Burn top and this cutie from new gather maker Chan + Krys. Can't make it into the shop? Use the code "FLOWERS" at checkout to take 10% off clothing in our online shop. But hurry, this offer expires Saturday night!
P. S. There are still a few last minute spots available for Thursday's Embroidery Workshop with Jenny Lemons! Also have you seen all the new classes we have on the calendar? Can't wait for our Botanical Smudge Sticks and our Giant Knit Blanket workshops!
desiree salas
Meet the Maker: Desiree Salas
Meet the Maker2 Comments
Oakland-based designer Desiree Salas creates vintage-inspired, feminine women’s clothing for all seasons. "I love designing pretty dresses in colorful retro prints that are either floral or nature themed," she says. "My signature piece is a 1940's-inspired A-line wrap dress that’s been nicknamed 'The boyfriends' favorite'."
Her basics, which you may have seen on our racks, also include a dark denim '70's inspired wrap skirt (a nod to Marsha Brady) and a lightweight chambray denim utility dress. Desiree hand drafts and sizes all of her patterns. "After working years in corporate fashion, I've perfected my fit and feel, and that's a big selling point," she says.
Where do you draw inspiration? Or who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is people watching! Bay Area women really have such a unique and individual style. I love how they mix prints, seasons and pieces from different eras. There are no rules here.
Also many of the local boutique owners have stylish customers that I've been known to stalk someone for blocks to take note of what they're wearing.
If you could eat at any food truck, what would it be? And what would you get?
I absolutely LOVE El Sabrosito in Oakland. It's home style Salvadoran food. The truck is only parked weekdays on Broadway and 3rd. They have the most delicious pupusas stuffed with veggies & cheese or chicharron & beans. Perfect topped with their coleslaw and a cold horchata. I love that it's run by two sisters, Claudia & Maria, that work side by side and are inspired by their parents' family recipes.
What do you like most about the maker community?
The maker community is so supportive! Trunk shows and maker fairs are a great way to meet other artists. Often, working on your craft can be isolating if you don't share studio space. Working intensively, hours can go by without talking with anyone. I feel that at maker events, it's a great what to connect, share your craft, insight and experiences.
I'm always inspired by how hard makers work and how passionate they are about sharing their product.
Where is your favorite place to travel?
I love traveling to Mexico and recently went 2 years in a row. I love the artistry work that each town has to offer. In Guadalajara, I found the most beautiful hand-embroidered dress and tops and colorful woven shoes. In Sayulita, I was enthralled with the brightly colored tassels, pom poms and dream catchers everywhere. The tassels were used to decorate everything from purses to blouses to car visors!
What do you want for your next birthday?
A Sodastream!
What does your work space look like? .
It's really a funky shack behind my home. I have large windows that look out to my lemon, fig and orange trees. It feels like a cabin and a wonderful relaxing place to work. It's stocked full of my years of collecting machines, trims and bolts of fabrics.
Halloween made easy at gather
CommentHere at gather we love the holidays and Halloween is our favorite. Let us make it easy for you - here are our tips to make this one a total breeze so you can focus on having fun!
Gather your girl gang and arrive in style at your friend's Halloween bash as a fruit salad with these adorable hand printed tops and dresses by Jenny Lemons. You can choose from strawberries, watermelons, lemons, and bananas. Each garment is made with natural and organic fabrics and is block printed individually by the artist, making each piece unique. And when Halloween is over, your fruit costume doesn't need to hit storage! Pair it with skinny jeans and you have a brand new whimsical (and totally wearable) outfit for the rest of the season.
You can also embrace your spirit animal with these handmade masks by Dawn Kathryn Studios. Transform yourself into an inquisitive owl, a sly fox, or a cheetah that’s ready to pounce. Pair it was a simple top and leggings and you are set for the night! Read: Easiest. Costume. Ever. Masks fit both children and adults.
Heading to a party and you don’t like to come empty handed? Neither do we! Arrive with a couple of Hot Spice Wine and Cider Kits by Saffron + Kumquats and you’ll be sure to be the hit of the party! Each kit includes a recipe and supplies for three batches and comes in a resusable mason jar. Pair it with Boo card by new vendor Paper Raven Co and your gift is complete!
Want to celebrate Halloween but not in the mood to wear a costume? This orange and yellow triangle patterned blouse by Oakland designer Desiree Salas is a great alternative. We paired it with a new denim skirt from Margarette Laizure. Add your favorite boots and you've got the the perfect outfit to take your kids trick or treating. This blouse is available in both short sleeve or ¾ sleeve.
Trick or Treat? We choose TREAT! We at gather like to treat ourselves to luxury chocolate bars by Compartes. Each flavor is packed full of yummy goodness, from to oreo cookies to Hazelnut Toast! Now that's the way to do Halloween!
Come visit us Halloween weekend for more tips and tricks! We'll be serving up hot cider and dishing out candy!