Oktoberfest
GERMANIC - Lederhosen shorts and dirndl dresses were the fashion at Saturday's KCAT's Oktoberfest at the Civic Center Lawn in Los Gatos. (Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)

Flor de Maria poped up at Mélodie-special shopping events planned for Discovery Shop; History Club will “Sashay into September” with a fashion show; Autumn allure at Kismet; and Metamorphosis at La Rinconada in Ocober. 

Los Gatans love to be “in fashion”

Are you still wearing pre-pandemic garb?

Have you taken a good look at yourself and your closet? Perhaps it’s time to catch up and develop your personal style while supporting your community?

Are you a fashionista in training?

If you answer yes to any of these please read below and prepare to become a “fashion plate.”

It’s easier than you may think to stay “in fashion” locally. You could; attend a local fashion show. Or you could frequent one of our charity thrift shops.

And you might learn more about yourself in the process.

Flor de Maria pops up on Main Street

At the Mélodie boutique, earlier this month, the amazing Los Gatos footwear designer Flor De Maria presented a pop-up with some tempting shoes.

Dinah Cotton's photo of a woman trying on fancy shoes
SHOES IN FOCUS – A shopper at the Flor de Maria pop-up at Mélodie on Main Street.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)

“This is luxury,” owner Mélody Derakshandeh said, referring to the designer style garments she carries, which she sources from fashion weeks in Europe.

“You can’t find what we have here in any department store.”

Mélody, was a shopper herself when this location was called “Manaz.” She bought the location last December. Mélodie escaped the high-tech industry and is now an internationally known fashion maven.

The shoes Flor brought in were unique and straight out of a designer collection. 

She promises to hold a huge anniversary party (and sale) for her one-year celebration in December. And is another surprise pop-up in the cards?

Los Gatos Discovery Shop

Last week, in speaking with American Cancer Society Discovery Shop’s store manager, Marlene Ojeda, I learned about the one day “Designer Event,” held in early September, which grossed over $4,000.

There are more special events coming up during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On Oct. 2, Come by on this date for a FREE prosthetic bra. Yes, free for breast cancer survivors-Victoria’s Secret donated boxes of prosthetic bras—there are many sizes available.

thrift shop fashions
THRIFTY – Find your style at the Discovery Store and you’ll be supporting the American Cancer Society.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)

All shades of pink merchandise will be on display. 

On Oct. 9, during a one-day jewelry event, a huge selection of real jewels, as well as costume jewelry, will be showcased. Put on the “glitz” and shine around town.

On Oct. 15, check out the luxury fabrics: leather goods, cashmeres, wools and more very fine things will be out for thrifters. Expect fabulous items with designer labels and trademarks at thrift store prices. 

Discover what you can

It is really the volunteers who make it all happen at the Discovery Store and you are supporting the American Cancer Society. “We are looking for additional volunteers,” Ojeda said, noting volunteers receive a 10% store discount. “Sign up online or come in the store to learn how to volunteer. We also have a free rewards program, a senior discount (over 55) day and many one day special events.” Quality item donations are always welcome, call to see when they are being accepted.

If you like to shop this may be a place for you to investigate and discover the satisfaction of volunteer work.

Can you “Sashay”?

The History Club of Los Gatos, at 123 Los Gatos Blvd., will hold “Sashay into September,” fashion show and lunch, Sept.16, with a portion of proceeds going towards “Dress for Success.”  

Doors will open at 11:15am, with champagne and hor d’oeuvres then a delicious lunch starting at 12:30 p.m. The fashion show is scheduled to begin at around 1:15pm. Participating stores: KISMET, J. McLaughlin and Jennifer Croll.

The History Club was founded in 1897 to study ancient and modern history. The club is known for philanthropy, community support and friendship and on this day fashion reings. Tickets sales have been brisk for this Shashay fashion show.

Sold Out Assistance League show

KISMET will hold its annual fall fashion show at lunch on Sept. 26, benefiting the Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga. Volunteers at the organization work to transform the lives of children and adults through community programs.

This event sold out one week after it was announced.

Oktoberfest fashion

Many Los Gatans got out their lederhosen and drindils to be German for a day at the fifth annual fest at the Civic Center Park Plaza. KCAT Executive Director Milissa Toren commented, “it was magic this year—the biggest crowds, yet with perfect weather; we thank all of our sponsors.” There were plenty of smiles along with the “chicken dance.” The ompapa music got many Gatans up and dancing in their classic get-ups.

Not just a Halloween month

On Oct. 10, at La Rinconada Country Club, Dustin David will present “METAMORPHOSIS,” an evening of fashion and philanthropy in support of Pacific Clinics’ Bay Area outreach.

Also, if you need help with this year’s Halloween costume, visit the freshly-painted Happy Dragon.

You’ll surely come up with lots of great ideas for the perfect costume.

So, there you have it. Fall here in Los Gatos is one of wardrobe inspiration. After the last several years we are moving into the “era of being seen,” get out from behind that computer or phone.

Ask yourself, does the way you’re dressing these days reflect who you really are inside? 

Coming up in a future issue: Alyce Parsons shares secrets on how to dress according to your personality type. Stay tuned.

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Dinah Cotton was born in San Francisco and graduated from the University of Hawaii. She returned to the Bay Area just in time for the 1989 earthquake.

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