I suppose the silver lining in this down economy is that there are some damn good sales out there! That said, my mission is to avoid the lure of the mall's deep discounts and shop local for the holidays. Going to Appel & Frank's Stockings & Stilettos event last week was a good move - the Regency was swarming with local independent designers eager to show their goods. There must have been 100 tables of tees and trinkets, earrings and baby things, purses and satchels, and leathers and lotions, all fairly drool worthy. The ladies were out in full force raiding the tables for that perfect something for that certain someone. Appel & Frank is a trunk show, which means the prices aren't cheap. This ain't no sample sale! So, minus one star because I feel like they should involve some cheaper vendors. Insider tip #1: Be sure to pick up a goodie bag! I found some purdy good stuff in there, including a yoga set for toes. (http://www.yogapro.com/ts/toestretcher.html). Haha. I'm calling bullshit, but what do I know? Insider tip #2: Usually yelpers can get into Appel & Frank for free or for $5 with a special promo code. Holla! Gotta love the perks. read more

I'm on the fence with Appel and Frank events. I guess it all depends on what vendors are there. I've gone to two Babes and Babies events. The first one I paid $5 for two entries. Not a bad fee at all. The vendors had some cute clothes, food samples and other cool baby products. I got some really cute headbands for my toddler at one of the stands and another vendor gave me a free pair of Baby Legs legwarmers. There were quite a few baby photographers offering their services and I came home with a bag full of goodies. Their gift bag came with a coupon to go to the Discovery Museum for free, a Plum District discount card and a little Maclaren airplane rattle. Plus there were tons of coupons in the bag as well. We were also able to get our baby's picture taken on sight for free. I went the second time because it was free and they were offering a Baby Bullet to the first 50 people in line. I got there and was probably the 15th person in line for the Baby Bullet. I was really excited to get the item because who doesn't love free stuff? The problem with the second one was there weren't as many vendors as my first time there or maybe there just wasn't as much that I was interested in. All I really came out with were some food samples from one of the tables. The gift bag this time only came with food samples too and some flyers. I was a little disappointed. Maybe the best thing would be to look at the vendor/sponsor list before arriving and then decide if it's worth it. read more

My review is for the "Babes and Babies" event in SF as a vendor/exhibitor. - The event (9:30am-2:00pm) is well organized and initial foot traffic is good (people lined up to get their free gift bags) but after 11:00am, vendors are sitting around twirling their fingers. - The space you have to set up is very tight and we were constantly bumping into the vendor behind us. - The price for space at this event is steep considering the total foot traffic-700-ish people. Booooo - As a vendor, I would not exhibit this event again unless they cut their fee by 75%. Events must be beneficial to attendees and vendors, I feel the scale was tipped in favor of promoters. read more

Going to local designers' trunk shows is the fashion equivalent to going to the Farmer's Market - you may pay more, you may pay less, but you get closer to the source of your purchase and thereby reduce your well-heeled carbon footprint in this world. I am definitely a supporter of that. Appel & Frank is the best of the dozen or so such events that occur on a seasonal basis here in our lovely and creative city of San Francisco. It is the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market version of one of these shows - very upscale. Because its reputation is not a little-known fact, the show gets very very crowded - not long after the doors open at 5:30pm. I remember attending my first A & F over in North Beach, and my friend and I knew then, in that tight space with no air circulation, that we had found something special. The designers are for the most part excellent, and because they rotate them, you can usually find new ones each time. I have discovered some of my favorite jewelry designers from attending these events. There is a wide range of goods, from apparel to accessories to handbags to jewelry to stationary, and a wide range of prices to match. This is NOT a sample sale (it's not cheap), however, many designers offer discounts during the show for new or past-season items. The crowd can be...trying. I get bumped a lot, and the noise level in the room is at such a high decibel due to the mostly women attendees, that dogs are surely howling somewhere nearby. As you might well imagine, there are throngs of fashion-conscious women all vying to find their next favorite t-shirt or handbag, so it can be a bit vulture-ish, but it's never uncivilized. I can overlook this because the designers are really great, and it means so much more when you own something made by someone you've actually met. It gives you that "you go girl!" feeling (I hate that phrase, btw) when you see someone who is taking a risk and living their dream. There is an admission charge ($10 for general, $25 for a VIP bag which varies in usefulness) - which gets you in and gets you a ticket for a free cocktail. A lot of booths take credit cards which is good (convenient) and bad (for the monthly statement). Benefit sets up a portable salon on the stage, and you can get "services" done for discounted prices, which is a nice feature. If you're into fashion for yourself and/or want to pick up unique gifts, go to Appel & Frank's next trunk show to check out the up-and-coming local scene. Get there early, because there is always a line. It's popular for a reason, and it's worth it. read more

I've been twice, first last Fall and again last Saturday (Spring Fling). I really had a great time at the Fall event but this recent event was a total dud! There were hardly any clothing vendors, disappointing for a "fashion" event. There were a lot less vendors in general, which is odd, because I know of a designer who wanted to participate but wasn't there....not sure if she wasn't accepted or just changed her mind. I'll have to find out and report back. Another complaint: the invite advertised free "beauty services" which turned out to be a foundation application by cosmetology students, complete with hard sell :( read more

Overall a decent, nothing amazing, but pleasant and well-planned event: - Free/cheap tickets - Decent goodie bag, especially considering the current economic climate (Bright reusable shopping bag, potato chips, press-on fake french manicure nails, 7x7 magazine, coupons) - Highlight was $200 coupon for laser services at SF Smooth, will need to call and follow up on out what restrictions are, as none were listed on the certificate itself or the place's website, but am assuming there are some - Ticket for one drink (although I kind of felt fliers/website was a bit misleading on this) - Not a huge amount of vendors - Cash bar after first glass of wine - Line not too long, but extremely slow and for no apparent reason read more

APPEL & FRANK FASHION EVENT is the best local designers show in SF. Their next show is on Wed. 6/8 and it is a Summer Shopping Event with 60 local designers, featuring jewelry, apparel and accessories for your wardrobe and home! Enjoy Complimentary beauty treatments, spa services and exclusive giveaways. It's an afternoon/evening local designer show, with many great designers. One of the designers featured: ABSOLUTELY AUDREY SHOE CLIPS. Admission is $10. A portion of the door proceeds will be donated to the tsunami relief efforts. http://www.appelandfrank.com read more

Appel & Frank - www.appelandfrank.com - Jewelry Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love shopping at Appel & Frank events. At their most recent Holiday show, they had the most amazing clothes! Really different and unique fashion that you know you aren't gonna see other people walking down the street in cause Nordstrom shipped in 10,000 from China. A huge variety of jewelry is always a given at their events, but I find that each event has new vendors and different things to buy (and their website always lists the vendors so you know when your favorites are coming back or how to contact them if something is happening with your purchase). From cupcakes to clothes to baby blankets to funky t-shirts to make-up... there is a huge spectrum of cool, different things to look at. Basically, you are supporting local people and their creativity, which is so much better than going to a department store to send your money to who knows where! And their goodie bags are always a pleasant welcoming gift! read more

This review is on Appel & Frank's events - with specific reference to the recent Girl's Night Out Fashion Event at The Regency Center. My frugal ways sometimes benefit me since I would attend events that I'd normally not check out. In this instance, I paid $4 for a ticket to the Appel & Frank Fashion Night at The Regency Center located on Sutter between Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue. The event ran from 5pm until 9pm and everyone was suppose to get a cocktail plus there were a limited supply of welcome gift bags to guests. I got there around 630pm and there were no bags left. As an attendee, I did get a chance to enter into the raffle which was for a number of different prizes. Also, the cocktail really was more like a glass of red wine. Now on to the important stuff-- It was a wonderful event that showcased numerous local and small designers. Many of them have been in their line of work for a bit, but all of them had great passion and enthusiasm for their products. It was rather awakening to see that and I enjoyed getting a chance to see merchandise and talk to their creators. This line of communication was genuine and appreciated on my end since I usually do not get this opportunity as a consumer. Not all the things suited my fancy, but it was diverse ranging from the same cocktail dress that could be worn several ways and even reversal to the former 1950s style car seat inspired purses to the clocks made out of former bicycles. I noticed that Appel herself was at the event and was very excited about it. Overall, I would definitely come back again to one of these events because I had a great time learning about new small businesses and checking out the different sales and promotions. Bathroom and dressing room facilities were adequate and clean. Overall, I had a great time and would attend another event hosted by Appel & Frank. read more

I went to the recession fashionista's show last night! What a blast. They get you tipsy on free (yet cheap) wine and all of sudden you're in necklace heaven. I did really well, I only brought $100 with me and with that I purchased a cute onsie for my niece (by Design by Me Handbag Studio), and 2 necklaces (1 for my cousin) and 1 set of earrings (for myself) from an LA designer Ofina. And my favorite favorite was an amazing silver necklace that my friend surprise bought for me from this great Napa designer Carrie Saxl. Love this trunk show! Can you believe I stayed in my budget!? read more

So, I'd heard a lot about these sales and was excited to attend Stockings and Stillettos. The advanced price for admission to the sale was $12 - pretty stiff unless you know for sure you're going to get something. I got there a couple of hours into the sale, so there were some slim pickings but I managed to pick up a cool watch. There are definitely some steals, but not as many as I had hoped for... read more

I went to my first A&P event for the December 2005 Stockings & Stilettos. I was blown away. How in my many years of shopping did I not know of these things? My sister & I were in awe of the many wonderful designers and products. I bought a huge tote bag from a woman who made them from upholstery fabric and I still get comments on it whenever I use it. I also boosted my long sleeve tee "collection". I think my favorite things from that one event were the $10 Bliss products. My sister still talks about it almost two years later! These were full sized lotions too, which go for over $30. Oh Bliss, please come back! In the subsequent events I've gotten other great items. But yet again, my first one must've been one hell of an event because those ones just haven't been as impressive as that first one I attended. I digress a little because I did purchase a fabulous coat from a San Francisco designer called juleselin at the last event late last month. The great thing is that even though the coat originally has 3/4 sleeves she is making my coat with full length ones. She's not altering an already-made coat. This one's especially for me! That's the beauty of meeting the designers. I've been to almost each event since that first one almost two years ago. The VIP goodie bag is almost worth the price of attending. I just wish the amount and variety of participating designers and vendors were more. Last month's was great but the some of the ones prior just had too many jewelry vendors for my taste. But alas, I dress simply and am not much of an "accessoriser". It can be difficult to check out the ones who have really good stuff when the crowd increases. Be patient, linger close by or just go back when the crowd dissipates some. Extra happy faces for the chocolate & petits four vendors and for the free full sized samples of Luna products!!! You will like the "special event pricing" they all offer, and the fact that you're likely getting something very unique. A&P also have a "Babes & Babies" event (self explanatory) but I've never attended. It's very easy to blow a couple hundred dollars, so be prepared to and know what you're looking for or else! But have a good time. The complimentary drink w/ the VIP admission helps a tad. read more

I've going to these events for years- never thought to yelp them. It has really grown since the early days at the comedy club in North beach! A wide variety of local designers with a wide price range too. A great night our for the ladies or day for Mum's:) I say Mum's go to the night one have a drink and relax. read more

So I went to my first A & F event tonight, Stockings & Stilettos and I must say I was disappointed. I like looking at different designers and getting to see people's creativity and ideas in action, but there was really nothing that wow-worthy. Knee socks and hats that look exactly like ones I could buy at H & M for a fraction of the price. There was--no joke-- a booth selling this hip warmer garment--which was a fashion invention to solving the problem of showing midriff from a shirt that doesn't go down far enough. Why wouldn't you just wear a tank top? That was even better than the other invention, the $12 the all-natural piece, fabric-friendly strip that keeps your pant legs from getting stuck in your heels (a problem pretty low on my problem list). Now I like to support artists and I'm willing to pay higher prices to do so, especially for unique, cool pieces, but prices seemed very high and not really worth it for the selection. I went with a friend and paid in person, so I didn't get a goodie bag, but after seeing the slim, uninteresting contents, I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. Even my free drink at the bar was a yawn (no, don't Sake To Me). Redeeming the event somewhat was the adorable shirts for babies and toddlers with flowers, trees and other cute earth-y graphics. Reasonably priced and adorable, they were the perfect way for me to continue spoiling my good friend's baby to be. read more

I went to the Thursday june 12th event at the sutter room at the regency center this year. i had actually gone last year too. i get my tickets for a discount so i dont mind going even though i know the event isnt all that. this year i went back because i know that there is this great thing in the goody bag known as the cosmo deck. this deck gives you $15 off a $50 meal at some really good restaurants in sf. the deck itself costs $30 http://www.cozmocard.com/deck/ ive already used two in the past few weeks. the event itself was whatevers. again i feel like the clothes are all leftovers. i didnt buy anything. last year i bought a sweatshirt i think. i never wear it. read more

I've been and participated in some fashion events in the city, and this has nothing in particular special compare to other. Designers of all kind bring their stuff to show and hope to be sold. In a way, there's something for everyone, that goes for the ladies, they still need to balance it out with few more things for the guys. read more

This was a disappointment for me. My friends have raved about this event for weeks. The clothes and jewelry were expensive and some things were not so fashionable. The only plus side was you get a free giftbag full of samples/pamphlets. And there is a free drink. read more

good stuff... but waaaaay crowded! be prepared to the gaggles of women... ... regardless, $10 for a drink, pedicure and/or eyebrow wax and admission is pretty damn good! read more

I don't really consider myself a fashionista, although I do love shopping and free drinks! Appel & Frank events are a lot of fun to attend because you get to see great fashion, jewelry, ideas, etc. while meeting all the designers themselves and understanding the concept behind the products. The designers are usually different for each event, even though the main theme usually stays the same. I would definitely recommend getting there early (by 5pm) if you're interested in getting the goodie bag. Personally, the bag is my favorite part because I reuse them all the time for groceries and just carrying stuff around. I've enjoyed shopping here because you can get super-unique, one-of-a-kind stuff at a cheaper price than anywhere else. Designers knock off the price and are even open to negotiating with you. I've walked away with tons of things for myself as well as Christmas gifts for family members. However, if you're not into the goodie bags and want a slower-paced crowd, you can wait til about 6:30-7 and the line outside will be gone (though goodie bags will be as well). read more

what it is: a gathering of local, independent designers of jewelry, clothing, paper & cards, accessories, and even sweet treats for you to peruse, pick, purchase, and polk! to me, it is like a treasure chest of unique goodies that you often see at the cute hidden store - but all in one place! i feel like a little kid in a candy store.... when it is: they host a few affairs 3-4 times a year, but my favorites are the pre-christmas one and the summer soiree! the pre-christmas affair is perfect for finding special, hand-made, thoughtful gifts for your near and dear, and the summer soiree (just last night!) had some fabulous of-the-moment dresses, cute, CUTE jewelry, and free Tiger beer! (go Singapura!) what i love about it: if you haven't already gathered - i love the mix of designers. the heartfelt service. the inspirational stories behind each business. the personal prices (discounts if they like you or you buy more than one). the free drinks! the free make-up! the free massages! the time it gives you to spend with girlfriends. the elation you feel after you have bought something one-and-only (trust me, it's hard to just buy ONE of those)! conclusion: ladies (and boys looking for goodies for ladies), YOU MUST GO! pre-purchase tickets online for a better deal, know that part of the proceeds go to charity, get yourself a bit of blush and a shoulder rub, and enjoy the night! read more

Appel & Frank hosts fantastic events--I've been to two and they were both a lot of fun. The goody bags alone are worth the price of admission and there is usually a raffle, organic wine, music and free beauty treatments/consultations. The beauty treatments are a nice bonus if you can get to them, but they do get bit mobbed sometimes. Oh, and the best part is two rooms full of wares by local and independent designers and craftspeople! I am always impressed by the items that people are selling and inspired by the great creative people that I meet at these events. (In fact, seeing them was the nudge I needed to finally start selling my own jewelry line!) By far my favorite event was the Eco event that they had last year--I hope that one pops up again in the future. One tip if you do go, wear layers as between the wine, the shoppers and sellers it gets really warm at this event :) read more

i enjoyed browsing around and looking at all the things. more than anything, they had loads of jewelry vendors -- all of which were so cute! i wanted to buy everything, but i was good. my splurges went on cute hair accessories from and by georgie be. she can custom make them to your likings as well! http://www.georgiebe.com/ free tote bag with discounts, goodies, and snacks for the first 300. free ticket for exchange of a glass of wine for everyone. i'm glad we popped around because i learned of many designers that i might have never found out about had i not came. thanks to yelp for the discount code that gave me and my +1 free entry! read more

Where else can you get a stiff drink, spray on face tan, mani, make-up application, and eyebrow wax for $10.00? No where. So why haven't you gone? read more

Was a bit annoyed that they ran out of goodie bags thirty mins after the event started (late due to time spent looking for parking on Sutter). I bought my tic before Yelp announced the free discount code, so double bummer. Still a good event and I will attend the next one but next time will arrive super duper early. BTW, there was a jewelry vendor that custom engraves necklaces, I didnt grab the biz name or grab a card. I'm calling on the friendly YELPERS that attended this event help me out? I really, really want to place a couple orders. PLEASE! Thanks read more

Can't say enough great things about A&F events. The number and variety of vendors makes it a fun event for anyone. Just when I feel a need to start shopping again, an A&F event happens and I am good until the next one. Love the babies and moms events too. So many adorable items you just don't see in stores. If you are like me and love the convenience of one stop shopping with great service, these are the event or you!. Plus they have wine and great goodie bags. read more

Love Appel and Frank events! Great way to catch up with girlfriends - over a free cocktail/wine and shopping. I always manage to score great deals on jewelry. In fact, I found one of my fave jewelry designers - Anna Beck - at an Appel and Frank event. I've noticed that the designers offer better prices at these events (when compared to retail). The complimentary beauty treatments are a treat! read more

'spring into style' was my 1st appel & frank event and i'm a fan. bought tic online for $7 (originally $10, but found a 30% off discount code online- search google 'appel and frank discount code' beforehand. got there at 6p (event time 5p-9p) and received a goodie bag. i was in a rush to get there bc i didn't want them to run out, but even when we left, there were tons of goodie bags to be given away. goodie bag: pack of facial wipes, candle, really good granola bar, pack of acai energy chews, moisturizer, 'vitamins for drinkers,' magazines, coupons, and other cool stuff i can't remember. bought 3 raffle tickets for $10 (well spent bc 2 of my raffles were winners! $50 gift cert to indeeyo.com and this mp3 player thing). free vino while you browse w/ your gfs. depending on the vendor, price point was wholesale or moderately priced, good mix of both tho. other vendors included: beauty products, waxing services, eyelash extensions done on the spot, pillows, jewelry, some baby stuff (for moms), etc. went w/ seester and had a great time. i'd go again, it's a fun thing to do w/ a gf you don't get to hang out w/ too often. read more

I went to my first appel & frank event, spring into style, last week with my yelp free discount. Thanks yelp! While I was waiting in line to get in, they ran out of free bags. Mary got there before me, and she did get a bag. It was a beachy type bag, with nothing much in it. Some free ugly nails. So I'm not too dissapointed. You get a free drink ticket for wine or champagne. My champagne was very full, not small and skimpy, so yay. I was expecting something more upscale than it was. I was also expecting more clothes. Mostly, it was jewelry. But I liked that there were local vendors and designers, so not things you'd see at a store, which is great. Most booths, the prices were discounted. I got one dress that is not spectacular, but good for work, and only $20. I think it's fun for what it was, and I'd go back if it's free or discounted. I would not pay full price, I don't think it's worth it. My friend found some jewelry and candles, body wash stuff that she liked. I just wish there were more clothes, and clothes that I would wear. Oh, there were no services or anything tho btw. read more

i've been attending the appel & frank events for years. not only can you find great, unique pieces from local designer, but you get most everything at great prices. this is a quarterly must do event! read more

I loved it! I think the key was getting there early. I went one time with a stroller and baby and wouldn't recommend that, a little to crowded, but when I went with girlfriends we had a blast, and got some killer deals. Many of the designers sell in retail stores in the city for double the prices they offer at the show. I got an awesome leather jacket that is totally unique, a few jewelry items and some really great baby gifts. I'd completely recommend going! read more

Appel and Frank events ROCK! So inspiring. Such variety. I always leave with new, unique items - last one I got this amazing organic jacket (perfect weight for SF weather). I get compliments on it all the time and I got it for almost $60 less than if I bought it at a boutique on Polk where it was sold. Also, the Babes and Babies event is great - I brought my mom and mother-in-law when I was pregnant and got super cute, unique stuff for me and my babe to be. Totally reasonably priced (below retail prices) and they always have stuff that is different/unique - lots of stuff made by local artists, love supporting, AND it's high quality. Can't wait for the next event! read more

The Appel & Frank shopping events are the best I've been to in the bay area. The vendors have unique jewelry, clothing and other cool household items at much better prices then I could find at local boutiques. The crowd and atmosphere always provide a great evening out with my girlfriends. I can't wait for the next one! read more

The Appel Frank shows are so great on so many levels it is so worth your time to check out them out. The shows always have great energy which makes it more a like a shopping party than just browsing isles. They do a great job of selecting designers for their events who bring really cool and unique items which is what sets the A/F show apart. I know that when I go to one of their events that I will find a diverse range of designers with high quality items and have a great time. read more