riki blog

Khaki, the hottest color of the season

2010-03-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Open your fashion magazines and what do you see- khaki! It combines so well with ink blues, denim or greys in a very sophisticated color palette. While many of us look rather washed out in khaki tops, try wearing it in skirts, pants, trenches or accessories.
New riki skirts just arrived in this wonderful neutral color.

Looks from the stores

We love the new arrivals from poles, a French line best known for their understated, luxurious knits.
Crop linen jacket, linen pant and silk top all by "Le Phare de la Baleine", one of our favorite French lines.

Early Spring

2010-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Spring is arriving here at riki with splashes of yellow, geranium, lilac and vibrant blues. I like to combine them with this spring's many shades of grey, from silver to slate. Add a touch of crisp white and you have a color palette that reads spring 2010.

This will be the year of the printed T. Yes, it's the 80s all over again. We see floral prints, all over prints, large scale face prints, embellishments on printed Ts...and lots of bling. Not to worry, we'll stay true to riki and will edit the collections well for you.

A utility jacket by Super Dry, a new company we started to carry at the store. It's urban, hip, designed in London and a very hot label.

There will be a Final Sale on all Winter Merchandise 60-75% off. Help us make some room for all of our new spring arrivals...

Last, not least, I just heard today that several of our spring shoes are stuck in customs. Let's hope they will be released soon.

January Clearance Sale!

2010-01-06T10:06:00.000-08:00

We are trying to make room for our Spring Collections that are starting to arrive later this month, so all winter merchandise is on sale now at

40-60% off regular price

Sale includes cotelac, Poles, IKKS, neen, riki and all winter shoes and boots.

Zazu & Violet Hats

2009-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

Come join us for a festive, fun evening and hats, hats, hats!!!

Meet the designer of Zazu & Violet, share a glass of champagne, be dazzled by her fabulous creations and fall in love - as we did - with her whimsical, 30s inspired and meticulously crafted hats and headbands. We are very lucky to have such a talented milliner right here in the Bay Area.

Hats are in again ladies, make them part of your wardrobe!

This Friday December 11, from 6pm-9pm

at Riki

2111 Vine Street

Berkeley

510.540.5557

Visit us on Facebook and become a fan of riki design.

A Winter Stroll

2009-12-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Wear it with boots, look chic at any age!

Gifts I Love

2009-12-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

The modern, sophisticated look of our new jewelry line by

San Francisco designer Nancy Katen,

Hobo wallets and clutches in fun fall colors for their style and functionality,

Long, narrow scarves in chunky knits and cloches of all shapes and colors!

November

2009-11-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Satin rouch dresses by Verrieres&Sako just arrived in time for the holidays. They are absolutely stunning and the fit, as always, is immaculate. Also available as a strapless black satin version.

Giulia Isolotto, our knitwear line, has been greatly successful with our customers. Made in Italy for riki in merino wool blends, the line is youthful yet clean-lined with a twist.

Ellington is a new line of leather purses we started to carry in our stores. Their leathers are of superior quality and are tanned using an environmentally friendly process. I particularly like their cross shoulder styles, which make great travel bags due to well thought out interior and zippered compartments.

New contour belts from riki in crocodile embossed Italian leather. They're also available in charcoal and black and make great gifts.

Fall Looks in Shades of Grey!

2009-11-04T07:28:00.001-08:00

After coming back from Europe and seeing many sophisticated shades of grey and combinations of them, I just had to put a look together that reflected what I saw everywhere.

There were some colors, but only touches of them. Some dark ink blues, certainly purples—mostly in combinations with shades of taupe and tan—and shades of charcoal with undertones of truffle, bronze and olive.

And then there was black! Lots of black, and everywhere! It seemed that every coat I loved was black as well as every boot.

But I also know that here in California we do like color.

All sweater knit pieces that are featured in our looks are from Giulia Isolotto, our label out of Italy. Skirts and belts are from riki and manufactured here in San Francisco of Italian fabrics and leather. Everything is available in our stores right now. Enjoy!

Giulia Isolotto 4-button Wool Coat
S-M-L
#6995
$330
Ellington Messenger Bag
One Size
Charcoal
#205
$210
Report Boots
Sizes 6-10
Black
#145
$170

Soia&Kyo Leather Jacket
S-M-L
Caramel
#2776
$400
Riki Belt
S-M-L
#WW01
$145
Cotelac Pant
XS-S-M-L
Charcoal
#7447
$290

Chalet Turtleneck
S-M-L
Purple
#171
$75
Giulia Isolotto Wrap Cardigan
S-M-L
Charcoal
#6979
$230
Cotelac Pant
Charcoal
Report Boots
Black

Erge Top
S-M-L
Grey
#252
$80
Giulia Isolotto Wrap Cardigan
Charcoal
Cotelac Pant
Charcoal
Riki Belt
Black
Report Boots
Black

Riki Panel Skirt
XS-S-M-L
Fully satin lined
Black
#305
$185
Riki Belt
Black
Chalet Turtleneck
Purple
Giulia Isolotto Wrap Cardigan
Charcoal
Report Boots
Black
Kept tall at knee height

Riki One-Pleat Skirt
XS-S-M-L
Fully lined
Black/Charcoal coated fabric
#2009
$185
Giulia Isolotto Knot Top
S-M-L
Black wool
#776
$190
Chalet Turtleneck
Purple
Ilux Tights
Black
Report Boots
Black

La Vie Cherie

2009-10-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this online magazine article about us by LVC...

In the News

2009-09-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Read about us in the SFChronicle...

Fall

2009-08-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

It certainly is hot here in California, but fall has arrived at riki.

All of our French lines have sent their first shipments and we are selling through faster than anticipated, especially the IKKS pieces in metallic coated fabrics.

Fillmore jackets and coats just arrived this Friday. I particularly like the tweed belted jacket vest with its distinctly wider shoulder cut and fitted waist, somewhat reminiscent of the 80s. Very stylish when paired with narrow, fitted bottoms.

To all of you that participated in the trunk show for Sydney Turnshek, thanks so much for coming. For everybody else that couldn't make it, stop by and see her selection of felted wool hats, caps, cloches and headbands on display on one of her beautiful hat stands in our Berkeley store.

Our riki belts in fall colors will be in our stores by next week, promise. I know many of you have been asking for them. I also added some crocodile embossed cowhide leathers in our smaller contour belt, I really like it, hope you do, too.

It has been a pleasure to get to know and work with many of our Bay Area customers on my Wednesdays in Berkeley, great fun!

French Arrivals

2009-08-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

Lines from France we all love that arrived or will arrive this week!

IKKS, France

I know many of you have been waiting for IKKS to arrive. We've built quite a following for this edgy, urban French line. Great jackets, skirts, jumpers, metallic accents, coated fabrics, oh, you can tell I love IKKS! It's very modern with clean architectural design lines, on trend, but very wearable and refined.

Poles/Tehen, France

We've been carrying this French knitwear line for several seasons now and everybody really likes it. I've focused on bringing you their fine knit sweater tops in beautifully vibrant shades of berry, purple, turquoise and grey as essential, luxurious basics for your fall wardrobe.

Cotelac, France

Our shipment should arrive no later than this Thursday. Cotelac to me is the ultimate French boutique line. It's feminine without being frilly, artistic without being theatrical, youthful and very refined. Cotelac is only available in select boutiques in the US as well as the cotelac boutique in Soho, NYC that opened its doors two years ago. I feel very fortunate to be able to bring you this beautiful line. For more information visit their website www.cotelac.fr.

Neen, France

Another fabulous knitwear line from France! Last year we sold out of their long black boiled wool trench in two days but couldn't reorder it, so it's coming again this year, actually, next week. It's clean-lined and simply chic, travels well, and looks great with jeans and boots. Don't miss out on this one! Their knit dresses and tops are equally as great and always look very polished.

Store Looks

2009-08-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

SF Chronicle Article

2009-07-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

Riki was mentioned in the Style section of last Sunday's Chronicle...

Verrieres & Sako

2009-07-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

Verrieres & Sako launched its first women's wear collection in 2006 and has since been gaining unwavering attention across the nation with their "cutting edge basics" epitomizing a day-to-evening wardrobe. Their dramatic design lines, couture techniques and neutral color palette have become a signature look for this talented, young design team from the San Francisco Bay Area. Their sophisticated collection is at once modern and timeless and has begun to circulate in the celebrity circuit as well as being featured by WWD, Glamour and InStyle.

The Verrieres & Sako collection has been bought by some of the most sought-after retailers in the country and we are proud to announce that riki is now carrying the line in our Davis and Berkeley boutiques.

Their ruched dress, urban shorts and little sheer blouses with their impeccable fit and fabulous style lines, have been selling extremely well in our stores and we can't wait to receive Fall 2009.

www.verrieres-sako.com

Belts

2009-07-24T13:23:00.000-07:00

Great news for riki...

We officially launched our belt line this July!

Our clean European designs in cowhide leathers and artisan finishes have been well received and we already have been picked up by some of the leading Bay Area boutiques for fall.

Midsummer Heat

2009-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Fun summer tops, skirts and cool linen dresses for July's hot temperatures.

The gladiator sandal in black from our homepage will be in again next week. So for all of you out there that were so disappointed that we ran out of them, now is the time to come by the store or call to reserve your size. This will be the last shipment and they will run out fast.

July News

2009-07-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a busy two weeks for us at riki with last week's Side Walk Sale in Davis and a fashion show last Saturday evening in North Berkeley. Lots of fun!

Now that our summer sale is dwindling down, our new riki transition/early fall pieces are starting to arrive - and some of them are already selling out. Well, I suppose we have to recut some styles we still have fabrics for.

I have added another young and very talented designer from the Bay Area, Verriers & Sako and we are looking forward to their trunk show this fall in both of our stores. It's going to be a busy and exciting fall at riki!

Summer Looks by grdano

2009-06-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

"Evry" blouse in crisp white and Havana skirt in black by grdano.

Blouse $150

Skirt (also available in khaki) $150

Red Danika heel by MeToo $105

Cowl neck top by riki $65

Scarf by Erge $25

Zipper bag $120

grdano.com

Hat Collection

2009-06-09T21:20:00.001-07:00

We just received these exquisitely made hats by Berkeley milliner Sydney Turnshek. Truly one of a kind pieces in linen, hemp or straw, adorned with antique ribbons, buttons or mirrored letters. Fun, whimsical, yet very contemporary hats made for you by a master of the trade. Since every hat is hand made by Sydney, custom orders are welcome.

Linen Jacket

2009-06-09T20:47:00.000-07:00

Our long blazer style stretch linen jacket by Fillmore has arrived!

I find this to be one of the most versatile pieces of the season for a polished, urban look.

Styled with fitted jeans, pleated silk blouse and leather ADA bag for a casual, hip urban look. I like the color combination of tobacco and teal blue for a transitional early fall look, whereas when combined with crisp white it certainly reads summer.

Same jacket, different color!

Soft tan/grey, cream stitching detailing on lapel, pocket and sleeve. I think it looks fantastic with black, pants, or skirts (slim or full), a simple top, belt, a gladiator heel and you will be ready to go from office to dinner. And for those chilly Bay Area evenings, a soft pashmina for your neck - we have them in beautiful summer shades. Enjoy!

Summer Looks from our Stores

2009-05-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

What reads more summer than crisp white and navy, updated with some of our new arrivals - great leather bags in yellow and black.

Full cotton skirt by cotelac, France $240

Cotton knit cardigan by Le Phare de la Baleine, France $195

Leather bag in yellow with webbing adjustable shoulder strap by Thursday Island, imported $240

Very refined and smooth leather bag in black, also available in green and tan by ADA, Argentina $190

You won't trade in style for comfort with these black leather flats by Me Too, imported $80

Rouch top in fine knit cotton with delicate detailing on neckline by Sita Murt, Spain $160

Skinny jeans in dark wash by Red Engine, USA a must have! $160

Our riki contour belt artisan made of fine Italian leather and refined Italian buckles $105

Fun necklace by Thursday Island $35

An easy top from Cubism, USA in olive green burnout rayon knit with raw edge detailing $45

Riki Club

2009-05-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

What's new at riki? The 'riki club'!

Club cards will go out this week to our most loyal customers, which will entitle them to:

*10% off all purchases (excluding sale items)

*Advance notice of sales

*Free shipping on Internet & phone orders

*10% off all gift certificates

*Free style consultation by appointment

So check your mail!

Visit our stores and find out how to become a club member!

Mother's Day Ideas

2009-05-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

I love these rings of multifaceted labradorite, bezel set in sterling silver by CARAUCCI of San Francisco. Worn on your middle or index finger, these beautiful rings are bold, yet very refined and clean looking. $105

Hoops are in again! These vertical hammered silver hoops by CARAUCCI are especially beautiful with their wire wrapped, faceted teardrop stones of either blue opal or moon stone. $125

So fresh and summery, these simple semi hoops with clusters of small teardrop shaped ultramarine. Just imagine wearing them with your favorite jeans, white top and you are ready to go. $103

I call this the 'Key to your Heart' necklace with dangling charms of faceted smoky quartz, aquamarine, peridot, rose quartz and sterling silver, very adjustable in length to accommodate any neckline. $180

A look from our Berkeley store featuring the Gerard Darel linen pencil skirt, a Cotelac l/s top with slight fabric pleating detail, and the very refined ADA messenger bag in black. The bag also just arrived in soft green, tan, and coral distressed leather. Its lightweight, multiple inset pockets and top zippered closure make this a perfect traveling purse. We added this beautifully understated necklace by San Francisco jewelry designer Circadian Studios. This truly artisan piece in sterling silver molds to your neckline, creating many different looks.

Skirt $230
Top $175
Bag $190
Necklace $185

Come visit our blog again next week to find out about a special offer for our valued and long time customers.
See you then.

Early Summer

2009-04-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Early summer looks from the riki stores!