All posts in Review

Native Collection by Michael Stricklin

by Paria Amini on June 6, 2013 in Designer, Fashion, Lifestyle, Men's Fashion, Review

We have all experienced it. You purchase a clothing item or accessory you love, and while everything appeared perfect at that initial moment, after a few times of use, it’s falling apart. Items are not made these days like they used to be. Even high priced items are lacking in the quality you would expect for the price you pay. That is why when you do find something that not only lives up to your expectation, but surpasses it, it would be wrong not to share.

Let me introduce you to Native Collection Leather Goods, the brainchild of owner Michael Stricklin. Stricklin’s company manufactures handmade leather goods made from Hermann Oak vegetable-tanned leather. All products are produced in the United States (Alabama, to be exact), where each and every item is individually dyed, oiled, finished, cut, sewn, and assembled like the way they used to be. With a wide array of items, Native Collection offers iPhone cases, cross-body bags, and much more.

I had the pleasure of reviewing the credit card wallet/business card holder, the leather camera strap, and my personal favorite–the toiletry bag (which can also make an ideal makeup bag). My initial reaction when opening up the package was –”Wow, this is incredibly good quality.” (My friends have been pretty impressed as well). Not only are Stricklin’s designs durable, the designs are modern and contemporary, while still having a classic appeal. This is something that I know will last and last for years, like good leather should.

While it may seem that the days of quality goods are a thing of the past, designer Michael Stricklin reminds us that this is not completely the case. To see the full range of the products from Native Collection Leather Goods, and to purchase your own unique leather goods, visit the store at www.nativecollectionco.etsy.com.

Die Fledermaus

by Paria Amini on November 19, 2012 in Events, Local, Opinion, Review

If you are the kind of person who squirms at the thought of “the opera,” Strauss’ Die Fledermaus may completely alter your perception. With bits of dialogue and a comedic story-line, this is not what the opera cynic might typically expect. Strauss’ most celebrated operetta, Die Fledermaus (“The Bat”) is a story of revenge, betrayal, deceit, and mistaken identity, wrapped up into an uproarious performance. Based on a German comedy and French vaudeville play, the opera is about a man’s intricate scheme to avenge a friend’s practical joke.

Sung in German, Die Fledermaus is divided into three parts. I have seen tenor Michael Dailey, who plays Alfred, perform in several shows at Opera San Jose, and this has been one of my favorite of his performances. Dailey’s effortless ability to capture the character he is cast to play, his confidence on the stage, his ability to connect with the audience, and his tremendously exquisite voice leave the scenes he plays ingrained in your mind. And for the comedy portions of the opera, Rebecca Krouner does an unbelievable job as Prince Orlofsky, resulting in much laughter throughout the show.

Die Fledermaus runs from now until November 25th at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose. Tickets are on sale at the Opera San Jose box office, by phone at (408) 437-4450, or online at www.operasj.org.

Memphis at Broadway San Jose

by Paria Amini on October 27, 2012 in Events, Local, Review

Felicia Boswell (Felicia) in the National Tour of MEMPHIS - photo by Paul Kolnik

Four-time Tony Award Winner Memphis has made its way back to the Bay Area! Memphis tells the story of Huey Calhoun, a young white DJ who has fallen for the music of rock-and-roll. Along the way, Huey meets Felicia, a beautiful and talented black singer who steals his heart. In an era of segregation, Huey fights for the music and woman he has come to love, pushing the boundaries and changing the status quo.

The theater was packed for opening night of Memphis at the Center for Performing Arts in Downtown San Jose. The show is the first for the new 2012-2013 season at Broadway San Jose. Ticket holders took their seats and waited for the curtain to go up and the performance to begin. With an exquisite cast of dancers, singers, and well-rounded performers, it is no surprise Memphis has received such critical acclaim.

The powerful score and captivating story makes Memphis an unforgettable performance. The cast effortless captured the personalities and attitudes of the characters set to play, for an overall wonderful execution of this musical. In addition to the superb cast, the great deal of attention that went to the stage and costume design, as well as the lighting and live music, brought the unforgettable Broadway experience here to the Bay Area.

Memphis will be at Broadway San Jose and the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose running through October 28, 2012. Tickets are on sale now at the www.sjtix.com box office or call 408-792-4111 for more details. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the theater or a newbie, you won’t want to miss your opportunity to see Memphis while it’s still in town! Be sure to follow Broadway San Jose on Facebook and Twitter for updates on their new 2012-2013 season and special messages for fans/followers!

Spina Designs

by Paria Amini on September 21, 2012 in Fashion, Review

Even when wearing the boldest of outfits, I still like to add some sort of accessory to my look. This can be hard when so much is already going on, yet I continue to feel as though something is missing. I have recently become very enamored by the concept of “recycled art.” How can we take something that was used for one purpose, and use it for another? This is the idea behind Spina Designs, who describes their motto as “turning arms into art.”

Spina Designs crafts their jewelry by melting down solid brass bullet casings. The finished product is a hand crafted necklace, paired with a delicate 18 inch 14K gold filled chain with a spring clasp (or leather cord for a few pieces). A unique process, the necklace is unlike many others I own. Holding the piece–it feels heavy, and sturdy, not like many mass produced items. The time and care used to fashion the piece shows. It has a history. Each piece tells a story.

Whether a lotus flower, an antique key, a single barrel gun, or any other of the designs Spina Designs creates, there is one, or many that may cater to your individual taste and style. Each time I wear an item from Spina Designs around my neck, I am met with many compliments and inquiries about it. Check out Spina Designs at their Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpinaDesigns?ref=top_trail and find which necklace suits you!