LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Looking Good in Lamorinda


Jamie Peters models a stylish fall sweater by Banana Republic. One of many fashion finds available at Wayside Thrift Store. Photos Moya Stone

I recently popped into Wayside Thrift Shop in Lafayette and met with Thrift Shop co-chair Arlita Smith and Clothing Team Chairman Jamie Peters for a chat and a tour. Wayside raises money for Assistance League Diablo Valley and is named for the historic inn, which it is located on Golden Gate Way. Locals know the shop to be a hot spot of quality clothing, including some vintage, and name brands such as J. Crew, Ann Taylor, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, to name a few. "Wayside Thrift Store is an ideal place to bring anyone who loves finding unique gems and well constructed pieces," says Lafayette stylist Julie Rubenstein, who often shops at the Wayside for her clients.

According to Peters, customers run the gamut from teenagers who come in on the weekends wanting something different to moms needing kids clothes or something for themselves. Smith says that Wayside "appeals to that customer who is looking for a treasure." The shop brings out new donated merchandise every day and their special events are a big hit. Every couple of weeks, Wayside has a theme event in which particular items are featured. Coming up on Oct. 9 is Cashmere. All the shop's cashmere will be out on the floor and at excellent prices. I'm told people stand in line waiting for the shop to open on event days.

Wayside is also a good option for Halloween costumes. I saw a fabulous vintage Pendleton cape - hello Sherlock Holmes! There was also an adorable giraffe costume just right for a toddler. Fall fashions now in the shop include sweaters, jackets, wool skirts, and blouses. I spotted several chunky sweater dresses and men's clothes, too, such as tweed jackets, slacks and ties. Accessories abound. Jewelry, shoes, handbags ... oh my. Wayside Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Among the trends for fall 2018 is a new twist on the scarf. Scarves are every woman's must-have for style and comfort around the neck but this season designers are showing the scarf in a new fashion - around the head. Head covers were all over the fall 2018 catwalks styled in different ways. From Hollywood starlet to Queen Elizabeth II, turbans to pirate style, head scarves are in. According to W magazine the desire for an "air of mystery" is what's driving this trend, which paired with sunglasses can help anyone go stylishly incognito. I found some beautiful scarf options at the Moraga Art Gallery in the Rheem Shopping Center. Hand painted silk by wearable art artist Natasha Faucault, these scarves are a good size and come in an array of fall colors for around the neck or head or both, your choice.

Speaking of covering up, the current fashion exhibit at the de Young Museum in San Francisco is the first to explore Muslim fashions. Contemporary Muslim Fashions is on now through Jan. 8 and features 80 original garments created by designers for Muslim women and all women who want to dress modestly. These fashions are colorful, made of rich and varied textiles, and appeal to a global market. Participating designers from the Middle East, Indonesia, Europe and the United States, provide examples of how cultural differences inform their designs. Additionally there are photographs and videos to help contextualize the fashions on display. Contemporary Muslim Fashions is a rare opportunity and a must see for serious fashion followers.

Have a fabulous fall season and remember, go forth in style.

Moya Stone is a fashion writer and blogger at www.overdressedforlife.com.