Feb 28, 2010

Get Your (Fashion) Game On


I like playing games just as much as the next fashion addict and now I finally have a few games that speak to my fashion senses and competitive ways. Here are 2 of my favorites!

Clue Juicy Couture - You've been summonded by her Majesty Juicy Couture for an exclusive Fashion show "preview" of the new spring line only to arrive and find that an essential part of the new Juicy Line is missing! Is it an act of sabotage? You must discover WHAT couture item in the line was stolen, WHO took it, and WHERE the item is hidden before the fashion show begins the next day! Do you have the sweet smarts to solve the crime of couture and save the show? 


Sephora Monopoly - If you love cosmetics then check out the Sephora edition of Monopoly. You'll go to jail for back hair days, advance to win shopping sprees and pay for products with Beauty Bucks. Love. 

Share:

Love, Peace, Planet Belltown


Come to Belltwown for an evening of networking and promoting local businesses at Salon Ciba on Thursday, Marth 4th. Neighborhood Belltown businesses are invited to display products and share ideas with fellow merchants by setting up mini-shops at Salon Ciba for the night. There will be demonstrations of hair trends, massage, health, beauty, private clubs, photography, clothing and more. Plus, Kevin Givens, a nationally-known motivational speaker, will be discussing the value of networking.

Among the event’s other highlights is a short film presented by Jeff Newsom, Founder and President of AShirtBag, a non-profit organization focused on curbing waste in our environment. Jeff’s company will give away items (while supplies last) made of earth-friendly materials including Tree-in-a Box kits, light bulbs and tips on seven things you can do in the next seven days to save the Earth.

The upbeat theme for the evening is LOVE PEACE PLANET – BELLTOWN. It’s a great opportunity for business owners to invite their favorite customers and expand their customer base.

Vendors include: Strut Boutique, Marmalade Originals, Gayle Ziese/Personal Organization, Fire Eyes Photography, Belltowner, Tanya Bernadette Wilson Personal Styling, Festival Media Corporation, Market Minder, Breathe Yoga Studio, Amy's Limousines, Ventana Restaurant and Lounge, Cruise West, Maria Marsala, Helen Kesle, BelltownPeople.com, Mike Adams Photography and Estera Tamas.

What: Love, Peace, Planet Belltown

When: Thursday, March 4th

Where:
Salon Ciba- 2301 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98121

Time: 6-10pm


For more information contact Cindy Jarvis: cindy@salonciba.com or 425-463-6852.
Share:

Feb 27, 2010

Girl Power Hour "Love, You" Makeover Event


Girl Power Hour hosted it's first annual "Love, You: Boost your Wardrobe, Boost your Biz" Makeover Fashion Show at the Downtown Banana Republic Store on February 18th.  Over 200+ women showed up to network and watch as a select group of local business women received makeovers from Seattle stylists including me. Other stylists included Rachel Kim from Vue Society, Dana & Darcy from Styled Seattle, Tiffany from Iamstyle-ish.com, Mayna Sgaramella from Closetfly.com, and Janet and Grace from Seattle Fashion Week



We each got someone to style and I got the lovely Amber Wilson, founder of The Kids to Coach Foundation, a non-profit that sends kids to sports camps. Amber's main makeover goal was to to learn how to spice up her wardrobe and create a signature style. She admitted that most of the time she liked to wear trousers and sweater vests, so getting her to step out of her comfort zone was a lot of fun. We tried on several outfits and ended up settling on a Banana Republic black pleated dress that Amber could wear during the day with a belted sweater or at night with some strappy open-toe shoes for an evening out. "I would never have picked this dress out for myself," admitted Amber, "but I totally love it!" We finished off her look with some dangly earrings and a silver clutch.

"The event was fantastic," said Darcy Camden, Style Director for Girl Power Hour, "I'm really happy that our 10 deserving makeover winners each had an incredible experience. They learned a lot, had fun every step of the way, and every single woman looked beautiful and confident- which was our goal!"

The event was hosted by Q-13's Lily Jang and sponsors included Market Optical, Aveda, Styled Seattle, Gene Juarez, Urban Yoga Spa, Divine Sunless Tanning, GoSmile, Babeland, II Fornaio, O Wines, Pearl Vodka, Trophy Cupcakes, Seattle Fashion Week, Banana Republic and Cirque du Soleil. 
Share:

Feb 25, 2010

Happy Birthday Peridot


Peridot Boutique on Queen Anne is marking it's 6th birthday and to celebrate they are having a sale! For every $60 you spend you get $16 off your purchase. The promo includes apparel, accessories and sale items and ends March 8th.


Peridot Boutique

523 First Ave West

Seattle, WA 98119

(206) 284-3313




Share:

Feb 24, 2010

Zovo Lingerie Now Carries Swimwear


It’s true! Zovo Lingerie is now carrying swimwear from three brands including Panache, Freya, and Huit. Say hello to bikinis and tankinis in sizes 32A to 38K.



The size range for Panache is 30D-38K. The tankini’s have underwire and for the bottom you can pick from either a boyshort or brief. Panache Swimwear is made especially with larger cup sized girls in mind. The Huit suits have no wires and come in a size range 32B-34D, with a boyshort bottom. And last but not least, the Freya swimsuits come in a size range of 30D-36I. The bikini top comes in a plunge or a triangle, with two options for bottoms.


Zovo Lingerie is located at the University Village
4612 26th Ave.
NE
Seattle, WA 98105

206-525-ZOVO (9686)

Zovo Lingerie carries one of the largest bra assortments anywhere from size 30AA to 46K. Shop online by clicking here.

Share:

Cintli Celebrates Grand Reopening


Cintli by Beto Yarce, a Seattle-based Jewelry and Mexican Décor boutique, will celebrate their Grand Reopening March 19th-21st in a new and improved Pike Place market location. Despite the economic downturn, Cintli has managed to expand the business by providing customers with beautiful jewelry and timeless home décor. In 2003, Beto Yarce, owner and head designer for Cintli, opened the first U.S. store in Seattle’s world renowned Pike Place Market. His dream was to present his unrivaled jewelry collections to a new audience and was humbled by the warm response it received from clients. Beto currently designs all of the pieces sold in the store.

"This recession has been tough in many small businesses like ours, but we are extremely excited about our expanded location in Pike Place Market," says Mr. Yarce, "In many ways this symbolizes the strong foundation our business has established, and it confirms our commitment to Cintli’s loyal customers.”

Since opening, Cintli has implemented innovative and meaningful initiatives to stay afloat despite the economic downturn. Initiatives include allowing local artists to exhibit and sell their artwork at Cintli, and implementing waste reduction and environmental-friendly techniques in all jewelry collections carried in the store. “It is important to me as an artist and a businessperson to create solutions to obstacles in our community and our planet,” says Mr. Yarce, “I also want Cintli to be a resource for local artists to showcase their work.”

Cintli’s Grand Reopening celebration will take place the weekend of March 19th - 21st and include great discounts, food, prizes and more.

CINTLI at PIKE PLACE MARKET
1501 PIKE PLACE #321
SEATTLE WA 98102
Share:

Feb 23, 2010

Sip, Snack and Shop with Clementine & La Rousse


Seattle’s favorite pop-up shop, La Rousse boutique, is bringing its stylish clothing to Clementine shoes in West Seattle for a soiree on Thursday February 25th from 6-9pm. Shop winter styles from Mary Meyer, Rabbit on the Run, Sophomore, and others at more than 50% off plus, and check out what’s hot for Spring from SSWTR and Margarita Saplala. Complete the look with Clementine’s selection of heels, lace ups and peep-toes, including spring sandals and wedges from Dolce Vita and Chie Mihara. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

La Rousse’s Pop-Up Shop will remain at Clementine through the weekend Feb 25 – 28.
Share:

CBS Plans Fashion Night Out Documentary


CBS will soon begin filming an hour-long documentary about the next Fashion’s Night Out which will take place in September of 2010. Footage will include a look behind-the-scenes at the preparations and the logistics that go into planning the event, plus coverage of the event itself once in September. The program will air on CBS on Wednesday, Sept. 15th, at 8 p.m. Set your TIVO now!

Fashion’s Night Out was launched by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Vogue and NYC & Co. to help stimulate retail and the fashion industry during the recession.

“When discussions began, it became clear that Fashion’s Night Out really was this fascinating event. While the country was bailing out everybody on Wall Street, nobody was really looking at fashion, retail and design, which constitutes a huge portion of the population,” CBS producer Susan Zirinksy told Women’s Wear Daily, “To be able to increase the visibility of an event like this on a national level is tremendous, because even though it already launched globally, I feel this will give people ideas for their own cities.” (Mike McGinn, are you listening?)

According to a Fashion’s Night Out statement, the program will look “beyond the glamour to the real-life implications at stake” by focusing “on the individuals working in all parts of the industry, from salespeople to design staff, for whom the vibrancy of the fashion business is a question of economic survival.”
Share:

Feb 22, 2010

Spring 2010 Shopping List


The clouds are parting and it's almost time for spring which inevitably means: spring shopping!!! Here's a shopping list of key trends from a recent Fashion Group International Spring '10 trend event.

Craftsmanship- Draping, ruffling, ruching, pleating, etc. These forms of fabric manipulation were all part of the new interest in craftsmanship. Even cashmere was shown in crinkled form at some of the shows.  


Born in the USA- Denim made a strong statement at the Spring 10 shows at Ralph Lauren, Jean Paul Gaultier, and D&G. It was even seen in the form of a denim fanny pack at D&G.  


Military, Utility, Sport- Epaulettes are key in this trend. From Dior’s trench jackets to Balmain’s Military Inspired Casual Jackets. The whole concept of “Tough Clothes for Tough Times” was seen on many runways including workshirts, leather t-shirts, functional leather dresses, multi-pocketed jackets, and cargos.  


Lingerie- Underwear is now outerwear for Spring 10 as seen at Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta.  


Transparency- The sheer trend is still in. Chiffon, Tulle, Lace and Netting were big at many shows including Chanel, Valentino, Jil Sander and Sonja Rykiel.  


Color- Neutrals are big for spring including khakis, shades of ivory, and nudes. Pop colors for spring include teal and coral red.  


Graphic Prints- Animal prints, tribal prints, engineered prints, florals, stripes, checks and ink blots were all runway-ready for Spring 10.  


Volume- Bigger is better is the key to the season. Oversized dresses, relaxed pants, full skirts and oversized details. But this trend is also in contrast to the tight, bondage looks seen at Emanuel Ungaro, or the tight, narrow leather pants seen at Balenciaga.  


Any Length Goes- There are many lengths for spring 10 when it comes to skirts and dresses from micro mini leather skirts as seen at Versace, to mid-thigh dresses, or dresses that hang mid-calf. Shorts are also the new minis. Shorts were all over the runway from dressy to casual.  


Hair & Make-Up- There are 2 main looks for Spring 10. Either important eyes and disappearing lips, OR important lips and disappearing eyes/eyebrows. Dior had models in red lips, dramatic eyes and perfectly coifed hair inspired by January Jones of “Mad Men”.  


 Accessories- Belts are big (and little). Flats are back. Platforms are in (but at less dangerous heights) and the kitten heel was big (as seen at Missoni, Marni and Louis Vuitton). Clutches were seen in bright colors and sheer socks with sandals were seen on multiple runways.





Share:

Exhibit: Beth Levine - First Lady of Shoes


To put it simply, Beth Levine was one of the first successful female shoe designers in the world and for a limited time you can see her work on display at the Bellevue Art Museum. Beth championed unusual materials for footwear including vinyl, acrylic, and Lurex and helped introduced various shoe silhouettes into the American market including the mule and the fashion boot. In fact, Nancy Sinatra made Beth’s boots famous with her 1966 song “These Boots were made for walkin”.


Beth began designing shoes under the name of her husband, Herbert Levine, in 1950. The pair opened up a shoe factory in New York and the rest is history. A true visionary of the fashion world, Beth was honored in 1967 and again in 1972 with the Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award. She remains the only shoe designer ever to win the award twice.



The Exhibit runs February 18 - June 6, 2010 at the
Bellevue Art Museum and is co-sponsored by Nordstrom.

Share:

Feb 21, 2010

William Rast Unveils Footwear

Just a month after unveiling an eyewear collection in partnership with Viva International Group, William Rast introduced a collection of footwear as part of it's Fall NY Fashion Week presentation. The collection compliments the clothing in the fall line and styles include boots and wedges with price points between $248-$449.

"We felt that footwear was natural for us," says William Rast CEO Colin Dyne. He estimated that non-apparel items including eyewear, shoes and eventually handbags could encompass 50-70% of the brands revenue in the future.

And as far as growth is concerned, William Rast plans to open 40-50 stores in the next 3 years across the U.S. including Dallas, San Diego and Miami.
Share:

Feb 19, 2010

British GQ Announces Kurt Geiger Collaboration


OMG, yes, it’s true. My fave footwear designer Kurt Geiger has recently announced a special promotion with GQ Magazine which will put special giftcards into the March issues of GQ. The cards will come pre-loaded with £15 to spend in any Kurt Geiger boutique in England. In addition, ten randomly selected cards have been pre-loaded with £1000.

GQ is currently the only menswear mag to produce an annual shoe guide, The Ultimate GQ Guide to Shoes, in association with Kurt Geiger. Rounding up the best footwear, from the big designers to the High Street, GQ selects the must-have investments, picks socks with real appeal, and interviews today's most influential designers. The supplement also highlights some of the most significant designer collaborations, where Britain's traditional shoemakers have joined forces with cool fashion houses to come up with interesting projects.

Dylan Jones, Editor of GQ, commented on the partnership with Kurt Geiger, "Whether you top up the card and gift it on, or spend it on yourself, there's no excuse not to indulge in some serious shoe shopping,” said GQ Editor, Dylan Jones.

About Kurt Geiger
Kurt Geiger is Europe's largest luxury shoe retailer with five own label brands – Kurt Geiger, KG by Kurt Geiger, Carvela, Solea and Fashionistas – and over 70 luxury brands in its portfolio, including Gucci, Prada, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabbana, Paul Smith and Church's.

About GQ
GQ is the UK's biggest selling quality men's magazine. Part of the Condé Nast stable - who also publish titles Vogue, Wired, Glamour and Vanity Fair. The magazine is recognized as the authority on men's fashion and style.
Share:

Feb 18, 2010

Deli Announces B:Scott Pop-Up Shop


Staying within the theme of the deli concept, DELI has created an extension to the store & is proud to announce the opening of a unique shopping experience, “The Freezer!”, a pop-up store showcasing the collection of San Francisco designer Brandon Scott’s anticipated brand B:SCOTT.


Launched in 2009, B:Scott embodies the fusion of Japanese and German aesthetics, not overdesigning, but rather using lines with a purpose. Architecture is a major
inspiration behind this, as Brandon Scott's grandfather, having been trained at the Bauhaus in the 1930's, became a prominent designer and contractor with projects to his name throughout the U.S.

The entire B.SCOTT collection will be on display in DELI’s “The Freezer” from February 20th-April 30th. A special launch of the pop-up shop will take place this Saturday from 1pm-6pm. Complimentary Champagne will be provided!

Deli
87 Yesler Way
Seattle, WA 98104
Share:

Feb 16, 2010

Noteworthy Fashion News

  • Miu Miu plans to open a Shanghai boutique in April. The boutique will be opened in the American-owned Shanghai Center which currently houses brands including Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs and Stefano Ricci. Tom Ford is rumored to also be eyeing a space in the same shopping complex. Miu Miu opened it’s first China location last year in Shenzhen. 

  • The Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M collection will hit stores February 20th. Items include dresses for $39.95, tunics for $49.95, sweaters for $49, and blazers for $69.95. There will also be mini versions of the women’s styles available in girls sizes 8 months to 8 years. 

  • Women have thousands of beauty sites to turn to for products and now men finally have one too! Bellevue based Drugstore.com recently launched a health and grooming site called “At His Best”.com. The product mix blends drugstore and department store brands on everything from shampoo, to skincare and shaving products. 

  • Forever 21 is buying out old Mervyn’s store locations to open new, expanded stores that encompass 85,000+ square feet of retail selling space. The larger store format will allow Forever 21 to expand select categories including lingerie, swimwear, shoes and even plus-size merchandise. The first large store format to open will be in Los Cerritos, California and include Forever 21’s first ever children’s wear collection. The chain plans to open at least 30 more large concept stores at various locations including Times Square and Las Vegas. 

  • Reebok has partnered with Emporio Armani to launch a co-branded collection titled EA7. The line made it’s debut at Armani’s Fall fashion show in Milan and will be available in July for retail sale at Emporio Armani boutiques and select Reebok concept store locations. 

  • NY Fashion week ends on Thursday with and London Fashion Week begins on Friday. Click here for a London fashion week schedule. Click here for a recap of the Fall 2010 trends from NY Fashion Week. 
Share:

Feb 15, 2010

Joe's Jeans to Open Outlets


Joe's Jeans plans to open 9 outlet locations in various Simon's Premium Outlet Centers across the country.  "Pursuing company-owned outlet stores allows us to control our off-price distribution," Joe's Jeans President and CEO Marc Crossman told Women's Wear Daily in a recent interview. The outlet locations will push the total number of Joe's Jean stores to 15. Outlet store locations include Las Vegas, Seattle, Carlsbad, Cabazon, Wrentham, Houston, Leesburg, Dawsonville, and Cincinnati.

During the 2009 fiscal year Joe's Jeans reported an annual income of $80.1 million. Company officials contributed the overall success to the introduction of unisex woven shirts which retail for $98 and the popularity of Joe's Jean denim leggings which retail for $100.
Share:

Madina Vadache Bridal Event at The Finerie


Join The Finerie as they unveil the 2010 Madina Vadache Bridal collection, Saturday February 20th from 12pm-6pm. Meet Madina in person, schedule a bridal consultation and get ready to be amazed.  

Madina Vadache's 2010 Collection is all about feminine lines gently floating around the body of the Bride. Using her favorite fabrics like satin, silk organza and silk taffeta and adorning them with couture elements - contrast of draping, handmade embroideries and ribbons. Madina Vadache creates sophisticated looks for the modern bride who is ready to impress the groom and all her guests with unforgettable beauty.  

The Finerie is also pleased to feature Rock Star Jewelry, Michelle Lenae and Marilyn Berg who are available to create custom jewelry pieces to compliment your special occasion dresses and bridal gowns.  

RSVP to the Madina Vadache bridal event by emailing rsvp@thefinerie.com. If you're getting married in 2010 (or know someone who is) this is a do-not-miss event!

Share:

Feb 14, 2010

Fall 2010 Trends


Just this past week Seattle’s Fashion Group International did a presentation of Spring 2010 trends so that members of the fashion industry and shoppers alike could recap the trends in anticipation of the upcoming shopping season. Now the fashion industry is showing Fall ’10 collections and it’s interesting to see the carry over between Fall 2009 and the transition of Spring 2010. Many items from last fall have carried over with updates to this fall and on that same note, many items from Spring 2010 (which were inevitably carried over from Fall 2009) now make a recurring appearance for Fall 2010.

Leather and trench coats were among the key items for Spring 2010 and the trend was carried over into fall at Charlotte Ronson’s show when she showed a combination of the two in a beautiful leather trench coat.


Black and white themes as seen in Spring 2010 will continue to be popular for fall as seen at BCBG Max Azria.


And from head to toe at Helmut Lang.


A fall favorite- chunky sweaters were a major part of the Rag & Bone Collection from the traditional button-up to vests, gloves, dresses, and skirts.


Loving the collar detail as seen at Helmut Lang.


All over prints are still all over the runway for Fall 2010. Nicole Miller opted for an all-over print mini dress in a black, white and grey color story.


Helmut Lang played with graphic prints in this pretty dress with a beautiful drape.


A mismatch of prints is also a popular trend for Fall from plaids to stripes and florals. Charlotte Ronson paired a striped shirt with floral harem pants.


A total mismatch as seen at Peter Som.


Military influences are still important as seen in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. Charlotte Ronson tapped the trend with a khaki camp shirt for day.


Rag & Bone opted for camo military jacket.


And Vivienne Tam chose a belted military-inspired jacket.


Followed by this rendition at Philosophy paired with a sheer glittery skirt.



Not usually considered a fall item, shorts were seen on the runway for Fall 2010 in the form of black dress shorts with a bow belt detail paired with a turtle neck and a grey overcoat also at Charlotte Ronson.



Or paired with tights and a top hat as seen at Alice + Olivia.



Fall is ripe for Special Occasion gowns and Jason Wu opted for playful romance in this Alice in Wonderland inspired gown. I love the length and the volume.


Or for a heavy dose of drama how about this beautiful Christian Siriano silk gown.



Tomorrow’s shows include Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Jill Stuart, Tracy Reese, Donna Karan and Perry Ellis. Stay tuned for more!

*All photos are from Style.com
Share:
Blog Design Created by pipdig