Feb 27, 2009

Street Fashion with Jak and Jil


If you love fashion and photography, check out jakandjil.com a high-fashion photography blog that was recently featured in the New York Times. 24-year old Tommy Ton takes pictures of everything from shoes, to models to street fashion. Take a peek and I swear you’ll be addicted.

Photo credit: Tommy Ton
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Fall Fashion Wrap Up from London & Milan


Paul Smith
The Fall 2009 Paul Smith Collection was a welcome breath of fresh air filled with color, texture and a lot of personality. Knit stockings, cropped jackets, cable knit sweaters, floral skirts, hot pink shoelaces and English accents were all fused together in one of the most optimistic collections we’ve seen so far for Fall. My favorite pieces included the green menswear blazer, the magenta skirts and of course, the whisper-thin lace tops. Dominant colors in the collection were taupe, chocolate brown, olive green. Pop colors included green, magenta, hot pink and yellow.

Missoni
At first glance the Missoni Collection appeared very bohemian and casual chic. Knits were everywhere from sweaters, to headwraps to slouchy leggings. The color palette was calming and included periwinkle purple, slate gray, mist blue and soft pink. Floor length scarves made their way into just about every outfit combination, as did meticulous layers and neutral, platform pumps.

Just Cavalli
As you may have heard, the Just Cavalli runway show in Milan was cancelled just two days before it was scheduled- but that didn’t stop them from unveiling the collection in their showroom to members of the media. Key items included metallic parachute pants, a splatter paint mini dress, de-constructed denim, a sheer grey asymmetrical dress, and tiered zip mini dresses. The entire line felt very rocker chic in a surprisingly feminine way.

Luca Luca
Hands down- the 2009 Fall Collection is my favorite! There’s just an element of sophistication and glamour that is so luxurious yet refined. A perfect little black dress, a fitted trouser, a ruby colored asymmetrical dress, and a long sleeve blouse all made up key items in the collection.
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Peace, Love & Fashion at The Art Institute of Seattle


On Thursday, March 12th, 2009 The Art Institute of Seattle (AIS) will present its 11th annual fashion show “Peace, Love, & Fashion" at The Showbox SODO. Every aspect of the production from lighting and set design, to marketing and promotion, guest services, public relations and of course, the runway collections have been created from concept to execution by students at the college.

“Peace, Love, & Fashion is an opportunity for students to experience the electric energy of a major runway production,” says Executive Producer and Fashion Instructor Joan Kelly. “Not only does the show provide them with a great opportunity to develop their design and production skills, but it also allows them a fabulous opportunity to be a part of one of Seattle’s premier fashion events.”

AIS Alumni Blayne Walsh from Project Runway Season 5 will also make a special appearance at the show as one of the event judges. Additional judges for the event include actress/model Josie Bisset, Gisela Manning, Owner of Ragamoffyn’s Boutique, Laura Cassidy, Editor of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Ali Basye, Editor of Seattle Bride Magazine, Justin McKibben, President of Kibbn Designer Children’s Store, James Zachodni, Editor of D-List Magazine and Andrew Burkhardt, Booking Agent for Seattle Model’s Guild. Tickets are $20.00 through Ticketmaster for the 8 p.m. show.
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Feb 26, 2009

Stella McCartney Capsule Collection


The world's premier online luxury fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter.com will have an exclusive summer capsule collection from designer Stella McCartney. The collection will launch in May and include 17 cut-and-sew looks ranging from a skinny jeans to organic t-shirts, plus, two pairs of shoes and several handbags. Retail prices for the collection will range from $495 to $2,495 depending on the item. Shoes start at $335 and the handbags have a starting retail of $185.

The site has carried Stella McCartney’s collections since 2005 and according to a recent Women’s Wear Daily article, the McCartney line is one of Net-a-porter’s “best-selling lines”.

Photo: Style.com/ Don Ashby & Olivier Claisse
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Feb 25, 2009

1st Annual Blush Fashion & Trend Event



Join Little Black Dress Events on Saturday March 28th at Ascada Bistro for the Blush Fashion & Beauty Trend Show. The evening will include a fashion show by designer Vantha Ry and Spring Beauty makeovers from Laura Mercier, Smashbox, Dior and Yves Saint Laurent. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $25 for VIP. 

Event Sponsors include Rock Star Jewelry, Clutch, Tully’s, Opal, SydneyLovesFashion.com, Y.E.S., Movin 92.5, D List Magazine, Vin Du Lac, Skyy Vodka and Ascada Bistro.
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La Ree is turning 2


Time flies when you're having fun and that's exactly how our favorite boutique on the Eastside described their first two years in Bellevue. They want you to help celebrate by taking 20% off all regular-priced merchandise March 2nd-March 8th. Happy Birthday, La Ree!


La Ree
11 103rd Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
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Shoefly hosts warehouse sale featuring up to 75% off select shoes



Times are tough but that doesn't mean you have to give up your shoe addiction because Shoefly is having a warehouse sale to get rid of their Winter inventory. The sale features up to 75% off original prices. The fun begins on Friday February 27th and runs through March 1st.

The Shoefly Warehouse Sale will be held at these locations:

Shoefly Seattle
2030 First Ave.
Seattle, WA
206.729.7463

Shoefly Portland
718 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR
503.973.5555

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Feb 23, 2009

NY Fashion Week Wrap-Up


New York Fashion Week is over and there is already a collective sense of the vision for Fall 2009 fashion. A handful of designers including Nicole Miller added a tougher edge to their collections in an effort to fight off the negative effects of the current economic recession. Others chose to fast-forward completely and emerge themselves into the future with space-age designs and futuristic creations.

Here’s a recap of the shows:

Nicole Miller
The collection included long sleeve dresses, short minis with a belted waist and a black opaque tight, and of course a strapless, satin little black dress.
Aside from a few exposed zippers and some pop colors of red the collection appeared to be very somber and functional. Even the color palette of the collection was notably toned down from what we have seen in the past including black, jewel-tone purple and burgundy. Hair was pin-straight and parted down the center. Models wore blue eyeshadow and a nude lip.


Alexander Wang
Black, White and Slate Grey colors dominated Alexander Wang’s Fall 2009 Collection. Key items included black, lace-up boots, crisp leather jackets, a cacoon coat that had morphed itself into a cardigan and a black reptile blazer. Many of the pieces were menswear inspired including a crisp, asymmetrical white-collar shirt, a tweed suiit and a black blazer without a lapel.


Zac Posen
Sweet and Sophisticated are the words that best describe the Fall 2009 Zac Posen collection. Structured dresses were the focus and the mood was very 1930’s glam. Many of the designs featured exaggerated shoulders while others simply showcased deep v-necklines. Colors for the collection consisted of Metallic Gold, Grey, Teal-Blue, Purple and burnt orange. There was also an array of small-scale floral prints. Hair was pinned up and in some cases adorned with a braided crown. Models wore a smokey eye with an orange-pink lip and black nail polish.

Marc Jacobs
Big hair played a major role in Marc Jacob’s collection…then again so did printed leggings, printed scarves and elbow-length gloves. Key items included a high-waisted pinstripe trouser, a metallic gold dress with short sleeves, a full-body fish net leotard and a pink blouse with exaggerated sleeves paired with a pencil skirt. Hair was over the top and included faux hawks, high ponytails and a clever twist to the pompadour. Models wore dramatic eyes in a rainbow or colors including yellow, blue and black.

BCBG Max Azria
Metallic tights paired with voluminous dresses played a major role in the collection for Max Azria. Playful stripes, dramatic zippers and carefully draped fabrics were among the key items in the show. Additional noteworthy looks included a zippered cacoon coat, a series of color-block dresses and a crisp, white blazer.Models wore casual ponytails and minimalist makeup.


Oscar De La Renta
The Fall 2009 collection for De La Renta was polished and on-point. Colors were vibrant (which was a nice change from the rest of the NY Fashion Week shows) and silhouettes were feminine and sophisticated. Key items included a satin trouser, a leather pencil skirt and a bronze/metallic dress. Accessories included skinny belts. Models wore their hair pulled off the face in a bouffant up-do with thick eyebrows and a matte pink lip.


Charlotte Ronson
The Fall 2009 Charlotte Ronson collection felt very rock-n-roll from the leather jackets to the heavy hardware belts. There were dresses with cut-outs, a series of outfits featured buffalo plaid, a floral dress worn under a black corset and (my favorite item) a zip front pant suit with epaulets. Models wore their hair pulled back in a tight ponytail with dark lipstick and 80’s inspired earrings.

DKNY
Many described the DKNY fall collection as “grown-up” and “polished”. I would describe it as “practical” and maybe even a little bit somber despite the splashes of animal prints sprinkled throughout the collection. The color story played heavily on lipstick red, black and charcoal grey. Dominant patterns included houndstooth, horizontal stripes and buffalo plaid. The hour-glass shape played a major role in the collection through pencil skirts and fitted dresses. A heather grey pantsuit also made an appearance at the end of the show. Models wore their hair half-up with a clean, center part. Makeup included black eyeliner, bronzer and a pink lip.


Elie Tahari
You can’t help but fall in love with Elie Tahari’s fall collection. It’s fun, feminine and it’s a welcome escape from the current economic recession. Key pieces included a ruffled blouse, a cheetah print coat, a yellow satin tank and a seamless, camel-colored coat. Models work their hair pulled up with a smoky eye and a nude lip.


3.1 Phillip Lim
Phillip Lim took us back to the 70’s with his Fall 2009 Collection, which was nice considering everyone wants to be “anywhere but here”. A hot-pink satin blouse paired with burnt sienna polyester pants looked better suited for a roller-rink rather than a runway show. Mr. Lim’s take on the pantsuit for Fall consisted of a charcoal grey suit with chest flaps and cargo pockets, topped with a drawstring waist. Dominant colors for the collection included white, plum, charcoal gray and mauve. Models wore their hair in a short bob with clean makeup and a nude lip.

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Feb 21, 2009

Local Handbag Line Sabrina Love wins Daily Candy Style Award



What’s a great outfit without a great handbag? Local designer Sabrina Rodriguez knows the answer to this question and I’m pleased to announce that she is the winner of the Daily Candy “Best Style” award in their “Sweetest Things 2008” contest. She’s thanking her loyal fans by giving them 30% off their next purchase on SabrinaLovesBags.com. Enter “instyle09” in the gift code box at checkout to receive the discount.
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Feb 16, 2009

Queen Anne Dispatch- 70% off Fall Merchandise


Queen Anne Dispatch, aka "Undies & Outies" is high on the hill and known for being one of the most unique places to shop in the city. It's a one-stop-shop for everything from greeting cards, bath and body products, apparel, accessories, and shoes! All Fall/Winter Apparel and selected lingerie is now up to 70% off regular prices. Shop early for the best selection.

Queen Anne Dispatch
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. 
Seattle, WA 98119
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Feb 15, 2009

Seattle's Spring 2009 Style & Fashion Events



Seattle may not get the credit it deserves when it comes to its fashion scene but you wouldn’t know it based on the sheer number of beauty and fashion events scheduled for Spring 2009.

Here are a few of my top recommendations.

February 22, 2009
Join Sassy Fit and Sydneylovesfashion.com for an Oscar Party like you’ve never seen before. Experience targeted red-carpet workouts by Sassy Fit’s Personal Trainers while fashion experts track the Oscar trends. Click here for more info.


February 27, 2009
Beauty Revolution Magazine made it’s debut in January and after a successful launch they’re finally ready to celebrate. Come out and meet the writers, editors and publishers for cocktails, appetizers and an insider look at the magazine. 6-9PM. For more information visit the Beauty Revolution website.


March 12, 2009
In the spirit of supporting student fashion, save the date for the Art Institute of Seattle’s student fashion show “Peace, Love & Fashion”, March 12th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets are $20 in advance. For more information, visit the AIS website.


March 28, 2009
Bring your friends, get a makeover, and enjoy the fashion and entertainment – a great night out at The Blush Trend and Beauty Event featuring upcoming designer Vantha Ry and freelance makeup artists from Laura Mercier, Dior, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent. The event includes a cocktail reception and fashion show. For more info please visit the Little Black Dress blog.


April 18, 2009
Fashion photographer Gabriel Choi is at it again with the next installation of Seattle Fashion Week Events. Join Seattle fashionistas on April 18th for the Couture fashion show. Check out the SFW website for more information.


April 30, 2009
This year’s Northwest Hope & Healing Fashion Show featuring Carmilia’s, Costal, Lululemon, Canopy Blue, Nuvo Moda, The Finerie, Oslo’s, Asher Anson and Bellefleur Lingerie will be held on Thursday, April 30th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets range from $40-$1,000. Visit the Northwest Hope and Healing website for full event details.


Know about a great event I might have missed? Email me the details and I'll add it!
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Feb 8, 2009

Top 10 Valentine's Day Gifts


Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. That means yummy conversation heart candy, delicious boxes of chocolates and sweet bouquets of beautiful red roses. In honor of the upcoming holiday, I compiled a list of Valentines Day gift ideas that would be perfect for any Seattle fashionista.

There’s no better occasion than Valentine’s Day to buy a hot pink dress by LAILA AZHAR from Seattle boutique, Sway and Cake. The drapey, one shoulder dress has built-in bust support and a ruched detail. On sale now for $225. Sway and Cake is located at 1631 Sixth Ave. Downtown across from Nordstrom.




I can’t resist cupcakes, especially not when they are PINK in honor of Valentine’s Day. Indulge yourself with a Strawberry Cupcake or try the decadent chocolate from Wink Cupcakes in Seattle. $36/dozen.




You don’t have to dig through your handbag to locate your iphone to find out what time it is anymore. Wear a watch instead! I like the Pink Adidas ‘Candy Collection’ watch from Nordstrom. $60





A red handbag is the easiest way to spice up a little black dress or add glamour to jeans and a pair of heels. I love the French Connection red bow clutch from Queen Anne Dispatch. $78. 2212 Queen Anne Avenue N.



Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat your sweetheart to a cut and color at Red Salon & Day Spa in Seattle. Ask for Chantelle. She has been doing my color for years and she’s amazing. Red Salon is located at 1925 3rd Ave. in Belltown.





Babydoll by Yves St. Laurent is a great pick for Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a fragrance. For starters, it’s pink and the bottle is absolutely adorable, secondly with notes of almond tree blossom and white peony it smells delicious too. $39 for 1 oz. Sephora is located at 415 Pine Street, Downtown across from Westlake Center.





If you’re looking for an affordable spa experience head to Duque Salon in Ballard for the Chocolate Kiss package featuring a Ghiradelli chocolate and organic strawberry facial, shampoo + style and a movie start make-up application $150.




The groundhog saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. Naturally that means that a tropical vacation is in order. In which case your sweetheart will need a pair of watermelon colored Tory Burch sandals from Posh on Main in Bellevue. $115 




Say, “I love you” with VIP tickets to Project Red Dress, Seattle’s hottest student design competition. VIP tickets include premier runway seating and a luxury swag bag filled with goodies from event sponsors including Clutch, Gene Juarez and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. The event is on Friday, February 13th at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. $75




Last but certainly not least, who can resist a pink Kunzite cocktail ring for Valentine’s Day from local designer Bruce Magnotti? The stone is 14.7 carats and the band is 14k gold. Price available upon request at Magnotti Design.





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Watch Out

Cupid came early! (He couldn’t wait to deliver the Marc by Marc Jacobs watch he picked up from Nordstrom earlier today). This masculine-looking watch is the perfect spring time accessory and I can’t wait for someone to ask me what time it is.
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Oh Deer! 50% Off Sale at Queen Anne Dispatch


Queen Anne Dispatch is having a 50% off sale on select Oh Deer! Shoes and handbags. Shop early for the best selection. These shoes and handbags are so much fun and the quality is superb. Plus in times like these, you can't beat a half-off sale. Happy Shopping!



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Feb 7, 2009

The Countdown to NY Fashion Week Begins!


Recession or no recession, the countdown to New York Fashion Week, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz is less than a week away! That means a flurry of fall 2009 collections from designers like Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, Miss Sixty and Calvin Klein.

Check out a list of fashion week calendar highlights below. (You’ll notice that there are several designers including Betsey Johnson and Vera Wang not showcasing at NY Fashion week due to the tough economy.)


February 13th

Charlotte Ronson
Nicole Miller



February 15th

DKNY
Diane Von Furstenberg
Miss Sixty


February 16th

Carolina Herrera
Donna Karan
Tracy Reese



February 17th

Badgley Mischka
Narciso Rodriguez



February 18th

Michael Kors
Anna Sui



February 19th

Calvin Klein
Zac Posen



To view a full line up of fashion week designers and events, check out the fashion week website at:
http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/


To view last year’s Fall Runway Collections check out: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW
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Feb 6, 2009

It's Never too Early to Make a Style Statement


Children might not have a lot to say when it comes to verbal communication but they can send a powerful message when it comes to their style statements. Suri Cruise became America’s little darling when photos of her wearing a fashionable Burberry sundress on the playground splashed the pages of gossip magazines. This caused a major demand for designer play clothes in Hollywood and the trend is still going strong and spreading all the way up to Seattle.

This year instead of designer duds, celebrity moms are outfitting their babies in organic apparel. Rumor has it that Jessica Alba’s daughter Honor is wild about organic onesies from Seattle-based clothier, Kate Quinn Organics. The line includes kimono-style bodysuits, dresses and even baby outerwear in an earth tone color palette that is oh-so-sweet.

Kate Quinn Organics has been featured in USA Today, Seattle Magazine and Baby Couture. The entire line of products is made from 100% Certified Organic cotton, which is grown using sustainable farming practices.

The Kate Quinn showroom is located in Kirkland at 431 6th St. South. Business hours are M-F from 9:00am to 5:30pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:30pm. For more info visit www.katequinnorganics.com.
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Feb 5, 2009

It's All About...The Industry



Yesterday Seattle menswear boutique, The Industry, celebrated their third birthday. Launched in February of 2006, the store has seen their share of trends cycle through the fashion industry and they work hard to edit their product assortment in order to stay relevant in this tough economy. The bright colors from last spring have now been replaced by tonal flannels and a sea of black and charcoal gray knits. The grunge movement might just be back, and when it comes, The Industry will be ready with their assortment of brands including Howe, 1921 Denim, William Rast, and RVCA. Right now however customers are just, “Asking for the basics, including straight leg dark denim,” says co-owner, Angela Kantanto.

Each month The Industry features a local charity and donates 10% of their profits through the sale of featured brands in the store. This month’s brand is Penguin so when you purchase any product from their line, 10% of the sale will go directly to The Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.

Stop by the store on Saturday, February 7th from 5-8PM to help celebrate The Industry’s birthday. You’ll be treated to delicious confetti cupcakes, refreshments and most importantly, 40% off everything in the store.

The Industry is located at 1826 6th Ave.
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Feb 4, 2009

CC Skye Handbags have arrived



Clutch has the Spring collection of CC Skye Handbags including the "Taylor" pictured above. You may have seen CC Skye handbags featured on Gossip Girls or seen her accessories on A-list celebs. The collection is amazing. Check it out for yourself at Clutch, located at 1212 4th Ave.






For more info, check out http://clutchseattle.blogspot.com



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Feb 2, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day


I know we're in the midst of an economic recession, but I have to admit, the Chanel retro haircomb is totally on my wishlist for Valentine's Day!

$2,995 at Chanel Boutiques
Photo: Matt Peyton for The New York Times
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