Totokaelo Winter Clearance

Starting this Saturday, January 29th all SALE items at Totokaelo will be reduced to 50% off the original price. Sale prices will be posted online this Friday at midnight PST but if you prefer to shop in person, the Seattle store will be open from 12-5pm.

TOTOKAELO

(toh-toh-kye-oh)

913 WESTERN AVENUE

SEATTLE WASHINGTON 98104

La Ree Launches New Website

Now you can finally check out the new digs at La Ree before you head over to the store. This is an excellent way to pre-shop and an even better way to plan your fashion budget and put together a wish list for the upcoming season! Click here to see the new site.

SAVE THE DATE- La Ree is hosting a Helmut Lang trunk show on March 27th. More details to come!

La Ree

11 103rd Avenue NE

Bellevue, WA 98004

425.453.7868

Twitter @lareeboutique

Luly Launches New Lines

Designer Luly Yang is proud to announce two new exclusive lines to compliment her Luly Yang Couture bridal collection. Luly Blue and Luly Diamond are designed to give brides more options when it comes to selecting the perfect wedding dress. The new collections are a continuation of the Jellyfish concept from Yang's October 2010 OCEAN Couture Collection. The quiet beauty and fluid movements of the jellyfish proved to be an elegant beginning, which is comprised of over 30 new designs. “The precious silks come alive with ethereal ruffles and voluminous waves, exemplifying floating wonders swimming only in your dreams”, shares Luly. “I loved combining these lighthearted inspirations with classic, luxurious bridal fabrics such as stretch duchess, silk crepe and crepe-back satin”. The color story includes shades of white, ivory, champagne and silver. The Luly Blue bridal collection combines Luly’s seasonal inspirations with classic, bridal elegance to create a unique and enchanting line for brides. The Luly Yang Diamond bridal collection embodies a sophisticated yet captivating elegance, making a woman look and feel exceptional on her wedding day.

Luly Yang began creating Couture gowns in her Seattle-based studio in 2000. Seattle Bride Magazine has voted her as the Best Custom Dress Designer for eight consecutive years, and in 2007 she received the prestigious Nellie Cashman Woman Business Owner of the Year Award. In 2010, Luly was honored to be one of Puget Sound Business Journal’s Women of Influence, an award recognizing local women for outstanding business and philanthropic contributions to the Puget Sound Community.

Luly Yang will be hosting a trunk show featuring the new collections on January 28th and 29th. Call 206.623.8200 for more info.

Photo Credit: Alavekios Photographic Essays

Knows Perfume Launches Perfume 101 Classes

You might wear it everyday, but how much do you really know about the perfume you spritz on yourself before walking out the door in the morning? Prepare to be enlightened and learn the tricks of the trade as Knows Perfume owner and fragrance aficionado Christen Cottam begins her series of Perfume 101 classes that start later this month. Guests will learn how the world of modern perfumery has evolved, uncover the differences between top, middle and bottom notes, and get educated on what gives perfume it's staying power. The cost of the class is $15, $10 of which can be applied towards a purchase made that night only. This class makes the perfect girls night out!

When: Tuesday, January 25, Thursday, January 27 or February 23 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: knows perfume, 4536 California Avenue SW in the West Seattle Junction

RSVP: Space is limited, so call 206.397.3141 to reserve a spot. For more info, click here.

Rebecca Minkoff: Spring Video Lookbook

The Rebecca Minkoff Spring video lookbook is now online! So many great bags, so little time. As in usual Rebecca fashion the bags are embellished and adorned with chains, studs, zippers, tassels and more. The nearly 2 minute video gives a great sneak peek at what's in store for spring when it comes to apparel, accessories and of course, HANDBAGS! Check out the Rebecca Minkoff site to shop now and don't forget to follow her on Twitter @RebeccaMinkoff for all the latest RM news.

FGI Seattle Now Accepting New Members

If you're in the Seattle Fashion Industry, now is the time to sign up to be part of Fashion Group International. FGI is a global, non-profit organization with over 5000 members in the fashion industry including apparel, accessories and beauty. This is a great way to connect with your industry peers, network, seek new talent in the Seattle area and help unite the fashion community. The FGI mission is to be the pre-eminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help its members become more effective in their careers. To do this, FGI provides insights on major trends in person, online and in print; access to business professionals and a gateway to the influence fashion plays in the global marketplace. Seattle FGI members come from a variety of companies including Barneys NY, Esquel Apparel, Elise Magazine, Pat Nugent Textiles, Gossip & Glamour, Satsuma Designs, Diane Katz Designs, Ex Officio, Half Past Lavish, A to Z Tees, REI and more.

To join FGI or request more information please contact: seattlefgi@gmail.com.

La Rousse Blowout Sale @ SPUN

Don't miss the big Blowout sample sale on Saturday January 15th at SPUN Sustainable Collective on Capitol Hill. Up to 90% off clothing, shoes, handbags, make-up, skincare, candles, jewelry and more from a variety of brands including La Rousse, Spa Noir, SPUN Organics, Vivian lee Cosmetics and more. Seriously. You don't want to miss this sale! Plus, it's a great excuse to check out the brand new SPUN Collective store!

What:
BLOWOUT SAMPLE SALE

When:
Saturday, January 15th from 11am-7pm

Where:
SPUN Sustainable Collective
1515 14th Avenue, Capitol Hill, Seattle

Also featuring work by:
Jesica Milton, Renee Corrick, Cameron Levin, TWIG Cosmetics, Tete Couture, THINKNOW, Plaid Doctrine, the Raven & the Writing Desk and Marian Built.

Swink Announces Second Location

Swink Style Bar is solidifying their commitment to making bad hair days a thing of the past by opening up a second location at the University Village this spring. “We are excited to announce the addition of Swink Style Bar to University Village! We know it will be a great fit with our other quality retailers,” said Susie Plummer, University Village General Manager.

Co-owners Natalie Angelillo and Jacquie Byrne knew that Seattle was ready for Swink when they opened in November 2009. “As busy moms and professionals ourselves, we envisioned a place to drop in after the gym or on the way to a meeting, sit for about 30 minutes, and walk out looking fabulous,” said Angelillo. Seattle women have embraced the blow dry concept and Swink has responded by continuing to add new cutting edge services, including semi-permanent eyelash extensions, feather and tinsel hair extensions and a wide range of makeup offerings including products by New York based make-up artist Suresh Seneviratne.

Swink Style Bar has been so popular that they have already expanded their downtown hours to include Sundays and look forward to the opening of the U-Village location where regular business hours will be 9:30am to 9:30pm Monday through Saturday and from 11am-6pm on Sundays. Swink’s menu offers eight styles—from The Fifth Avenue, featuring flat-ironed, clean lines, to the Girly & Tousled, an artfully messy coif. Swink also offers a makeup bar and lash lounge, where artists will transform your look to reflect your confidence in the boardroom or to give you a lively glow for opening night.

Don't forget to Follow Swink on Twitter @swinkstylebar! You'll also want to check out Swink's newly updated website which looks pretty and pink.

Baby Love

If you're a savvy parent or know someone who is, you need to know about Zulily.com. It's a Seattle-based online store that offers daily sales on top-quality apparel, gear and other must-haves for moms, babies and kids. To take advantage of the sales you have to sign up to be a member, but it's fast, easy and most importantly, it's free. Here's a look at some of my favorite deals currently on Zulily.com.

A great outfit is only great if you compliment it with the perfect pair of socks- which is why I'm obsessed with Baby Loopies, aka adorable socks for babies. Their motto is: Stand out! Even if you can't stand up. The set comes with 6 pairs of socks and normally retails for $26 but is on sale on Zulily.com for $9.99. Not into Mary Janes? No worries. There's half a dozen other colors and styles for boys and girls currently on sale. Trust me, there's something for every baby.

This airplane bodysuit by Sweet Peanut Boys needs no explanation. It's just plain perfect for that sweet boy in your life.I love the color combination and the contrast trim. On sale now for $8.99 (originally $17).

If I could figure out a wear to wear a pink tutu everyday, I probably would, but it's probably best to leave this trend to my pint sized friends instead. The Sandy & Simon Pink ''So Pretty'' Tulle Skirt Bodysuit is a favorite on my list because it's frilly, girly and most importantly, it's pink. On sale now, for $5.49. Seriously.

This floral body suit is to-die-for. It's colorful, machine washable and most importantly, it will make any little girl look like a celebrity baby. (I bet Suri Cruise wished she had this bodysuit when she was a baby.) On Sale for $17.99 this is a deal you just can't pass up.

Zulily.com has great deals for mommy too! Check out this adorable Valentine's inspired set of polka dot mixing bowls. On sale now for $19.99 these mixing bowls would look so cute in your kitchen or make a great gift for a stylish friend!

Marks & Spencer to Open Banks?

Rumor has it that the U.K.’s largest clothing retailer, Marks & Spencer is considering opening banks inside 55 stores as part of its partnership with HSBC Holdings. The banks would give customers access to banking services at select stores by 2012 and also offer foreign exchange services for travelers. The London-based retailers sold M&S Money to HSBC in 2004 as part of a cash-raising exercise to help fend off a takeover bid by billionaire Philip Green who also owns Miss Selfridge and Topshop. No official word yet- but stay tuned for more details!

Insider Tip: Marks & Spencer now delivers internationally! Click here to shop online.

Book Review: Kardashian Konfidential

I'll admit it. One of my guilty pleasures is watching reality tv on E! including shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Kourtney and Khloe take Miami, and soon, Kourtney & Kim Take New York which premiers January 23rd. I'm intrigued by their gigantic family and I love the camaderie that can only be found amongst true sisters. I'm a little like Khloe (silly), a bit like Kim (diva) and from a business standpoint, a lot like Kourtney, so naturally when the Kardashian Konfidential book launched I picked up a copy the same day. After religiously watching the first few seasons of Keeping Up with the Kardashians I felt like I already knew quite a bit about the Kardashian clan, but am happy to report that the book offered even more insight that will make you see the family in a whole new (and endearing) light. I really liked the fact that in the book each of the sisters gets to tell the story from their own point of view while sharing personal details about their childhood and random tidbits about themselves that you wouldn't necessarily pick up from watching the show. And of course, there are a lot of things you would expect from a book of this nature, including the fact that just a few pages in Kim reveals that she's wanted to be a reality tv star since The Real World first aired on MTV. (We figured that one.) But, it was interesting to have the sisters go in-depth about their father's connection to O.J. Simpson, the divorce of their parents, how they deal with paparazzi, and how they started waxing their bikini lines at age 13 and then later moved on to laser hair removal instead. The book is brimming with beauty tips and secrets from the Kardashian sisters but also packed with memoirs about boyfriends that broke their hearts and the struggles they had growing up in Beverly Hills. Kim also shares tips on traveling in style, Kourtney dishes about operating their clothing stores Smooch and Dash, and Khloe talks about what it was like to meet the President. I thought the book was great and I'd definitely recommend it to my fellow fashion friends. :)

Love the K-Dash girls? Follow them on twitter @kimkardashian @kholekardashian and @kourtneykardash.

Photo Credit: Bauer Griffin

CRAVE Business Chat: Risk Taking

CRAVE Monthly Business Chats are back and this month, it's all about Risk Taking.

Risk-taking has a time and a place. Making decisions out of desperation wastes a lot more time, energy and money than you anticipated. As exciting as it can be to go out on a limb for a big pay off, sometimes doing nothing is really the smarter decision in the long run. Just say no! Learn from our expert panel when to leap and when to lean back.
This month’s CRAVE chat will dive into the risk taking process and discuss when you should play it safe and when you should take a chance. Featured speakers include Melinda Sontgerath of 50 North, Natalie Angelillo of Swink Style Bar and Monica Treacy formerly of Ella Mon boutique.

What: CRAVE Business Chat: Risk Taking

Featured Speakers: Melinda Stonegrath (50 North), Natalie Angelillo (Swink Style Bar) and Monica Treacy (formerly of Ella Mon)

When: Monday, January 17th from 7-9pm

Where: 50 North, 5001 25th Ave NE, Seattle

Price: $25 /Students $15- Click here to register!

Clementine Winter Sale

Clementine’s Winter Wonder sale starts this Saturday, January 8th at 10am and ends when everything is sold! The best deals in town on designer boots, priced from $99 to $199 . The Winter Wonder sale also features discounts on every pair of shoes in the store including Chie Mihara, United Nude, and Swedish Hasbeens, with markdowns between 25% and 60% off. Shop early for the best selection!

The moral of the story? You can NEVER have too many pairs of shoes.

Clementine

4447 California Ave SW

Seattle, WA

206-935-9400

Sway & Cake Winter Sale

There's a lot of great stuff on sale now during the Sway & Cake after party sale! We're talking Genetic denim for $50, Linea Pelle wallets for $54, Mikoh Swimwear separates starting at $39, Voluspa candles starting at $9 and lots more! Shop now!

Selfridges Shopping List

If you're shopping in London this week you'll want to pick up a few items that are ONLY AT SELFRIDGES, aka, exclusives. Here's a peek at my top 5 favorites.

#1- The Tom Ford Tuscan Leather collection with notes of Tunisian orange flower, black suede, leather, tobacco leaf, and Moroccan grapefruit flower. Mmmm. This luxurious set contains a decanter, scented candle and two eau de parfums, all encased in a sleek, Tom Ford embossed gift box. This set not only smells great but will look beautiful on your vanity table too.

#2- The NATALIA BRILLI Nolex watch bracelet. It looks like a gold, glitter dipped rolex but it's actually a leather bracelet. Inspired by seventeenth century Vanity paintings and Dario Argento horror flicks this piece is sure to turn a head, or two. Plus, it'll make a great conversation piece when you're riding the tube.

#3- These Selfridges Handmade truffle selection is almost too good to eat, but on the other hand, would be delightful when paired with a glass of wine. Featuring the finest ingredients from England the selection includes nine flavors including dusted lemon, enrobed vanilla white truffle, dusted strawberry, pink Marc de Champagne, enrobed plain chocolate and dark rum chocolate, milk Marc de Champagne, enrobed milk Marc de Champagne and orange, enrobed plain chocolate with edible gold leaf and enrobed plain chocolate and black cherry. Yum.

#4- The Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System is a true Selfridges exclusive. You can't get this paisley printed brush anywhere in the states. The Limited Edition Clarisonic Plus cleansing system uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. Trust us, you'll never go back to washing your face the old fashioned way ever again.

#5- Last but not least, the Penelope & Parker crocodile laptop case. It looks like a sleek clutch with a gold buckle but actually fits a 15'' laptop inside.

*This post is supported by a fabulous Banquet Hall in Ottawa.*

Pendleton Debuts: The Portland Collection

Pendleton recently unveiled it's plans for 'The Portland Collection' a new line that will make it's debut this month to potential buyers for a Fall 2011 launch. "This is a new strategy with a new consumer in mind," Mort Bishop 3rd, president, Pendleton Woolen Mills, told WWD. "It's more progressive in fashion. The fit is trimmer, for a younger customer — and it's made in America." The line will feature wool plaids, pleated skirts and have a designer-feel.

Pendleton hired Portland designers Nathaniel Crissman and Rachel Turk to design the line in collaboration with

John Blasioli. Crissman and Turk have been collaborating on their own designs since 2004 and even launched a line together called Church + State. Prices for the 'The Portland Collection" range from $200 for a dress up to $700 for an outerwear jacket. The company hopes the line will be picked up by stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Barneys Co-op and Nordstrom. A preview of the line is planned for later this month at New York's Ace Hotel.

Launch Alert: Gossip & Glamour is Here!

After a long incubation period, Gossip & Glamour is finally here! Designed as a marketing and project management firm for fashion industry clients, Gossip & Glamour is ready to take on Seattle! Check out the full site at www.gossip-glamour.com and follow us on Twitter @GossipGlamour.

Our Facebook fan page is coming soon!