Sep 28, 2012

Amazon closes Endless.com


It's official. As of yesterday, Seattle-based Amazon.com has consolidated it's shoe and accessory business from Endless.com into Amazon.com/Fashion. Endless was launched back in 2007 as a way for Amazon to test out online retailing in the categories of women's shoes and handbags. The company now plans to focus it's efforts on the Amazon fashion customer experience while still maintaining the other outlets they own including Zappos.com, Shopbop.com and flash sale site MyHabit.com.



To shift traffic over to Amazon.com/Fashion the company is offering special deals on new fall arrivals including $20 off a purchase of $100 or more and $50 off a purchase of $200 or more. As it turns out, now may be the perfect time to pick up a pair of fall boots.
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Amazon says Goodbye to Endless.com


It's official. As of yesterday, Seattle-based Amazon.com has consolidated it's shoe and accessory business from Endless.com into Amazon.com/Fashion. Endless was launched back in 2007 as a way for Amazon to test out online retailing in the categories of women's shoes and handbags. The company now plans to focus it's efforts on the Amazon fashion customer experience while still maintaining the other outlets they own including Zappos.com, Shopbop.com and flash sale site MyHabit.com.



To shift traffic over to Amazon.com/Fashion the company is offering special deals on new fall arrivals including $20 off a purchase of $100 or more and $50 off a purchase of $200 or more. As it turns out, now may be the perfect time to pick up a pair of fall boots.
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Sep 27, 2012

Calling all Brides & Grooms: Get Hitched, Give Hope is Coming



If you're getting married next year or know someone who is, you definitely don't want to miss out on Get Hitched, Give Hope, coming to The Four Seasons in Seattle on November 8th, 2012. The 5th Annual event will feature everything brides & grooms need to host their perfect wedding while giving back to an amazing cause. Guests will get to mix and mingle with Seattle's hottest wedding vendors, indulge in a full array of appetizers, sip champagne and participate in on-site auctions and event raffles. Every guest who buys a ticket in advance will automatically be entered to win a special prize.

Get Hitched Give Hope proceeds benefit the Dream Foundation, which delivers final dreams to those who have been given a terminal diagnosis and The Young Survival Coalition Seattle, which provides education and support to young women living with breast cancer. This year's theme is Vintage Circus. Guests are encouraged to get dolled up in top hats, bow ties, bustiers, and anything else that strikes your fancy.


"This year is our 5th Anniversary and we are are hoping to raise more than ever in one night - $100,000! We cannot WAIT for November 8th and are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our community that has pulled together to help us put on this amazing event!" says Get Hitched, Give Hope co-founder Barbie Hull. Get a glimpse of what you'll experience at Get Hitched, Give Hope by watching this great video.


WHAT: 5th Annual Get Hitched, Give Hope Event

WHEN: Nov. 8th, 2012 - 6pm

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel - 99 Union St. - Seattle, WA 98101

 WHO: Seattle’s hottest and most giving weddings pros and YOU, the brides and grooms of the Northwest

WHY: To get gorgeous goods for your wedding while giving back to an amazing cause

HOW: Buy a ticket in advance to be entered in a raffle for a very special prize
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Beauty Nightmares; Making Small Talk in the Buff


If you enjoy taking your clothes off and chatting about the weather with a complete stranger then this post probably isn’t for you. If, on the other hand, you panic at the sheer thought of walking in to a salon and baring it all for hair removal, read on. Like most women, and plenty of men, problem hair removal is not only a time consuming nuisance, it’s something that can make even the brave start to blush, that’s why many companies are working hard to make laser hair removal easy and affordable right in the comfort of your own home.

Back in the 1960’s researchers realized that lasers could be used to remove hair. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that treatments became commercially available. Lasers use a beam of light set at a specific wavelength to destroy melanin in the hair; this is the dark pigment that is found in both hair and skin. As lasers are highly targeted they can be set at frequencies that destroy only the pigment in the growth cells of the hairs. This has two effects, killing off the hair and inhibiting its re-growth. Similar to salon treatments, home lasers do require a series of sessions in order to be effective because hair grows in several stages and it is only during the growth stage that the treatment is effective.

The Bad News?

Sadly, laser hair removal does not work for all skin and hair types. For those with darker hair and lighter skin lasers will work well, but it is not recommended for those with very dark skin and will not work on blonde, red or grey hair. Home laser hair removal systems feature safety settings to ensure that they will not work on inappropriate skin colors.



Permanent Hair Removal

To date, there is no permanent hair removal system available – other than electrolysis which is expensive and  time consuming (it can take months or years to completely remove hair). Laser treatment manufacturers are not allowed to claim that their products offer a final solution to problem hair, however they do (rightly) claim that laser treatment offers a permanent reduction. The reality for many users is that this reduction is not only significant but the effects are often surprisingly quick. The advantage to the home treatment systems is, of course, that for an initial investment you can complete treatments at your leisure when you need them.

Laser vs. Other Options

So how does laser compare to other home treatments? Let’s forget about shaving for a moment. Most of us would certainly like to since it's tedious and often results in razor burn and unwanted ingrown hairs. Waxing is also available in a home version, which is slightly less daunting than those uncomfortable sessions in the salon, but the major downside is that hair needs to be grown in advance for waxing to be effective, which is not ideal at any time of year, least of all during the summer. Then there's depilatory creams, which like waxing, offer a longer term solution but because they cause skin irritation they are not suitable for everyone. Last but not least there's IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Lasers, which both offer long term solutions to unwanted hair. The difference between the two is that IPL does not disrupt the growth cycle and will require constant treatments. Laser may also require a regular treatments but in general it’s considered more effective at producing long-term results. 

 Guest post provided by Tria. For more information on laser hair removal visit http://www.triabeauty.co.uk/
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Sep 26, 2012

Swink Style Bar to host France Luxe Pop-Shop


Starting tomorrow Swink Style Bar in University Village will be hosting a special France Luxe Pop-Up Shop! For three days only you'll get to preview samples of the latest hair accessories and get advice on what Fall '12 accessory trends will work best on your hair. Whether you're looking for a hair accessory to wear to an upcoming UW football game or a specialty piece for a wedding or special event, France Luxe has you covered!

"We're really excited to be working with Swink! Together we'll be sharing the latest fall hairstyle trends as well as hair accessory fashion trends," says France Luxe style insider, Mollie Ruiz-Hopper, "Fall is all about elegant up do's embellished with ornate jewelry for hair as well as fun and quick hair accessory solutions perfect for stylish girls on-the-go."



What: France Luxe Pop-Up Shop

When:
  • Thursday September 27th from 12pm-4pm 
  • Friday September 28th from 11am-3pm 
  • Saturday September 29th from 9:30am-1:30pm 
Where: Swink Style Bar - University Village - 4610 Village Court NE Seattle, WA 98105

Twitter Hashtag: #SwinkPopUp

For more info visit the France Luxe Event Page on Facebook.
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Sep 23, 2012

Fall '12 Fashion Notes: What to Wear Right Now



Fall Fashion is all about expressing yourself through graphic tees, oversized accessories, opulent colors, rich textures and an attitude to match. It's time once again to have fun with fashion. Here's a list of the most wearable fall trends and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.


If you were smart enough to invest in leather last fall then you're in luck. It's back in a big way this season and there are so many fun ways to wear it. Zara gave leather a nod by using it to create a stylish peplum ruffle on a lace dress (pictured above, left) while other retailers went back to the basics with moto style jackets and chic pencil skirts. While traveling abroad we spotted leather making appearances in little ways, piping on a woven shirt, necklines with leather trim, leather earrings, etc. Leather is such a versatile way to add texture to your wardrobe and is a great way to give easy basics an updated edge. 


Breathe new life into summer florals by pairing them with fall favorites like dark denim, black leggings, high heeled boots and oversized sweaters. Top Shop has great assortment of fall floral pieces including the floral blazer (pictured above, center) and the skinny floral crop (pictured above, right). This trend is all about two of my favorite things, fun and romance. Pair a floral blouse with dark denim or wear the trend by layering a sheer floral tank with a sweater and topping it off with a leather jacket. 


Leopard is one of my favorite fall trends. It looks fresh when paired with this season's bold reds, olive greens and royal blues. Pair leopard with leather for a rock and roll vibe, keep it utilitarian by pairing with an army jacket, or glam it up by adding pearls and a pair of classic trousers. You can also play with this trend in a small way with leopard print shoes, bags and accessories.  


Contrary to popular belief the peplum is ultra flattering on a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For fall the peplum has evolved and is now taking shape in the form of flirty tops, easy tanks and even in the accessories world as a leather belt (as seen at H&M). Play with proportions by pairing a peplum top with skinny jeans or pairing a peplum skirt with a fitted top. I also really love the Zara rendition (pictured above, right) mixing the peplum with two more fall fashion tends, lace AND leather. Love. 


The collar is everywhere for fall. Some of the fashion mags are calling the collar a "statement necklace" to ease people into the trend but let's be clear the collar is about more than just a simple necklace. In London we saw the collar on just about everything from dresses, to sweaters to tops. Even Heidi Klum named the collar as one of the top 10 trends for fall. It's surprisingly easy to wear and can really update basic you already own including sweaters, casual dresses, even t-shirts. 


The High/Low Silhouette is new for me this season and it's one of those trends that anyone can wear. This trend is the perfect compromise between a maxi skirt and a knee length dress and looks great with high heels, ankle boots and even flat sandals. For Fall '12 the high/low silhouette has evolved into sheer skirts and wrap front dresses (as pictured above). What I love most about this trend is that you can style it very casually (t-shirt, sandals, belt) or dress it up for date night with high heels and a silk tank. 


Blazers have come back around to give fall fashion a little bit of structure. The best thing about this key item is that a great blazer can instantly make any outfit look polished and pulled together. When I'm crunched for time and need an easy outfit for a night out I love pairing a great fitting blazer with a stylish dress and adding heels and a clutch. Blazers look great when paired with denim, trousers or even this season's slew of skirts. Think of the blazer as the Fall '12 alternative to the cardigan sweater except so much more chic. 


Military chic is always a relevant trend if you live in Seattle but this season it's a legitimate top trend for fashion retailers and celebrity stylists. Army jackets, camo print, Doc Marten boots, leather, cargo pants and studs are all part of this Fall trend. Key colors for going military chic include olive green, khaki, navy and even using red as a pop color. This trend is great for cold fall days when you want to be comfortable, covered up (think: cinched waist army jacket paired with a knit scarf and jeans) but still stylish. 


Hot on the tail of the military chic trend is the Dark Romance Rock Goddess. This trend is all about graphic tees, ripped skinny jeans, studded biker boots, motorcycle jackets, glitter leggings, sequins, denim shorts and heavy embellishment. To me this trend is all about rock goddess meets punk princess. While traveling in London we saw this trend played out to every extreme. Ripped tees, overly distressed denim, super embellished vests and structured leather shorts. The easiest way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is with a rock & roll inspired graphic tee paired with your "maybe I should think about throwing these out" jeans. 



There's a ton of crossover between the trends this fall so feel free to mix and match and do what feels right and suits your mood. Fashion is all about having fun, so remind yourself of that next time you're standing in your closet stressing out over what to wear. 

Happy Shopping!

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5 Fall Fashion Must-Haves


Yesterday marked the official start of fall which means it's high time to swap out your summer wardrobe for all those must-have fall favorites. Consider it a much needed excuse to update your wardrobe. 
Here are the 5 Key Items that every girl needs for Fall '12. 


Splurge on a great leather jacket this season and you'll find that it goes with so much more than you might think. Find a style that fits your body like a glove. If you want to give the illusion of an elongated neck try a collarless style like the Biba Leather Biker Jacket (as pictured above). If you're petite, opt for a cropped style. If you're in to playing with shapes and proportions try a moto style jacket with an asymmetrical zipper. You get the idea. This is an investment piece so choose a shape and color that fits your lifestyle. 



Flowers are no longer reserved for spring and summer. Spruce things up this fall with winter florals that work within your favorite color palette. We love this winter floral peplum dress by Warehouse.  You can play with the floral trend in the form of a dress (as pictured), blouse, or even in the form of a printed trouser



Think of this Warehouse lace inset tee as the Little Black Dress of t-shirts. Super comfortable and easy to wear but versatile enough to dress up a pencil skirt for the work day or dress down with a pair of denim for the weekend. Lace gives a basic tee a stylish update for Fall and looks fresh when paired with skinny cargo pants for a military chic vibe.  


Ok, so maybe I'm partial to this trend because I just received an amazing red bag for my birthday but still, I'm telling you, red is the perfect pop color for fall. A great red bag (any style) can take an otherwise "eh" outfit to extremely stylish in 2.5 seconds. I like to think of this trend as a great way to flex what you already have in your closet. The perfect black dress, a camel colored cashmere sweater, a navy blue sheer blouse, a leopard print top, these are all items that look instantly updated for Fall when paired with a great red bag. We heart this Love Moschino style (pictured above). 



Wearing a leopard print shoe is an easy way to try out the allover print trend for fall. This Steve Madden pump with studs is a fashion forward way to play with the trend but if sky high heels aren't your thing you can still experiment with prints by wearing a pair of leopard print flats

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The Fanny Pack Returns for Spring '13


Maybe it's because she's a new mom who needs a hands-free option or maybe it's because she's flexing her fashion muscle to see how influential she is on fashion industry trends. Either way, designer Rachel Zoe is bringing back the fanny pack for spring '13.


If the oversized envelope clutch is the "It Bag" for Fall then this begs the question: Will the fanny make it's way to the Key Item list for spring? 


Apparently Donna Karan was on the same page because she showed the fanny pack with 8 of her DKNY looks at New York Fashion Week. 


Hate it or Love it, I think we can all agree that the new fleet of fanny packs are surprisingly stylish. Updated with embossed python prints, leather and shiny hardware this trend could go mainstream before we know it. 
Well, as Justin Bieber would say, "Never say Never".  
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Sep 14, 2012

The Stock List: Queen Anne Dispatch


Seattle boutique Queen Anne Dispatch is ready to help revamp your wardrobe for fall. Check out what's in stock now! 



For a great layering piece we love this white lace blouse with contrast collar and placket. It comes lined with a cream colored tank and would look great under a blazer or leather jacket for Fall. 

For a long sleeve option, try a sheer blouse updated for Fall '12 with contrast collars and cuffs. The blouse is a really versatile piece that looks great tucked in to this season's leather skirts and trouser pants. 

This moto style jacket is lighter than leather but still works to create a strong silhouette by adding structure. (Shown above, Jack by BB Dakota) 



 The oversized clutch is big (literally) for fall. We love this faux reptile skin clutch with gold hardware by Bluejuice. This bag is big enough to carry your phone, lipstick, business cards and even an iPad. 


 Don't be shy about adding a pair of suede ankle boot to your footwear wardrobe for fall. Yes, it rains in Seattle but there are plenty of products out on the market that work beautifully to help preserve suede shoes. You'll get plenty of use out of them and the Kelsi Dagger 'Helix' style (pictured above) gives extra stability with a subtle wedge. 


For a low profile option try a pair of suede flats with mini stud embellishments at the toe (shown above by Kelsi Dagger). This season more is more when it comes to embellishment, so consider this shoe as your way of "dipping a toe" into the trend. 


This fall I've declared red as my "go-to" pop color. It goes so well with a variety of current fashion themes (military, baroque, glam rock) and completely energizes an otherwise monochrome outfit. Check out this red suede bootie by Madison Harding (shown above). 


 The Fall '12 sneaker trend isn't just for teens. Try a pair of stylish (and grown-up appropriate) high tops this season by wearing them with jeans and an easy sweater. I swear, once you put them on they become way more wearable than you might think! This is such a practical shoe for girls-on-the-go and look so much better than your typical trainers. 


If you're looking for the perfect LBD for fall, look no further. Queen Anne Dispatch has the best long sleeve, lace, French Connection dresses in stock now. Add color with shoes, accessories or your handbag but don't miss out on this must-have dress!





Queen Anne Dispatch - 2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. - Seattle, WA 98109

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Sep 11, 2012

Style Notes: Fall '12 Fashion



Fall Fashion is all about expressing yourself through graphic tees, oversized accessories, opulent colors, rich textures and an attitude to match. It's time once again to have fun with fashion. Here's a list of the most wearable fall trends and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.


If you were smart enough to invest in leather last fall then you're in luck. It's back in a big way this season and there are so many fun ways to wear it. Zara gave leather a nod by using it to create a stylish peplum ruffle on a lace dress (pictured above, left) while other retailers went back to the basics with moto style jackets and chic pencil skirts. While traveling abroad we spotted leather making appearances in little ways, piping on a woven shirt, necklines with leather trim, leather earrings, etc. Leather is such a versatile way to add texture to your wardrobe and is a great way to give easy basics an updated edge. 


Breathe new life into summer florals by pairing them with fall favorites like dark denim, black leggings, high heeled boots and oversized sweaters. Top Shop has great assortment of fall floral pieces including the floral blazer (pictured above, center) and the skinny floral crop (pictured above, right). This trend is all about two of my favorite things, fun and romance. Pair a floral blouse with dark denim or wear the trend by layering a sheer floral tank with a sweater and topping it off with a leather jacket. 


Leopard is one of my favorite fall trends. It looks fresh when paired with this season's bold reds, olive greens and royal blues. Pair leopard with leather for a rock and roll vibe, keep it utilitarian by pairing with an army jacket, or glam it up by adding pearls and a pair of classic trousers. You can also play with this trend in a small way with leopard print shoes, bags and accessories.  


Contrary to popular belief the peplum is ultra flattering on a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For fall the peplum has evolved and is now taking shape in the form of flirty tops, easy tanks and even in the accessories world as a leather belt (as seen at H&M). Play with proportions by pairing a peplum top with skinny jeans or pairing a peplum skirt with a fitted top. I also really love the Zara rendition (pictured above, right) mixing the peplum with two more fall fashion tends, lace AND leather. Love. 


The collar is everywhere for fall. Some of the fashion mags are calling the collar a "statement necklace" to ease people into the trend but let's be clear the collar is about more than just a simple necklace. In London we saw the collar on just about everything from dresses, to sweaters to tops. Even Heidi Klum named the collar as one of the top 10 trends for fall. It's surprisingly easy to wear and can really update basic you already own including sweaters, casual dresses, even t-shirts. 


The High/Low Silhouette is new for me this season and it's one of those trends that anyone can wear. This trend is the perfect compromise between a maxi skirt and a knee length dress and looks great with high heels, ankle boots and even flat sandals. For Fall '12 the high/low silhouette has evolved into sheer skirts and wrap front dresses (as pictured above). What I love most about this trend is that you can style it very casually (t-shirt, sandals, belt) or dress it up for date night with high heels and a silk tank. 


Blazers have come back around to give fall fashion a little bit of structure. The best thing about this key item is that a great blazer can instantly make any outfit look polished and pulled together. When I'm crunched for time and need an easy outfit for a night out I love pairing a great fitting blazer with a stylish dress and adding heels and a clutch. Blazers look great when paired with denim, trousers or even this season's slew of skirts. Think of the blazer as the Fall '12 alternative to the cardigan sweater except so much more chic. 


Military chic is always a relevant trend if you live in Seattle but this season it's a legitimate top trend for fashion retailers and celebrity stylists. Army jackets, camo print, Doc Marten boots, leather, cargo pants and studs are all part of this Fall trend. Key colors for going military chic include olive green, khaki, navy and even using red as a pop color. This trend is great for cold fall days when you want to be comfortable, covered up (think: cinched waist army jacket paired with a knit scarf and jeans) but still stylish. 


Hot on the tail of the military chic trend is the Dark Romance Rock Goddess. This trend is all about graphic tees, ripped skinny jeans, studded biker boots, motorcycle jackets, glitter leggings, sequins, denim shorts and heavy embellishment. To me this trend is all about rock goddess meets punk princess. While traveling in London we saw this trend played out to every extreme. Ripped tees, overly distressed denim, super embellished vests and structured leather shorts. The easiest way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe is with a rock & roll inspired graphic tee paired with your "maybe I should think about throwing these out" jeans. 



There's a ton of crossover between the trends this fall so feel free to mix and match and do what feels right and suits your mood. Fashion is all about having fun, so remind yourself of that next time you're standing in your closet stressing out over what to wear. 

Happy Shopping!

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