Sep 9, 2021

Boma Jewelry Partners with Starbucks on Exclusive Collection


Two of my favorite local brands have joined forces for an exclusive new collection! The Starbucks x Boma Jewelry collection of accessories is available starting today at select Starbucks Reserve stores. If you're a fan of fair-trade coffee and fashion that is good for the planet, don't miss out on this cool collab.

All items from the limited-edition collection of sustainable jewelry were handcrafted at Boma’s facility in Thailand using ethically sourced recycled metals. The range features a sterling silver necklace featuring Starbucks' iconic mermaid, a ‘Roasted’ pendant adjustable necklace, sterling silver coffee bean earrings, sterling silver red hummingbird earrings, and sterling silver coffee plant studs.

The new collaboration builds on Boma’s commitment to partner with like-minded brands that are using business as a force for good. Last month, Boma Jewelry announced its B Corp Certification, becoming the first jewelry company in Washington state to meet the highest standards of social and environmental transparency, accountability, and impact.

You can view the official media alert here.  The collection is available at Starbucks Sodo Reserve, Starbucks Reserve Seattle Roastery, Starbucks Reserve Chicago Roastery, and the Starbucks Reserve New York Roastery. 
Share:

University Village announces Fashion Night Out




University Village has partnered with Gossip & Glamour and the team at Styled Seattle for a special fall fashion event on Thursday, September 23rd from 5-7 p.m. Guests will enjoy in-store activations at participating retailers that highlight seasonal arrivals and timeless must-haves. Fashion Night shoppers will also enjoy special discounts, raffle prizes, gifts with purchase, and more.

To celebrate the event, Trophy Cupcakes will be serving up fashion-forward cupcakes and The Confectionery will be curating a mix of stylish candy. The University Village Fall Fashion Night is free and open to the public.

 

Participating retailers + in-store offerings include:

REFORMATION
Guests are invited to come check out the new store, shop for seasonal must-haves, and learn more about the brand's sustainability initiatives.


OISELLE
Shoppers can check out new arrivals for fall, enjoy a 20% discount (excluding outerwear), and enter-to-win a special giveaway featuring amazing prizes. Guests can also learn more about Oiselle’s local running club and social justice initiatives including the Women Run The Vote Relay.


ATHLETA
Check out what’s new for fall at Athleta ranging from athleisure to ready-to-wear for women and kids.


FREE PEOPLE
Stop by the Free People store to shop for stylish new arrivals for fall.


EILEEN FISHER
To celebrate the season ahead, Eileen Fisher is hosting a special in-store fashion presentation!


EVEREVE
Come celebrate fall fashion with the team at Evereve and enjoy 15% off your purchase + drinks and light bites.


FAHERTY
Faherty is a family-run brand creating high-quality, sustainably-minded clothes. Stop by for Fall Fashion Night and enjoy 20% off your purchase.


JENNI KAYNE
Come see what’s new for fall at Jenni Kayne and get 15% off your purchase. Guests will also enjoy light refreshments.


J. Crew
Check out the top 10 fall favorites from J. Crew and enjoy a special gift with purchase exclusively for Fall Fashion Night shoppers!


EVERLANE
We invite you to experience the brand-new Everlane store at U Village! Fall Fashion Night guests who shop from 5-7 p.m. will be automatically entered to win a $150 gift card.


K BANANA
Shop for all your K-Beauty favorites at K Banana. For Fall Fashion Night, they are also offering a free Knours mask with a purchase of $30 or more and hosting a special trunk show featuring AAPI artisans. Buy 5 face masks and get one for free!


MADEWELL
Shop for new arrivals and learn more about Madewell’s 'Blue Jeans Go Green' initiative that encourages denim fans to turn in an old pair of jeans for a $20 voucher off a new pair.


SEPHORA
Don't miss in-store services including fall eye make-up demos and brow waxing. Sephora artists will be doing day-time looks starting at 5 p.m., evening makeup looks starting at 5:30 p.m. and a special brow shaping demo at 6 p.m. Guests who attend the demos will receive a small gift and get 10% off their purchase if they sign up for the Sephora Loyalty program.


BONOBOS
Check out menswear founded on fit, built on service, and focused on style.


BRILLIANT EARTH
Brilliant Earth is leading the industry when it comes to ethically sourced fine jewelry. Stop by the new store to learn more.


SCOTCH & SODA
Check out fall arrivals for men and women.


WARBY PARKER
Usher in autumn with new frames that pair perfectly with the turning shades of the season.


VELVET BY GRAHAM & SPENCER
Guests will enjoy a 25% discount on fall apparel for men and women.


PARACHUTE
If you haven’t had a chance to visit their new store at U Village, stop by during fall fashion night! Parachute has revolutionized luxury home essentials with an emphasis on social responsibility. To celebrate Fall Fashion Night Parachute will have drinks + light bites and a special raffle for a signature Parachute robe or a piece of coveted loungewear.


SOMETHING SILVER
Celebrate fall at Something Silver with 20% off jewelry during the fall fashion event along with refreshments and light bites.







Event Details


What: Fall Fashion Night at University  Village

When: Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021

Where: University Village 2623 NE University Village St, Seattle, WA 98105

* All activations are happening inside participating stores. Guests are encouraged to choose their own fashion adventure by visiting participating stores. 

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Fall Fashion Night at University Village is FREE and open to the public. 


Share:

Sep 8, 2021

Shop Hawaii-Made Products at Common Ground


Earlier this summer, I visited Kauai for a post-vaccination getaway to soak up the fresh air and sunshine. Kauai is a beautiful island with lush vegetation, gorgeous beaches, and incredible sunsets. It's also home to an amazing company that offers an easy way for visitors to shop locally and support regional makers. As you can imagine, the current pandemic has impacted businesses around the globe and small businesses on the island are no exception. This is why it's especially important to support brands and collectives that are working to connect consumers with local artisan brands and products. One of the companies working to do just that on Kauai is Common Ground, a sustainable and regenerative e-commerce brand on a mission to build a community dedicated to the future of food and society at large. The company is located on an 83-acre agricultural campus on the former Guava Kai plantation in KÄ«lauea, Kauai. 

Common Ground allows customers to shop a curated selection of farm-to-shelf products from Hawaii-based businesses. It's an easy way for Hawaii fans like myself, located on the mainland, to support businesses that align with my values. Products range from Kona coffee beans and Kauai-grown cacao to sea salt, skin care products, gifts, and more. All items are made with local, sustainable ingredients that have a regenerative impact on the planet.

Here are a few of my favorite products from the site:

Tiny Isle | Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter - Toasted macadamia nuts meet chocolate in this delicious nut butter. This Chocolate Macadamia Nut Butter contains dark, organic cacao sweetened with agave nectar and a bit of local vanilla from the Vanillery of KauaÊ»i. 


Sol Remedies | Holy Cacao - If you love superfoods, don't miss this chocolate health tonic featuring a blend of herbs from Sol Remedies designed to balance energy levels, normalize hormones, and support immune function. You can mix with milk (or a milk alternative) to make a medicinal hot cot cocoa or simply add to coffee or smoothies. Holy Cacao is handcrafted in small batches and herbs used in the mix are cured for six months (instead of the typical four) to ensure maximum medicinal benefits.

Medicine of the Ê»Aina Collection - Let food be thy medicine with this supremely health-conscious bundle. Comprised of Slow Island’s Turmeric, Orange, Passionfruit Elixir, Laka’s Super Shroom Drip, and Secret Harvest’s KauaÊ»i Golden Milk Blend, this curated collection of plant-based healing agents is an ideal addition to any wellness routine. These products are all produced sustainably and locally in the Hawaiian islands.


I love that you can shop the site by supply partner, impact, or category. Don't miss the Taro noodles and the Kauai Essential Cocktail Mixer Collection. Common Ground is an inspiring company using business as a force for good. Their mission is to honor Hawaii's agricultural legacies, invest in a circular economy, and build community dedicated to the future of food. 

Take a peek at their site, shop around, and let me know what you think. To learn more, visit Common Ground's Story Section


About Common Ground: Common Ground is a hub for the global idea exchange of important issues and brings together change-makers — thinkers, creators, designers, innovators and doers — to build a community dedicated to the future of food and society at large. Privately held, Common Ground Kauai is located on an 83-acre agricultural campus on the former Guava Kai plantation in KÄ«lauea, Kaua`i, Hawaii. For more information on Common Ground visit www.commongroundkauai.com/shop



+ If you liked this post, don't miss my 2021 Kauai Travel Guide

Share:

Aug 5, 2021

Seattle in Bloom: Local Hotels Celebrate Guests with Fresh Flowers

Downtown Seattle hotels are celebrating their guests by treating them to beautiful bouquets of flowers from Pike Place Market. Every day in August, the first 100 people to stop by the Visitor Information Center at Pike Place Market (located on the corner of 1st Ave. and Pike) with their hotel confirmation will receive a $15 Bloom Bucks voucher redeemable for a Pike Place Market bouquet. 

A variety of local hotels are participating in this program including Four Seasons Seattle, Thompson Seattle, Hotel Monaco, Fairmont Olympic, Grand Hyatt, Hotel Sorrento, Hotel Theodore, and more. For a full list of participating hotels click here. Fine print: One voucher per hotel reservation, while supplies last. 

Pike Place Market began selling produce to the public in 1907 and grew to 76 stalls with the first three months. By 1922, the market expanded to 11 buildings and spanned nine acres along the Seattle waterfront. Plan your visit and learn more about this historic market here


Photo credit: Vivian Hsu Photography

Share:

Everlane is Now Open at U Village


Everlane, the sustainable fashion brand known for radical transparency, is now open at Seattle's University Village. The new store is the brand's first store in the Pacific Northwest and marks the brand's 8th brick-and-mortar location in the U. S. In addition to apparel for men and women, the new store also stocks footwear, accessories, and swimwear. The store will also sell a limited edition "100% Seattle" t-shirt that will benefit the ACLU. To celebrate the grand opening on August 5th, the store will donate all of its sales for the day (up to $25,000) to Got Green, a local non-profit dedicated to environmental justice. 

The company deeply believes that in order to make meaningful progress in the fight against climate change, we need to move fast. As a result, Everlane has committed to a variety of initiatives including eliminating virgin plastic from its supply chain and moving toward organic cotton. As of April 2021, the company reported that 97% of its apparel materials containing polyester and nylon are now made from certified recycled fibers and 45% of the plastic components on its footwear are now made from recycled materials. When it comes to packaging, all shipping bags are made from 100% recycled plastic or FSC-certified paper. Clean denim is another area of focus for the brand and the company takes great pride in partnering with factories that recycle water, use renewable sources of energy, and utilize organic cotton that are farmed without toxic pesticides. Everlane denim is available in waist sizes 23 (US size 00) to 35 (US size 16). Denim prices start at $68. 

Everlane was founded in 2010 as a direct-to-consumer brand and opened its first physical retail location in 2017. The University Village store is located in between Levis and Athleta at 2618 NE University Village St. Seattle, WA 98105. 

Learn more about what Everlane is doing to address diversity, equity, and inclusion, here







Share:

Aug 2, 2021

Summer 2021 Travel Guide: Kauai

Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I actually lived on the island for several years as a kid and it's always had a special place in my heart. My family loves it too, so we try and visit as often as we can. Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and is often called the "Garden Island" for its lush greenery. The island is less touristy than other islands and most things shut down by 9 p.m., so you're forced to relax and enjoy the scenery. After a crazy year of working from home while also homeschooling the kids due to the pandemic, we desperately needed this recharge. Read on for my guide on all things Kauai. 


Best Place to Stay




We always stay at the Kauai Beach Resort when we visit the island. We've stayed there many times over the years and always had a great experience. The hotel is located in Lihue near the airport and has been a great home base for us when we visit. The rooms are spacious and if you can get a view with an ocean view, even better. 

One of the best things about this hotel is that there are four swimming pools, including one with a water slide. We also loved the convenience of the poolside outdoor bar. For littles, there's a super shallow, sandy pool that has a great water feature.  

The hotel also has a great gift shop/coffee bar that serves Starbucks coffee and pastries. It was a great way to start the day and pick up snacks before heading out on our daily adventures. The hotel also has a great bar and restaurant for dine-in or take-out. One of the things we loved about our recent visit was the fact that you can now order and pay remotely via your phone and pick up your food at the hostess stand once it's ready. Technology is the best. 

We found ourselves at Shutter's Lounge multiple times on our trip. They do great fish tacos and Kalbi beef bowls. They also have a great kids menu which was helpful since we have notoriously picky eaters. 


Best Beach for Kids




Kauai Beach Resort is less than 10 minutes away from Lydgate Beach Park, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This beach is protected from the ocean by a rock wall, making it a great choice for kids and for those who want to snorkel. There are also lifeguards on-site and a shaded playground nearby that is great for kids who need a break from the sun. There are also on-site facilities including picnic areas and restrooms. 


Best Beach on the Island




Hanalei Bay is the best beach on Kauai. Although it's not the easiest to get to at the moment due to recent andslides and subsequent construction, it's worth the drive. Located on Kauai's North shore just past Princeville, Hanalei offers clear blue water, white sand, and sweeping views of gorgeous green mountains. The historic pier was built in 1892 and still offers visitors a stunning backdrop for beach days and sunset picnics. 

Check Hawaii's DOT site for traffic info before heading out to stay up to date on lane closures and traffic revisions. 


Best Beach for Spotting Sea Turtles



Poipu Beach is a great place to spot sea turtles on Kauai. We spotted them several times surfing the waves when we visited the beach and each sighting was magical! The drive to Poipu Beach from Kapaa is about 40 minutes by car and you get to pass through a beautiful tree tunnel on the way. Poipu Beach has a great swimming area with lifeguards plus a playground for kids.  You can also get a legendary Puka Dog across the street from the beach. 


Best Place for Beach Rentals



There are many great places to rent beach equipment on Kauai including sun umbrellas, bodyboards, coolers, beach chairs, inflatables, and more. We rented from Kauai Snorkel Rentals located at Coconut Marketplace in Kauai. The prices are great, $15 for a week-long body board rental, and the process was super easy. We simply showed up, picked out our gear, and brought it back a week later. This is a WAY better alternative to buying gear and leaving it behind at the end of the trip. We talked to locals about this issue and it sounds like island tourists are notorious for this. Please be mindful of the environment and the footprint you leave behind when you visit Hawaii. 


Best Shave Ice



I could literally eat shave ice every day and I probably would if I lived in Hawaii. We loved Jojo's Shave Ice at the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa and went back several times during our time. They offer so many delicious flavor combinations but our favorite was definitely the classic Rainbow (Strawerry, Banana, Vanilla) with Macadamia nut ice cream. Shave ice makes a great snack on a hot day and the small size was big enough to share. 


Best Poke Bowl



If you're a poke fan, don't miss the fresh fish at Foodland in Princeville. For less than $10 you can get a rice bowl topped with fresh poke. Voted Hawaii's best for 9 years in a row, I promise you, this poke bowl is well worth the drive. I like spicy poke, Shoyu (mixed with soy sauce), and Hawaiian-style (mixed with seaweed and sea salt). Honestly, they're all good and if you can buy a bag of Hawaiian taro chips, the experience is even better. If you're heading to Hanalei Bay for the day, stop by Foodland to pick up a poke bowl for lunch on the way. 


Best Date Night Restaurant



Every time we visit Kauai, we always make reservations at The Plantation House by Gaylords. This is a great restaurant for date nights, family dinners, and special occasions. The dinner menu includes fresh ahi poke, lobster gnocchi, sake short ribs, and truffle potatoes. The cocktails are good, too! If you head over for lunch, don't miss the Koloa Rum Tasting Room which is also located on-site. 


Car Rental Advice




There's a severe rental car shortage in Hawaii due to low inventory and increased demand, so if you want wheels on your trip (you'll need them), I recommend that you book early. We rented from Avis on this trip and had a great experience. Our 4-door Jeep Sahara was so much fun to drive!


How to Plan Your Itinerary


Driving around Kauai takes time, especially during the summer months, so it's best to plan your day by choosing one main area to explore or dividing the day into morning and afternoon activities. Hanalei Bay is a full-day activity when you consider drive time and traffic revisions. Here are some of our favorite things to explore on Kauai that should absolutely be on your itinerary:


Hanalei Bay
  • Beach Park & Pier (the most gorgeous beach with white sand and clear blue water) 
  • Hanalei Shopping Center - Lots of great local shops and restaurants 
  • Bubba's Burgers
  • Plan a full day and take a picnic lunch to the beach. Rain showers and clouds generally pass quickly, so don't be worried if you see a few clouds in the sky. 

Princeville 
  • Princeville Center is a great place to shop and dine
  • Foodland has THE best poke bowls on the island
  • There's a great toy store for kids on-site
  • Keep an eye out for the Princeville Night Market


Poipu Beach
  • Beach Park & Playground
  • Sea Turtle Spotting
  • Puka Dogs
  • Baby Beach
  • Brennecke's Beach Broiler
  • Old Koloa Town (Stop by on your way to Poipu Beach)
  • The Shops at Kukui'ula (Located near Poipu Beach and a great place to stop for dinner after a day at the beach. The center also has Long's Drugs so you can stock up on anything you forgot at home)

Waimea Canyon
  • Great scenic drive when you need a break from the sun
  • The canyon is a 14-mile stretch with panoramic views
  • The road ends at Kokee State Park


Coconut Marketplace
  • Located in Kapaa with easy parking and plenty of gift shops
  • Don't miss Jojo's Shave Ice
  • Great dining options including Chicken in a Barrel, Bobby V's, and Island Country Market
  • You can also get beach rentals including sun umbrellas, snorkel gear, and more at Coconut Marketplace


Final Thoughts


If you're heading to Kauai, take a deep breath, enjoy the experience, and don't forget to pack your patience. The summer months are peak season for tourists and in addition to increased traffic on the roads, you'll also experience long wait times at restaurants if you don't have advance reservations. Kauai is experiencing the same labor shortages we are on the mainland, so please remember to be patient and kind. If you're staying at a hotel, don't forget to take out cash to tip your housekeepers. They are working overtime this summer and want to help ensure that your trip to paradise is an amazing one. 

Last but not least, please note that masks are mandatory indoors in Kauai. It's a state law and businesses are doing their best to keep everyone safe. You can view Hawaii's latest pre-travel testing requirements here.




Share:

Jul 20, 2021

5 Takeaways from Rebecca Minkoff's New Book Fearless


Fashion fans: if you're looking for something fun to read this summer, look no further than Rebecca Minkoff's new book Fearless. Those of you that know me well, know that I'm a sucker for two things: fashion exhibits and fashion books. So naturally, when I stumbled upon this book at the airport while waiting for a recent flight to LA, I purchased it. I'll be honest, I haven't kept up with her career aside from noticing when she appeared on Project Runway: Fashion Startup back in 2016, but I do remember the popularity of her handbags from back in the day. 

The book is divided into 21 different rules for success, including things like "Go for Purpose Over Payout", "Create Two Way Streets", and "Communicate Your Heart Out", which as a fashion publicist, resonates with me deeply. The book starts out by diving into Rebecca's early days in the fashion industry. She became a household name when a "I Love New York" t-shirt she designed was worn by a famous actress on The Tonight Show. Four years later, she designed her first handbag, and the rest is history. Here are my 5 favorite takeaways from the book. 


#1 - You Have More to Offer Than You Might Think 

In the early days of Rebecca's New York journey, she had no friends and virtually no money so she decided to spend her free time volunteering and began picking up hours at a space that hosted gallery nights for up-and-coming artists. "The only things I had to offer," says Rebecca, "were time and energy." Through the experience, she met like-minded people, expanded her network, and found a connection point to the city. 

There are so many young people today who are eager to break into the fashion industry but hold themselves back because they think they have nothing to offer when nothing could be further from the truth. Don't underestimate the value of time and energy. It's a resource that not everyone has, so if you have the time, interest, and energy to volunteer in spaces that speak to you, DO IT! You never know what you might learn or who you might meet. 


#2 - Don't Take It Personally If Something Doesn't Work Out

There will be many times throughout the course of your career that things won't work out the way you planned. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's the art of the pivot. You may test out great ideas that fail miserably for whatever reason and it's important not to berate yourself when that happens. In the book, Rebecca notes that ideas are experiments. The important thing is to learn from them and move on. "Every minute you spend stuck on the hamster wheel or why something didn't go exactly as you had planned is a minute you could be spending on creating something new." 


#3 - Networking Flows Both Ways

Relationships are everything in every industry, which is why networking is critically important for success. As you can imagine, the fashion industry in New York is notoriously cliquey, and since Rebecca started her career before the birth of social media, she was on her own when it came to navigating the world of fashion. The key to networking is about asking what can we do for each other versus asking what can you do for me? There should be a give and take. For example, if you are asking for introductions, be prepared to return the favor down the line. And don't forget to thank the people that have helped you along the way.


#4 - Talk A Lot of Shop

When Rebecca Minkoff was getting started, sample sales in New York were starting to take off. Not only was it a great way for designers to make some extra cash while cleaning out their storage rooms, it provided a fun experience for fashion fans. Rebecca noticed early on that sample sales were a great way to connect with customers and get their feedback on products. She got to eavesdrop on what people were saying and always paid attention to what products went first and which ones were left over at the end of the day. That insight proved to be invaluable and the community-building that the samples sales provided was a also a way for the brand to stay engaged with its audience. Rebecca Minkoff eventually started doing sample sales twice a year and it became an amazing way to get product into people's hands. 


#5 - Give Your Gut Some Credit

"I do not regret my big messy failures. I regret that when I knew in my gut something was wrong even when it was something small, I didn't have enough faith in myself to fight for what I knew was right," says Rebecca Minkoff. This is a big part of being fearless. You have to trust your gut. There is an inner knowing in each of us that is there to help guide us in the right direction. When we ignore that inner voice because it's not convenient, or we feel like we would be rocking the boat if we spoke up, we are blocking our own intuitive wisdom. Trust your gut. There is a reason it's called a "gut instinct" and those feelings are there for a reason. 


This is a great book for fashion students who are just starting out in the industry and want to hear words of widsom from someone who started small, worked hard, and built a $100 million dollar fashion empire. Fearless is full of lessons learned and tangible takeaways. It's a great summer read and I finished it over a long weekend. Find it at your local bookstore or on Amazon



Share:

The Disneyland Style Guide


Disneyland is now open to out-of-state travelers (as of June 15, 2021) and the park is back to full capacity. To manage attendance, the park is requiring all guests to have advance reservations at either Disneyland or California Adventure. Park hopper passes are also available and many of them require you to start your day at California Adventure and then cross over to Disneyland at 1 p.m. (Note: Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability so book early if you can.) 


Disney App

Downloading the Disney app in advance is critical for a seamless day at the park. You'll need it for everything from checking out estimated wait times for rides to ordering food and drinks.  From the app,  you can join the virtual queue for the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride (highly recommend!) and find what you're looking for quickly with the GPS-enabled maps. 





Face Masks 

With regard to masks, face coverings are not required for fully vaccinated guests at Disneyland. Now that the park is open in full capacity, it's virtually impossible to properly social distance while waiting in line for popular rides, so plan accordingly if you want to be extra safe. 




The Best Rides

When we visited the park in mid-June, Fast Passes weren't available yet, so we had to wait in line for the rides we wanted to go on. You can burn up a lot of the day waiting in line at Disneyland, so if you have access to virtual queues or fast passes, definitely plan ahead and take advantage. Joining the virtual queue was the only way we could get on the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride and after missing the window to join several times, we FINALLY got access in the evening on our first day at Disneyland. If you have Star Wars fans in your family, this new ride can't be missed. 

At California Adventure, my kids loved going on the Radiator Springs Racers ride which is a cool kid roller coaster experience but fun for grown-ups, too. 


What to Wear

It's hot in Anaheim and generally in the 80's on most days, so be sure to apply sunscreen and dress in light-colored, lightweight fabrics or you won't last very long. We walked over 8 miles a day, both days at Disneyland and California Adventure with our park hopper passes so dressing for the weather and packing comfortable shoes is a must. 

Here are a few of my summer wardrobe favorites:

Athleta Tank Top

Gap Denim Overalls

Calson Linen Shorts

Gap Denim Shorts 

Converse Shoreline Shoes

Zella Tank Top




Downtown Disney

At Downtown Disney you'll find restaurants, shopping, and entertainment for guests of all ages. Admission is free and it's a great place to shop for Disney merch and grab dinner after a day at the park. We liked the burgers at Black Tap and tried the CrazyShake for dessert, too (pictured above). Plan in advance if you're hungry because every single restaurant had a wait time of 20-60+ minutes each time we visited. There's also a Starbucks on-site and a cool Star Wars store. 



Where to Stay 

For our Disney trip, we stayed at the Radisson Blu Anaheim, which is less than 5 minutes away from the park. The rooms are clean, spacious, and if you're traveling with kids, you can get a cool bunkbed room. The pool is great too and stays open late for evening swims. 


Disneyland is a great place to make memories with your family. Have fun, take pics, and make some epic memories!



Share:

Jun 27, 2021

The Stylish Summer Travel Guide to SEA



Seattle has now hit the 70% vaccinated mark and as a result, we're seeing a major boost in "vacci-cations", a.k.a. the post-vaccination vacation. Yes, that's officially a thing. For many people, it's been a while since they've flown in and out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, now known simply as SEA. Over the past year, there have been renovations, new dining options added, new retail experiences, and even new ways to park. Here's your stylish guide to summer travel at SEA.


Parking 


SEA is now offering pre-paid parking in the airport's on-site parking garage. It's the closest, most convenient parking available, and if you pre-book, you'll get a discount. The airport has more than 12,000 parking spaces available for both short-term and long-term parking and let's be honest, after a long trip, it's so nice to be able to head straight to your car and get home quickly.
 
The process to pre-pay for parking is easy, you simply book online in advance and you'll receive an email with a QR code to scan on entry and exit.



Getting through Security 


As travel picks up again, so has the wait time at security checkpoints. Prior to the pandemic when regular travel was a routine part of our lives, we signed up for CLEAR and it was one of the best decisions we've ever made. Going through security is so easy now and we get to skip the long lines, which is critical when traveling with kids. Instead of using traditional ID documents, CLEAR uses your eyes and face to confirm your identity. You can start the enrollment online and then head to any airport CLEAR location with a valid government-issued ID to complete the sign-up process. You can use CLEAR at over 50+ airports, stadiums, and other venues nationwide. Get 2 months free by using my referral link to sign up for CLEAR.

For those that don't have CLEAR, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is also testing out a new pilot program called SEA Spot Saver, that allows passengers to reserve a specific time to go through security in an effort to streamline wait times. The program is available from 4 a.m. to noon daily through August 31st and is available for general security passengers. Reserve your spot here.



Staying Safe


Even if you're fully vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask that fully covers your nose and mouth at the airport and on the plane during your flight. To help keep passengers safe, SEA has also added 280 hand sanitizing stations conveniently located throughout the airport. I also recommend packing sanitizing wipes in your carry-on bag so that you can wipe down the tray tables, armrests, windows, and belt buckles at your seat when you get on board. 



Dining


You'll want to arrive early to the airport so that you can take advantage of the food scene prior to departure. At SEA, you'll find local favorites like Skillet, Poke to the Max, Beecher's, Lucky Louie, Lady Yum, and more. I'm a fan of the kale caesar at Skillet and the fish and chips at Lucky Louie, but honestly, you can't go wrong with the Pacific Northwest dining options at SEA. Dining options are limited in-flight due to COVID restrictions, so eat in advance, just in case.

Here are some places to try next time you're at the airport:



A Gates - Capitol Hill Food Fall - Highlights include Chowder Shack, Grand Central Bakery, Salt & Straw, and Caffe Ladro.


B Gates - Mi Casa Cantina - The menu includes freshly baked tortas, house-made burritos, guacamole, pico de gallo, and handcrafted cocktails.


C Gates - Beecher's Handmade Cheese - If you're in the mood for comfort food, their Mac & Cheese is the world's best. You'll also find artisan cheeses, fresh salads, and Caffe Vita espresso drinks.


Central Terminal - Lucky Louie Fish Shack - If you're craving PNW-inspired food, the Fish & Chips and  Creamy Clam Chowder are both personal favorites. 

D Gates - Poke to the Max - Hawaiian food at its finest including Poke Bowls, Loco Moco, and more. Don't miss the Spam Musubi, which also makes a great travel snack for your carry-on. 


North Satellite - Skillet - Modern American food with an approachable, diner vibe. Fun fact: Skillet has an all-day brunch menu. If you're looking for something healthy-ish, I highly recommend the kale caesar with chicken. 


South Satellite Dungeness Bay Seafood House - Oh yes, it's all things Dungeness, including crab cakes, crab bisque, clams, calamari, and more. Oh, and there's a full-service bar, too. 


For a sweet treat, check out the Seattle Chocolate store (near Gate C1) that stocks 100% non-GMO, small-batch chocolate truffle bars, jcoco caramels, and special occasion gifts.


Shopping


SEA has plenty of great options if you're shopping for gifts or simply need a little retail therapy prior to your flight. Don't miss Sacred Circle, the airport's only Native American-owned shop featuring handmade jewelry and wearable art from local artisans and inland tribes. You'll also want to check out Seattle Made, an entire shop dedicated to celebrating Seattle's unique cultural identity, and Fireworks, one of my favorite places to shop for gifts.

At SEA, you'll also find CHALO, a locally-owned gift and lifestyle shop featuring Seattle-inspired products like tote bags, coffee cups, zippered pouches, and more. The lead image of this post features a Seattle boarding pass tote bag from CHALO.

Here are some of the stores you can shop at SEA:
  • Coach
  • Ex Officio
  • Fireworks
  • MAC Cosmetics 
  • Made in Washington 
  • SUB POP
  • Swarovski 
  • Show Pony



Summer Reading
 

Shop local for all the books on your summer reading list at Elliot Bay Book Co. located in the C Concourse. On my last trip to the airport, I picked up a copy of Rebecca Minkoff's new book Fearless and finished the entire book during the flight. You can also stock up on magazines at the Hudson stores located throughout the airport. 



Final Tip

Pack your patience and have fun! For many of us, it's been a long time since we traveled and it comes as no surprise that we're all a little rusty. Be patient, pack snacks, and don't forget to stay hydrated. 


Additional resources:





Keep up with my summer travel adventures on Instagram, @Sydlovesfashion


Share:

Jun 25, 2021

Former Dolce Vita Execs Launch Oncept Shoes

Oncept Shoes


While the pandemic has been troublesome for many businesses, it has also created space for innovative new ideas to bloom. Industry veterans Megan Key Campos and Nick Lucio, both former executives at Dolce Vita, have launched a new footwear company for sustainably-minded fashion fans.

Oncept made its debut earlier this spring with the release of five core styles, each named after cities around the world. The collection includes the Athens Essential Sandal, Copenhagen Modern Mule, Nolita Forever Flat, Tokyo Travel Companion, and the London Seasonless Sneaker. With a core belief in conscious design, Oncept made the decision to produce just five styles in an effort to edit the line and avoid overproduction.

The entire collection is ethically made from sustainable materials including overstock recycled rubber, memory foam insole cushioning made from recycled rubber foam and castor bean oil, and nylon sourced from post-consumer recycled polyester. In addition, all shoes are shipped in a reusable, organic tote, without the use of traditional tissue or plastic materials inside the box. Other eco-friendly details include organic cotton laces, recycled insole boards, recycled fabric tags, and TENCEL™ Lyocell linings, which are produced from wood pulp. Learn more about Oncept's commitment to sustainability here.

The London - An elevated, sporty sneaker with a flexible rubber outsole. Available in 3 colors. 


The Athens - An easy, and effortless essential sandal. Available in 7 colors. 


The Copenhagen - An elevated, modern mule. Available in 4 colors. 


The Tokyo - A lightweight sneaker for everyday wear. Available in 6 colors. 


The Nolita - A minimalist, versatile flat. Available in 7 colors. 





This line is perfect for fashion fans who want to shop with their values in mind. Oncept shoes are versatile, easy to wear, and will seamlessly transition from season to season. Prices start at $250 USD.


Share:
Blog Design Created by pipdig