Introducing e-commerce boutique JJ Caprices

What do you get when you mix an avid traveler with an eye for style? 

After visiting more than 33 countries and falling in love with the people and places along the way, Jennifer Jedda decided it was time to combine her wanderlust with her desire to showcase extraordinary creations from artisans around the world. Just a mere two months old, JJ Caprices features hand-selected jewelry, scarves, fragrances, and home accents from countries like India, Israel, France and Spain. Every single item featured on the site was discovered in it's country of origin during Jennifer's travels. Along with the item descriptions you'll also find information about where Jennifer discovered each piece and why she was drawn to it. Take for example, the soft pink enamel cuff (pictured below, left) made by Israeli jewelry designer Leetal Kalmanson. This gorgeous, handmade piece was discovered by Jennifer while strolling the streets of Jerusalem. In love with Paris? You'll want to check out the delicate votive candles (pictured below, right) wrapped in vintage Parisian lace by designer Jeanne Notari. "I showcase women's accessories and smaller home accents that have surprised and delighted me," says owner Jennifer Jedda, "My purpose is not only to sell beautiful things, but to engage my women clientele by sharing stories of the places the pieces come from as well as the artists that give each item a heartbeat."

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, JJ Caprices offers women the chance to roam the world and discover gorgeous little gems while supporting artists around the globe. A portion of every JJ Caprices purchase goes to World Vision to sponsor girls in developing countries. The contribution is used to provide education, water and health to girls and their families so that they can sustain a better quality of life. Shop now and enjoy free shipping on all standard orders over $50. You'll also want to sign up for the JJ Caprices newsletter to save 15% on your first order. 

Shop Local: Check out JJ Caprices in person and meet Jennifer Jedda at the Bellevue Athletic Club trunk show on Nov. 9th. 

Can't get enough? You can also follow Jennifer's global travel adventures on her personal travel blog. And since she's traveled to more than 30+ countries, we couldn't resist asking Jennifer for her top 5 travel tips. 

Tip # 1- Make bookings a breeze with sites like Skyscanner.com. It's easy to check multiple sites for the best prices on airfare and hotel and find the ones that offer "free cancellation" in case your travel plans change. 

Tip # 2- When traveling on a budget take trains or public transportation from the airport into the city so that you can splurge on other aspects of your trip like champagne and good food. By taking the RER into Paris you can save 50-70 EUR which is around the price of lunch at the famed Tour d'Argent. 

Tip #3- Research your destination to maximize your trip. "There are so many resources online where you can easily find details on tours, places and packages that speak to things that might interest you," says Jennifer. Don't miss out on the hidden gems the city has to offer. 

Tip #4- Despite all that research, make sure you always leave room in your itinerary to just "get lost". Wander the streets, duck into cafes, meet locals, sit and soak in the surroundings, eat at a restaurant off the beaten path...."These deviations have proven to be some of the most enriching experiences of my trips," adds Jennifer. 

Tip #5- My travel essentials include my Tumi crossbody bag (stylish yet sensible for keeping valuables safe) and my travel "all-in-one" adapter which works in multiple countries to make getting "plugged in" a cinch. 

Check out highlights from one of Jennifer's favorite travel experiences in Mali via her travel blog, One Girl's Travel Adventures:

"Today could have been my favorite day in Mali so far" 

The Stock List: Olivine

Seattle-based online boutique Olivine is a rare gem that regularly stocks labels like Prairie Underground, Suzabelle, Spun, SheShe and Kimberly Baker. Owner Julie Wray opened Olivine as a brick and mortar store back in 1997 and later took the business online. She now runs the e-commerce store in addition to running her secondary site Olivine's Charm School. Take a peek at what she's got in stock now.

 

This Happy Hour clutch is the perfect way to dip your toe into prints this season.  The colors are beautiful and the print makes this piece a home run. Need it tonight? If you live in Seattle, Olivine offers same-day delivery!

I'm a sucker for a knit dress and this one by Suzabelle has everything I look for when choosing a new piece. It's got a built in belt (with shiny hardware!), cool asymmetric detailing, short sleeves and simple stripes. I'd pair this with sandals and an armful of bracelets to hit the town.

Starting on July 1st the City of Seattle is banning plastic bags so you might as well stock up on stylish totes now.  I love this fuschia style by Baggu which features a feisty animal print.

Handmade in Portland by Marisa Howard for her line Seaworthy, these beautiful art deco earrings make a great gift for a friend or the perfect addition to your summer jewelry wardrobe. 

Speaking of local designers, check out this Apron dress by Sara Seumae of Spun.  Made of 100% organic cotton this dress features elbow length sleeves, two front pockets and a fun print. Super easy to wear and machine washable. Love.

If you like to customize your accessories check out these vintage brass banners than can be stamped with up to 15 letters. Your name, your boyfriends name, your nickname, you name it- and it's yours. The length of the chain can also be customized for the perfect fit. Such a great gift idea!

The packaging on these SHE BELONGS THERE solid perfumes is way too cute to pass up. With notes of gardenia, jasmine and smoky vanilla you're bound to get hooked on the scent.

www.ShopOlivine.com

La Rousse Extends Black Friday Sale

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over but who cares. La Rousse will be extending our 30% off code through Friday, Dec. 4. Enter code = BF30 at shoplarousse.com.

For those shoppers that want to get up close and personal with La Rousse merchandise come out to the following events this weekend.

SATURDAY, DEC 5th - Eastside Shopping and Gift Show from 12-5pm at Blakely Hall in Issaquah. The event will benefit Seattle's Children's Hospital and La Rousse will have apparel and accessories marked 30-70% off. Click here for more details.

SUNDAY, DEC 6th- Spa Noir Extravaganza in Seattle from 11am-2pm featuring fall merchandise and great holiday gift ideas. Hot spiced wine and treats will be served. For more info click here.

Here are some of my favorite La Rousse picks for Fall 2009!

Neurotica Eclipsed Dress in nude Cinnamon. 65% modal, 35% silk. 34" long. Made in the UK. $110. 

Rabbit on the Run Bamboo Leggings. $108. 

Melissa Vivienne Westwood Yellow Shoes. On Sale for $129.

New Arrivals at La Rousse

Freshen up your wardrobe with fall fashion from La Rousse.  Enter code NEW25 at check out and save 25% off your purchase for the rest of the week! This includes sale items. Click here to start shopping.  

Inside Seattle Online Boutique: La Rousse

Amanda Rosenthal, a self-described fashion junkie opened up Seattle boutique La Rousse back in 2005. (The name “La Rousse” is French for “female redhead” and coincidentally Amanda has red hair.) The business flourished and quickly became known as one of Seattle’s best boutiques and meanwhile, Seattle fashionistas fell in love with Amanda’s fresh perspective on personal style and her commitment to showcasing up-and-coming designers. It wasn’t until last fall when the economy took a turn for the worst that La Rousse closed their brick and mortar store in favor of a hip online boutique. “There are so many reasons why I decided to move my boutique online,” says Amanda, “Business trends were showing that E-commerce was growing, my son Graydon was born and my lease was up.” It all seemed like a natural progression for La Rousse and for Amanda the flexible hours and option of spending more time at home with her son sealed the deal.

Since settling in to its new home on the web, La Rousse has flourished and the move has also allowed the online boutique to reach clients all over the country. The well-edited mix of brands including Sophmore, Mary Meyer, Margarita Saplala, Serial Cultura, and Grey Ant are among the brands you’ll find online at La Rousse and although translations of spring 09 trends are mixed in Seattle, Amanda Rosenthal knows what she likes. “We love the oversized, downtown trend in jersey lines such as Mary Meyer and Sophomore,” says Amanda. Additional favorites include the tie-dye work of Margarita Saplala and items designed for layering to create a variety of looks.


The current promotion that has been creating a lot of buzz is the$19 denim grab bag which lets customers pick from two categories: “Skinny and Straight Leg” or “Boot Cut & Flare”. From there, the La Rousse team selects a pair of premium denim from brands like Blank, Del Forte, Grey Ant, Karen Walker, SaddleLites, or Tag. It’s a gamble because you don’t know what you’re going to get, but for $19 how can you go wrong? The surprise is half the fun! Scoring a pair of premium denim for under twenty bucks is priceless!

Another perk of a Seattle based online boutique? Saving money on shipping! Seattle fashion junkies can pick up their purchases directly from the La Rousse showroom located on Capital Hill. Normal business hours are M-F from 9am-5pm by appointment only. Additional ways to save include signing up for the La Rousse mailing list to receive coupon codes for discounts or by visiting the La Rousse blog to hear about upcoming promotions.

You can also check out La Rousse at their quarterly Spa Noir events featuring 20% off La Rousse merchandise and discounts on Spa Noir retail products. You’ll get a sneak peak at vintage fashion not available online, plus apparel and accessories that are affordable and one-of-a-kind. The next La Rousse + Spa Noir event is June 7th from 11am-1pm.

Easter Sale Online at La Rousse

Online boutique La Rousse just got the rest of their Spring 09 shipments which means they have a ton of merchandise on sale this weekend for their Easter Sale Event. Enter EASTER25 at check out and save an additional 25% off your purchase. The discount also applies to sale merchandise which means you could save up-to 80%! The sale goes through Monday, April 13. Happy Shopping!