KACYYOM named finalist for Gray Awards

Seattle designer Kacy Yom has been named as a finalist in the fashion category for this year's Gray Awards! This gorgeous local line launched in October of 2017 and has quickly grown to become a favorite among luxury handbag enthusiasts. Designed in Seattle and handmade in Italy, the KACYYOM line features bold colors, timeless silhouettes and innovative design details, including convertible straps for seamless transitions from day to evening.

The KACYYOM collection is available locally at The Spa at Four Seasons and in New York at Dreams on Air and Wolf & Badger, both located in Soho. The line will soon be available in London at the new Wolf & Badger Store in Kings Cross, which is scheduled to open next month.

Kacy's line made the final cut for the Gray Awards out of more than 300 submissions. Gray magazine is hosting an awards party on November 29th at The Sanctuary in Seattle where they will reveal this year's winners across multiple design categories. Tickets are $150 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Block Project to help end homelessness. Click here for more information.

Eye Eye Celebrates Fall Fashion With In-Store Eyewear Event

It's already been a week since the Eye Eye "Fall Frame Event" on Capitol Hill and I'm still buzzing with excitement about all the cool frames and vintage glasses the store has in stock right now. We always talk about updating our fashion wardrobes for fall and I feel like that should also include what we're wearing on our FACES. Am I right?

For newbies, Eye Eye is an independent eye clinic and optical shop located on Capitol Hill. In addition to personalized eye care, the team led by Dr. Will Pentecost also offers a curated assortment of frames and sunglasses from over 27 brands. Plus, in true Seattle style, they also offer an insanely incredible assortment of vintage deadstock that gives clients who want something different a one-of-a-kind eyewear experience.

The store carries a range of brands that have a legit celebrity following because you know, if Haley Baldwin is wearing white frames with corner accents, I need them too. Featured brands include Alhem, which recently won a Vogue Fashion Award, Christian Roth, which re-launched Kurt Cobain's signature white sunglasses (pictured above), Krewe, Mr. Leight, and even local brand Rain City, among others.

Oh, and if you're like most Americans who stare at a computer screen all day and experience eye fatigue, Eye Eye can put non-prescription, blue light blocking lenses into any frames. Seattle blogger Brittany Streissguth of Pumps & Plaid (pictured below) recently got a pair to wear while she's blogging to help protect her eyes.

Another fun fact? Eye Eye can put a prescription into snow goggles, which is perfect for people who want to hit the slopes but hate wearing contacts. This is such a brilliant concept and I had no idea it was a "thing". Turns out it is and it's so perfect for the Pacific Northwest where we relish in outdoor adventures during the winter months. 

Eye Eye also carries a high-quality private label line that is budget-friendly and ideal for those looking for an alternative to designer frames. In addition, they have an in-house lab which can turn around frames in 2-3 business days. 

The event was a fun opportunity to see how this cool local company is doing eyewear differently. A variety of bloggers and influencers came out to celebrate and guests enjoyed light bites by Gourmondo Catering (another local favorite!) and swag bags filled with local products from French Girl Organics and Oola Distillery. I can't wait until the next event!

Eye Eye

1317 E. Pine St. 

Seattle, WA 98122

Photo credit: Karya Schanilec

October 11 is National Spread Joy Day

With everything going on in the world today from natural disasters to politics, we all need a little levity in our lives. Spending time on social media has become draining instead of empowering but Seattle-based Knack wants to change all that and spark a new movement on social media that promotes love, kindness, and gratitude. They've formally declared October 11th as National Joy Day and guess what? It's now recognized as an official holiday. To celebrate the occasion, Knack wants to help YOU spread a little joy in the world and will be giving away 1,000 free gifts next Thursday, worth over $80, to anyone willing to let them publish their gift message to serve as an inspiration to others.

The gift includes Fran's Chocolates, 2 special edition Joy journals to capture daydreams and happy moments, Happy Tea from the Art of Tea, Joy candles, mini matches, and 10 Spread Joy postcards. Head over to the Knack website to learn more about National Spread Joy Day and sign up to send a free gift.

Seattleites are invited to celebrate Spread Joy Day in-person next Thursday, October 11 at Chophouse Row on Capitol Hill from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. There will be free food, music, giveaways, and most importantly, lots of joy to share and savor. See you there! #SpreadJoyDay

Seattle Shop Local Guide: 10 things you need from Moorea Seal this season

Fall fashion is officially here and to celebrate the shift in seasons, Seattle boutique Moorea Seal hosted an in-store runway show on Friday night for fans. The showcase featured a variety of versatile looks including cable knit sweaters paired with trousers, slip dresses layered under cozy knit cardigans, plaid dresses paired with berets, jumpsuits, and swoon-worthy ankle boots and accessories.

For those of you who are new to the Moorea Seal brand, there are a few things you should know. The first is that Moorea is a total boss babe who started developing her unique sense of style on Pinterest back in 2011. She rapidly gained nearly 250k followers and opened a brick-and-mortar boutique in Belltown several years later to bring her Pinterest boards to life. Fast forward to 2018 and the store has now been in its new downtown Seattle location for just a little over a year, delighting both global travelers and stylish Seattleites. The assortment of products has also expanded over the years to include apparel, shoes, men's accessories, beauty, and more.

And because we always want to inspire you to shop locally, here's our round-up of 10 fall must-haves from Moorea Seal.

This plaid midi dress is versatile and easy to wear with just about anything. You can dress it up with heels or boots, or go casual with sneakers (as shown above). Wear it with a turtleneck on cold days, or wear it alone under a sweater on days when the sun is shining and you want to show a little skin.

As a fashion blogger, I love to dress up but I also live for fall days when all that's on the agenda is a cozy black sweatshirt, jeans, dark sunglasses, and a pair of slip on shoes. This Visionary sweatshirt perfectly fits the bill. You'll wear it all season long and love every moment wrapped in its ultra-soft interior.

For casual Fridays or any day of the week that seems appropriate for rock-and-roll jeans, I highly recommend this pair of high rise crop denim that beautifully grazes the ankle and of course, highlights a killer pair of shoes.

Prints are big this season which gives even the reluctant fashion fans a reason to have a full-length leopard print coat. This coat actually hits two trends in one, print and texture. Get ready for full stimulation overload.

In case you've been living under a rock, trousers are IN this season. As in, you probably need more than one pair. We love this wide-leg trouser with bow detail from Native Youth. The color is neutral and the outfit combinations are endless.

If regular bags aren't your jam, this vegan leather O Ring backpack is a perfect compromise. This backpack has a minimalist design, clean lines, and a magnetic closure.

When these Dolce Vita booties with snakeskin heels went down the runway on Friday night the crowd let out a collective sigh of delight. There's no question that these boots are a must-have for the season and we also love the fact that they're from a cool local brand.

If you love statement accessories, you'll agree that there's something magical about this Empress Ring by The Fox and Stone, available at Moorea Seal. The ring features a rose gold-plated band and an irregular shaped opal. You might also be surprised to learn that this ring was handmade in Ephrata, Washington. It's ok if you have to google where that is. We did too.

There's nothing I love more than when local stores carry local brands. Here at Sydney Loves Fashion community is something we take very seriously. We're all in this together, so when local stores support local brands, everyone wins. I was delighted to see VEQUE rouge nail polish stocked on the shelves of Moorea Seal. This great local brand has an array of gorgeous colors that are non-toxic and made in the USA.

Last but not least, everyone needs a beautiful notebook to jot down inspirational words and action plans for the season ahead. Yes, I'm a Virgo and I love making plans and executing ideas. Naturally, I also love notebooks. In fact, I would go so far as to say there isn't anything more inspirational than a blank piece of paper because life's possibilities are endless. Go get 'em tiger!

Moorea Seal 

1012 First Ave. 

Seattle, WA 98104

Everything you need to know about the Moorea Seal runway show

Let the fall fashion festivities begin! 

New York Fashion Week may be just around the corner but local fashion fans can kick-off the season in style this Friday with Moorea Seal and Cone + Steiner. The two local brands have partnered on a special runway show that will feature head-to-toe fall fashion looks from brands including UZI, Morning Siren, 3rd Season, Baggu, Baleen, Dolce Vita, and many more. "Fashion is about independence and self-expression," says Crystal Dome, store manager at Moorea Seal, "We want our clients to see themselves on the runway, and feel connected to the freedom and creativity that fashion provides."

The goal of the runway show is to spotlight fall fashion from indie designers and makers while also getting the local fashion community excited about the season ahead. For fall 2018, Moorea Seal will focus on a  variety of trends including bright colors, luxe textures, prints, gender-neutral styling, and creative layering. There's something for everyone in the product mix and don't worry guys, Moorea Seal has you covered too with bags, dopp kits, wallets, and more.

The evening will also include a fashion-forward raffle with prize packs from hosts Moorea Seal and Cone + Steiner, an overnight stay at the Alexis Hotel, an overnight stay at the Seattle Hilton Hotel, and more. Guest who purchase tickets to the event will be automatically entered to win.

Tickets to the event are $25 and include a limited-edition tote bag, raffle entry, light bites and decadent desserts by some of Seattle's best indie treat makers, music by DJ RazberryBerretta, and access to a private VIP shopping experience. Don't miss your chance to kick off the fall fashion season with Moorea Seal and Cone + Steiner. We will be there too, so come say hi!

What: Moorea Seal x Cone + Steiner Fashion Show
When: Friday, September 7, 2018
Where: Moorea Seal 1012 First Ave. Seattle, WA
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $25 via MooreaSeal.com

Seattle blogger launches Youtube series about the Female Asian American experience

After sensing a void in Asian American representation in media and film, Seattle style blogger Carolyn Yuen Marino of Hey Pretty Thing decided to do something about it. Her new web series Sweet & Power will officially launch next month on Youtube and explores the female Asian American experience through the eyes of four millennial women. "Sweet & Power is part of a larger cultural shift in entertainment and we are very excited to add to that conversation," says Carolyn.  

The show features multiple on-going storylines and follows Cici and her three best friends, Yoona Kang, played by Yeji Kim Sakoda, Robin Chan, played by Becca Cheung, and Noy Inchareon, played by NoyNoy Inthaphanya. The first season follows the cast as they navigate the highs and lows of careers, relationships, sexuality, and cultural identity. Episode one of Sweet & Power will air on Monday, September 17th. Check out the official trailer below and don't forget to subscribe to the Sweet & Power Youtube channel to be the first to see new episodes. You can also follow along on Instagram @sweetandpowerseries. 

Travel-inspired fragrances to warm you up this fall

With Labor Day just around the corner the summer travel season is coming to a close, but flora & henri's signature fragrances can instantly transport you to faraway places. The fragrance duo, made in collaboration with Atelier Madrona, was originally introduced in the fall of 2017 and continues to be popular both online and in-store. Inspired by flora & henri founder Jane Hedreen's love of travel, the fragrances feature contrasting scents reminiscent of exotic travels and worldly adventures. Isle of May and Alcazar Palace are beloved by shoppers around the globe who love the aromatic journies that the perfect fragrance can inspire.

Alcazar Palace is a beautiful fragrance inspired by the fragrant orange trees at the Alcázar of Seville, a royal place in Spain built for King Peter of Castile. Opening with notes of orange blossoms, this fragrance is sunny and warm, blended with soft violet for a contrasted but clean impression.  Notes of Peruvian amber also add dimension to this scent without adding weight. Prices range from $30 for the 5ml to $250 for the 100ml.

Inspired by the crisp summer winds of the Isle of May in Scotland, this beautiful scent features notes of rich red roses and fruity purple violets with a vanilla-amber base. The Isle of May fragrance also has Spanish lemon oil for added depth and a raspberry note to saturate the base. Prices start at $30 for the 5ml size.

Both fragrances are available online at florahenri.com and in-store at the flora & henri concept shop on first avenue. They also make luxurious gifts for the holiday season. Visit the Seattle store at 401 First Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104. (Cross streets are First Ave. S. and S. Jackson St.)

K-Beauty pop-up makes debut at University Village

If you're a beauty junkie like me, chances are you already love and frequently horde Korean beauty products. We're talking sheet masks, skin essences, jade rollers, gel nail strips, and all the cute accessories that go along with them. Sure you can find a K-beauty section at Sephora, but what if you could shop an entire store dedicated to K-beauty? Well, your dreams just came true, my friend.

K Ba-Nana is opening a limited-run K-beauty pop-up at University Village today at 11 a.m. and it will remain open through the end of the year. They've stocked their shelves with coveted Korean beauty brands including Aromatica, Dr. Jart, Vika, Huxley, Too Cool For School, WKND, and 107. Shoppers will find colorful walls of sheet masks, tables of makeup and beauty products, fashion accessories, gifts, and more. The store is lined with handpainted murals by local artist Jesse Brown and also features a Molly Moon vending machine that serves up Minimoon cups of ice cream for $5. Follow the K-beauty convo on Instagram @HelloKBanana.

K Ba-Nana
2656 NE University St.
Seattle, WA 98105
* Free parking available on-site. The closest parking garage is near Crate & Barrel.

Fashion Calendar: SILVAE Spring 2019 Pre-Order and Launch

While many fashion brands are getting ready to release their fall 2018 collections, Seattle womenswear brand SILVAE is giving clients a special first look at their spring/summer 2019 capsule collection this Saturday at HYEI Studio on Capitol Hill. Guests will get to meet founder Deborah Roberts and preview new styles which feature limited-run fabrics and customized sizing. SILVAE is also offering a 20% discount on all spring/summer 2019 pre-order purchases now through August 17th.

SILVAE (Latin for "of the woods") is designed and produced in Seattle using sustainably-sourced textiles. Known for its versatility and unique styling details, SILVAE combines shapes found in nature with a distinct Pacific Northwest sensibility. 

What: SILVAE Spring/Summer 2019 first look 

When: Saturday, August 4, 2018
Where: HYEI Studio 1415 10th Ave. Studio 3 Seattle, WA 98122
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Buzz HYEI at the callbox on arrival to be let in to the building. Then head to studio 3. 

Seattle's Best Kids Party: FrogLegs Culinary Academy

As a mom of two small children, I've thrown my share of Pinterest-inspired, out-of-the-box kids birthday parties. We've done Star Wars and Unicorn themes, Super Mario Brothers parties, and even backyard barbeques with bubbles of all varieties, because moms need to have fun too. As my daughter approached her fourth birthday what I really craved was somewhere to host a party that wouldn't require hours of set-up, food prep, and decor. That's exactly where FrogLegs Culinary Academy enters the picture because as luck would have it they were opening a brand new location at University Village and it would be ready in time for London's party.

The FrogLegs party experience was a dream. The team literally handled everything for me from selecting a theme, Unicorns, of course, and selecting the menu of foods that the kids would create together at the party. For London's birthday, the kids made colorful fruit skewers, "Rainbow" pizza, Unicorn cupcakes with sprinkles, and healthy fruit smoothies. While the pizza crust and cupcakes baked, the FrogLegs team did story time with the kids and read a selection of handpicked books about Unicorns. It was London's perfect party and it was completely stress-free for me, which meant I could actually enjoy the experience and savor all the sweet moments.

One of the reasons a birthday party at FrogLegs resonated with me is because I love the idea of getting kids into the kitchen to prepare food and learn valuable culinary skills including chopping, baking, and measuring. Owner Laura Vida, a.k.a. Mrs. FrogLegs is a true pro and it's clear that she really enjoys her time engaging with the kids and getting them excited about cooking.

We can't wait to go back for another FrogLegs Culinary adventure. FrogLegs parties are all-inclusive and include food, decor, instruction, plates/cups/napkins, and the option to purchase party favors from the mercantile. For a full list of kids party packages and themes available from FrogLegs, click here.

Thanks for a fabulous birthday experience, FrogLegs! We still can't believe that London Parker is officially four years old. You helped us celebrate in style. It was a party we will never forget and an experience that was cherished by all of our party guests too!

What We Love about FrogLegs Culinary Academy:

• FrogLegs parties are fun and engaging for kids of all ages. At London's party, we had kids that ranged in age from 4-8 and they all had a great time!

•  The FrogLegs location at University Village is across from Blue C Sushi with easy parking garage access. Plus, parking at U-Village is free. 

• For moms who need a sweet treat to-go, Mrs. FrogLegs Treat Mercantile sells edible cookie dough that is delicious and comes in a variety of rotating flavors. 

• In addition to cooking classes for kids, FrogLegs also offers classes for adults on everything from knife skills to making macarons. Take a peek at the full lineup here. 

Pacific Place to kick off fall fashion with a special screening of McQueen

Pacific Place has announced that it will be kicking off fall fashion in Seattle with a special screening of the fashion documentary McQueen, on Saturday, September 8th at AMC Pacific Place 11. Alexander McQueen was a talented British fashion designer who was named the International Designer of the Year by the CFDA in 2003 and named the British Designer of the Year in 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2003. The film explores McQueen's life and career leading up to his death in 2010.

Guests will enjoy brunch bites, swag bags, on-site activities, and more. This event is sponsored by Seattle magazine. Tickets are $20 and available via Eventbrite. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Forefront Suicide Prevention in memory of Alexander McQueen.

I'll be there alongside my industry colleagues from Styled Seattle to kick off the season. I hope you'll join us! Share this story on social and tag us for a chance to win a free pair of tickets.

What: Fashion Meets Fim Fashion Party at Pacific Place
When: Saturday, September 8, 2018
Where: AMC Pacific Place 600 Pine St. Seattle, WA
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tickets: $20 via Eventbrite

View the Fall 2018 Alexander McQueen Ready-to-Wear collection here. 

Getaway Guide: 48 hours in Bellingham, Washington

Located just 90-minutes North of Seattle, Bellingham is a gorgeous place for a getaway any time of year. Our family just returned from our annual 4th of July visit and loved our time exploring the shops, parks, and restaurants in Whatcom County. Here's everything you need to know about spending 48 hours in Bellingham. GO!

Where to Stay

There are many hotel options in Bellingham but our favorite is Hotel Bellwether. It's located on Bellingham Bay and has beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains. The accommodations are spacious, perfect for families, and many of the rooms have jetted bathtubs and a natural gas fireplace.
The hotel also has a restaurant and does live music on the outdoor patio.
Good to know: Parking is free at this hotel and it's within walking distance of several restaurants including Loft at Latitude and Anthony's. Behind the hotel facing Bellingham bay, there's also a paved path, perfect for biking, that leads directly to Zuanich Point Park.

Where to Play

Whatcom Falls Park is well worth the visit, especially during the summer months. There are three and a half miles of trails that wind through the forest and a beautiful stone bridge that overlooks the waterfalls. Our kids loved exploring this park and if we had planned in advance, we would have packed our swimsuits. There are some great places to go for a dip in the river. The upper park features a playground for kids and a BMX track.

Historic Fairhaven has a great mix of local restaurants and charming boutiques. If you visit, you'll also want to stop by Village Books, which has been delighting bookworms since 1980. They have a great kids section that includes toys and sections dedicated to books written in the Pacific Northwest. For a full list of shops in Fairhaven, click here.

Where to Eat

Beer drinkers love Boundary Bay Brewing. Apparently, my husband used to come here in college after a big exam. Bellingham is, after all, a laid-back college town. Boundary Bay serves a mostly regional menu including steamer clams and salmon chowder, but you'll also find novelties like yam enchiladas and bahn mi sandwiches.

Anthony's is well-known in the Northwest for its seafood, so if you're an "out of towner" I would add this restaurant to your list, you know, for good measure. The fish and chips is delicious and they also have a prix fixe "Sunset Menu" available Monday through Friday until 6 p.m.
Good to know: The Squalicum location has outdoor seating with views of Bellingham Bay.

Mount Bakery Cafe is a great breakfast spot. The crepe menu is extensive and the Belgian chocolate crepe did not disappoint. The cafe also serves eggs benedict, freshly baked croissants, and breakfast sandwiches.

The summer season has arrived and Bellingham makes for a quick and easy weekend getaway. It's also a great option for a day trip if you're looking to get out of the city and explore the Northwest.