Wearing Fur is so Out

My Sunday tradition is very ritualistic, I grab a cup of coffee from Starbucks and then pick up a copy of the New York Times to revel in the glory of the Sunday Style section. This week while flipping through the World News section I came across several extremely offensive fur ads from companies like Macys, Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue. Who even wears fur these days? I mean really with all the fur alternatives out there and the vegan movement that has been stirring among socialites in the city as a “hot trend” why is a reputable newspaper like the New York Times printing out ads that are so socially inappropriate?

Macy’s ad promotes an “After Inventory Fur Sale & Clearance” of 50-65% off female mink short coats, fox jackets and rabbit lined overcoats. Bloomingdale’s ad boasted the headline, “See Yourself In the Fur of Your Dreams” and sale 45-65% on a “beautiful” selection of furs, while Sak’s Fifth Avenue featured 45-65% off mink, sable, sheared beaver and shearling. Ads like these make me furious.

According to the BornFreeUsa.com site, “Every year, more than 50 million animals are violently killed in the name of "fashion." Some fall victim to barbaric traps. Others spend the entirety of their lives in grim conditions in fur farms across the globe before being slaughtered. Another source of fur is Canada's government-sanctioned seal slaughter, in which hundreds of thousands of seals, many just weeks old, are brutally killed. This is the reality that the fur industry wants so desperately to hide from the buying public.”

Sadly fur is alive and well in the fashion industry. Designers like John Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani regularly use fur in their collections. A recent article from Fox News quoted designer Karl Lagerfeld as saying, “It is childish to dispute the practice of wearing fur in a world where it is acceptable to eat meat.”

Draw your own conclusion after watching the below video from PETA (People for Ethical Treatments of Animals):
PETA VIDEO

Back to the Basics

Denim is a wardrobe staple and now is the time to stock up for the New Year. Boutiques all over the city are offering deep discounts on all of your favorite brands including True Religion, Union, Paige Premium Denim, 7 For All Mankind and Rock & Republic.

Check out Mercer Boutique in the University Village for their selection of denim marked down to $124. Brands include Citizens of Humanity, Union, Hudson, True Religion, Rock & Republic, Joe’s Jeans, Adriano Goldschmied, Paige Premium Denim and Mek Denim.

Opal boutique is also marking down their denim regularly $136-240 now priced at $49.99-$99.99. Brands include People’s Liberation, AG, Seftontaine, Union, Goldsign and True Religion.

Or if you prefer to stick with that you’ve got, consider unleashing your inner designer by picking up a Denim Design Lab kit, which comes with a collection of tools to hand-finish denim that you already own. For more information check out www.denimdesignlab.com

New Style for the New Year

The start of a New Year offers the opportunity to start over and redefine who we are and what we hope to become. Personal style plays an important role in the process and that’s why Seattle-based Wardrobe and Style Coach, Darcey Howard is hosting an event titled “New Style for New Times”. The free three-hour event is designed to educate and inform Seattleites about how to reinvent their personal style on any budget. Darcey’s talk will offer guests advice on how to strategically shop for wardrobe pieces while focusing on big picture style goals.

Date: Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Alchemy Collections, 2029 2nd Ave. , Seattle, WA 98121

RSVP: info@alchemycollections.com / 206.448.3309

No Shortage of Menswear Here

Although not necessarily known for its fashion scene, Seattle is home to a number of fabulous menswear boutiques. We’ve got Ian in Fremont, Oslo’s on Queen Anne, Blackbird in Ballard and Marqsmen in Bellevue. That’s hardly slim pickings when you consider all the brands that they carry. Easily accessible locations along with blogs that feature the latest product make these stores the best in the city when it comes to catering to the menswear market.  

Ian has been in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood since 2002 and opened up a second location in Fremont in 2007. Known for carrying a strong mix of trendy, contemporary styles along with global fashion pieces, Ian carries a wide range of brands including Dope & Drakkar Denim, G-Star, Erik Hart, Orthodox, Kicking Mule Workshop, Modern Amusement and Penfield. For the latest product selection and brand offerings check out Ian’s blog at www.ianshop.com/blog.

Voted by Seattle Magazine in 2006 as the Best New Men’s Clothing store, Oslo’s has been another staple in Seattle menswear. My favorite part about this boutique is the friendly store mascot, a gold retriever named Oslo. They also carry a variety of great brands including Earnest Sewn, Chip & Pepper, Indigo Palms, Loomstate, Union, Agave, and Velvetmen. Along with their well-edited product assortment Oslo’s also has another unique feature, an in-house barber who offers a traditional shave for $30. Additional barber services include aromatherapy skin treatments, haircuts, scalp treatments and buzz cuts. Oslo’s can be found online at www.oslosamensstore.com.

Blackbird was a sleeper hit for several years before it went mainstream and the Ballard neighborhood it called home turned into a hip urban metropolis. Blackbird’s creative merchandising techniques along with their fashion forward brands like Kenzo Minami, Robert Geller, and Obey make their store an oasis of items to be coveted by men who love fashion. Fans of Blackbird can keep up by checking out their blog at http://helloblackbird.blogspot.com/.

Marqsmen in Bellevue Square is designed to cater to the upscale menswear market on the Eastside. The store is clean, masculine and meticulously edited with brands like Jack Spade, James Perse, 7 For All Mankind, Loomstate and Rian Bags. Marqsmen was also recently featured in Esquire Magazine as part of their “Style Manual for Successful Men”. Keep up with the latest buzz at http://marqsmen.com/

Photo Credit: Spring 09 William Rast Menswear Collection - Style.com

2nd Annual Project Red Dress Design Competition

Seattle is rolling out the red carpet for the 2nd Annual Project Red Dress design competition sponsored by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. Fashion students from 6 schools will compete to win a $3,000 scholarship while helping to raise money for The American Heart Association. Celebrity judges including Nick Verros from Project Runway will be on hand to review custom red dress designs submitted by contest participants.

Tickets start at $50 for general admission. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include premier runway seating and a swag bag. Last year’s event sold out so get your tickets today!

Event Sponsors include Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Fashion Group International, IADT, The Fairmont Hotel, Half Past Lavish Events, Macys, Pacific Fabrics & Crafts and the Renton Sewing Company.

When: February 13, 2009

Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Time: 7:30 PM

Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets


For more Information visit: www.projectreddress.com

Project Red Dress Design Competition

Seattle is rolling out the red carpet for the 2nd Annual Project Red Dress design competition sponsored by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. Fashion students from 6 schools will compete to win a $3,000 scholarship while helping to raise money for The American Heart Association. Celebrity judges including Nick Verros from Project Runway will be on hand to review custom red dress designs submitted by contest participants.

Tickets start at $50 for general admission. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $75 and include premier runway seating and a swag bag. Last year’s event sold out so get your tickets today!

Event Sponsors include Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, Fashion Group International, IADT, The Fairmont Hotel, Half Past Lavish Events, Macys, Pacific Fabrics & Crafts, and the Renton Sewing Company.

When: February 13, 2009
Where: The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets


For more information visit: www.projectreddress.com

Golden Globes Best Dressed

There were a lot of honorable mentions tonight at the Golden Globe Awards for film nominees and fashion mavens alike. Jennifer Lopez looked stunning in a gold number by Marchesa, Angelina Jolie looked beautiful and serene in a Versace gown, while Kate Winslet looked amazing when she received the first award of the night in a black Yves St. Laurent gown. However, the most beautiful woman of the night was Eva Mendes. She wore a white Dior gown with an overstated turquoise necklace. She was truly the epitome of style and beauty for the evening.

Must-Have Spring 09 Accessory

If there’s one accessory you buy to update your wardrobe for Spring ‘09 make it a skinny belt. Consider it a carry over from Fall ‘08 with new colors and textures that are perfect for taking your new wardrobe to the next level. Use your new belt to add a finishing touch to a basic dress or add a bit of interest to a pair of jeans.

For a great assortment of skinny belts (at deep discounts) check out www.bluefly.com or if you prefer to shop in the city, check out the belts at Sway & Cake.

Image: Emanuel Ungaro Spring '09 Ready to Wear

The Paper Doll in Bellingham

For a quick and relaxing weekend getaway my fiancé and I like to head up to the quaint little town of Bellingham. We sleep in, grab a cup of coffee, eat brunch and most importantly, we shop.

Last weekend I stumbled upon a great boutique called The Paper Doll near Fairhaven. The adorable product assortment paired with the whimsical décor make this a shopping destination worth checking out. Brands carried include Suzabelle, Candyrot, Jessica Louise, Red Boots, City Kitty.

Rocco E Dante Handbag Sale!

A great wardrobe always starts with style staples. For women this includes a great outfit paired with stylish shoes and of course, a fabulous handbag. You should never underestimate the power of a great bag because it’s the one item that can truly pull your entire look together.

Tara, from Rocco E Dante handbags knows this concept very well, and on January 8 - 10 she’s offering her bags for up to 60% off their normal retail prices.This is an amazing steal you won’t find anywhere else and of course, it’s only on Queen Anne at Rocco’s boutique tucked away at 812 5th Ave. North (just a few blocks up from 5th and Mercer).

Doors will be open from 11 AM until 7PM for 2 days only. Pencil this into your agenda- you won’t want to miss out on a sale like this!

Color Me Fierce

When I was a little girl I would have KILLED for a color book like the one I found today at a Bellingham boutique. The activity book called 'Color Me Fierce' comes with 6 crayons and is filled with fashion pictures to color.

Creator Nike Desis had a sense of humor when he put this coloring book together because after flipping through I noticed several pages that caused me to raise an eyebrow.

Page 8- "Can you help dress Tatiana using the colors of seduction?"

Page 14- "Sasha has gained some awkward weight. Complete the operation by folding at the center line so that the two dotted lined meet. She'll look much better."

Page 16- "Which purse shall Lisa carry today? Draw in her choice. Remember: She only wears designer".

Page 20- "Prima aches to marry rich. Draw a huge black diamond ring on her finger!"

Page 24- "Nora is such a glamour puss. Cut and paste her new post-plastic surgery face."

You can get a color book of your very own at Amazon.com

oh...Deer pumps

Eventually the grey weather will give way to brighter days and your winter boots will need to go into hibernation. That means that now is the time to plan out your spring footwear wardrobe so that you’ll be prepared. My pick of the moment is the navy patent leather oh…Deer! pumps. The gold toe makes this shoe perfect for dressing up denim when the weather gets a little warmer.


oh...Deer! shoes are available at Undies & Outies boutique on Queen Anne. When you stop by, ask for Mercedes. She'll help you shop!

Seattle's Best Boutique Sales

It’s officially 2009 and now that the Holiday’s are over you can stop feeling guilty about spending a little money on yourself. Besides, boutiques all over the city are having great sales that you would be crazy to miss!

If your New Year’s resolution is to polish up your look, check out the winter coats at La Ree by Rene Lezard, M Missoni, Tracy Reese and Mike & Chris that are now up to 60% off. The entire M Missoni fall collection of apparel is also 60% off. In addition, La Ree is also offering up to 85% off select items by Mint Jodi Arnold, Alexander Wang, Grai, and Ksubi denim. La Ree is located in Bellevue at 11 103rd Avenue. N.E.

Sway & Cake is hosting an amazing 30% off sale. In store you’ll also find 10% off all candles, diffusers and room sprays. In addition to these great deals, beginning January 1st and running through January 4th if you shop online at www.swayandcake.com you’ll get 20% off your order by entering in coupon code NEW20 at checkout. The 20% off at check out is good on everything including items that are already on sale. It’s a great deal you won’t want to miss! Sway & Cake is located at 1631 Sixth Ave. next to Nordstrom.

Canopy Blue’s winter sale is also in full swing featuring 40-80% off select styles from designers including Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Vince, Milly and more! They also have new spring 09 receipts including arrivals from Tory Burch, T Luxury, Mint Jodi Arnold, Theory and Seaton. Canopy Blue is located at 3121 E. Madison St. Suite 103. www.canopyblue.com

Blackbird in Ballard has Italian made Pria scarves on sale for $60. Made of 100% Virgin Wool these scarves are a great way to update any man’s wardrobe for the New Year. Blackbird also has sales on select items by Robert Geller, Filippa K, Opening Ceremy, Orthodox and KZ0. Visit them in store at 5410 22nd Ave. NW. or shop online at http://blackbirdballard.com/.

Alhambra has been one of the fabulous boutiques in Seattle’s Fashion First Runway Show since 2004. The thing I love most about them is that their product mix is diverse and you can find something for everyone. They are currently featuring sales of 30-50% off select apparel and accessories (including shoes). Also, be sure to mark your calendar for January 15th when Alhambra will begin their annual ½ off sale featuring 50% off selected clothing, jewelry and shoes. Alhambra is located in Seattle at 101 Pine St.

If you’re on Queen Anne check out Oslo’s A Men’s Store which is having an after-Christmas sale featuring up to 50% off select items. Brands like AG, Agave, Loomstate and Chip & Pepper make this menswear boutique a must-see. Plus, if your man is looking a little scruffy you can always take advantage of Oslo’s in store grooming services including traditional shaves, haircuts, scalp treatments and more. Oslo’s is located at 1519 Queen Anne Ave. N.

Posh on Main in Bellevue is now having a 40% off sale on all Fall Shoes and Handbags. The sale includes brands like Tory Burch, DVF, Valentino, Stella McCartney, YSL, and Chloe. After personally viewing their sale shoe selection, I suggest that you just cut to the chase and shop online at www.poshonmain.com. Or if you prefer to shop in store, Posh on Main is located at 10245 Main Street.

Encanto Barcelona has a large selection of items marked down 20-50%, so if you’re in the city, it’s worth stopping by. Encanto Barcelona is located at 1406 1st Avenue.
All merchandise at the Merge boutique in Fremont is currently on sale for 30% off. This includes brands like American Vintage, Enza Costa, DKNY, Nolita and more. They also took additional markdowns on merchandise that was already on sale. If you have not been to this great new boutique now is the time to experience it shop.

Don't forget to send a nice note!

There is nothing better than opening presents on Christmas morning with your family. I love watching my little sisters expressions as they tear off the wrapping paper and freak out when they realize they got exactly what they wanted (spoiled brats!)

This Christmas send a sweet thank you card to let friends and family know how much you appreciate their gifts. Handwritten cards are somewhat of a lost art form and that makes me like them even better! PLUS, it’s always nice to get something other than bills in the mail. Right?

Undies & Outies on Queen Anne has an entire selection of adorable cards that offer the perfect way to send a note of gratitude. Or better yet, check out Luxe Paperie, an online boutique that carries a variety of novelty cards including an entire selection of cards by Natalie Eden, a Seattle-based designer.

If your New Year’s resolution is to “go green” save a stamp and send an e-card instead- just make sure you write a thoughtful note!

New Year Fashion Resolutions

2008 flew by… I got engaged, the economy collapsed, and we elected Barack Obama as our 44th President! In terms of fashion, 2008 was marked by an emergence of the green fashion movement as designers continue to redefine what is means to “go green”. Black and grey dominated color stories of fall fashion while pop colors like magenta and blood orange attempted to lift the solemn mood.

The New Year is an opportunity to redefine your personal style and make resolutions for every aspect of your life including your relationships and your wardrobe.

You know the drill. Get rid of those old, ugly workout shoes. Freshen up your hair with playful satin headbands from American Apparel and of course, swap out those winter boots for a pair of seductive stilettos.

My fashion resolution for 2009 is to wear more color. I’ve been mourning the state of our current economy by wearing entirely too much black so my goal will be to incorporate more color into my wardrobe through all means necessary (handbags, head bands, shoes, dresses, tights, accessories).

Here are some of the resolutions my girlfriends are focusing on in 2009:

“When i lived in New York, I lived in 3" heels... I miss the click-clack as I walked down the street... the height that somehow lengthened my monstrous calfs... the uncomfortable, yet satisfying pain of knowing you've spent a day in complete and utter misery... because your shoes demanded the sacrifice.... and paid for it with one secret glance in a window as you walked by..... because they deserved the looks... because they were THAT special....My New Year's Fashion Resolution is that, despite the fact that the majority of Seattleites live in NorthFace gear - it should not (and WILL NOT) oppress my desire to wear f-ing adorable footwear!!!! -Nikki

“My resolution is to focus on me, and really take in what 2008 offered me, and run with it. I also want to purchase a pair of Manolo Blahniks.”- Daisha

“My fashion resolution is to wear more classic pieces." -Marina

“My fashion resolution is to save money and work with what i got. Maybe make my clothes with fabric laying around!” -Jenny

“My fashion resolution is to wear more lingerie. I love the way the silky, soft fabrics feel on my skin. It makes me feel sexy and feminine. And, of course... the husband doesn't mind. It's freezing right now, but the second the weather warms up a bit, I'm wearing more silk.”- Jessica

“I plan to add more stilettos to my shoe collection. I have basic heels that are plain boring and I want to spice it up a bit. I used to be so savvy about shoes but since I work so much I tend to buy basic heels that will pretty much be comfortable to wear everyday and go with many of my work outfits. 2009 will be my year to show off my playful side.” - Grace


"Fashion resolution? Oh god! How long should it be? LOL...I guess it will be to wear matching lingerie under all my outfits and to make sure to wear my CFM boots more often!"
-Evelyn

"My resolution is to take more time to accessorize!!! And buy a great handbag."
-Linda

"In 2009 I want to focus on a nice workout wardrobe. Thank goodness Victoria Secret is investing in designing workout gear for those of us who want to be comfortable and look fabulous!"
-Youa

Fast Fashion is not a Trend

The concept of “fast fashion” is buzzing throughout the fashion industry. Retailers are changing their business models to take part in it, and consumers are breaking their loyalties to companies who don’t carry it. It’s undeniable that the speed to market approach results in retailers enjoying a higher profit margin because of the simple fact that they are capitalizing on fashion that their competitors either don’t carry or don’t have in stores yet. Fast Fashion is a topic that will continue to define the Fashion Industry over the next decade because it’s span spreads over a variety of areas within the fashion industry and will have a direct effect on the way consumers shop and react to trends in the future.

Although it’s a relatively new concept for many consumers, Fast Fashion has been around for years. In 1999 American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour sent a personal letter to all major international designers notifying them that photographs taken at their recent runway shows would be appearing on Style.com. This move was seen as a “demystification” of the fashion process and the catwalk then became a public arena. The Internet began to make it possible for the average consumer to gain access to runway shows that had previously been conducted behind closed doors. In the words of David Wolfe, one of the leading trend correspondents at The Donegar Group in New York, “The hunger for “instant gratification” on the part of some fashion-aware consumers led companies such as Zara and H&M to steamline their methods of production to rush copies and interpretations of runway items into their store faster than ever before”.
This meant that instead of waiting 4-6 months from concept to delivery, companies like H&M were able to rapidly react to runway trends and put new product into stores within 2-3 weeks.

It’s undeniable that fashion trends are peaking faster than ever before. The rise and fall of fashion trends comes and goes in the blink of an eye and even consumers attempting to keep up have a hard time keeping pace. Marketing firms depend on selling consumers on the idea of ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow’ via Limited Edition Collections and low quantity production runs of special items that encourage them to visit the stores more frequently. Fast Fashion creates excitement in a store and it separates one storefront from another as consumers stroll down the mall. Under the “fast fashion” model, product life cycles are much shorter, meaning that customers see a constant turnover of a store's clothing assortment. Retailers who carry fast fashion collect higher margin profits from the sale of their fast fashion merchandise because they are able to sell through it so rapidly that it skips the entire markdown process altogether. After the merchandise sells through the company then has more money to do it all over again. They key for retailers is the “speed to market” approach that comes through vertical integration throughout the supply chain in order to achieve greater flexibility to market changes. Companies are also addressing the speed to market approach by setting up design offices and distribution centers in the countries they are producing in. Developing counties like Bangladesh depend on the fast fashion business model to survive. In fact, nearly 80% of Bangladesh's foreign earnings are derived from the garment industry. Although it could be said that companies take advantage of cheap labor and production costs in countries like Bangladesh, it should also be said that the citizens of Bangladesh benefit from fast fashion by having stable employment through the creation of jobs in the industry.

Fast Fashion has been a great way for retailers to keep pace with their customers need for rapid self-editing. Consumers have always showcased their social commentary through their choice of personal dress by making style statements with pop culture t-shirts, fashion forward accessories or even a head to toe “look” styled after their favorite celebrity. Annamma Joy, a Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Institute of Textile and Clothing thinks that fast fashion sufficiently caters to the needs of postmodern consumers. “Fast fashion allows personal editing of not just the wardrobe but also personality,” says Joy, “In the US for example, consumers have “closet consultants” who help them throw away clothes that no longer reflect their lives”. Fast Fashion provides consumers with the freedom to be themselves through instant style editing while allowing businesses to cash in on the transformation.

The “speed to market” approach in the Fashion Industry doesn’t come without red flags from Environmentalists who can easily identify the concerns and issues regarding the sustainability of the fast fashion movement. Fast fashion is regarded by conservative consumers as “wasteful’ because rather than buying one high quality item to satisfy a wardrobe need, consumers are buying multiples that are lower quality and then throwing out old items just as quickly as they are bringing in new ones. In fact, many Consumers report that the fast fashion apparel they are purchasing is actually cheaper to buy than to wash because they would rather dry clean it than risk putting it through their own washing machines and compromising the garment integrity. This trend is a sharp contrast to the rest of the pop culture trends that exist today including the Green Movement and the concept of Sustainability.

Fast Fashion just might be one of the only things in the Fashion Industry that is here to stay. Consumers love instant gratification and companies will go to great lengths to provide it. Meanwhile, the Internet will continue to drive the fast fashion trend and solicit consumer interest in fashion hot off the runway, while the excitement of fresh new fashion will be a focal point in storefronts as they attempt to differentiate themselves from their competition. Fashion will continue to follow the evolution of consumers who are constantly changing, growing and editing not only their values and personalities but also their wardrobes.

Shop in the City and Save This Weekend!

Seattle City Stimulus

A few months ago I wrote a paper on retailer consolidations. At the time, the economy was on the brink of a major recession and Macy’s had just announced they were closing their buying office in Seattle. More than 750 employees were laid off (including some fellow classmates who graduated with me from The Art Institute of Seattle). As the retail industry continues to consolidate itself consumers are left with fewer choices and centralized buying offices begin to control more territory than ever before. The hardest hit retailers are the small independent boutiques because they generally have less room to deeply discount their prices and they don’t have multiple locations to help balance out the hardships of a tough retail climate. I’m a huge advocate for Seattle’s boutiques and small businesses because I’ve worked closely with many of them over the past five years while working on Fashion First (www.fashionfirstseattle.com). These businesses are the heart and soul of our city and without them the fashion choices in the city would consist of big box stores and mall-based chain retailers.

You can support some of Seattle’s best small businesses this weekend by shopping with a "City Stimulus Card" available at:http://citystimulus.com/index.html
It’s totally free to sign up and all you need to do is log on to the website and sign up with your name and email address to get a shopping pass that will get you discounts all over the city- just in time for all your weekend shopping!

The pass is good December 4-7th and I highlighted a few of the noteworthy deals and discounts below:

Thursday 12/4
Belltown Bistro- Half off all bottles of wine (excluding champagne)
Havana- Free cover and happy hour all night
Palace Kitchen- Free wings with the purchase of a cocktail (Keeping it Classy!)
Suite 410- Happy Hour All Night

Friday 12/5
Dahlia Lounge- 50% off your lunch tab
Boat Street Café- 15% off your bill
Matt’s in the market- Free appetizer with the purchase of any entrée
The Saint- Happy Hour All Night

Saturday 12/6 (Everything listed below is valid all weekend long Saturday & Sunday!)
Baby & Co- 30% Off
Clutch- 20-50% off select regular price items
Café Vita- Free 8 oz. drip coffee all day! (Capitol Hill location only)
Sway & Cake- The first 50 customers receive a free gift bag with purchase
Snowboard Connection- 20% off Streetwear
Goods- 20% off everything except shoe release
Tulip- 25% off all purchases

Sunday 12/7 (Everything listed below is valid all weekend long Saturday & Sunday!)
Kuhlman- 10-25% off select items
Retail Therapy- Buy 3 items and get a 4th of equal or lesser value free
Snowboard Connection- 15% off outerwear
Goods- Free red Goods new era cap with purchases of $50 or more
Polite Society- Various deals throughout the store

For a full list of participating locations check out http://citystimulus.com/locations.html

Black Friday = Wear Flats So You Can Run if You Have To

Shopping during the holiday season can be a little crazy, so I've prepared some tips to keep you sane as you venture out for Black Friday shopping. Two things that are essential for your outing? A friend, and plenty of patience. Your outfit for the day should be something you can move around in, and your shoes should be flat because you may have to run to snag some of the best deals. A plan of attack is also essential on Black Friday. Organize your outing by neighborhood so that you can make the most of your time.

Last but not least, it's important to shop local. Here's a round of my favorite places to shop in the city and the deals they're offering for Black Friday.

For the guy in your life...Blackbird in Ballard is a great place to pick up outerwear, tees, and accessories. They also have a great assortment of grooming products that make great stocking stuffers. Use promo code BLKFRIDAY to save 20% on your purchases at blackbirdballard.com.

For your best friend...Stop by Sway & Cake downtown for women's clothing from brands like Loomstate and Rock & Republic denim. You'll also find Voluspa Candles, jewelry, accessories, and more. Sway & Cake is located on 6th avenue in Downtown Seattle next to Nordstrom.

For your mom...Aveda at Pacific Place has a beautiful assortment of aromatherapy products that are a great pick for moms. I also love the Comfort Tea which is $14 for a box of 20 tea bags. The tea is 100% organic and is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. Add a book (Obviously Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love) and a luxe blanket, and you've got the perfect gift.

I love Fashion Magazines

I love to read and when I travel I find myself entirely self indulgent in fashion magazines. On Friday I went to LA and bought 8 new magazines (and 1 new book!). Let’s face it- I’m a total magazine whore, but hey, I always learn a few good tidbits of information.


Here’s a brief summary:

• From Glamour Magazine/October Issue- How to be your own Dermatologist by using products like St. Eve Elements Microdermabrasion scrub ($7 at drugstores) and swapping expensive in office laser treatments for at home versions like Clinique Even Beter Skin Tone Corrector ($40 at Clinique.com). Although I have to say- being your own dermatologist is risky and I could never give up my laser treatments at Calidora with Carolee.


• From Shape/December 2008- An amazing quote that I need to tape to my desk: “Dare to be yourself in the face of adversity. Choosing right over wrong, ethics over convenience…these are the choices that measure your life. Travel the path of integrity…for there is never the wrong time to do the right thing.” Love, love, love it!


• From Women’s Day Magazine/November 2008- How to Give Back on a Budget. ‘Tis the season for showing your gratitude with or without a lot of cash. Some of the tips were pretty creative including walking dogs from the local animal shelter, donating blood, putting up decorations at a local senior center, picking up trash around a neighborhood park and making get-well cards for kids at your local children’s hospital.


• From Elle Accessories Magazine- Menswear Watches. How to Coordinate this season’s catwalk looks with a statement timepiece. I love the Dior Yellow Gold and Tiger’s Eye but the gold Rolex was a close second.


• From Instyle/November- How to make an herb roasted turkey with maple-orange glaze. Although I don’t think I could ever pull off this recipe, the article does succeed in making me very excited for Thanksgiving dinner!!!


• From Travel and Leisure/October 2008- How to Pack in 5 Easy Steps. 1) Distribute weight intelligently (i.e. put heavier items at the bottom), 2) Use Bags to Organize your stuff, 3) Roll your Casual Clothes (like t-shirts, jeans, etc.) 4) Fold Sweaters and Delicate Items, 5) Bring Ziploc bags for laundry so that you can easily unpack when you get home.


• From Marie Claire/November 2008- The best way to handle your 10 year high school reunion? Skip it and join Face Book instead.


• From Lucky/December 2008- The best sites for global street style:

1) Copenhagen- www.copenhagenstreetstyle.dk

2) Tokyo- www.style-arena.jp

3) London- www.glamcanyon.blogspot.com

4) Berlin- www.stilinberlin.blogspot.com

5) Paris- www.garancedore.fr

6) Tel Aviv- www.thestreetwalker.blogspot.com

7) Buenos Aires- www.onthecornerstreetstyle.blogspot.com

8) San Paulo- www.freakstyle-freakstyle.blogspot.com

9) Manila- www.mnlstyl.blogspot.com

10) Everywhere- www.facehunter.blogspot.com

Queen Anne Dispatch + Friends & Family Sale- FRIDAY!!

My favorite boutique on Queen Anne is Queen Anne Dispatch aka Undies & Outies Boutique. Tara, Sabrina, Mercedes and team (including Chico, the store mascot/watch dog) are fabulous and this Friday Nov. 7th they're hosting their annual Friends & Family sale featuring 20% off all purchases!

That means 20% off their amazing selection of shoes (including the navy blue Oh Deer! pumps with the reptile skin gold toe (see above picture!) and 20% off all of their apparel & accessories. DJ Darnell Sue will be on the turn tables spinning your favorite tunes and you'll be treated to cocktails while you shop compliments of the Queen Anne Dispatch team.

The fun starts at 6pm but the sale lasts all day. So stop by and take advantage of the amazing discounts they are offering for 1 day only!

When: Friday Nov. 7th

Where: Queen Anne Dispatch 2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA

Time: 6 - 9 p.m.


Photo Credit: Lisa Cole