Seattle's cupcake craze hits Greenlake

Cake Envy, Seattle’s newest cupcake boutique will make it’s debut with a special grand opening celebration on Saturday, October 1st from 1-4pm. Located on Greenlake Drive in the Lakeside Plaza, Cake Envy specializes in gourmet cakes and handcrafted cupcakes made fresh daily using local and organic ingredients. While studying culinary arts at The Art Institute of Seattle, owner Helen Noh discovered her love for baking. After graduation she went on to work as part of the Research and Development team at Starbucks, but inevitably found herself dreaming of cake. “I was spending my nights and weekends baking for friends and family,” says Helen, “and I knew I had to find a way to pursue my dream!” Eventually, one of Helen’s custom cakes ended up on the cover of Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom magazine, and she knew it was time to get serious and open up her own cake shop. “It was then that the vision for Cake Envy was born,” adds Noh. The rest is history.

To perfectly compliment the sweet treats, Cake Envy will also serve Caffe Umbria coffee and tea, plus a carefully curated selection of beer, wine and champagne. For baking novices who want to learn the tricks of the trade, Cake Envy will also offer a special series of “how-to” workshops including classes on fondant, gumpaste flowers (a Cake Envy speciality), cupcake classes for children, and even a class for ambitious brides who want to bake their own wedding cake!

In an effort to support other women-owned businesses in the community, Cake Envy will also carry a variety of product lines including cupcake wrappers by Bella Cupcake Couture, CRAVE Seattle city guides, and Stickfiggy cards by Jane Marshall with more product lines to be added this fall.

Highlights for Saturday’s grand opening celebration include hand-drawn pictures of guests with their favorite cupcakes by an on-site caricature artist, cupcake tastings, and raffle drawings every 30-minutes for a variety of prizes including the grand prize: a custom wedding cake for one lucky bride!* Get your weekend off to a sweet start and join the fun this Saturday from 1-4pm at Cake Envy where you can “Have your cake- and your cupcake too!™”

*Restrictions Apply. Complimentary cake is for a max of 120 servings, consultation and design work included. Delivery and set-up, not included).


About Cake Envy
Seattle’s premier cake shop, Cake Envy specializes in gourmet cakes and handcrafted cupcakes made from scratch every day, the old-fashioned way. Founder Helen Noh opened up shop after years of baking for friends and family who insisted that her love for baking was perhaps something more. In addition to cupcakes, Cake Envy also sells cake by the slice and creates one-of-a-kind cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and other special occasions.

Location
7900 East Greenlake Drive North
Suite 106
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 453 - 3337
Cake-Envy.com

Don't forget to follow Cake Envy on Twitter @Cake_Envy!

For all media inquiries or to schedule a press tour, please contact sydney@gossip-glamour.com or call 206-349.7765.

5 Must-Have Fall Trends

Getting dressed this fall is finally fun again! Here are 5 key items that every girl needs this season.

As seen in nearly every London boutique: the sheer chiffon blouse is clearly making a huge comeback. With bows, buttons or satin trims the blouse is feminine and looks just as polished with dark denim as it does with a prim and proper pencil skirt. Bold colors make this piece a must-have for fall.

A bright burst of color is just what the fashion industry needed to get everyone out of the fashion rut we've been stuck in for several seasons now. Say goodbye to drab colors and add some much needed sunshine into your closet with a full spectrum of ROY-G-BIV. Splurge on colorful dresses, blouses, trousers and accessories to perk up even the gloomiest fall day.

This season, denim has met it's match. The trouser will get equal play in the weekday wardrobe. This key item looks great when played down with a knit top or played up with a chiffon blouse. The trouser is more flattering than most people think so try on a few pairs in different shapes and styles before deciding what fit is right for you.

Style Tip: If you opt for the wide leg silhouette be sure to elongate the leg by pairing with a pointed toe pump.

A fitted leather jacket is the perfect way to complete your mix of fall outerwear. On the streets of London and inside the boutiques the leather jacket was paired with trousers and a blouse for a casual daytime look and dressed up with cocktail minis for a night on the town. Swap out your traditional blazer with a leather jacket this season for an edgy look that is so right-now.

Last but not least, the Suede Platform Sandal is another fall trend seen all over the marketplace but especially in London and Paris. Color shy girls need not apply because this shoe will take center stage whether you like it or not. The suede sandal hits two hot fall trend for the season: bold color and rich texture.

Style tip: Keep warm by pairing with a black opaque tight.

FGI to sponsor YWCA Closet Treasure Sale

The 9th Annual YWCA CLOSET TREASURES SALE will take place Oct. 14th and 15th at The Bravern. The sale is a 2-day fundraising event benefiting Dress for Success Seattle and will be sponsored in part by FGI Seattle. 100% of the proceeds goes back to the program and helps economically disadvantaged women receive professional clothes, acquire jobs, retain employment, and succeed in the mainstream workplace. More info at ywcaclosettreasures.org.

The fun begins on Friday, October 14th from 5-8pm with a special VIP preview sale. Tickets are available for $35.

The sale continues on Saturday, October 15th from 10am-4pm and admission is free! Grab your girlfriends and come shop for a great cause!

The Sweat Shop at Selfridges

To celebrate London Fashion Week Selfridges opened the Sweat Shop pop-up in their womenswear department on level 2. The Sweat Shop started in Paris in March 2010 when Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis opened their sewing café, “Café couture”. Work stations equipped with sewing machines were constructed and a communal cutting table set the scene for a series of classes on knitting and sewing. The Selfridges lineup of master classes included workshops on embroidery, draping, customization techniques and even a lace appliqué workshop hosted by Sandrine Doczekalski, accessories designer at Sonia Rykiel. The Sweat Shop also offered designers a chance to rent a sewing machine by the hour and take advantage of the expert skills and camaraderie of the shop hostesses Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis. The Sweat Shop pop-up ends September 25th.

West Elm arrives in Seattle

West Elm is finally coming to Seattle! Arriving at South Lake Union early next month, the modern home furnishings retailer owned by William Sonoma will be located across from Whole Foods on Westlake. With stores all over the country except Washington, all we can say is: It's about time.

Guys may have man caves, but if I ever have a luxe lady lair, this couch is definitely going to take center stage.

The only kind of antlers that will ever have a place in my house are the paper mache kind. Now that I think about it, these would be perfect for displaying my jewelry...

There's something about this mirror with deco-inspired beveled detailing that screams "Must-Have-Right-Now". Love.

Say goodbye to lame shower curtains. This medallion shower curtain is only $39 and looks stylish and chic.

Check out what West Elm styles Grace Bonney of Design Sponge loves.

THREAD heads back to Seattle

Love to shop? Check out the THREAD show coming to Seattle on Sunday, October 23rd from 11am-5pm at Fisher Pavilion. Guests will enjoy cocktails, gift bags, photo booths, DJs, giveaways, a style lounge, DIY gift wrapping, Nail Bar, fashion installations, and lots more. This is the perfect opportunity do some early holiday shopping and support local designers and boutiques. Participating vendors include Bridge & Burn, Blue Luna, fashion REPublic, might tees, People's Republic of Clothing, JEWELmint, Elisa Shere jewelry and more will be announced soon.

Seattle Boutique Blogspot is giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the THREAD show! To enter all you need to do is email your favorite fall trend to seattleboutiqueblog@gmail.com to enter. A winner will be chosen on October 9th. Don't forget to follow THREAD on Twitter @threadshows for event updates and news.

::::::About THREAD:::::::::
THREAD Show is a travelling juried showcase of the best independent fashion and home designers on the West Coast, and the music and art that rock their world. This dynamic one-day retail environment has showcased more than 7,000 emerging designers since its inception in 2003.

LBD Events Host Fall Fashion Event

The Little Black Dress Events & Productions team is hosting a free fashion event this Saturday at the Twisted Cork in Bellevue. Apparel and accessories from Zebra Club and Opal will be featured in a fall fashion show that begins at 8pm.
Live music by Gruvbox will begin at 9pm. Swag bags will be provided for the first 50 guests overstuffed with goodies from Calidora Skin Clinic, Derby Salon and participating sponsors. You'll also want to take advantage of fashion-themed drink and appetizer specials. "LBD Events wants to give everyone a fun night out of fashion and music- and there was no better place to kick it up a notch than at Twisted Cork in the Bellevue Hyatt," says Event producer Audrey Clark, "We are looking forward to a fabulously fashionable night!"

What: Little Black Dress Fall Fashion Event

When: Saturday, September 24th

Where: Twisted Cork (located inside The Hyatt in Bellevue) 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, Washington, USA 98004

Time: 7pm arrival is suggested. The fashion show begins at 8pm followed by LIVE music at 9.

Admission: FREE

FGI hosts exclusive Supima Cotton Event

FGI Seattle hosted an exclusive Members-Only event last night featuring Jesse Curlee, President and CEO of Supima Cotton. Headquartered in Phoenix with offices in New York and Fresno, Supima Cotton is a non-profit trade association owned by the cotton growers who produce it. Known as the "cashmere of cottons", Supima cotton makes up less than 3% of all cotton grown in the U.S. The staple length is 35% longer than regular cotton and since fewer fiber ends are exposed the end garment is softer, stronger, and more resistant to shrinking, pilling and fading. Supima carefully tracks the cotton from the field to the fabric to ensure that all quality control standards are met resulting in a premium product for consumers. Only carefully screened companies are granted a license to use the Supima cotton trademark. Local companies that use Supima cotton include Cutter & Buck, Tommy Bahama, Nordstrom, Esquel Enterprise Limited, and Agave Denim. Globally, Supima cotton has licenses with Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Uniglo, Victoria's Secret, Michael Stars, Lane Bryant, Calvin Klein, Lord & Taylor and many others.
Check out Supima Cotton at New York Fashion Week on September 8th as they host a special Supima Design Competition starting at 1pm in the Studio space at Lincoln Center. During the show, eight recent graduates of design schools including Pratt, Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design, and the Rhode Island School of Design will present capsule collections of women’s evening wear using premium Supima fabrics. The young designers will even be given the chance to collaborate with the industry’s top talents including M.A.C. for makeup and L’Oréal Professional for hair. The word on the street is that the Supima fashion show at NY Fashion Week will be streamling LIVE. Follow Supima on Twitter for real-time updates on their fashion week show!

~ Supima Cotton Timeline ~

1911- Crossbreeding the world's best cottons, the U.S.D.A. creates "Pima", which proves to be the finest of them all.

1916- Seeking cotton sturdy enough to make tire cord, Goodyear invests in Pima production.

1927- Lucky Lindy flies the Atlantic in "the spirit of St. Louis". The plane's fuselage is made of Pima Cotton.

1954- Supima is created as a marketing association to deal with the climbing demand for America's luxury fiber. It's name is a contraction of the words "superior" and "Pima".

1964- Model Suzy Parker (a favorite of Coco Chanel) stars in a Supima ad campaign.

1997-Supima launches a prestige licensing program. Brooks Brothers becomes one of the first companies to sign on.

2006- Supima shoots it's award winning "Sea of Cotton" advertising campaign.

2008- Supima launches it's annual Design competition, giving emerging fashion designers a runway showcase in New York.

2010- The Supima collection debuts at Bloomingdale's.

House of Fashion hosts designer trunk show

Seattle's House of Fashion: A Local Designers Incubator is hosting a special trunk show this Friday, September 2nd from 6-8pm. Featured designers include Sharon Gillin of Ishka, Seamless in Seattle winner Kathy Sabin-Mensah of Kreati-ka, Kate Chrisman, Jessica Alexander of Nutti-Yogini, and Marta Kappl Couture. House of Fashion is located at 113 Virginia Street, Seattle, WA 98101 next to Baby & Co.

Lady Gaga + Barneys New York

After an amazing VMA performance on Sunday night the excitement is continuing to build for Gaga's Workshop to debut at Barneys New York for the Holiday 2011 shopping season. Gaga will collaborate with several artists to create her own unique interpretation of Santa’s Workshop. The entire 5th floor of Barney's Madison Ave. flagship will be converted into the workshop starting in mid-November. The workshop will include small, limited-edition gift items designed by Lady Gaga and her own creative director Nicola Formichetti. Barneys New York will donate 25% of sales from all items featured in GAGA’S WORKSHOP to a charity of Lady Gaga’s choice.

Seattle Celebrates Fashion's Night Out

S E A T T L E

The style community will come together for the 3rd annual Fashion's Night Out (FNO) on Thursday, September 8th. The fashion festivitieswill feature trunk shows, designer meet & greets, extended hours at local boutiques and special limited-edition merchandise and giveaways.

Bellevue's premier shopping destination, The Bravern will celebrate FNO by rolling out the red carpet for guests and treating them to fall fashion previews from Anthropologie and Nieman Marcus. Guests will also want to check out the

Annual Styling Competition at Nieman Marcus by students from the Art Institute of Seattle. Six mannequins, six teams, one chance to prove they know what's in when it comes to fall trends. You be the judge! While at The Bravern stop by Jimmy Choo for champagne and a first look at the latest Autumn/Winter styles. You'll also be able to purchase official Fashion's Night Out T-Shirts at The Bravern from Jimmy Choo and Tory Burch.

University Village will celebrate Fashion's Night Out from 3-9pm with an evening of shopping, swag and of course, sips! H&M is offering shoppers $10 off any purchase of $50 or more, Sole Foods is having an Alchemy Goods trunk show, Swink Style Bar will be showcasing fall hair and make-up trends and enter guests to win a free set of eyelash extensions, and Trophy Cupcakes is raffling off a $50 gift card. YUM!!!! Follow the latest FNO news at U-Village on Twitter @UVillage using hashtag #UVFNO.

Locally owned Adicora Swimwear is offering shoppers $20 off any purchase on their site using coupon code FFS10.

Now's the time to stock up on swimwear for your holiday vacation! (The "Narcissa" style is pictured below).

Rock Star Jewelry will be giving away a free pair of earrings valued at $100 as a gift with purchase (pictured below). The beautiful earrings feature Keishi Pearls and yellow-tone chalcedony tear drops with silver wire. Rock Star Jewelry is available at David Lawrence at The Bravern.

Alhambra boutique is celebrating FNO with LIVE music, champagne, a special preview of Fall 2011 collections and a $50 gift certificate with purchases of $200 or more. Full details are available on Alhambra's FB fan page.

The Bellevue Collection will be kicking off FNO with an exclusive exhibit of the “Nordic Fashion Biennale: Curator’s Cut.” The Center Court event at Bellevue Square will feature a live DJ, photo booths, PinkaBella Cupcakes and gorgeous models showcasing top trends for the fall season.

Many of The Bellevue Collection stores are also offering special FNO deals. Highlights include a special gift with purchase at Aldo shoes with any $50 purchase, GAP is offering shoppers 40% off one full priced item, Lululemon is offering a gift with purchase for the first 50 guests, Nordstrom Bellevue will have promotional incentives taking place throughout the store including passed desserts, Cosmetics Beauty Stations, music from a Live DJ, and a chance to win a Nordstrom gift card.

ROAD Apparel is hosting a trunk show at their Bellevue Square location to showcase their Fall 2011 collection. Guests will enjoy complimentary refreshments and receive a free Santiago Luxury Knit Tee with a purchase of any ROAD labeled, regular priced item. Gift with purchase valued at $58. Colors and styles vary (while supplies last).

If you're headed to Capitol Hill for FNO, stop by SPUN Collective for a special Joanna Morgan trunk show featuring her fall jewelry line. Shoppers will receive a free silver jewelry bracelet with any purchase. The party goes from 6-9pm. Wine and light refreshments will be served. Check out FB for full details.

FGI Hosts Made in the USA

Seattle's Fashion Group International is setting it sights on helping local companies source and manufacture their products closer to home. Many companies are choosing domestic production in a trend that is being seen industry-wide. Benefits of domestic apparel production include speed-to-market, quality control, social responsibility and reduced shipping costs. Although some companies hesitate to produce domestically due to pricing or minimum production requirements, Fashion Group is confident that the manufacturers presenting at the September ‘Made in the USA' event can be viable resources for small and medium-sized companies looking to start or maintain domestic production. Companies scheduled to speak at the event include KAVU, Portland Garment Factory, ITC Accessories, Unique Textiles, Emerald Sport Sewing, Luxe Riot, Grafeka Custom Apparel and NW Textiles. The event is scheduled to be held from 2-4pm on Wednesday, Sept. 21st at The Bravern in Bellevue. Tickets are $20 for FGI members and $35 for non-members and will be available in advance through Brown Paper Tickets.com, event number 192606.

About Fashion Group International
Established in 1930, The Fashion Group International is a global, non-profit, professional organization of over 5,000 executives with 35 chapters in nine countries around the world, representing all areas of fashion, beauty, and related industries. The Seattle Chapter of Fashion Group International has been around for over 25 years and includes members from a variety of companies, including Zumiez, Ex Officio, Eddie Bauer, REI, Nordstrom, and Cutter & Buck. For more information visit seattle.fgi.org or email seattlefgi@gmail.com. You can also follow FGI on Twitter @SeattleFGI.

New Stella McCartney iPad App Now Available

The second edition of Stella McCarntney iPad app is now available for download on iTunes. The new app features photos from the "Linda McCartney, a Life in Photographs" exhibit in London and accompanying book that was published earlier this year.

Plus, you'll also find Stella's World photos, news, videos, and interactive features. Users can also go behind-the-scenes with British Olympians on the latest Team GB campaign photoshoot, glimpse backstage at the Stella M. show in Paris, view the Spring '12 collection and take a look at the making off this year's MET Gala dresses.

David Beckham + H&M

David Beckham recently secured a deal with fast fashion retailer H&M to produce and distribute a new line of bodywear for men. Scheduled to make it's debut in February of 2012 the line will will be available in over 1800 H&M stores worldwide. No word yet on specific items in the line (aside from the obvious) but we bet something from the collection will make the perfect Valentines Day gifts for the man in our life. And let's face it, we're super excited to see the ad campaign!

Going for the Gold

Right now we're really into gold everything and we can't wait to find clever ways to incorporate gold into our fall wardrobes. Here's a look at 5 gold things we have our eye on right now. ;)

We don't know about you- but we would love to take office calls on this sweet Moshi Moshi retro handset. It's limited-edition (of course) and compatible with all mobile devices. £59.95 at Harrods.

This embossed metal id case is so much more stylish than stuffing business cards in your wallet. Take note. $14 from Urban Outfitters. (Available online only.)

Yep, we know. These speakers look sort of like something out of a Star Wars movie, but that's part of the appeal. These mini speakers are ultra-portable and lightweight but offer amazing sound and have built-in amplifiers. £49.95 at Harrods.

Gold earrings look exotic on summer's sunkissed skin and will undoubtedly look just as pretty this fall dressed up with evening gowns and workwear blazers. Double texture drop earrings from Top Shop $8.50.

During the summer we never wear a watch, but this fall we're planning to be on time (or at least look like we're intending to be punctual). Love, Love, Love this Juicy Couture 'Beau' wrist watch, $295. Available at Nordstrom.

BRIGHT Now

Gucci hit the runway for Fall '11 with bright colors featured in nearly every ensemble that went down the catwalk. From richly colored furs to bold trousers the 70's glam influence was a visible theme throughout the collection. You'll see lots of brightly colored apparel and accessories in stores this fall which will create some much needed variety in the usual monochromatic fall palette of blacks, greys and neutrals.

Also jumping head first into a bright color palette for fall was designer Alberta Ferretti. Mixing electric blue with purple, fuschia and red, the collection featured shorter proportions and lots of luxurious thigh high velvet boots. (Add those to my wish list ASAP!)

-Top Shop-

(Shown above) Zip Bodycon Dress, £ 55.00. Brighton Rock lipstick, £8.00. Buttonless Jacket by Sister Jane, £80.00. Mineral rock ring £14.00.

-Aldo Shoes-

(Shown above) Red Suede Pump "Lewi", $110. Blue suede Peep toe, "Nasrin" $90. Pink suede platform pump, "Epperley" $80. These pumps are PERFECT for a night on the town, or even a day at the fashion office with opaque black tights.

-80s Purple-

(Shown above) Love this website! Check out these bright accessories. O'Clock hot pink watch, $36. Incase monochrome slider case, $34. Report Signature Bergen Platform, $158.99. Orla Kiely Robin Bag with layered links, $390.

-Net-A-Porter.com-

(Shown above) Marc by Marc Jacobs ipad case $40. J.Crew Lolli wool pants, $120. Alexander McQueen hot pink suede ankle boots, $1075. By Malene Birger "Carletta" crepe blouse, $365.

-Revolve Clothing-

(Shown above) THEORY "Intellect" shoulder tie boila top, $209. Trina Turk Resin Square drop earrings, $60. AG Adriano Goldschmied Kelly Green Skinny Crop, $159. NAVEN orange bombshell dress, $330. Stila Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, $24. Equipment "Daddy" blouse $228.

-Nordstrom-

(Shown above) Necessary Objects menswear blazer, $59. Dolce Vita "Rosetta" pump, 169.95. Burberry Prorsum Wool Coat, $2495. YSL Nail Lacquer "Surreal Yellow",$20. Diane von Furstenberg "Madleine" dress, $345.

-Sephora-

(Shown above) Make Up Forever 12 Flash color set, $95. Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow, $12. Tarina Tarintino Tokyo Hardcore Fashion Collection (prices vary).