Jan 30, 2012

Fashion Week Schedule Finalized

The Fashion Week battle is now over and after months of negotiations New York and London have finally agreed to move up the dates for their September fashion shows. Originally the dates for New York, London and Italy's fashion weeks were scheduled to overlap forcing buyers and editors to pick and choose what shows they would attend. NY Fashion Week will now be held Sept. 6th-13th, followed by London Fashion Week Sept. 14th-18th, then Milan's Fashion Week Sept. 19th-25th and finally Paris Fashion week with shows Sept. 26th-Oct. 3rd.
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Seattle's Crowning Glory: Mane Blow Dry Bar


Earlier this month Mane Blow Dry Bar sauntered in to take it's place among the top players in Seattle's growing blow dry bar market. Located Downtown in the Grand Hyatt, Mane is on a mission to give guests the great hair day they've been dreaming about while providing a fun and relaxing experience that rivals big city blow dry bars in New York and L.A.
The experience starts with a few moments to unwind in the lounge while sipping on a complimentary beverage and leafing through fashion magazines. Guests can choose sparkling water, hot tea, or even a signature Mane Mocktail: Fever-Tree on the rocks with a squirt of lime. (It tastes just like Gin & Tonic!) After being summoned to the shampoo bar the stylist wraps my shoulders and neck in a warm towel and uses organic Argon oil to gently massage my scalp while the hair is dry, and then continues for an additional 5 minutes to massage the scalp while the hair is wet. You'll feel completely relaxed as you drift into a state of zen with your feet propped up on the footrest and the stress of the day melting away. Following the massage the stylist will shampoo and condition the hair exclusively using Neuma, a line of organic beauty products. Then it's off to the "mane event"- the blow dry and style session.

Guests can choose from 5 "Mane Looks": the "Au Natural" an everyday style with a little bit of oompf, the "Wave to your Fans" (the most popular), the "Up Down Diva" (a half-up style), the "Straight to the Point" (pin straight including a finish with a flat iron), and the "Va Va Voom" (major curl paired with extreme volume). I opt for the "Au Natural" because I like when stylists work their magic armed with only a blow dryer and a traditional round brush.

The style philosophy at Mane is to achieve volume through a quality blow dry instead of trying to work volume back into the hair with product later. This is the key to getting the maximum number of days possible out of a professional blow out and it's the technique that sets Mane apart from other blow dry bars in the city. "We focus on achieving root lift from the drying process," says Co-Owner Kate Winquist.

Mane blow outs are $35 and in 45 minutes (or less) you'll emerge feeling relaxed and rejuvenated with a fabulous head of hair. Beauty addicts will also want to check out Mane's great menu of add-on's including the MANE touch, a 10-minute scalp massage for $10, the MANE Tame, a deep conditioning treatment for $20, and even the MANE makeover, the glam treatment for lips and eyes for only $20, or the full face for $35.

A great blow dry and style needs to last so we asked MANE co-owner Kate Winquist to share some of her fave tips on extending the life of a great blow dry.

# 1 - Try Neuma's Style Extender- This product is sold at MANE and works to extend style by refreshing hair between washing without leaving product build-up and flakes behind. Mist Neuma's Style Extender on the roots of dry hair, give it a quick blast of heat from your hair dryer and style as usual. The product works to cleanse the scalp and soak up oil at the roots to give users an additional 1-2 days of wear without the need for a wash.

# 2- Use a Silk Scarf at Night- Wrap hair in a silk scarf before you go to sleep. Silk diminishes the scalp's natural production of oils and can extend a blowout an extra day or two.

#3- Make sure to Clean your Brush- Extending the life of your blow out at home can sometimes be as simple as cleaning your usual brush to avoid adding extra oil and product into the hair.

#4- Pack an Umbrella- "I'm surprised by how few women in Seattle use an umbrella," says Kate, "If it's raining outside, hair needs to be protected or the rain will wash away any beautiful blowout." No umbrella? No problem. Mane also sells retro-rain hats for just such an occasion.

# 5- Wear a Shower Cap- Speaking of ruining a great blow dry with water. Your morning shower can be your blow out's worst enemy if you don't protect your hair from getting wet. Wrap your hair in a loose bun on top of your head and cover with a shower cap before getting in to avoid a frizzy style meltdown.


717 Pine St.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.352.6263
On Twitter @ManeBlowDryBar
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Jan 20, 2012

Top 5 Spring Jewelry Trends

I'm the girl who wears jewelry to the gym. It's true. I can't part with my accessories and I literally never (ever) leave the house without earrings. Even when I travel I pack a mini jewelry box so that I can merchandise my accessories on the vanity table when I reach my destination. So in honor of jewelry junkies everywhere, here's a guide on how to incorporate Spring 2012's top fashion trends into your jewelry wardrobe.

The first trend I'm digging when it comes to spring fashion is the Black & White Trend. Whether you're drawn to black or prefer to proclaim your innocence in white, both colors are in for spring, especially when worn together. Tap into this trend with jewelry pieces that combine both colors. A black diamond cocktail ring, black and white pearl earrings or even chandelier earrings that incorporate black and white diamonds are the perfect way to play up this trend.


The next trend that's making the rounds this spring: fabulous florals. From bold prints to romantic garden party colors the floral trend is "in" this season and it's super easy to make this look work for you when it comes to accessories. Pair your florals with colorful cocktail rings, pendants and flower-inspired earrings that play up the colors in your flower power print.


Another big trend for spring is yellow. From pastel to neon, yellow is spring's ray of sunshine and could be spring's new neutral. Whether your completely committed to it or you prefer to tone it down, yellow jewelry can warm up your skin tone and add some much needed color to your spring wardrobe.


The tribal trend is on it's way out but the global trend continues to evolve. Part 70's glam + part urban safari this trend includes wooden jewelry, gold bangles, exotic necklaces, and statement earrings with ethnic-inspired details. Although not exactly practical for my everyday life- I love a serious stack of gold bangles.


White-On-White is another major trend for spring and it's certainly not for the faint of heart (or for anyone who is afraid of getting dirty.) As the mother of a toddler I have to admit- I love this trend but for practical reasons I probably can't wear it from head to toe. Instead, I'll partake in this trend by adorning myself with white pearl earrings, bracelets and maybe even a pearl statement ring.

No matter what trend you decide to try this spring, have fun with it! Play with color, texture and most importantly wear something that makes you feel fabulous!
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Jan 13, 2012

Zumiez Wraps Another Epic 100k Event

This year's annual Zumiez 100k event was another epic adventure destined to be featured in retail record books. The sales kid who won the top prize for selling over $600,000 worth of merchandise in 2011 walked (or rather, rode) away with a pimped out Dodge Charger and over $150k worth of prizes and swag. Lil Wayne made a guest appearance to announce the launch of his new clothing line Truck Fit and celebs including Rob Dyrdek, Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain, Geoff Rowley and Screech from Saved by the Bell were all in the house to congratulate the Zumiez team on another great year of phenomenal sales.

Zumiez employees who sold over $100k in the past year received the all-expense paid trip to Key Stone, Colorado as a "Thank You" for their dedication and hard work. This year's 100k theme was the "Mall Olympics" set in the pinnacle era of mall culture: 1988-1992. Zumiez employees showed up in full 80's and 90's costumes repping their regions and districts as is customary for this event. The scene was a mix of extreme outfits inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Saved by the Bell, Motley Crüe and tacky infomercials that made the rounds in the early 90's.

Highlights from the 100k Award ceremony held on Tuesday evening included a pair of baby white Bengal tiger cubs, music by electronic artist Skrillex, 80's pop artist Tiffany performing her hit single "I think we're alone now", a pretty legit Mr. T look-alike and music by an 80's hair metal cover band.


The top salesman of the year was Isaiah Beltran of store 010 in Santa Clara, California. Selling just shy of $700k he set a new sales record for the company and was lavishly rewarded with prizes including an all expense paid trip to board with professional industry snowboarders, a visit to Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory (as seen on MTV), a tour of Neffs headquarters in Los Angeles, a custom snowboard, signed original artwork presented by Obey's Shephard Fairey, and a surprise "Thank You" on stage from rapper Lil Wayne. But of course, the biggest surprise for the 22-year old sales kid came when he was awarded a 2012 black Dodge Charger fully customized by KR3W.

The Zumiez 100k event also served as a platform for MTV's Rob Dyrdek to announce that he would be buying back Alien Workshop from Burton Snowboards who bought the skate brand nearly 4 years ago.

Congrats to Zumiez for producing such an amazing event unlike anything in the industry to recognize the people who who make it happen: the sales people on the floor who work hard to live the culture and sell the brand. For more info on Zumiez please visit www.zumiez.com. You can also follow Zumiez on Twitter @Zumiez.

__________________________

Zumiez is a Washington-based retailer with over 400+ stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. The first Zumiez store made it's debut in 1978 in the Northgate Mall and since then the company has grown to become one of the leading action sports retailers in the country specializing in apparel, footwear and hardgoods for skate and snow. Company goals for 2012 include driving comp store sales, adding new stores at a rate of 8-10% per year (domestically), continuing to drive e-commerce sales, and focusing on growth initiatives.
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Jan 12, 2012

Seattle FGI gets Back to Business


Last night Seattle's Chapter of Fashion Group International conducted it's official voting process to appoint several new members to the Board of Directors. The slate included Jaclyn Reiner of 24 Seven to take the position of Social Media Director, Julia Ryan of The Art Institute of Seattle for the Programming role, and Jan Klier of All Klier Photography for the position of Regional Director.

Over the past year while serving as Regional Director I've had the opportunity to work along side a very special group of industry professionals including Mayna Sgaramella of Closet Fly, Theresa Olson of the UW Retail Management Program, Danielle Bortone-Holt of Brick House Photography and Jan Klier of All Klier Photography. These individuals shared my vision for putting Seattle FGI back on the map by streamlining operations in an effort to get back to the business of fashion. They worked countless hours to help execute the initiatives set forth by the group and continue to remain dedicated to the mission of the organization.

In addition to the volunteer hours worked by the Board of Directors, the progress made in the past year would not have been possible without the leadership of a strong team of advisors to the board including Vivian Miller-Rahl, Pat Nugent and Rose Dennis. They each spent valuable time working with the board to help strategize ways to move the group forward. They were also the ones working behind the scenes to open doors, make introductions and bring back seasoned members of the Fashion industry who had been part of FGI in the past.


During the past year FGI brought back the monthly Members-Only Newsletter featuring Member Spotlights, exclusive discounts and fashion news. We also added a second edition of the newsletter that goes out to a general public featuring FGI events, member news and fashion industry stories that are relevant to the Seattle market. For the first time in many years we also brought back the Olive J. Smith scholarship fund to students participating in the UW Fashion Certificate program. Another big development for Seattle's FGI chapter was renewing our commitment to support the YWCA's Dress for Success Program by helping to sponsor the 9th Annual Closet Treasures sale.

Our biggest accomplishment in 2011 was bringing back business programming that was relevant to the Seattle fashion industry. In addition to the semi-annual trend events, programming highlights for the year included a special Retail & E-Commerce event featuring Bag, Borrow or Steal, Eddie Bauer, Indochino and Zeitgeist Research. We also hosted an intimate Members-Only event featuring the President of Supima Cotton, Jesse Curlee and secured a special FGI meet & greet with Diane Von Furstenberg at the Bellevue Nordstrom store.


Our best event of the year was the Made in the USA event which was held at The Bravern and focused on local and domestic manufacturing resources. Participating companies included ITC Accessories, Portland Garment Factory, Unique Textiles, Emerald Sport Sewing, and Luxe Riot. With over 50+ industry professionals in attendance that event was arguably one of our best, most targeted programs of the year and continues to attract the attention of fashion professionals seeking manufacturing resources.

It's been an honor serving as the Regional Director for Seattle's Chapter of Fashion Group International. I've enjoyed working with such a great fashion industry-focused non-profit organization and I look forward to seeing what the newly appointed Board of Directors has in store for 2012! Thanks for the memories!

* * *
For more information on FGI please visit fgi.org. Follow Seattle FGI on Twitter @Seattlefgi. For questions on membership or other general inquiries please email Seattlefgi@gmail.com.
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Career Advice from a Fashion Industry Insider

I’ve worked my way up through the retail chain, into the corporate office and behind-the-scenes at premier fashion events. Here’s a summary of my fashion advice, lessons learned and biggest tips to breaking into the industry.

Network

There are so many good reasons why networking should be a high priority on your list. It’s free, it’s a great way to get to know others in the industry, a great way to collaborate with others on future projects and it’s a great way to find out about potential job opportunities. If you’re really serious about networking then you may want to consider joining fashion industry networking groups like Fashion Group International. The Seattle chapter is looking for new members with high energy now!

Get Experience

No amount of classroom work can prepare you for the real world so it’s important that you supplement what you are learning in school with real work experience in the fashion industry. If you’ve never worked in retail now is the time to get a part-time job. It’s hard to grasp the concept of retail management, merchandising and personal selling if you have never had to actually do any of these things. I can also tell you that most corporate office employees have worked on the sales floor at one point or another so do yourself a favor and gain that entry-level experience now so that it won’t hold you back later.

Work Hard

For some people this may go without saying but for others this may be a new concept. You can’t just skate by in this industry without rolling up your sleeves and working hard, so whether it’s putting in time studying for you classes or working a part-time job to gain experience in the field, work hard. A solid work ethic goes a long way in this industry and high levels of integrity will not go unrewarded. The fashion industry is tough, it can chew you up and spit you out and you have to be strong enough to get right back up and keep going. It often requires long hours, working in multiple time zones, and working to make the impossible happen, so if you’re not prepared to work hard, this may not be the industry for you.

Specialize

Find something you are good at and stick to it. People that claim to be good at “everything” are delusional. The truth is, everyone has a specialty and it’s important that you find yours now so that you can practice, develop your skills and find a niche.

Volunteer

Volunteering is another great way to gain experience so if you enjoy fashion industry events like fashion shows, consider volunteering to help out. This is a great way for you to see behind-the-scenes at your favorite events, network with event producers and add to your fashion resume.

Find a Mentor

I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have strong, intelligent women to guide me along the way and that’s why I suggest finding a mentor who can help you navigate your path to success. A good mentor can give you advice about where to start, what moves to make and what mistakes to avoid.

Do an Internship

At many fashion schools internships are required for graduation but if they are not, consider doing one anyway. They are invaluable and can help you break into the industry upon graduation. I’ve had many interns help out at my current company and we have hired at least half a dozen of them to work for us full-time upon graduation. If you meet someone at a fashion industry event who’s working in a field you are interested in, ask them if they hire interns. Most companies won’t turn down free help. On a side note, if you do decide to pursue an internship, work hard and make yourself shine. Everything you say and do will be remembered and it’s important to be on point and professional no matter how casual the work environment appears to be. It always surprises me when interns flake out, show up late, don’t show up at all or have an attitude problem when asked to do a task. It may be unpaid work but it’s allowing you to gain insight into a potential career path and the company you work for may just extend a job offer when you are done with school. So work hard and stay on good terms with the company you intern for.

Stay on Top of Industry Trends

If you’re going into the fashion industry then it’s important you stay on top of what’s going on. There are numerous sites that compile industry news like Women’s Wear Daily, DNR and WGSN so make sure you check in and keep yourself in the know. You can also check out Style.com, Ny Mag’s Fashion Section, or the New York Times Style Section which comes out every Thursday and Sunday.

Clean up your Image

If you’re all over the web on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social networking sites, consider cleaning up your image. Prospective employers can easily search the web for additional information about you and your chances to getting a job offer will significantly narrow if there are drunk pictures of you and your friends all over the Internet. My advice? Keep it classy, and if you don’t, at least set your profiles to private.

The best advice I can give you is that if you work hard and set goals, you can achieve anything. Good luck!


Still have questions? Feel free to drop me a line at Sydneylovesfashion@gmail.com. 
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Jan 10, 2012

Zumiez Kicks off Annual 100k Event

Last night Zumiez kicked off it's annual 100k event in Key Stone, Colorado. The Everett, Washington based retailer flew more than 1100+ store employees and over 50+ members of the home office staff to snowboard and celebrate another great year of strong sales. Employees who sold over $100,000 in the past year received the all-expense paid trip as a reward for their hard work. A welcome party was held for attendees last night and was followed by a day of snowboarding (today). The 2 day event will conclude this evening with the Grand Finale/ Awards ceremony that will no doubt include special guest appearances and lavish prizes from many of the action sports brands carried by the retailer. Stay tuned! More details (and pics) to follow.
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Jan 6, 2012

Pantone Kicks off Color of the Year Campaign

Seattle Fashion Group member and Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman is everywhere these days. Just weeks after launching her new book Pantone: The 20th Century in Color she unveiled the 2012 Pantone color of the year: Tangerine Tango. Yesterday a Q&A with the color guru was even featured in The New York Times. In the interview Leatrice describes this year's spirited reddish-orange color as exactly what we need to "recharge and move forward.”

The Color of the Year buzz will continue this spring when Pantone partners with Sephora to debut a limited-edition make-up line. Scheduled to launch in April of 2012 the line will include color of lips, cheeks, eyes and nails. Price points will range from $18-80.




Pantone: The 20th Century in Color book was even featured in Oprah's Holiday Gift guide. Congrats Leatrice! You've got a best-seller on your hands! The book is available now in select retailers and online at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.


Craving more color? Check out the Spring 2012 Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report.
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Dec 31, 2011

Stylesight adds Sourcing Service

Trend forecasting service Stylesight has recently added global sourcing to their portfolio of services for fashion industry clients. In a newly announced partnership with Panjiva, users of the new service will be able to search an extensive database of over 750,000 suppliers in more than 190 countries. The platform also has the ability to allow users to connect with potential suppliers, conduct background and social compliance checks, keep tabs on competitors’ sourcing activities and review data from existing suppliers. Stylesight hopes the new service will allow their clients to achieve maximum productivity by saving time, money and eliminate sourcing risks when working with new suppliers. The platform will be available in early 2012 but an exact date has not been announced.

Stylesight clients include Pacific Northwest companies such as Nike, Amazon, and Nordstrom. Notable clients of Panjiva include the VF Corporation, Jordache, Kohls and Guess? Inc. For a better idea of how Panjiva works with clients to save time and money, check out this case study.

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Dec 30, 2011

Stylesight Adds Sourcing to Services

Trend forecasting service Stylesight has recently added global sourcing to their portfolio of services for fashion industry clients. In a newly announced partnership with Panjiva, users of the new service will be able to search an extensive database of over 750,000 suppliers in more than 190 countries. The platform also has the ability to allow users to connect with potential suppliers, conduct background and social compliance checks, keep tabs on competitors’ sourcing activities and review data from existing suppliers. Stylesight hopes the new service will allow their clients to achieve maximum productivity by saving time, money and eliminate sourcing risks when working with new suppliers. The platform will be available in early 2012 but an exact date has not been announced.

Stylesight clients include Nike, Brooks Brothers, Amazon, Nordstrom, Smashbox Cosmetics, and Li & Fung USA among others. Notable clients of Panjiva include the VF Corporation, Jordache, Kohls and Guess? Inc. For a better idea of how Panjiva works with clients to save time and money, check out this case study.

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Dec 25, 2011

My Journey to Clear Skin with Calidora


I recently came across a statistic that suggested more than 32% of women have cried over a breakout. I can totally relate. I’ve shed my share of tears too….probably more than most, or at least that’s how it felt at the time. I’ve dealt with everything from the lone blemish that stands out on the face and commands attention, to small bumps at the jawline, and persistent breakouts on the sides of the chin. And I did cry. All the time. I hated agreeing to social engagements weeks ahead of time for fear that another breakout might be around the corner. I hated meeting with new clients at work because I didn’t feel that people could take me seriously with my bad skin. And mostly I hated breaking out because it took such a toll on my self-esteem, even if I did a good job pretending that my breakouts didn’t bother me. I rarely took my make-up off, even when I was at home, because I couldn’t bear looking in the mirror and seeing the blemishes on my skin. I spent thousands of dollars buying makeup and skincare products to try and cover up the flaws, but nothing worked. The breakouts kept coming back and in some ways, they got worse. I cried myself to sleep on many nights and there were days when I didn’t even want to leave the house. When I was dealing with acne I saw numerous dermatologists, tried so many medications that my medicine cabinet looked like a narcotics lab, and tried nearly every skincare system in an effort to find something (anything) that worked. I bought the Zeno, the Marvel-Blue Mini (a hand held device that employs light therapy technology), the Pro-Activ system, and numerous over the counter acne medications. Even on “good” days my skin was relatively bad and over the years I learned how to become a magician with makeup.
When my now-husband proposed to me last September one thing became blatantly clear to me: I wanted flawless skin on my wedding day and I was willing to do anything to make it happen. Every dermatologist I saw continued to prescribe me higher doses of antibiotics in an effort to clear up my skin and still, nothing worked. I was finally ready to try Accutane when I heard about Calidora Skin Clinic. They promised to create a customized skincare plan for me and work with me to achieve the results I wanted.
My journey started with a complimentary 60-minute photo imaging complexion analysis followed by a detailed skincare plan that outlined the suggested treatments to help clear up my skin. In my case, the recommendation for treatment included a series of laser treatments in conjunction with customized chemical peels. When I weighed out the dangers of using Accutane with the price tag of pursuing the treatments at Calidora it was easy to see that Accutane was truly not an option. It was too risky and had the potential to cause birth defects and liver failure. So, I signed on for a treatment package at Calidora and took the plunge.
My first laser treatment at Calidora required patience because it actually made me break out worse. It’s sort of like when you get a good facial and it brings imperfections to the surface, the laser treatment had that same effect but the healing that followed was amazing. Once the blemishes started to heal my skin was smoother, calmer and the number of blemishes reduced. After a few laser treatments I could tell that my skin was headed in the right direction and the acne scars I had on my cheeks from previous breakouts were also beginning to diminish. The chemical peels were another story. I was so scared the first time I tried the peel because all I kept hearing from people was that it made your skin peel off in sheets. (Literally). Immediately after the peel is applied the skin is taut and smooth. Blemishes that were on the skin prior to the peel are significantly reduced and overall skin feels tingly and fresh. Peeling generally occurs within 1-3 days of the initial peel. My skin started peeling the next morning after the treatment and continued for at least two to three days afterward. Each day I slathered on a heavy moisturizer to help smooth the flakes and once the peeling was complete my skin unveiled a healthy glow I had never seen before.
My skin treatment plan continued and on a bi-weekly basis I alternated between laser treatments and chemical peels. It was a long process but by the time I was ready to say “I Do” my skin was ready too. In fact, it was glowing. Calidora helped me achieve the flawless skin I had always dreamed about and they did it without the use of harsh medications or prescription drugs.
Today my skin continues to remain clear and I’m so thankful to the amazing staff at Calidora Skin Clinic who supported me and helped me achieve my skincare goals. Having clear skin has changed my whole life and although at one point in time I was part of the 32% of women who have cried over a breakout I’m happy to report that thanks to Calidora I’m not part of that statistic anymore.

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Dec 20, 2011

L'Oreal Buys Redmond-based Pacific Bioscience



Just in time for the holidays, beauty giant L'Oreal has closed a deal to buy Redmond-based Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc., maker of the popular Clarisonic Cleansing Brush. President of the Luxe Division of L'Oreal USA Carol Hamilton hopes to continue to expand distribution of Clarisonic products and make it a household brand used by men and women all over the world. Pacific Bioscience will continue to operate out of it's Redmond headquarters under the direction of chief executive officer David Giuliani. Seattle beauty fans will no doubt be looking forward to the new opportunities that may be available at Pacific Bioscience in the months to come following the merger.


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Dec 18, 2011

Best Drugstore Beauty Buys


Looking oh-so-pretty for your holiday party doesn't mean parting with ridiculous amounts of cash. Many of the beauty products I use on a daily basis are from my neighborhood drugstore. Here are some of my favorite beauty products that will keep you looking beautiful on a budget.


I used to spend excessive amounts of money on designer foundation but I ran out while traveling and in a pinch picked up a bottle of L'Oreal's True Match Super Blendable Foundation. Turns out, I love this stuff! It's oil-free and comes in a full color spectrum of warm, neutral and cool shades. $10.99/1 fl. oz.



Rather than invest in a full tube of the season's hottest lipstick shade I like to test drive it first by finding a similar color from the NYX Cosmetics line. At $3.99 a tube I can can afford to go crazy with coral, flirt with fuschia or be prim and proper with a pretty pink without breaking the bank. This line is pigment-rich so each shade shows up at full intensity. If I like a color and it works well with my skintone then I'll be more likely to splurge on a tube from one of the designer lines like YSL or Tom Ford.

After spending years trying out numerous brow pencils on the market I finally came back to my first love: the original Cover Girl Brow pencil I used when I was sixteen. My favorite shade is midnight brown and the color is soft making the brows look natural and not over-done. $3.59/pack of two (plus a bonus sharpener)


My skin has been known to have a little mid-day shine, so I never leave the house without a pack of oil absorbing sheets in my cosmetics bag. My favorite blotters are from Clean & Clear and although I've tried numerous styles from other brands, this drugstore pick is still my favorite. The sheets lift oil without removing your make-up making them a budget friendly way to avoid looking like a hot mess.



Save time (and cotton balls) with Cutex Nailpolish Remover Wipes. One wipe cleans all 10 nails and the polish just slides right off. They are super easy to use and completely portable which makes them perfect for girls on-the-go. Allure Magazine even named this product one of their "Beauty Editor Favorites". $3.50/pack of 6 wipes.



Another drugstore fave is the Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel. I started using this on a recent trip to a Florida where legs were bare and lots of swimming was involved and it's made me a believer. Formulated with natural soy this product helps you shave less often (I can vouch for this!) and works to prevent skin irritations including nicks, cuts and razor burn. My skin is noticeably softer after using this product and I highly recommend this to anyone in the market for a new shaving cream. It's even ok for sensitive skin! $3.99/7 oz. can


If you've ever been the victim of a static-related fashion faux paus you need to pick up a can of Static Guard Spray next time you're at the drugstore. This product is a staple in my fashion emergency kit and has saved me too may times to count. You can also use this product in a pinch to tame flyaway hair (just spray your brush). $3.99/1.4 oz.


Last but not least- for pretty peepers I really like Ardell DuraLash Naturals. They let me add volume and length where I need it without looking like a drag queen. The trick is to apply them as close to your natural lash line as possible. $4.99/pack

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Dec 5, 2011

Rian Handbag Sample Sale - Thursday Only!


Holiday shopping for your fashion friends just got a lot easier- and potentially more affordable. Seattle-based Rian Handbags is having a sample sale this Thursday only! Running from 11am-8pm the sale will include deep discounts on production-quality handbags, totes, wallets, mens bags and more! Grab your friends, meet Rian himself, and take advantage of a great opportunity to shop local this holiday season!

What: Rian Handbags Sample Sale including merchandise from the Poverty Flats Line

When: Thursday, December 8th

Time: 11am-8pm

Location: 159 Western Avenue, Suite # 457, Seattle, WA 98119 (Located inside the NW Work Lofts Building. Suite #457 is above Rain Fitness on the second floor of the building).

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Nov 30, 2011

Prairie Underground Sample Sale


The Prairie Underground sample sale is back just in time for the holiday shopping season! Taking place Dec. 3rd and 4th in Fremont shoppers will get to peruse hundreds of previous season hoodies, leggings and dresses at 50-80% off retail prices. This is a fun event designed to help women pick up some great gifts for the holidays and also a chance to fashion fans to meet Prairie Underground designers Davora Linder and Camilla Eckersley. 20% of sale proceeds will benefit BABES Network, a non-profit organization founded in 1989 to provide peer counseling and support to women with HIV/AIDS.

What: Prairie Underground Sample Sale

When: December 3rd and 4th from 10am-5pm

Where: The Canal Building- 716 N. 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103

Why: 50-80% off regular retail prices on last season's hoodies, leggings, and dresses. Need we say more? Oh yeah, and 20% of the proceeds are being donated to charity. Mark your calendars now!
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Nov 28, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide: Fashion Fanatics


Finding the perfect holiday gift for your fashion friends is easy with this helpful guide. And guess what? Everything featured is under $150. Happy Holidays!



The VS Fashion Show is tomorrow night- and chances are, your fashion friends will be more than inspired by the beautiful angels prancing down the runway! We love this VS Fashion Show Makeup Essentials Kit featuring gold dust shadow, Triple Drama Mascara, Sparkling lip gloss in 'Delight', and all-over Shimmer Powder in 'Candy Girl'.


For the perfect princess, check out this waterfall ruffle duvet set by Urban Outfitters. It's both romantic and dramatic at the same time. This set is available in three colorways, but we can't imagine this many ruffles in anything but pure white.



Fashionistas will be thrilled to find a copy of "The Rise of Fashion" under the tree this year. This book is a great resource for anyone who aspires to succeed in the business of luxury fashion. In the book, former Bergdorf Goodman CEO Ira Neimark recounts how Bergdorf helped build the fashion industry during one of the most exciting periods in its history.



Almost better than a bottle of bubbly- a Champagne inspired candle by Voluspa. Featuring notes of apricot and coconut, and yielding over 80 hours of burn time this candle will last long into the New Year!



For the fashion fiend who has a thing for monogram inspired jewelry- a 14k gold navel ring by Fresh Trends is the perfect pick. Mid-winter vacations are just around the corner and a little bit of bling is always on the agenda for die hard fashionistas.




A beautiful Pashmina scarf is the perfect gift for your fashion friends who have it all. These scarves are perfect for travel because they can be used as a blanket on the plane, as a sarong on the beach, and in the evening as a luxurious wrap.



Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't give the gift of YSL this season. This luxe holiday makeup set is a great value at just $65 and includes Touche Éclat which eliminating dark circles and signs of fatigue, Golden Gloss which shimmers with the help of 24-karat gold flecks, YSL's signature Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils and a Waterproof Eye Pencil.




Pretty polish sets make the perfect stocking stuffer! We love this Rock & Roller polish set by Butter London. This pack contains Henley Regatta, Snog & Union Jack Black so that the recipient can change their polish with their mood. :D



Happy Shopping!
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