Target + Nieman Marcus Holiday Collection

Target and Nieman Marcus may be the fashion industry's newest "odd couple" but the legendary partnership is expected to have huge rewards in the form of sales this holiday season. As announced earlier this week the two retailers will partner on a limited-edition collection of holiday products from a variety of high profile designers including Derek Lam, Jason Wu, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta and Diane von Furstenberg among others. Most items will retail for less than $60 and be available in-stores and online at both Target and Nieman Marcus locations. The collaboration will be available starting on December 1st and the goods will be available until they sell out, which is likely to happen very quickly. To celebrate the partnership and mark the 50th anniversary of the CFDA, Target and Nieman Marcus are donating a total of $1 million to the Council of Fashion Designers of America. 

Kohls + Narciso Rodriguez

Giving a major boost to store's fashion credentials, designer Narciso Rodriguez will soon be unveiling a special capsule collection for Kohl's. The Narciso Rodriguez collection is part of Kohl's "Design Nation" program developed by LF USA which teams designers with a city of their choice to find inspiration for a limited-edition diffusion line. Rodriquez picked Istanbul and found colorful inspiration in the city's art scene and architecture. The line for Kohl's will feature knit tops, dresses and outerwear retailing for $30-$150. The designer hopes that the collaboration will help increase his name recognition and expose new customers to his brand. Check out the Fall 2012 Ready to Wear line by Narciso Rodriguez on Style.com.

Tory Burch Focuses on Conservative Growth

In a world that's all about going fast-fast-fast designer Tory Burch is taking the growth of her namesake company refreshingly slow. With sales expected to hit $800 million this year, Tory Burch and her team are taking calculated steps to carefully expand the business and open new stores in places like Rio de Janiero, Munich, Dubai, Kuwait, Instanbul and Shanghai.

Brigitte Kleine, president of Tory Burch recently told WWD that it can take up to 18 months to open a store in a new market because the company is dedicated to taking their time finding the right talent, building the right infrastructure and making sure the market is viable for future growth. 

The privately owned company plans to open 25 new stores this year and will take as much time as needed to wait for the "right spots" to open up. Every new store is designed taking into account the local culture and customs and then micro-merchandised with product to cater to the market. 

Future growth opportunities for Tory Burch include expanding the accessories-only store concepts, a sportswear-inspired line of apparel (although nothing is currently in the works) and possibly a home collection. Keep up with the latest arrivals, fashion news and new store openings on Twitter @ToryBurch. You can also find fashion inspiration and regular posts on the Tory Burch blog. 

Fashion Note:
You can also catch up with Tory in InStyle magazine via the monthly "Ask a Designer" advice column. Starting with the July issue (on newsstands now) readers can send in questions on everything from what kind of bag to buy for the season to how to style a fashion item you already own. 

Seattle Fashion Directory

Last update: August 2013

Navigating the style scene is easy when you know where to shop. Here's the inside scoop on Seattle's best designers, boutiques and e-commerce sites. Whether you're a tourist, a local or newbie to the Emerald City we hope you'll discover a hidden gem in our Seattle fashion directory. Happy Shopping!

Queen Anne Dispatch
This one-stop-shop located at the top of Queen Anne hill has everything that a girl in the city could possibly want including apparel, accessories, shoes, handbags, cards, stationary, gifts, nail polish and even lingerie! Featured brands include Toms, French Connection, Hanky Panky, butter LONDON, Mavi, Bleulab Denim and more. The staff is friendly and they even offer complimentary gift wrapping to make special occasions completely stress-free.  Take advantage of in-store shipping to send gifts anywhere in the world.
Website: www.queenannedispatch.com
Address: 2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @QADispatch

The Finerie

Since opening in 2006, The Finerie has been outfitting sophisticated Seattleites in brands like Abi Ferrin, Desigual, Yoana Baraschi and more. Owners Tanya and Michael host regular trunk show and in-store events so be sure to visit the store blog for details. 

Website: www.thefinerie.com

Address: 1215 First Ave. Seattle, WA

Twitter: @TheFinerie

Sway & Cake

Shop this friendly downtown boutique to find trendy apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags. Seattle fashion mavens hang out at Sway to shop, dish about their love lives, swap the latest gossip, or simply hang out in what feels like their best friends fabulous closet. Featured brands include Current Elliot, Goddis, Rory Becca, Janessa Leone and more.
Website: www.swayandcake.com
Address: 1631 Sixth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @SwayandCake

La Ree

Bellevue's La Ree boutique brings high fashion to the Seattle's "eastside". Owner Rachael Nov regularly stocks labels like Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, Jamie Joseph and more. Find outfit inspiration on La Ree's Facebook Fan page.  You can also sign up for the mailing list on their wesbite for invites to special events and trunk shows.
Website: www.lareeboutique.com
Address: 11 103rd Ave. N.E. Bellevue, WA Twitter: @LaReeBoutique

Horseshoe

Located in Ballard, Horseshoe boutique prides itself on providing clients with "down home" customer service. Owner Jill Andersen regularly stocks women’s apparel and accessories from a variety of contemporary brands including Kensie, Prairie Underground, TART Collections, Grayling Jewelry, Suzabelle, TOMS, and more. Check out the Horseshoe Facebook Fan page for pics of new arrivals.
Website: www.shophorseshoe.com
Address: 5344 Ballard Ave. NW Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ShopHorseshoe

Canopy Blue

With powder blue walls and St. Bart's decor, Madison Valley's Canopy Blue boutique is a whimsical fashion getaway in the city. The stock list includes Diane von Furstenberg, French Fifty, Generation Love, Linea Pelle, Theory, Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk and more. Check the website for seasonal featured items.
Website: www.canopyblue.com
Address: 3121 E. Madison St. Suite #103 Seattle Twitter: @Canopy_Blue

Opal
With 3 locations in the Greater Seattle area there's bound to be an Opal boutique near you. Owner Shannen Wyman, a former Seattle Seahawks cheerleader, chose the name of her store based on her birthstone. Brands carried include Michael Stars, Hale Bob, True Religion and Kazia Digo. Website: www.opalboutiques.com
Address: Various locations
Twitter: @OpalBoutiques

Alhambra
Alhambra has been serving the Seattle market for over two decades providing clients with women's apparel and accessories from brands like Gary Graham, Ulla Johnson, Nicole Miller, New Scotland, Burning Torch and SW3. Located downtown within walking distance of the Pike Place Market Alhambra is easy to visit in person but with the recent addition of their e-commerce boutique you can now shop online too.
Website: alhambrastyle.com
Address: 101 Pine Street, Seattle, WA
Twitter: @AlhambraStyle

Totokaelo

Totokaelo derives from toto caelo, a Latin phrase that means "reaching to the edge of the stars." It's a fitting theme for the store and online community that began in 2003. Rather than paying attention to what others say is "in" owner Jill Wenger believe in building a tightly curated wardrobe that is reflective of personality and lifestyle. Totokaelo stocks designer labels including  Jil Sander, R13, Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey and more.
Website: totokaelo.com
Address: 1523 10th Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @Totokaelo

Sell your Sole

If you dig designer consignment don't miss Belltown's Sell your Sole boutique. Owner Natalia perfectly curates an edited selection of apparel and accessories from designer brands including YSL, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Elie Tahari and more. Sell your Sole proves that you don't have to spend a million to look like one.
Website: www.sellyoursoleconsignment.com
Address: 2121 First Ave. Ste #101 Seattle Twitter: @SellyourSoleWA

David Lawrence

Located in Bellevue at The Bravern, designer boutique David Lawrence carries apparel and accessories for men and women from brands like Versace, Hugo Boss, Herve Leger, DSquared2, Just Cavalli and Diesel Black Gold. Check the stores Facebook fan page for new arrivals, trunk shows and special events.
Website: www.david-lawrence.com
Address: The Bravern/Level 3/Bellevue
Twitter: @DavidLawrenceCo            

Butch Blum

Located in downtown Seattle, Butch Blum has been wardrobing stylish Seattleites since 1974. Inside the store you'll find sleek visual merchandising to highlight designer brands like Giorgio Armani, Allude, Fabiana Filippi, John Varvatos, Maison Martin Margiela and Moschino. For Spring '14 Butch Blum will launch a capsule collection with Seattle designer Cameron Levin.
Get live updates on the Butch Blum blog.
Website: www.butchblum.com
Address: 1408 Fifth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ButchBlum

Marios
The story of Mario's dates back to 1960 when Mario Sr. opened his first menswear store in Portland's Lloyd Center. This is when Mario Jr. began working for his father doing everything from sweeping the floors to selling. Fast forward to 1982 when Mario Jr. opened a Seattle Mario's store on sixth avenue stocking apparel and accessories for men and women. The rest is history and Mario's has been outfitting the stylish residents and local celebs of the Pacific Northwest ever since.
Website: Marios.com
Address: 1513 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA
Twitter: @StyleMarios

Karan Dannenberg Clothier

Often referred to as Belltown's hidden gem, Karan Danneberg's namesake boutique has been wardrobing women with apparel and accessories to fit their lifestyle since 1997. Featured brands include Creenstone, Nicole Miller, Sympli, Rock Star Jewelry, Yoana Baraschi and SW3. Check the Facebook fan page for new arrivals and trunk shows.
Website: KaranDannenberg.com
Address: 2232 First Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @KaranDannenberg

Luly Yang Couture
Award winning designer Luly Yang has been creating gorgeous couture gowns for over a decade. In addition to her store on Fourth Avenue, Luly opened a second store in Beijing in 2008. Her client list includes entertainers, politicians and fashion elite from all over the globe. Check Luly's Facebook fan page for events and updates.
Website: Lulyyang.com
Address: 1218 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @LulyYangCouture

Mercer

Founded by Karen Bonomo in 2003, Mercer offers contemporary apparel and accessories for women from brands like Paige Premium Denim, Cynthia Vincent, J Brand, Monroe, Tart and Citizens of Humanity. With locations in University Village and Sammamish, there's a Mercer store near you and sales girls ready to help you shop for everything you need. Join the VIP loyalty program for special perks and discounts!
Website: Mercerstore.com
Address: Various locations
Twitter: N/A

Show Pony
Fremont-based boutique Show Pony is both chic and eclectic offering women a wide range of apparel, accessories, jewelry, shoes and gifts. Featured brands include Revival Ink, Prairie Underground, Eric Michael, Daly Bird and Aubrey Summers.  In addition to regular merchandise Show Pony also has an in-house consignment boutique for shoppers to pursue the "thrill of the chase".
Website: www.showponyboutique.com
Address: 702 N. 35th St. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ShowPonySeattle

Madina Vadache

Originally from Russia, couture designer Madina Vadache moved to America and opened her own store in Bellevue in the 1990’s. Madina Vadache is devoted to celebrating the art of fashion and offers sophisticated women’s apparel in a variety of categories including evening and bridal wear. Website: www.madinavadache.com
Twitter: @MadinaVadache

Vian Hunter House of Fashion 
NBC Fashion Star and Seattle designer Lisa Hunter uses luxurious fabrics to make beautiful, vintage-inspired clothing for women. Her entire line is made in the U.S.A. and is sold through her boutique, Vian Hunter House of Fashion located in Madison Valley. Stop by to see the collection and meet the designer in person.
Website: http://www.vianhunter.com
Address: 2814 E. Madison St. Seattle, WA Twitter: @LisaVianHunter

Olivine Atelier

Seattle-based online perfume bar Olivine Atelier lets women shop from a series of scents that are hand-crafted right here in the U.S. Can't decide? Olivine Atelier offers a special package of 2ml fragrance samples to make it easier to pick! Get free shipping on orders of $50 or more and get good karma points too! 5% of every sale goes to Every Mother Counts, a campaign founded by Christy Turlington to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world.
Website: www.shopolivine.com
Twitter: @_Olivine

Blue Luna

Located in Kirkland, Blue Luna offers women contemporary apparel straight off the runways of Paris, Milan and Barcelona. Featured designers include Cop.Copine, Axara, Save the Queen and Isabel de Pedro. Check the website for Blue Luna Fashion videos and special events.
Website: www.bluelunafashion.com
Address: 127 Lake St. S. Kirkland, WA
Twitter: @BlueLunaFashion 

Bag, Borrow or Steal
When Jennifer Hudson wowed Sarah Jessica Parker with her patchwork Louis Vuitton rental in the first Sex & The City movie, Bag Borrow or Steal became a household name. Located in Seattle, the designer handbag, accessory and jewelry rental site brings luxury fashion to the masses. 100% of the items on the site are verified for authenticity and the site regularly stocks on-trend pieces from designers like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and more.
Website: www.bagborroworsteal.com
Twitter: @BagBorrowSteal      

Blue Nile

Founded in 1999, Seattle-based Blue Nile has grown to become one of the largest online retailers of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. Blue Nile offers high quality diamonds that are certified by the most respected independent diamond grading labs in the world. On their site you'll find engagement and wedding rings, jewelry, gifts and even the ability to design your own custom jewelry. Every order is shipped free, guaranteed and returnable within 30 days. Website: www.bluenile.com
Twitter: @BlueNileDiamond

Baby & Co. 

Baby & Co. opened it's doors in 1978 as the brainchild of Baby and Uri Burstyn. Known for carrying fashion forward brands before they hit the mainstream, Baby & Co. stocks brands like Frank and Lu, Yoshi Kondo, Malene Birger, Faliero Sarti, Elemente Clemente, and more. Current owners Jill & Wayne Donnelly use the streets of Paris, Copenhagen and other fashion capitals around the globe to search for trailblazing designers whose commitment to quality and creativity match their own. 

Website: www.babyandco.us

Address: 1936 First Ave. Seattle, WA

Twitter: @ShopBabyandCo 

Rock Star Jewelry 

Rock Star Jewelry is a Seattle-based company that creates handmade one-of-a-kind precious and semi-precious jewelry. The line, designed by local artisan Martha Driver, has been featured on the cover of Seattle magazine and graced the runway of shows like Project Red Dress, Fashion First, LA Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week and more. The entire line of necklaces, earrings and bracelets are colorful and stunning making them great to give- or receive.
Website: www.rockstarjewelry.com
Address: Check the website for current stockists
Twitter: @RockStarJewelry

Nordstrom presents GQ Selects

Last month Nordstrom announced a new partnership with GQ magazine for an integrated marketing campaign that pulls product from the pages of GQ and highlights them on Nordstrom's website in a special section called "GQ selects". Beginning with the July issue (on newsstands now) editors from GQ worked with Nordstrom Mens Fashion Director Tommy Fazio to hand-select featured items. 

This month's picks include a pair of olive green J.Brand slim-fit cargo pants, a Todd Snyder henley (currently sold out), a Jack Spade nylon backpack, a pair of Prada low-profile espadrille sneakers and a Thom Browne plaid oxford shirt. The partnership will continue through December featuring 12-18 key items each month. 

Check out these cool behind-the-scenes shots from the NYC photoshoot via the Nordstrom Mens Shop blog. 

The Stock List: Olivine

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.ShopOlivine.com

Luly Yang Sample Sale Begins Today!

Luly Yang is hosting a Bridal and Evening wear Couture Sample Sale beginning today, June 23rd at the Seattle showroom. The sample sale runs through July 31st but as with all sample sales, the best stuff goes first! Shop for bridal gowns, evening dresses, cocktail dresses and shoes for up to 70% off. Happy Shopping!

Luly Yang - 1218 Fourth Avenue - Seattle, WA 98101

The Stock List: Karan Dannenberg Clothier

Belltown boutique Karan Dannenberg Clothier has great merchandise for the summer season in stock now. Karan is so dedicated to providing customers with a complete wardrobe that she frequently makes special orders for clients. Each season she also works with local jewelry designers like Martha Driver of Rock Star Jewelry to create custom pieces that fit in perfectly with the assortment.

One of the best selling items in stock now is this Nicole Miller stretch linen dress (shown above). This piece is amazingly versatile and surprisingly flattering. Also available in Coral.

Speaking of coral- if you're looking for something more formal, check out this flirty Tadashi number. Also available in black.

Karan regularly stocks a full assortment of colorful Jimmy Crystal Swarovski crystal readers. So much cuter than your Grandma's old readers and definitely way more fun.

You'll also find pieces from local designer Cameron Levin in stock at Karan Dannenberg Clothier including one of her most popular pieces, the wing dress made out of organic cotton (shown above). 

If you're loving the color block trend this season you'll want to stock up on Big Buddha bags available in a variety of sizes and colorways. The prices are easy on your pocketbook too!

Last but not least, you'll also find a full range of Franco Mirabelli dresses like the one shown above in stock now. 

Karan Dannenberg Clothier - 2232 First Avenue. - Seattle, WA - 98121

On Twitter @KaranDannenberg