Wrong... so wrong...

I hope people don't think this is how everyone in the Northwest dresses... I thought we were past this people!!

Dress-a-palooza!!

A new obsession for me has become dresses. I am definitelly a jeans and tee girl, but I do like them to be cute and trendy for the most part. One great thing about living in Seattle is I can wear jeans to work everyday. Most people I know here have this luxury... (sorry doctors, attorneys, bankers...)


I love finding cute, easy to throw on, dresses and have since been on that quest. I got an email today from Victoria's Secret about summer dresses and once I visited the link I discovered all sorts of cute reasonable dresses. Most I would not dare wear to work but I would wear them around town... once it gets warmer (pray people, pray! We need lots-o-sun!).

Last weekend I stumbled into my local Ross and found 5 lovely dress (after digging through many racks, mind you). 4 of them retailed for around $275 each at my local Nordstrom but I got them for the low, low price of $29.99.

Bluefly sent an email a week ago about dresses for under $100. Check them out as well as you can find some great pieces there! When is Christian Siriano of Project Runway going to have his collection at Bluefly? Wasn't that part of winning? I can't wait to see what he comes up with!

Old Navy didn't have much when I visited their store but their site seems to offer more selections of dresses. Check them out as well!

Oh, one more of note that I really want but have yet to purchase is from a local line called Out of Line. Beki, the designer, has this adorable Allways Dress that I soooo want!!

Hello my name is Tarah and I'm an addict...

An addict of shoes that is! I decided to clean out my closet and get rid of clothes and shoes... I got rid of a HUGE suitcase full of clothing and shoes. I then decided to count how many shoes I own... That number is well over 60.

I tried to scale down even more but it's impossible. I wear them, I love them, I NEED them!!

Am I alone out there are there other shoes addicts? How many do you have?

Hair do or hair don't?

Instyle Magazine has this fun (and time consuming) virtual hairstyle application on their site where you can upload your picture and try different celebrities hair styles. As you can see, I decided to give it a whirl and see whose hair would look good on me. I stuck with my current hair color (dark brown), although if you want to try others you have that option. Plus, you can add highlights or lowlights of any color.

The hairstyles belong to the following celebs:
1. Jessica Alba
2. Gwen Stephani
3. Giselle
4. Ashley Olsen
5. Cameron Diaz
6. Brittany Murphy
7. Cate Blanchett
8. Christina Ricci
9. Victoria Beckham

Personally I like #4-6... the short ones are not real flattering and Giselle's makes me look like I have the fattest head ever.

If you're looking for a new do, I suggest giving the site a try. If anything it's really fun to play with. I enjoyed trying to find the ugliest ones as well. Apparently Beyonce's hair does not do me justice... Pretty on her, hideous on me!

P.S. This makes me look so vain... but really people, it's been a slow day.

Need some inspiration today?

I was reading one of the many blogs I go to, i am a greedy girl, and she had a few pictures of this amazing dress. (Oh how I wish I could have my wedding all over again, THIS would be the dress I would pick, it's beautiful! I love the colored tulle!).

So anyways, the pictures directed me to another blog called Muse, which has some of the most beautiful imagery I have seen in quite sometime. It's definitely a great site for inspiration... Guess that is the point of the site, hence the name!

If you need some inspiration check it out!!

Beautimus!!!

Neiman Marcus sent me an email highlighting these beautiful Christian Louboutin Patent Ankle-Wrap Pumps! If only I could feel ok dropping $795 on 1 pair of shoes. I guess I am no Carrie Bradshaw when it comes to spending money on shoes. I do LOVE them like her, but I don't want to go in debt for them. Damn, stupid "being responsible"!! However if you want to throw caution to the wind they are offering free shipping with a code, NMSHOP.

Speaking of sales... Diane von Furstenberg is having a private online sale April 17-21. She will have up to 70% off several styles and items. So if you're one of those people who covet her wrap dresses this would be a great sale to check out. Happy shopping!

So anyways, the Bellevue Collection Spring Runway 2008 show is this weekend. I think Dawn and I are going to head over on Friday or Saturday to check out what's on the runway. Hopefully I'll get some great pictures to share with you all.

UPDATE: I was just sent the Spring Fashion show Press Release if you want more info...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2008

Contact: Cheryl Engstrom, 425-487-0682 or cheryl@engstrompr.com

Spring 08 Runway Shows Begin Tomorrow at Bellevue Square

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Some of spring’s freshest trends will be walking the runways in Bellevue Square during Spring 08 Runway Shows, April 17 – 20, 2008. Shows, which run throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. (1 p.m. on Sunday), include clothing from Blue Willi’s, Cache, Coldwater Creek, David Lawrence, Eddie Bauer, ExOfficio, Helly Hansen, In Vogue, Louie Permelia, lucy, Macy’s, Martin + Osa, Nau, Oilily, Papillon, RAG mens style, Voletta Couture and Zebraclub.

While there, enter-to-win prizes provided by select Bellevue Square retailers including a $1,000 Bellevue Collection Gift Certificate, White Versace Mini Demi Squash handbag valued at $1,555 from David Lawrence, Oval Star Chain with Mother of Pearl inlay valued at $500 from Montblanc, plus much more with gift certificates and prizes from more than 20 additional retailers.

Shows run Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., on Saturday from 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. All runway shows are located near Center Court at Bellevue Square and free to the public. For more information, visit www.bellevuecollection.com.

Random Thoughts...

This morning I stopped at one of my local Starbucks to get my tall iced skinny vanilla latte. Standing in front of me was this woman with the scariest, longest, bright orange with decals, fingernails. They had to be at least over 6" long. I tried so hard to take a picture with my cell phone in a secret manner but it wasn't working... However, when I did a Google search for "weird fingernails" I found a picture of someone who has very similar nails but are shorter...

Why, why, why? I don't get it but I would love to know why women do this. Honestly, I haven't seen this in quite a long time on anyone. But I am so very curious why you would want long, curly nails. To each is own, but really, inquiring minds want to know.

On a lighter, less odd note - I got my SaleMail for today and LOVE this adorable dress from French Connection. It's on Sale!!

Today is super sunny in Seattle, it would be the perfect day for this dress. I might have to buy it!!

Helping young minds!

I have been asked to represent Urban Fashion Network on a panel of fashion professionals to help mold young minds. Below is the info on the event if you are interested or know anyone who may be. Spread the word!!

"NEXTWORKING": Get career advice live and in person! Learn about all aspects of the fashion business while networking with professionals in the field.

Do you love fashion? Want to make a living pursuing your passion after graduation but need to know how to get started? Can't decide if you want to design, photograph, model, or style? Or do you have a flare for hair? All of your questions will be answered by a panel of professionals full of inside knowledge and advice.

For ages 13-21. Saturday, May 17, from 2-4p.m. at the Seattle Central Library's fourth floor meeting room.

Fashion Group International Spring Fling

I recently became a board member for the Fashion Group International Seattle chapter. I must say, I was very excited when they approached me as I've always wanted to join this international fashion group.

As of right now one of my duties is to work on helping plan their 2nd annual Spring Fling. The details are:

May 08, 2008 - 6-9pm at The Waterfront Restaurant.

Tickets start at $50 for members and I'm not positive yet on the non member price. We will have about 17 amazing local designers selling their wares as well!

Stay tuned for more info!

FitFlops?

I got an email today from Victoria's Secret about these flip flops called FitFlops. Apparently they help tone and shape your legs while walking around... Hmmm... I did a search on them to see what info I could find out. I found a website that has one womans review about them and then several people have left some comments on them as well. Here is another site with reviews. Most are from 2007 but its not like that was years ago... Decide for yourself.

I can't say they are the cutest flip flops I have seen but they also aren't the ugliest either, I might give em a try, who knows. From all my searching they seem to retail at about $50... that might be a little steep for something that "might" work.

One woman mentioned Avon has a knock off Curves pair, but sadly I could not find them for you all. Booo! If you've tried either I'd love to hear your thoughts... or I can just go read the 15 or so on that other site. whatever... :)

It's Contest Time!

Every now and then I get emails about fashion related contests and I like to post them on our site.

I got one yesterday for "Ultimate Fashion Challenge: Become a Si TV Style Reporter!". Something about this one looks really fun to me so I signed up -why not! Can't hurt! :)

If you'd like to vote for me you can do that here.

However, if you want to try and win then go here to enter.

Good luck!!

Kate Spade... and paper or plastic

I can't help myself, I love her! I feel the need to spread the Kate Spade joy to the world... Here is another offer from her majesty, 20% off! :)


Also, on a completely separate note I was reading the Seattle Times online yesterday and saw this article about paper or plastic. Apparently our mayor is pushing for customers to be charged a 20-cent "green fee" per bag used at the checkout line in grocery stores, etc. I get why they are doing that but it seems rather odd that we are basically being forced to be "green."

I was talking to Regina and we both were saying we have the reusable bags but constantly forget them at home. Plus we both reuse those plastic bags for our lunches, to line the trash can, to hold yucky kitty litter, for carrying our wet swimsuits home, etc... I then mentioned that I guess I will just have to try and start now so I'll be in the habit when this happens Jan 1, 2009. Thankfully, 20-cents isn't that much money b/c I know I'll end up forgetting sometimes. What are you thoughts on the matter?

If your looking for some adorable bags to use for your grocery shopping I suggest Marlo's Tote2go bags! She makes amazing bags out of recycled fabrics. They are 2 bags that fold down into a small pouch which makes them oh-so-portable! Viola! They start at $42 and are well worth it!!

Portland on my mind... (sorry Georgia)

The other day I suggested to my husband that we possibly consider moving to Portland. He went on and on about how there are tons of street kids and how he read some article recently about how they seem to multiplying, etc, etc... Ok, my reasoning for wanting to move there had nothing to do with street kids, it was all about Portland's fashion scene... and what a scene it is!

I am constantly looking for events in Seattle and Portland and it seems everyday I find more and more desirable fashion events in Portland. They really seem to be stepping it up. We started UFN August 22 of last year so I wasn't really searching for Portland events prior to that... But everyday I am amazed at all the cool events I find. The events I am finding are full on runway shows (I love a good runway show!). Keep an eye on our calendar b/c I keep listing more and more...

Plus I seem to be meeting more and more designers (Emily Baker, Emily Katz, Erin Macleod... the list goes on)from that area and they are super cool, edgy and most are eco friendly.

I ran across this blog that I keep going back to. It's through the Portland Mercury and it's all about... you guessed it... fashion!

I think another road trip to Portland needs to happen soon!

P.S. Don't get me wrong, Seattle has tons of great fashion events!! I just like to keep up with all of them. :)