FACE Seattle 2009 presented by Caffe Vita

Tonight was the FACE Seattle event which benefited Sunflower Children Foundation. It was an an exciting evening of delicious wine (Young's Columbia Winery), art and amazing clothing from Barneys New York, plus they had a silent and live auction.

The event was held at the Herban Feast at SoDo Park (3200 1st Ave S) and it was the first time I have ever been there - It's such a great space!

The evening started with an open bar of wine and beer, appetizers, pizza from Via Tribunali, coffee by Cafe Vita, a wine toss, and a fabulous silent auction. (I was lucky enough to bid on a cut and color at Seven and got it!) John Curley was the auctioneer and MC for the evening. I had the privilege of meeting him earlier in the evening and even got a quick picture with him.

Melissa and I mingled around chatting with folks here and there and snapping a few pictures of the auction and crowd. Once the live auction started we grabbed a spot stage left and watched as John Curley busted out his auctioneer skills. All in all it appears the Sunflower Children's Foundation raised a nice amount of money for the kids.

The runway show was filled with amazing items from Barney's - Melissa and I were drooling over many of the dresses. The handbags and clothing were all courtesy of Barney's New York, the shoes however were not as they weren't condusive to the floors. No worries, the shoes were paired very well but sadly I don't know where they came from... It was a great show and an even better reason to be there - charity! Or should I say "it's for the kids!"

Three Cheers For the Warehouse Sale

I love a good sale, I really do.

Sometimes to much in the sense that I will buy things that are a great bargain and then never wear them. My closet is full of cute items with the tags still on them... They were a great deal, what can I say... Why don't you wear them you ask... Well, I honestly have no answer. Stupidity I guess. Maybe the item isn't my style anymore, or doesn't fit the way I thought it should or it's not as cute as it was in the store... There could be many reasons. (Hubby has told me we ARE Spring cleaning this year so that will be a great way to purge those bargain items. Phew!)

So after all that I want to share with you a fabulous sale that will be happening this Sunday! The Designer Boutique Warehouse Sale at Meydenbauer Center (11100 NE 6th St., Bellevue) from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. They will have up to 90% off women’s and men’s designer clothing, shoes, and vintage items from stores like Blackbird, Dolce Vita, The Finerie, Totokaelo, Marqsmen, and more.

Queen Anne Dispatch May 8th Event

On May 8th from 6-10pm Queen Anne Dispatch (2212 Queen Anne Ave N) in upper Queen Anne will be having a friends and family event where you can view their new Spring fashions. Plus, they will have 20% off on many of their brands and a live DJ will be spiinng tunes while you snack on apps and sip cocktails!

What's the event for you may be wondering, well QAD is turning 21 and the shop just got a new make-over. The interior has been updated with whites and grays'. "This is truly a girly girls shopping haven."

QAD is operated and owned by two sisters, Sabrina and Tara. They purchased the boutique from their mom who started the boutique and mailing service 20 years ago.

If you have not ever been to QAD then you are in for a treat. "It's a gathering place for people who get their mail and buy everything from shoes, clothes, gifts, and lingerie." It truely is an ecclectic one stop shop for your shopping and shipping needs.

A few of the brands on the floor are Havaiana's called Peeps, and the new spring line of Johnny Was, plus a full line of in the tops and dresses from Sky.

Cuts for the Cure

Need a new do and want to support a great cause? Well, you're in luck, Cut for the Cure will be going on Sunday May 3rd at the Lisa Power Salon in Queen Anne.

The Lisa Power Salon will be doing hair, skin services and a raffle to raise money for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer walk.

All proceeds from their services and retail sales will be donated to the cause! Their goal this year is to raise $8,000, so go on down and help them out!

The Weekend Recap

This weekend in Seattle consisted of the last 2 shows of Seattle Fashion Week. I did not attend the show on Friday night due to still recovering from this crazy bug I have, plus I wanted to spend some time with hubby. My fabulous intern, Youa, attended and will be recapping the show.

As you should know already I did attend Saturday nights show and there were some aspects of it that I enjoyed. I don't really get adding in musical performances but that's just me. It's nothing against the singers but I'm there to see a fashion show and it's hard enough to sit there for a long period of time so just adding singers in the mix just makes the show seem even longer. Some people may have loved it but I'd rather just see a runway show and then mingle after. It's just a personal preference... I don't attend alot of concerts to begin with so I may not be the best judge on that one. I'd love to know what other attendees thought.

Sorry, jumping ahead of myself here. Saturday morning started out with coffee and an interview with Seattle designer Jme (pronounced Jamie) of Salvationware. I will post that as soon as it's all ready - we chatted for quite awhile! :)

Later that day I went to local boutique, Curtsy Bella, to check out the Tarina Tarantino trunk show. I was amazed at their selection! Mary Jo, the owner, informed me that Tarina Tarantino jewelry is a hard client to get as she is very selective as to where her jewelry is sold. I wanted to pick something to wear to SFW that night but had a hard time deciding on just one piece so I ended up leaving with 4. (Thankfully, hubby doesn't read my blog!)

Curtsy Bella is a really adorable shop and I'm sad it took me this long to get over there. It's over by the U Village which I didn't even realize, I've been over that way 100 times, geesh I should pay more attention! I am hoping to go back and get the Barbie Cameo Tarina Tarantino collection next time (see picture above)... or maybe sending the hubby as a gift idea for moi! (Check out the photos I took of their selection)

Today involved no fashion what-so-ever... other than this blog post. I had hoped to go thrift store shopping this afternoon but by 2pm I was all out of steam. I went for my first run after being sick and managed to squeeze in 5 miles but it wasn't consistent running. I was wheezing a bit as my lungs are STILL not clear... Oh well, it was trying to be a nice day out so I figured I would get out and enjoy it... even if it was just with exercise. I will say thought that the best part of the day was wearing flip flops and no jacket! The 2nd best part of the day was dim sum and bubble tea with Melissa - I always enjoy that!

The Couture Show at SFW

Tonight I attended the couture fashion show (which wrapped up Seattle Fashion Week) at the Fremont Studios. (To find out about the other shows, please check out Youa's blog!)

The show consisted of clothing by several local designers and one who flew all the way from the Philippians, Toni Galang. The designers featured were: Naomi B., Logan Neitzel, Toni Galang, Portia Monique, Dolores Gill, DJ Miguel Alvarado, Wai-Ching, and Blayne Walsh.

Toni's line started off the show.

There were some really beautiful but also interesting items on the runway. My favorite designer of the night was Naomi B. Her line was more along the lines of pieces I would wear (girly dresses as my neice Abby would say). She even seemed to channel Audrey Hepburn with a few of her dresses... or rather old school Givenchy. I loved her segment!

Seattle designer Chrissy Wai-Ching's line also lit up the runway with some stunning dresses, I took extra pictures of the ones I liked. She has a fun way of draping fabric, especially in the back. She used to use penny's in some of her dresses but I couldn't tell if she was still doing that from where I was standing. She has such a distinct style that really works for her.

Blayne Walsh, of Project Runway fame, finished the show with his "Indian/vampire" line (his words, not mine). His segment opened up with some Native American/ballet style dance routine. He used a lot of black and neon yellow with a few red items in towards the end. Check out the photos and let me know what you think of his collection. I wonder what Michael Kors would say... (Maybe he should always wear a W.W.M.K.S bracelet.).

Check out my photos to see exactly how the evening went...

Tarina Tarantino is my Hero

Back in the day when being a jewelry designer was my ultimate dream goal in life I emailed a little known designer who was living in NY with her boyfriend/business partner at the time and working out of her apartment. She emailed me back a nice little email with a few helpful tips... Sadly, I don't remember what it said or even have that email anymore but it was nice none-the-less.

As the years have gone by she has since married that guy, had 2 daughters and they have built a very successful and extraordinary jewelry line. Hello Kitty works with her and she even has her own Barbie. (Yes, I have that Barbie, like you should even ask that!!! Duh!)

The designer I speak of is Tarina Tarantino. She is my rock star of the jewelry world. I love her style, and without sounding like some crazy psycho stalker, I would love to be her! Not in a crazy wear her skin type of fashion (ew gross!) but rather in admiration for her style and success. She has taken her little jewelry line and expanded it to be quite a large business! She is even international and has 3 boutiques all of her own. All the while having gorgeous pink hair!! She is my hero! (Check out this article from Swindle Magazine on her.)

So, what has spawned this blog... Well it seems Curtsy Bella Boutique in Seattle is having a trunk show of her jewelry they they carry and I fully plan on heading over there this weekend to check it out. It will be going on the 18th and the 19th. Maybe I'll see ya there!

Happy Friday!!

Swapin' with Girl Power Hour

Tonight Urban Fashion Network hosted an accessories swap at the Girl Power Hour "Recessionista" event held at Alchemy Collections.

What is an accessories swap you ask, well, let me tell you! Here are the rules:

Step 1: Please bring between 1-5 accessories (jewelry, scarves, purses, etc) for the swap valued between $25-$50, please make sure they are items you are ok with parting with. We also ask that they be items that you think others would like as well, noone wants to get stuck with the dud item.

Step 2: Once you arrive please drop off your item or items off to the swap area and write your name on a piece of paper. If you brought more than 1 item you will need to write your name down several times on seperate sheets of paper and drop them in the bowl.

Step 3: When your name is called it will be your turn to "Shop the Swap". If you brought more than 1 item your name will be called several times throughout the event so make sure to listen for it. Fairness is key!

Step 4: This is meant to be a fun way to get rid of some items you aren't using anymore in exchange for something new! Once you have done your swapping feel free to share what you have found with the other woman at the swap! It's a great conversation starter and promotes networking! Happy Swapping!

I actually swapped some items as well (I brought some of my jewelry). I scored a beautiful rhinestone necklace that has a vintage look to it and some ADORABLE peep toe red Chinese Laundry shoes for my friend Regina. A lot of ladies wanted them (me included) but thet weren't our size. Lucky Regina!!

GPH founders, Darnell and Samantha, do an amazing job putting on these events. We all learned that Sam will be moving to Madagascar to join her fiance' travel the world. She said she finally found the "man of her dreams" and apparently they were high school sweethearts who reconnected.

She has a lovely story but you can ask her for that next time you see her. Her last GPH will be next month so make sure you attend so you can say your farewells. If you haven't met here then attend so you can atleast have the opportunity t o meet her before she moves away.

Best of luck to you Samantha, it sounds like you have an amazing journey ahead of you!

Not a Typical Wednesday Night...

If only all Wednesday nights could be this fun! Tonight was an FGI networking event held at the 24/7 staffing agency (they have an amazing space and are always so kind to us!) where local student designer, Tera Bacon showcased 7 of her designs.

The night started out with Tera being introduced and a mini Q&A with Janaea and Susan of Beauty Revolution Magazine. One interesting fact I learned that not only is Tera a designer but she also works in construction. She is multi faceted!

Tera's models came out wearing 3 beautiful dresses! I didn't take notes on how they were constructed as I was taking videos but I do remember that she said she liked to use vintage pieces she finds in her creations. The red dress was the dress she created for Project Red Dress. (Watch the videos!*)

After the fashion show ended the networking began, along with enjoying cupcakes by Wink and drinking wine. I got the opportunity to chat with several women who I have been communicating with via email - putting a face to a name makes all the difference!

Nina Ummel, the owner of Ummelina, invited us over to do a tour of her day spa and treated us all to some delicious tea created there at the tea spa. I have personally been to the day spa many times and know that it is a wonderfully relaxing experience. (They have a fantastic couples package called the Pacific Rim that I highly recommend!)

The night was a wonderful success and completely planned by FGI board member, Courtney of Half Past Lavish Events. Great job girl!! (insert standing ovation here.) ;)

If you weren't able to attend this event, don't fret, we will be having many more and I'll mke sure to notify you here and here. Hope to see you soon!

Here are some of the pictures I took at the event.

*The videos were taken on my camera so the quality and sound are not greatest. You'll get the general idea though. It's like you were there but forgot to wear your glasses and your ears are a bit plugged up. :)

"No Place Like Home" - Bouncing Wall Event

On May 2nd from 12-5pm Bouncing Wall (2225 Queen Anne Ave N.) will be hosting an in-store champagne event! Champagne you say? So there!!;)

They will be featuring 3 designers, 1 artist and donating money to a great cause! Here are all the sweet details:

Featured Designers:
Appetite, Dinah Coops, and Sweet & Cool are emphasizing home decor.

Featured Artists:
Claire Jauregui, whose painting will highlight any home.

You'll be able to save 10-15% off during the event and 5% will go to SSIA (Successful Schools in Action).

Don't forget Mother's Day is just around the corner!! Here is your chance to stock up on some great gifts for her!

Speaking about Mother's Day, here is a promotion Bouncing Wall is doing to help you honor your mom!

Bouncing Wall Presents "Simply the Best Mom! 2009"

In 100 words or less tell us what most exemplifies why your "mother" is simply the best and win a gift package for Mom! Check out what's inside:

~Hand created, functional artisan items from our featured Mother's Day local designers
~Appetite, Dinah Coops, Sweet & Cool and Clarie Jauregui

Pampering gifts from our local neighborhood Sponsors, Thank You!!!
~A basic facial from Napolitano Spa. Good at the East Lake or Queen Anne Location
~A cup of drinking chocolate and a truffle for 2 from Chocolopolis
~A complimentary haircut at 7 Salon
~A $25 Bouncing Wall Gift Certificate

Email why you believe that the moms in your lives's are the best. We encourage you to write about the times that standout, small or large, past or present. If you're like many of us, you have many types of mothers in your life. It could be your birth mother, your adopted mother, mother-in-law, or maybe you're an expectant mother-to-be. In many ways all of these types of mothers have been mentors, caregivers and friends. Please share them all with us! Email at shop@bouncingwall.com

The winner will be announced on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th.
Check out the blog for more details!

Barbie Time!

The House of Barbie in Shanghai had their grand opening (March 6th) and after looking through the photos I got a great idea for how to store my current collection of Barbies.

In the Shanghai store, there is this amazing spiral staircase encased by thousands of Barbies. Maybe someday I could steal this idea and use it in my home... A remote part of the house that is as I doubt I could convince the hubby that a Barbie staircase is a good idea... I can try though.

Hopefully, some of you remember my interview with Simon Doonan and how I briefly chatted with him about his husband's involvement in the Barbie Malibu Dream Home... Well there is a video and it's quite extraordinary!!



There are also pictures of the home. (The blonde hair chandelier is kinda of creepy though).

This is an event I would have LOVED to attend!!!

Project Runway CASTING NOW

Are you a designer who thinks they can be the next Project Runway star? If you're answer is yes then check this out!!

PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 7 IS CASTING NOW!!! Do you have what it takes to be the next hot fashion designer?

Always dreamed of showing your work on the runways of New York City's Fashion Week? This is your opportunity!

They are casting NOW! Go here for all the details! Good luck!

Seattle Fashion Week is Almost Here!

Follow my blog with bloglovin´If you are interested in fashion as much as I am then check out Seattle Fashion Week. It's several evenings full of fabulous fashion events, shows and talented designers.

Seattle Fashion Week is a 4-day event that will take place on Wednesday April 15 to Saturday April 18. Kick off party is on Wednesday April 15, and runway shows will take place from Thursday-Saturday. Seattle Fashion Week '09 will be held at Fremont Studios; a 20,000 square feet venue with top of the line technology and industry standard fashion show set ups. Estimated attendance for each day is 1,000 + people.

The event will feature up and coming designers, local boutiques and retailers, and other artists and musicians who seek exposure and community support. Designers featured in this event will vary from local independent designers, a select international designer, and a student designer. This grand 4-day event will consist of runway shows, a marketplace, live performances, sponsor booths, displays, V.I.P. parties, and more.

Seattle is a growing city that has yet to make its mark in the fashion industry. Fashion Week is active in 17 cities and Seattle is recognized as one of them. This event is not only about fashion, but a way for people to connect on both an industry and community level. Seattle Fashion Week aims to provide a solid foundation for independent designers to launch their line with the necessary tools such as exposure and the opportunity to network with other figures in the fashion industry. SFW '09 also helps bring business to local boutiques and retailers.

Notable dates during Seattle Fashion Week
- April 15th: Opening night party @ Amber
- April 16th: Independent Designer Showcase @ Fremont Studio
- April 17th: Urban Retailers Showcase @ Fremont Studio
- April 18th: Couture and Evening Wear Finale Show @ Fremont Studio

Go here for tickets!

Glamour-Tastic

I just got home from an event put on by Darnell Sue, local blogger, DJ, Girl Power Hour and now Glambassador for Glamour!

Apparently, as a Glambassador she hosts events for Glamour in Seattle to introduce new products. Man, I need to get a gig like that, it sounds like a lot of fun!

For this event, several fantastic women met to check out a new mineral-makeup product for Almay via Glamour. I thought we were just going to play around with makeup but what happened was we got free samples from Almay and basically got to network with many women of like minded interestes. The event was even catered and there was red and white wine by Kestrel Vintners. It was a lot of fun!

Several of the attendees I have met at other events but, was of course, happy to see them again! (Darcey, Sara, Jordana, Devon, Sam) Then to top it off I got to meet some new amazing women who also like to blog about fashion or were involed in it somehow (Jess, Summer, Marla, Alix and more). I was so unprepared to network (BAD TARAH!) as I had forgotten my cards. I do that all the time, so bad!! When will I learn? (I'm linking you to their blogs and websites so you too can check out these fantastic ladies. I know I didn't list everyone I met and I'm sorry for that. Please send me your websites and I'll put them up!)

My lovely friends, Melissa and Christine went with me! Thanks for accompanying me chicas!!

THE INDUSTRY is having a Sample Sale

Click on the image for all the exciting details!


www.theindustryseattle.com
www.theindustryseattle.wordpress.com

UFN Featured Designer for April

Xenia Mara is an amazing Seattle jewelry designer who recycles vintage pieces and makes new brilliant pieces that are bold and exciting. She hand-produces each item, which are one-of-a-kind.

Check out Xenia's Q&A to learn more about how she creates her one-of-a-kind pieces!

Head on over to Xenia's website to get a 20% discount for the month of April on any purchases you make. Just mention the UFN article.

Mice on Your Feet?

Has anyone seen these Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Slingback Flats? I can't say that I had until I saw them on the Shop It To Me Twitter update. They were $250.00 but are on sale for $175.00. You can find them at Saks Fifth Ave!

They are definitely quirky and different - what do you think?

I think they might be cuter if they were blue patent leather, I'm not a big fan of the designer name/logo being printed all over the fabric... (ie. Coach, Louie Vuitton, Guess, etc..)

Thank God For Vacations & Christian Louboutin!

I just got back from a week away for my step-sisters wedding in Ohio and it was a much needed getaway. I was starting to feel a bit "postal" so a week long getaway helped settle the nerves. Phew!!

My sisters wedding was very nice and I was able to see a lot of family... Some I haven't seen since I was a weeee baby...

Once thing worthy of noting here (This is a fashion blog after all) is that I finally busted out my Christian Louboutin shoes! Yes, you read that right, I actually wore them... Well, on the carpet (and a bit of dance floor) but I did wear them! They are amazing shoes but they were not built for comfort. That's not a complaint though, they looked HOT (or so most everyone told me - HAHA!).

For the whole trip only one person knew who the shoes were from just by looking at them and that was my folks neighbor who just so happens to be a fashion designer. Several folks did recognize them as Oprah's favorite shoe once I explained to them who they were from... I don't watch a lot of Oprah but I do know she wears them quite a bit. (Check out this segment she did on the shoes! It's a very interesting article!! Apparently Christian loves the trapeze and the red soles came from frustration and red nail polish...)

Here is a little video of why these shoes are amazing:


So, what do you think about all of this? Would you spend $800 on a pair of shoes? How much would you spend?

Recessionista Networking Event - April 16th

Girl Power Hour Hosts Exclusive Professional Networking Event ‘Recessionista' at Alchemy Collections in Seattle on Thursday, April 16, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Seattle, WA / April 2, 2009 – Girl Power Hour, Seattle’s premier woman’s professional networking experience, hosts the final installment of a special 4-part series called The Power Of Focused Intention with guest speaker and author Jill Keto who will offer money saving tips and discussing her book Don't Get Caught with Your Skirt Down.

Girl Power Hour occurs the third Thursday of every month for young professional women to connect and share ideas at stylish venues across town. Each event explores an empowerment theme, boasts an inspirational guest speaker and a charity connection. Girl Power Hour also offers a fun, friendly environment, swag bags, door prizes and cocktail specials.

When: Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Where: Alchemy Collection 2029 Second Avenue Seattle, WA 98121

This very special, exclusive event will host only 150 women - first come, first serve. Tickets are $25.00 online at www.girlpowerhour.com

Enjoy complimentary food and drink provided by Gourmondo, Pearl Vodka and Propel Water. The first 50 women will receive swag bags and the 50 to sign up will receive either an eyebrow consultation and wax or a 5 minute massage at the event from Radiance Medispa.

Girl Power Hour will also hold a mini-"swap" hosted by Urban Fashion Network and invite attendees to bring one viably fashionable accessory for this fun and free activity.

Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self Help), a non-profit that helps small businesses get the funding they need is the charitable partner for this event.