New to Seattle: The Neil George Hair Collection

I am always trying out new products because let's be honest I am a lover of product (product whore if you will). Hair care is very important to me!


I was recently introduced to a haircare line new to Seattle called The Neil George Hair Collection which came straight to us from Beverly Hills. I love the smell of it (smells are a HUGE deal for me) and the conditioner makes my hair feel so soft. The line is now available at Illustrated Salon Spa. Their prices range from $20 - $42.

I am currently using the orange blossom shampoo and conditioner. The instant repair deep conditioner is also fabulous!

Their line of products are exclusively available at Illustrated Salon Spa
7900 East Green Lakes Drive North
Seattle, WA 98103
206.524.0070

Save the Whales by Shopping April 25th

I just got this info in my inbox and it sounds like a good reason to shop!

SAVE THE WHALES BY SHOPPING!
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2009
Hours: All day; see www.buffaloexchange.com for local store hours
Location Name: BUFFALO EXCHANGE
Address: See www.buffaloexchange.com for your nearest location (36 participating stores)
Cities: Nationwide, in 13 states
Cost of the event: Free

Event Description:
Save the whales while shopping for hip used clothing at a bargain! In celebration of Earth Day, all proceeds from Buffalo Exchange's Dollar Day Sale benefit The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation's largest animal protection organization. All sale items offered for one dollar each at your local Buffalo Exchange on April 25 will go to the Save Whales-Not Whaling campaign of The HSUS and its international arm, Humane Society International. Earth Day benefits at Buffalo Exchange stores have raised nearly $249,000 for environmental causes since 1997.

"Save the Whales" isn't just a slogan. It's the goal of the Save Whales-Not Whaling campaign. It's hard to believe, but there are countries that still want to kill whales. There's simply no need. Not only does whaling pose devastating threats to whale populations, but it is extremely cruel. HSUS/HSI arms pro-whale countries with the legal and scientific arguments they need to be able to stop the slaughter in their waters, and faces opponents at the International Whaling Commission meetings, where the fate of whales is debated and decided. HSUS/HSI work to enforce the policies that protect whales, and reverse the cruel policies of some governments that would end that protection.

Buffalo Exchange is a sustainable company that works to protect the environment by reusing and recycling clothing. Buffalo Exchange donates to local nonprofit agencies in the community through its Tokens for Bags(r) program, which has generated over $300,000 for hundreds of nonprofits since 1994, saving 6 million bags. Shoppers are encouraged to accept a token instead of a bag for purchases, and Buffalo Exchange donates five cents to a charity of the customer's choice.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. Humane Society International (HSI) is the international arm of The HSUS. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org and www.humanesocietyinternational.org.

Buffalo Exchange is unique because clothing and accessories are bought, sold and traded directly with store customers. Used clothes can be traded for any item in the store, including jewelry and brand new clothing. The ever-changing inventory includes designer wear, basics, vintage, jeans, leather and one-of-a-kind items. As of March 2009, the resale clothing store chain has 34 stores and 2 franchises in 13 states, with $56.3 million a year in sales. The resale clothing store chain celebrates 35 years of business in 2009.

For more, visit www.buffaloexchange.com and www.myspace.com/buffaloexchange.

CONTACT: Amanda Balamenti / Marketing Assistant / Buffalo Exchange / 520-622-2711 / abalamenti@bufex.com

FashionEthic.com is having a SALE!

One of my favorite online, local, eco friendly boutiques is having a 50% off sale! YES, 50%!!! You read that right!

Fashionethic.com is have a Spring cleaning sale! Enter Promo Code 'SPRINGCLEAN' at checkout for 50% off your purchase of $30+. Discount does not apply to shipping, tax, or gift certificates. Expires Fri. April 3.

I have already stocked up and now I am just waiting for the mail man to come a knockin'...

Wanna know what I got... Well, I'm going to tell you anyways!

Two wrap dresses, one black and one blue.
Organic Cotton Cowl Neck Top
Organic Cotton Boatneck Top
Organic Cotton 3/4 Top
Organic Cotton Ribbed Tank

A few of the items I got at the Green Festival (as you may have read in my weekend post) but I purchased two of the shirts that I wished I had gotten but didn't... When I saw the sale it was sign I had to get them. ;)

By the way, all the items are from SPUN.

The Weekend Update

Friday felt like it took FOREVER to get here so by the time it finally arrived I was so happy to know the weekend was within reach.

Friday night was date night for hubby and I. We went to our favorite Italian restaurant and then went to the Cinerama to see Watchmen. It was a good movie but in the middle of the movie I turned to hubby and said "How long have we been in here?" It just seemed to go on and on and on...

Saturday was a relaxing day of sleeping in and catching up on a few TV shoes that had been recorded. I did manage to get downtown for a bit by then rushed home to get changed for the Blush Trend and Beauty Event (which was sponsored by D List magazine and LBD Events and Productions) at Ascada in lower Queen Anne (621 1/2 Queen Anne Ave N). My friends, Melissa and Regina, accompanied me. But first we enjoyed some sushi at Shiki, always delicious!!

The Blush event was a really enjoyable way to spend a Saturday evening! I have never been to Ascada but now will be going to try it out as it's a cool place. There was a VIP reception where gift bags were handed out and after checking one out discovered they were packed full of goodies! They even came with a cupcake from Wink (which are AMAZING!!).

The place got packed pretty quickly with a fashionable dressed crowd. I saw some really adorable shoes on some of those girls! Especially Vantha Ry's (the featured designer), she had these great silver sparkly platform heels. I should have asked here where she got them - they were sassy! (Update: they were also by Report and Report Signature)

The fashion show started at about 9:30pm and Vantha showed 12 looks. Her mom and grandma were even present. Her mother sews all the clothes Vantha designs. Her clothing line is for the petite woman (Sadly, not me). "It’s a clothing line designed for women who stand 5’4” or under—where overwhelming large prints, extremely long hemlines, and unflattering styles don’t exist - Vantha Ry is a clothing line for the woman who wants to make a large impression in the world."

All the handbags seen in the show were from Clutch and the shoes were by Report and Report Signature. (check out the brown thigh high boots, they are HOT!) We had a really enjoyable time at this show, I look forward to the Blush 2! (Thanks Audrey for the invite!)

Make sure to check out the photos I took of the event!

Sunday turned out to be a busy and odd day. I started out the day with a quick 2 mile run around my hood. Then I headed down to the Green Festival to visit SPUN (which I proceeded to stock up on 2 wrap dresses, a boat neck tee and tank top), then I wandered around checking out the other vendors. I even ran into a few I knew (Hi Tara of Revival Ink)!

After the festival, I hopped a bus to "head over to REI" and ended up getting lost in Capitol Hill... apparently I went to far. Thankfully I made it back downtown and over to my 2:15 facial at Spa Noir with a few minutes to spare.

After my WONDERFUL facial I headed down to the ID for my favorite Sunday activity with Melissa, bubble tea! Then to wrap up the day I went back to the bus stop, where I accidentally walked up on some random guy peeing on the garbage can (he looked like a somewhat normal guy too... so gross! Don't touch the garbage can at 5th and Jackson!). In my opinion the bus couldn't get there fast enough!

Now that I am safe at home I must reflect on this weekend and just say it was actually a fullfilling and enjoyable weekend (random peeing guy and all). Don't get me wrong though, I am not ready for work tomorrow!

Hope you had a great weekend too!

Latest Happenings...

Sorry it's been a bit since I last posted a blog. I've been busy-ish...

One noteworthy event was the re-opening of the Crocodile. Hubby and myself met up with the Matt and Kelly (our in-laws) for the re-opening private party. Matt got us on the list so a huge thanks for that!

The new Croc looks alot better. You don't feel as if you're in a fire trap anymore. The layout is much nicer but it still has that dive feeling, and I mean that in a good way. There is a Via Tribunali in the back where they were cranking out pizzas for the party. One place I ment to visit but did not was the bathroom... For all who have been there know the horror that was the bathrooms. Sorry but I can not report on how they looked, one can only assume they are better though! I took a few pictures but haven't been able to upload them yet... Will do that soon. Oh and the evil pole is gone! :)

On another topic: fashion events are starting to pop up more now as Spring is here. I will have more to report soon as the Blush event is this weekend and I'll be there! Check out the UFN calendar as I've posted many events that sound like alot of fun!

Name Your Dream Assignment

My photog friend, Renee, has entered a photo contest called Name Your Dream Assignment and needs your votes!! Here is the info:
"I'm entering this photography assignment contest - the winning idea gets $50K to implement it! Here is mine:

I will set up a nonprofit to bring photography to needy children across the globe in attempt to capture our world through their eyes. As I travel, I will seek to capture the essence of their cultures, people, and landscapes.

My dream assignment is directly inspired by the movie, Born Into Brothels and founder of Kids with Cameras, Zana Briski.

I would like to either set up my own nonprofit like Kids with Cameras, or work in conjunction with Kids with Cameras to travel the globe and work with children in need, giving them cameras and showing them the importance of their perspective on life. I would myself be photographing select children from around the globe that participate in the program, their families, cultures, communities.

VOTE FOR ME by clicking this link and then clicking on "PIC IT" to pick my idea! Please forward on to your friends - the top 20 most voted on ideas will be reviewed by the judges. I want to make at least top 20 to see if the judges will pick it!"

Now get on over there and vote!! :)

Simon Says...

Tonight was the Simon Doonan shoe event at Barney's New York and I was lucky enough to be invited to cover the event for the UFN blog.

I arrived a bit early to take some pictures and chat with Simon. I was greeted by the uber friendly staff as soon as I walked in. One of the sales associates, Kyle, gave me a quick tour and introduced me to several people (Thanks Kyle, you are a sweetie!).

Once Simon arrived, store manager Anne Smith introduced me to him and I was able to actually do a quick interview. He is very witty and ever so stylish in what he says and wears. I was definitely "schooled" on several fashion related people (see influences below) and terms. He would be a wonderful fashion sensei; "shoes on, shoes off". Teach me oh wise one! ;)

First off, I asked him who or what has influenced him as he is not only the Creative Director for Barney's but he still enjoys doing their window dressings (which is where he got his start). He states movies as a big influence for the Barney's ads and style. But states surrealism and fluxes as his inspiration for window displays. As far as people; Daphne Guinness and Diana Vreeland were two woman to add to the list of influences and names to know.

Fluxes you say? Well for those of us who do not know what that means I have looked it up for you: "Fluxus—a name taken from a Latin word meaning "to flow"—is an international network of artists, composers and designers noted for blending different artistic media and disciplines in the 1960s. They have been active in Neo-Dada noise music and visual art as well as literature, urban planning, architecture, and design. Fluxus is often described as intermedia, a term coined by Fluxus artist Dick Higgins in a famous 1966 essay."

Simon's favorite part of his job is "absolutely still window displays" he cites they are very forgiving and he likes that. The least favorite part of his job used to be when he had to perform reviews and negotiate salaries for employees, etc. Thankfully he has moved away from that and focuses more on the creative side of things.

Then I brought up a serious question: how is Barney's is dealing with this sagging economy. Simon says they will be sending out a new mailer soon with the theme of "Dare to be Different". They want to remind people to be "fashion daredevils". Fashion is a form of expression and should be used that way. Barney's is all about self expression and that should be emphasized. Shoes are a great example for this as he feels they have become so "demented, crazy and fabulous". You really can express yourself just by the shoes you wear! "Shoes have become coo coo for cocoa cocoa puffs!" (I loved that statement!)

That leads us into the whole reason we were all there, the Simon Doonan shoe event.

It was a fun and energetic event. Many woman tried on shoes, myself included, and it's odd how a fabulous pair of shoes can get you chatting with random strangers... There were a lot of "Those are so beautiful" "I love those" "They were made for you" and so on... I had been eyeing the bright blue Manolo Blahnik that was in the Sex & the City movie ever since I arrived. I finally tried it on and actually got to jump up and down in it when my name was called as one of the 5 winners of the shoe drawing. I couldn't believe it!

The 5 winners were shown a list of 11 vendors with different dollar amounts. The 1st winner picked any shoe from one of the vendors, then the 2nd winner picked from the remaining and so on... I can't believe I was 3rd and was able to get the Christian Louboutin shoes. I had $1000 to spend on a pair and I picked the one I wanted with no hesitation.The selection of shoes there is extraordinary. It was basically a giant candy store!!

It was such a great event. Winner or no winner, I had a wonderful time and met some amazing people. Thank you Barneys and Simon for such a fun event.

Check out my pictures from the evening!