Slacker...

Yes, thats me... I have been such a blog slacker for the last few days. I started a new job and have been busy devoting all my energy to that. I promise to get back into the swing of things eventually.

My new job is really interesting. I am the assistant buyer for a new private sale website called Zulily. If you have kids, want kids, or even like them you should sign up! It's free!

We are busy getting everything ready for launch so stay tuned - it's going to be exciting!!

De-Cluttering My Life... FINALLY!

Since Christmas has come and gone and I have gotten more stuff, I realized it's time to purge the things I have just sitting around not being used for anything. For some reason I like to buy things and not use them... Must be some weird disease or something as I do it often. NO MORE! For 2010 I want to have less stuff and only buy with purpose.

I have been trying to take pictures of some of the items that maybe I can sell, pocket change is never a bad thing! However I have tons more to donate and give away. So, if you are interested in any shoes, belts, handbags, etc check out my pictures. Just shoot me an email if you see anything you are interested in.

Pictured here is a Coach handbag up for grabs... interested? It's never been used.

Check out the pictures, more will be added as I go through all my stuff.

Off Topic...

Just wanted to share... Just got my pre-order of Battle Studies and super thrilled to listen to it... If you like JM, enjoy the photo!! You're welcome! ;)

Today was my lucky day...

This afternoon I dropped off a pair of jeans at Nordstrom to be patched and just so happened to see a rack of premium denim on sale (I had no idea that stuff EVER went on sale - YAY!). I peaked over and saw the exact pair of jeans I purchased for FULL PRICE a few weeks ago (the blog post all about it). I asked the sales woman if they did price adjustments and she said "of course". I assumed I had to bring them in with my receipt but she said nope, they could look it up with my card right then. She took my card, swiped it and then suddenly I was credited back quite a large sum, large enough I could have almost bought a second pair - I was thrilled!!!

Thank you Nordstrom for being so amazingly awesome!

Shopping Spree

Yesterday my friend Regina and I went to the DFS Closet Treasure Sale at the YWCA downtown and we both only found a scarve each. It was pretty busy and we just weren't in the mood to skower the racks... I had found a cute Banana Republic coat but a button was broken and a seam was coming out and it was listed for $30 - that was more than I wanted to spend for a coat I'd have to perform surgery on. Shoe wise I didn't see anything I needed but there were tons of women with arm loads of clothing and shoes. A definite success for some! I did enjoy the little breakfast of croissants, fruit and OJ. (There was more but those were my highlights)

After the sale we headed down to Nordstrom to try on designer jeans in preperation for the Jean Warehouse Sale that is coming at the end of the month... Our plan backfired as we both walked away with a brand new pair of fancy jeans. I can't say I am sad about it though because I'm excited about my new pair of Hudsons. Regina was thrilled with her new Citizens of Humanity.

After lunch we both went on our seperate ways yet my shopping trip continued... I headed to Northgate planning to just go "look" and kill some time before my movie date with myself. I had seen this pair of boots at Target of all places that were pretty cute and just $34.99. I headed over to Macy's to see what they had and honestly the Target ones were equally as cute and more than half the price. My oddest find was a maternity shirt I bought to wear as a dress - that may sound weird but it really is cute as a dress, I tried it on, I swear. One good thing about buying it was I was able to buy a small since I am in no way preggers. :) I do love Target as you can find some great pieces to mix in to your everyday attire and you'd never know they were from Target!

I headed back to the Northgate Mall and decided to wander a bit more. I found some cute leggings and tights and even bought a Christmas present for my sister-in-law. At about 7:50 I darted out (literally) and headed to the movies - saw "Whip It" - great movie!!

It was a good day!

Tights, Part Deux

When I become obsessed with something I beat it to death... I know this about myself. If you read my last post about tights you know I'm on a mission for cool tights since returning from Japan.

Last night I was getting my hair done and flipping through magazines. I was reading the October issue of Elle and saw the coolest tights on one of the models somewhere towards the back of the magazine. They were sort of a lavender color but had vertical stripes of gold and pink and maybe blue (if I remember correctly)... they sound summery, I know, but they weren't at all. They were more Fall tones of those colors, if that even makes any sense. They were listed at $16.99. Not great but not terrible. I flipped to the back of the magazine to find out where to buy them and recited it over and over to get it in my memory, Emilio Cavallini.

Once I got home I looked up his website and sadly they were nowhere to be found. I have searched online under his name, I have searched Elle's site... I need to grab that magazine so I at-least have a picture of them. (Anyone have it and could snap a picture for me by chance?) I clicked on Customer Service and sent them an email... Hoping for a happy ending, stay tuned!

P.S. I might add you should check out his website as he has some really fun tights and socks!

My Inspiration for today...

Tonight I went to see Julie & Julia and found it oddly inspirational and relatable (is that a word?). For those who haven't seen it, it's about a woman trying to find something for herself to be passionate about. She doesn't love her job and she feels she never really finishes anything. The one thing she loves to do is to cook. She decides to cook her way through Julia Child's cookbook and blog about it. (Here is the actual blog).

I love this story, I love it so much! I love that this woman decided to write a blog about something she loved and found her inner writer and ended up writing a book once her blog was noticed and now it's a movie. She took something she loved and it became a career for her.

I used to really want to be a writer when I was a kid. I wrote lots of mystery stories, they probably were terrible, but I enjoyed it. (I wonder if my mom still has those...) I also drew house layouts becuase I wanted to be an architect but I believe that desire faded away... but who knows, maybe it's laying dormant somewhere deep down. I am not considered a writer, I have not been trained as a writer, I can't spell all that great and I think I make up words (see first paragraph). Does that mean I can't be a writer? No, I don't think it does.

It makes me think about that big question that arose many times when we were younger, and for some of us maybe even recently... "What do you want to be when you grow up?" By day I am a designer and I actually enjoy pushing pixels around in Photoshop, it's fun, I like to design and make things... But then I also love writing my blogs and working on my UFN website. I love the local designers and boutiques and want to help them anyway I can... However, those last two things fall more into the hobby category as they don't pay the bills. Maybe someday, still trying to figure that one out.

So, what am I rambling on and on about? What is my point? Well, honestly I don't know. How did you figure out what it was you wanted to do with your life? Are you doing it? If not, what would you want to do?

Now here is one way I can relate to Julie... For quite awhile she felt she was just writing to noone, and maybe I am, but if you're out there I really would love to hear what you have to say. (Dad, I know you're out there and THANK YOU for that! And a BIG thanks to those of you who do comment and come back to see what is going on here, you rock!) ;)

Go see the movie, it's cute!

Ok, I'll end this post with a "Bon Appetit".

Old Navy Flip Flops Just $1!

Just an FYI: Old Navy will be selling their flip flops for $1 on Saturday May 23rd! They are the best flip flops to just throw in your bag and go to the beach... or use for the gym shower... or after a pedicure... Seriously, a $1? That is awesome!!

I want a pink pair, blue, green, black, orange.... You get the idea!

Here Comes 2009!

It's so crazy to think it's going to be 2009 in several hours. I remember thinking when I was a kid that in the 2000's we'd have flying cars and life would be like the Jetson's. We are definitely more advanced than we were in the 80's and 90's but sadly not Jetson like... Maybe in the year 3000 but then again I won't be here to see that... Unless of course I go sign up for cryogenics and freeze myself along the way. Nah!

2008 was a good year for me!
- The hubby turned 34 and I turned 31 (I got to see my first drag show for my big day!).
- Traveled home to see family and friends and reconnected with my adorable cousins.
- I went to NY with friends (saw Xanadu, had tea at The Plaza, attended the St. Patrick's Day Parade and much more).
- Saw the Dalai Lama speak at Seahawk Stadium
- Went on a road trip with hubby and checked out some cool cities in Washington.
- Had several friends get married in WA and CO.
-Celebrated friends and family members birthdays, one memorable b'day included an 80's party that lastesd all weekend!
- Urban Fashion Network turned 1. We attended some amazing events and met some great people along the way.
- Participated in my 2nd Danskin Triathlon. Ran the Vancouver Half Marathon.
- Went on a wine/biking trip with friends in Walla Walla.
- My dad retired after 40 years of working - lucky, lucky guy!!

Plus there were so many great days with friends and family in 2008! I can't wait to see what 2009 has to offer!

Have a happy new year - stay safe out there!

Holy Snow, Batman!

Things have been quite crazy in sunny Seattle lately... oh wait, not sunny but SNOWY! We're not a city that gets a ton of snow usually but we have been getting dumped on for over a week or more.

We have more than 6-8" in my neighborhood alone and I live on a hill... They have closed most of our roads and now they have been turned into sledding hills for kids (and adults). I have yet to get on the sledding band wagon... Maybe I will eventually. I have no sled but I did see pictures today of people in laundry baskets so I may give that a whirl.

Since I'm not skilled in the art of driving in snow and ice the hubby has had to drive on the few times we have ventured out. Cabin fever has set in as not much venturing out has occured. I did catch a bus downtown today (took 50 min to show up after very slowly walking downhill to catch it) to see a movie and then had to walk most of the way home until Jupe, Frani and I flagged down the first bus we saw. Thankfully he stopped and let us get on. That would have been a brutal walk as we had quite aways to go...

My companies Christmas party was last night and we figured we would try and get there (free food and booze)- we made it thankfully. It continued to snow many inches while we were there. Not many people showed up but I will say I had alot of fun with those who did show up and with the duelling pianos that they had as entertainment. I sang my little tone def heart out. I even got one of the guys to bust out a little John Mayer (yay!). Plus they sang "Jesse's Girl" by Rick Springfield. (He is another crush of mine that dates back to when I was 12, plus I've had the pleasure to meet him!)

It appears we'll be having a white Christmas in the NW and a few more days of working from home. Stay safe to all of you out there dealing with snow and bad drivers.

Funny for the Day

I just got an email from Galactic Boutique in Capitol Hill today with this image that made me laugh (it doesn't take much, people).

If you're not familiar with them they are a shop that sells really eclectic items. Here is how they describe themselves: "Located between Downtown Seattle and Its Glamorous Capitol Hill shopping district, the GALACTIC BOUTIQUE: STORE AND GALLERY is a fully armed and operational intergalactic shopping experience serving the many faces of modern design: from Retro-kitcsh and Space-ship-chic all the way to the Global Underground. Create luxurious interiors with scented candles, romantic votives, and synthetic botanicals. Organize your home with space-saving furniture and colorful kitchenware. Host a sexy party with sleek barware and dinnerware. Cover your walls with a variety of affordable art. Treat yourself to a spa experience with handmade bath and body care form massage oils to sugar scrubs. Dress yourself up in future urban fashion with t-shirts, skirts, panties and wallets made by independent designers from all over the Galaxy."

It's a fun shop to look around and you'll surely find something that will make you giggle or you'll find that "I just have to get this for (fill in name here)". ;)

Holiday Gift Ideas

I was reading NWSource today and Alison wrote a great article about some holiday shopping ideas. Make sure to check it out! She lists some really great ideas from local boutiques for men, women and kids that won't break the bank.

I have also been compiling a list of local designer items for under $25. It's a list that is still growing so check back often!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! :)

Wode Scent Paint - Wacky or Cool?

If you happen to be in NYC today you can stop by Project No. 8 (138 Division St., b/t Orchard & Ludlow Sts.) and pick up a bottle of Wode Scent Paint. It apparently starts selling today from what I understand. What is it you ask... Well, let me tell you.

From Daily Candy NY: "Fashion label Boudicca unleashes perfume graffiti meant to be sprayed aggressively (not spritzed). Cobalt color disappears without a trace in moments — leaving behind the scents of tuberose and clary sage."

I went to check out the website and it immediately launches a movie of a women being sprayed with it and basically rubbing it into her neck as we watch it disappear. If you watch it at work you may want to let your co-workers know it's not porn - it appears as if it could be going in that direction but I assure you it isn't. (You can skip the movie altogether if you want by the "Skip the Movie" link in the top left).

If you're not into the whole blue paint aspect they do sell it in clear too, it just has a higher concentration of fragrance. I may need to swing by Barneys in Seattle and see if they carry it - I want to smell it.

Do you remember those trick pens that would shoot out blue ink on people and then it would disappear? This reminds me of that... I wonder if it's the same but with scent added... Hmmm....

So, what do you think? Wacky or Cool?

Halloween is Almost Here

If you are in Seattle and looking for something to do for Halloween then here are a few options:

1. Interested in a Halloween costume dance party? Attend the Boo Costume Extravaganza at Fremont Studios.

2. Feel like joining in on a good cause? How about the Black Cat Affair - Halloween fundraiser? "Halloween celebration with a fortune teller, DJ, drinks, and a chance to win a Nintendo Wii, costumes required, cash bar; all proceeds go to Animal Talk Rescue shelter for homeless, neglected and abused pets. No one under 21 years old will be admitted."

3. Looking for some halloween hoopla with tons of people? Here is info on the Hollywood Nights Halloween Party: "Two rooms of entertainment, theme decorations, psychics, a gigantic costume contest (Grand Prize $1000 cash) and a mix of activities for everyone."

4. Want to see a scary movie? Check out Freaks at SIFF Cinema.

5. Not into going out? Then just stay home and watch scary movies while handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. There's nothing wrong with that! (This is what I am hoping to do... there is just something about working all day and then staying out late. Sometimes I just enjoy staying in and Friday's are usually great nights for that... USUALLY I said!)

I'd love to know what you plan to dress up as... Leave a comment, if you dare!

Have a happy (and safe) Halloween no matter what you do! :)

My Hubby is Famous!

Ok, this is not fashion related but the hubby was on the news tonight so I wanted to share! I recorded it off the TV so it's not the best quality... Plus, I didn't record the whole segment, just his part.



Enjoy!!

Wacky Fashion...

You know what... Just the other day I was walking around downtown wishing that my dress would transform into a chair and allow me to cop-a-squat in the middle of the sidewalk for about 5 seconds. Sadly, that wasn't a possibility... UNTIL NOW!!



Here are some more wacky items from Popgloss.com:
Fish Flip Flops
Condom Necklace/Ashtray
Fish Bowl Handbag
High Tide Heels
Monster Sweater

For more weird items just go here!

I Tri'd and Finished!

No, that's not a spelling error, today was the Danskin Triathalon (or Tri as it is also called). Regina and I have been training for awhile for it but honestly not as hard as we did last year. We knew what to expect, whereas last year we were scared to death of the unknown.

I was feeling pretty good and was ready for it... but as soon as I got in the water I had a mini freakout . I had trouble focusing and there were so many people around me, I just couldn't get into a rythmn. I contemplated swimming over to one of the cutie guys on the surfboards and asking for a quick escape. Thankfully I didn't and I did indeed make it through the swim. Sadly it took me almost 5 minutes longer this year than last (ouch!)... I did better this year on the biking and run, so that made me feel good.

The Danskin is a very uplifting race - the thousands of women around you are really supportive and you hear alot of "Go girl", "Almost there!", "You can do it", etc... It energizes you.

Crossing that finish line though is the best for 2 reasons. 1) I'm done! and 2) I did it! (I may be done with Danskin for awhile, on to something new... Maybe the STP will be next. Who knows!)

I know this isn't fashion related so let me try and make it sound fashion-y. I was sporting some lovely tri shorts in black and a bright blue sport tank from a local "boutique" called REI. For swimming I wore a baby blue swim cap - ohhh, ahhhh... Regina wore a lime green one. Very chic! ;)

Thanks to all of you who offered up some kind and supportive words before and after the race - It always helps!

Happy Birthday Birna!

Yesterday was the birthday of one of my favorite local designers - Birna Sigurbjornsdottir! I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday and share with you all her amazing jewelry. I met her at our very first UFN outting, she was so kind and friendly. She even let us take pictures of her jewelry so we could use it in our website design. Birna has come to be a friend of all of us and it's always exciting to run into her at events.

She is also the Urban Fashion Network featured designer for August, check out her Q&A!

Thanks for your support Birna and happy birthday to you!!

Neil Patrick Harris is one funny guy...

I just saw this commercial today and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Neil Patrick Harris is awesome. After this you should check out Dr. Horrible's Singalong Blog - it's from Joss Whedon and Neil plays Dr. Horrible. I just LOVED it!!

Old Spice Commercial:


Dr. Horrible Trailer:


Did I mention it's a musical? Here is a song from Act 2.


Enjoy!

Sorry, not fashion related but definitely enjoyable and worth sharing! ;)

Happy Belated Birthday America (and Tim)!

Wow, the weekend flew by way to fast! Hopefully you all had a fabulous 4th of July weekend and were able to spend some quality time with friend and family.

My day job gave us Thursday AND Friday off so I had lots of time to relax and enjoy the Summer weather. Woohoo!

Thursday, after spending most of the day doing stuff around the house, I ventured up to my local Tully's coffee shop to meet with Cory who has started a new website called stylescout.com. It seems like it will be a really fun place to go and discuss fashion with other like minded people and local boutiques. He setup an invitation code for UFN readers – it is UrbanFashion. It will work for anyone that visits stylescout.com and creates an account. Go check it out and let me know what you think.

After that I headed to a yoga class with my boot camp group and got all kinds of stretched out. Man, I need to do more of that! We tried to then eat at Bamboo Garden... Closed... Then Sushi Land... Closed... What the *&@#! I had no idea some restaurants closed early on July 3rd... We finally found a place open, Tup Tim Thai.

Friday was July 4th! We had a few friends over for BBQ'ing and socializing. Then we headed over to Geoff's boat to watch the fireworks on Lake Union. It was a really enjoyable time!

Saturday was pretty low key. Nothing worth writing about. Sunday I woke up and went to boot camp with Regina and Melissa... although I wasn't feeling real well so I did, like, woosie boot camp... When I got home I started to ache all over, my throat hurt, my head hurt, I had a temperature... I was coming down with the flu. I started taking emergen-c and trying to get myself medicated but I just felt worse and worse. It was a pretty miserable day.

I still didn't feel well on Monday so I stayed home and rested. Regina dropped off Back to The Future, that made me feel a little better. ;) I had so much free time I watched all the little commentary tidbits on the DVD. Did you know that Eric Stoltz was the original Marty McFly?!



Oh, and by the way, I found out yesterday my dog, Scooby, is in the running for the NWSource Pet Photo contest - please go vote for him here (he is on the 2nd row, middle picture). You can vote everyday if you want!! Reagan (our other dog) won last year and it's about time Scooby wins something - he is tired of her strutting around all the time... He'd love your support. :)

Ok, enough of my ramblings... Go enjoy the day!