It's Vacation Time!

Sorry friends, but I'm taking a few weeks off for a well needed vacation... So rather than keep you hanging on what's going on out there I have updated my Seattle PI blog for the entire month of September.

Please check it out as it will update automatically for you... just like magic!!

See you soon!

P.S. Don't forget to come on back here October 1st!!

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!

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.

Oh Sunday, Sunday... La La Laa La Laaa

Today was a good day, even with the snow flurries. Sunday's tend to be somewhat dreadful for me in the sense of them being the last day of the weekend. I know the next day is a work day and I'll have to go back to the joys of sitting at a desk, working. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do and am extremely thankful to be employed in this crazy time we live in... However, I do wish my Sunday's were longer.

My day started off with dropping the hubby off at work and then heading back home to do a deep conditioner treatment on my hair. Maybe not exciting to talk about but I was really excited about doing it. Something about soft hair is always a plus! I bought this stuff that was recommended to me called Hask Henna 'n' Placenta Dual-Action. Yes, I said placenta, animal placenta to be exact. The package assures me there is no animal testing or cruelty to animals ("Placenta extract, derived from animal placenta (Environmentally responsible formula), is combined with amino proteins to revitalize and protect every hair type. Cruelty free. No animal testing. Made in U.S.A.")... Still, somewhat weird sounding. It only takes 10 minutes which isn't bad. I bought another brand that takes 45 to an hour. I'll try that one another day. If you are wondering, it made my hair nice and soft and shiny and it even smelled nice... Not at all what I would imagine placenta would smell like... Ew!

After all of that I met my new friend, Maki, for noodles at Boom Noodle in Capitol Hill. I really enjoy that place and the conversation was enjoyable! It's fun helping someone learn about new things. I explained what beets were (surprisingly not easy to explain) and how to use the term "crush" as in I have a crush on him/her. She explained to me about the Japanese number system, which is still pretty confusing to me... She was even so kind to bring me an early birthday gift - thanks Maki!

The rest of the afternoon consisted of me running errands at Costco (yawn), Uwajimaya and getting bubble tea (the new flavor I tried today was Lychee - YUM! Last Sunday was Taro as I'm trying to try flavors other than my favorite, coconut.)

The rest of my evening has consisted of me updating the UFN boutique and designers listings. I am so far behind (laziness!) but finally I have caught up somewhat. Sooooo, go check out the designers and the boutiques, they've been updated somewhat. I still have a few more to add and hopefully will this week!

Ok, I am sure I have bored you enough for the evening. ;) Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Change

Yesterday I was engrossed in the inauguration which was a first for me. I have never watched one nor really cared to. Yesterday, however, I was so excited to watch it. I got a little choked up during President Obama's speech. I felt prideful yesterday and when I looked around me I noticed I wasn't the only one. (Secretly I wished we had gone to DC to be apart of it all... even with ALL those people!)

Hubby even said he got choked up several times and almost cried a bit. Don't tell him I told you that though. ;)

I know not everyone is excited for our new President but I hope those of you who aren't can find the pride that a lot of us are feeling. It feels great to feel so united to people. I am proud to be an American. :)

Ok, moving on as this isn't a political blog... So my fabulous friend from FL, Michelle, is disappointed in me at my lack of updating my blog. So this is for her! Sorry, I must claim a bit of laziness. The weather in Seattle is really effecting me this year. I've grown accustomed to the grey and drizzle in the years before but this year it's really getting to me. It's been so foggy and cold - I just want to lay on my couch, eat hummus and pita and watch TV. Sad, I know!! I love to workout too but HAVEN'T in quite sometime. Thankfully I haven't gained any weight but I haven't lost any either... ughhhh... I need some sun!!!

My day job is moving to Seattle Feb 2nd and we have a nice new gym that is free to us 24/7 so I have no excuse now. I must begin working out the day we move in. Hold me to it, I have to do it!! I have to get out of hibernation mode...

I haven't been to any recent fashion events as January tends to be pretty low key in that area. Things will begin to pick up for UFN soon. I am looking forward to fashion shows, craft fairs and the local scene. The next big event coming up though is Project Red Dress, if you're in Seattle I suggest you check it out!!

Have a great day. Don't worry Michelle, I will update more. I promise!

Something New at UFN

Tonight I started a little social networking page and would love for you all to check it out and join us in cyber space. :) See you there!!

Crazy December

I feel like I have been MIA lately... I went to TN for a few days to surprise my dad for his retirement party. That went really well as he was surprised. It was alot of fun seeing my family and friends! :)

Now that I am back home it's been hard getting back into the swing of things. I went by the Urban Craft Uprising this weekend and picked up a few Christmas gifts. Other than that, I have pretty much been in hiding... maybe hibernating would be a better word for it. I need some inspriation to get back into the swing of things as there are tons of things going on this month. Any ideas?

I've been updating the site and the calendar like crazy so make sure to check out those two places frequently!

I hope you all have plans for the holidays ~ enjoy yourselves!!

Seattle Company Picnic

I've been to lots of company picnics, but never have they been this much fun!

We arrived at the Armoury at Lake Union where many local entrepreneurs were talking to each other and they were networking up a storm. There were several vendors setup around the room talking about what it is they do and how they can help you.

My friend, Melissa, came with me to help me take notes on what was going on while I took photos of guests mingling, eating, drinking, dunking each other in the "dunk tank" (it was actually a shower tank of sorts but I was told the water was VERY COLD)... You know all the good things for a successful event. I tried my luck at the dunk tank - no good, I don't have a good pitching arm apparently.

Award time came around and guess what, we won an award - YAY! Urban Fashion Network won the Sideline Entrepreneur (who is moonlighting successfully). Thank you to all who voted for us, we are honored. Once I get the list of all the winners I will post them on here.

Melissa tells me the food was delicious, cesear salad, salmon and a roll. At the bar there was Laughing Buddah for beer and Kestral Winery had white and red wine. I had the white wine and it was delicious!

I wandered around taking photos and talking to people. A few people who were there were Girl Power Hour, Jason Levine of Perfect Pixels, Bridgette Boudreau of Momentum LifeWorks, BJ of Brunette Mix, Darcey Howard of LifeStyled, and many more!!



I feel I met some great folks at the Seattle Company Picnic and now it's time to send them emails and get connected. Happy networking!

Party Wrap-up

So, the party planning is all over and I can breathe a sign of relief. I am so thankful to all of the UFN supporters who showed up. I had a great time mingling and chatting with you all, I hope you did as well. I tried to talk to everyone so hopefully I didn't miss anyone.

The raffle was quite a success, I even won an item!!

I wanted to reiterate my thank yous to everyone who made the party happen:

A Very Special Thank You:
David Leong of Karma
Courtney Russell of Half Past Lavish Events
DJ Darnell Sue and Girl Power Hour
Goodwill and the Glitter Gala
Kimberly Arrington of Clutch
Kim Flanery-Rye and Drea Hildebrandt of Bouncing Wall
Kimberly Van Dyke of Stir Boutique
Alison Brownrigg of NWSource
Jeff Perini
Jeff of Senoj Estates
Seattle Picks
Jen Lowen
Tim Reha
Brent Van Wieringen

Plus, all the wonderful designers and sponsors who donated items for the gift bags and raffle.
Dean Zulich
Tote2Go
Coop’s Candles
Anna Perrone Jewelry
Red Delicious Handbags
La Rousse
Bunny’s Bath
Glamspoon
Sabrina Love Handbags
Gabrielle Renee Jewelry
Birna Jewelry
Crave Party
Sawatou
Revival Ink
Greenfire Candles
Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
Woodland Park Zoo
D-List Magazine
Dry Soda

We should have pictures soon - I'll post them when they are ready!

UFN on the PI

It's official, I am now a "reader blogger" for the Seattle PI - I am so stoked!!

I will still be updating this blog but I will also be updating this blog too!

I'll be "profiling regional designers, boutiques and fashion related events, with the Seattle Metro area as its main focus". Let me know who/what you want to know about. :)

Goodbye La Rousse... Well, Kinda...

Well, today I got the "official" email... La Rousse is closing September 30th. THANKFULLY, you can still shop online! It's like going to the store, but in your PJ's (or nothing at all), however you choose to do it.

When we first started Urban Fashion Network, Amanda was one of the first shop owners we met, and from the get-go she has been supportive of us and our site! She is just amazing! Thank you Amanda!

Yesterday I went to her VIP closing sale and perused the many racks of clothing. I picked up 2 LA Made items, a hot pink top and black dress. Regina, who went too, picked up 2 amazing dresses. One of which I wanted so bad but was a size to small for me. DAMN! Oh well, I told her I'd have to get down to a size smaller so I could borrow it. ;) Lucky girl.

So, you better hurry and get on down to La Rousse to pick up some amazing pieces at low low prices!! Here are the details straight from Amanda's email:

THE LIQUIDATION SALE EVENT HAS BEGUN!

* Take advantage of liquidation prices and save 50%-90% through out the store.
* Save 20% off new Fall 08 merchandise.
* After September, I will continue to maintain the online store and blog. We are getting some great new indie designers for Fall 08!
* Also, I will be taking private clients that are invited to come to my home showroom in Capital Hill to buy new and vintage items.
* When clients make an appointment, I will have a number of items pulled aside for them to make shopping more efficient.
* If you are interested in learning more about becoming a private client, please email me at amanda@la-rousse.com or call the shop 206.448.1515.

There ya have it, stop thinking about it and head on down there now!!

Something fun for a Wednesday & a Thursday Night...

I don't know about you but I tend to plan out my weeks in advance as much as possible. My little cell phone serves as my planner - THANK GOD! I'm one of those people who if I didn't write it down I would double book myself and forget where I was supposed to be every second of every day (imagine chicken with it's head cut off)... Thank God for my cell phone!

So, according to my calendar there are 2 events this week that are a must attend.

First we have the CRAVE Summer Spa Party on Wednesday at Shilshole from 6-10:30pm. (Honestly, if you need details after that title...)

Here ya go: A $35 ticket gets you: Salmon bbq, S'mores and a fab goody bag ~ Complimentary beverages by MGD 64 ~ Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over Shilshole Bay ~ How about some retail therapy, provided by local boutiques and designers?! ~ The Firefighters are coming! (Firemen!! I am sooo there!). Go here to buy tickets for this event.

The second event is the Eastside Summer Industry Mixer!

Some fabulous pals of mine are having a mixer on the Eastside for those in the design and fashion industries, it sounds like a fun event to attend! I'll definitely be stopping by with a few friends.

Make sure to bring your business cards!


Here are the details:
Eastside Summer Industry Mixer
Thursday Night, August 14, 2008
Wine Tasting, BBQ Cooking Class + Music & Networking
6pm-10pm at the Senoj Estates
Entry: 21+ID , $5 door cover. Includes free wine tasting and networking.

This is the networking event for Eastside movers and shakers in the entertainment/beauty/fashion/media/event/design industries. Come enjoy a glass of wine, catered snacks, and the opportunity to network with other Eastside Industry professionals. Go here for more details!

See you there - make sure to say "hello" if you see me! ;)

Urban Fashion Network is turning 1!

It's so exciting yet also so stressful to plan a party... Will people come? Will it be fun? The answers to that have to be yes!! They just have to be. Thankfully everything seems to be falling into place very nicely - I'm still way stressed though!!! If you see me, hug me, I need it!! ;)

Ok, so here are the details:
Location: Karma Lounge & Bistro ~ 2318 2nd Ave, Seattle
When: Friday, August 22, 6:00 - 10pm

We all need an excuse to party so why not help us celebrate our birthday with a bash. We survived the first year and it's because of all of you!

Come to Karma in Belltown for drinking, dancing, and dessert - our favorite 3 Ds! We'll have DJ Darnell Sue spinning tunes, a pink signature drink, happy hour pricing all night, gift bags for the first 50 people, an amazing raffle and some of the coolest people in town!

Tickets are $20 at the door (cash only) which includes two drink tickets and dessert! You can also buy tickets online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Several local designers and businesses have donated items for a raffle. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Seattle Goodwill. Raffle tickets will be $1 (cash only) and it will begin at 8pm.

Our featured sponsors are:
Half Past Lavish
Bouncing Wall
DJ Darnell Sue
Girl Power Hour
Clutch
Goodwill & the Goodwill Glitter Gala

Our sponsors are:
D List Magazine
Greenfire Candles
Senoj Estates
Seattle Picks
Dry Soda
Crave Party

Friends of UFN:
Seattle Picks
Dean Zulich
Urban Botanic
Coops Candles
La Rousse
Anna Perrone
Red Delicious Handbags
Bunny's Bath
Sawatou
Stir Boutique

There are more to come!! If you are interested in being a sponsor, donating to the gift bags or just being involved; shoot me an email!

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.

MySpace + UFN

Well folks, UFN officially has a MySpace page... Not sure what that will accomplish, but my goal is to reach out to people and spread the word of what it is we do. Plus meeting new designers and making friends is always a plus.

Check out our new page and add us as a friend!

It's gonna take a lot of work to update the site, update the blog and update the MySpace page (not to mention spend time with hubby, work full time, make jewelry, attend events and maintain some sort of social life)... I think I can do it though! ;) Wish me luck!!

Yay 2008!!

2007 has finally come to a close and now I am looking ahead at 2008. We are still working on the details for UFN and what is to come. We are hoping to make some exciting changes to the site and get involved in as much as we can. We'd love your suggestions for what you'd like to see.

We had such a great 4 months in 2007 and I can't wait to see what happens for us in this new year!!

I made my resolutions and I hope to stick to them! What are your resolutions? Care to share? I am hoping to get into better shape. Do another race of some sort. Do more yoga. Travel a bit more and organize my life.

My Christmas was really good. Went to Colorado to visit my in-laws. Got some snowboarding in at Breckenridge... By snowboarding I mean, boarding, falling, boarding, falling, boarding, falling... I did a lot of falling - brought home some pretty bruises. ;) I should add learn to snowboard to my resolution list as well!

Thank you to all of you who supported us in 2007. Yay 2008!!!

(The picture is of me drinking from the springs in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The water tasted like poo... carbonated poo. Pretty huh... haha!)

"You can't even spell OLD SKOOL!"

This weekend was quite a busy one... Urban Fashion Network participated in the Crave show for the first time ever. I even setup my jewelry, which was a first for me in regards to Crave as well. We had 18 vendors there under our UFN umbrella. Everything seemed to go well for the most part. We had some space issues at first but Melody of Crave was kind enough to let us expand into another 1/2 space. So we were able to spread out a bit more and give the vendors more room to sit. To see who was in the show with us go here. I also took picts at the show, they are here.

Saturdays show started out pretty slow, had a little spike in the middle of the day and then slowly died off... I wandered around a bit passing out flyer's and checking the place out. There was ALOT to do. I had my eye brows waxed for $15 (normal rate, tasted some gourmet food, sampled chocolate, drank Twist water, drank Dry Soda, tried to get a psychic reading but there was a line, shopped from many vendors, had our picture taken in the Liminist booth, watched some yoga classes, and much more...

One highlight for me was 92.5 was there and I had called a few days before to see if they'd be giving away houseparty tickets - they said yes. So I made sure to stop down there and see when. 3pm Kim told me... My cell phone alarm went off at 2:50 and I ran down there. I was the only one there until about 2:59... These women came down and I joked and said oh no, I was here first, there my tickets!! Then one of the women replied "Honey, you can't even spell old skool! and the other woman said "take off the diapers!" - yeah, it was on!! (HAHA) We went back and forth and then it came time to the questions... WE all missed the first one, I got the next one, then they asked me to stick around to help them... I gave them both the answers to their questions... Who can't spell old skool!!! I was just so excited I won tickets, I have been trying for weeks.

That night Regina, Melody and Melissa and I hit up the Emerald Queen Casino for a little Rick Springfield concert... Sadly, it was not the best show I have seen. It was my 3rd time seeing him and for $57 (way to expensive for where we sat if you ask me) I can't say I was impressed. He did some guitar solo that went on forever and then some bluesy riff and song that just didn't seem to fit... I want to hear the classics, re-live the old days, ya know... He did play the old favorites thankfully. He looked great!! Emerald Queen is not a location I like at all. After we left I forgot my coat and about 5 min later I realized it and went back - it was gone. No one has turned it in as of yesterday. I can't believe someone stole my coat. What a horrible person to steal someones coat - you know I need it! I took a few illegal picts, apparently you are not allowed but I was stealthy! I had to hold the camera up against my chest so the screen could not be seen, hence the lovely images of some ladies head...

Sundays show was busy up until about lunch and then it slowly died off through the day. I didn't sell anything all day long. All the vendors started packing up at about 5:20 but we decided since we organized all of this that we should wait and be last, you know that whole be an example type of dealio. Thank God I did wait with my jewelry b/c I had 2 large sales at 6:00ish. They made the whole weekend for me, especially b/c I had made 2 not so small purchases at the show.

I'll post some pictures tonight and hopefully can add some of our silly photos from the Liminist booth as well.

Hope you had a great weekend!

It's ALIVE!!!

Dear Fashion Friends,
The last few days have been quite hectic for Regina, Dawn and myself. We have been calling boutiques left and right trying to get the pertinent info for the site: Do you accept local artists and if so what is the process they need to go through. What are your price points. Do you have special sales or events. Etc...

Most everyone has been great and super helpful (thank you, thank you, thank you)... Some thought we were telemarketers which we had to assure them we were not. And some people, well... There are always those people out there, ya know. Our site is free, we're selling nothing. We're here to help the designers and the community. If we make a little money off our ads, great, but we're not quitting our day jobs just yet! ;)

We still have several blanks to fill in as we weren't able to reach some shops... So please be patient, the site is only going to get bigger and better.

We are still searching for more designers, boutiques and events, so send us an email if you're interested in being apart of the site. We'd love to have you!!

We are so excited the site is up and running - I can't wait to watch this baby grow!!

XOXO,
Tarah

The site is almost ready!

We are going to be launching Urban Fashion Network on August 15th with our launch party on August 22nd. Please come and show your support!

Here is the info:
Please join us for our official Launch Party at the W Hotel on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 6:30pm.

Join us as we celebrate the launch of our new site, http://www.urbanfashionnetwork.com.

We have partnered up with a non-profit organization, the Seattle chapter of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), to help them celebrate the kickoff of their "Party at the Mansion" coming up in October, which we will be involved with as well. They have been very generous to include us in this event so please come down, meet us, help raise money for a great cause, sip cocktails and mingle!

There is a suggested donation of $15 at the door. All proceeds will go to DIFFA.

Location: W Seattle 1112 4th Avenue · Seattle, Washington 98101
Time: 6pm