Trend Report

Neiman Marcus is always on top of the newest trends and today their NM Trend Report email showed up where they call out lace as "Fall's Feminine Touch".  After looking through the lace selections it was hard to not pay attention to the Red Valentino lace Juliet-Sleeve top. It's going on my "need to have" list.

A few other Fall trends worth looking out for, according to Neiman Marcus, are:

• Green


• Military Influence


• Pearls


• Feathers


• Boots


• Pantsuit


• Capes, Vests & Ponchos


• Structured Handbags


• Fur

What Fall trends are you most excited about?

Wow...

Wow is really all I can say. Tonight was so. much. fun. I just got home from the Neiman Marcus Gala in Bellevue. I had been trying to get a press pass for awhile and finally acquired one! It was worth all the email stalking!

Dawn met me at Neiman Marcus at about 6:45pm. After our media check-in we walked in to the beautiful new Neiman Marcus. I feel the need to mention that all the people greeting us and working in the store were beautiful and well styled. You know who you are Mr. "male model who I have seen before".

First thing was first, we posed for our inaugural picture taken by Team Photogenic and then we grabbed a glass of bubbly.

Oh wait, I am way ahead of myself. The clothing... It was a black tie affair so I picked out a black lace dress I bought at Anthropology years ago... on sale mind you for a ridiculously low price! I was planning on wearing my strappy satin red heels but then Dawn reminded me of "the shoes". "The Shoes" being my $800 Christian Louboutin shoes I won at Barneys... Do you remember that post? I hadn't even thought of them, shame on me, this was the perfect occasion for them. Man was she right. I fit right in! I have never seen so many high end shoes in one place... on people that is as the shoe department actually carried all the high end designers so my statement would be a lie if I didn't mention that.

Ok, so anyways back to the event... Dawn and I headed up to Mariposa's, the Neiman Marcus restaurant/bar, for the VIP party. We found a place to stand so we could people watch but it just so happened to be the perfect place for food as well. Ah the food, everything was so tasty! More champagne please!

At around 7:30, Magic Johnson (Yeah, the basketball player!) and his wife were announced (Cookie Johnson is doing a designer preview tomorrow) and then everyone dispersed into the store to mingle, eat, drink and shop.

Dawn and I carefully examined every floor, tried numerous hors 'd orderves and had another glass of champagne. We chatted with people we knew and didn't know along the way. The clothing and shoes were just amazing. If only I had an endless supply of funds to throw at Neiman Marcus, life would be good... or at least look good.

One of my favorite parts of Neiman's was their shoe department - it was like Barney's on steroids. Barney's has an amazing shoe selection of designer brands but Neimans will definitely be a rival. I guess it's good that one is in Seattle and the other is in Bellevue.

After walking around for 2 hours, we decided to call it a night... actually my feet called it a night, they felt dead, as those shoes were not made for comfort... They look hot though! We were handed an amazing gift bag as we excited - now the excitement will be "what is inside"... (The answer is a Neiman Marcus pop up book, $25 perk card and Anthousa home ambiance perfume with scent sticks.)

If you have a free moment this weekend, head on over to Bellevue to the new Bravern shops and check out Neiman Marcus - its beautiful. They officially open on September 11th.

P.S. I saw a must have for me - a GIANT book on Barbie... Ignore the fact that it was $500 (GULP!)... I just need it for my collection. Take note Santa!

Check out the rest of my pictures from the evening.

Jackie Kennedy Photos & More

This morning I got an email from LIFE.com which "features exclusive never-before-published Jackie Kennedy photos. In honor of her wedding anniversary to JFK, Editors share their favorite unpublished frames from the Camelot era."

The photos are being shown "to celebrate the anniversary of the day she became a Kennedy on September 12th 1953, LIFE presents bonus never-before-published shots from its famous coverage of John F. Kennedy’s stunning, stylish wife. See photos of Jackie taken during the couple's 10 years together: on her wedding day, on the campaign trail, and more."

The photos are beautiful! Make sure to check them out!

I have a soft spot for Jackie-O. She was so stylish and unique. I saw an exhibit at the MET a few years back which was amazing! It was an exhibit of her clothing while in the white House. Here are some of the photos from that as well.

Lastly, to top it all off, Neiman Marcus sent out an email titled: RETRO FIT: '60s polish with a twist from today. I went to their site to check out the clothing and I feel it fits in perfect with the Jackie-O pictures and her style. So I have to share it with you.

I am so in love with clothing for this era... The dresses, the belts, the coats, the accessories... Love them all!

P.S. If you like this beautiful silver coat pictured you can own it for a mere $14,650. It's a Valentino hand-embroidered coat: Silver with allover embroidery and dyed mink (Italy) collar; snap front. Long sleeves. Side slash pockets. Wool/cashmere. Made in Italy. I have a feeling I won't be getting that for Christmas...

Neiman Marcus is Opening Sept 11th!

Today it has been confirmed, I'll be able to cover the Neiman Marcus Gala on Thursday September 10th for UFN! Dawn will be accompanying me so I can take pictures and have someone to help me re-cap the event.

Not only will it be a fetching event (you like that?) but it's also for a good cause. The company will be donating all the money raised from their ticket sales to Hopelink, Overlake Hospital Medical Center and PONCHO. I have learned it is pretty much SOLD OUT!!

From what I have been reading online from a Bellevue Blog, "Bellevue's new store is the only new Neiman Marcus opening this year in the nation, and it's just the 41st store in the country. Read more about why Neiman picked Bellevue in this story by Seattle Times reporter Amy Martinez from last year. "

Also, "The Bellevue store will also feature 166 works of art from 27 artists who reside in, or have strong ties to, the area, the company says. And the Texas company appears to have noticed our passion for recycling. From the press release: "An exciting theme, 'the art of recycled material,' runs throughout the art collection. Various artists have interpreted the use of found and recyclable materials. Their unique and dynamic translations of this theme are exhibited storewide"."

Meet Manolo Blahnik

Ok no, not really MEET him in person... Neiman Marcus has posted a video of the designer on their website. Check it out!

Christmas Has Comes Early!

The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is out - check it out as they feature some beautiful items!! Can't say I expected anything different. ;)

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.

Neiman Marcus Private Sale - TODAY ONLY!!

You can save up to 30% off designer items today only... The code at checkout is PRIVATE. Plus you get FREE shipping!

Maybe I can find a new coat to replace the stolen one... (read last blog).

Happy Shopping!!!

Summer is Approaching!!

I've been on a kick to find cute skirts and shorts and wasn't havng much luck... However, this morning I opened up the Delia's magazine and found several cute skirts and shorts for very reasonable. For just $34.50 you could get several of these adorable skirts or these cute seersucker shorts:



I know Delia's targets teens but I think these 3 items could definitelly work well into your 20's or 30's. Summer is a time to wear bright colors and to show off those tan, or "fake" tan, legs. I will say I think their sizes run a tad bit small so you may wanna go up a size... but noone knows what that tag says except you!

Over the age of 35 and just not feeling my Delia's suggestions? Then check out some of the great pieces at Neiman Marcus!! For $130 you can have this lovely skirt

Or for $71 (Last Call Designer Sale) you can have this cute but simple skirt, it'll go with ANYTHING!

DKNY has these cute shorts for sale for $49.

Last but not least, Nordstroms:
I found a cute floral skirt for $51.90 (it's on sale!!). Sadly that was the only one I liked in their sale section...

Ok, well I could go on and on but I'll spare you all. Happy shopping and enjoy the warm weather if you have it!

Neiman Marcus, You Tricked Me!!

I just got an email from them that said: "FREE $25 Gift Card when you open an NM account!" I was like Yay! free $25 gift card if I just open an account, easy enough... Not so much... When I opened the email it then said "Free $25 gift card with your $300 order during your first week"

Damn! I'm not spending $300 just to get $25 off...

Sales & Email

I get alot of email from online retailers - gotta keep up with trends and that is an easy way to do it...

I decided to list some of the offers I'm getting b/c I do love a bargain!

Victoria's Secret: Free shipping & handeling with code VSSHIP or you can try their pants risk free with free shipping and returns, code NORISK

Macy's.com: One Day Sale today on their website, ends tomorrow!

Neiman Marcus: Private Shopping Event tonight, 30% off - it tells me to check my email at 4pm tonight... Ohhh mysterious! UPDATE: I got the link for the private sale Use code PRIVATE.
Also, Free shipping on any price, code FIRST

Fragments.com: Place your order by 2pm on thursday, use the code MOM and it's guarateed to get there, free of charge, for Mothers Day.

Spiegel.com: One Day Private Dress Sale

Katespade.com: I never see anything like this on her site... 10% off and FREE shipping!! This offer ends tomorrow.

That's all for now... Happy shopping!