Fresh Friends: Clutch 22 (and a call to action!)

I met Jordana of Clutch22 early this year and she's been a force in my life ever since! She's the true embodiment of one of my favorite quotes by Madeleine Albright:

"There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."

While making a name for herself professionally in the world of (digital tech & fashion) PR, Jordie has always been willing to lend her time and energy to help her friends. She was a catalyst in driving me to take FreshJess.com much more seriously, branching out to new creative ideas and ways to differentiate my blog from other lifestyle blogs out there. Despite her recent move to NYC, she's been there to bounce ideas off of and is a constant support in my plot to take over the world :)

Jordana was featured recently in DList Magazine's Young Seattle issue as "The Blogger" and is a regular contributor to the international online community Independent Fashion Bloggers.

She needs our help in the home stretch of the America's Most Stylish Blogger competition by BlueFly.com & StyleList.com. Jordana is representing style that's made her fashion blog Clutch22.com a hit - Seattle-influenced and now with an NYC edge.

The AMSB challenge ends December 1st, and you can vote daily in the AMSB widget in the sidebar <-----
Every time you vote, you're entered in to win $1000 to spend at BlueFly.com! Check out her past outfits (w/links to her commentary) and stay tuned for her last one tomorrow. Seattle - show your girl some love and vote every day through Dec 1!

Challenge 1: The Boyfriend Vest

Challenge 2: Prada studded booties


Challenge 3: Hot Pink Mini


Challenge 4: Red English Plaid Top

Challenge 1-3: images via J. Bruner & J. Matthews
Challenge 4: image via 21 Arrondissment

Host a Krochet Kids' Give the Gift of Love party this holiday season

Krochet Kids friends & fans - this is your call to action!

This winter KKi is mobilizing people across the nation to Give the Gift of Love to Northern
Uganda.

From December 7th-14th, 2000 of Krochet Kids' famous hats will be delivered to socially minded people like you, all across the country.

During this week, find creative ways to sell these hats. The goal is to sell out in one week. And we will!

The dream behind the Give the Gift of Love campaign is to give people the opportunity to
purchase a gift this holiday season that gives twice. Your friends and family can give a hat to
someone, and that hat also gives the gift of empowerment to a woman in Uganda.

To reach this goal, think about how you can work within your community and
social networks to develop a venue where the story of Krochet Kids and its life changing
products can be shared.

The options are endless but here are a few examples:
- Throw a Sweater Party/ Information Night.
- Go Caroling with KKI Hats.
- Host a Hot Cocoa Event.
- Throw a Benefit Concert.
- Host an Art Show Showcasing KKI products.

So dream BIG!

Think you can do it? Fill out the interest form here and sign up to host a Give the Gift of Love party today. Come on - all the kool kids are doing it :)

Rords of the Froor + 2080s at The War Room - Mon Nov 23

This is going to be an epic night.

Kicking off the last week hurrahs of The War Room before it closes down permanently at the end of the month is a collabo of two of the club's best nights:


Rords of the Froor, 2080s edition
All Great Things Must Come to an End...
80's dance party where Bboy's & Bgirl's will be rockin the floor!!!
Monday November 23rd
The War Room (722 E. Pike St. Seattle 98122)
$10
RSVP here

Make sure that you dress in your 80's attire to show support for what we have built for so long.

8 teams will do one last drunken Battle for a cash prize and will be crowned the Final Champion of R.O.T.F.

9pm Sign-ups at the door spots are limited so be there early!

Though I understand that business is business and the owners are making this choice, I'm so sad The War Room is closing down. To me it's the only nightclub worth going to in Seattle anymore! Good lookin people, good lookin music, great bartenders & security, great parties...i have spent many a birthday party standing in that ridiculous line for the ladies room, wanting to puke & making friends at the same time. (gross...sorry) You'll be missed War Room!

Want a taste of what Rords of the Froor looks like? Watch this clip!


SEE YOU THERE!

i'll be here tonight! blogmeetblog at boconcept

see you there fellow Seattle bloggers!

Shop & Chill f/ SPUN & Jesica Milton at Hotel Max - this Weds Nov 18

My dear friend Sara Seumae, the force behind eco-fashion line SPUN, and local designer Jesica Milton are teaming up for a very stylish Tweetup - this Wednesday at Hotel Max!

Each season, Sara strives to bring quality organic clothing that meets her personal three F’s…it fits, flatters and is fashionable. Each SPUN piece is proudly made in the United States using high quality 100% Certified Organic Cotton which is dyed using environmentally safe low–impact fiber reactive dyeing processes.

Jesica strives to strike a balance between comfort and glamour. Luxurious fabrics are used to create flattering silhouettes with clean lines and a romantic edge. Each garment is designed to be versatile enough to mix, match, and integrate seamlessly into your wardrobe – and your lifestyle.

I met all of these talented ladies (Jen of Hotel Max included) via Twitter. I'm inspired by their passion, creativity and ambition - and how they've all used social media to grow their business. This event is just one of the many ways these ladies are thinking outside of the box to thrive. I hope you'll join me on Wednesday to preview these ladies' new collections and get a head start on your holiday shopping!

RSVP via Twtvite or Facebook

See you there!

p.s. a few avid SPUN fans!

L to R:
Valentina in olive boatneck top
yours truly in tibetan blue tank
Jen in black tank
Nadine in midnight blue cardigan

Boutique Culture Holiday Warehouse Sale - and VIP passes giveaway!

Get your holiday shopping in and score some incredible deals at the Boutique Culture Holiday Warehouse Sale!

Enjoy a chic shopping atmosphere at the Hyatt @ Olive 8, and up to 80% off men's & women's collections from over 20 local boutiques and designers, including: A to Z, Alhambra, Deco Modiste, Mapel, Queen Anne Dispatch, Sureel, Totokaelo + Impulse and my supreme love, Moksha on the Ave :)

Don't miss the VIP shopping hour(s) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.! $10 gets you into the exclusive VIP hour, featuring mimosas, breakfast and an additional 10% off the already deeply-discounted prices. Partial proceeds from the VIP hour benefit Y.E.S. / Dress for Success Seattle!

The Boutique Culture Holiday Warehouse Sale also incorporates Seattle's first major clothing swap - so make sure to raid your closet and bring along a few unwanted, gently used items to swap at the sale! For complete details & tips, visit AlixRose.com.

Boutique Culture also plans to debut the online version of the Warehouse Sale - closeout prices without fussy memberships or invitations!

And now...a giveaway!
FreshJess.com has two VIP shopping hour passes for the Boutique Culture Holiday Warehouse Sale to give to a loyal reader!

Simply follow me on Google Reader/Friend Connect (if you're not already - make sure to leave a comment & let me know you're a new reader!)
OR
Leave a comment & tell me: "What's your favorite thing about the holidays?"

The freshest reader will win these VIP passes. Giveaway ends on 12/4 at noon!


Happy Holidays!

Y.E.S. Seattle Anniversary & Annual Shopping Night at Banana Republic - Thurs Nov 12

Join me at Y.E.S. Seattle's anniversary and annual shopping event, this Thursday, November 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Banana Republic in downtown Seattle.

Enjoy 30% off all of your purchases, light appetizers & refreshments and networking with some of Seattle's best & brightest young professional women!

If you're a current Y.E.S. member, you can renew for our next exciting year. If you're not a Y.E.S. member, you can find out all of the great perks of membership and how your contributions benefit Dress for Success Seattle.

Y.E.S. is the young professional fundraising arm of Dress for Success Seattle. Being on the Y.E.S. board has been such a great experience, from volunteering at DFS and helping clients transform for their professional growth through outfit styling to making decisions that will help keep Dress for Success a viable program in Seattle. I am biased of course, but I HIGHLY recommend you attend on Thursday night and consider donating $35 to join Y.E.S!

The Y.E.S.! Seattle board
img via Jenny Billington

Blush II benefiting Y.E.S. / Dress for Success Seattle - this Friday Nov 13

Don't miss Blush II, this Friday from 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. at Spitfire Grill!

View Vantha Ry's latest collection and features from Clutch and Rockstar Jewelry.

Proceeds from the night and the auction will go to Dress for Success.

$20 general admission / $40 VIP

Get your tickets here

See you there!

Fresh Faves: Nicki Minaj

I am lovin Nicki Minaj right now!

A few weeks ago I was perusing Necole Bitchie's blog reading up on celebrity gossip when I noticed Nicki in almost every other post. 'Who is this chick?' I thought to myself. Sure enough, after reading the blog I saw her everywhere I turned and in every video I saw.

Back in the day I LOVED Foxy Brown, Lil Kim and Trina. I feel like it's been forever since a lady rapper has dominated the overwhelmingly male hip-hop scene and it's cool to see Nicki taking charge so quickly. The girl is supremely talented (watch the BET Cypher vid below), she can sing and rap (writes her own stuff), she isn't overly raunchy and she's evolving her larger-than-life persona fast. She recently signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money crew and can be found on tracks with Drake, Gucci Mane & Weezy himself.

The Jamaica Queens, NY native is African, Indo-Asian & Trinidadian. Like Beyonce and her Sasha Fierce, Nicki's got three personas that describe her style: Nicki the Harajuku Barbie (girly, cartoonish), Nicki the Ninja (lyrical assassin) and Nicki the Boss (taking over the game).

Take a look at the "Who is Nicki Minaj" interview and her Cypher freestyle below to see her crazy awesomeness for yourself. I can't wait for her mixtape!

img via HoneyMag.com

Who is Nicki Minaj?


BET Cypher at the Hip-Hop Awards - part 1



Hear her stuff at Nicki's Myspace Music page

Armani Exchange's A l X:TV

Normally I don't post a lot of the things that are pitched to me, but I've gotten a lot of great ones lately. One of them is the launch of AX:TV by Armani Exchange.

I love it when fashion marketing goes outside of the lookbook box and integrates some of the things that often go hand-in-hand with it: music, models, street style, technology, forward thinking & innovation.

Enter AX:TV by Armani Exchange. Armani's launched a video channel on kyte featuring everything from behind the scenes videos of recent campaigns, model diaries and webisodes highlighting musicians and in-store events.

AX:TV already has an impressive lineup of artists featured on its channel: Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, Rye Rye, Kaskade, Paul van Dyk and more.

View some of my favorite clips below. See the full channel at AX:TV by Armani Exchange

Tiesto @ Hammerstein


Fall '09 Campaign: Behind the Scenes w/AX Models


Armin van Buuren in Ukraine

Style Fit for a (Spartan) King: Gerard Butler in Ferragamo

Scotland. Thank you. le sigh

Gerard Butler in Salvatore Ferragamo suit & shoes. Law Abiding Citizen premiere in Oslo, Norway.

THANK YOU

and just for laughs :)

Elaia Spa presents Zavida Gemstones holiday trunk show - Sat Nov 14

Holiday trunk shows are upon us! What's better than hanging out in a spa with your friends and supporting a local jeweler? Not the mall, that's for sure!

Head to Elaia Spa at the Hyatt at Olive 8 (the only LEED certified hotel in the city) and enjoy 20% off all spa services booked while viewing the latest creations by Zavida Gemstones.

Zavida donates a full 25% of its profits to areas from which the jewelry originates, so shoppers can enjoy a gift that gives back. The trunk show will feature hundreds of Zavida’s most brilliant pieces, including:

• Variety of price ranges from $50 to $5,000
• One-of-a-kind designs including striking architectural-inspired rings, popular rough-stone druzy pieces and many other inspiring accessories
• Something for every style, from boho-chic rose-cut diamond rings, to gem-inlaid Grecian bangles, intricate filigree earrings, necklaces in gold and silver and much more!

Zavida Gemstones Holiday Trunk Show at Elaia Spa
Saturday, November 14th, 2009
12– 7 p.m.
FREE!
Elaia Spa (2nd floor, Hyatt @ Olive 8, 1635 8th Ave. Seattle 98101)
RSVP: 206.676.4500
www.elaiaspa.com
www.ZavidaGemstones.com
Cash and major credit cards accepted.
Valet parking is available at the hotel for $8/hour with validation from Elaia.

Fresh Style: Thrifty & Witchy

I don't like Halloween. I hate costume shopping, mostly because I can't find any rhyme or reason in spending cheese on something you can only wear once, on one night, then never again. I can't do it!

I do, however, love Wishpot and Hotel Max, so when they teamed up to put on a Trick or Tweetup, I was happy to oblige with the costume-preferred dress code.

Still not wanting to spend a bunch of cash, I ravaged my closet. Ideally I wanted to be Bellatrix LeStrange from Harry Potter, but I spun it to reflect my body, style and what I already owned.

Voila:

All black everything!
Leather gloves: vintage (from Lucky Vintage)
Pearl necklace: F21
Tank: SPUN
Belt: Moksha
Skirt: vintage (from Closet Treasures Sale) - worn as a tube dress
Fishnet tights
Granny boots: etsy.com find - Magpie & Birdie

Thanks to the lovely Andria Lindquist & Beauty Revolution Magazine for the pic!

p.s. I was also Amelia Earhart at work, but sadly I didn't get any pictures. It was awesome though :)

Peak Shoulders: Don't Stop Til You Get Enough!

this weekend we caught "This is It" - a peek into what was to be MJ's last hurrah. i highly recommend seeing it while it's out in theatres. you really get a sense of why Michael is such a one-of-a-kind. the magic he brings to the stage wasn't lost in the midst of all the scandal and craziness that haunted him for most of the past couple of decades!

one of my favorite parts of the movie was seeing MJ continue his streak of trend-setting jackets. throughout the whole movie, we see him donning peak-shouldered, fitted blazers - much like the ones favored by rihanna, karl lagerfeld, victoria beckham and perfected by designers like balmain & preen. one of my favorite girls, Jordana of Clutch 22, styled the puff shoulder in a recent post!

check the trailer - then view a few of my favorite variations. God bless you and your impeccable style, MJ!

Balmain Tuxedo Wool Jacket


Erin Fetherston Leather Peak Shouldered Jacket


ASOS Black Studded Power Shoulder Jacket

Preen Hawk Wool Blazer


ASOS Premium Exaggerated Shoulder Coat

PYT!!!

Girl on Top LIVE Seattle - this Fri Nov 6

Career expert, bestselling author & motivational speaker Nicole Williams of WORKS returns with her latest book, Girl on Top: Your Guide to Turning Dating Rules into Career Success. I'd like to invite all of the fabulous young professional women with brains, beauty & style to a special in-store event with Nicole - this Friday, November 6th at The Limited at Westfield Southcenter!

In Girl on Top, Williams promises to "skip the bullshit & provide relevant, honest advice you can use." Learn how to take 20 dating rules and apply them to your professional journey!
At the event, you'll get:

• the opportunity to network with other fabulous Seattle ladies
• a swag bag (worth over $500!)
• 40% on all new items at The Limited
• free Girl on Top cocktails
• career advice from Nicole herself!

Girl on Top LIVE Seattle
Friday, November 6th, 2009
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Limited (Westfield Southcenter, Seattle 98188)
RSVP here (don't forget to mention you are a guest of FreshJess.com!)

p.s. Take a look at Nicole's website also - she's got lots of great tips and articles on career, money, style, travel & living in general!

See you there!

Fresh Style: Video Vixen

So this is an iPhone pic but it's going up anyway. This is back of house at Neodandi Couture, at the Seattle Fashion TV launch party a few weeks ago. I didn't have much time between work & party - so this outfit is a good transition from office time to playtime. Thank you to the darling Nadine of A Girl's Guide to Seattle for snapping this!

The paper walls remind me of A-Ha's iconic "Take on Me" video - which 4-yr-old FreshJess wanted to be in very badly (and still does!)

a-ha - New Music - More Music Videos

silver sleeveless top: vince
pink bubble detail skirt: moksha
fishnets: urban outfitters
black peep-toes: steven
earrings & clutch: vintage

with Birdie, Elvia, & Nadine
img via Luis Ongpin

6th Annual Women in Wine - Mon Nov 9

Don't miss this evening celebrating five of Washington’s finest female vintners and their award-winning wines – selected by Master Sommelier Joseph Linder and paired with an exquisite array of hors d’oeuvres crafted by Executive Chef Gavin Stephenson.


6th Annual Women in Wine
The Georgian @ the Fairmont Olympic (411 University St., Seattle 98101)
Monday, November 9th, 2009
6pm
$35 (tax, gratuity & complimentary valet parking included)
10% of each ticket will benefit the Puget Sound Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
RSVP: 206.287.4049 or borjana.marusic@fairmont.com

Rover's special edition Julia Child menu - extended through November

Due to popular demand, chef and owner Thierry Rautureau has decided to extend Rover's five-course menu inspired by Julia Child through November. It features French classics that Child introduced to many Americans for the first time.

The menu is offered Tuesday-Sunday, $55 per person (not including tax & gratuity) with an optional wine pairing for $40.

“As a French cook and restaurant owner in the United States, Julia Child has a special place in my heart,” said Rautureau. “Her appreciation and love of French food and French food culture was not only infectious but formative for many Americans. I’d say her influence can still largely be felt today in this country’s current celebration of great food and great cooks.”

The menu: Amuse Bouche

~Salad Lyonnais: Frisée Salad with Poached Egg, Bacon and Red Wine Vinaigrette

~Potage Parmentier: Potato and Leek Soup

~Sole Meunière: Sautéed Sole Filet with Brown Butter
Or
~Boeuf a la Bourguignon: Beef Stew with Bacon, Pearl Onion and Mushroom

~Soufflé au Chocolate: Chocolate Soufflé


Reservations can be made by calling Rover’s at 206-325-7442. Space is limited. More information can be found at www.rovers-seattle.com.

Foodportunity is coming - this Monday, Nov 2!

Who can resist a night of networking coupled with some of the finest culinary artists in the city?

Frantic Foodie's Keren Brown presents the second Foodportunity this Monday, November 2nd at Tom Douglas' Palace Ballroom.

Three all-stars will share their success stories in a panel on making it in the culinary scene:
· Ethan Stowell (with four restaurants - How to Cook a Wolf , Anchovies & Olives, Tavolata and Union)
· Kurt Dammeier (Beecher's Cheese, Maximus Minimus, Pasta & Co, Bennett's Pure Food Bistro and a cookbook, "Pure Flavor".
· Tamara Murphy (Brasa and Burning Beast)

Moderated by Mina Williams, editor of the online restaurant industry magazine NorthwestStir.com.

After the talk, enjoy appetizers and networking with other Seattle food lovers. Foodportunity is open to food journalists, bloggers, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers and all food-passionate people.

Foodportunity
Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Palace Ballroom (2100 5th Ave., Seattle 98121)
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
$30 + tax (which includes bites and a glass of wine)
Buy tickets here

Win a Lucky Shops VIP gift bag from Shop It To Me

Lucky Shops is coming November 6th & 7th!

One lucky Shop It To Me member will win a Lucky Shops VIP gift bag filled with fun goodies, valued at $750! Inside you’ll find Amrita Singh bangles, Kiehl’s products, a Clu tanktop, tons of other fun beauty products and more.

To enter, just do the following:

* Visit www.luckyshops.com
* Leave a comment for Shop It To Me about what you think is the most exciting part of Lucky Shops
* You must be a Shop It To Me member to win (use the FreshJess referral code to register at SITM for free!)

We’ll pick a winner on Friday, October 31st at 5pm PST by conducting a random drawing among all comments left here.

Please note: Prize can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address.

FreshJess is a

Two great fall events benefiting Dress for Success

Don't miss these opportunities to help Dress for Success Seattle this fall!

At Clutch boutique on November 4th, bring your gently used handbags and new toiletries to donate to DFS and receive a 25% discount on a new handbag.

On November 13th, preview Vantha Ry's latest collection at Spitfire Grill. Guests and attendees of Blush II will enjoy an evening of fashion, beauty, and entertainment all to benefit Y.E.S. and Dress For Success.

Visit Seattle Boutique Blogspot for complete event details. Hope to see you at both events!

I Heart Indie Holidays premieres on the Eastside - Sun Nov 29

On Sunday November 29th, I Heart Indie Holidays 2009 will premiere as the Eastside’s FIRST Indie Holiday Craft Show. Innovative, artistic and crafty vendors from the Pacific Northwest will give Eastside visitors a shopping experience like no other.

Hosted at the Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, shoppers will be able to enjoy cocktails, a full service food menu, and a live DJ all while browsing the unique handmade goodness on display. Show opens at 11am and runs until 6pm, but get there early… because the first 25 customers get a crafty-licious holiday swag bag!

I Heart Indie Holidays made it’s debut in 2007 as a triple-threat holiday show spanning three weekends and three cities around the Pacific Northwest. After a one year hiatus, I Heart Indie Holidays is back to bring indie-fever to the Eastside!

I Heart Indie Holidays is put together by the folks at I Heart Rummage, Seattle’s longest-running, indie craft event. This holiday season I Heart Rummage and I Heart Indie Holidays will be partnering with the Bellevue Art Museum to bring in-your-face crafty demos to the BAM’s screening of the indie craft revolution’s film masterpiece, “Handmade Nation”.

So shop local and buy handmade, make this holiday season a craft-acular one!

I Heart Indie Holidays
Lake Street Bar & Nightclub, (15 Lake Street, Kirkland 98033)
Sunday, November 29th, 2009
11am – 6pm

SO FREAKING EXCITED!!!

I bought my opening night tix already. That's right. I don't play!

Watch all of the trailers here:







and just because...

Fresh Tweets: Recent Twitter Faves 10.25.09

Nike 1960 (Temporary Store in Rome) via @sneakhype

The President on the Nobel Peace Prize via @WhiteHouse

The Pension for Punishment (a study on MMA fighters' mental states) via @JoeRoganDotNet

Bloggers: Create a disclosure policy here via @CSMgmt

A Beginner's Guide to Vintage via @Queens of Vintage

A Frequent Culprit of Shoulder & Back Pain via @Peegj

11 Productivity Tips that Creative Types already know via @LifeStyled & @DanielleLaPorte

Rihanna Does Paris Fashion Week via @YuliZ

Dress for Success: Program equips women w/professional attire & more via @NWJobs

Managing Social Media with a System via @Shih_Wei & @DuctTape

Fresh Faves: English Relics. Yes Please.

I think I discovered English Relics from a recent post on Kingdom of Style. I'm enamored. I have a really soft spot in my heart for ancient Greece & Rome, and medieval anything!

Designer Peter Leathers and business manager Angela Thompson share my love for antique artifacts. English Relics was born from their vision of fusing modern high-fashion jewelry with Roman, medieval, Viking & Tudor pieces. Each piece is original and unique - so you can be sure to stand out in a crowd and know that you alone are wearing that piece of history!

Please get in my jewelry collection right now!

Sun Mount Snakeskin Cuff

Heart-Shaped Mount Belt

Regency Bronze Goddess Mount Necklace