DELI Seattle + Beta Unit present The Butcher Shop

I LOVE it when indie stores go outside of the box and do something a little different. Staying within the delicatessen idea, DELI Seattle is collaborating with California-based BETA Unit to produce "The Butcher Shop!"

The Butcher Shop is a contemporary take on a back kitchen/food prep area. The pop-up shop - located at Harbor Steps - will only carry exclusive styles from the two brands.

Beta Unit is an independent clothing label focused on wearability, unconventional functionality, and engineering the perfect fit. Garments are carefully constructed from high quality fabrics, often with unexpected details and experimental function.

The Butcher Shop is scheduled to close doors May 30th, 2010.

Opening party is this Friday, March 12th, 2010 from 7-11 p.m.

Foodportunity's coming again! Mon Mar 22

Keren Brown of Frantic Foodie fame brings together two of my favorite things: eating delicious food + connecting with great people!

Foodportunity
March 22nd, 2010
6pm-9pm
Palace Ballroom (2100 5^th Ave, Seattle 98101)
$22 / $28 after 3/14
Purchase tickets here

Connect with local food writers, bloggers, restaurateurs, food producers, PR professionalss and several of Seattle’s most talented chefs and restaurant owners. These chefs and owners will be available for questions and conversation in the lounge of the Palace Ballroom between 6:30pm-7:15pm.

• Tom Douglas, owner of the Palace Ballroom, Palace Kitchen, Lola, Etta’s, Serious Pie, Dahlia Lounge and Dahlia Bakery.
• Ron Zimmerman and Carrie Van Dyck, owners of The Herbfarm in Woodinville
• Brian Canlis, co-owner of Canlis Restaurant
• Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, owners and chefs at Joule in Wallingford
• Greg Atkinson, contributing editor to Food Arts magazine and to The Seattle Times, chef-instructor at Seattle Culinary Academy.

For the first 40 people who send an email to info@foodportunity.com, there will also be a “speed networking” event, beginning at 8:30pm, chaired by KOMO restaurant reporter and Seattle Weekly “Voracious” blogger Julien Perry. "Speed networking gives you a taste of 20 new people. You can decide who you want to follow up with,” Brown says.

Foodportunity participants will enjoy appetizers from several of Seattle's most talked about restaurants, and the opportunity to engage with a wide range of food companies.

Tom Douglas, awarded National Restaurant of the Year by Bon Appetit magazine and a national James Beard nominee for Restaurateur of the Year, will provide his Palace Ballroom facilities to host the event and serve a selection of appetizers. Additional participating restaurants include: Mistral Kitchen, Spring Hill, Cascina Spinasse, Cicchetti, Dinette, Olivar and Urbane.

Beer and wine will be available from a cash bar, and a wide range of food products from local companies will be on display.

Links a la Mode Feb 18th: Style vs. Fashion

Style vs Fashion

Edited by Retro Chick

With the Fashion Week season in full swing and Fashion Pulse Daily live blogging from the IFB conference it can be easy to forget that there are other things going on in the world, where real women are shopping and dressing for real occasions.

There were actually surprisingly few Fashion Week oriented posts submitted this week. Possibly the Fashion Week attendees are still too busy to partake in Links á la Mode, but what I did find was a lot of posts focused on fashion, style and image in the real world. A Typical Atypical calls for a low fashion revolution and Idiosyncratic Style urges you to bring out your cocktail frocks for every day. Meanwhile, in the body image arena Intrinsically Florrie learns to love her specs, Sugar & Spice discusses tanning and Mariels Castle weighs in (see what I did there?) on the body size debate.

It would be impossible to leave this weeks links without mentioning the untimely and incredibly sad death of Alexander McQueen. There were posts submitted on this issue but I made the decision not to include them, not because they were bad, but because I felt that if I included one persons post I would need to include them all. There has been so much personal reflection on the life and designs of this amazing man in the fashion blogging world that to choose a small selection seemed impossible. If you would like to read these posts then, as ever, the full list of submissions is available in the forums.

Links à la Mode: February 18th

• A Typical Atypical – What girls really want to read about, and why fashion bloggers are changing the face of fashion
  
• Bonne Vie – Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Inspiration: What you borrow from another culture when it comes to wardrobe should be thoughtful<
• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Dear New Look; it’s over!
  
• Eternal Masquerade – Covering the Parallels Between Our Current Winter Wonderland and Under the Sea Fashions
  
• Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily blogs live from the Future of Fashion Blogging panel during IFB’s Evolving influence conference this week!
  
• Hot Beauty Health – Ready for Spring? Here are 9 Big Beauty Trends for Spring 2010!
  
• Idiosyncratic Style – Fashion Dare – Let your party frocks come out and play!
  
• Intrinsically Florrie – Making a spectacle of oneself: learning to love glasses and finding the right pair
  
• Mariels Castle – It’s not about been skinny or fat its about being healthy!
  
• Retro Chick – Love, Lust & Burlesque with the Bridewell Collective
  
• SFindiefashion.com – Spring comes early to Golden Gate Park. Showcase of spring 2010 looks from San Francisco designers.
  
• Stacie Blair – Show your Olympic spirit with fashionable gear from Aritzia!
  
• Style Eyes – The dilemma of a fashion blogger and why I’m taking Dame Vivienne Westwoods advice to stop shopping
  
• Style Symmetry – Fashion Blogger Interview Kingdom of Style’s Queen Michelle
  
• Sugar and spice and all things nice – Discussing the dangers of tanning and why the only safe tan is one from a bottle!!
  
• The Clothing Menu – interview with independent jewelry and clothing designer, Norwegian Wood
  
• The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is hosting an eUndies.com Giveaway!
  
• The Very Subjective – very subjective (and therefore – very true) observations about style do’s and do not’s.
  
• Thread Style – Heel-wearing fashionistas also can be feminists.
  
• twentyteneightyfour – My thoughts on style vs fashion and how our appetite for fashion blogs is part of our quest for style
  
• ventures of jenn – The Great Vintage Debate: the ‘price’ of vintage both within and outside of the western world and what it really means.
  

Gene Juarez March Happy Hours

These happy hours sell out fast every month - & why wouldn't they? Such a great deal!

Get yours now!

RIP McQueen...and thank you

imgs via ButchDiva & Harper's Bazaar

Independent Fashion Bloggers present Evolving Influence: The Fashion Blog Conference

hi everyone! hope you've all been doing well. i'm taking a few days away from the absolute chaos of work (sort of) and am in new york for the Evolving Influence IFB conference! i offered my events director ninja skillz to help Jennine & Jordana run the behind-the-scenes of the conference. working off of the successful IFB parties held during the last two new york fashion weeks, IFB has taken things to the next level and expanded to a full-out conference. Evolving Influence includes everyone from Susie Bubble, Bryan Boy, What I Wore and Tavi Gevinson to representatives from BlueFly, Elle, BlogHer & Market Publique. Over 350 fashion bloggers & enthusiasts from around the world have registered for the conference and are expected to attend.

i'm also here taking in the Big Apple for the first time, and spending a little QT with Clutch 22. we may take in a couple of shows & parties, but i'm really excited to shop here and just be a part of NYC for a few days. this is a much needed break from the stress of my new everyday routine (which includes working around the clock :() excited to be here & really looking forward to the conference!

xoxo
jess

FreshJess CRAVEs Seattle

As it turns out, wrapping up 2009 meant a tornado of amazing opportunities for 2010. In addition to joining the Banyan Branch team (which I am absolutely LOVING and learning so much from every day) - another chance of a lifetime was presented to me.

Melody Biringer, startup junkie, founder of The Crave Company and all around rockstar has expanded the CRAVE brand internationally, with CRAVE guides and parties everywhere from Amsterdam, Toronto, L.A., NYC to Chicago. Based in Seattle, Melody felt it was time to bring a partner in to run CRAVE in its hometown, to allow her to mentor the other cities and expand to even more great metropolitan centers around the world. I can't tell you how honored and shocked I was (still am) to have been Melody's #1 choice for Seattle, and though I took some time to evaluate my new schedule, this was something I knew all along I wouldn't turn down.

For those of you who haven't heard of CRAVE yet...
CRAVE innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town. Soirees, gatherings and online networking—we're your guide to everything you CRAVE in your city.

I'm so excited to be a part of the CRAVE team, who are among the brightest, most ambitious girls I've ever met. Being Melody's CRAVESeattle partner allows me to hone my event skills from my time at the Chamber and leverage many of the relationships I built with the fabulous women of Seattle. Tomorrow is my first event - the January CRAVE Business Chat - and we've got some incredible plans for a CRAVE party in the spring as well as our annual symposium.

Wanna get involved with CRAVESeattle (or CRAVE in your city)???

• Sign up for our newsletter
• Fan us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Read our blog
• Email me! jess(at)craveparty.com

One of my favorite things to do is bring women together to do great things. What better way than CRAVE to do that?

Jay-Z f/Swizz Beats "On to the Next One"

SICK

NYE: Ring in 2010 with Steady Pro at Copper Cart

Seattle! Need a place to ring in the New Year? Look no further than Copper Cart with my favorite wrecking crew, Steady Pro. Presale tix are only $20! Steady will also premier Copper Cart's brand new South Wing expansion.

Take a look at pics of the expanded space and find complete details on the FB event page - and remember that RSVP's on Facebook does not equal getting yourself on the guest list!

Fresh Faves: Marion Cotillard

I'm embarrassed that the first time I've ever seen Marion Cotillard act is in Public Enemies as Billie Frechette to Johnny Depp's John Dillinger. Better late than never, right? I don't watch a lot of films :) She's my latest girl crush!

Marion is one of the most celebrated French actresses of all time. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose" and is continuing to rack up accolades all around the world. You may have seen her in Big Fish, Taxi and A Good Year in addition to many French films.





I love her style. She was my favorite part of "Nine" :)

all images via Magnifique Marion Cotillard

Fresh Features: Yoogi's Closet

I'm a horrible vintage shopper. I don't have the time nor the motivation to give due diligence on finding rare, unique and authentic designer pieces to elevate my vintage wardrobe game. It's especially hard buying pre-owned designer goods online, when some sites are rife with inauthentic pieces and clever tactics to convince the buyer otherwise.

I first heard about Yoogi's Closet earlier this fall. Yoogi's buys and sells everything I don't have time to go looking for - the rare, unique, authentic designer bags, jewelry, shoes and accessories that have been hiding in closets just waiting to be resold. They've got everything from Prada, Gucci, Cartier, Balenciaga, Hermes to Marc Jacobs and Chanel. You can find some gems on Yoogi's for up to 70% off retail, and almost everything on the site is close to new! If you're not happy with your purchase, Yoogi's has a very generous 30-day return policy.

Yoogi's is based in Seattle but spans the globe with its buying and selling reach. Sellers enjoy a 70/30 split on the items they consign, and can try out the selling process before they commit with a mock sale reqeust. Yoogi herself inspects every item on the site for authenticity, rarity and saleable condition - and usually gets back to sellers within 24-48 hours of receiving items.

As far as rarity goes, Yoogi's found herself with the most amazing limited edition items, including this Louis Vuitton Embossed Monogram Calf Skin Polly Bag. Lucky buyer!


These are some of the bags I'm coveting from Yoogi's right now:

the Yves Saint Laurent Violet Patent Leather Majorelle

Gucci Beige/Ebony GG Fabric Abbey Pocket Tote

The Happiest Day - this Thursday at The Winner's Circle

My girl Osiris is throwing a party this Thursday night at Winner's Circle. Be there!

Introducing FreshJess for Mapel

As if my life weren't crazy enough, this holiday season I'm launching my guest blogs for Mapel, a sweet boutique based in the picturesque Leavenworth, WA. I'm incredibly passionate about supporting local small businesses in any way I can - so I'm more than happy to share a few great things about Mapel through my writing.

A few fun facts about Mapel:

• Mapel shares signature chocolate truffles from local Leavenworth chocolatier, Schocolat. Alongside the truffles, Seattle artist Sanae Ishida has designed illustrations that effortlessly depict the compliment of everyday day life and chocolate decadence.
• Every day from 2 - 6 p.m. you can enjoy amazing deals with Mapel's Online Happy Hour. Check the beer icon on Mapel's home page or Mapel's Twitter and Facebook page for the daily deal!
• You'd be hard pressed to find anything at Mapel over $200, so you can knock a lot of holiday shopping there without busting your wallet too much.
• Mapel offers FREE Shipping via ground for all web orders.

Visit ShopMapel's blog for posts from me throughout the holiday season. I'll be highlighting products for the urban, romantic, sporty, business and vintage girls in your life, holiday gift guides, designer features and more, all showcasing Mapel's variety of clothing, accessories, men's and home items.

I'd love your comments there, including any feedback on any Mapel things you want me to post on in the future!

Happy shopping - and happy holidays!

2009 Sole of Seattle

Here's another great way for you to give back during the holiday season!

During the month of December, visit some of Seattle's best outposts for shoes and bring in gently used and unwanted pairs of your own. Your kind donation(s) will benefit Soles 4 Souls, and might even get you a sweet discount while you shop at these participating stores.

For complete & updated info, visit www.SoleOfSeattle.com.

Clean out that closet and get the steppin for a good cause!

Holiday Designer Trunk Show - Sat Dec 19

do your part to support indie businesses and shop local as much as you can. here's a good chance to!
For more information and to RSVP, visit the Facebook event page!

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 11:00p.m. PST!


Happy Holidays!

Cyber Monday: Save 30% off at Manhattnite!

Shopping at Manhattanite just got a little sweeter...

Manhattanite stocks everything from CC Skye, Siwy Denim, Mackage, Fluxus, JET and KRMA. There's a fabulous selection of women's apparel, accessories, bags, baby stuff and general gifts - so you can knock a ton of presents off of your shopping list in one fell swoop!

Also, check out the Manhattanite blog for input on some of the stuff you'll find on the site from some really great fashion bloggers, including: Crosby of PR Couture, Grechen of Grechen's Closet, Julia of FashionPulse, Jennine of The Coveted, Lauren Messiah, Jordana of Clutch 22 - and yours truly :)

Giving Thanks...Making Transitions (Allow me to reintroduce myself...)

No one who achieves success does so without the help of others.
The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.
-Alfred North Whitehead

I have a lot to be thankful for this year! As always I am eternally grateful for my giant family and all of my friends, colleagues and mentors who've contributed positively to my life. I can only find success knowing you are there for me. I am healthy and have a wonderful home. I count my blessings every day for this beautiful life!

I am thankful for social media. What started out as a fun hobby has turned into my most powerful networking tool; has brought me a ton of new friends who I would've never met otherwise; and has also opened doors I never would have known were there to open had I not put myself out there on Twitter, Facebook and here on my blog.

Now, I can add that social media has officially gotten me to my next chapter in my professional life!

I wasn't actively looking for a job. Knowing what the job market is like for a lot of people out there, I didn't think it'd be worth my time when I was still in a job I got a lot out of. You can imagine my surprise when Banyan Branch approached me about joining their team. Come mid-December, my time at the Chamber is coming to a close.

I have learned so much in my ascent to events director for the chamber, meeting so many different kinds of people in every kind of business you can imagine. I was given an incredible amount of creative freedom and independence to grow the Chamber's body of networking events and professional development programming thanks to a fabulous boss who really believed in my potential. I've grown immensely in my public speaking, networking and problem solving having had every type of problem and public speaking situation thrown at me there. Countless opportunities have been afforded me through my work and the network I've built there. I got a lot of praise and a lot of criticism too - both have helped me grow. They say to never forget where you came from and I have the Chamber forever imprinted in my life. Thank you for shaping a part of me!

I'm SO excited to make a career change into a field I LOVE (marketing & social media), with the skills I've honed at the Chamber to help me excel in what I've been brought on to do.

I don't talk about work much on FreshJess.com but making this transition has dominated my mind the past few weeks and I'm delighted to share the decisions I've made with you. Not to worry, FreshJess readers; though I know I'll be puttin in work in my new role, I'm going to do my best to keep this blog updated with fresh content as much as possible.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Peace, love & happiness to you & yours.

xo
Jess

Black Friday, FreshJess style

how many of you brave the Black Friday crowds to buy gifts for other people?

yeah, me neither. here are the deals i took advantage of this morning for myself :)

25% off almost everything at Manhattanite! Through Sunday. I picked up some new & sassy So Low workout pants (watch out gym jones) and some casual yet sexy gear from Jet.

Nasty...Nasty Gals
Enjoy 20% today only!
I got a sweet pair of boots for just over $60 w/shipping!


Where did you go shopping today? What were your favorite deals?

Black Friday: Goods

www.NeedGoods.com

while you're there make sure to swing by Stussy Seattle's grand opening also. CHYEAH

Black Friday: Finch & Sparrow's Grand Hatching Party

Don't miss the Black Friday launch party of Fremont's latest and greatest boutique - Finch & Sparrow!

F&S has a really great selection of affordable everything: bags, shoes, art, accessories, scarves, and clothing. I really like the buying choices they've made for the store. Everything is unique and much of it is made by local designers and artists. If you've ever been to the sustainable sandwich shop Homegrown , you can't miss F&S - just head two doors north!

I have to say, the crown jewel of Finch & Sparrow right now has got to be their boot selection. I bought a sweet pair of black wedge boots that I've been wearing everyday - only $78! These are flying off of the shelves also:
*drool!

Happy Thanksgiving! at the White House

le sigh
Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan
NY Times: Modern Flourishes at Obamas' State Dinner

Black Friday: 15% off at Ruche

Anyone who's ever shopped at Ruche knows that 15% off already low prices is a sweet deal!

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 :)