Seattle lifestyle & fashion - FreshJess.com: 04.11

4.30.2011

Seattle: thaw fashion show - Thurs May 5

As an event that's near & dear to the heart of one amazing lady, Anisa Ghadrshenas, I highly encourage all of you to attend the thaw fashion show, Thursday, May 5th at the SODO Innovation Center.

thaw is Seattle's annual spring fashion show & fundraiser featuring independent designers. Proceeds benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) to fund social services and research.

Looks like thaw has tons packed for the show. Designers include: Mark Mitchell, J Von Stratton, DVIT Swimwear, Like a Rock Star, Danial Webster Design, Lilac Black & more. Mad Rad & Champagne Champagne are scheduled to perform, and there'll be a live auction. Attendees can purchase goodies in the Thaw Shop, which includes goods from: Alisha Louise, Ampersand As Apostrophe, Badass Bunny Jewelry, Cero Designs, Crystalyn Kae, Jessica Park, Kyle Rees, Luly Yang, Maria Carter, Muratori Designs, Nicole Knowles and more

Check out thaw's Facebook page for the latest updates, contests, features and more.

See you there!

thaw fashion show / Thursday, May 5th, 2011 / Sodo Innovation Center (1531 Utah Ave S, Seattle , WA 98134) / $75 - $2500

Get tickets here

4.29.2011

Seattle: CRAVE Seattle's CRAVEgreen event - Weds May 11

My ladies at CRAVE Seattle and Sea Green Ventures are back with the second annual CRAVEgreen party, Wednesday, May 11th presented by Urban Enoteca!

This glamorously green party will prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style to be sustainable. Come hang with your girlfriends, check out the latest in gorgeous green fashion, find some new ways to green your lifestyle, purchase cool sustainable products—from clothing to nail polish—get an organic facial, and walk away with an awesome swag bag full of great green products.

This year’s CRAVEgreen will particularly delight the foodie, with a bright, seasonal, and locally-sourced menu and wine flights from esteemed local boutique wineries. A mimosa bar will add some sparkle to the evening, with such culinary-inspired flavors as thyme-lavender, ginger-pear and vanilla bean and mint.

All this plus the opportunity to support Passages Northwest—a fabulous local organization supporting girls to empower themselves through experiences in the arts and natural environment—how cool is that?

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. / Urban Enoteca (4130 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98134) / $35 - $50

Get tickets here

Fresh Tunes: April 2011

music rules everything around me. just some of the songs dominating my iPod:

i can't give you what you think you give me / time to say goodbye...

i try out a smile & i aim it at you. you must've missed it. you always do

i'm not sure why but after Coachella i am so sweet on Wiz Khalifa

yeah i can't explain this one either. this song goes so hard! and she is for real in this video too. welcome back B

the remix. nicki. enough said

fabolous is that rapper i always forget i love. his latest mixtape is stellar. girl you be killin em...

(click on image for download link)

4.28.2011

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows pt. 2 trailer

HELL YEAH

4.27.2011

Remembering Kim Ricketts

Last week, Seattle and the literary world lost one of its best and brightest firecrackers. Kim Ricketts founded Kim Ricketts Book Events to put books into people's hands and hearts. Sounds simple, right? There's no way that idea would have flourished without the water that was Kim's visionary ideas, unique approach and completely lovely, open mind and heart.

Image via Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce

I met Kim during my time as events director at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. I had the honor of working with her for 4.5 years worth of business-related author events for the Chamber community. Because of her, Chamber members, my team and I were treated to many valuable lessons on life, work, careers, dreams, balance, happiness, success and more. Legends like Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Bill Gates Sr., Cal Ripken Jr. and more came into our lives thanks to Kim. And thanks to some lucky stars, my team and I had the honor of calling Kim not just our business partner, but our dear friend and mentor. I learned so much from Kim and appreciated her no-nonsense, get-'er-done entrepreneurial attitude.

Most people in the city know Kim through her popular Words & Wine and Cooks & Books series, but no matter the setting, Kim had the most uncanny sense of creating the kind of atmosphere that brought people together to meet - then make lasting connections with each other. She touched scores of souls with her light, love and especially her laughter. She is adored by many and will be missed sorely.

Check out the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Puget Sound Business Journal, Seattle Times, BlogHer, Seattlest, Seattle Weekly & The Stranger for more on Kim's life and contributions.

Donations can be made in Kim's name to 826 Seattle or The Seattle Public Library.

4.26.2011

Birthday Love From the Baddest Bs

My friends are adorable and amazing. Thank you so much for making my birthday so special.

Infographic bday card from Jordana (Clutch 22) w/help from Sara (SPUN) & Alix (AlixRose)

4.20.2011

Seattle: HollyHood at HG Lodge - FreshJess Birthday Edition - Apr 22

so Seattle...i have a birthday coming up.

HollyHood at HG Lodge

featuring Case One & Tigerbeat

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

HG Lodge (722 Pike St)

10pm - 2am

$5 after 11

RSVP on Facebook or email hollyhoodsea@gmail.com

4.19.2011

Seattle: Assembly Line Collective presents the You Lucky Bastard Tour

Assembly Line Collective is bringing the “You Lucky Bastard Tour” to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Vancouver BC this spring. Together with Philanthro Productions and partnered with VIVA LA ART!, Assembly Line Collective will feature over 40 artists from around the globe, in graphic design, concept art, illustration, toys, photography & urban/street art. Live painting and renowned DJ’s will also perform.

Check them out in Seattle this weekend!

You Lucky Bastard Tour

The Piranha Shop

1022 1st Ave. S.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

7pm - 12am

RSVP on Facebook

For dates & RSVP in other cities, check the Assembly Line Collective on Facebook.

Special thanks to Valerie Penera & Bernie Horcajo. See you Saturday!

Seattle: Krochet Kids La Aventura del Amor - Thurs May 5

Krochet Kids international (KKi) is hosting its 3rd annual fundraising gala in support of their new women’s empowerment program in Lima, Peru at the Kirkland Performance Center in Kirkland, WA on May 5th.

“La Aventura del Amor” (Love is the Adventure), will showcase new media and presentations from the founders of KKi (UW alumnus included). Admission to event ($25) will include a special gift from the programs in Uganda, drinks, and Maw ‘n Paw kettlekorn. Tickets are for sale online or at the door.

La Aventura del Amor

Thursday, May 5th, 2011

Kirkland Performance Center (350 Kirkland Ave 98033)

Doors 7:30pm / Show 8pm

$25

Purchase tix online or at the door.

If you've been reading my blog over the past 3 years, you'll know that I've been a fan of KKi since the beginning of both of our endeavors. Over the last 3 years, KKi has generated over a million dollars in revenue to support and grow economic development programs in eastern Africa. Over 70% of this revenue has been generated through the sale of their fashionable products, which make for self-sustained development programs – no longer reliant on outside donations. Through the support of donors and strategic business alliances KKi is able to make a lasting impact

The organization has successfully created a sustainable model for poverty alleviation in Northern Uganda through the production and sale of one-of-a-kind headwear and fashion accessories. With the new venture in South America KKi has an opportunity to make a long-term impact on the urban poor population.

Krochet Kids on Twitter & Facebook

4.18.2011

Seattle: Back to the DJ Round 4

I mean...this lineup is stacked with Seattle talent. But I'm coming exclusively for FourColorZack's The-Dream set. Love vs. Money is one of my favorite albums.

Rockin that shh like...

Sugar honey iced tea

Back to the DJ Round 4

presented by Groove Techs & friends

Friday, April 29th, 2011

The Baltic Room (1207 Pine St.)

Event details on Facebook

4.14.2011

Vidal Sassoon The Movie

i pay a lot of money to get my hairdid. why? because i'm ~~lazy~~ busy. i sometimes wear whatever comes tumbling out of my closet first. i don't like fussing with a lot of makeup. and i especially cannot be bothered with hours of damaging hair products trying to get myself to look like someone i'm not.

i am, however, willing to pay a premium for things and services that make it look like i put tons of effort into the way i look. and if you've ever had the honor of having a Vidal Sassoon stylist take their shears to your coif, you know it's not something you can just do once. the precision cuts, high-quality coloring and attention to detail is just on a completely different level from other salons i've been to. every stylist goes through extensive and ongoing training. you can tell they love being there too - they always deliver, and are always super nice to everyone who walks in the door

Todd McKay, my stylist and salon director at Sassoon Salon Seattle, told me that Vidal has had a film created documenting his life and passion for hair styling. After seeing the trailers on the VS YouTube channel, it's easy to see why he has such an impact on his stylists.
Find more on Vidal Sassoon: the Movie and showtimes here.

My last cut a few months ago. Thx Todd!

Blue Sky Black Death: NOIR

It's hard to accurately describe the signature sound of producers Kingston & Young God - better known as Blue Sky Black Death. I kind of hate the words "eclectic", "ambient" and "underground", so for lack of a better term, I will leave it at "different." With roots in hip-hop and tons of production credits under their belts, BSBD has collaborated with the likes of Jean Grae, Crooked I and Wu Tang Clan affiliate Hell Razah. The duo's latest project, however, is all their own.

Hello boys! Young God & Kingston

“NOIR is our official follow up to our 2008 album, Late Night Cinema,” says Kingston. “It’s almost a summer album, except it has highs and lows just like everything else.”

“In a similar vein to our first instrumental album, NOIR is cinematic and grandiose, but refined and more polished. There’s no defined concept to the album, and we prefer our listeners to fill in the blanks,” adds Young God. “We honestly think NOIR is our most complex and moving album to date, if not our greatest achievement so far.”

While the album’s official release is a month away, fans are still able to get a taste of the much-anticipated new Blue Sky Black Death sound. Each week, the duo will be posting a preview of their upcoming album to their Vimeo page.

Blue Sky Black Death " In The Quiet Absence Of God" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO from Blue Sky Black Death on Vimeo.

Check out more Blue Sky Black Death on Last.fm and TheSixtyOne.com, and find them on Twitter and Facebook.

& catch them on tour with CunninLynguists and Tonedeff!

Saturday 4/30 - New York, NY @ Knitting Factory

Sunday 5/1 - Boston, MA @ Middle East

Monday 5/9 - Fort Collins, CO @Aggie

Tuesday 5/10 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up

Wednesday 5/11 - Denver, CO @ Cervantes

Thursday 5/12 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre

Sunday 5/15 - Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Café

Monday 5/16 - Bellingham, WA @ Wild Buffalo

Tuesday 5/17 - Portland, OR @ Peter's Room

Wednesday 5/18 - San Francisco, CA @ Slims

Thursday 5/19 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Catalyst

Friday 5/20 - Los Angeles CA @ Eco

Saturday 5/20 - San Diego @ Epicentre

4.11.2011

Turning Japanese: Japan Relief Aid Ideas

Ever since the initial earthquake that devastated Japan a month ago today, the interwebz have seen an utter outpouring of support through various means. While there's always some caution to take when selecting where and how to funnel your money and time to aid those in need, I feel like there are more options than ever before in directing your efforts.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Help Japan

If you're in Seattle this Thursday night, I hope you'll join the city's young professionals at The Triple Door for Help Japan. Christine Chen will be emceeing, Jimmy Wong will be in the house and there'll be plenty of live music, wine, apps and networking to fill your night. $15 suggested donation, will all raffle proceeds plus 10% of The Triple Door's revenue will go to the Japan Red Cross. RSVP on Facebook here.

Cause for Design / Byron Gronseth

My dear friend Byron Gronseth made this print right here. Turns out he was the first artist to submit a design to Cause for Design, a project born soon after the earthquake by David & Ashley Yousling here in Seattle. 100% of the proceeds made at Cause for Design goes to Japan Red Cross. Artists, photographers and designers are welcome to submit their design here.

VXRSI x MiddleEasy Save Japan tee

MMA-inspired and Seattle-based brand VXRSI invited fans to submit their own designs in a short contest following the Japan earthquake. One winner was chosen, and in the blink of an eye, the design was completed. Pre-order yours at VXRSI.com for shipment in early May. 100% of proceeds will go to Save the Children.

Fashion & Friends for Japan

CharityBuzz and the Council of Fashion Designers of America have teamed up for a real stylish charity auction. Benefiting the Japan Society, Fashion & Friends for Japan invites you to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences (like a weekend stay at Diane von Furstenberg's Harbor Island Beach House, the ultimate NY Yankees experience brought to you by DKNY and a meeting with Anna Wintour herself. For the ballers

Editions of 100

This print is sold out. I really like it though.

If you have any faves, let me know via comment! I may update this post with your suggestions.

For more ways to give to Japan, check out CNN's blog post on tsunami aid tips.

4.06.2011

Seattle: HollyHood @ HG Lodge f/Cobra Krames, TigerBeat & Case One

I'm super excited for this Friday's HollyHood with special guest Cobra Krames!

Ladies put your disco shorts on:

Trunk Step from TONE on Vimeo.

TrunkStep Mixtape by TRUNKSTEP

HollyHood at HG Lodge

featuring special guest Cobra Krames (Top Billin, Gold Whistle)
with TigerBeat & Case One

Hosted by B.B. and FreshJess
Friday, April 8th, 2011
HG Lodge (722 Pike St)
10pm - 2am
$5

For guest list & free booth reservations, email hollyhoodsea@gmail.com

2nd & 4th Friday of every month!

I'd love to see you there! Thanks for your support!
xoxo
Jess

4.05.2011

Seattle Events: Lizzie Parker trunk show at SPUN Sustainable Collective

SPUN Sustainable Collective is proud to announce its newest designer, Lizzie Parker!

Lizzie Paker is a nationally recognized brand based outside of Seattle. The Lizzie Parker look is inspired by the multi-faceted woman who needs her clothing to work for all of the things she does in a day – but yet still reflect her unique sense of style. We can fit any size and love to make every woman's wardrobe work for her life.

Lizzie Parker's Spring Collection

Please join us at SPUN on Thursday April 7th 6pm-9pm for an evening with Lizzie and view her latest collection. Grim's Restaurant and Lounge will offer light appetizers and wine will be also be served.

10% of the events sales will be donated to St. Jude hospital in memory of a little girl named Siona Shah who lost her battle with Leukemia on January 1, 2011. In her memory and with the permission of the Shah family, we will be directing a portion of sales to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where Siona spent a month in treatment, in order to help other children who may need the help of Siona's spirit. Please visit Siona's tribute page: http://tinyurl.com/3orv6pe

Siona Shah

4.01.2011

Hayden-Harnett for Walt Disney Signature & Pirates of the Caribbean

Hayden-Harnett's teamed up with Walt Disney Signature for a limited edition collection devoted to the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides movie. Inspired by Jack Sparrow and his swashbuckling life on the high seas, the HH for WD Signature collection features gorgeous, vibrant silk & chiffon scarves, ornate leather cuffs and leather handbags.

Items range in price from $78 to $498 - and only 50 of each style will be produced! Pre-orders on haydenharnett.com start TODAY. The collection hits the Hayden-Harnett flagship store & select retailers on May 1st.