March 14, 2017

Taking My First Photography Class w/CreativeLive + 20% off For You! (Sponsored)

March 14, 2017/ Jess Estrada

Taking my first photography class with CreativeLive - and I've got a 20% off code so you can too!

February 01, 2016

Lookbook Love: Sarah Lovrien Print Shop

February 01, 2016/ Jess Estrada

Peep my favorites from Sarah Lovrien's new print shop:

February 12, 2014

Inside Zara Seattle (Open Tomorrow, 2/13!)

February 12, 2014/ Jess Estrada

SEATTLE, REJOICE! Zara has finally landed in the Emerald City, right in the heart of downtown Seattle at Westlake Mall. The 49th U.S. Zara location opens its doors to the public tomorrow morning, satiating the shopping palate of so many Pacific Northwesterners who've waited patiently for years to get one of our own (me included.) Zara Seattle is 8200 square feet of pure, unadulterated, amazing fast fashion for women, men and kids alike. Fitting right in with many PNW businesses, sustainability is a priority at Zara, with environmentally-friendly fixtures and efficient systems that cut electricity usage by 30% and water consumption by 50%.

Sarah Lovrien and I teamed up for this morning's press preview to give Fresh Jess readers a unique look into the store. Black and white, stark lines and lots of drama run prevalent in Zara's current product offering, so we thought it'd be fun to apply the same thought in these preview photos. Enjoy, and happy shopping!

Inditex (Zara's parent company) Jesús Echevarría giving insight on Zara's business model and their ability to turn out new product from concept to delivery in 48 hours. Insane!

All photos credit Sarah Lovrien. For portfolio & booking, visit SarahLovrien.com.

February 02, 2014

Fresh Style: Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII Edition

February 02, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Whatever happens today, this NFL season has been especially magical in the city of Seattle and all Seahawks fans. A week ago, Sarah Lovrien and I decided to collaborate on a Super Bowl weekend style shoot. One football field, four outfits and less than 24 hours later, here's our final product. For me, this shoot was just one more way to show my civic Seahawks pride in a style that's all my own. You saw my everyday looks on Evening Magazine, and this is my take on more fashion-y ensembles to take far beyond the tailgate. Sarah captured a few different aspects of my life in this one - the glam, the Jem (truly outrageous), a little boho (aka thrown together like "Let's see if this works") and the fitness. This shoot is such a testament to Sarah's impeccable photographic eye, distinct aesthetic, attention to detail and texture, and her unyielding work ethic (she had these out to me at 6:00a.m. this morning!)

Thank you to the entire Seahawks organization for bringing this city together in a way we've never seen before. You can literally feel the energy bouncing off the walls and in each passerby's smile. Thank you for allowing us 12s to express our love, gratitude and support of you in our own, individual way.

Christy's wool hat / vintage coat / Richard Sherman 'You Mad Bro?' tee / One Teaspoon distressed boyfriend jeans

Shearling drape jacket (similar) / Seahawks classic logo v-neck tee / Kimchi & Blue booties (similar) / Alive & Well beanie / vintage maxi skirt

Vintage coat & hat / AllSaints sequined skirt / Homefield Sporting Co. sweatshirt / Zara booties

Russell Wilson jersey / Casual Industrees hoodie / Artlete 'L.O.B.' tee / Nike running capris / Nike Pegasus+ 30

Peep more shoot photos on my Facebook page and Instagram.)

Also peep SarahLovrien.com for your next shoot!

GO HAWKS!!!

September 27, 2013

Shoot, Style & Share With PowerCam (Sponsored)

September 27, 2013/ Jess Estrada

With a myriad of photo apps out there, it's hard to narrow down which ones are right for you. I know I run most of my photos through at least two apps before they even make it to Instagram! If you're looking for one that's a serious bang for your (one) buck, take a look at PowerCam.

The team at WonderShare first asked me to review the PowerCam app early last year (that review's here.) Since then, there have been a ton of improvements and additions to its effects and features menu. Now there are over 100 different filters, backgrounds, standard and straight fancy camera effects you can do - while taking photos and video in real time. "Damn son, where'd ya find this?!?"

I played around with PowerCam using some of my favorite Spike photos. Here are some of my favorite features of the app:

First of all, I love that you can do so much with the effects and filters while you're taking photo or video. Tilt-shift, filtering, anti-shake, color splash and panorama are just a few of the camera effect options (in addition to traditional flash, zoom, ISO, grid focus, etc.) and the countless many filters you can choose from.

Tilt shift / Holiday filter / Color splash

There are a lot of subtle filter, but have fun with some of the crazy ones too!

Chocolate color filter / Crop / Explosion artsy filter

I love that you can copy your PowerCam photos to your computer or tablet. The app gives you an ISP to link to via URL for that.

At last, there's a collage feature native within a filter/effects app! PowerCam has collage templates, or you can create one freehand. The app supplies you with photo resize options, editing within the collage, and decorative border patterns and other options to truly make each collage your own.

This version of the PowerCam app seems to be a lot more organized with its filters menu. Make sure to get cozy and look around - there's a filter here for every taste!

Old Photo classic filter / Frosty Beauty effect / Splash funny filter

Once you've got a few photos and collages ready, you can upload multiple files to your favorite social network, including: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Tumblr & good ol' email sharing.

Find PowerCam in the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and Google Play for Android.

September 25, 2013

Fresh Style: Coast to Coastal

September 25, 2013/ Jess Estrada

As I write this blog post, I'm home after a breathtakingly beautiful wedding of my dear friend and Fresh Jess brand director, Byron Gronseth. It was a night surrounded by a few of my favorite souls, and one invitee - and integral part of the Fresh Jess team - photographer Sarah Lovrien was at home accepting an award for her work. Witnessing the celebrations of the labors of two of my favorite people - labors of love and hard work - last night have left me thinking about what this is all about. This life of friendships and success on our own terms.

I feel very strongly about keeping only the people who uplift you in your life, and I also firmly believe in manifest destiny. We attract people through the energy we put out there. People who live a life of purpose, with goals and the will to focus on those goals, and with a sense of giving back however they can are the ones who truly catch my eye. Sarah Lovrien might make me look fly, but her passion, fire and commitment to her craft and to herself - challenge a better version of herself every day - inspire me and others in ways she might not be aware of. As she takes the time to honor her recognition from CreativeLIVE, I want to let her know that she inspires me to be a better version of myself too. Through her lens, I have seen myself in ways I'd never really imagined, and she's enabled me to literally take my outfit photos and editorial visions for Fresh Jess to another level. Thank you!

One more note: Coastal is among my favorite boutiques in Seattle, and one I'm proud to have shopped and supported probably its entire existence. I am a big fan of surf and skate brands like Roxy/Quiksilver, Volcom, Billabong, Gentle Fawn and Seattle-based Casual Industrees, and Coastal pretty much corners the boutique market for brands like that here in Seattle. Check them out on Alki!

Vintage Levi's denim jacket (similar) / Anthropologie flower print bustier / Black vegan leather asymmetrical skirt via Poshmark / Zara strappy heels / Necklace gifted from my aunt, found in the Philippines! / Nike FuelBand cuz I gotta stay fit

September 10, 2013

Fresh Style: Endless Summer (Dope) by Sarah Lovrien

September 10, 2013/ Jess Estrada

Fall may be coming soon or whatever, but we're still enjoying 80-degree weather here in Seattle so I'm gonna go ahead and post these long-overdue shots from my early summer shoot with Sarah Lovrien. She's the best. Seriously.

I felt so much more comfortable in front of the camera this time compared to my 30 Fresh shoot. This time around, I chose four outfits that represented what I wore a lot this summer. Lots of boyfriend fit and tomboy feel, lots of unabashed, totally owned sexiness. I can't wait for you to see the rest! For this particular sequence, Sarah played with black & white treatments to add even more depth to the photos. I couldn't decide which ones I liked more, so I mixed up a few of each!

Keeping true to holding it down for my city, the thought process behind these shoots always include careful consideration for the perfect location. In the summertime that clearly is Alki. I personally am a big fan of Alki beach all year 'round, but the beach just comes alive during the summer. No matter what time of year, you're guaranteed to catch an amazing landscape of sky, land and ferries juxtaposed against the moody waters.

Stampd L.A. "Dope" bodysuit / American Eagle boyfriend fit jeans via Poshmark / Shoemint "Gina" wedges / various baubles

All photos credit Sarah Lovrien.

July 18, 2013

A Stylish Seattle Thursday Pt. 2: Nordstrom Designer Preview Recap

July 18, 2013/ Jess Estrada

My stylish Thursday could not have been any more picturesque and chic! There's so much fashion eye candy in this post that I'm going to keep this short.

Nordstrom Designer Preview is the retailer's annual benefit runway show for Seattle Art Museum, held out in Magnolia in the cruise terminal. Before and after the show, Nordstrom's personal styling clientele, SAM patrons and other ticketholders can peruse the designer fall collections they'll soon see in Nordstrom stores, and shop straight from the runway!

The beautiful view from the cruise terminal. What a perfect first impression for visiting cruise passengers!

With my girl / Fresh Jess contributor Sarah

The scene Vogue's West Coast editor Lawren Howell (interviewed on FJ last week!) represented the publication in their first partnership with Nordstrom on this show. She left us with five big trends to look for in fall:

The It Coat: your everyday peacoat gets a major refresh this season with eccentric shapes and detailing.
Discreet Chic: prim & proper austere meets demure minimalism
New Take on Evening: not just for the floor-length dresses anymore! Think tunics, pants, long & sheer flowy skirts and bead or sequin embellishments
Stealing from Men: pinstripe, houndstooth and plaid get a feminine makeover
40s, 50s & 60s Glamour: need I say more?

Without futher ado, here are my favorites from the show!

So Rooney Mara! Azzedine Alaia. Photo credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

J'adore the new twists Dior has added to the classic wool dress, sweetheart dress and wool coat.

Christian Dior. L & R photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic; Center photo credit Hoang Nguyen / Team Photogenic

Trinity from Matrix by day; fly Bond Girl at night. Gucci. Photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Such a fan of these classic, demure shapes in textures like leather and organza.

Erdem. Photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Hella. Perfect.

Donna Karan. Photo credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Givenchy with the FUN. Bambi!

Givenchy. L & R photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic; Center photo credit Jennifer Richard / Team Photogenic

Chic modern evening wear

Jason Wu. Photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Whimsical but not overly girly

Lanvin. Photo credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Tomboy flair

Stella McCartney. L & R photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic; Center photo credit Hoang Nguyen / Team Photogenic

Dramatic evening garb

Michael Kors. Photo credit Hoang Nguyen / Team Photogenic

Doin' the most.

Oscar de la Renta. L photo credit Hoang Nguyen / Team Photogenic; R photo credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Probably my favorite set of the night.

Valentino. Photos credit Vivian Hsu / Team Photogenic

Which ones are your favorites?

April 08, 2013

30Fresh Style: Alive & Well

April 08, 2013/ Jess Estrada

For 30Fresh, extra-special posts means extra-special outfit posts too. I want to take you beyond my normal outfit shots and show you my favorite Seattle places too. I recruited the talents of my girl Sarah Lovrien for this shoot and I am over the moon with what we came up with together. I've always admired Sarah's aesthetic and photographic eye, so there was really no other option that came to mind when I thought about who I'd want to take these photos.

I've had the idea of shooting "The Girl in the Fancy Dress Trying on Sneakers" at Alive & Well for a long time. I love this outfit because I've always been laced with a little edge and sass :) Jacob and I are avid shoppers and supporters of Marcus Lalario's boutique. The skateboard wall, sneaker wall and natural interiors were the perfect backdrop for a shoot full of style and attitude.

Photo credit Sarah Lovrien. Shot at Alive & Well Seattle

I also really wanted to feature my Virgins Saints & Angels necklace, which I decided to wear like a bracelet. I love VSA founder Cheryl Finnegan's use of mixed metals, pearls and crosses that are traditional but stylish. VSA has a unique style that combines artesenia and gothic elements from Mexican and religious iconography. The pieces are handmade in Mexico from some basic and not so basic techniques combining metals, paper, glass, resin, and beads.

Zara leather jacket (similar) / blush pink chain dress via Poshmark / Nike Sky-Hi Dunk wedges / ShoeMint 'Gina' wedges / Virgins Saints & Angels necklace worn as bracelet (via Bollare) / Earrings from Moksha

Photography by Sarah Lovrien. Hair & makeup by Gene Juarez Downtown Seattle.

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

May 26, 2012

The Parallax Project by Brian Oh

May 26, 2012/ Jess Estrada

My friend & photographer Brian Oh recently took the leap to doing freelance photography full-time, with studio space and everything! This is his Parallax Project. He's sending out disposable cameras to people in 47 countries and 4 states. Their only task is to use this camera to document their lives. However and whatever they capture is up to them. It's awesome to see what's come back so far. I'm looking forward to seeing more come in as the project progresses.

Remember what it was like to take pictures with disposable cameras?

Check out more Parallax Project on the BrianPhotoh Facebook page, and look out for his Kickstarter campaign to support the Parallax Project soon!

April 01, 2012

The Underwater Project

April 01, 2012/ Jess Estrada

I saw these striking shots on Because I'm Addicted and couldn't help myself. Mark Tipple took water photography to his own level with The Underwater Project. Tipple's images are both moving and calming. And since I can't swim well - a little anxiety-inducing too. Anyway, it's not often you see what's beneath the surface. Enjoy...

December 10, 2011

Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer

December 10, 2011/ Jess Estrada

It's always really great to meet talented people who are humble, down-to-earth and passionate about putting Seattle on the map in their own way. Photographer Brian Oh is all of those things, and for that, I'd like all of you to meet him!

If you've read a DList Magazine, been to a Trashed party or been around the Frye Museum and Henry Art Gallery recently, chances are you've seen Brian's work. A trained fine arts photographer, Brian stays true to his film roots and strives to capture images right from the start. He rarely uses PhotoShop and much of his work is published with little to no editing.

Brian is resident photographer for my favorite dance party in the city, Moe Bar Mondays. A freelance photographer for hire, he also works regularly with DList Magazine on various fashion, music, food and event editorials for the publication. He even shot yours truly in my photoshoot for the Young Northwest issue :)

Brian also shoots at the monthly Trashed parties, which brings in global acts like RAC and The Twelves to the Emerald City. One of his biggest passions is shooting fashion lookbooks, with recent projects for Seattle brands Cake Face Clothing and Rich Kids.

Brian counts the Rich Kids team, including Lee Smith, Kristen Puckhaber & Michael McClarron among his biggest supporters - like family who've always believed in his talent and work.

"With so much going on in this town I feel blessed to be a part of the culture here."

Look out for Brian's upcoming projects, including a sculptural piece consisting of doll heads used as pin hole cameras, and a book called “arcana obscura,” which means "secrets of the dark." arcana obscura will be a black and white image collection shot with a Polaroid Land Camera, and depicts people in their living environment with their darkest secrets covering their faces to conceal their identity.

Check out Brian's work in the video below, and find him at BrianPhotoh.com, weekly Moe Bar Mondays pics and more on Facebook.

January 04, 2011

Tanqueray's GINgle All The Way Party Recap

January 04, 2011/ Jess Estrada

I had the honor of attending Tanqueray's GINgle All The Way holiday party last month at Seattle speakeasy Needle & Thread. The soiree brought together some of Seattle's foodie & lifestyle bloggers and media for some sweet bites, fun networking and really great cocktails! I don't think I'd ever had Tanqueray before that night, so I'm glad I got to be part of the experience. The drinks were amazing - perfect for a fancy dinner party at home or for a night out at your favorite speakeasy with friends. Check out the specialty cocktails they served:

·Self Starter: Tanqueray, Lillet, Apricot Brandy, Absinthe

·Pegu Club: Tanqueray 10, Lime, Cointreau, Bitters

·Devil’s Crayon (my personal favorite): Tanqueray Rangpur, Lime, Red Pepper, Elderflower, Habenero, Chocolate Bitters

Some pics from the night, courtesy of AJ Ragasa, Cameron Newland and Birdie of Bonne Vie: