Recap: Seamless in Seattle

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Last week I had the privilege of attending Seattle Magazine's first Seamless in Seattle fashion show at the Seattle Art Museum, directed by Eduardo Khawam.

Seamless in Seattle is an annual event that features some of the city's up-and-coming designers. Applicants submitted their portfolios to a judging panel of esteemed individuals in the Seattle fashion community, and twelve lucky finalists saw their pieces strut down the runway at SAM. Awards were handed out for Best Emerging Designer, Best Student Designer, Best Bridal Wear & Readers' Choice. The award recipients will receive all kinds of coverage from Seattle Magazine, Seattle Bride and at Fashion First in September.

For a city that isn't normally recognized for its fashion and style, it was really special to see some of Seattle's best and brightest designers in the same room together. One of my favorite elements of the night was sponsor VitaminWater's Color Challenge, where each of the finalists was tasked with designing a piece inspired by a VitaminWater flavor. As you can see in the photos below, each of the designers had their own unique take on the flavor assigned to them. It was fun to see how they took to the challenge with their personal style and personality. Take a look, and check out the designers below:

Set 1: Malia Peoples, Bri Seeley (Readers' Choice) & Caitlyn Petitclerc

 

Set 2: Banchong Douangphrachanh, Gina Moorhead & Kate Burt (Best Emerging Designer)

Set 4: Kathy Sabin-Mensah, Kristine Hawthorne & Kim McCormick

Congrats everyone for a great show!

Enjoying the show w/my ladies Anisa and local designers Sara Seumae & Cameron Levin (not pictured)

Birthday Steez

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For someone whose closet is vomiting clothes, shoes and accessories and who takes a ridiculous amount of pictures with her damn iPhone, I sure do not do enough outfit posts. Shame on my style blogging! Here are a few from my birthday HollyHood last month.

One of my dear friends, Jaymee, made sure I got the royal treatment & dolled me up for my birthday. I'm in a Pencey bandage dress and she's in Badgley Mischka:

Nails done, hurr done, everything did...

My gorgeous friends

Rings x coral Shellac mani

I got a weave from the I BeWeave Hair Salon

Super bummed I didn't get a pic of my shoes from that night, but I copped these sweet wedges from Aldo. I saw them at NYFW in February and had been dreaming about them since!

Mamas and Meatballs make my world go 'round

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Mama & me at my 28th birthday at HollyHood! Yeah she came to the club!

My mom is amazing. She has dedicated her life to making sure her children are happy and taken care of. She gives so much to us and asks for little to nothing in return. She is never one to stir the pot, always minding her own business and keeping to herself. Sometimes I think we are so different, but then I remember one of my favorite things she's ever said to me. It was when I was about to leave the house for good, heading to my first year of college. Everybody was telling me what to major in and why. All she said was, "I don't care what you decide to go to school for. Whatever it is, just make sure you don't have to depend on anyone else to make you happy."

I don't think she knows how valuable her words (not just those, but all) have been to me. I've taken that piece of advice far beyond choosing my major and navigating my career. That's a life lesson for me.

I love you so much Mama. Thank you for everything.

She loves this song :)

My angel babe 

I know you're shining down on me from heaven my sweet Meatball. I miss you every single day and if I could give up everything to be your mama here on earth again I would in half a heartbeat. My whole soul revolves around you still. I think about you all the time and I hope you are okay, and that you are happy. You live in my heart baby lovebug. You always have and you always will. MOMMY LOVES YOU! <3

Remembering Kim Ricketts

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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.

Recap: Nordstrom Downtown Seattle Flagship Cosmetic Trend Show

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Earlier this month I had the privilege of attending the Nordstrom Flagship store's annual cosmetic Trend Show. Much like a fashion show or presentation, Nordstrom's Trend Shows preview the hot colors, new products and latest trends to look for in the coming months. This was my first Trend Show, and also the first show hosted on the flagship sales floor rather than in Nordstrom's corporate space upstairs. The Seattle-based retail giant featured some of the latest spring fashions along with the beauty products headlining the event.

Antica Farmacista home fragrance

Gorgeous Marchesa dress & Estee Lauder bold lips

Dior Cosmetics

Clinique

Celebrity nail stylist Deborah Lippman

Also a first was the inclusion of a wedding-focused beauty outlook, which allowed Nordy's to showcase its brand-new Wedding Boutique.

I was part of the social media cheerleaders section, tweeting and Facebooking during the event. Here are some of my fellow cheerleaders :)

Thanks Nordstrom for allowing me to cover the event!

Fresh Reads: Getting Super Rich

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I am overwhelmed. I am overstimulated. As much as I love social media, I'm feeling like my attention span has shrunk to record lows and my mind is now spinning like a top that's borderline falling. I do a lot, but I sometimes feel like my mind is in a fog and I'm just going through motions...not really connected to what it is I'm doing.

I can't blame it all on social media. This has been a rough year for me - lots of good and lots of challenges. But whether it's stress, anxiety, overdigitalization - whatever the case, I've been feeling like I need some kind of tether back to myself.

Sound crazy? Maybe. But after seeing Russell Simmons at the Seattle Public Library last week for a talk on his new book, Super Rich: A Guide to Having It All, I couldn't wait to dive into this book. And I was right. I feel like I've finally found what I needed to whip myself back into shape (figuratively.) Reading this book was exactly what I needed.

Woohoo!

First of all, I should note that this isn't about how to make tons of money. In fact, Mr. Simmons (or Uncle Rush as he is affectionately nicknamed) stresses repeatedly that he's not giving out advice for pursuing material wealth. It's about investing in yourself by giving to others and the world around you. Uncle Rush isn't a religious man in the sense that he identifies with one religion, but his intense passion for yoga and enlightenment play a huge part in his life and subsequently in this book. He speaks a lot about his experiences - from drugs and parties to Def Jam to Kimora and their family to Phat Farm to philanthropy to the many people he's made connections with over time. All of these people and experiences help him convey the principles he teaches in Super Rich; among them:

  • sharing your talents and gifts with the world wholeheartedly (and how that attracts opportunity and success)
  • operating from stillness
  • focusing on happiness from the actions of your hard work versus the fruits of your labor
  • staying inspired
  • loving unconditionally
  • being conscious and compassionate

I read this book like a textbook, jotting down countless notes and quotes chapter by chapter. Everything spoke so powerfully to me. Without giving the book away too much, here are some gems I took away from Uncle Rush:

Be present in the moment. Be committed.

I am the master of having 85 million tabs open in my browser in addition to TweetDeck, checking my phone, listening to music on my headphones while trying to pay attention to what's going on around me in real life. Environment for being productive? Nope. I need to focus on one thing at a time. I'll get so much more done that way.

Only do shit you believe in. Period.

Being active in social media has made me a target for anyone and everyone who wants to have an in at my firm, or "partner" on or promote events, products, you name it. I've become much more selective in the projects I take on, the blog pitches I pay attention to (if at all), the events I attend and most importantly, the people I keep around me. If it's not something I feel passionate about, I can't be involved. Sorry!

Hang with people who lift you up. Separate from people who bring you down.

I absolutely love to give. I love helping others succeed and I'm all about bringing my team up as I succeed as well. I am fortunate to know so many amazing people who are a lot like me in this sense. I just have to remember to always emanate compassion and giving. I know a lot of people with a lot of negative energy as well :/

Slow down.

Uncle Rush calls it "operating from stillness." Whether it's meditation, yoga, listening to your favorite song, going on a run or walk, whatever - clearing your mind of all the noise will help you get so much more done with much sharper focus. Ugh. If there's anything I've been craving more, it's this. It's nothing earth-shattering but something I really needed to read and instill back into my life. Thank you Russell Simmons.

I'm not perfect. I never will be. I have a long way to go in being anywhere as awesome as Russell Simmons, but I'm grateful he's shared some of his insights with the world. I truly needed it. I highly recommend you take the time to read Super Rich too!

Built For Man Fall/Winter '11-'12 Fashion Show

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New York-bred and Seattle-based designer Francisco Hernandez debuted his Built for Man Fall/Winter '11-'12 collection last night at Ferrari & Maserati of Seattle.

Crafted from natural materials such as high quality pima cotton and baby alpaca yarn, pieces in this year’s collection include hand knit scarves, knits, unku, T-shirts, accessories, and dress shirts. New to this collection are a 3/4 coat jacket and pant in luxurious, suri alpaca, as well as an unku tunic made, yarn up, entirely by human energy and 100 percent sustainable.

I had a blast at the show. I'd never been to the Ferrari/Maserati dealership before and felt super baller :) Check out the final walk and a couple of pics!

We totes covered the car :/ with Jeff, Stephen, Nicole, Matthew, Alix & Jaymee

Enjoying a michelada after the show!

Forever 21 white brocade one-shoulder dress

Betsey Johnson pearl & bow earrings

Not pictured:

Vintage white ruched sheer gloves

Jeffrey Campbell wingtip suede shoes

Fresh Style: Sunshine in the City

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Sometimes luck is just on your side. This weekend, while I was leaving my neighborhood Trader Joe's I spotted a vintage sidewalk sale at an art collective house across the street. There I met Megan, owner of Bon Voyage Vintage and resident at this art collective. She was out there, as she is most weekends, with a couple of racks and tables full of her wares. Megan and I chopped it up and somehow I left with an Eazy-E cropped baby tee, red anchor sweater and this sweet faux-fur coat - all for $20!

I took the coat out for a spin on Alki Beach, where I spent some time blogging this weekend. Sunny but frigid, my city is beautiful. Check her out!

Vintage faux-fur coat, sunnies & boots

HUE thigh-high polka-dot socks

Target leggings ($6. got to.)

Not pictured:

Modern Assembly black cardigan

Vintage Easy-E baby tee

Coal fingerless gloves

Fresh Faves: In God We Trust

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While AlixRose and I were on one of our many excursions exploring the streets of NYC, we came across the Ludlow outpost of In God We Trust, a jewelry and clothing line born and bred in the Big Apple. I first saw IGWT's witty little heart necklaces on The Covet Shop, with such sweet nothings as "Let's Make Out", "Lucky Bitch", "Really Fuckin' Cute" and "Sweet Tits" engraved upon them. I was really excited to discover not only that they had stores all over the city, but that they carried so much more than just great necklaces.

Made in Brooklyn, New York, designer Shana Tabor uses raw metals to create a antique feel to her line of jewelry. She's also got rings, bracelets, flasks, lighters, biz card holders and more, not to mention a few clothing pieces for men and women. Check out her online shop at Refinery 29 here.

This little gem came home with me:

And I wouldn't mind getting this for my birthday :)

Vivienne Tam F/W '11 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

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I know I am super late with this coverage but I'm posting it anyway. My first Fashion Week show was for Vivienne Tam's F/W 2011 collection. It was such an honor and pleasure to catch the show!

Featuring what I'm calling "Roaring Twenties' Flapper Warrior" style, Tam's latest collection included tons of fringe detail, flowing bell sleeves, drop-waist dresses, dark navy & grey against vibrant red and teal colors and outerwear with very sculptured shoulder and collars.

Thanks to my dear friend Jordana (Clutch 22) who works with the designer often, my seat was up close and personal. I got some video of the final walk and though it's from the side, it's a pretty good capture of the collection. You can view pics of the full collection at Fashionista.com.

IFB Evolving Influence Part III: The Afterparty

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I'm not gonna lie, I thought I had more pictures of the IFB Evolving Influence conference afterparty at The Chelsea Room, but I don't :) Guess I was too busy gaping open-mouthed at the reality TV show that was being filmed simultaneously there. It was like watching a train wreck, only with Jersey cougars. Weird. Anywho, thanks so much to Jennine and team (especially to DJ Lani Love, Windows Phone and TheFind.com.) for such a great conference and a rockin afterparty!

Check out IFB's recap of the Evolving Influence conference and afterparty here.

IFB Evolving Influence Part II: What I Learned

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If there's anything I learned at the IFB conference, it's that not all bloggers are created equal. I am of the camp that still blogs for leisure. It's fun for me and I like sharing about some cool things I'm in to. At the conference, I was in the company of bloggers who do it for a living, whether falling into it for the love of fashion or a natural evolution from a lifetime of writing. I think Evolving Influence did a great job appealing to bloggers like myself as well as to those who are looking to make (or are currently making) a career out of it.

One session in particular stuck out to me.

Moderated by Kristina Medhus (Pretty Shiny Sparkly) and featuring: Sasha Wilkins (Liberty London Girl), Rebecca Stice (Clothes Horse), Kristin Knox (The Clothes Whisperer), Lindsey Calla (Saucy Glossie) and Rachna Shah (KCD),

"Working with Brands Gracefully" gave some really great insight into how brands and fashion bloggers can work together successfully. The panel addressed the sensitive subjects of gifting and brand ambassadorship while maintaining credibility and keeping your personal brand true and intact. Here are some of my favorite points shared during the talk:

  • Be honest with your readers. Be clear about paid posts ("This is an advertorial" or include mention of working with the brand organically in your post)
  • Maintain creative and editorial control. The brand will have some input on what they want you to say, but remember to stay in line with your personal brand and your blog's purpose. Would you write about a free facial when your blog is focused on outfits and styling?
  • Be smart about how you deal with gifting. Accepting offers and product from brands shouldn't be about "getting free stuff." It's a chance for you as a blogger - an influencer - to share knowledge with your readers that stretches across various boundaries (geographical, financial, etc.) It's rarely about displaying a brand in a positive light just because they give you something. They want honest feedback, and as a blogger, you should feel like you can share your truthful opinion about a product or service. Successful partnerships between brands and bloggers build over useful reviews and feedback.
  • Be ready! Brands will sometimes offer bloggers brand ambassadorship, essentially creating a long-term relationship with that blogger to help promote the brand. For bloggers, that means your readers have access to events and insight into things they wouldn't otherwise have. If you want your favorite brands to reach out to your blog, get your press kit ready so you can show them the value of working with you.
  • Earn your brand ambassador status! Prove to brands that you're passionate about what they're doing. They'll respond when you bring ideas to the table.
  • Protect yourself. If you do work with brands, you'll be sharing ideas and thoughts all your own. Make sure to get a non-disclosure agreement drafted and signed by both parties.
  • So...what metrics are important to brands? Ahh, the age-old question asked by bloggers, brands and social media agencies alike :) There's no true answer for that, but the two things to remember are: analyze what you can, and remember that numbers aren't the only thing that matters. Be able to speak intelligently about your audience and traffic.

Hope these gems of advice can help you! For more from the Evolving Influence conference, check out the live blogs on IFB.

IFB Evolving Influence Part I: The Pictures

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When I first got into blogging and Twitter a couple of years ago, I found myself gravitating towards a specific group of Seattle girls who were also into blogging and social media: Jordana (Clutch 22), Sara (SPUN), Alix (AlixRose), Birdie (BonneVie) and Nadine (Girl's Guide to Seattle). It was through these amazing ladies that I learned about and joined the Independent Fashion Bloggers community. Though I don't consider myself a purely fashion blogger, IFB has been a great resource for blog trends, news and of course, networking with other bloggers. I've grown fond of IFB's founder, Jennine and her blog The Coveted and commend her for creating this community for us!

The Evolving Influence conference is IFB's bi-annual all-day workshop that coincides with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in NY. Evolving Influence is chock full of valuable information for bloggers to really take their craft to the next level. This was my second time at the conference and I'm so impressed how much it's grown in the past year.

I've split up my coverage of Evolving Influence into three parts: The Pictures, What I Learned, and The Afterparty. Enjoy Part I!

En route to the conference. Cozy in my vintage fur hat!

The stylish crowding the sidewalks outside Milk Studios

Darling, understated Tavi (Style Rookie)

We're here!

The crowd looks on as Jennine introduces a panel

Me, Mary (Shop Glamarous), Nubia (Nubia's Nonsense) and Alix (AlixRose)

Playing with laptops at the Microsoft station

The Microsoft laptop station. Really wanted to take that art home & find it a new place in my living room.

Pamela (Market Publique), Taylor (Sterling Style), Alix, me and Amy (PunkyStyle)

Beachy keen in the Aldo booth. Those sweet wedges won't be on sale until March! I want

Me, Nichelle (StyleMom), Alix & Amy (Midtown Girl)

Super fun times with AlixRose in the Levi's "Shape What's to Come" booth

Proenza Schouler keynote

Ethan (Elle.com  / Titans & Co.) and I

What I wore:

Green & black checkered vintage duster coat

Vintage bib necklace

Urban Outfitters cream scarf

Vintage shoulder bag

JetSet latex high-waisted leggings

L.A. Made white double-V tee

Dolce Vita shearling boot

(not pictured)

Tete Couture feather headband

Moksha black double-rope belt

Vintage fur hat

NYFW: Rebecca Minkoff Afterparty Hosted by Smirnoff

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After a whirlwind week in NYC for Fashion Week and Social Media Week, I'm back in Seattle and ready to unleash some awesome blogs for you!

One of our stops on the Fashion Week party circuit was Griffin, for the Rebecca Minkoff afterparty hosted by Smirnoff.

"The World's #1 Vodka" even invited bloggers to try The Smirnoff Challenge, where three vodkas were up for a taste test. Now I am never one to turn down a taste test - and I ended up choosing Smirnoff!

Yum!

I had a blast meeting the Smirnoff & Rebecca Minkoff teams, as well as hanging with some of my favorite digital/lifestyle/fashion blogger friends.

Thanks Smirnoff & Rebecca Minkoff for such a fun night!

Ever the social media maven...

Find Smirnoff on Twitter, Facebook and online

Find Rebecca Minkoff on Twitter, Facebook and online