FreshJess CRAVEs Seattle

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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 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)???

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

Fresh Faves: Marion Cotillard

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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" :)

Fresh Features: Yoogi's Closet

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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, 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

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

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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

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

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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 4: Red English Plaid Top

Challenge 1-3: images via J. Bruner & J. Matthews

Challenge 4: image via

21 Arrondissment

Fresh Faves: Nicki Minaj

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img via HoneyMag.com

img via HoneyMag.com

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).

Fresh Style: Thrifty & Witchy

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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!

 

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

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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!

Fresh Style: Video Vixen

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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 -

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

Fresh Snapshots: Seattle Fashion TV's Shalonne Foster

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Fresh Snapshots is a new feature at FreshJess.com, highlighting some of the best and brightest talents that I've encountered here in Seattle and beyond. In a few brief questions, you'll find out a little more about what makes these fabulous people tick - what lights the fire that inspires them to pursue their passions.

My first subject is none other than Shalonne Foster, founder of Seattle Fashion TV. Read on...

1) What inspired you to create Seattle Fashion TV?

I have always been interested in fashion and been aware of the role that personal image plays in life. However it wasn't until I returned from Europe, where I watched this magical channel- Fashion TV (which plays nothing but designer runways shows); managed my way into Paris Fashion Week and shopped in Paris and Milan did it become an obsession. Seattle Fashion TV started out as a blog that focused on spotlighting local designers and their collections. I was curious to see what Seattle designers had to offer and after scouring the internet realized there wasn't an effective way to find them. Vision and demand has allowed it to evolve into what it is now.

2) What can we expect when we visit the Seattle Fashion TV site*?

Seattle Fashion TV will cover the people that make up Seattle's Fashion Industry: designers, photographers, models, make-up artists, hairstylists and bloggers. We will also provide: trend reports, make-up/hair tips and how to's, hosts various events and cover any fashion related event/party. We will produce editorial shoots, translate national trends for Seattle's up and coming market and host a multi contributor blog. Essentially, we are an online magazine that hosts 60-75% video. I have very big plans for Seattle Fashion TV and really want to elevate Seattle's fashion scene.

*Note: Becasuse we are a new site, we are playing a bit of catch-up, so please be patient with us as we manage the transition and content. Please join our mailing list at seattlefashiontv.com, follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook Fan page.

3) What is your favorite thing about Seattle fashion?

I have two favorite things about Seattle fashion- first is the diversity. Because Seattle's fashion scene has flown under the radar for so long, designers here don't feel the pressure to conform to the national trends. Therefore, we have designers that are designing from their heart and imagination rather than following board selected trends. We have designers that look like they were transplanted from Tokyo, Paris, NY and Beverly Hills, we even have designers that still draw inspiration from Seattle's Goth and Grudge days. The selection is incredible, yet hidden. Seattle Fashion TV wants to provide them all with a platform to shine.

Secondly, I think Seattle is going through a bit of a fashion revolution right now, people are stepping out of the fashion freeze that once defined Seattle fashion and creating their own image. Seattlites are beginning to care about what they wear. They are paying attention to trends, adopting a sense of personal style and incorporating a bit of glamor and sophistication, it is a wonderful to see. With the opening of The Shops at The Bravern, I think the Seattle Metro Area may finally shed it title of being the fleece and flannel capital and demand to be taken seriously in the world of fashion.

Our first event is a Fashion Industry Networking Party. The goal is the bring together the various different pockets of Seattle fashion and rally around the idea of elevating Seattle's fashion scene.

Thanks Shalonne!

Don't miss the Seattle Fashion TV launch party

Thursday night, October 8th

starting at 7:00p.m. at Neodandi Couture in Pioneer Square.

If you'd like to be considered for a future Snapshot, please email me at jess@freshjess.com.

Fresh Faves: Melody Ehsani

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I first saw Melody Ehsani's stunning creations on HighSnobette.com and immediately fell in love with her standout jewelry and vibrant shoes. After reading up on her, I appreciate her so much more! Miss Ehsani came up in a Persian family. Rather than adhering to her culture's standards for women, Melody was inspired to follow her dreams of design. As a result, she creates powerful, edgy pieces meant for the independent women with the inner fire to make things happen. In her words, "We are sexy, classy & bold, with a deeper, unshakable driving purpose." I feel that!

Miss Ehsani has upped the style factor for artists like Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Angela & Vanessa Simmons, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys & Amber Rose. Her three-finger rings and gigantic matrix earrings are all over the place! I think I might need to add a custom necklace to my own collection here soon. (See Rihanna's)

Melody just released her fall/winter 2010 accessories collection last week. Shoes are coming soon - for now check out her latest!

My favorites from Melody's latest lookbook. All images via Melody's Tumblr:

Fresh Style: Golden Wedding Guest

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a couple of weeks ago, we took a day trip to roche harbor on san juan island for my girl nikki's wedding to her wonderful beau, paul. last winter, i scored a fab vintage gold dress from nasty gal and as soon as i showed nikki the dress, she made me promise to wear it to her wedding. i decided it would be extra special to save the dress for the wedding, so this was my first time wearing it!

it fits me perfectly! i'm sad that it wrinkles easy, but what can you do. i'm in love with the sewn scallop design and the delicate two-toned shiny gold fabric. the shape is timeless and makes for really easy wear. i chose not to accessorize too much since the occasion was garden wedding on a pier - a gold headband & copper sandals completed the rest of the outfit.

of course, the day wasn't about me...check out the lovely bride!

dress: vintage

headband: moksha

sandals: old navy

Fresh Friends: JUXISM

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FreshJess.com got a little facelift early last month, thanks to the talent & creativity of design artist Dan Dejos. tonight, to express my sincere gratitude, i wanted to share a little background on dan's work and give a little preview of things to come!

Back in 2006, Dan founded Juxism to encompass all of the creative projects he received shortly after his time at The Art Institute. the diversity of his work range from print, interactive, web, fashion, product & creative direction.

Juxism has worked with commercial & non-commercial clients, including Adidas, T-Mobile, Publicis, DJ Scene, Soy Clothing, Blue Scholars, Ride Snowboards, Hope Heart Institute & the Department of Energy.

Dan's designs have graced the pages of Rolling Stone, Inked, URB, Antenna and Sound magazines, in addition to numerous flyers of some of my favorite nights out on the town :)

Juxism's attention to detail, use of color and creativity have opened a ton of doors, including spearheading art direction for VXRSI, bringing the art of style and MMA together in innovative streetwear & competition sportswear.

Take a look at Juxism.com for more projects, and add it to your RSS or favorite reader. Stay tuned for some exciting additions to the Juxism site in celebration of the team's 4 year anniversary - including a limited edition tee!

Fresh Jess Features: Designers style Windows Mobile phones

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i had the best (possible) time living vicariously through some of my favorites in the fashion blogosphere during New York Fashion Week!

to coincide with NYFW, Microsoft's Windows Mobile announced five fabulous designer themes which users can download to spice up their phones. here's a peek at the designers' creations, along with a few of my favorite looks by each designer who showed at NYFW earlier this month:

Diane von Furstenberg

(on the Samsung Jack Windows phone)

DVF's theme is probably my favorite. I love the splashes of color; the theme absolutely captures her signature style. I think Jennine of The Coveted captured DVF's SS10 collection best, donning it "Egyptian Jinx"...

Isaac Mizrahi

(on the HTC Touch Pro2 Windows phone)

Can we just take a moment to admire how lovely Mr. Mizrahi's Old Hollywood inspired line is?

Vera Wang handrawn sketch

(on the HTC Touch Diamond2 phone, used by the lovely Clutch 22 to capture her favorite NYFW moments)

Looking at one of Vera's skectches on my phone would be like taking a little piece of museum art with me wherever I go! Check out the light & airy goodness that made up some of her SS10 collection

Rock & Republic

(on the HTC Touch Pro2 Windows phone)

And finally,

Ron Arad

(also on the HTC Touch Pro2 Windows phone)

The designer themes are available to all Windows phone users with Windows Mobile 6.5 devices which will be available on October 6, and can be downloaded for free from Windows Marketplace for Mobile beginning the same date. You can find images of all the designer themes and additional information on the Windows Mobile team blog.

all NYFW images by Getty Images via Coutorture

all over the place!

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thanks to the power of networking on Twitter, i have gotten to know a few really great ladies here in the city over the past few months. 

one of them is Kim of Boutique Culture who graciously offered me the chance to guest post for their blog. Of course i had to feature my favorite boutique in Seattle and a vendor at this weekend's Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale - Moksha.

Read my interview with Moksha's Aleph Geddis here

Another one of my Twitter friends is Jordana of Clutch 22, social media & style maven, absolute sweetheart and one of my blog heroes. She's just posted a feature on yet another fave Twitter lady, Seattle eco-designer Sara Seumae of Spun. did i mention there's a giveaway for a SPUN tank? get on it! in this feature you will see a familiar face modeling Spun's Diane wrap dress remixed by Tara Smith of Revival Ink with a beautiful unicorn.

Truly honored to know these ladies!

a city girl on forks...

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this weekend my bf is hiking around Forks & La Push - and for a Twilight freak such as myself, this is kind of a big deal. if you were paying any attention during the movie, you will remember Edward's comment: "Why did you move to the wettest place in the continental U.S.?"

Well, whether hot Cullen is correct or not, while perusing Karmaloop i took it upon myself to find a few pieces i would take along if i were with bf now, traipsing around Twilight stomping grounds:

"the wettest place in the continental U.S." calls for... The RVCA slicker - $105

lumberjill - The RVCA McLean shirt - $53

versatile sweats - The Joyrich Love Lounge pants - $48

because a Northwest girl can never have too many fleeces - The Burton Darling fleece - $65

in case i feel the urge to jump off a cliff...this won't fall off - The Selina onepiece - $50

and of course... - The Bella jacket by B.B. Dakota - $70

my golden birthday!

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i'm not gonna lie, when it comes to my birthday i do not mess around. i am also a big proponent of "if you want something done, do it yourself" - and so a lot of these presents are already mine or en route to me thanks to myself. happy birthday to me, right? LOL - let's start with stuff i don't have yet...

two tickets to sasquatch - all three days

gift cards to my favorite boutique in the city - moksha

or earrings from moksha's fabulous collection

twilight hardcover book set (shut up)

and some lovely presents i just got...

olive boat neck top from my favorite local clothing line, spun

tibetan blue raglan pullover, also spun

pyramid heel, topshop (thx love)

aztec dress from ruche

and finally, tix to john legend & india arie - my first chateau ste. michelle show!