Kelly Cutrone's Normal Gets You Nowhere

/

After reading People's Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone's "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside," I was hooked and inspired by Kelly's no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style. I'd been anticipating her next book ever since, and was delighted I only had to wait for about a year for another read full of Kelly's words of wisdom.

In "Normal Gets You Nowhere," Kelly takes readers beyond the PR world and shares her thoughts on much deeper, personal topics. Sex, religion, family, friendships, holidays, relationships - you name it, Kelly shares her opinion on it in this book. All of this translates into real, honest advice for ladies like me. Kelly really strives to instill positive, confident thinking for women who strive for personal and professional success. If anything, she encourages us to break the mold of conventional beliefs and intelligently decide what's important in our lives.

Just like with the many power girls I like to cover on Fresh Jess, I draw inspiration from Kelly's fearlessness, confidence and will. She tells her story from a truly honest vantage point of wanting to help women succeed in business and life. This book must be like mentoring the masses to her! I appreciated learning many of her stalwart beliefs, shaped through years of experiences. I hesitate to use the words 'success' and 'failure' when summing up her storytelling style, because every experience she's had has taught her valuable lessons about who she is.

I only wish us ladies had more power figures like Kelly to learn from!

Check out her trailer below (she's unorthodox in every way, shape and thought - even in marketing her book!)

Pottermore & The Deathly Hallows pt. 2 trailer 2

/
Can we talk about this right now? Actually, let's not. Let's just watch this trailer and SQUEEZE EACH OTHER WITH EXCITEMENT


I can't believe this is the last trailer. I'm sad but at the same time Daniel Radcliffe & Emma Watson are like mid-twenties right now. I'm sure they're ready to put this project to bed and move onto different things. In any case, July 15th can't come soon enough. In related news, sometimes I hate that I'm so busy. You know why? Because then a sista misses out on opening night tickets at the IMAX and has to wait til opening weekend to see it! Booooo


J.K. Rowling upped the frenzy tenfold last week with the release of this teaser video for Pottermore. What the hell is Pottermore? I'm not sure either but it promises to be amazing, with unreleased content and crowdsourced ideas for making the Potter universe even more multi-dimensional than it already is. Whatever form this happens to take - social network, e-books, what have you - Pottermore will definitely keep the mania alive for quite some time after this last movie. So sorry to all of you who have never had the sheer joy of reading the series. Us Potter freaks aren't going anywhere!

Craving Success by Melody Biringer

/

I'm not your regular. Soon after I graduated from college, I started my job as part of the great events team at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce. I had the supreme honor of working with the literary legend Kim Ricketts, through whom we were able to bring acclaimed authors like Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Gates Sr., Madeleine Albright, Chris Brogan, Daniel Goleman and more to share business acumen and general life wisdom with our members. Through my time at the Chamber, I'd accumulated a personal library dominated by biographies and non-fiction, mostly business & marketing-related books. This trend continues to this day. I'm more fascinated by the stories of trials and success by real people than I am with fiction works.* Powerhouse entrepreness Melody Biringer is no different.

Melody is the founder and face of The CRAVE Company based here in Seattle. She's behind the famous CRAVE parties, CRAVE city guides and events in over 25 cities around the world. A self-described "startup junkie", CRAVE is actually her twentieth business! In her new book, CRAVING SUCCESS: a startup junkie's path from passion to profits, Melody takes us through a lifetime of valuable lessons from those twenty businesses. Each chapter is neatly wrapped with "Uh-Ohs" and "Ahas", summarizing Melody's successes and learned lessons.

Passing the time along at UW graduation :)

I've been a fan of CRAVE long before I could even attend the parties, and had the pleasure of working with Melody last year on CRAVE Seattle. Something I really admire about her is her raw honesty. Driven by her passion of helping women entrepreneurs find success, she will often ask the kinds of questions you know you need to hear but either don't want to or don't know how to answer just yet. The kinds of questions that need to be answered. Though I'd heard many of the stories in CRAVING SUCCESS, I was excited to read through and absorb it. You can tell that Melody poured her heart out into this book, and into each of the lightbulbs that went off in her mind to eventually become a full-blown business. I definitely recommend adding this to your summer reading list!

Find CRAVING SUCCESS on Amazon.

*This rule does not apply to Roman & Greek literature nor the Harry Potter & Twilight series :)

Seattle Weather Mood Swings

/

Seattle weather is absolutely, ridiculously bi-polar. Exhibit A: This particular day started out beautifully sunny and warm. So I work out, run my errands then make my way over to the BadWill monthly flea market at HG Lodge. I shop through fun booths with my friends, pick up some sweet vintage finds & say hi to my favorite boutique, Moksha:

Then I enjoy an afternoon treat at (new to Seattle) YogurtLand, one of my current obsessions:

H&M neon orange tee

f21 high-waisted striped shorts (gifted from  Clutch 22)

Vintage necklace (Sustalux)

Full-finger ring (Nasty Gal)

Jeweled ring (gifted from AnisaLeyla)

Diamond drop earrings (Moksha)

With my lifetime obsession:

:)

By the time I leave YogurtLand, it's finna downpour! Thank goodness for this sweet $5 find from Midnight Mart Vintage at said BadWill Market:

Raincoat (Midnight Mart Vintage)

Grey TOMS shoes

Vintage shoulder bag (Sustalux)

So I end up walking home looking like a confused beach bunny trapped in a rainstorm.

THANKS SEATTLE WEATHER XO

Recap: Seamless in Seattle

/

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

/

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

/

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

/

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

/

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

/

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

/

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

/

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