Stay Giving: Meet AlixRose & Clutch 22

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Christmas might be behind us now, but the giving spirit never leaves me! I love this week's project over at the Independent Fashion Bloggers - Give Your Favorite Blogger a Gift Post!

You've read about AlixRose & Clutch 22 here on Fresh Jess before, but when I think of my favorite bloggers, they are the first to pop in my mind. I love telling the people the story of how I met these Alix, Jordana & Sara at a private party hosted by Darnell Sue for Glamour Magazine back in 2009. Since then, these ladies have been among the strongest forces in my life and I am incredibly fortunate to call them my friends.

AlixRose has all that it takes to be amazing at whatever she puts her mind to. I admire her dedication to the things that are important to her, whether that be friends, family, blogging or her career. She's taught me a lot about nurturing your blog community, thinking up content ideas and taking my blog to the next level. She is diligent about posting regularly to AlixRose.com despite a busy schedule and a really demanding job in social media. We experience very similar struggles with balancing everything, and it's great to have a friend and peer to talk things through with. You have no idea how lucky you are, Seattle! If you haven't perused AlixRose.com yet, bookmark it for her unique perspective on fashion trends, outfit styling and general musings on what makes her tick.

If you've ever had the pleasure of talking with Jordana of Clutch 22 in real life, then you know how infectious her energy and tenacity are. Get her talking about something she's passionate about and she is absolutely untouchable! When I first met her, I could not believe this chick was talking to me. "I am not cool enough to hang and my little blog is just getting off the ground!" was all I could think while I read through her thoughtful takes on outfits and shopping. Clutch 22 now features more of her life in NYC and affinity for digital everything, but the smart, sassy, confident spirit is all the same. She was featured as DList Magazine's Young Northwest Blogger in 2009, and I was lucky enough to follow in her footsteps two years later. She's responsible for introducing me to the Independent Fashion Bloggers and so much more! 

Thanks you two for making a blogger's life beautiful! WOO!

The Freshest Posts of 2011

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The holidays are times for family, food, fun and love. It's also a great time of reflection, and for me, 2011 has been definitely been a ride. While it's easy to describe it as a roller coaster, I don't want to call them "ups and downs." Instead, my experiences this year are all lessons learned and opportunities to grow.

Inspired by the recent Independent Fashion Bloggers' Project of the Week, this post features ten of my favorite posts from this past year. It was a trip down not-too-distant memory lane, but also a way to start reflecting on my life as it was in 2011.

Like to hear it? Here it goes... (in chronological order)

Exploring NYC

1) IFB Evolving Influence: What I Learned

They say that if you feel you're the smartest one in the room, it's time to find a different room. Part of a series of posts highlighting my trip to NYC in February for Fashion Week, this one recapped the amazing sessions at the IFB Evolving Influence conference. Milk Studios was that room for me - being there and hearing from the likes of everyone from Yuli Ziv, Jennine Jacob and the gentlemen behind Proenza Schouler showed me that I have so much to learn as a blogger. Though I always stress that I categorize myself as a Seattle lifestyle blogger and not strictly a fashion blogger, style is definitely a huge part of my blog. IFB has been so helpful in being a peer-to-peer knowledge base and sounding board for thousands of bloggers like me.

2) Mamas & Meatballs Make My World Go 'Round

As I chose these posts, it became clear to me that the personal ones - the glimpses into the inner workings of my life - are the ones that would make it in this top ten. 'Mamas & Meatballs' was written on Mother's Day, thanking my mother for always being there for me, and thanking my dearly departed bulldog baby, Meatball for giving me life. They are my everything.

3) Coolin' at Coachella

2011 was my first time at the annual festival, and I loved it! This post brought back countless memories of a couple of weeks in L.A. with the love of my life, capped off with a trip to the desert with my awesome Anisa Leyla to meet up with Andy Fortson and friends for an amazing weekend filled with music, art and the most gorgeous and stylish people I've ever seen in my life. One of my favorite trips of all time.

At my photoshoot for #8

4) Showing Up for Life - Bill Gates Sr.

I traveled a lot in the first half of this year and though I don't regret any of it, I barely did anything to nourish myself. Too much indulging and toxic people. No working out, reading, writing, eating that well or blogging. Come summer, I decided this needed to change immediately. I turned to a book I'd read before, by one of my heroes, Bill Gates Sr. Showing Up for Life is a quick read on exactly that - showing up. One of the hardest things to learn is how to say "no," whether that be to attending an event, a new opportunity or to having too much fun as I was doing. This book is a great reminder to me about remembering your passions and your priorities, then choosing to "show up" for those things that matter to you - consistently.

5) Fresh Eats: Revel

I am fortunate to know many of the talented foodies in the city, but that's always kept me from writing about food here on Fresh Jess. I don't consider myself on their level! I do, however, love going out for a  delicious dinner and checking out new restaurants in town. In July, I launched my "Fresh Eats" series, highlighting my experiences at various Seattle establishments. I am not a food critic by any means, so you won't see any of my personal dislikes here on the blog. I simply enjoy sharing my meals and featuring a small business while I'm at it!

6) Seattle Style: Bianca Casimes

Another regular feature I introduced this summer is my "Seattle Style" series. Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet! It's another way for me to give back to my city, and the people who make it stylish.

New beginnings... #9

7) Love & Meatball

Losing a pet is so hard. Blogging about my dear Meatball has helped me focus my grief and turn it into thankfulness and positivity. It's also been a way for you, amazing readers and social media friends, to share your own pain and loss with me. Thank you! Meatball may be gone physically, but his love and energy course through my soul always. Thank you Meaty pie for showing me what it's like to love like a mama.

8) Meet the DList Magazine "Young Northwest" 2011 Honorees!

It still humbles me every day that people read and listen to what I have to say, not just here on Fresh Jess, but on Twitter, Facebook, now Pinterest and everywhere else. I was floored when Seattle's DList Magazine selected me as their Young Northwest Blogger for their annual issue. Let me tell you, the nominations for this really kicked my butt back into gear and blogging on the regular! Thank you so, so much. If there's ever anything you want to see on here, please let me know! Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com. Take a look at the rest of the Young Northwest 2011 talent in this post!

9) The Newest Member of the Family

After a summer and fall full of self-reflection and tons of work, my life has changed radically in just the past couple of months. One of those changes is a new bulldog in our home. Meet Spike, our 4-year-old rescue from Bulldog Haven NW! I'm so thrilled to be a bulldog mama again and Spike's consumed my life. I love him :)

10) Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer

One of my favorite experiences is featuring someone on Fresh Jess and getting their reaction - from them and from their own friends and fans. Brian Oh's been so thankful and appreciative of this feature I did earlier this month, and his friends from the team at Seattle lifestyle brand Rich Kids Clothing to the party rockers of Trashed have also shown their love and support. Nothing is greater than the feeling of good people helping good people!

There you have it. Ten of my favorite posts this year. Looking forward to bring you some heaters in 2012!

Merry Christmas & happy holidays from Fresh Jess!

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Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of you!

Hope you are enjoying the season with people, food, movies, places and things you love! 

Thank you so, so much for reading Fresh Jess. You have no idea the magnitude of the gift you've given me to continue posting things that I genuinely love and find interesting here.

Have a great one!

xoxo

Jess

All images of Philippine parols via Google.

English Bulldog Tucker's Surgical Adventure

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Brave bulldog Tucker has been in the care of Bulldog Haven NW, where we recently adopted Spike. Last week, Tucker underwent surgery to correct a tethered spinal cord, which would have rendered his back legs completely useless. Thanks to the generous support of Bulldog Haven NW's fans, the $5500 surgery has been paid for, AND Tucker's raised BHNW's Facebook fan count to over 2000!

Congratulations to BHNW and so much love and luck for Tucker as he begins his road to recovery. I'm so proud to be among this group of supporters for this great non-profit!

Happy holidays everyone!

Jess

Lil Woody's open til 3am Friday & Saturday!

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All that holiday shopping eating up the hours in your day & leaving you famished at night? Never fear - Seattle burger joint darling Lil Woody's is now open til 3:00a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights!

After all, what's a more perfect holiday burger than a Fig in the Pig?

Check out more burger porn on my Fresh Eats: Lil Woody's post from their pre-opening!

Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer

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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.

Seattle: Community Meeting for Danny Vega, tonight at Filipino Community Center

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They say a great haircut can really make a person. For young Fresh Jess, that usually meant a trip to Danny Vega's salon, in a house just off of Rainier Ave. in South Seattle. My dad took my siblings and I there a lot when we were kids. They'd chat while we took turns in Danny's chair getting our hair did:

Thanks Danny for always making me look fly!

It was heartbreaking to hear about Danny's passing after a brutal beating that left him in a coma for almost two weeks. He was only four blocks from his home/salon taking his nightly walk when he was assaulted by three teenagers.

Photo via Seattle Gay Scene

Nobody should ever feel unsafe being who they are, where they are. The Seattle Police Department and Mayor McGinn have launched an investigation to track down the teenagers. There will be a community meeting tonight. If you know Danny or live in the neighborhood, I highly encourage you to attend and participate in the discussion:

In partnership and at the request of the family of Danny Vega, the Seattle Police Department Filipino Advisory Council and the Filipino Community of Seattle, the Seattle Police is holding a community meeting to address concerns of Vega’s homicide, criminal investigation process, crime prevention opportunities, and answer other questions tomorrow Wednesday, November 30th at 6 p.m. at the Filipino Community Center, 5740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Seattle. 
We suggest anyone who wishes to attend this meeting to please consider carpooling or using public transportation as parking is limited. 
Captain Ron Wilson
Community Outreach Section
Seattle Police Department

Danny's memorial page on Facebook

Is Everyone Hanging Out w/o Me? - Mindy Kaling

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What makes a good friend? Someone who gifts you Mindy Kaling's book and makes you Persian tea all in the same night, just because. I love Anisa Leyla (check out her new blog!)

But enough about my awesome friends. Mindy Kaling's own besties are just one of the many pieces of her life that she divulges in "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns)" While I love reading books by CEOs, entrepreneurs and others who inspire me, Mindy is the first one whose upbringing actually sounds like my own! Friendly and hilarious but never part of the popular crowd, Mindy counts her traditional, loving Indian family and close friends among her biggest influences and supporters.

Reading Mindy's book was such a breath of fresh air. It says a lot that Mindy is as down-to-earth now as she was in her flourishing college days. She shares her experiences and observations in major parts of her life - childhood, college, New York, The Office and of course her BlackBerry photo album - in such a light and funny way, you can't help but love it as you read along. I know this word is overused, but the girl keeps it "real." I mean, one of her chapters is titled "Someone please explain one-night stands to me" because she can't understand how you can trust someone with your body so casually. RIGHT?!?

Anywho, AlixRose and I had the pleasure of snapping this quick and blurry pic with her after her appearance in Seattle for Rainn Wilson & Friends benefit show for The Mona Foundation. She was so sweet and didn't look at me weird when I told her I was the one begging to style her on Twitter :)

If you're looking for a fun holiday read, I highly suggest picking this up!

The Newest Member of the Family

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About a month and a half ago, I was at Seattle Works' SWANK gala when I saw this Facebook update:

Naturally I wanted to help however I could. I shared it on Facebook & sent it out on Twitter. When I got home, I decided to post a blog post as well.

Bulldog Haven reached out initially just to give thanks. Later, they found out that Spike's vet bill was over twice as much as they'd thought - for three different surgeries! They started a ChipIn donation campaign and reached out to me again to help get the word out for donations

Long story short, my boyfriend and I kept looking at this sweet little guy - who looks just like my angel baby Meatball - and we decided to adopt him!

We are so excited to have him as part of our family. Looking forward to many dog park dates and slobber on my outfits!

Looking to adopt your own bulldog? Visit BulldogHavenNW.org for more information.

Seattle Style: Dave Nguyen

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet our first guy feature, Dave Nguyen:

What do you do?

I'm a CPA Auditor living the corporate dream. On the side, I'm doing aesthetic and brand effectiveness projects to help out friends and random peoples. This helps balance that financial business-oriented side with some business creativity.

How would you describe your style?

My style is minimalistic, street, timeless, modern, updated yet inspired by the classics, and cultivated by my personality. And in all, dressing for whatever the Seattle weather permits. Music such as hip hop & indie make me try to keep things progressive. I love style and aesthetic. It's my form of art and a way to express myself. It articulates my personalty, mood, brand, and swag on swag on swag. Plus I can't draw or write poetry. 

What are your favorite shops?

Favorite shops are Gilt Groupe, Shop Acrimony (SF), Roden Gray (BC), Nomad Shop (BC), Barneys, Nordstrom, and J.Crew. You can also find me on the classifieds of StyleForum.net and eBay scouring for deals and hard to finds. Favorite brands are Band of Outsiders, Gitman Vintage, Surface 2 air, and of course J.Crew. Note, I never buy anything full price, usually 50% off or more.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

The diversity that feeds into it; the aspect of big city appeal with intimacy make it homely; growing food culture; the parks and recreation; being close to the lake/sound/nature; dressing for the seasons; depressed during winters; happy as fuck in the summers; and this is where my parents persevered to make it so I love this city. Also gotta love the people.

Thanks Dave!

Find him on Twitter, Instagram (@Davenguyen206), Facebook & Yelp.

Goodwill Glitter Sale Preview

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The Goodwill Glitter Sale is this weekend! 

This is probably one of the funnest sales in the city. Held every year since 1983, this famous two-day sale features racks, rows and cases of glitzy and glamorous formalwear, gowns, jewelry, handbags, shoes and more, at fantastic prices! It has become Goodwill's most popular and well-attended sale—people from across the region and even other states make it a point to attend. 

 What makes the sale truly remarkable is that all proceeds—every penny our customers spend—go to support Goodwill's free job training programs. Every day, Goodwill helps low-income people with barriers to employment get the skills and support they need to find work and support themselves. Because jobs change lives. 

The sale goes on Saturday and Sunday, 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m. at the Seattle Goodwill. The lines start to form real early on Saturday, but don't worry - they refresh the inventory throughout the day. Make sure to check Goodwill's Glitter Sale site and blog for tips and suggestions in making the most out of this sale!

I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek at all the Glitter Sale goods tonight, and saw some sweet finds from Manolo Blahnik, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin and a ton of exquisite vintage pieces. Enjoy!

See more preview pics on the Fresh Jess Facebook page!

Please help Spike! (updated)

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*Updated Saturday 10/8/11

This is a special plea from one of the bulldog rescues I support!

This sweet little guy is Spike, a 4-year-old English bulldog. He was surrendered at the ER due to serious bladder stones that his family couldn't afford. Turns out he also had an enlarged prostate, bladder infection and needs a neuter badly.

Spike is now in the care of Bulldog Haven Northwest. He underwent surgery earlier this week, where the doctor neutered him and removed 10 stones from his urethra & 3 from his bladder. He just went home to his foster mom's after a few days recuperating at the vet.

I'm in love this little guy. He looks just like my angel baby Meaty <3

His vet bill skyrocketed to over $2000. Because this has happened in a matter of days, BHNW is putting out a call for your help in covering Spike's vet bill. Add to that the special needs for the dogs BHNW is already caring for, it's a lot to take on unexpectedly. If anyone can give to the rescue, every dollar helps!

You can donate via ChipIn on the Bulldog Haven website;

Screenshot of Bulldog Haven NW's Spike fund

Or checks via snail mail at: Bulldog Haven NW, P.O. Box 1120, Marysville, WA 98270

Seriously, anything helps. Thank you so much! 

Bulldog Haven NW is a rescue and adoption organization that provides a safe place for English and French Bulldogs, mental & physical rehabilitation, rehoming, breed specific shelter assistance and more.

One final note: these problems could've been avoided if Spike had been neutered at an early age. PLEASE, if you're thinking about getting a dog (especially bulldogs as they have many health problems), READ UP on caring for your pup! There's a lot of time, energy, care and money that go into this commitment. 

Recap: Dolce Gusto dinner at Crush

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A couple of weeks ago, Nescafe invited a few Seattle food & lifestyle bloggers out to Crush for a private dinner party to sample their new Dolce Gusto line of at-home coffee machines & flavors. For those of you who may not be familiar with Crush, it is one of Seattle's finest culinary gems. James Beard 2010 award winner Chef Jason Wilson and wife Nicole have created an absolutely top-notch experience in both venue and menu at Crush. After our first time there with dear friends Sarah & Frank (Going for Seconds), it's become my top recommendation for any intimate dinner or special occasion. So naturally when this opportunity came to me, I couldn't pass it up!

A Dolce Gusto cappuccino

NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® combines the expertise and history of NESCAFÉ® coffee making with the hallmarks of Delonghi® precision, engineering and technical perfection. Now coffee rookies like myself can make cafe-style beverages like a pro, in the comfort of our homes! For the dinner party, we enjoyed amazing appetizers and a trip to the Crush backyard garden, where Chef had us picking our own herbs for the crab cakes we'd have later. Not being a foodie on the level of some other bloggers I know - it was such a treat to have my favorite chef in the city give us his time and energy for this dinner! Our dinner was capped off with sweet sea salt caramels paired with various Dolce Gusto drinks.

Truffled chevre gougeres

Hawaiian ahi tuna crudo w/black garlic & sunchoke

In the Crush garden w/Chef Jason Wilson

He's laughing & I'm in disbelief I'm standing there!

Heirloom tomato chutney and garden basil w/ricotta

This doesn't look like a Bloody Mary but it is. And it was SCRUMPTIOUS

Crisp Berkshire pork belly with confit apples and fig mustard

Crab cake demo

Crab cakes w/garden lovage aioli

I had six different beverages that night.

nomz

Getting educated on our post-dinner cafe beverages

Alaskan pure sea salt caramels & watermelon goodness

Mine looks like a penguin! The PIccolo machine & a couple of flavors to boot

Recap: IADT's IMAGINE Fashion Show

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Last weekend, I attended the IADT IMAGINE Fashion Show at the beautiful Benaroya Hall. The sixth annual show was such an elegant, well-put together production, with music accompaniment by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra; sponsor love from Macy's, DList Magazine and more; appearances by Miss Washington and her court; and emcee duties by Teresa Gonzalez of the local Univision chapter. 

IMAGINE featured casual/daywear, cocktail and evening wear designs from IADT students. One designer was awarded the Designer of the Year in each category by a panel of Northwest fashion community representatives, including David Blackham of David Lawrence and Alison Brownrigg of NW Source.

Thanks to Jocelyn Chui and Tony Wong of the Seattle Chinese Times for some of these great photos!

Seattle Style: Laura Haithcock

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the iconic Laura Haithcock:

J.Crew pencil skirt / Gap blouse / H&M belt & ring

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What do you do?

Advertising account management, web production and design, blogger, milliner, vintage inspired styling. And baking, lots of baking.

Deco Modiste blouse / Express pencil skirt / Steve Madden purse / Banana Republic cuff / vintage orange pearl earrings

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

How would you describe your style?

I enjoy gathering inspiration from all kinds of places, but love taking super feminine style cues from female Motown icons, French yé-yé girls, cute rockabilly attire and bombshells from the 60s. I lean towards fashion that works for the female shape and draws from classic, well-tailored standards.

Anthropologie dress / H&M cardigan / vintage gold and mother of pearl bracelet

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What are your favorite shops?

I love a good search through the Seattle vintage shops for pieces that are unique and that will have timeless appeal, but also shop at Anthropologie, Nordstrom and local shops including Meadow, Velouria, Queen Anne Dispatch and Rhinestone Rosie's.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

People in Seattle commit to their interests and that has made for a city full of individuals who are inspiring, intriguing and entrepreneurial. There is constant creative energy that is contagious and exciting. I'm repeatedly inspired by friends who are trying new experiences, creating startups and finding ways to promote community involvement.

Thanks Laura!

Find her at Birdie Royale and on Twitter.

Recap: Girl Power Hour 4th Anniversary

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Girl Power Hour kicked off Bellevue Fashion Week by celebrating its fourth anniversary last week and it definitely lived up to its Glambition name! Founder Darnell Sue and her team of Power Girls have worked super hard to make GPH one of the most popular, most consistently high-quality networking events in town. While normally for ladies only, the Anniversary Party is open to the fellas too - and both genders came lookin real fly.

Thanks Darnell for a great party! Congratulations GPH on your fourth year - and to many more!

With Tori, Morgan Carson (Rene Ropas), Jaymee & Mollie (Mollie in Seattle)

With Mary Lou (Girl's Guide to Seattle)

With Alyson (Crushing on Clothes), Mary Lou, Emily (Seattle Sota), Juli & Aleksa

Free People installation

With Girl Power Hour founder Darnell Sue

Having fun in the Seattle Met photo booth!

With Zong of the GPH team

With Tori, Mollie, Corrie of GPH, Gianmarco, Anisa & Jodie

Vintage handbag from Sustalux

Tete Couture headband / Forever 21 dress / Ann Taylor bauble bracelet / Julian Louie for Aldo wedges

Tete Couture headband

Fresh Faves: TwinSistr Vintage

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Sometimes the very best vintage shopping experiences are fleeting moments you stumble upon. In Seattle, one of the most beautiful of those moments is TwinSistr vintage. I first met Maria at BadWill Market, and since then have seen her at various other Capitol Hill flea markets, including Comet Tavern's, that empty space between Big Mario's Pizza & Caffe Vita, and her own monthly art showcase & market, ArtAche at the Vermillion. She's totally sweet and everything she sells is reasonably priced. While my girl Dana's Sustalux finds are in designer and eras before 1980, Maria fills in the gap with carefully chosen pieces from the last couple of decades. She's responsible for my Kelly Kapowski dress, sweet raincoat and a good portion of the rest of my current wardrobe favorites.

Take a look at one of her latest photoshoots, with photographer Anastasia Kiryanova. These amazing shots were styled by TwinSistr & feature some Capitol Hill hotspots:

The beautiful Maria of TwinSistr!

I loved all of Anastasia & Maria's photos so much, it was so hard to decide which ones to post - so I posted the full set on the FreshJess Facebook page! Head over there to see them all.

Fresh Eats: BOKA Kitchen + Bar featuring The Mix List

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Last week, I was invited to BOKA Kitchen + Bar's tasting for The Mix List, the restaurant's new menu of fine, handcrafted cocktails by six of its talented bartenders. While most Seattleites might look at BOKA as just the bar for Hotel 1000, the restaurant actually boasts a great American menu, with brunch, happy hour and an extensive Northwest-focused wine list. Signature to BOKA are its delicious truffle fries - which you can get for free if you check in on FourSquare!

The Mix List is a seasonal list, spearheaded by BOKA's bar manager and Seattle mixologist Mi-Suk Ahn. Mi-Suk and team delivered with six of the tastiest, unique fall/winter drinks I've ever had!  Just like we adjust our wardrobes for the colder weather, now we can easily adjust our cocktail preferences with The Mix List. Photos and more info on the drinks below:

Mi-Suk Ahn, BOKA's lead bartender, tells us about her handcrafted, aged whiskey

Le Foret ($10, by Mike)

Thyme-infused vodka, porcini stock, truffle salted rim, Manchego cheese garnish

"Le Foret is inspired by my favorite dish to cook in the fall: porcini-thyme polenta. I love the inimitable aroma of porcini mushrooms, which conjures up the imagery of a deep, wooded forest."

Leaf Erikson ($10, by Michael)

Ketel One vodka, Campari, Grand Marnier, topped w/sparkling wine & orange twist garnish

"The Leaf Erikson was inspired by a popular 1940s cocktail called The Viking. I took the original recipe and put my own luxury twist on it, topped with champagne. The champagne adds an effervescent note keeping with the change of the seasons."

Probably one of my favorite drinks of the night: The Grand Luxe

The Grand Luxe ($12, by Brittany)

Anniversario, Luxardo, Aperol, cherry bitters, strained & garnished with cherries

"Aged rums are the new bourbon & Pampero Anniversario rum is one of my favorites. Named after Hotel 1000's guest rooms, The Grand Luxe is a twist on a Manhattan emphasizing the depth & richness that I associate with the cool, drizzly weather of fall in Seattle."

Winter Rye ($9, by Brittany & mixed by Mi-Suk)

Rye whiskey, maple syrup infused with spice, topped with apple cider & cinnamon garnish

"Inspired by a cozy evening by the fireplace, this cocktail is infused with winter spices and topped with sparkling apple cider to make it crisp, just like the weather in Seattle during the fall. This drink, to me, incorporates the feeling of fall through its color, smell & taste."

This one was my favorite. Can you tell?

Not pictured:

The Benchmark ($10, by Taylor)

Brandy, Cointreau, maraschino liquor, lime juice, topped w/champagne & orange twist garnish

"In the early days of bartending, people looked to the fine hotel bars in New York and Chicago to find the best cocktail creations. Elegant & sophisticated, The Benchmark is mixed to capture the essence of Hotel 1000 & BOKA."

D-Licious ($10, by Dustin)

Beefeater gin, Dubonnet, orange juice, orange twist garnish

"Cocktail recipes do not have to be complex to achieve complex flavor. This is a simple, three-ingredient drink mixing quality liquor and fresh juice for an excellent combination that's both light and refreshing."

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The Mix List is now available with a sweet tasting passport. Check it out today!

BOKA Kitchen + Bar

www.BOKASeattle.com

Facebook / Twitter

Fresh Eats: The Walrus & The Carpenter

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My boyfriend and I are busy little bees. I know - everyone is busy - but when we're both at work all day and he goes to mixed martial arts training while I work out/blog/attend events, it can be difficult to carve time for one another. It's quite the treat, then, for us to go out somewhere great for drinks or dinner. The day the DList Magazine Young Northwest issue was released, he took me out to celebrate. I always like to choose new, interesting places, and so The Walrus & The Carpenter in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood was our destination for celebrating.

Take one look at the press page for The Walrus & The Carpenter and you'll get an idea of how easy it is to fall in love with this place. Tucked away in the Shilshole side of the Kolstrand building on Ballard Ave is this sweet gem of an oyster bar. The brainchild of Boat St. Cafe's award-winning Chef Renee Erickson, with Jeremy Price & Chad Dale, The Walrus has caught the eye of (and "best restaurant" nods from) Bon Appetit, New York Times, Mr. Porter and GQ Magazine, not to mention all of the local publications.

While you should come here simply for the most extensive oyster menu around, the cocktails here are absolutely amazing. Definitely a new favorite for the mister and I!

Recap: DList Magazine Young Northwest Party

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Here's a quick photo recap of DList Magazine's Young Northwest honoree party. I'm so grateful for all of my friends and loved ones who came across the bridge to Bellevue to support a lady! I couldn't have asked for a better group to hang with that night. Wish I'd gotten more pictures with the other great nominees like Dhruva Mikkelsen, Osiris Navarro, Casey Carter & Sasha Pasulka. 

Enjoy!

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt