Fresh Style: Cozy in J Project Scarves

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Nothing screams fall like a good scarf or seven. I'm a big fan of pashminas, vintage wool and hand-knit scarves and can never have too many in my closet at a time. 

I saw these sweet handmade babies on J Project Clothing's Facebook page and had to make one my own. J Project's Jaime says these scarves a "joint project of love" with her and her mother. They get together on rainy Seattle days and create these beautiful scarves with vintage buttons. They're not infinity scarves although they look like them, and Jaime accepts custom orders if there's a specific color or button you like!

I fell in love with the clover button on this black knit scarf!

Jaime also makes knit necklaces with a flower & vintage brooch adornment in several colors. Get cute for fall!

Fresh Friends: Zach Huntting & Crown Social

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I've had so much fun interviewing the likes of Rachel Roy, Stacy London & Kasey Kahne lately that I've decided to keep the momentum going. I'm reviving my Fresh Friendsseries, 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.

First at bat: Zach Huntting & Crown Social! Specifically, Crown's got a celebration happening TONIGHT in partnership with Diesel & Picnic Magazine at the Diesel store in downtown Seattle. Read on for a glimpse into Zach's life at Crown & details on the party.

What will this party accomplish?

Put simply, you will get drunk. Drunk on finely-crafted cocktails from pro David Nelson and handsome sidekick Marty. You will have fun.

What inspired this party?

Illegal squats in Paris, luxurious penthouse bars in Tokyo, and the hillviews of Seattle. The desire to do something that has never been done. And then just knowing cool people at Diesel and Picnic who share the same vision that we do. And we want to celebrate the fact that we're one-year-old in style.

What are you going to hear at this party?

-- Music that will sooth you into deep conversations with strangers and then grab your ankles and spin you on your head. First, DJ Frankie Stallone is going to prepare you with some Italo-disco, his specialty. Next, you'll get hip-hop mash-ups and some trill-trap-crunk by none other than DJ TigerBeat.  Last, DJ Z will do one of those extra long rave breakdowns before making you take off your clothes (because you're too sweaty?)

What do you do when you're not partying?

Research and incubate ideas to inspire people.

Where can we usually find you?

At Crown Social during the day, and Queen Anne or Capitol Hill at night. (I still love you Belltown and Pioneer Square.)

Thanks Zach! See you Thursday for Crown Social's shindig. RSVP on Facebook.

Fresh Style: Quiksilver's Traveling Sweater

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Quiksilver's Traveling Sweater makes a stop in Seattle! I'm grateful to be a part of this fun campaign featuring nine of Quiksilver's fall sweaters. As you can see, fall had yet to arrive in Seattle when I snapped these photos last week. The Nantucket Sweater still made for an easy & comfortable outfit paired with shorts and boots. The Nantucket will be a staple for me this fall, layered over button-down shorts, worn over leather skirts & pants, and sitting pretty underneath my favorite coats and vests. Thanks Quiksilver for including me in Traveling Sweater!

Quiksilver Nantucket Sweater c/o Bollare / Banana Republic olive cargo shorts / Report Shoes Judith boot / Necklace from Strut Portland / Bag from Cozumel, Mexico

Fresh Style: Savoring Summer

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Outfit posts still make me cringe. Nevertheless, this is me owning the fact that I'm categorized as a fashion blogger nine times out of ten. I love this outfit. The leather, the Vans boat shoes, the "day after, still in great shape" big hairdo. Every piece I'm wearing is a current staple in my wardrobe and seeing extremely heavy rotation. A perfect outfit to savor one of Seattle's indian summer days.

Roxy Smokey Tribe jacket / Obey tank (old - similar here) / Tobi vegan leather skirt (similar here) / Anthropologie belt (old) / Vans Rata Lo Pro shoes / J Project purple bangle

The YWCA Closet Treasures Sale 2012 Lookbook

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Can you believe the YWCA Closest Treasures Sale is this weekend already? This year, the Sale has enlisted the talents of my dear friend and Seattle photographer Sarah Lovrien to create a whole editorial through several photoshoots taken over the past summer. The result is a lookbook that depicts Closet Treasure Sale pieces like you've never seen them before. 

Get the details on Closet Treasure Sale here. For more amazing photos from Sarah, visit the Sarah Lovrien Photography Facebook page.

Interview: Kasey Kahne at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

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90% of the time, I am categorized as a fashion blogger. I'm fine with it, since most of my posts have something to do with style, but I consider myself a lifestyle blogger. There are so many amazing people and things about the Pacific Northwest, and I want to share those insights with you whenever I can.

Kasey Kahne is one of those people. I had the opportunity to interview the professional race car driver, who grew up south of Seattle in Enumclaw, last week as he was prepping for NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. I used to live not far from the Seattle International Raceway (SIR) and heard about Kasey way back when. Admittedly, I don't know much about NASCAR or the world of race car driving, but I know that Kasey has made a name for himself since his Enumclaw days. I'm always down to learn about a culture that captivates so many, and I was curious to see what Kasey's been up to lately. My interview is the first of a series of NASCAR-related blog posts. Enjoy my conversation with Kasey Kahne!

2012 Charlotte May NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race

FJ: How did you get into professional race car driving?

KK: I started when I lived in Enumclaw. My dad worked on sprint cars and I went with him to the Skagit Races. I guess I've always wanted to drive; I got my first race car at 14 and started working on sprint cars & dirt cars from there. I've had a lot of great opportunities and just drove in the right races, at the right times with the right people watching.

FJ: What (or who) inspired you to pursue your dreams?

KK: I've always been motivated from my passion for racing, since I was young. That was all that was on my mind growing up. I always want to be better, to excel, and grow.

2012 Las Vegas March NSCS Practic

FJ: You created the Kasey Kahne Foundation* to give back to disadvantaged youth & chronically ill children. Do you have any specific KKF kids or events that have especially touched you?

KK: There's definitely been a lot of moments over the years where you meet different kids. We've done events at children's hospitals and had Make-a-Wish Foundation kids come out to the races. Those moments make you think about things. It's awesome to spend time with them. We try to come up with different events and do fun things to bring smiles to their faces. It gives them an opportunity to do things they don't normally get to do. Our 5Kahne (annual) race is coming up in Charlotte this Sunday. It's a 3.1mi run surrounding NASCAR Hall of Fame.

*In 2006, Kasey was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the President's Council on Service & Civic Participation. (Go, Kasey!) Through that, he strives to bring awareness to the importance of volunteering & giving back to the community.

The Kasey Kahne Foundation has raised & donated funds for: Ronald McDonald House; Make-a-Wish; NC Stem; Cornerstone Schools in Detroit, MI; Victory Junction; The Red Cross; Kevin Gobrecht Memorial Fund; Lilly School; & The Charlotte Bobcats Foundation.  

2012 Martinsville March NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

FJ: What are your thoughts on social media? (Which sites are you/your team active on? Do you like any one more than others?)

KK: I have a team, but I do my own Twitter. I have a lot of cool race fans that follow it. It's fun, because they can see some things they wouldn't normally see or hear about. What my sprint car team is doing, how the races are going.

FJ: What do you see for the future of racing? (or what would you like to see?)

KK: I'm in a great spot right now. We have great sponsors and partners. I've been racing for a long time now. I feel like I need to just win races and contend for championships. I'm ready for that stuff and to be a part of it. It allows my three sprint car teams and two World of Outlaws teams the opportunity to win races and championships themselves.

2012 New Hampshire July NASCAR Sprint Cup Victory Lane

FJ: Do you make it back to the Pacific Northwest often?

KK: I make it back about once a year, when I can. It's tough because you don't get to see friends you grew up with as much. They all started having kids and stopped coming to the races! It's nice to be home to hang out and see everyone.

Thanks, Kasey!

All photos credit Getty Images

Bellevue Fashion Week Recap

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Last week, the Pacific Northwest had its own turn at Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection. I know there are others in the are, but Bellevue Fashion Week is the most established and most cohesive string of events I know of. Hosted each year at the Hyatt Bellevue by Kemper Freeman, BFW brings together some of Seattle and the Eastside's fashion fans for a few nights of fall trends, wine and shopping fun. I love that everyone steps it up for Bellevue Fashion Week. This was my first time at BFW, and I really enjoyed it!

These are some of my favorite shots from each of the shows, and video of the Nordstrom Runway Show benefiting the Detlef Schrempf Foundation. 

Posh Party featuring fall trends

Special thanks to Nordstrom and Engstrom PR!

Renegades Write the Rules - Amy Jo Martin

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Innovation. Integrity. Change. Those are some of my favorite words. If they weren't, I wouldn't have chosen the path of freelance life! It's been six months since I branched out on my own, and it's been the scariest yet most rewarding six months of my professional life.

The courage to go out and do something way out of your comfort zone is hard to channel when you're around people who don't lift you up. I needed to get out of my current situation then and remember who it is I look up to. Who make me want to do better. Some of the people I look up to, I know personally; many of them, I don't. I discovered Amy Jo Martin through a Harvard Business Review article she wrote, and found out her agency, Digital Royalty, was responsible for the social media moves made by some of my favorite brands. I immediately added Amy Jo to my short list of favorite women leaders and have been following Digital Royalty ever since.  That's why, when Amy launched a blogger program to review her first book Renegades Write the Rules, I had to be one of the bloggers on their list.

RWtR chronicles Amy's journey from digital media director for the Phoenix Suns to the creative mind behind some of the most influential brands and celebrities in social media today. In an industry filled with smoke and mirrors, Amy has designed solid principles to help Dana White, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson alike understand how to use social media to grow their brand and business. When you read that, it might sound gimmicky or even a bit scammy, but Amy has simply helped these athletes/entrepreneurs give their fans a look into their lives and businesses that they'd never have access to before.

In each chapter, Amy tackles a specific "Innovation Allergy," with her successes and struggles in helping clients overcome apprehension and change traditional marketing mindsets to bring a fresh, open mind to the new frontier of social media. She took the big leap into the unknown, "wild west" world of social media, and with the support of fellow renegades, has been able to forge a path of proven success.

Here's a little more on Renegades Write the Rules:

To get your copy & find out more on Amy & Digital Royalty, visit RenegadesWriteTheRules.com.

Spice Up Your Hair w/Color Chalk!

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Normally, when I get my hair done at Swink Style Bar, I just go for lots of volume and waves. God, I wish I had that big hair all the time! Sigh. This time, however, Swink treated me to something a little special for the Girl Power Hour anniversary party. I tried out their newest service - color chalking with Kevin Murphy's Color Bug!

Color chalking is the latest trend in instant, wash out hair color. Swink uses the Kevin Murphy Color Bug, which comes in pink, purple and orange. The color can be applied in any part of the hair and can be wiped throughout in little pieces for a look as subtle or dramatic as you want. My stylist used a wax pomade in my hair to dampen the areas I wanted to chalk, then wiped on the color until we got a vibrant pink. (The color chalk absorbs the moisture created and settles into the hair.) Once your desired look is achieved, just set it with hairspray. 

Lauren Conrad's a fan!

Oscar de la Renta used it on the runways too.

It is REALLY messy during the application process. Swink will make sure you're covered with a salon robe and towels, but if you're buying the bug and DIYing at home, you'll want to have a towel or cape over clothes and furniture. Swink stylists seal in the color (until you wash it out) so you won't have to worry about it getting on your clothes later. You do not want to apply heat tools to the color - this will, seal the color into your hair for longer than the intended 1 day wearing time. 

Big hair & pink accents!

I loved the subtle pink highlights against my black hair. I chose to only do random chunks of hair, but you can use chalk to achieve a more ombre look too. Color chalking is great for a fun party or night out on the town, or if you're looking to add some permanent color to your hair and want to give it a test run first.

Right now, color chalking is available at Swink downtown and University Village locations. You can add on a color chalking service to any dry style for only $15, and if you want to keep the Color Bug, it's an extra $5.

Also, any UW student can get FREE color chalking with a dry style on any game day or on UW day Nov 2nd. Just show student ID. GO HUSKIES!

Interview: Stacy London on the Westfield Style Tour

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A few Seattle bloggers and I got to sit down with super stylist & What Not to Wear host Stacy London last Saturday at Westfield Style Tour's Southcenter stop to ask her a few questions about life, fall trends and personal style. First of all, I want some of whatever she is channeling to be that bright, beautiful, spunky & cheerful so early on a Saturday morning! Stacy was really kind and gracious to us, taking the time to field a question from each of us and answer each one with a lot of care. I scribbled a ton of notes from everyone's questions and have chosen a few of my favorite highlights from our interview with Ms. London. Enjoy!

On the Westfield Style Tour:

I want to give customers a roadmap for their mall experience, because shopping can be overwhelming. [My style guide] is part catalog, part magazine & part hunting guide. Let me tell you, putting together a publication like that is hard work. Anna Wintour should run for president for what she does!

On style & confidence:

I am passionate about women feeling good about themselves because it took a long time for me to. 

I thought being into fashion meant being 'hip' and 'in the know' - and it left me feeling empty, not good enough.

When people stop believing in themselves, you can see it in their clothes. My guests tell me deep, personal, meaningful stories about their lives that affect their style. It's amazing how style can bring back confidence.

What are your favorite winter trends?

  • Brocade, lace, leather, tweed, faux fur

  • Primary colors, bold prints

  • Mixed prints

  • Black & white, bordreaux, teal, mustard

  • Texture

  • Monochromatic

FJ: What were your inspirations growing up that eventually led you to fashion?

Each chapter in my book is set to be a case study of sorts for different kinds of styling issues for women. In each chapter is an "I get it" section. I've been there. I've always been attracted to fashion from a very young age. I wanted Glenda's shoes from Wizard of Oz! I also had formative experiences, including a skin disease, that left me feeling 'less than' and overcompensating. Thankfully, I was able to overcome and now I use my experience to help other women feel good about how they look.

I think that fashion and style can sometimes be written off as superficial, and that's one of the most dangerous things we can do. Style is an emotional investment and we can learn a lot about ourselves from it.

Thanks, Stacy! Make sure to check out her book, The Truth About Style and Westfield Style Manual too!

Fresh Style: Glamour Girl at G5

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I had so much fun on the Fashion Panel at Girl Power Hour's G5 party last week I forgot to take photos! Here are the few that I took. Special thanks to Blue Nile for keeping a lady adorned with beautiful jewels for the night!

Got my face and hair done! More on the hair in a later post.

My beautiful city from the 74th floor of the Columbia Tower Club

Cupcakes!

With my girl Jen Joyce aka Uber Seattle

Enjoying champagne with the Girl Power Hour G5 Fashion Panel and founder Darnell Sue! Some amazing ladies here. Photography by Teresa Potter of www.1StopWeddingSpot.com

Fresh Eats: New York Food Diary

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No trip to New York would be complete without an ample amount of dining! My bf and I asked friends and foodies alike for their recommendations on where to eat in NYC, and made time for as many of their suggestions as we could. What you see here are most of our excursions - omitted from here is the Shake Shack because I devoured my burger before I put together a single thought, and the other of a restaurant with incredibly bad service who shall remain unnamed! Enjoy.

I like to pretend The Meatball Shop was named after my Meatball. I make it a point to eat at the original Lower East Side spot every time I visit NY. This was bf and my first time eating there together, though, and I was really excited to enjoy a meal there with him. I always get the classic meatballs with spaghetti & meat sauce, with family jewels on top. A pitcher of sangria and I'm good to go!

My dear friend Jordie of Clutch 22 met up with us for dinner and drinks one night, and took us to Painkiller (PKNY) in the Lower East Side to cap off the night. This little tiki dive bar is on GQ, Esquire and numerous other lists for top bars in the city, and their extensive drink menu does not disappoint. I could only handle this one drink, and it was the size of my head! Look closely at the address, because you can easily miss this walking by on the street.

Jordie date night started out at Mercadito Grove in the West Village for some micheladas and tacos. She said they were the best micheladas she's had in the city, and Mercadito did not disappoint!

Filipino restaurants are few & far between, so when I heard about Maharlika, I had to give it a try no matter what. I've heard mixed reviews, mostly from Filipinos who refuse to like anything that isn't their mother's chicken adobo, so I wasn't too fazed going into it. We ended up having to wait at the bar for awhile while a table came up, but the staff was gracious about apologizing, giving us great service when we did have dinner, then comped our drinks for the night. Speaking of which, the drink menu is insanely good & filled with nostalgia - all drinks are named after current and legendary Filipino celebrities. I had mimosas with mango puree and Tang in them. SO GOOD. We ate spam fries (!!!!), pancit, lumpia taquitos and chicken wings. Yum!

I also like to stop in the East Village at the famed Momofuku Ssam & Milk Bars every time I'm in NY, and couldn't wait for my bf to try the steamed pork buns and duck pancakes there. Not to mention the compost cookies and birthday cake truffles!

Last notable food stop was for brunch in North Williamsburg, at egg. This place tops every list of Best Williamsburg Brunches, and was definitely worth the wait (though the wait wasn't even that long. Still, come early b/c you could be outside for awhile!) I chose their steel cut oats and he had french toast. I inhaled those steel cut oats and then licked the bowl clean! I can't lie. It was delicious, and a great pre-cursor to Brooklyn Flea on the waterfront.

I think we did alright for a couple of Seattleites eating in NYC! Do you have any favorite haunts or must-stops in the Big Apple? Let me know, I'll add it to my list for next time!

Nordstrom presents the Seattle Music Project

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Last Friday, Nordstrom's flagship in Downtown Seattle hosted the Seattle Music Project photographic memorabilia gallery chronicling over 50 years of Seattle music. It was awesome to see the city's music historic icons and movements through all of the photos. I'm also loving Nordstrom's many efforts to branch out and explore different concepts in its stores! An art gallery is definitely not your typical use of space in the men's department! They even hosted a small set by Seattle's Campfire OK in the windows on 6th & Pine!

Here are a few of my favorite choices in the gallery. Check all the pics I took of the Seattle Music Project plus photos from Nordstrom's new collections with TopShop and Free People on the Fresh Jess Facebook page.

Campfire OK in the windows of 6th & Pine!

Eddie Vedder

Sir Mix-a-Lot

Jimi

Heart

Interview: Rachel Roy at Nordstrom Seattle

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I had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel Roy yesterday for a couple of questions before her personal appearance at Nordstrom. Though it was only a few minutes, it was so lovely to chat with the Northern California girl turned mother, philanthropist and acclaimed fashion designer. Ms. Roy was so warm, friendly and insightful. She complimented me on my dress, shoes and necklace all at different times, and even asked me about my Meatball tattoo :) I don't think I've received that many compliments from one person in one sitting in a long time!

Because I only had a few minutes with her, I made sure to make my questions good. Here are some of her paraphrased thoughts on social media and what inspires her everyday:

FJ: There's been a lot of talk around social media and its impact on New York Fashion Week, including bloggers getting paid big bucks to wear designers' clothes. What are your thoughts on social media and its impact on the industry?

RR: [My line]'s not big enough to pay people to wear it! Haha. I started my line in 2005, and before that I was at another clothing line (Rocawear) for seven years. I've always thought it was great to see what the stylists, hairdressers, writers were doing. What was going on behind the scenes. Now social media gives us that insight. Some bloggers might be considered celebrities in the sense that they give us that, and some might be paid to. I think celebrities...people in general like to wear what makes them feel good. They just might be heavily scrutinized for it.

FJ: Do you like using social media for yourself?

RR: At first I was like, "Twitter? No way!" I'm too busy, I have a daughter...but I am active now. I think it's important for people to know it's my voice. Intent doesn't always come across if it's not from the authentic source. When it says "RR" you know it's from me. My team tweets the brand-related stuff. I like Instagram. I took photography in college. It's nice to take a break from the day and play with all the filters for a minute!

I read all the comments on Twitter and Instagram, good and bad. I appreciate them all!

Social media is fun. It's relatable. I especially relate to the Macy's collection customer, because I was that girl growing up. My designer line is much more aspirational.

Thanks Rachel & Nordstrom! Lush Clothing Draped Across Dress / Black & white wedges from ShoeMINT c/o Bollare

FJ: I know there are different inspirations for each of your collections, season to season. What has inspired you over time, from when you started your line to now?

RR: That's a good question! I was 7 or 8, living in Northern California and back-to-school shopping with my mom. I think I had a budget of $150 or $200, and she took me to Mervyn's. I said, "Mom, there's nothing I want here." She said, "If you don't like anything here, then be a buyer!" I eventually went to San Francisco to apply for assistant buying internships at Bloomingdale's and other places, but I was rejected. I just wanted to go and make pieces I wanted at prices I could afford.

I also bought Vogue back then, and I still have my whole collection now.

I've always loved fashion. You can change to whoever or whatever you want to be with it. I love that fashion can affect how people feel, and make them feel good. Have fun with it!

xo.Jess

3 Rockstar Looks for Fall with Old Navy

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When Old Navy asked me to try out their Rockstar line, I thought I'd be styling just another pair of blue jeans. To my surprise, I walked into Old Navy and was greeted by a wall of color, size and style! Old Navy put a lot of thought into making sure The Rockstar was a perfect fit for every body. I'm short and have a little curve to me, but these feel great and don't have a ton of extra fabric to roll up at the bottom (you can order Short or Tall sizes online too.) 

It was so hard to choose, but in the end, the plum jeans went home with me. I styled them for three looks to take me from a typical day to night in the life of an Emerald City girl.

Old Navy Rockstar jeans & polka dot chambray shirt / vintage riding boots from Kippy Ding Ding / boxy sweater / lace tank from Moksha

Look 1: Layered

Seattle weather always means smart layering. This is one of my favorite fall ensembles to wear for client meetings or daytime networking events. Working for myself and being from the agency world, jeans are a staple in my professional wardrobe. I love pairing them with flat riding boots, a chambray shirt & a boxy sweater layered on top.

I took my Rockstars with me for a few meetings on the Eastside, including a lash fill :)

Puttin' in work! Can you spot my assistant?

Stones military jacket with leather sleeves / tiered tank w/lace back from Moksha / Topshop studded flats / Coach duffel bag

Look 2: The New Military

Mustard and plum are my two favorite fall colors. Combined with neutrals like olive and black, they bring an otherwise standard military look to life with splashes of color. This outfit is great for running around town for errands and lunch with the girls.

Change into some sassy heels and lose the jacket for happy hour or evening networking!

Vintage cross-body bag & ShoeMINT heels

Changing scenery for work. Coffee shop life! Dolce Vita sandals

Look 3: Leather & bubblegum

The great thing about colored pants is that they can be the main color in your outfit, or they can complement even more color on top. I'd take the Rockstar out on the town with my favorite vintage sleeveless top, leather jacket, sequined gold clutch and strappy sandals. This outfit is the perfect balance for hanging with friends at a bar or club to catching a show to eating a late dinner with my boyfriend.

Zara leather jacket / vintage sleeveless top / sequined clutch

What's better than a glass of wine on the rooftop?

If you'd like to pick up a pair of Rockstars for yourself, head over to your nearest Old Navy store or OldNavy.com. They're on sale now through October 3rd for just $19!

At that price, you can get every color in the rainbow :)

Disclosure

: Compensation was provided by Old Navy via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Old Navy.

Fresh Style: NYC Outfit Diary

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I had such a fun week in New York for Lucky FABB, the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference & Fashion's Night Out last week! I'm catching up on real life and will crank out these NYC posts as quickly as I can. I took in the sights of the Big Apple, so I've got some posts coming about boutiques, markets and restaurants I enjoyed there. First off, the outfits:

Though I didn't attend any shows this season, I stopped by the tents for an obligatory photo after a blogger lunch one day. Trina Turk for Banana Republic top (similar BR top here)/ Vintage mandala print high-waist shorts from Everybody's Buying Vintage (similar here) / TopShop velvet studded flats / Vintage sunnies / J Project  wrap bracelet

My IFBcon outfit! Vintage orange hi-low tuxedo blazer from Kippy Ding Ding / Reconstructed vintage sheer print top from Moksha / Forever 21 faux leather shorts / Nine West strappy heels (similar here)

The perfect maxi for a low-key night out on the town. IntiMint black maxi dress & Flirt Catalog aqua skinny belt w/gold plate c/o Bollare / Dolce Vita t-strap leopard sandals / gold jewelry via Lucky FABB  

My Lucky FABB outfit: Yellow tiered tank w/lace back from Moksha / Forever 21 leopard print pants (similar here) / Julian Louie for Aldo wedges

After traipsing the streets of Manhattan & Brooklyn all day, I decided to keep it super casual for Fashion's Night Out. Quiksilver Women tank (similar here) / High-waisted harem pants from Moksha / Triangle necklace from Strut (Portland)

Sunday brunch in Williamsburg followed by Brooklyn Flea browsing & MoMA Quiksilver Women tank / Forever 21 necklace / Vintage Levi's cutoff shorts

Leopard flats & floral top for shopping with fellow bloggers in SoHo!

Floral print tee from Moksha / BCBG high-waisted leather shorts from Sell Your Sole / Dolce Vita leopard oxfords

Exhausted but loving life! Jack by BB Dakota Harland jacket / Report Shoes boots

Fresh Eats: Starbucks Evenings Premieres New Menu

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Entrepreneur life means working out of coffee shops often. But sometimes I'm plugging away at work and the morning fades into afternoon. By then, I'm just not in the mood for coffee anymore but I'm not ready to pack up just yet. Last year, Starbucks introduced it's Evenings menu in Seattle, Portland and Sun Valley. I was invited by the team to their new Terry & Republican location on the new Amazon headquarters campus to sample their brand-new Starbucks Evenings menu, including appetizers, wine and beer.

The Starbucks team hand-selected various local wines for its new menu, stocking Bergevin Lane and Chateau Ste. Michelle among others. Each glass served at Starbucks Evenings comes with a small bowl of pumpkin seeds!

At the menu tasting, we sampled: goat cheese & artichoke flatbread, rosemary & brown sugar coated cashews, bacon-wrapped dates, crudites and smoky chipotle hummus, chocolate fondue, truffle mac & cheese and brie with raisin bread

So where can you enjoy Starbucks Evenings? Right now, just at the five Washington and one Oregon locations below and after 4:00p.m.:

  • Olive Way (1600 E. Olive Way, Seattle 98102)
  • 15th Ave. (328 15th Ave. E., Seattle 98115)
  • Terry & Republican (442 Terry Ave. N., Seattle 98101)
  • Madison Park (4000 E. Madison Ave., Seattle 98112)
  • Issaquah Meadows (1460 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah 98027)
  • Brewery Blocks (1039 NW Couch St., Portland, OR 97209)

Starbucks has remodeled most or all of these in the past year, with more community tables and seating for large parties and individuals alike. In mid-October, Starbucks Evenings will kick off local winemaker visits and live entertainment on Friday evenings.

I am partial to the sparkling rose and truffle mac & cheese myself! Hope you can enjoy a Starbucks Evening near you soon.

Fresh Faves: Sable Lash Lounge

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I try to keep everything as natural as possible. No color in my hair, no acrylic nails, no cosmetic surgeries, eating right, drinking a lot of water & working out on the regular. I do have one aesthetic vice though, and those are lash extensions. I don't like to wear a ton of make up and I love that lashes can totally transform your look. 

Cecilli Grootemaat, founder of Sable Lash Lounge, invited me out to her space in the Sola Salon Studios in the elements building out in Bellevue last week. Before I wax on about Sable, I wanted to give a little insight into Sola first. I was fascinated when I walked into the Sola Salon Studios  space. Much like I (or any other independent business owner) would look for office space to rent, salon professionals often rent space/chairs in actual salons and pay rent to another salon professional. Sola Salon Studios was created in 2004 as a way for salon independents to essentially have their own space. They rent small studios in Sola, and in turn are surrounded by other industry types, while their customers have the opportunity to support a few local small business owners in one common space. To me, it's a lot like co-working spaces geared towards digital types like myself. 

With lash extensions, you are spending at least an hour every 2-3 weeks with someone who is applying adhesive & extensions to a very sensitive part of your body. I definitely don't recommend going somewhere cheap or low-quality, and if you're going to go to a new stylist, make sure you know where they've been trained!

Cecilli was a senior lash stylist at Swink Style Bar before branching out on her own back in March 2011. She specializes in NovaLash eyelash extensions, plus eyebrow couture shaping & lash lift. As far as I know, Sable Lash Lounge is the only place in the area to get NovaLash extensions.  Award-winning, long-lasting, medical-grade lash extension adhesives have earned NovaLash its reputation as “the healthiest” professional eyelash extension system. 

As the industry leader, NovaLash offers superior lash extension education and training to its most talented and dedicated lash artists, and superior products and service to its clients. NovaLash works diligently to embody and exemplify the best that technology, science, creative artistry and customer satisfaction can achieve.

Cecilli recently won an award from NovaLash as one of their Artists of the Year in the "Most Dramatic Look" category. When I saw this accolade, I knew I was in good hands with her!

I sat with Cecilli for two hours for my "initial set" (the first set for those who've never had them, or for those who've gone more than five weeks since their last fill.) Check out her full list of eyelash extension services - including Candied Lashes!!! - on her site, along with more info on Cecilli and her other services.

You can book an appointment with Cecilli online (she books at least two weeks out), or you can ask her questions on the Sable Lash Lounge  Facebook page. 

Thanks Cecilli!

Fresh Life: Fresh Jess' Summer

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As I prep for the next Independent Fashion Bloggers conference (#IFBcon) and Lucky FABB (#LuckyFABB), I'm also finally taking a moment to reflect on the summer. This has been a season of building my business, and since I told you what I was up to back in late April (Fresh Jess the Freelancer), I've put my all into getting clients and doing some great work. 

Unfortunately, it's taken me away from blogging as much, which is what I intended to build my freelance life around in the first place. Life is all about balance, and while I'm grateful for all of the work I've been able to do this summer, I'm excited to dive headfirst into a week focused just around my blog. I am learning what kinds of projects I like to work on, and what kind of clients I enjoy working with. I'm looking forward to even more prosperity and opportunity in the fall.

This is a photo series to show you what I've been up to this summer, and to tell you that I'll be back in the swing of blogging things here soon :)

Cheered my boyfriend on for his third professional mixed martial arts win! And this is just his hobby!

My dear friends Anisa & Carrie were home in Seattle for quick vacations. I was extremely grateful to spend so much time with them both! 

We made sure to make time for fitness with our girl time, including a hike up Rattlesnake Ridge.

I worked with Madeline on a project for the Bellevue Arts Museum last month. When you work with such a fun place, it definitely doesn't seem like work!

Spent lots of time taking the pup out to Alki

I was a special guest Twitter host for Seattle Art Museum's SAM Remix last week at Olympic Sculpture Park. My friend TigerBeat was on the turntables at SAM Remix keeping the dance floor active! (Photo credit Sarah Lovrien)

While getting my outfits together for IFBcon & Lucky FABB, I scored this amazing crimson leather jacket with puff sleeves and a sweet scoop collar! It fits perfectly and is the first of many leather jackets I'm hoping to get my paws on this fall.

Spikeand I are savoring the last bits of summer.

 Follow more of my daily life over on Instagram! @JessEstrada

Fresh Jess on the Girl Power Hour G5 Party Fashion Panel! Fri Sept 21

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I'm thrilled to be a part of Girl Power Hour's ultra-glam, ultra-exclusive G5: The Global Glamour Party. Darnell Sue & team have been bringing fabulous ladies together all around the Puget Sound for five years strong, and they are pulling out all the stops for this year's anniversary party.

I'm joining Connie Blumenthal, Jacquie Brown & LB Dutchess on the G5 Fashion Panel. We'll be interviewing guests as they walk into the party, share some style tips and have some fun on-camera.

GPH founder Darnell Sue & I at G4 last year!

GPH is turning the vacant and sweeping 74th floor of the Columbia Tower Club into the High Rise Lounge for one night. With only 300 spots, you’ll be attending the ultra-exclusive Global Glamour party, a place reminiscent of the stylish flavor you can only find overseas.

For one night, you’ll have the chance to experience Seattle like no one ever has before or will again. This is your introduction to the new Columbia Tower Club...

G5: The Global Glamour Party

Girl Power Hour 5 Year Anniversary

Friday, September 21, 2012

74th floor of the Columbia Tower Club (701 5th Ave, Seattle 98104)

8:00p.m. (VIP pre-party: 7:00p.m.)

Formal cocktail attire, dress to impress

PARKING: $9 under Columbia Tower

21+, Co-ed (Men & Women), VERY Limited Tickets, featured world-class cocktails, bottle specials and other surprises

Tickets: $50, $125, $200

Buy tickets here

*Our Featured non-profit will be Dollar Per Month, who will in turn be featuring 3 non-profits for you to choose from during the month of September. Come learn about how this local non-profit is change the world one dollar at a time!

Sponsored by: LUNAbar, Columbia Tower Club, Seattle Met

Go to GirlPowerHour.com for all the info, Sponsors, Partners and more.

See you on top of the world!