FGI Student Designer Debut + Networking Night

In an effort to support the local fashion community, Fashion Group International’s Seattle Chapter will be showcasing student designer Tera Bacon’s work at their next Networking Night, Thursday April 15th. Tera was recently featured in Project Red Dress, a student design competition held last month to benefit the American Heart Association. Her final gown is pictured above. “I’m proud of the red dress that I made,” says Tera, “We were given a budget of $200 from Pacific Fabrics and 16 hours to complete the gown from scratch. Being one of ten student designers picked from local fashion schools was an honor in itself.”

Date: Wednesday, April 15th

Time: 6:30PM

Place: 24 Seven Talent. 1525 4th Avenue, Suite 200.

Cost: Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for Non-FGI members.

For additional information, visit the FGI Seattle Blog by clicking here.

Photo: Jeff LaPlante Photography

Seattle Fashion Week is Back!

After a year on hiatus, Seattle Fashion Week Executive Producer, Gabriel Choy and team are back to make their mark on the Seattle fashion scene with exciting runway shows and a full line-up of fashion events. "Let’s show everyone that Seattle has what it takes! It’s time to connect the local fashion industry," says Gabriel. This year their biggest focus is on highlighting independent designers, unveiling fresh talent and showcasing Seattle’s best boutiques. “The Northwest is making a fashion statement,” says Seattle Fashion Week Marketing Coordinator, Andy Karuza, ”Making a statement has become our campaign slogan and it represents our determination to deliver this year's fashion week as a unifying factor in the local Seattle fashion and nightlife industries. We are eager to compete with other established fashion weeks on a national level while staying true to our style and values found only in the Northwest. Fashion Week aims to put Seattle on the map in the world of fashion.”

Here are the Seattle Fashion Week Highlights:

Thursday April 16-
Independent Designer Showcase sponsored by Vitamin Water 10 at Fremont Studios featuring New York Fashion Academy grad, JME of Salvation Ware (known for her Eco-friendly fashion), Alfred Lape of Lavsh, Naomi B, Emeka Arms of Live from the Coast, Heart on my Sleeve, and the winners of the Student Fashion Design Competition. Tickets are $15 for General Admission and $30 for VIP. Details on the D-List Magazine After-Party to follow.

Friday April 17-
Urban Fashion Show at Fremont Studios featuring United Colors of Benneton, EQPT, Strut Boutique and Ducati. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. VIP tickets are available. Details on the Red Bull After-Party to follow.

Saturday April 18th-
Seattle Fashion Week ’09 Couture Fashion Show at Fremont Studios featuring Blayne Walsh (Project Runway Season 5), Logan Neitzel and Wai-Ching, known for her Eco-friendly Couture Bridal Gowns. Tickets start at $35 for General Admission. A limited quanity of VIP tickets are available starting at $150.

Seattle Fashion week sponsors include Comcast, Gene Juarez, Verizon Wireless, Ducati Seattle, D List Magazine, Fremont Studios, Fremont Chamber of Commerce, Red Bull, Fuze, Aston Martin, Dress for Success, MAC Cosmetics, Pearl Vodka, Kiss 106.1FM, Global Vortex Radio, Peroni, Y.E.S., Vitamin Water 10, Whisper Entertainment, Whe Productions, Gobo Foto, J Promotions and Events.

For more info click here.

Designer Debut: Vantha Ry

Designer Vantha Ry may be tiny but she’s making a BIG debut into the fashion community this week as she graduates from the Art Institute of Seattle. Her new collection of petite size clothing is designed to fill the void for women who stand 5’4’’ or under (just like her). “I have always had a difficult time finding clothing that fit properly and that suited my personal style. All the petite clothing I have come across was always so boxy and too conservative,” says Vantha,” Petite women need a line they can turn to and love!”

As the daughter of a seamstress Vantha learned how to sew and do alterations at a very young age. Her collection took shape as she began customizing her own pieces and adjusting style elements to make each design her own. “I did a lot of ruffles in my latest collection,” says Vantha, “I love fun details!” Vantha’s current line includes an assortment of sheer blouses with ruffle detailing and sweetheart-neck dresses.

Come view Vantha's full collection unveiled at the Blush Beauty & Trend Show on Saturday, March 28th at Ascada Bistro on Queen Anne. Tickets start at $10. For more information click here.

Photo: Anthony Keller

Spring - Summer 2009 Trend. Fashionable Overalls.

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Fashion tendency keeps gladdening us with new TRENDS. Overall a new fashion trend of Spring - Summer 2009 ! This season an overall is for the all cases. Blue denim overall is for business noon, an overall made from silk is for cocktail party, an overall from variegated silk is for party in your garden. It is a good alternative to dresses. Overalls are as self-sufficient as dresses but look much more defiant than dresses.

See Fashionable Overalls Gallery below. Click image to enlarge.

Summer silk overall Leonard

Green cocktail overall Pucci

Denim everyday overall DKNY

Silk evening overall BCBG

Smart red overall Salvatore Ferragamo

Light summer overall Moschino Cheap & Chic

Chic evening overall Chloe

Mercer VIP

Saving money on denim rocks! In other words, if you shop at Mercer for your denim you should consider joining the Mercer VIP Platinum Club. The $25 joining fee grants you 15% off all regular price purchases from now until December 31, 2009. For more info, click here.

Rock Star Jewelry Trunk Show at Clutch

Clutch, Seattle’s only handbag boutique, is teaming up with Rock Star Jewelry to present a trunk show of Martha Driver’s latest collection for Spring 2009. All Rock Star Jewelry is made by hand using semi precious and precious stones including pearls, onyx and turquoise. The earring and bracelet set (shown above) features chrysoprase in exotic green.

The event is designed to serve as a “Pre-Party Reception” for the Blush Trend and Beauty Show (which takes place on Saturday March 28th at Ascada Bistro on Queen Anne). Tickets to Blush will also be on sale at the event! Bring in a used handbag or toiletry item for Dress for Success and receive a 25% discount on all handbag or jewelry purchases made at the trunk show.

When: Friday March 20th

Time: 5-8pm

Location: Clutch 1212 4th Ave. (across from Purple Wine Bar)

Rocco E Dante Handbags heads to Moses Lake!

Next month, Rocco E Dante handbags is going to be featured in a trunk show in Moses Lake, Washington at a high-end home and accessories store called Elements. The trunk show will be held on April 4th from 11am-3pm.

For more information on the trunk show, click here.

Elements is located at 922 West Broadway in Moses Lake. To visit their website click here.  

Let the Truth be Told

This Local Celebrity t-shirt from Sway & Cake completely summarizes my early 20's when I was single and waiting for Mr. Right to sweep me off my feet. Unfortunately, I had to learn the hard way that you have to kiss a lot of frogs in order to find your Prince Charming (and I know it's true because I'm marrying HIM this summer!)

Local Celebrity t-shirts (like the one above) are available now at Sway & Cake. Prices range form $29-39. To view the assortment click here or visit the Sway & Cake's store at 1631 Sixth Avenue.

Spring Dresses at Canopy Blue

Just as the winter weather gives way to brighter days, Canopy Blue is stocking up on a fresh crop of spring dresses. I love the white, crochet dress (pictured above) from DVF but if you're not ready to go bright-white check out the large assortment of Tory Burch mini's, Milly dresses and Loeffler Randall skirts.

Canopy Blue is located at 3121 E. Madison Street, Suite 103.

For more info, click here.

Eco-Friendly Jewelry by Laughing Girl Arts

Designer Linda Gaughran of Laughing Girl Arts is channeling the Far East with her line of Eco-friendly jewelry that is both gorgeous and good for the environment. Her mixed media jewelry pieces are composed using paper made from Elemental Chlorine-Free pulp with Japanese print transfers and bamboo (which is naturally organic). She also uses non-toxic sealers and varnishes to give her work a clean and Eco-friendly finish. Linda designs all of her jewelry from her Seattle studio and sells it on her website and at art shows all over the Northwest. Prices for pendants start at $45.

For more information visit: www.laughinggirlarts.com

Posh on Main Anniversary Sale

Posh on Main in Bellevue is having an Anniversary sale and offering 25% off all purchases of $250 or more. I'm liking the Tory Burch "Miller" thong in Hibiscus Pink for Spring (pictured above), or maybe the Valentino bouquet floral wedge, or perhaps the Lanvin black and silver sandal. Clients who shop online at www.poshonmain.com should use coupon code "THIRD" at checkout.

The special offer is good now through Thursday, March 19th.

Spring 2009 Fashion Trends. Leather Leggings. HOW TO WEAR LEATHER PANTS (trousers) CORRECTLY.

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Okay, rent is always a worthy cause, but, to be honest our regrets to liquid latex leggings. If you can swing it, don't neglect an opportunity. No other article of clothing on earth ccould give you the same heady wild-child feel as slipping on a pair of skintight (real) black leather pants.

They suck you up and in, and have the power to transform even the squarest, boring librarian into a sexy Viper Room-trawling, crazy-hot mess. Alexander Wang's paper-thin, curve-huggers from his spring 2009 show are a rock-n-roll fantasy come true and worth every penny.

But the one thing you have to know is that with this fabulous power comes responsibility as well. There are a couple of things to remember: The nature of leather is that it will stretch out. So, if you can wriggle your way into them, buy one size smaller, because they will expand, and there's no getting around that. And find yourself a tailor who can take in leather pants. Before you sit down, pull up the knees, so that you don't have horrible sagging old-lady knees later.

Also, keep the leather supple by buffing it with mink oil and a soft cloth. We are hesitant to issue any sort of rules about how to wear them, but remember, such a statement-making piece of clothing also sort of magnifies whatever you pair it with, If you ever wear them with Converse and you will look like a Ramone. If you wear them with fancy heels, you will look like some renegade socialite attempting to be "downtown".

So try to dress very simply, carefully, and most importantly, in whatever you are the most comfortable in.

Posh on Main & La Ree Spring Warehouse Sale

Stop in for deep discounts on last season's merchandise (up to 85% off) at Posh on Main and La Ree March 28th and March 29th. The sale lasts 2 days only so be sure to pencil it into your calendar. Most items are $100 or less!

POSH ON MAIN is located at 10245 Main St. in Bellevue. Brands featured in the warehouse sale include Chloe, Tory Burch, Sigerson Morrison, Loeffler Randall, DVF, Michael Kors and Giuseppe Zanotti.

LA REE BOUTIQUE is located at 11 103rd Ave. NE. in Bellevue. Brands featured in the warehouse sale include Jenny Kayne, Robert Rodriguez, Notify Denim, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Mint, Rag and Bone, Rene Lezard, M Missoni, Hache, Alexander Wang, Nili Lotan, Don Dup, Tracey Reese and much more!!

Happy Shopping!

UPDATE: If you didn't stop by the Spring Duet Sale you missed out! Posh on Main sold over 600 pairs of shoes and had lines wrapping straight out the door.

3rd Annual "Bags & Bottles" Event

 Save the date, March 15th 2009 for the 3rd Annual "Bags & Bottles" event presented by The Gilda Club. Bring a new or gently used handbag for the silent auction and you'll have the opportunity to place a bid on a new one! You'll also be treated to piano music by Victor Janusz as you sample wine from more than 25 Washington wineries. 

Featured Wineries:
Animale Wine
Eaton Hill Winery
Gilstrap Brothers Winery
Gordon Brothers Cellars
Griffins Hill Winery
Liberty Bay Cellars
Masset Winery
Mercer Estates Winery
Naches Heights Vineyard
Peng Wine
Primarius
Red Diamond Winery
Red Knot
Shimmer
St. Laurent Winery
Tefft Cellars
Waterbrook Winery
Whitman Cellars
Willis Hall Wines
Wilridge Winery

Vendors:
Derby Salon
Fini, Inc.
Cookie Lee
5th Ave Theater
TFA Accessories and Beijo Bags
Noble Horse Gallery
Katie Kay
SilverGirl
Miche Bags
Lemon Meringue Boutique
Plane Jane

Event Details
Date: March 15, 2009
Time: 4-7pm
Location: The Westin Seattle, 1900 5th Ave.
Admission: $35 per person
For more information: Click here.

Gilda's Club provides meeting places where men, women and children living with cancer and their families and friends join with others to build emotional, social and educational support as a supplement to medical care. Free of charge and nonprofit, The Gilda Club offers support and networking groups, lectures, workshops and social events in an intimate setting.

Canopy Blue is Turning 5!

Can you believe it's already been 5 years since Canopy Blue first opened it's doors? They're having a party to celebrate complete with sweet treats and 15% off all Spring merchandise from designers like DVF, Trina Turk and Tory Burch. 

The fun begins Friday March 6th and goes through Saturday March 7th. 

Canopy Blue is located at 3121 East Madison Street. Suite 103. Seattle, WA 98112

Global Adornment

Some people might say I'm obsessed with adornment. I love a great watch, a nice belt, a good handbag and of course a fabulous necklace. Let's face it, I won't even leave the house without earrings. This spring if you decide to go the "global goddess" route with your personal style pick up one of the Saya Linen necklaces from Sway & Cake. The necklace is made from threaded linen and embellished with a gold charm and an array of gold beads. The original price of the necklace was $160 but it's now on sale for $64. Click here for more information. This beautiful piece will dress up a pair of boyfriend jeans or add a nice finishing touch to a jersey knit dress.