Step out of Your Comfort Level

Next time you decide to get ready for a special event, think about trying a look that you don’t normally do.  Mostly a little black dress kind of girl?  Add some  sparkly something to it to set it apart.  Feels like too much?  Just do one special piece at a time.  Or better yet, take that sparkle and add it to your everyday jeans and jacket look to make it a little rock and roll.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.  Fashion should be fun and creative.

Wraphabillement: The chic woman’s perfect jacket

Today I visited a studio in Madison Park with the beautiful and interesting clothing line Wraphabillement (rap-ah-bi-mon).

Inspired and created by Elizabeth Roberts, (who is lovely btw) these jackets are designed to go from early morning dog walks to an evening out.  And they do just that.  Take a look at the technical fabrics that go from a light rain to what I call “sideways Seattle rain”.  All while maintaining a chic and sophisticated look.  Check out the site online to see where you can find them locally.  (Hint:  Mario’s,  David Lawrence, Tatters, laRee) or see the line  by appointment at her studio at 3121 East Madison #206. Seattle.

Water.org

Here’s how this counts as a Fashion 911.

How many times a day do you think about where your water is coming from?  For me, when I’m honest, none.  That is, until about a week ago.  I hate to admit that but it’s true.  I watched an amazing interview by Christiane Amanpour about the charity Water.org.  Check it out on Youtube.

The truth is, a billion people do not have clean water.  How is this about what I blog about?  Well, it’s a stretch but humor me if you will.  Women and girls are in danger everyday in much of the world simply  from  the act of going for water.  It puts them at risk for rape and keeps them out of school because they are responsible for going for water for their families.  Building wells in their villages can change lives.  Women and young girls can then go to school and become the people they were meant to be.  And I ask you…. is there any other way to become The Real You?

Allison Elizabeth jewelry designs

Recently I met Allison Becker, designer of Allison Elizabeth jewelry.  Allison is an extremely talented young woman from New York now living in Seattle.  As a self proclaimed rock collector since childhood, Allison has  a unique eye for design.  With most of her work made to order, she wraps beautiful stones with wire, making each piece individually beautiful.   I adore her long necklaces and the wrist wraps are amazing.  Check her out at AllisonElizabeth.WordPress.com.  Or contact her at AEDesigns@hotmail.com to have her make something specifically for you.   I did just that and when it arrives, I’ll post a picture of mine so you can see for yourself ! Below are samples of her beautiful work.

My Week With Marilyn

This week I went to see the movie My Week With Marilyn.  Michelle Williams is amazing and I”m sure she’ll get an Oscar nod. The setting is 1956 and the clothing is beautiful.  With fitted sheath dresses and gorgeous fabric, if you love style you’ll love watching this movie.  Just be prepared to be lulled into kind of a sadness over the fact that Marilyn is as we know, a woman managed by many people but truly known and loved by very few.

Watch the trailer on youtube!

JackJerome

Today I visited JackJerome, a boutique just north of the University Village.  Owned by Chris Guise and Kevin Kane, these two have been running a golf event business for 1bout 14 years.  In May they decided to open up about 900 square feet of space in the front of the business for a women’s and men’s retail clothing space.

Here’s what I love about this place:

1.  Super friendly owners who are excited about their business and open to new ideas and concepts

2.  Great lines for women like:  Agave, Velvet and 360 Sweater.  And for men:  Bill’s Khaki, Scott Barber and Peter Millar

3.  Did I mention how friendly the owners?  Free parking?  Close to U Village?

If you are looking for something you won’t see on everyone else in town, check out this store.   You’ll be happy you did!

The Time in Between

A new book I just started last week has kind of taken me away to another world.  It’s called “The Time in Between”.  It’s not a deep thinking book but more just a book that sweeps you away.  Set in Madrid, Morocco and Lisbon between 1935 and 1941 this is a story of a young woman who is a seamstress.  But that’s not the whole story.  She is a woman overcoming many obstacles including poverty, a broken heart, troubles with the law and coming into her own.  All while dressing wealthy women with her designs and style AND doing some behind the scenes work spying on Nazi wives.  Need a great “sit by the fire” read?  This could be your ticket to another world.

Click Here to find “The Time In Between: A Novel” by Maria Duenas on Amazon!

This NOT That

My intern was downtown the other day and took an unfortunate picture of a woman in white socks and Birkenstocks. (See photo)  This just doesn’t make sense on any level.   Check out some of the options I came up with that would work better every day in place of sandals and socks.  Boots and jeans can work just as well without looking clunky and completely unfashionable.  I know that staying warm, dry and being comfortable are important.  I am all of those things everyday and have never (save for a backpacking trip) worn socks with sandals.

What I Left Behind/Or the Non Find of the Week

I was shopping at Macy’s the other day for homeware when I got distracted and found myself in the clothing department.  I am one of those people that loves Macy’s.  Most of the time.  Sometimes, though, it is full of a bunch of stuff that no one wants and that’s why it’s on sale.

This day, I found a little “fur” (faux) shrug and a sparkly t shirt.  I’m looking for something for holiday parties that I will keep me warm and still be festive.  Therefore, the shrug.

When I first put it on, I thought it was  great.  Not so bulky that I looked like a linebacker but warm enough to actually wear and serve my purposes.  The problem was I kept noticing that some of the “fur” was slowly coming off.  In fact, every time I looked down, a little more “fur” was on my clothes or the floor.  At first I thought that this was a brief problem I could solve.  Guess what?  It wasn’t.

It was going to be one of those things that I get home and decide that I won’t ever wear or worse yet, I wear and I’m embarrassed by it.

So here’s the deal:  sometimes even if you love something, you have to keep moving on.  To make Smart Choices you have to have all the parts present:  great fit, nice price, fits into your wardrobe, and did I mention?  You need to love it!

Spice up a LBD with Earrings

So here’s a quick tip. One dress worn with different earrings can instantly change the look. Go from elegant, to funky to sophisticated and never miss a beat. Don’t forget to get creative with those basics. In this day and age we want our simple dress to take us nearly everywhere. While you are at it…. change the shoes, the hair, etc. You get the idea!