Fresh Style: Glamour Girl at G5

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

Clockwise from left: Faceted Black Onyx Pendant; Amethyst & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold; Freshwater Cultured Pearl & Amethyst Earrings; Lavender Amethyst Cocktail Ring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Meet Seattle's Kari Gran Skincare (+ Giveaway!)

I was invited by Carilyn of Magnolia PR to the studio loft that's home to Kari Gran Skincare, to meet the ladies behind the line and get a first-hand look at the products. Lisa & Kari started Kari Gran Skincare in 2011, after a fateful holiday lunch that would mark the beginning of a new venture. A self-professed beauty junkie with years of experimenting with different skincare products and homemade concoctions (partly for her health), Kari had made a habit of gifting products she'd made herself as holiday gift to dear friends and family. At this lunch, it was Lisa who finally convinced her to pursue her true passions and start her very own line. 

From the MIRON glass bottles to the long list of what's not in the products, Kari & Lisa have gone to great lengths to create an elegant yet affordable line that's good for your skin. The pair regularly try other skincare lines to see what else is out there, and to ensure that their own products don't indulge in the materials that could prove harmful to you down the line.

Kari Gran products are hand-poured in small batches using the finest available natural, organic, wild-harvested & non-GMO ingredients.

I personally was so inspired to meet another couple of ladies who are chasing their dreams here in the beautiful Emerald City, and helping others to live a healthier life in one facet of life where harmful chemicals and ingredients are often hastily overlooked. Everything in Kari Gran's product line is fresh, handmade and under $100 (most under $50!) 

I'm giving away a Kari Gran travel set  (seen above w/cleansing oil, essential serum & hydrating tonic; value $35) and two Lip Whips (one naked & one tinted; value $15 each) to one lucky reader! I've been obsessed with both of their Lip Whips since this party. I've abandoned all of my other lip glosses in favor of them. They smell insanely delicious and keep my lips moisturized for hours without feeling too oily or heavy. You're in for a real treat!

To enter to win, just:

1) Leave a comment below OR

2) Follow Fresh Jess &  Kari Gran on Pinterest and re-pin the giveaway. 

I'll pull a winner this Friday, August 24th at 5:00p.m. 

Good luck!

Seattle Style: Capitol Hill Block Party 2012

A couple of weeks ago, I was part of a team tweeting for the Capitol Hill Block Party. Since I wasn't the only one live tweeting from the music festival, I decided to focus on capturing the various stylings of CHBP-goers. Capitol Hill is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, and the fashion at CHBP represented all that and more. Check out these stylish Seattleites!

It's me! Roxy military jacket (cute print one here)/ Kelly Wearstler tank (similar) / thrifted Levi's cutoff shorts (similar) / Senso spiked booties

Fresh Style: Bainbridge Rummage Sale finds

One Saturday in June, my mom, aunt, cousin & I decided to take a last-minute trip to Bainbridge Island for a rummage sale I'd read about on Yay Today.  Little did I know we were walking in on the largest rummage sale on the island, held yearly by the Rotary group there. It took over an entire middle school grounds. From the parking lots to the playgrounds to a few classrooms, Bainbridge Rotary packed the place full of housewares, furniture, clothing, jewelry, sporting equipment and yes - boats and cars.

This were just two massive rooms of many! Below are the books/toys/office room and the bulk clothing section. Mountains upon mountains of clothes!

We spent a few hours there but didn't get too crazy. In fact, we all felt totally unprepared for the onslaught and chaos of the Bainbridge Rotary Rummage Sale. Next time, we're bringing several big cars, sturdy shoes, a water bottle and a strategy!

My total haul for the morning came out to $8! A never-been-worn dress, handmade knit beanie, a few issues of National Geographic & four pairs of old Levi's.

I turned them all into cutoff shorts, and have been wearing them all summer!

Catch the next Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction & Rummage Sale - June 29, 2013.

An Evening at the Gates Foundation Visitor Center

Last week, I hung out with other Seattle bloggers, social media friends and the hospitality set for an evening at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center. The Foundation is of course based in Seattle where the Gates family lives, and has been doing work for various efforts and causes throughout the world. Only recently have they opened up to the public about what it is they actually do and the strides they've made in global health and education. The Visitor Center opened next to Seattle Center and the Space Needle in February, and this evening was a chance for a few of us to get lost in its inspiring stories and interactive exhibits.

The Visitor Center is split into four main galleries that feature: exhibits on the work the Gates Foundation supports to give all people the chance to live healthy, productive lives; a showcase of innovations and progress on some of the world's toughest challenges (like malaria and proper education); and inspiration & information to help guests take action in our own unique way.

I had a blast learning and creating in the Visitor Center. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the night, with a full album on the Fresh Jess Facebook page.

The design and architecture elements throughout the Visitor Center are insanely awesome. This quote  of Melinda Gates' greets you when you walk in.

So many inspirational quotes throughout the VC.

There we are in the VC's photo guestbook!

Easily the coolest lanyard I've ever received, and I've been to a lot of events & conferences!

This wouldn't be right without an outfit shot. 

Trina Turk for Banana Republic top (similar BR top here)/ Vintage mandala print high-waist shorts from Everybody's Buying Vintage (similar here) / Nine West strappy heels (similar here)

Thanks for a fun night!

Fresh Style: Sell Your Sole Consignment

Last month, I hosted a sweet summer shopping party at Sell Your Sole consignment boutique in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. I had so much fun with my mom, sister and girlfriends chatting it up over champagne & bites. Natalia and her fiance Brent were the most gracious hosts. 

Here are a few pics of the night, plus the outfit I went home with that night and a $50 gift certificate giveaway below!

Tucked behind the Cherry St. Coffee location on 1st Ave. & Blanchard/Lenora, Sell Your Sole is an adorable loft full of designer consignment treasures. 

Natalia has an amazing eye for beautiful designer pieces. She opened Sell Your Sole to fuse her love of smart shopping with finding fabulous new friends in the city.

Natalia and I styled a few outfits for summer and fall with SYS's current inventory. As with all consignment shopping, you should come back often to see the latest!

I loved these earrings and this Tory Burch stacked ring set!

For the event, I wore a vintage Halston dress with Dolce & Gabbana gilded leaf heels. Disco queen :)

I love mixing prints!

At the top of the stairs to the loft, you'll see a beautiful wall of shoes and a giant mirror. A woman's dream loft!

I was totally eyeing this Dries Van Noten belted top. 

I went home with this ensemble! Blush pink shirt with black trim and BCBG faux leather high-waisted shorts.

I also couldn't resist this lambswool sweater. It's so soft and comfy! I'll be wearing it all winter.

City Target Seattle Opens Sunday 7/29! Preview Pics

I cannot even tell you how excited urban Seattleites are to have a Target in the heart of downtown!

City Target Seattle is one of three City Targets opening this month, with two more in Chicago and L.A. I attended a TargetStyle dinner last week where I was told the City Target concept would be much more catered to the commuter consumer. I guess in my head I pictured smaller, compacted, and less of everything. While there is definitely less bulk, lifestyle merchandising and large items, City Target still has most everything that other Targets offer. City Target Seattle's got its food & beverage (plus liquor); men's, women's and children's apparel and accessories; home decor & necessities, electronics; even bikes!

I went to the preview party tonight, and Target really pulled out all the stops for a great celebration! Local artists were set up throughout the store with live painting; there were sangria & cocktail demonstrations, live bands & a DJ spinning, and yummy treats from Boka & Cupcake Royale. Thanks to the responses on my Instagram & personal Facebook, I wanted to get this quick post up for all of you so you can get a glimpse of what to expect. As usual, you can see all of my pics from tonight's preview on the Fresh Jess Facebook page.

City Target Seattle opens this Sunday, July 29th. You can bet I'll be there often!

Hi, Seattle!

What a nice welcome! Balloons & local artist work

Painting downstairs from more local artists.

Follow Target Seattle on Twitter!

Three floors of amazingness!

Target did not cut any corners with this soiree!

Smaller merchandise points means getting more creative with creating vignettes!

Just some mini-golf with the Target dog

Custom Target cupcakes from Cupcake Royale!

Campfire OK playing tunes for the crowd up on the third floor.

Don't worry, everyone. Still plenty of toilet paper stocked!

Probably the only time I'll get to shop a Target with a sangria in hand!

See you again soon!

Welcome to downtown Seattle, Target!

Seattle: Goodwill South Lake Union Preview Pics!

Just a little less than a week left until the highly-anticipated opening of Goodwill in South Lake Union! I got a preview tour on Friday, and I can say that you're all in for a treat packed into not a lot of square footage.  Remember, this Goodwill is much smaller than normal, at ~4800 sq. ft., compared to a normal Goodwill at 20k sq. ft! This means that the selection at this location is obviously smaller, and carefully curated to appeal to the residents and workers in the neighborhood. 

Goodwill SLU features men's, women's and children's apparel and shoes, housewares and decor, and accessories. The team is very careful about how they merchandise every square foot of the store, and I'm sure they'll be churning through product quickly! I have a few pics here, but you can take a look at my full photo set on the Fresh Jess Facebook page.

Seattle, looking forward to shopping with you when Goodwill SLU opens next Thursday, July 26th at 10:00a.m.!

Welcome to the neighborhood, Goodwill!

I loved how they used space above & between racks to merchandise housewares in colorblocked sets.

A nicely curated set of home accessories. Love all the shag & knit carpeting!

More great selection to cater to the SLU customer.

The dressing rooms are massive! Sweet wooden doors too.

Thanks Katherine & Goodwill for providing a tour for Tina (glam.spoon) & I!

A Taste of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Most of you Nordstrom fans have already shopped the early access sale or are in line as I speak for the 2012 Anniversary Sale. Nordstrom Flagship Via C's Sanda Belaire invited a few bloggers to come in and get a tour of her stylist favorites from the Sale, after a sampling of Nordstrom Grill's new summer small plates menu (served from 4:00p.m. to close.)

It's so nice to have another central Downtown place to go to for happy hour with good food for great prices. My personal favorites were the crab cakes, vegetable chips and the wings. I'd have more food pics for you but the bloggers were hungry. :)

After happy hour, Sanda led us on a tour through the Early Access tents in the store for a firsthand look at featured pieces which are sure to go like hotcakes when the Sale opens this morning.

I need these Report motorcylcle boots! Perfect for sludging around Seattle fall & winters!

After our store tour, we were whisked off the sales floor and into the land where all the social media  & celebrity styling magic happens! From a born & raised Seattleite who's been around Nordstrom her whole life, it makes me really happy to see the words 'social media' in this classic Nordy font.

In the styling room were all of Sanda's top picks for this year's Sale, from Rebecca Minkoff to Kate Spade to the softest wool scarves handmade in the East Coast:

I want everything on the rack & mannequin!

The beautiful Sanda describing to us how the leather ruched cuff-sleeve detail on this Elizabeth & James shirt is INSANE.

After our styling session, we went home with a swag bag with a couple of extra sweet goodies:

Many thanks once again to Nordstrom for having us!

Photo credit Nordstrom

Fresh Picks: Nordstrom Designer Preview 2012

You saw the party pics, and now here's what you've been waiting for - runway pics from the 2012 Nordstrom Designer Preview!

Designers are taking two spring/summer trends - peplum & mixed prints - right into fall/winter. In addition to layering, there was a lot of mixing patterns and fabrics to breathe new life into classic shapes. Tweed, wool, shearling and other fall/winter staples were accompanied by lamé, silk, bouclé and brocade. Blazers and sportcoats took a more masculine feel with oversized, boxy shapes and very structured lines. These pieces were balanced out with midi & long feminine dresses in silk, satin, lace & chiffon. Though dark colors are standard for fall & winter, these collections show me that charcoal, forest green, navy and bright jewel tones (like Stella McCartney's show-stopping Egyptian blue!) rule this particular season. 

What you see below are my top ten. I was drawn to a lot of the unique shapes along with unexpected fabrics and detailing. Stella was an obvious favorite, but it really was hard to choose from all of the collections. Enjoy!

All photos credit  Vivian Hsu, Team Photogenic

Gucci / velvet brocade strapless peplum dress & python clutch

Donna Karan / Charcoal wool cut-away coat, tissue jersey sleeveless bodysuit blouse & charcoal wool slim-cut trousers

Erdem / Pink & black lace/duchesse embroidered 'Ariel' dress

Lanvin / Green compact wool ruffle-front coat

Jason Wu / Charcoal & camel wool/flannel cropped coat with raglan sleeves; black/nude embroidered lace tee; black bi-stretch wool gabardine pants with side-lace detail; boudreaux 'Daphne' satchel 

Oscar de la Renta / Black sequined dress with sheer sleeves and carwash skirt

Akris / Bottle green wool/leather 'Doyle' jacket, wool sleeveless jacket & wool trousers

Stella McCartney / Navy/ivory two-tone cady racerback gown

Stella McCartney / Egyptian blue wool twill one-button blazer, wool twill straight-leg pants & black faux-fur 'Falabella' small tote

Stella McCartney / Blue lace embroidered long-sleeved dress

Thanks again Nordstrom & Vivian at Team Photogenic!

Fresh Style: Blue Nile at the Nordstrom Designer Preview

Blue Nile's been so kind as to let me take this beautiful new necklace out on the town, and it's been a part of my outfit almost every day for the past two weeks. The Chalcedony & Aquamarine necklace was one of two major pieces shaping my outfit for Nordstrom's Designer Preview, held last week at Pier 91 in Seattle and benefiting the Seattle Art Museum.

The cushion-shaped chalcedony gemstone is bezel-set in gold vermeil with faceted aquamarine  gemstones along the chain.

You'll see the other piece shaping my outfit in a bit :)

Nordstrom and the Seattle Art Museum have partnered to put on the Designer Preview for many years, and have consistently sold out the venue, packing it full of SAM supporters, Nordstrom shoppers and other fashion & art enthusiasts. This year's Designer Preview proceeds will benefit SAM's upcoming exhibit, Elles: Women Artists from the Centre Pompidou, Paris. Elles will open in October through January 13th, 2013. The exhibit will feature all women artists, with the iconic Frida Kahlo and more artist works on display.

Here are a few of my iPhone shots from the Designer Preview party, boutique and pre-runway. Check in tomorrow when I'll post my favorite runway looks from the show!

Such a stylish crowd!

A perfect Seattle day. View from Pier 91.

With my gorgeous friends Patrick of Golazo & Jane of Seattleite

Amazing looks from Alaia and Valentino in the entryway to the show

The crowd anxiously awaiting the start of the show!

Post-show runway! Blue Nile Chalcedony & Aquamarine necklace & white agate vermeil drop earrings, LA Made double v-neck tee, vintage cross-body bag & heels, Forever 21 high-waisted trousers (similar here)

When summer finally arrives in Seattle, it's truly unmatched!

Thank you Nordstrom & Blue Nile! Runway faves tomorrow.