Seattle: Get Fresh with the Microsoft Surface 2 (Event & Giveaway!)

Hey Seattle! Want to win a Surface 2? Then meet me at the Microsoft Store in Bellevue Square for the Surface 2 launch event, tonight from 10:00p.m. - midnight!

A year ago almost to the day, I traveled to NYC with Microsoft for the launch of their pop-up store in Times Square along with the launch of their first Surface tablet (Reminisce here!) It's follow-up, the Surface 2, is faster, thinner and lives longer (battery-wise) than its predecessor. The Surface 2 is touted as a powerful laptop packaged neatly in a tablet, and the buzz is already starting around its improvements. I'm excited to check it out tonight, and so pleased to share the fun with you! 

Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess

I'm hosting a launch event scavenger hunt to give away this Surface 2. This is all going down on the social mediaz, so you MUST do these two things in order for each of your entries to count in the contest:

Here are all the different ways you can win:

  1. Tweet us a Surface selfie! This can be you in line for the launch, in the store with a Surface 2, whatever. Show me you're there!
  2. See a cool pair of shoes or a smart shirt at the launch event? Tweet us a photo showing some Surface launch event style.
  3. Tweet a way a new Surface device can help you stay productive.
  4. Meet someone you don’t know and find something you have in common. Make sure to mention their handle in your tweet!
  5. Answer this trivia question: How long is the Surface 2’s battery life?
  6. Check in on FourSquare at the event, and share it to Twitter.
  7. Share this blog post on Twitter! Tweet #FreshSurface
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess

So how can you do more with the Surface?

Here are some of the key features of the new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2:

  • A 10-hour battery life that keeps you charged throughout the day.
  • Ultra lightweight, at less than 1.5 pounds and just 8.9 mm thick.
  • A more powerful, always-on processor, so it’s ready to go when you need it. 
  • Office 2013 RT is pre-installed with touch-optimized versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote - so Surface 2 can go from plaything to workhorse right out of the box.
  • The Docking Station for Surface Pro delivers the power you need so you’re ready to go at a moment’s notice. Charge your Surface Pro and a cell phone, and run your external hard drive while making a Skype call on your USB headset, and you’ll still have plenty of power to work with.
  • Whether you’re a business executive needing to power through important business or a student looking for the ultimate portable device to tote around campus, there’s a storage option to fit your needs.
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess

What's happening at the launch event, you ask? Well...

  • There'll be a DJ, food & beverages and swag giveaways (hats, tees, gift cards, etc.) throughout the night;
  • Microsoft Store will also be hosting a series of challenges for a chance to win a trip to the Orlando store opening, complete with a live performance by Pitbull
  • The winner will be whisked away the following morning (10/22) for VIP treatment at the event, including a meet and greet with Pitbull. 
  • Seattle Seahawks' All-Pro Cornerback Richard Sherman will be also be in attendance to meet and mingle with fans. He’ll also be giving out autographed photos to the first 150 guests at the event! 
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess
Microsoft-Surface 2-Fresh Jess

RSVP on Facebook. Good luck!

This is a sponsored post, though all opinions and editorial direction are my own. 

Read the official rules for the Microsoft & Fresh Jess Surface 2 giveaway.

Microsoft & Fresh Jess - Surface 2 Giveaway - Official Rules

MICROSOFT AND FRESH JESS SURFACE 2 SWEEPSTAKES
OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

COMMON TERMS USED IN THESE RULES:
These are the official rules that govern how the Fresh Jess Surface 2 Sweepstakes promotion will operate. This promotion will be simply referred to as the “Sweepstakes” throughout the rest of these rules.

In these rules, “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Microsoft Corporation, the sponsor of the Sweepstakes. “You” refers to an eligible Sweepstakes entrant, or the eligible Sweepstakes entrant’s parent or legal guardian who must agree to these Official Rules.

WHAT ARE THE START AND END DATES?
This Sweepstakes starts at 10:01 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) on October 21, 2013, and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on October 21, 2013 (“Entry Period”). Entries must be received within the Entry Period to be eligible.

CAN I ENTER?
You are eligible to enter this Sweepstakes if you meet the following requirements at time of entry:
• You are present at the Surface 2 Midnight Launch (“Event”) taking place at Microsoft Store Bellevue Square Mall in Bellevue, Washington for at least five (5) minutes during the entry period.
• You are a legal resident of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, and are 13 years of age or older.
• If you are 13 of age or older, but are considered a minor in your place of residence, you must ask your parent’s or legal guardian’s permission prior to submitting an entry; and
• You are NOT an employee of Microsoft Corporation or an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary; and
• You are NOT involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Sweepstakes; and
• You are NOT an immediate family (parent, sibling, spouse, child) or household member of a Microsoft employee, an employee of a Microsoft subsidiary, or a person involved in any part of the administration and execution of this Sweepstakes.
This Sweepstakes is void outside of the geographic area described above and wherever else prohibited by law.

HOW DO I ENTER?
Follow @MicrosoftStore and @JessEstrada and participate in Fresh Jess’s scavenger hunt using the #Surface and #FreshSurface hashtags.

To enter, you must do all of the following within the Entry Period:
1. Be present at the Event at Microsoft Store Bellevue Square Mall for at least five (5) minutes during the Entry Period.
2. Register for a free Twitter account at Twitter.com or if you have an existing account login to your Twitter account.
3. Follow the links and instructions to become a follower of @MicrosoftStore and @JessEstrada.
4. From your own account, post a message that answers a prompt from the Fresh Jess Scavenger Hunt. To be eligible for Entry your message must include the hashtags #Surface and #FreshSurface.
By posting a Tweet with the #Surface and #FreshSurface hashtag, you will receive one (1) entry into the Sweepstakes drawing.

There is no entry limit per Entry Period. We are not responsible for entries that we do not receive for any reason, or for entries that we receive but are not decipherable for any reason. We will automatically disqualify any incomplete or illegible entry.

WINNER SELECTION AND PRIZES
On October 22, 2013, the after the close of the Entry Period, we will randomly select one potential Grand Prize winner from among all eligible entries received.

Grand Prize. A Prize Package consisting of one (1) $550 gift card to the Microsoft Store. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $550.00.

The total Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of this Package is $550.00.

If you are a potential winner, we will notify you by sending a direct message to the Twitter account used to enter the contest or the email address (if any) provided at time of entry within seven (7) days following the random drawing. If the notification that we send is returned as undeliverable, or you are otherwise unreachable for any reason, we may award the prize to an alternate, randomly selected winner. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held after which the applicable prize will remain un-awarded. If there is a dispute as to who is the potential winner, we will consider the potential winner to be the authorized account holder of the Twitter account used to enter the Sweepstakes. If you are a potential winner, we may require you to sign an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability/Publicity Release and a W-9 tax form or W-8 BEN tax form within 10 days of notification. If you are a potential winner and you are 13 or older, but are considered a minor in your place of legal residence, we may require your parent or legal guardian to sign all required forms on your behalf. If you do not complete the required forms as instructed and/or return the required forms within the time period listed on the winner notification message, we may disqualify you and select an alternate, randomly selected winner. We will only award one (1) prize(s) per person during the Entry Period. Only three (3) alternate drawings will be held after which the applicable prize will remain un-awarded

If you are confirmed as a winner of this Sweepstakes:
• You may not exchange your prize for cash or any other merchandise or services. However, if for any reason an advertised prize is unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value; and
• You may not designate someone else as the winner. If you are unable or unwilling to accept your prize, we will award it to an alternate potential winner; and
• If you are otherwise eligible for this Sweepstakes, but are considered a minor in your place of residence, we may award the prize to your parent/legal guardian on your behalf; and
• Unless otherwise noted, all prizes are subject to their manufacturer’s warranty and / or terms and conditions.

WHAT ARE YOUR ODDS OF WINNING?
Your odds of winning this Sweepstakes depend on the number of eligible entries we receive.

WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS ARE YOU AGREEING TO BY ENTERING THIS SWEEPSTAKES?
By entering this Sweepstakes you agree:
• To abide by these Official Rules; and
• To release and hold harmless Microsoft, and its respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees and agents from any and all liability or any injury, loss or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with this Sweepstakes or any prize won; and
• That Microsoft’s decisions will be final and binding on all matters related to this Sweepstakes; and
• That by accepting a prize, Microsoft may use of your proper name and state of residence online and in print, or in any other media, in connection with this Sweepstakes, without payment or compensation to you, except where prohibited by law.

WHAT LAWS GOVERN THE WAY THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS EXECUTED AND ADMINISTRATED?
This Sweepstakes will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Washington for any disputes arising out of this Sweepstakes.

WHAT IF SOMETHING UNEXPECTED HAPPENS AND THE SWEEPSTAKES CAN’T RUN AS PLANNED?
If cheating, a virus, bug, catastrophic event, or any other unforeseen or unexpected event that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled, (also referred to as force majeure) affects the fairness and / or integrity of this Sweepstakes, we reserve the right to cancel, change or suspend this Sweepstakes. This right is reserved whether the event is due to human or technical error. If a solution cannot be found to restore the integrity of the Sweepstakes, we reserve the right to randomly select winners from among all eligible entries received before we had to cancel, change or suspend the Sweepstakes.

If you attempt to compromise the integrity or the legitimate operation of this Sweepstakes by hacking or by cheating or committing fraud in ANY way, we may seek damages from you to the fullest extent permitted by law. Further, we may ban you from participating in any of our future Sweepstakes, so please play fairly.

HOW CAN YOU FIND OUT WHO WON?
The name of the Grand Prize winner will be posted online at FreshJess.com. This list will remain posted at least one month after October 22, 2013.

WHO IS SPONSORING THIS SWEEPSTAKES?
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

Fresh Style: The Perfect White Shirt

Are you looking for a classic white shirt or two to add or refresh your wardrobe?  "Well look no further, ya found 'em!" (Clayton Bigsby voice)

When InStyle reached out to me about their new Perfect White Shirt collection, I was drawn in by the promise of a perfect fit. I have never met a white shirt that fit my petite frame just right. This InStyle Essentials collection uses TrioFit Technology; a patented sizing system that allows us ladies to shop by bra size - not our dress size - for a nearly custom fit. These tops are only $59.99 and available in 30 different sizes - from 32B to 40H! They're also nicely tailored around the waist, paying homage to our natural curvature instead of hiding them underneath your usual crisp white shirt in a boxy style.

I styled the Weekend Tunic with printed trousers and booties for a relaxed look, and paired the adorable Bow Blouse with my favorite leather skirt and leopard heels for a more polished feel. You can go a million ways with these shirts, depending on your personal style and flavor. I'm stoked to have classic shirts that fit me just right. I never imagined I'd be so pleased or hyped to style such a timeless basic!

InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Bow Blouse

InStyle Essentials' Bow Blouse / Vintage leather skirt / Anthropologie beaded belt / J. Crew leopard pony hair heels via Poshmark

InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic
InStyle Essentials-TrioFit-Weekend Tunic

Seattle: Lost Bulldog Alert! & Latest from Bulldog Haven NW

Hey Seattle, need your help! Please spread the word on a lost english bulldog, Deuce! Check out the photos & info below. If you have any tips on want to share on Facebook, go over and like the "Bring Deuce Home" Facebook page. Any and all help appreciated!

While we're at it, here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW. I am really trying to help get these sweet faces into their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. 

An up-to-date list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Bulldog-Haven-NW
Bulldog-Haven-NW

Fresh Style: Alki Overall

These photos are really making me sad that summer is gone! The day Sarah and I shot these, the clouds parted for what turned out to be a mild but beautiful summer day. One of my favorite things about Alki is that no matter what the weather's like, the views will always be amazing. That day, they stuck to a monochrome palette, shining in various shades of blue. The water was at low tide; lower than I'd ever seen before, so we took advantage and kicked around for a bit! My city. My playground.

Ridin' Fresh in the Toyota Corolla 2014

Never in my life would I have guessed I'd be test-driving cars for a living. Okay, maybe not for a living, but I did get to take the new Toyota Corolla 2014 for a couple of weeks ago for my blog and that's almost the same thing. Toyota hosted a regional preview of the latest editions of the Corolla family here in Seattle, and I spent the better part of two days mingling with auto bloggers and media contacts, many of whom I would never have otherwise.

The Toyota team treated us to quite the Seattle experience, with an evening at the Chihuly Glass Museum and dinner at the Experience Music Project. At the EMP, Toyota pulled out all the stops for a full visual presentation of the new Corolla, highlighting all of the updates, revisions and additions to the S, L, LE and LE-Eco models. I learned more about the many pieces that make up the Corolla than I've probably ever learned about any car in my entire life.

Though it was borderline like a foreign language, it was clear Toyota pushed itself to improve and elevate the Corolla in every way possible. It could easily have just coasted by on Corolla's reputation as one of the most reliable, solid cars out there, but there was a lot of work to keep it at the head of the pack with its latest model. Improved fuel economy with its CVTi-S and Valvematic systems; the expanded and readjusted leg room and airbag configuration; the updated Entune app suite and connectivity with your iPod, Bluetooth, USB or auxiliary tunes are just a few of the updated features that stuck out to me.

What also stuck out to me was Toyota's shift in target demographic for the Corolla. While you and I have probably always thought of the Corolla as the decent car a family member or three owned, there's a clear effort to appeal now to the Gen Y / millenial market. I definitely heard the words "young entrepreneur" mentioned more than once. With all of your (stock) choices under $20k, this is definitely a reasonably affordable bang for your buck.

The first night was capped with a sweet dinner and viewing of the EMP's latest exhibits, "Women Who Rock" and "Hendrix in London." If you haven't been by recently, I highly suggest you do! I went home with a sweet swag bag that was all the way Seattle.

The next morning, I met the group at the Alexis Hotel for our test drives. Toyota had a fleet of the Corolla 2014 models.

Sue Frause, a fellow writer and cool lady who resides in Whidbey Island, was my traveling buddy for this driving excursion. I'm not gonna lie, I was super intimidated by the auto media who do this kinda thing all the time, so I was really happy to have Sue as my driving partner. She and I were super laidback about the whole experience. We started with the standard L model Corolla. I wove through the Seattle waterfront up through Magnolia and Discovery Park before Sue took the reins the rest of the way to Snoqualmie Falls

On the way back to the Alexis, I had the fortune to drive the Corolla LE-Eco, which was especially appealing to me (I drive a Civic Hybrid.) Both cars were such a smooth drive, but with the Eco I drove so much faster than I thought I would. It's got a lot of power for a hybrid vehicle, but with the quiet purr I'm used to from a hybrid. The technology in the dashboard might be a little overwhelming for someone who's not normally used to a lot of that, but I didn't find it too distracting, and the steering panel itself was mostly old-school anyway. 

My travel buddy! Photo via Sue Frause

All in all, I had a lot of fun after the initial anxiety of driving a car that isn't mine. The whole experience was a blast and I'm definitely looking forward to doing it again. Thanks Toyota and team!

If you're in the market for a new car, the new Corolla's base MSRP (stock models) range from $16,800 for the Corolla L to $19,000 for the Corolla S. There's a Toyota Corolla iPad app if you want to explore the new Corolla more, or you can visit the website for more information.

What I Learned on My Sugar Detox

Last month, I did a two-week detox to remove sugar and candida from my body. After a hectic summer full of "busy" and on-the-go eating (read: bad choices) and some laziness in my diet discipline, I felt like I could use a good reset. You might remember I did a detox earlier this year for the Resolution Challenge. I thought I'd be a pro after that and that this time would be a breeze. Turns out I couldn't have been further from the truth!

Quite possibly the hardest thing I've ever done.

This detox was so much stricter than the first; because we were weaning off of sugar, I couldn't even have apples or berries, which are among the fruits with the lowest amounts of fructose! I had a lot of tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, and greens of every kind.

The first few days were really difficult. They say the body craves what it's just had, so coming off of a summer of indulgences meant my body was only thinking of all the things I couldn't have. After the initial hump, I thought I'd be fine. Meal-wise, I was. It wasn't that I didn't like what I was eating. In fact, I discovered Alvarez Organic Farms' booth at the Ballard Farmers Market because of it. Thanks to the Alvarez family I will never look at cherry tomatoes the same again. Seriously, their tomatoes taste like candy. They were my 'candy' / treat during my detox!

Tomatoes like CANDY

Tomatoes like CANDY

The true battle for the rest of the detox was the one I fought with myself, in my mind at every moment. It was so revealing to realize how much food played (plays) a part in so much of my typical days, and in my interactions with people. Family parties. Coffee coworking dates. Client meetings. Catching up with friends. I've never had major allergies or diet restrictions that kept me from ordering whatever my heart or eyes desired. Until the detox, I'd never had to think so carefully about what I consumed. What a wake-up call for me. Thoughts about food utterly consumed me during the rest of the detox, even if I didn't want it! I knew I didn't need most of it, but the act - the experience around consuming food - was what was getting to me.

I reached the end of those two weeks like crawling on all fours to the finish line - I felt like I didn't even know my real life anymore, but I was there and I did it. I lost about 6 pounds but looked like I'd lost even more than that. Weight loss wasn't what it was about for me, so even though I felt better and lighter, I knew I needed to put a little bit of that back on to feel 100% again. I like my curves! More than that, I learned loads about myself, about discipline and commitment. What are some of my favorite lessons learned, you ask? Well...

Skinny mini

Skinny mini

Make sure you have supervision!

I know detoxes (especially this one) might sound like your idea of personal hell. I don't blame you, it kinda is! As nutty as it might sound, I absolutely recommend doing a detox once or twice a year to help get you back on that healthy eating track. I know there's a whole industry around juice, powder and pill cleanses out there, but I steer clear of any of that. All of it seems like a 'quick fix' before you're right back to eating like caca again. This has always been a conscious lifestyle choice for me, and because of that, superfood cleanses and detoxes are the only ones I'll take part in. I wouldn't recommend doing something like this alone, off of a program you found off the internet. We're talking specifically about nutrients that go into your body. I felt feverish the first time around, and was noticeably weaker during both detoxes. You gotta pay attention to your body, and have someone you trust you can talk to and know that what you're experiencing is normal.

Don't listen to the haters.

This is pretty much advice for life, but it especially rings true during a detox. Even the most understanding, supportive and sympathetic of friends will try to get you to "not be so hard on yourself" or tell you that you "deserve" that happy hour cocktail. Nah girl. I deserve the healthiest body and mind I can possibly make for myself. It's going to be so hard, but no matter what, you can't listen to anyone or anything that tries to deter you from your detox. Your mind is already full of excuses trying to tempt you to quit - you don't need their excuses weighing in on you too.

You have to want it more than anything else.

Commitment is the true name of the game with detoxing. Temptation will be awaiting you around every single corner, and you'll have to flex your mind muscles harder than ever to remind yourself that you don't need that. That you came this far and have just a little longer to go. That one donut isn't worth ruining days worth of hard work. Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to consume it. You are stronger than that. You can do it!

Aces Interview: Simon Doonan Talks The Asylum & Bon Qui Qui

Last week, the inimitable Simon Doonan stopped by Barneys New York Seattle to talk shop and sign his new book, The AsylumA Collage of Couture Reminiscences...and Hysteria.

What a treat and a rarity to have Simon in our midst twice in one summer! I had the opportunity to talk with Simon at his book signing, and kept it short and sweet so as not take up too much time from other stylish fans in the building. We spent a few minutes on our shared love for Anjelah Johnson and Bon Qui Qui before diving head first into business.

Simon Doonan-The Asylum-Barneys New York

Simon Doonan-The Asylum-Barneys New York

I was so hyped he remembered who I was from the media breakfast earlier this summer, and he was just as charming, personal and hilarious as ever.

Simon is by far one of my favorite celebrities I've interviewed so far! Enjoy:

You guest-starred in Alexander Wang's spring '13 video trailer with Anjelah Johnson, who reprised her famous 'Bon Qui Qui' character role for the video. What was it like working with Bon Qui Qui?

Alexander and I have been pals since he started. When he was concepting the video, he sent me a link to her (Anjelah)'s work. I loved it. She's a real talent. Brilliant. Clever. Very impressive. She's very serious, but you have to be to be that creative. I'm unoffenable. When we met, she was already calling me "Osh Kosh b'Gosh, lookin' like a wallflower with that shirt." By the end of the day, she was imitating my accent really well!

(Simon also kept saying "SECURRRITY" in Bon Qui Qui voice. I couldn't stop giggling :))

I saw the press release but want to hear from your own words. What is The Asylum about?

It's my love letter to the fashion world!

I've had a very stimulating career in the industry, and a lot of memorable stories to tell. People love stories. It's very funny :)

Simon Doonan-The Asylum-Barneys New York

Simon Doonan-The Asylum-Barneys New York

You already know, Simon!

What are some of your favorite stories in the book?

  • The time I auditioned for Devil Wears Prada

  • The time the ceiling fell in at the Michael Kors show and Anna Wintour remained totally calm about it, and

  • The time Tom Ford gave me a wedgie.

Haha! Well there you have it, folks.

Check out Simon Doonan's The Asylum for your next fall read.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Fit & Fresh: Taking It Indoors w/ adidas

Last Friday, we ended our summer season of 6:00a.m. workouts in the Sculpture Park. While getting up and getting to class has been supremely difficult lately, I'm definitely going to miss the early-morning butt-kickings in the beautiful (almost) waterfront setting. What's a girl to do now that the temps are dropping and her outdoor workout sessions are over? These days I'm all about looking for ways to refresh my indoor workout routines.

I froze my gym membership because of my group workouts, and going back there is the least interesting option to me. I can do most of what I'd do there, in my complex's gym or at home. How else can I work out? In a year full of new (read: healthy, fit) lifestyle changes, it only seems fit to explore other ways I can work up a sweat. Here are a few of my favorite indoor workouts I've been doing more of this year:

If you're following me on Twitter or Instagram, you know I've become a big fan of Zumba this year. This is entirely due to the fact that my best friend is a certified instructor and also my favorite dancing buddy. I never thought I'd be into Zumba, but when I'm dancing and doing high knees to Major Lazer, time flies and I'm having the time of my life! I try to go as often as possible, and now that it's colder outside, I'll be Zumba-ing my days/nights away a lot more often.

Hot yoga is the best compliment to all of my other workouts. Nothing like a good set of stretches in some serious heat to center you, challenge you and relax you - AT THE SAME TIME. I wish I could do it more, but, well, there's other fun workouts to do too. 

I traveled a lot this summer and thus needed to get my workout in by any means necessary. I wanted to run this trail that ran across the river adjacent to my hotel, but I couldn't figure out how to get on it from the hotel! Haha. So I took to the treadmill, weights and mat for some good circuit training before work.

I have Flywheel, CrossFit, kickboxing, aerial something (trapeze, yoga, etc.) and so much more on my list to try. Follow me and adidas in our quest to refresh indoor workouts though the #NeverHibernate  hashtag on Instagram!

Are there any indoor workouts you're looking forward to trying soon?

Special thanks to adidas for hooking me up with all of this fly gear to keep me fit & fresh! I've been wearing my adipure 360 trainer shoes all summer. They work so great on pretty much any surface, whether that's hitting the pavement for a run, hiking to Mason Lake or getting a good round of Zumba in.

adidas Women designs innovative performance products to help women commit to their best self and conquer their fitness goals. We inspire women to look and feel their best - be pretty, be tough & be confident.

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

Aces Interview: Seattle Works' Tara Smith Gets SWANKy

Fall brings a lot of fun reasons to dress up, and here in Seattle we have no shortage of fundraiser galas. One of my favorites is Seattle Works' SWANK, coming up on Saturday, October 12th. Seattle Works has worked tirelessly to foster a lifetime commitment to community involvement in Seattle's young adults through innovative volunteer activities and educational opportunities. I first learned about Seattle Works back in my chamber of commerce events director days, and these days the organization is led by Tara Smith. Tara and her board members have created a whole palette of different ways you can give back to your community - from board training, one-off or ongoing group and individual volunteer opportunities, and special community events. SWANK is the one time Seattle Works volunteers and fans can get fancy and raise money to keep these programs in business.

I asked Tara to share a little more about herself, life at the helm of Seattle Works and about SWANK. Read on & see details on SWANK below:

Seattle Works-Tara Smith

Seattle Works-Tara Smith

What's on your playlist right now?

This is a little embarrassing*, but I will confess to having spent the past few weeks totally rocking out to the new 103.7 radio station that replaced The Mountain. That crazy lady in her car at the stoplight belting out Leona Lewis? That might be me. *Don't be embarrassed. That new radio station is AWESOME.

Describe your style.

My everyday style is casual and approachable, but put together. I go for simple, classic looks and then be sure I’m incorporating in color or print to keep things interesting.

My style at Swank is very intentional. Being up on that stage and asking people to support us, I need to visually embody the Seattle Works brand: fresh, contemporary and vibrant. At the same time, asking people to provide their financial support is a serious business. I love the people who look fun and sexy at Swank! But that can’t be me. My look is about being professional and credible, without going a traditionally conservative route.

Seattle Works SWANK

Seattle Works SWANK

Who inspires you?

The people who volunteer with Seattle Works. I get the privilege of being in an environment where I’m inspired every single day. From board members who strategize on how to take our game to the next level to Project Coordinators and Team Captains out there making it easy for people to jump in and make a difference in our community, I see caring, smarts and passion in action on a continuous basis.

Seattle Works

Seattle Works

What are you reading?

I’m digging into a series of articles on board governance and adaptive leadership. They’re relevant to the leadership training courses Seattle Works offers, and they also are helping me think about how to be a better partner to our board of directors in my professional role and how I can be a better board member in my personal life as a volunteer.

Seattle Works-Tara Smith

Seattle Works-Tara Smith

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

Next year is Seattle Works 25th Anniversary! I’m excited for the opportunity this milestone brings to gather and share stories, and to reconnect with our volunteers and supporters from the past quarter century.

Seattle Works Swank 2013

Seattle Works Swank 2013

Thank you Tara! Find out more about Tara at SeattleWorks.org. Details and tickets for SWANK 2013 here.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Piper Gore, Fashion Designer

Ah, the beauty of social media. Last week, a mutual friend (Hey Kristy!) introduced Piper Gore and I over email. I took one look at her site and fell in love with her line. As I evolve my style and put some hard definition on it, I can't deny that comfort is near the top of my list when I'm looking for the next addition to my closet. It's inherently West Coast, I think, and that's why Piper's collection struck me so. I asked if she'd bring Fresh Jess & my readers into her world for a little bit, and once again it's such a beautiful treat to see what makes one's spirit tick.

Piper Gore

Piper Gore

Also, FRENCHIE!

What's on your playlist right now?

I'm all over the place with music - but it is almost always on. Sometimes I actually manage to get slightly annoyed when I have to turn it down for a conversation in the middle of a really good song, even though I can just press pause! I get really lost in my music so it is a rude awakening when I have to come back from it I suppose ;)

To name a few artists on my playlist right now:

  • Rolling Stones

  • Jimmy Cliff

  • AWOLNATION

  • MS MR

  • Eric Lindell

  • Luke Bryan

  • Kid Rock

  • The Dirty Gov'nahs

  • Etta James

  • Wyclef

  • Autre ne Veut

  • Sublime

  • Jay-Z

  • David Bowie

  • Aerosmith

  • Pixies

  • The Cure

  • Bill Withers

  • Truth & Salvage

  • Moby

  • Skid Row

  • ...and it goes on & on!

Piper Gore

Piper Gore

Describe your style.

Easy. Mellow. Pulled together but not too seriously.

Who inspires you?

My friends each in their own way. I'm a girl's girl and I am so lucky to have such an incredible and inspiring group of girls around me. Each is so amazing in their own right.

Piper Gore

Piper Gore

What are you reading?

About 10 books at the moment. I love to read but every once in awhile, I go through phases where there is so much on my mind that I can't finish reading books. I keep starting new ones. It's really annoying! I am reading:

Piper Gore

Piper Gore

What are you most excited about in the coming months? 

Everything - all the possibilities. I feel like my world has just opened up and the longer I hang in there, the more people I meet and the more opportunities come about. I have no idea what's coming down the pipeline but I have hopes for what lies ahead and I'm working very hard to make that my reality. You never know - which I suppose is why it is so damn exciting.

Thank you Piper! Find her at PiperGore.com.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Shoot, Style & Share With PowerCam (Sponsored)

With a myriad of photo apps out there, it's hard to narrow down which ones are right for you. I know I run most of my photos through at least two apps before they even make it to Instagram! If you're looking for one that's a serious bang for your (one) buck, take a look at PowerCam.

The team at WonderShare first asked me to review the PowerCam app early last year (that review's here.) Since then, there have been a ton of improvements and additions to its effects and features menu. Now there are over 100 different filters, backgrounds, standard and straight fancy camera effects you can do - while taking photos and video in real time. "Damn son, where'd ya find this?!?"

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

I played around with PowerCam using some of my favorite Spike photos. Here are some of my favorite features of the app:

First of all, I love that you can do so much with the effects and filters while you're taking photo or video. Tilt-shift, filtering, anti-shake, color splash and panorama are just a few of the camera effect options (in addition to traditional flash, zoom, ISO, grid focus, etc.) and the countless many filters you can choose from.

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

Tilt shift / Holiday filter / Color splash

There are a lot of subtle filter, but have fun with some of the crazy ones too!

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

Chocolate color filter / Crop / Explosion artsy filter

I love that you can copy your PowerCam photos to your computer or tablet. The app gives you an ISP to link to via URL for that.

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

At last, there's a collage feature native within a filter/effects app! PowerCam has collage templates, or you can create one freehand. The app supplies you with photo resize options, editing within the collage, and decorative border patterns and other options to truly make each collage your own.

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

This version of the PowerCam app seems to be a lot more organized with its filters menu. Make sure to get cozy and look around - there's a filter here for every taste!

PowerCam app by WonderShare
PowerCam app by WonderShare

Old Photo classic filter / Frosty Beauty effect / Splash funny filter

Once you've got a few photos and collages ready, you can upload multiple files to your favorite social network, including: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Tumblr & good ol' email sharing.

Find PowerCam in the App Store for iPhone and iPad, and Google Play for Android.

Fresh Eats: The Barrymore Las Vegas

My last night in Vegas for WWDMAGIC was capped with the most amazing dinner at a place I definitely wouldn't have found on my own. One of the best parts of traveling is finding places to eat and things to do that are off the beaten path. I don't normally take the tourist route (landmarks, famous restaurants, etc.) when I'm traveling, especially while I'm traveling for business. One of my new blogger friends, Emily, ended up meeting one of the owners of The Barrymore at WWDMAGIC - who then invited us to come and enjoy dinner there on our last night in town.

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

Image via Chanelle of  The Penelope Times

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

Image via Chanelle of  The Penelope Times

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

The Barrymore is the latest joint from award-winning chef, Anthony Meidenbauer, and Billy Richardson, owner of Block 16 and brainchild behind some of Las Vegas's most popular nightclubs and lounges. Adding a contemporary twist to retro Vegas, Barrymore servers up American Classic cuisine that's both approachable and unpretentious. We had an incredible meal that mixed things that are familiar to most (steak, mac & cheese) with fun, unexpected pairings (gnocchi, squid ink risotto.)

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

Some bread & veggies to start off. Softest, yummiest French bread I've had in awhile! Special shoutout to the pretzel bread which was also muy delicioso.

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

A few appetizers to whet the palette. Clockwise from top left: Roasted artichoke w/greens, salsa verde & parmesan; Octopus ála Greque (roasted w/cous cous, olives, capers & lemon-oregano vinaigrette); Semolina gnocchi (w/summer squash blossoms, fava beans, goat cheese ricotta & shaved summer truffles) & Lobster mac & cheese

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

The main courses: Pan Roasted ‘Jidori’ Free Range Chicken w/sweet corn grits, roasted chanterelles and natural jus; side of creamed corn & lobster; Diver Scallops (pan-seared w/squid ink risotto, tomato sugo & crispy fried artichokes) & filet mignon.

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

OMG dessert. Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée w/peach compote, apricot honey sorbet & candied pistachios; Warm Chocolate Cake w/praline fudge sauce, hazelnut brittle & milk chocolate sorbet; Amaretto Cheesecake Mousse w/biscotti crust, poached cherries & lemon olive oil sorbet and Strawberry Shortcake Coupe w/sweet biscuit, fresh strawberries, orange curd & chantilly

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

Image via Chanelle of  The Penelope Times

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

Image via Chanelle of  The Penelope Times

The Barrymore Las Vegas
The Barrymore Las Vegas

The cozy 1,400-square-foot restaurant only seats 50, and boasts a wine list featuring 50 selections under $50. Hella 50! It's not too far from the Las Vegas Convention Center, either: located at 99 Convention Center Drive, 89109 between Las Vegas Boulevard and the LVCC.

Check it out for yourself next time you're in Vegas! BarrymoreLV.com.

Read all my posts from WWDMAGIC here.

Fresh Style: Coast to Coastal

As I write this blog post, I'm home after a breathtakingly beautiful wedding of my dear friend and Fresh Jess brand director, Byron Gronseth. It was a night surrounded by a few of my favorite souls, and one invitee - and integral part of the Fresh Jess team - photographer Sarah Lovrien was at home accepting an award for her work. Witnessing the celebrations of the labors of two of my favorite people - labors of love and hard work - last night have left me thinking about what this is all about. This life of friendships and success on our own terms. 

I feel very strongly about keeping only the people who uplift you in your life, and I also firmly believe in manifest destiny. We attract people through the energy we put out there. People who live a life of purpose, with goals and the will to focus on those goals, and with a sense of giving back however they can are the ones who truly catch my eye. Sarah Lovrien might make me look fly, but her passion, fire and commitment to her craft and to herself - challenge a better version of herself every day - inspire me and others in ways she might not be aware of. As she takes the time to honor her recognition from CreativeLIVE, I want to let her know that she inspires me to be a better version of myself too. Through her lens, I have seen myself in ways I'd never really imagined, and she's enabled me to literally take my outfit photos and editorial visions for Fresh Jess to another level. Thank you!

One more note: Coastal is among my favorite boutiques in Seattle, and one I'm proud to have shopped and supported probably its entire existence. I am a big fan of surf and skate brands like Roxy/Quiksilver, Volcom, Billabong, Gentle Fawn and Seattle-based Casual Industrees, and Coastal pretty much corners the boutique market for brands like that here in Seattle. Check them out on Alki!

Vintage Levi's denim jacket (similar) / Anthropologie flower print bustier / Black vegan leather asymmetrical skirt via Poshmark / Zara strappy heels / Necklace gifted from my aunt, found in the Philippines! / Nike FuelBand cuz I gotta stay fit

Aces Interview: Jasmin of Vintage Vandalizm

My next Ace is a fellow blogger who's inspired me with her laser-like focus on crafting a personal style that's all retro but decidedly refreshing and different. I write once a week for the Independent Fashion Bloggers and thus pay a lot of attention to the fashion blogging landscape, and I can say with 10000% confidence that Jasmin Rodriguez's Vintage Vandalizm is one-of-a-kind. I had the good fortune to meet Jasmin in person at IFBcon, where I spotted her while speaking on a panel, and had to run up and tell her what a big fan I was of her blog. I was surprised by how humble and shy she was in real life! She's one of my favorite people to see whenever I'm in NYC.

She's got legions of fans all over the world just like me - and also critics, haters and copycats. Some try to emulate, others straight up duplicate - but none of Jasmin's imitators come close to her clear and unabashed love for rockabilly and other fine vintage eras. She lives and breathes the lifestyle as much as the modern world will allow. This is why she's no trendy throwback (what up Katy Perry) - Vintage Vandalizm is the real rockabilly deal. Her commitment to this life & style is what makes her one of my favorite bloggers on the interwebz.

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

What's on your playlist right now?

  • Lots of Lana Del Rey

  • Pervov Stelar

  • The Great Gatsby Soundtrack

  • The Weeknd

  • Niki and the Dove

  • Frank Sinatra

  • Ella Fitzgerald

  • and some rockabilly compilations.

Describe your style.

I'd like to think of it as a marriage of the timeless beauty of vintage & the gritty rawness of my vandalized city, NYC.

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

Who inspires you?

I am deeply inspired by the classic hollywood actress' of the 40s, 50s, and 60s like:

  • Debra Paget

  • Ivonne De Carlo

  • Diana Dors

  • Grace Kelly

  • Eartha Kitt

  • and of course Elizabeth Taylor.

What are you reading?

Right now I am enjoying listening to many inspiring TED Talks like my recent favorite by Shawn Achor, who says that we have to reverse our perspectives on success. He says that we are taught that "We must be successful to be happy;" but in fact..the happier and more positive we are, the more successful we will be :).

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

Vintage Vandalizm-Jasmin Rodriguez

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

I am working on a few projects to be finished by next year but you will have to stay tuned to find out ;). I am also excited to be attending Lingerie Fashion week and NY fashion week before my big move to Vegas. I am pursuing my dreams and though it is quite scary to leave a place I called home for 26 years, I am ready for the big change ahead of me.

Thank you!

Find Jasmin at VintageVandalizm.com.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Fresh Style: Women in Business w/Six Twenty

Happy National Women in Business Day! Celebrating days like this might seem trivial to some, but when women are still making less and underrepresented across the board compared to our male counterparts, there's still a lot of work to do. I am proud to be a business owner who also happens to be female (and a 'minority'), and I absolutely respect and treasure my lady peers and inspirations out there.

I'm partnering today with Six Twenty, founded by Angeli Tarsadia Reddy. Angeli started the company with the mission to create the highest quality clothing at ridiculously good prices, refining the lengthy process that often leads to higher pricing behind the amazing basics we all wear to death. By existing solely online, Six Twenty eliminates the traditional retail markup and brings you their own designer quality essentials from the factory straight to your doorstep.

six twenty_fresh jess
six twenty_fresh jess
six twenty_fresh jess
six twenty_fresh jess

I'm honored to be among 30 women entrepreneurs Six Twenty is celebrating today! You can follow all of us & how we styled our Six Twenty basics using the hashtags #BWD and #SHOWUSBASIC.

One piece of advice I've found so critical throughout my time as a business owner?

"Keep going. Past the critics, past your limits. When you are disillusioned or want to quit, that's when your will and passion helps you persist."
Zara Black Strappy Heels
Zara Black Strappy Heels
Six Twenty black tank_Fresh Jess
Six Twenty black tank_Fresh Jess

FJ @WWDMAGIC: Style Diary

WWDMAGIC exists for the sole purpose of getting fashion into the hands of style mavens all around the world. It's only fair, then, to give you a recap of my outfits during my week in Vegas!

Fashion events are always fun, because the opportunity is ripe (and it's encouraged) to show off your personal style. I loved seeing all the MAGIC bloggers come together, because we all had very distinct tastes and ways in which we'd put an outfit together. Some trendy, others classic, vintage, girly or practical (we were logging in miles on those show floors after all.) I'd packed mostly basics in black, white, grey and denim that I knew would pair well with whatever gifted items were waiting for me. I'd inadvertently steered towards more of a tomboy look (was just thinking practical but stylish!) Somehow, it all came together.

L: Jack by B.B. Dakota leather vest (on sale!)lululemon 'Free to Be' bra ; Premonition Designs asymmetrical skirt, ShoeMint 'Gina' wedges

C: Vans hi-lo dress (similar); red creeper booties c/o TUK Shoes

R: White hi-lo tee (similar); Zara culotte skort; Zara city bag (new version); Vans boat shoes

I adore my affirmation bracelets c/o BCBGeneration! Thank you!

Lace bustier via Poshmark (similar); white Zara tank; Parker faux leather track pants (on sale!); Lace overlay sweatshirt c/o Dolly & MollyNike Dunk Hi wedges

(Photos via Kelsi Smith)

Center: BCBGeneration spring '14 leather cutout & tulle dress

R:BCBGeneration "I'm Serious" sweater

Army Brat tie-dye sweatshirt c/o Young, Wild & SereneArielle crossbody bag in dusty plum c/o Rabeanco; BCBGMaxAzria leather shortsDolce Vita boots via Poshmark; old necklace

And just so you know what my typical airport uniform looks like :)

Black Zara tank & American Eagle boyfriend jeans via Poshmark

Read all my posts from WWDMAGIC here.

Fresh Style: Endless Summer (Dope) by Sarah Lovrien

Fall may be coming soon or whatever, but we're still enjoying 80-degree weather here in Seattle so I'm gonna go ahead and post these long-overdue shots from my early summer shoot with Sarah Lovrien. She's the best. Seriously.

I felt so much more comfortable in front of the camera this time compared to my 30 Fresh shoot. This time around, I chose four outfits that represented what I wore a lot this summer. Lots of boyfriend fit and tomboy feel, lots of unabashed, totally owned sexiness. I can't wait for you to see the rest! For this particular sequence, Sarah played with black & white treatments to add even more depth to the photos. I couldn't decide which ones I liked more, so I mixed up a few of each!

Keeping true to holding it down for my city, the thought process behind these shoots always include careful consideration for the perfect location. In the summertime that clearly is Alki. I personally am a big fan of Alki beach all year 'round, but the beach just comes alive during the summer. No matter what time of year, you're guaranteed to catch an amazing landscape of sky, land and ferries juxtaposed against the moody waters. 

Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013
Fresh-Jess-Sarah-Lovrien-summer-2013

Stampd L.A. "Dope" bodysuit / American Eagle boyfriend fit jeans via Poshmark / Shoemint "Gina" wedges / various baubles

All photos credit Sarah Lovrien.

FJ @WWDMAGIC: Fresh Finds

WWDMAGIC is like one giant closet full of amazing gems, and us bloggers had a ball of a time trying on our fave finds and getting to know some of the designers and faces behind the showcasing brands. It was so hard to pare down my personal favorites, and some I didn't even get photos of! Nevertheless, here are some of the freshest finds (in my eyes) on this season's WWDMAGIC show floor:

1) Dakota Collective by B.B. Dakota: I'm already a big fan of Jack and the general B.B. Dakota collections, so when I got a look at the denim-inspired spring collection for Dakota Collective, I was enamored. This top though! I'm a big fan of basics, and Dakota Collective had a stellar lineup of leather jackets, denim, leggings and basic tees in shapes both classic and re-defined for the modern chick.

Dakota Collective_WWDMAGIC
Dakota Collective_WWDMAGIC

2) Trashy Diva: I mean, look at this setup right here. What's not to love about Trashy Diva? They live and breathe retro through their timeless dresses and separates. Everything I saw in the booth was so lady-like yet so sexy at the same time; I especially fell in love with the French Quarter print a-line full skirt. Mallory, a.k.a. Miss Malaprop and team were total sweethearts and all smiles throughout the show.

Trashy Diva_WWDMAGIC
Trashy Diva_WWDMAGIC

3) JOA - A clear favorite among the WWDMAGIC blogger team, JOA had all separates in every trend, fabric and style you could imagine. I saw a lot of matching textured pieces across the show floor, but this one incorporated the nude/neon dichotomy perfectly.

JOA_WWDMAGIC
JOA_WWDMAGIC

4) Flying Tomato gets props for its insanely beautiful booth alone. Well, that and its abundance of ethereal, summery maxi dresses.

5) Free People is absolutely owning that boho niche, and these upcoming seasons they've got some printed jumpsuits and fitted overalls to add to your (my) wardrobe.

Free People_WWDMAGIC
Free People_WWDMAGIC

6) LUSH Clothing: I'm already a big fan of Lush but I had to include this incredible nude leather skirt with the intricate pattern stitch detail. There's a lot of the asymmetrical leather skirt trend going on this fall; with black tights and a pair of over-the-knee boots, this skirt could be the star of the show. Here's a similar one in black & white laser cut print.

Lush Clothing_WWDMAGIC
Lush Clothing_WWDMAGIC

7) Darling: I will never tire of these feminine dress shapes, especially with this neckline and shoulder cut. I loved Darling's booth filled with these sweet dresses and separates, along with fun accessories and trinkets.

darling clothes_WWDMAGIC
darling clothes_WWDMAGIC

8) C. Luce: While I am not normally one for something so girly, I couldn't walk past this brocade/feather number without doing a double take. The feather skirt with black fringe is just so perfect agains the leaf brocade print, and again I love that neckline.

c. luce_WWDMAGIC
c. luce_WWDMAGIC

9) BCBGeneration: If the 90s are making a comeback this upcoming season, then BCBGeneration is leading the charge. The BCBGeneration booth was dripping with plaid and other grungy 90s-ness alongside new classic pieces like the leather cut-out dress with pink tulle bottom (like the one I'm modeling in the second pic!) They also had the SkyBox decked out like a 90s teenage girl's bedroom, complete with a daybed, inflatable furniture, Date Line phone, Clueless quotes adorning the walls and in the VHS. The bloggers and other booth guests could hang up in the SkyBox and enjoy nail wrap treatments, blowouts, help ourselves to the candy bar and get affirmation bracelets made. So rad!

bcbgeneration_wwdmagic
bcbgeneration_wwdmagic

10) The indies: Bri Seeley & Courtney Allegra:

There's something special about watching an independent designer realize their dreams. It was such a treat to spend some time with Seattle native Bri Seeley and meet Courtney Allegra, while perusing some of their latest collections. Two ladies with totally different styles but equally bad ass. Watch out for them!

bri seeley_Magic market week
bri seeley_Magic market week
courtney allegra_pool tradeshow
courtney allegra_pool tradeshow