Seattle! Lorna Jane is Coming (+ Gift Card Giveaway)

Seattle ladies! I've got a treat for you. Australian active lifestyle brand Lorna Jane is coming to Seattle and Bellevue, and I have a $50 gift card to give away to one lucky reader!

Lorna Jane was founded by its namesake, Lorna Jane Clarkson over 25 years ago. In that time, LJ and team have been on a mission to empower every woman to lead her best life through active living. Producing monthly bespoke collections available in more than 150 stores in the United States and Australia, as well as stockists in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, Lorna Jane garments provide each wearer with a distinct sense of energy, vitality and a “take on the world” approach to life. All for the love of health and wellness, the Lorna Jane sisterhood aspires to be their own personal best by embracing the daily practice of Move Nourish Believe.

The kind ladies at Lorna Jane sent me a care package a few weeks ago, and a few items have already made their way into my daily workout rotation. Below are a few shots of my favorite pieces - naturally a few notches up on the style factor and perfect for my everyday style.

Lorna Jane Laser hooded sports bra / Lorna Jane Jenaveve Harem Pant / Nike Dunk Sky Hi

So many covet-ready pieces on LornaJane.com, with new pieces added every month! Seattle, you have until Thursday August 28th to enter. That's when the Seattle store opens in Westlake Center. Hope to see you at the launch party! Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Disclosure: Product was provided by Lorna Jane. All opinions are my own!

Live in Levi’s®: Office Style (Sponsored)

It’s weird working in an office almost every day after two years worth of coffee shops and working at home. Doing the job? No problem. Dressing for it? A whole ‘nother story! I don’t know why, but getting dressed for work was the most nerve-wracking part of taking on this contract. In Seattle, we don’t ever have to worry about being too dressed down for most offices. However, I’m not the type to throw on just any old tee and jeans and call it good. Just like any other situation, dressing for the office means finding the right fits for my body, my personality and my need to be comfortable in my own skin.

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

Levi’s® have been a staple in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember. Nowadays, most of my Levi’s® are vintage pairs I’ve scoured from various thrift shops and garage sales and transformed into cutoffs. Vintage Levi’s® have a natural high-waisted look, and are so comfortable yet sturdy. There are a lot of different kinds of denim out there nowadays, but I always know there’s solid fabric, quality and craftsmanship in each pair of my Levi’s®. I treasure my vintage cutoffs, but what style of Levi’s® should I wear into the office?

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

I was super stoked to review Levi’s® new Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse. Figure-enhancing and perfectly slimming, these modern-day Levi’s® are an essential pant for the office wardrobe. The legging style means they’re extremely soft, stretchy and comfortable – yet they’ve still got that denim look that’s easy to pair with everything from crisp white button-downs, chambray shirts, silk tunics and your favorite cotton tanks.

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse

Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings in dark ink rinse / Zara top / Jewelmint necklace / vintage bracelet / Dolce Vita “Yani” black suede stilettos

I’m wearing suede heels and a few more of my favorite office attire pieces with my pair of Levi’s® Pull-On Leggings. What would you wear with yours?

Live in Levi’s®

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Levi’s® via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Levi’s®.

Heart & Mind in Ferguson

Time and again, Twitter has transformed my life and the way I (and many) look at the way things are. For a site that gets a fraction of the traffic of Facebook or YouTube, Twitter has opened my eyes and mind to so many opportunities and people I would've never met otherwise. Lots of people I've met on Twitter have become great friends of mine, or I've collaborated with in some way. Others I might never meet but still inspire me every day. 

Twitter is where I get my news; that never ceases to amaze me given I've lived my whole life up until five years ago getting my news from television or print outlets I now know are probably driven by agenda and advertiser dollars. For better or for worse, Twitter's given rise to 'citizen journalism,' where news and movements unfold in real-time streams of 140 characters. Such a movement is happening in Ferguson, MO as we speak, and it's where my heart and mind have been for the better part of a week.

Mike Brown was a young African-American man visiting his grandmother in this small town before he was to start college this week. What happened to him not only cut yet another bright, young life way too short, but it's ignited a new age revolution against racism like we've never seen. The police (of this small town) is decked out in military-grade riot gear that military veterans never wore in combat. There are images of protestors looking for any kind of refuge to douse themselves in after being hit with tear gas by the overly-done, overly-fearful police force. There are still more images of peaceful protestors & aggressive, tense police lines in Ferguson alongside almost identical photos from race riots in the 60s. It's absolutely mind-blowing this is happening AS. WE. SPEAK. In our own country. 

My heart and mind have been with Mike Brown's family and the protestors in Ferguson since last week's murder. I will never be able to understand what it's like to lose a son/brother/friend/cousin just because of the color of his skin. I will never be able to understand what it's like to walk down the street and wonder if my life is in danger because of how I look. Most of all, I'll never understand the small-mindedness, ignorance, hate, lack of compassion and FEAR that's rooted so deeply in these police officers that they'll shoot a black man for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. How so much destruction and violence is being deployed against peaceful protestors all to protect one killer of an innocent man. That doesn't mean I can't care about the safety and livelihood of people I don't know who are still fighting in America for their basic human rights today, in 2014. I won't stop retweeting and otherwise helping how I can.

Fear has to stop. 

Great tumblr post on all things Ferguson, and donations to help aid protestors.

Adopt from Bulldog Haven NW! - Summer 2014

Here's the latest round of bulldogs currently available for adoption from Bulldog Haven NW. I am always 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. 

Bulldog Haven NW

Bulldog Haven NW

Bulldog Haven NW

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!

Photo Faves: Nordstrom Designer Preview 2014

Nordstrom Designer Preview is probably my favorite event to cover. I've had the honor of attending for three years now, and each show has such unique character, it's a treat to watch every year. 2014 was the year of pop art, with proceeds benefiting Seattle Art Museum's Pop Departures exhibit coming October 9, 2014. 

I remember gravitating towards a lot of black, hunter green and dark jewel tones in the past; this year my eyes drank in those bold, bright colors and in-your-face prints. The trends are heavy in glam feminine this year; flowy or structures shapes meant to really flatter the body juxtaposed with boxy outerwear, high collars and big accessories. 

I had a blast at the show and even got a #NordstromPreview selfie in. Check out my favorite looks below:

AllSaints sleeveless trench coat // lululemon Noir dress // Shoemint wedges

Talking shop with Carolyn of Hey Pretty Thing. Photo by Miguel Marino.

All photos below by Vivian Hsu for Team Photogenic.

Dries van Noten

Yellow striped oversized 'Rhonda' coat / Fuchsia pinwheel-print 'Vedas' short jacket / Black broken-pinstripe slim 'Paola' pants

Christian Dior

Electric blue wool/angora coat with three-quarter bell sleeves

Michael Kors 

Vanilla cashmere boucle chunky v-neck cardigan / Java silk sleeveless peasant top / Taupe python-print chiffon peasant skirt w/ruffle bottom

Michael Kors

Slate metallic printed drop-waist dress

Gucci

Sour cherry halter dress with leather top

Akris

Black long jacket w/front closure / Black/shore open face jacket

Stella McCartney

Black/emerald wool jacquard zip-front anorak w/hood / White/emerald/midnight long-sleeved turtleneck dress

Stella McCartney

Black sleeveless jumpsuit

Stella McCartney

Claret sleeveless dress w/cord detail

Dolce & Gabbana

Purple floral-print silk chiffon long-sleeved empire-waist gown

Lanvin

Black/white jacquard sculpted dress w/ flare skirt

Lanvin

Midnight blue dress w/jewel fringe detail

See more of my photos from Nordstrom Designer Preview 2014 on my Facebook page.

Be a Tourist In Your Own City - From a Seattle Native's Eyes

In May, census reports confirmed what Seattleites have been suspecting for sometime; our beautiful Emerald City is the fastest-growing city in the U.S.

 Take one look around the heart of the city and you're likely to see at least 15 cranes, each working on a new development that'll probably house like 1000 Amazon developers and other transplants. Being a Seattle native, it's been incredible (and in traffic, sometimes frustrating) to realize how much this city's really grown the last few years. Whether you're new to the city or maybe showing some out-of-towners the spots, there are a few destinations at the top of everyone's lists. Today I wanted to share some nearby, equally-awesome, can't-miss spots for you and your loved ones to experience!

Check out some of my other recent city adventures here.

If you're at Pike Place Market, try: Oriental Mart

There aren't a lot of places to get Filipino food in the city, and one of those rarities is smack dab in the middle of the Market! Across the cobblestone from the fish guys and tucked in behind those amazing fruit stands lies the Oriental Mart, where you can get chicken adobo, pancit, longanisa, Filipino fried chicken and so much more a la carte or in combo-style. So awesome for lunch or quick meal while you're perusing market vendors.

If you're heading to Woodinville Wine Country, try: Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls

Not too far past Woodinville's wine country is Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls. Hike up to Bridal Veil for a quick workout with a breathtaking view of the falls as your reward. Keep going & have a picnic at Lake Serene - or head back to wine country for a tasting & dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants.

If you're in/near Lake Union, try: Agua Verde Paddle Club & restaurant

Nothing better than some fresh tacos and a good margarita after a kayak or SUP session out on the water. We love taking the Montlake Cut route for some wave action among the boats, though the houseboats along Lake Union and people-watching at GasWorks Park is fun too. Get the salmon tacos and a Cadillac margarita - and make sure to try all the different salsas!

If you're at Seattle Center, try: Gates Foundation Visitor Center

The Gates Foundation Visitor Center is such a nice refuge from the chaos that can be Seattle Center during peak season. They're regularly hosting events and workshops for families, students and non-profit professionals or enthusiasts. Even if you're not there for an event, there's a ton of interactive activities to get into - including this photo booth & wall! :)

Check out all my Gates VC adventures here.

If you're downtown, try: Sky View Observatory at The Columbia Center

Did you know The Columbia Center is one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast? Because it's an office building, it sometimes gets overlooked as far as tourist destinations with killer views. It is open to the public, and it obviously will not disappoint! Get a 360-degree view of the city, stadiums, Space Needle and all of the water you can lay your eyes on.

If you're heading to Alki, try: Marination Ma Kai

Marination Ma Kai is probably the best casual outdoor dining experience in the city. You can't beat spam musubi, kimchi fried rice, shave ice and this stunning view of the Seattle skyline! Sorry for the low quality - I always seem to only make it out there for sunset supper and nighttime patio fun. Get a meal in on their deck now, while their summer hours are still running fairly late!

What destinations would you add to this list? 

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center is open Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. at 440 5th Ave. N. Street and garage parking are aplenty. 

Register online for a group tour of the Gates Visitor Center.

Check out their events calendar for upcoming special programs.

Join the dialogue! Follow the Visitor Center on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo Faves: Capitol Hill Block Party 2014

Decompressing from the last week or so and wanted to share my favorite photos from the official photogs of this year's Capitol Hill Block Party. There was a very indie vibe to this year's festival and we had a great time as always!

Friday:

Duke Evers. Photo by Ashley Genevieve

A$AP Ferg. Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Shaprece. Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Wild Ones. Photo by Jim Bennett

Saturday:

Beat Connection. Photo by Jim Bennett

Sol. Photo by Jim Bennett

Country Lips. Photo by cocofoto

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Chromeo. Photo by Jim Bennett

Sunday:

Angel Olsen. Photo by Jim Bennett

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

A$AP Rocky. Photo by cocofoto

Very special thanks to Jameson for hosting us as well! They took over Sole Repair for the weekend and gave it a classy rustic treatment, with wooden walls depicting the history of the iconic Irish whiskey providing the backdrop for some refreshing cocktails and a chill vibe. Such a nice refuge from the heat and crowds outside.

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Photo by Ashley Genevieve

Shop

The sartorial things I've got my eye on:

What is Big Data? (by Titus Kimbowa)

Photo from Start Work Now

When at meet ups, there are plenty founders and entrepreneurs alike that talk a big game when it comes to big data. They tell you how they plan on using big data to get customers and design the best app ever. But how are you getting this big data and how are you using it to accomplish these goals?

*Awkward silence*

What’s big data to me? Here’s my short version:

Social graph of any given user:

Likes: 

• How many likes? 
• What do these likes mean? 
• What can you say about that person’s interests? 
• What’s their state of mind?
• Track and group likes in same vertical 
• Find influencers, etc.

Photos: 

• What’s the occasion?
• Who’s in it?
• Location?
• Date and time 
• Find influencers, etc.

Status updates, tweets, etc etc.

This can be done across all social and business graphs to find ways to target groups and communities at the deepest level.

Think: Zuck’s experiment

Analyzing and understanding what all these mean is the big challenge for many marketers. Luckily, there are plenty of tools to help you understand and use big data.

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Titus Kimbowa

 is a young entrepreneur living in Seattle, WA. He was born in Kampala, Uganda & moved to the States when he was 12. He’s currently a senior at the University of Washington and serves as vice-president of the UW American Marketing Association, and he's interning as the product marketing analyst for stealthy start-up Webtuner. He’s got past experience as part of the Zagat team at Google, Crown Social, TEDxYouth Seattle, and starting up an enterprise travel company. In his spare time (which he rarely gets) he likes to play basketball, read, and hang out around Seattle.

Find Titus on Twitter, and view all of his posts here.

Apple’s Strategy with Dr. Dre (by Titus Kimbowa)

Apple’s on the quest to continue the longstanding stronghold on popular culture. With the acquisition of Beats by Dre, they are well positioned to dominate the next wave of consumer products.

The first time I ever touched a computer was when I was 12 years old. I played games on my uncle’s HP desktop during the summer before I started school and thought it was the best thing ever. After that summer, I enrolled in the local middle school. Computers there were weird; they were colorful and were shaped different. The software design was also different; it was a lot easier to draw stuff on this computer. I also understood how it worked faster than I did the HP machine.

They were just different.

iMacs made it easy for students to express their individuality. These colorful machines were tools for expression. This approach to design is continuous in all of Apple products. We are all witnesses to the dent the iPod put on the music industry. It is in Apple’s DNA to do things differently; to influence and drive culture.

Dr. Dre’s Influence

Hip-hop has grown from being a genre that was ridiculed to one of the most influential genres on pop culture. This statement in itself could be a blog post so I won’t go too deep into that.

During the late 80s / early 90s, hip-hop took a turn from easy-going party music with some drug references to hardcore gangsta rap. This transition came as the opportunity for Dre to express himself.

At a time when rappers were by rapping with limited explicit lyrics; NWA came on the scene with brash, unforgiving lyrics that spoke of of the harsh life in Compton. Even after media uproar, they held no punches when expressing themselves. This was their life unfiltered and they saw no other way to tell it. This became the meat and potatoes of hip hop’s culture:

Expression has been a big part of the success of Beats by Dre. With a slick design and a multitude of colors to pick from, Beats allow music lovers to show their style through the color of their headphones. This is true at every level; from the NFL and NBA athletes, to the kids playing on school yards.

Outside of the slick design of the headphones and having color choice, Dr Dre’s influence on pop culture is what makes Beats’ stronghold on the premium headphone market unstoppable. Dre sits atop the influencers of today’s culture: Music. The Beats By Dre YouTube channel has multiple interviews with music artists and celebs alike. Additionally, the big screen shows athletes using beats as a way to tune out noise and redirecting their focus on the game.

Acquiring the mind and influence of Dr Dre will allow Apple to continue mission of influencing culture.

The crazy thing is that we have a (ex)gangsta rapper part of a team making decisions on products that will be used across the globe. Hip hop’s influence has hit it’s highest stage yet. My guess is Apple is switching gears from think different to express yourself.

Beats by Dre YouTube channel 

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Titus Kimbowa

 is a young entrepreneur living in Seattle, WA. He was born in Kampala, Uganda & moved to the States when he was 12. He’s currently a senior at the University of Washington and serves as vice-president of the UW American Marketing Association, and he's interning as the product marketing analyst for stealthy start-up Webtuner. He’s got past experience as part of the Zagat team at Google, Crown Social, TEDxYouth Seattle, and starting up an enterprise travel company. In his spare time (which he rarely gets) he likes to play basketball, read, and hang out around Seattle.

Find Titus on Twitter, and view all of his posts here.

On-the-Go Work Essentials f/ Starbucks® Iced Coffee (Sponsored)

Holy cow y'all. It's hot! We've been on a streak of 80+ degree days in Seattle, and while the sun is shining brightly on us, this city is just not equipped enough with A/C. When I'm not seeking refuge on the water or beach, I'm over here getting used to working in an office part-time again. It's still a culture shock for me, though a welcome one at that. I really love having some structure in my days, and having a place to go to helps me focus while I'm there. Sometimes I'll jet from work to an event or happy hour, so I carry a big Zara bag to tote all my things around & then some. On any given day, there's a pair of shoes and another big bag full of my lunch and snacks for the day, but pictured below are my purse mainstays to stay refreshed & organized in style.

Stay writing: 

I'm a self-professed office supplies queen, and my vices are Post-Its, notebooks and Sharpies. I am forever carrying at least one of these on me at all times, and in my everyday tote, I've got an arsenal. Sharpies in all point sizes, notepads of different colors and notebooks that each serve a different purpose. In this digital age, I have a fear of losing my penmanship, and thus, I stay writing on pen and paper. I've found I retain info much better when I've written it down by hand too. Sorry, organization apps, you ain't got nothin' on the old school

Stay hydrated:

I also carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go, and my bkr is perfect for the office. It's just small enough for me to have to get up every hour or so from my desk to refill it! I don't drink a lot of coffee, but I'm into these Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee drinks for an occasional afternoon treat. Caramel is my favorite!

Stay moisturized:

I'm just as nuts about my lip, face & body moisturizers as I am about my hydration and my office supplies. Gotta have at least five different lip balms, glosses and lipsticks at all times (skoah's Lip Love & smashbox's glosses are my faves at the moment) plus two options each for face & body lotion. I carry a full-size face lotion but I've just run out. I'm crazy, I know.

Stay connected:

It almost goes without saying, but I'm never without my iPhone. I also still carry my blog business cards around, because you never know who you'll meet!

What's in your on-the-go bag?

Leave me a comment below!

Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee beverages are the perfect blend of premium Starbucks coffee and 2 percent milk. Available in four delicious offerings: Coffee + Milk, Low Calorie Coffee + Milk, Vanilla, and Caramel, Starbucks Iced Coffee ready-to-drink beverages are the perfect on-the-go refreshment to get you through the daily commute, big projects such as spring cleaning, or an exciting road trip with friends. Look for it at major grocery and convenience stores, available nationwide.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Starbucks Coffee Company via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Starbucks Coffee Company.

Fresh Ride: Cadillac ELR

Back in February, I had what you might call a "Fleet Week" but with cars. The Chevy Volt team was kind enough to give me the Volt to tote around in for a few days, followed directly by a couple of days test driving the Cadillac ELR. If the Volt was more my every day style, I'd definitely consider the ELR my special occasion kinda hybrid.

The ELR is straight fancy. Bose speakers, top-of-the-line interiors (like cut & sewn accent leather, suede, chrome, wood & carbon fiber finishes), rearview camera, plush seats and heated steering columns & seats - like champagne wishes and caviar dreams, y'all. I've always been lowkey (read: nondescript) with the kinds of cars I drive, and I wasn't prepared to answer all the questions and comments about the ELR as I drove it around town!

The ELR is loaded with features - rearview camera, eight air bags, programmable battery charging schedule, safety alerts/warnings (forward collision, lane departure, side blind zone) as well as the Cadillac CUE Navigation system, which you can program almost every function and then some (including recognizing your voice!)

One of the biggest downfalls about hybrids is that power is often sacrificed in the name of efficiency. I was curious about the ELR's power, and decided to take it out on 90 for a jaunt out to Snoqualmie Falls. I'm happy to say both the ELR and the Falls had a lot of power that day!

Thank you Cadillac! Check out more details and pricing on the ELR here.

Happy 4th of July! (Happy Birthday Meatball!)

Happy 4th of July!

The Independence Day holiday is always about time with the family to me. There have been a couple of years where Jacob and I stuck to ourselves but it never really felt right. It's not the Fourth unless we're with family, enjoying BBQ & other good food, lighting or watching fireworks, and just chillin'. 

For me, it's also a time to celebrate our angel. Our first bulldog, Meatball would have been nine today. What an old man! We miss and love him so much; while Spike is the light of our lives, there's always more than enough room in my heart for that immense love and sorrow for Meaty Pie. Hope he's enjoying birthday cookies and squeaky toy hamburgers in heaven!

Friendly reminder to take care of your pets on this holiday! They're not fans of big noises (like fireworks) and I can't believe I have to state this, but don't leave them in hot cars. Just don't. Don't be that asshole. 

More about Bulldog Haven NW:

A 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!