Thursday, August 9, 2012

So Major.

Rachel Zoe has quickly become a fashion icon.  She participates in just about every facet of the fashion world.  She started as a celebrity stylist, currently has her own TV show, wrote a book on style, has a daily e-newletter:  The Zoe Report, and now has created her own fashion line.  She is a mastermind of this business.

I was so fortunate to see her present her Fall 2012 line at the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom last night.  What an amazing experience!  Her line is all about MENSWEAR!  Her fall line is made up of gorgeous tailored pieces that are fit for a woman's body but have the menswear appeal without becoming too androgynous.

Check it out below!


Above is an amazing gown that Zoe claims is her take on animal print.  She said she was tired of the basic print and wanted to transform it into something "Major:"  Stunning.


Simple sweater dress with leather jacket and tights.  All Purple!  Rachel says that she enjoys the idea of a look in all one color in different textures - it is interesting.  I totally agree with that!  She also said to try this look start small - start with simply matching tights to your top or dress for a really fun look.

**Please check out those thigh-high boots. MMMM YUMMY!  Rachel says these were her "slippers" while pregnant. :)


This is personally one of my favorite looks of her line.  I am obsessed with a good fitted suit.  The emerald green top with a bow-tie is flawless and the wool and fur coat adds just the right amount of glamour to an otherwise masculine inspired look.  LOVE.


The perfect topper.  Enough said.  (P.S.  It is hard to tell but this is the same monochromatic themed look:  Green Topper and Green Tights.)


Sequin evening look with a dramatic slit.


Another one of my favorites!  Rachel said this look was inspired by the 1960's Rock n Roll.  She asked herself if Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger were girls what would they wear??  This is what she came up with.  Leather bell bottom pants, a fitted white button up, and an incredible blazer with gold overlay.


The perfect suit.  Skinny pants and a fitted blazer.  These could be worn as separates or together.


And finally, Ms. Rachel Zoe herself.  It was so amazing watching her present this line.  I already have a shopping basket full of my DREAM items. 
(The piece she is wearing is a jumpsuit from her Fall 2012 line.)

*Rachel said if you ever see me stop designing jumpers or there are no sequins in my collection - you know I have left the building.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Wedding Weekend.

 Last Saturday one of my best friends got married.  It was a beautiful ceremony on the Puget Sound at a quaint little park.  The reception was on the water as well and was an absolutely stunning location.  They kept it small with only their closest friends and family.  Check it out below!


Ashley and I!  Ashley:  Forever 21 Floral Shift Dress.  Forever 21 Platforms.  Mckinzy:  Juicy Couture Sundress.  Nordstrom Bow Belt.  Steve Madden Wedge (similar). 



Congratulations Jake and Jordan!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Summer Staples.

In the middle of the summer I tend to wear the same few basic pieces day after day.  I can't help it - I have a few favorites!  I lean towards light-weight fabrics in breezy designs.  At night I always grab a soft knit sweater to cover up.  I am crazy about platform wedges - they are as comfortable as my running shoes!! .... almost.  To top it off I add a pop of color and never leave my apartment without my shades.

Below is an inspiration board I made on Polyvore that features a few of my favorite summer staples.

summer staple

Sunday, July 29, 2012

London Olympics 2012.



  This Olympics I have been bitten with the bug....bad. I have already written this summer of my love for the current Americana trend.  While this look may be cooling down, with the Olympics having just begun, it has secured a special spot in my heart.  Here are some of my favorite inspirational looks for this years (fashion) games.


 

Left:  Michael Kors Swimsuit S/S 2009  Right:  William Rast Fall 2009


Image from Free People's June LookBook.


Image from Jane's blog Sea of Shoes.

**Let's Go USA!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Sneak Peek: Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show

As a Nordstrom Intern, I had the opportunity to work at the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show.  I was beyond excited.  I have been so busy this summer with the internship that I have yet to post any pictures of the show!!

 I have been working on the Fashion Show post as it will be a long one (the show was almost an hour long!) The show was featured in an industrial building down at the pier that was completely transformed into a boutique shop in one area and incredible runway in another.

The designers of the show were (in this order):  Alaia, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karen, Erdem, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Nina Ricci, Dries Van Noten, Akris, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Lanvin, and Oscar de la Renta.  
*Featured shoe designers were:  Balenciaga, Brian Atwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Marni, Miu Miu, Prada, and Valentino.

Here is a sneak peek at the show with more details and pictures to come soon!  Enjoy!



The glamorous dressing rooms.  


Backstage!  All of the looks were organized by designer and the order in which they appear on the runway.


Just posing with Nordstrom. 


Can you believe this Lanvin patent red trench??


Oscar de la Renta Finale. Mmmmmmmmmm.


Little bit more Lanvin during final walk.


Sneak peek of Marni during the final walk.

**These pictures were taken during the dress rehearsal so hair and make-up are unfinished. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Theo's Chocolate Factory.

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to visit a REAL LIFE CHOCOLATE FACTORY! I was so excited and this chocolate company, Theo's, happens to be my favorite chocolate.  They have a million different unique flavors that are constantly changing.  While visiting the factory I was able to learn all about their sustainable practices and take an inside look at how cocoa beans are processed and turned into CHOCOLATE! :)

Theo's Chocolate was the first chocolate company ever to be certified organic and fair trade.  What an amazing accomplishment, and it started right here in Seattle!  I encourage everyone to get on their website and see what they are all about.


Theo's purchases their cocoa beans from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. I was thrilled when I found out that they did not purchase their beans from the Ivory Coast like every other chocolate company in the world.  Watch this documentary and you will see why. 


Eco-friendly roasting machine above.


These machines crush the fermented cocoa beans into a paste and from paste into liquid.  The ingredients are added next.  Organic cane sugar and local organic milk.  This room is kept at an average heat of 95 degrees Farenheit!


I was also able to tour the kitchen, the best part!  This chocolatier was creating a ganache.  The process he is working on is called tempering.  It is a constant spreading and gathering of the chocolate.


This was my favorite chocolate confection!  Salted carmel smore covered in chocolate.


Nibs!!  These are roasted cocoa beans that have yet to be processed.  You can bake with them or sprinkle them on top of yogurt etc.  They are crunchy like a nut or seed and absolutely delicious!

What a wonderful experience it was to tour Theo's Chocolate!

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Trouser Socks.

I am really into trouser socks and flats lately. I love a lacy detail in such a small spot like the ankle.

I was just at the the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show and the lacy trouser sock was all over the runway.

Check out my version below!


Shoes:  DV by Dolce Vita.  Socks:  Hot Sox.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Sunny Day Sundress.

Finally my summer has arrived! I could not be any more happy to see the sunshine!  

Yesterday Janssen shot some pictures for a wedding and I tagged along.  The couple was extremely adventurous and wanted to take their pictures at Pike's Place Market!  What a day following around the bride and groom in the extremely packed market - but so much fun!  Needless to say their wedding  pictures are going to be amazing.


It was such a warm day I chose a breezy sundress with a platform heel because I knew there was going to be a lot of walking.  I also chose a simple hair accessory, a skinny belt to accentuate my waist, and my favorite pair of shades.  Easy look for a fun day!



Dress:  Anthropologie.  Shoes:  Kork-Ease Platform.  Belt:  Nordstrom.  Hair pin:  Anthropologie.  Sunglasses:  Juicy Couture.  Lipstick:  MAC Lustering.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Happy Fourth!

Fourth of July is all about the food right??
Oops.  Maybe not.
Well, while our boyfriends were off blowing up the loudest bombs they could buy with their money, my friend Sarah and I enjoyed some delicious FOOD on the rooftop. :)


Check out her adorable Kate Spade shades here.


Homemade Peach Sangria!

Easy:  White wine (I used Reisling), Peach schnapps, whatever fruit you want (don't forget your white peaches), and citrus soda!


From left to right:  Vanilla Ice-Cream, Chocolate Peanut-Butter Wheat Germ cookies from Forever 2 Sisters, Angel Food Cake and Fruit Mason Jars (created by Sarah, so adorable!) and Pioneer Woman's Rustic Apple Pie!

Praise America for good food!



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Trash to Treasure.

My mom always used to say, "One person's trash is someone else's treasure."  I love this saying because I am a thrifting junkie at heart. 

As much as I love a new pair of shoes, fresh out of the box, wrapped in darling tissue paper, and the sweet sales person walking the bag around the counter thanking me for my business - there is just something special and different about the hunt for vintage finds.  When you go thrifting it can be hit or miss.  Some days I may not find a thing and other days I will come home with bags of items - literally bags. 

  This outfit is part of my many treasures and very possibly, at one time, somebody's trash.  I wore this outfit on a date with my man last night.  We ate at a little Indian food spot and saw a movie at our favorite family owned movie theater that plays only indie flicks.



I am loving the contrast of texture between the braided belt, polka-dots, and sheer printed tights!


Top:  BP Nordstrom.  Belt:  My Great-Grandma's (similar).  Skirt:  Thrifted from the Melrose Trading Post.  Tights:  DKNY.  Shoes:  Miz Mooz.


...

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Accessorize Your Summer.

Lately I have found great inspiration in summer accessories.  I am drawn to all of the bright punchy colors and the soft lightweight silkiness of most materials.  Do not even get me started on my love for sunglasses - this time of year allows an easy excuse for a new pair. :)

Check out some of the accessories I have my eye on this summer:

Accessorize your Summer

Background editorial images (left to right):  Nordstrom Catalog featuring Tasha Head Wrap, Tarnish Scarf, and Michael Kors Sunnies.  Elle Magazine editorial image.

From top to bottom: Cream Flower Pin (similar), John Lewis Flower Headband, Karen Walker Shades,   Coral Flower Pin, Celine Mini Crossbody, Celine Shades.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Palazzo and Chambray.

Yesterday was the first day of my internship!  I am interning in the Accessories and Sunglasses department at Nordstrom.  I am so excited for this opportunity and the chance to dress up and head to corporate every once in a while! :)

Throughout the summer there will be a handful of classes that the interns will participate in at the Seattle Headquarters.  Yesterday was the start of those classes.  I wanted to be cute and comfortable (like always) wearing loose pants, a bow-tied top, and my made-for-walking platforms.


Necklace from Anthropologie.  (Featured in previous post.)


Halogen silk palazzo pants from Nordstrom (similar but not printed).  Kork-Ease platform.


Chambray top from Nordstrom, vintage rings to the left and Faith ring from Nordstrom to the right.  Essie Clambake Polish.

Happy Friday!! :)

Saturday, June 23, 2012

A Little Sparkle.


Sometimes a little sparkle is all you need.  Today I wore a basic cotton T, with a high-waisted, royal blue, midi skirt, a pair of sling-back wedges, and this gorgeous collar necklace.

The sparkle of this necklace was the center of my look and has become a staple in my wardrobe. I encourage everyone to invest in a few pieces of statement jewelry that are versatile yet bold enough to center an outfit around.  Such a fun way to dress up an look. :)

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Beechers.


Janssen and I spent Monday together (by chance we were off the same day!) in Seattle.  I am a huge fan of Beecher's Handmade Cheese at Pikes Place and I was shocked when I found out Janssen had never been!  It was on our agenda for the day.
It was a rather cold day, and yes it is June and I am not happy about this weather.  I decided to wear comfortable jeans, my best city flats, a light top and jacket to conquer our day in the city.  Simple, comfortable, and a pop of color.


Gap Trench (old but similar),  BP Nordstrom Top (similar), Gap Boyfriend Jean (similar), Sam Edelman Flats, Ban.do Bow via Anthropologie, Kate Spade Bag (similar).


Love the scallop edge on this top!




My pepper macaroni and cheese.


Janssen's dungeness crab sandwich with flagship cheese.


Top Pot for dessert of course. :)

Such a fun day in Seattle.  If you are not from the area and decide to visit, Beecher's and Top Pot are two must stop spots!