Fresh Style: Eazy Breezy

After weeks of cold temps and even a few days of snow and ice, the sun came out in the Emerald City and decided to bring some (relative) warmth with it! In upper-50 degree weather, it only made sense to reach for some shorts, my vintage Eazy-E tee and my current staple, the denim shirt, for a few errands and a casual chocolate cooking demo at my best friend Sara's boutique, SPUN Sustainable Collective.

H&M denim shirt & faux leather shorts / Vintage Eazy-E tee / Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace / Steve Madden military boots (another staple of mine)

Traipsing the city & catching reflections

Illin at home after a great day!

Fresh Style: Alive and Well

Alive and Well might only stock menswear for now, but that doesn't mean the stylish ladies can't work some pieces into their wardrobe. After getting a sneak peek last week, I came back for a couple of beanies, from the house brand as well as Seattle's own Actual Pain.

Remember that HUF x Haroshi deck I posted? We got that too! It'll stay in our home as a collector piece though. No skating here :)

Black leather jacket / Grey short sleeve drape tee / Deena & Ozzy python print leggings / Black/metallic gold TOMS from Coastal / Vintage Ray-Ban aviators from Sustalux

The Freshest Posts of 2011

The holidays are times for family, food, fun and love. It's also a great time of reflection, and for me, 2011 has been definitely been a ride. While it's easy to describe it as a roller coaster, I don't want to call them "ups and downs." Instead, my experiences this year are all lessons learned and opportunities to grow.

Inspired by the recent Independent Fashion Bloggers' Project of the Week, this post features ten of my favorite posts from this past year. It was a trip down not-too-distant memory lane, but also a way to start reflecting on my life as it was in 2011.

Like to hear it? Here it goes... (in chronological order)

Exploring NYC

1) IFB Evolving Influence: What I Learned

They say that if you feel you're the smartest one in the room, it's time to find a different room. Part of a series of posts highlighting my trip to NYC in February for Fashion Week, this one recapped the amazing sessions at the IFB Evolving Influence conference. Milk Studios was that room for me - being there and hearing from the likes of everyone from Yuli Ziv, Jennine Jacob and the gentlemen behind Proenza Schouler showed me that I have so much to learn as a blogger. Though I always stress that I categorize myself as a Seattle lifestyle blogger and not strictly a fashion blogger, style is definitely a huge part of my blog. IFB has been so helpful in being a peer-to-peer knowledge base and sounding board for thousands of bloggers like me.

2) Mamas & Meatballs Make My World Go 'Round

As I chose these posts, it became clear to me that the personal ones - the glimpses into the inner workings of my life - are the ones that would make it in this top ten. 'Mamas & Meatballs' was written on Mother's Day, thanking my mother for always being there for me, and thanking my dearly departed bulldog baby, Meatball for giving me life. They are my everything.

3) Coolin' at Coachella

2011 was my first time at the annual festival, and I loved it! This post brought back countless memories of a couple of weeks in L.A. with the love of my life, capped off with a trip to the desert with my awesome Anisa Leyla to meet up with Andy Fortson and friends for an amazing weekend filled with music, art and the most gorgeous and stylish people I've ever seen in my life. One of my favorite trips of all time.

At my photoshoot for #8

4) Showing Up for Life - Bill Gates Sr.

I traveled a lot in the first half of this year and though I don't regret any of it, I barely did anything to nourish myself. Too much indulging and toxic people. No working out, reading, writing, eating that well or blogging. Come summer, I decided this needed to change immediately. I turned to a book I'd read before, by one of my heroes, Bill Gates Sr. Showing Up for Life is a quick read on exactly that - showing up. One of the hardest things to learn is how to say "no," whether that be to attending an event, a new opportunity or to having too much fun as I was doing. This book is a great reminder to me about remembering your passions and your priorities, then choosing to "show up" for those things that matter to you - consistently.

5) Fresh Eats: Revel

I am fortunate to know many of the talented foodies in the city, but that's always kept me from writing about food here on Fresh Jess. I don't consider myself on their level! I do, however, love going out for a  delicious dinner and checking out new restaurants in town. In July, I launched my "Fresh Eats" series, highlighting my experiences at various Seattle establishments. I am not a food critic by any means, so you won't see any of my personal dislikes here on the blog. I simply enjoy sharing my meals and featuring a small business while I'm at it!

6) Seattle Style: Bianca Casimes

Another regular feature I introduced this summer is my "Seattle Style" series. Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet! It's another way for me to give back to my city, and the people who make it stylish.

New beginnings... #9

7) Love & Meatball

Losing a pet is so hard. Blogging about my dear Meatball has helped me focus my grief and turn it into thankfulness and positivity. It's also been a way for you, amazing readers and social media friends, to share your own pain and loss with me. Thank you! Meatball may be gone physically, but his love and energy course through my soul always. Thank you Meaty pie for showing me what it's like to love like a mama.

8) Meet the DList Magazine "Young Northwest" 2011 Honorees!

It still humbles me every day that people read and listen to what I have to say, not just here on Fresh Jess, but on Twitter, Facebook, now Pinterest and everywhere else. I was floored when Seattle's DList Magazine selected me as their Young Northwest Blogger for their annual issue. Let me tell you, the nominations for this really kicked my butt back into gear and blogging on the regular! Thank you so, so much. If there's ever anything you want to see on here, please let me know! Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com. Take a look at the rest of the Young Northwest 2011 talent in this post!

9) The Newest Member of the Family

After a summer and fall full of self-reflection and tons of work, my life has changed radically in just the past couple of months. One of those changes is a new bulldog in our home. Meet Spike, our 4-year-old rescue from Bulldog Haven NW! I'm so thrilled to be a bulldog mama again and Spike's consumed my life. I love him :)

10) Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer

One of my favorite experiences is featuring someone on Fresh Jess and getting their reaction - from them and from their own friends and fans. Brian Oh's been so thankful and appreciative of this feature I did earlier this month, and his friends from the team at Seattle lifestyle brand Rich Kids Clothing to the party rockers of Trashed have also shown their love and support. Nothing is greater than the feeling of good people helping good people!

There you have it. Ten of my favorite posts this year. Looking forward to bring you some heaters in 2012!

Fresh Faves: Brian Oh, Photographer

It's always really great to meet talented people who are humble, down-to-earth and passionate about putting Seattle on the map in their own way. Photographer Brian Oh is all of those things, and for that, I'd like all of you to meet him!

If you've read a DList Magazine, been to a Trashed party or been around the Frye Museum and Henry Art Gallery recently, chances are you've seen Brian's work. A trained fine arts photographer, Brian stays true to his film roots and strives to capture images right from the start. He rarely uses PhotoShop and much of his work is published with little to no editing.

Brian is resident photographer for my favorite dance party in the city, Moe Bar Mondays. A freelance photographer for hire, he also works regularly with DList Magazine on various fashion, music, food and event editorials for the publication. He even shot yours truly in my photoshoot for the Young Northwest issue :)

Brian also shoots at the monthly Trashed parties, which brings in global acts like RAC and The Twelves to the Emerald City. One of his biggest passions is shooting fashion lookbooks, with recent projects for Seattle brands Cake Face Clothing and Rich Kids.

Brian counts the Rich Kids team, including Lee Smith, Kristen Puckhaber & Michael McClarron among his biggest supporters - like family who've always believed in his talent and work.

 "With so much going on in this town I feel blessed to be a part of the culture here." 

Look out for Brian's upcoming projects, including a sculptural piece consisting of doll heads used as pin hole cameras, and a book called “arcana obscura,” which means "secrets of the dark." arcana obscura will be a black and white image collection shot with a Polaroid Land Camera, and depicts people in their living environment with their darkest secrets covering their faces to conceal their identity.

Check out Brian's work in the video below, and find him at BrianPhotoh.com, weekly Moe Bar Mondays pics and more on Facebook.

Seattle Style: Dave Nguyen

Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet our first guy feature, Dave Nguyen:

What do you do?

I'm a CPA Auditor living the corporate dream. On the side, I'm doing aesthetic and brand effectiveness projects to help out friends and random peoples. This helps balance that financial business-oriented side with some business creativity.

How would you describe your style?

My style is minimalistic, street, timeless, modern, updated yet inspired by the classics, and cultivated by my personality. And in all, dressing for whatever the Seattle weather permits. Music such as hip hop & indie make me try to keep things progressive. I love style and aesthetic. It's my form of art and a way to express myself. It articulates my personalty, mood, brand, and swag on swag on swag. Plus I can't draw or write poetry. 

What are your favorite shops?

Favorite shops are Gilt Groupe, Shop Acrimony (SF), Roden Gray (BC), Nomad Shop (BC), Barneys, Nordstrom, and J.Crew. You can also find me on the classifieds of StyleForum.net and eBay scouring for deals and hard to finds. Favorite brands are Band of Outsiders, Gitman Vintage, Surface 2 air, and of course J.Crew. Note, I never buy anything full price, usually 50% off or more.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

The diversity that feeds into it; the aspect of big city appeal with intimacy make it homely; growing food culture; the parks and recreation; being close to the lake/sound/nature; dressing for the seasons; depressed during winters; happy as fuck in the summers; and this is where my parents persevered to make it so I love this city. Also gotta love the people.

Thanks Dave!

Find him on Twitter, Instagram (@Davenguyen206), Facebook & Yelp.

Seattle Style: Laura Haithcock

Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the iconic Laura Haithcock:

J.Crew pencil skirt / Gap blouse / H&M belt & ring

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What do you do?

Advertising account management, web production and design, blogger, milliner, vintage inspired styling. And baking, lots of baking.

Deco Modiste blouse / Express pencil skirt / Steve Madden purse / Banana Republic cuff / vintage orange pearl earrings

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

How would you describe your style?

I enjoy gathering inspiration from all kinds of places, but love taking super feminine style cues from female Motown icons, French yé-yé girls, cute rockabilly attire and bombshells from the 60s. I lean towards fashion that works for the female shape and draws from classic, well-tailored standards.

Anthropologie dress / H&M cardigan / vintage gold and mother of pearl bracelet

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What are your favorite shops?

I love a good search through the Seattle vintage shops for pieces that are unique and that will have timeless appeal, but also shop at Anthropologie, Nordstrom and local shops including Meadow, Velouria, Queen Anne Dispatch and Rhinestone Rosie's.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

People in Seattle commit to their interests and that has made for a city full of individuals who are inspiring, intriguing and entrepreneurial. There is constant creative energy that is contagious and exciting. I'm repeatedly inspired by friends who are trying new experiences, creating startups and finding ways to promote community involvement.

Thanks Laura!

Find her at Birdie Royale and on Twitter.

Recap: Girl Power Hour 4th Anniversary

Girl Power Hour kicked off Bellevue Fashion Week by celebrating its fourth anniversary last week and it definitely lived up to its Glambition name! Founder Darnell Sue and her team of Power Girls have worked super hard to make GPH one of the most popular, most consistently high-quality networking events in town. While normally for ladies only, the Anniversary Party is open to the fellas too - and both genders came lookin real fly.

Thanks Darnell for a great party! Congratulations GPH on your fourth year - and to many more!

With Tori, Morgan Carson (Rene Ropas), Jaymee & Mollie (Mollie in Seattle)

With Mary Lou (Girl's Guide to Seattle)

With Alyson (Crushing on Clothes), Mary Lou, Emily (Seattle Sota), Juli & Aleksa

Free People installation

With Girl Power Hour founder Darnell Sue

Having fun in the Seattle Met photo booth!

With Zong of the GPH team

With Tori, Mollie, Corrie of GPH, Gianmarco, Anisa & Jodie

Vintage handbag from Sustalux

Tete Couture headband / Forever 21 dress / Ann Taylor bauble bracelet / Julian Louie for Aldo wedges

Tete Couture headband

Recap: DList Magazine Young Northwest Party

Here's a quick photo recap of DList Magazine's Young Northwest honoree party. I'm so grateful for all of my friends and loved ones who came across the bridge to Bellevue to support a lady! I couldn't have asked for a better group to hang with that night. Wish I'd gotten more pictures with the other great nominees like Dhruva Mikkelsen, Osiris Navarro, Casey Carter & Sasha Pasulka. 

Enjoy!

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Seattle Style: Sayra Morán

Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the stunning Sayra Morán:

H&M dress / Forever 21 sandals

What do you do?

I do marketing and client services for a legal support company, model for Seattle Models Guild, and direct a non-profit organization that sponsors orphaned students.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as comfortable, class and colorful. I wear high heels almost every day and I love pops of color!

Shirt from Nordstrom Rack / Express jeans / Steve Madden pumps

What are your favorite shops?

H&M, Express, and Nordstrom.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

I love how diverse and busy it is. There is always something going on and every neighborhood/area is different from the next.

Thanks Sayra!

Find her on Twitter.

Fresh Style: Vintage Polynesian Swimsuit

Because sometimes the vintage gods love you and put a perfectly-fitting Polynesian swimsuit from the 1950s - complete with bloomers - in your life. It makes for the sweetest little romper for another beautiful day in the Emerald City:

Worn with customized TOMS, In God We Trust necklace & shell cuff from the Philippines. 

Seattle Style: Tiffany Southworth

Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City.

Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the lovely Tiffany Southworth:

All Saints Spitafields sequined top / H&M pencil skirt and skinny belt / Forever 21 leather jacket / Valentino heels

What do you do?

I'm an Adminstrative Executive at Evergreen Capital Management by day, and a freelance wardrobe stylist by night (and weekend).

Express blouse / H&M skinny jeans / Dolce Vita sandals (from Nordstrom) / Forever 21 necklace & knuckle cross ring

How would you describe your style?

If Chanel and Alexander McQueen had a fashion love child, that would be my style. I really fall for the classic and feminine look, but equally love the dark abstract and edgy look! I manage to incorporate both styles into my wardrobe. This probably has a lot to do with me growing up in Alabama and then moving to Seattle.

Thrifted dress (from Goodwill) / H&M skinny leather belt / Banana Republic clogs / Nordstrom coral necklace

What are your favorite shops?

Nasty Gal, All Saints Spitafields, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Free People, and the Fremont Vintage Mall. Aside from shops, I'm a big fan of making my own clothing and accesories (when I have extra time to burn in my day). There is something refreshing about wearing something you made yourself!

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

As far as the fashion industry goes, I love that Seattle has so much opportunity to grow and make a name for itself. There are so many talented and creative designers in this city! I believe it really is a matter of time before Seattle becomes a fashion capital.

Thanks Tiff!

Find her on Twitter

Seattle Style: Bianca Casimes

Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

Our very first feature is on the incredibly stylish Bianca Casimes:

Amercian Apparel black top / Thrifted shorts / Bass oxfords / Thrifted clutch / DIY Necklace / Nixon watch 

What do you do?

By profession I'm an Interactive Designer at the social media agency, Banyan Branch. Side ventures include arts, blogging, graphic design and even front end development (when I'm feeling super nerdy).

Forever 21 hat / Urban Outfitters shirt / Zara skirt & shoes / Vintage purse (from Mom!)

How would you describe your style?

Generally on trend despite being scummy by nature. I'm definitely inspired by mixing styles as well as anything seventies-esque.

H&M skirt / Zara top / Thrifted purse / Shoes from a street shop in NYC / Gap belt

What are your favorite shops?

If I could own anything from one store it would be Aritzia. Other favorite store would be Zara, when I lived in Brooklyn it was my weekend destination.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

It's the only place I know that I can see the ocean, mountains, and still be in a city. I'm also a creative nerd and being surrounded by people who love tech and love art is the perfect catalyst to own growth. I can't imagine growing up anywhere else.

Thanks Bianca!

Find her at 7Pine.com

Channeling Kelly Kapowski w/TwinSistr vintage

One of the greatest things about vintage is being able to channel style icons of eras past. There's a whole universe of celebrities and world leaders to look up to, and being able to pull style inspiration from them is just one of their many influences!

I picked up this sweet dress from TwinSistr vintage's Maria Martinez at the Comet Tavern benefit flea market a few weeks ago. It fits perfectly - which can be hard to come by as a petite lady! The halter top buttons at the neck and the skirt bellows out into a beautiful flower shape.

I think of Saved by the Bell's Kelly Kapowski or even Cha-Cha from Grease (RIP!) whenever I wear it. This time, I took this pretty frock out for a vintage shopping date with my girl Anisa.

Meet me at The Max?

Short Little Sailor

Sometimes you just wanna wear shorts to work. I'm the marketing director at an agency, so the dress code isn't as strict as most places. Still, I think there's something to be said about professionalism and being taken seriously. When I wanted to wear a pair of shorts to the office, I paired it with a vintage blazer, gold jewelry and my favorite booties for a breezy but not too casual look.

These photos were taken at SPUN Sustainable Collective.

Sara thought I looked like a sailor! Thanks

Vintage Brooks Brothers blazer

L.A. Made double vneck tee

Khaki shorts gifted by my sister

Deena & Ozzy tan booties

Layered necklaces

Leopard belt

Vintage bracelets

Thanks Anisa for taking these pics!

Wedding Guest Steez

Summer means weddings every weekend! Choosing the perfect outfit for attending a wedding is always a careful, mindful choice to make. You want to look fancy, comfortable and stylish all while not upstaging the bride on her big day. The formula of knee-length dress and dependable heels always works for me.

La Rousse green & black heart-shaped corset dress

Steven black peep-toe heels

Sustalux vintage bag

In God We Trust necklace

Vintage bracelets from Sustalux & Urban Xchange

Bulldog ring from Moksha

I keep it light on the makeup in the summer time too: bronzer, neutral eyes & rosy lips:

Block Party Babe

I bought this chiffon maxi skirt in March after eyeing it all over the fashion blogs and L.A. style vixens, but quite frankly there hasn't been a perfect occasion to wear the thing in Seattle.

Until Block Party!

In the sea of cutoff denim, sundresses, plaid, & hippie chic, it just felt like the right way to stand out :)

Vintage Levi's denim jacket

Dior vintage belt

SPUN organic tank

Nine West strappy sandals

Vintage bag & necklace

Stylin with Sustalux

I love & appreciate vintage clothes but always had a really hard time shopping for it. Part of it is due to time & energy, but most of all, I just didn't know where to look and what to look for in quality vintage gems. Over the past two years, vintage has taken over my wardrobe thanks to my dear friend Dana, owner of Sustalux.

Basically, Dana's got many girls' dream job. She scours estate and garage sales, thrift stores, consignment shops & more for stunning vintage clothing, accessories, jewelry and furniture. She sends her finds off to photo shoots for Vogue, Travel + Leisure, Louis Vuitton, Anthropologie and the like. I've introduced many of my stylish friends who are now Sustalux regulars as well!

Dana invited me to her studio to play around in her massive closet during our very first conversation. Since then, she has literally added a whole new dimension to my style. While I spend much of my time in comfortable casual wear like Obey, RVCA, Lifetime Collective and H&M, Dana has added a lot of elegance and abstract fun to my wardrobe. Here are a few of my latest pieces from her:

Fringe fab!

Channeling Joan Holloway

Such a unique, fun striped skirt

Shop Sustalux online here. If you're in Seattle, friend Dana on Facebook to look out for her next Closet Candy party!

Seattle Weather Mood Swings

Seattle weather is absolutely, ridiculously bi-polar. Exhibit A: This particular day started out beautifully sunny and warm. So I work out, run my errands then make my way over to the BadWill monthly flea market at HG Lodge. I shop through fun booths with my friends, pick up some sweet vintage finds & say hi to my favorite boutique, Moksha:

Then I enjoy an afternoon treat at (new to Seattle) YogurtLand, one of my current obsessions:

H&M neon orange tee

f21 high-waisted striped shorts (gifted from  Clutch 22)

Vintage necklace (Sustalux)

Full-finger ring (Nasty Gal)

Jeweled ring (gifted from AnisaLeyla)

Diamond drop earrings (Moksha)

With my lifetime obsession:

:)

By the time I leave YogurtLand, it's finna downpour! Thank goodness for this sweet $5 find from Midnight Mart Vintage at said BadWill Market:

Raincoat (Midnight Mart Vintage)

Grey TOMS shoes

Vintage shoulder bag (Sustalux)

So I end up walking home looking like a confused beach bunny trapped in a rainstorm.

THANKS SEATTLE WEATHER XO