Aces Interview: Chanelle Laurence

Fashion blogging is so. freaking. BORING lately. Somewhere along the line, fashion bloggers all started to look and dress the same - and where's the fun in that? The industry may have jumped the shark, but it only makes the ones who go against the grain stand out even more. I adore following a lot of L.A. fashion bloggers for this reason - no matter what, they are always reppin' that perfect California style. One of my favorites is Chanelle Laurence of The Penelope Times. She's got a distinct style that's all her own, and I love it. I'm also a fan of her store, Penelope's Vintage, and had the pleasure of blogging alongside her at WWDMAGIC in August. She's bold, sassy, laid-back and one of the nicest bloggers I've ever met. Real recognize real and I'm happy to know her. Meet Chanelle:

Chanelle Laurence

What's on your playlist right now?

Running by Jessie Ware, Another Tomorrow by Lusine, Jessica by Major Lazor, Kilo Kish and anything Classixx.

Describe your style.

My style is edgy with a hint of vintage and ALL LA. I love looking like a tomboy one day and throwing on a dress for brunch the next... it’s always changing but that’s why I love fashion: I can wear whatever I feel like being that day.

Chanelle Laurence

Who inspires you?

Entrepreneurs, Designers, Go Getters and Edie Sedgwick.

What are you reading?

Right now I’m GLUED to the Shopify blog because I’m a social media + marketing nerd. I also recently started reading The Secret which I can’t wait to finish.

Chanelle Laurence

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

My boyfriend and I are in the process of working on a clothing line which has been occupying my day dreams for quite some time now. We both graduated from FIDM so it’s been something we’ve been planning for a while. I can’t wait!

Chanelle Laurence

Thank you!

Find Chanelle online: The Penelope Times | Penelope's Vintage | Twitter | Facebook

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Tac Anderson

Twitter was a different world back in 2009. It hadn't reached its tipping point yet, and it felt like a small, manageable community. I found myself making tons of friends and admiring not-yet-friends in many circles - Seattle, blogging, social media, fashion blogging, fashion, hip-hop music, MMA/UFC. You could tweet at anyone and would likely get a response, because we were all trying to figure out what the hell all of this social media hype was and how it'd fit into our lives. Those glory days are gone, but I'm thankful to have people like Tac Anderson still active and awesome in my Twittersphere.

Tac Anderson

I think I first learned about Tac through my dear friend and his former colleague, Jordana Bruner. I can't remember if I'd met Tac in real life before, but we did for sure very recently at a local marketing event. I've been following Tac's tweets, Instagrams and blog posts for years, from his own adventures navigating PR and social media in Seattle, then out in London, then back again. Though organization and productivity are never-ending lessons for me, I am a big fan of Tac's Getting Things Done (GTD, as in the David Allen productivity system) Moleskine hack and revisit it often when my to-do list needs a serious shape-up. Tac's like a quiet force in social media nowadays, in that he doesn't post as much but everything he says is good stuff.

Tac Anderson

What's on your playlist right now?

• Cumulus (new local Seattle band)

• Phantogram

• White Lies

• Tokyo Police Club

• Bloc Party

• Pixies (always)

• We Were Promised Jetpacks

Describe your style.

Monochromatic NW Geek meets London.

Really all I need is Doc Martens, 501s, a black (or gray) shirt with the occasional flat cap, scarf and/or cardigan.

I try and keep it simple and everything matches black and gray, especially more black and gray. I grew up in the NW but living in London for a year left its mark.

Tac Anderson

Who inspires you?

Everyone and no one. I don't have role models. I don't get inspired by people, but by actions. The everyday decisions to strive to make oneself better is what matters. The things people do, even ordinary people, are what I find inspiring.

Tac Anderson

What are you reading?

I love reading. I just launched a new blog, the Book Punk where I review cyberpunk and steampunk books. I also contribute book reviews to the I Hear of Sherlock blog. I just finished Nexus by Seattle author and technologist, Ramez Naam and The Will of the Dead written by steampunk author George Mann. But I'm also really excited about S, a new book by JJ Abrams, which is a book within a book.

Tac Anderson

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

2014. I think it's going to be an amazing year.

Thanks Tac! Find him at Fear My Blog and on Twitter.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Lee Smith & Kristen Puckhaber, Rich Kids Brand & Urbanity

I was originally going to post this yesterday, but what better way to kick off Small Business Saturday than with two of my favorite small business owners?

With Mikey McClarron, the reason why Lee & Kristen happened :)

I met Kristen way back when she was co-captain of Western Washington University's hip-hop dance team. I was always in awe of her amazing dancing and impeccably flawless streetwear-laced style. Sassy, smart and always sweet-natured, it's no surprise Kristen now leads the creative vision driving the burgeoning Seattle-based Rich Kids Brand.

Lee is the other half of this stylish power couple and creator behind both Rich Kids Brand and Urbanity Shop. With Lee's leadership, both the brand and shop are flourishing, garnering national attention while staying true to their respective vision. I have always resonated with Rich Kids' motto ("Rich isn't what you have, it's who you have beside you.") Lee is a such a bright entrepreneurial talent that I have a feeling we've only seen the tip of the iceberg with his ventures.

At Agenda

What's on your playlist right now?

Lee:

My playlist right now and pretty much all year around features Lil Wayne (All Mixtapes) with No Ceilings always being at the top, Pusha T, The Weekend, some turn up hood ish and blurbs of Pucks 80's butt rock.

Kristen: 

My current playlist consists of whatever Lee has in the car and my pandora stations combined, which turns out to be kind of all over the place...

• Jay Z

• Meek Mill

• Mya

• The Postal Service

• Kendrick Lamar

• Kanye

• Prince

• Lil Wayne

• Modest Mouse

• Janet Jackson

• The Weeknd

• The Beatles

Describe your style.

Lee:

My style has always been inspired by street culture and high end designers. I love what street and urban style represents, but you can't beat the fit of Saint Laurent or Balmain. You'll always see me in some exclusive Jordan's (og color-ways of course), Balmain Bikers or Japanese Denim, and I'm really feeling these PRSVR napa leather joggers that we just got into the shop. (We brought the leather joggers to Fendi 6 yrs ago) lol. I usually top it off with one of the authentic custom snakeskin hats we did and of course a Rich Kids tee or hoodie. I like to keep it exclusive, but always have some wow pieces that people are familiar with.

Kristen: 

I've never really had to answer this before, so it's weird because I feel like there could be a wrong answer...which there isn't one; since I grew up in the (hip hop) dance world, that has definitely influenced my “contemporary street” style. I dress comfortably, but like to have a little bit of that unique aspect to my wardrobe. I've always been a “thrifter,” I remember going in cliques to the local Value Village in junior high and finding those gem and at the time (late 90's), I didn't know how stylish we were.

Who inspires you?

Lee: 

Honestly my parents have always inspired me and pushed me to be who I want to be. Their support is amazing and I couldn't ask for more. I also get inspired by anyone who lives to push the limits and make their dreams a reality. Style wise of course the Pharrell's and Kanye's of the world, but in terms of business, people like Elon Musk and Richard Branson are people who consistently inspire me to keep on pushing even when things get tough.

Kristen: 

My parents; who are still (happily) married and who are working because they love what they do, not because they have to. My dad builds guitars now [after retiring in '97 as a Major in the Air Force, then after retiring from teaching high school Japanese this past year], and my mom is now an elementary school teacher [after spending time in the Air Force as well and raising my brother and I]. She is also in the midst of getting another teaching certification because she set it is as a goal (not because she has to). That inspires me.

I have been really fortunate to have had family members, friends, peers, etc. around me my whole life that I have always found inspiration in. I think people with creative minds can always find inspiration in even the smallest things. And it goes without saying that Lee inspires me; we constantly challenge each other and the end result is usually something amazing.

What are you reading?

Lee:

I'm not a huge reader because I have the attention span of a two yearr old, but I love to watch videos. I watch a lot of videos on the above mentioned people that inspire me and I like to catch up on articles/interviews of the movers and shakers of the world. I'm am heavy into blogs like: Upscalehype, celebritynetworth, and Forbes.

Kristen: 

I wish I had an answer that would make me sound super refined and cultured, but as of lately, any reading I have been doing consists of Buzzfeed and magazine articles. I have a “to read” book section awaiting me at home, that consists of “The Female Brain” (Louann Brizendine), “Kingdom of Fear” (Hunter S. Thompson), and “Proof of Heaven” (Dr. Eben Alexander), to name a few.

What are you most excited about in the coming months? 

Lee: 

I'm excited of course about the new Urbanity I just opened up in Bellevue Square, all the dope projects I have going on with Rich Kids and the launch of my new tech company. I'm pretty much excited for everything coming up because it's all companies I have started and that I truly believe in. We also have some dope collaborations and releases coming up that everyone will hear about shortly.

Kristen: 

Since the new Urbanity just opened, I'm really excited to see not only the store grow, but what the response to the womens side of the store is directly. I always admit that I do not live and breath fashion, but I do love retail and I love learning trends/brands and implementing them into my day to day (work) life.

I always get excited for upcoming trade shows and it is really interesting going as a buyer and as a vendor, so with future of Rich Kids, I am especially excited to represent at the next upcoming Agenda shows in Long Beach and Las Vegas and see what opportunities arise. We have been working really hard to expand and every day brings something new and different.

The new Urbanity in Bellevue Square!

Thank you!

Find Lee & Kristen online: Rich Kids Brand | Urbanity

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Frank Guanco

While all of my Aces are people I admire in one way or another, sometimes they also feel like family. Today's Ace is just that. Meet Frank Guanco!

Frank Guanco

Frank and I worked together at Niketown Seattle, during what could arguably be considered its golden era (when the store opened until whenever it was that I left LOL.) There were so many stylish, hilarious and smart people working together in one retail space, it truly felt like a second home. I know for sure NTS is where I met most of my friends during college. I spent more time at the Swoosh than on extracurricular activities on campus for sure.

Anyway, Frank and I were on the visual merchandising team, and naturally our mad skillz in impeccable t-shirt folds, steaming, wall sets and mannequin outfits have served us well post-Swoosh. I considered Frank and the other guys on my team big brothers. I learned a lot about fashion from a guy's perspective, and from Frank in particular, how raw denim is superior to every other bottom that exists on planet Earth. More on that later.

Frank Guanco

LULZ. At one of the infamous FB soirees, back when FB only meant "Frank's Birthday"

Post-Nike, Frank and I don't see each other quite as often but have kept in touch more than with other NTS friends. We've both "come up" in the blogosphere and the Seattle social media community, sharing advice and tips whenever we can meet at Il Corvo for the best pasta lunch ever in life. I adore Sarah, Frank's longtime girlfriend, and knowing they are out there dodging the "When ya gonna get married?" question while preserving a solid, low-profile relationship, I stay inspired in my own, equally-long relationship with Jacob. Also I remember when Frank was still trying to convince Sarah to date him and that's one of my favorite memories to tell mutual friends.

Frank Guanco

Probably what I admire most about and share with Frank is a voracious appetite for culture. When we want to learn something, we LEARN IT. Learn more about Frank now:

What's on your playlist right now?

I'm a bit eclectic in what I listen to. Right now, I'm listening to a lot of podcasts (Nerdist, Marc Maron, Bill Simmons, Wine without Worry by Jameson Fink) and anticipating Christmas music. Because Christmas music is rad. Holla to Warm 106.9 this holiday season. Here are the last few albums I've recently bought:

• John Legend's Love in the Future

• John Mayer's Paradise Valley

• Keith Urban's Fuze

• Arcade Fire's Reflektor

• Pearl Jam's Lightning Bolt

• Kelly Clarkson's Wrapped in Red

• Miguel's Kaleidoscope Dream.

Feel free to throw shade, snobs.

Describe your style.

In a word, evolving. I tend to go casual (jeans, tees, and a hoody), but as I get older and care more about what I'm wearing, I've become more cognizant of construction, detail, quality, and what I think is representative of my brand. A typical look would be a wool sport coat, graphic tee, raw selvedge denim, and Lunar Flyknit Chukkas. I love raw denim and the process of wear that jeans go through. And I'm in that weird sub-group of denim nerds that rarely wash their jeans. Again, feel free to throw shade. But I enjoy little details and embellishments; funky Nikes, pops of color, a nice pocket square or tie, a pattern that is vibrant; anything that is a bit skewed to what I think is cool.

Frank Guanco

Who inspires you?

To begin with, my mom. She's amazing. A hurricane of relentless and caring. I'm continually amazed by her. I'm also inspired by those that I'm close to and what drives them. How their uniqueness as to what they strive for is very inspiring. I love that I've been fortunate to be around people that are driven to get theirs. It's awesome.

Frank Guanco

What are you reading? 

Have two books that I'm going through at the moment: David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell (interesting how haters are starting to surface about him when he created an entire movement of writers that have taken his style); The Loved Dog Method by Tamar Geller (because I'm always looking at more ways to connect and train my dog; she's a bit of a handful). Here's what is on deck; The Juice by Jay McInerney (he wrote Bright Lights, Big City and is probably the best wine writer in the world); The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer (can't wait to tackle this one).

I also love food and go through cookbooks like Marshawn Lynch goes through suckas. I love reading cookbooks for inspiration and to understand what goes into a chef, restaurant, style, region, whatever; here are my recent cookbooks; Scarpetta by Scott Conant, Le Pigeon by Gabriel Rucker, The Food of Vietnam by Luke Nguyen, Toro Bravo by John Gorham, and the Pitt Cue Co. Cookbook.

Frank Guanco

What are you most excited about in the coming months? 

Everything. I'm excited for Christmas. I'm excited to get back on my game with wine. I'm excited for some upcoming trips; Napa Valley to cover Flavor Napa Valley. Napa and Sonoma for Thanksgiving. San Francisco to revisit State Bird Provisions. I'm excited to get back to writing and pick up some ideas that have been bouncing around in my head for sometime; the Unicorn of South Lake Union, Run for Croissants, Pho Week 2.0, my recent juice cleanse, and to maybe, finally, start writing my lifestyle blog.

I'm also excited to watch my puppy grow up. To see her evolve and become the dog she can be.

Finally, I'm excited to see what's in store. For all of us. Let's get it.

Thank you!

Find Frank online: Going For Seconds |  Twitter 

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Kate Franco

In this wonderful world of blogging, I am both a contributor and a reader. Today's Aces interview features one of my favorite bloggers to follow. Meet Kate Franco of Undeniable Style!

Fashion bloggers are a dime a dozen these days, and there's a small handful I keep up with regularly. They each have a distinct style that's all there own, making them standouts in a sea of the same same (see "Do you dress like a 'blogger'?" on IFB.) Kate is definitely on that short list, always coming strong with a savvy edge to that bohemian California style. Every time she's got a new outfit up, I'm like, "YES, GIRL" and wondering where she scored each piece. Most likely, some of those pieces came from Poshmark, where Kate is one part of a wonderful assembly of human beings. Seriously, the Poshmark team is comprised of some of the sweetest, most stylish people in my universe and if I worked anywhere (not for myself), I'd want to be there.

Anywho, I consider Kate my style soul sista because she is always on point. Aside from her sartorialisms, I admire Kate's love of meditation, green smoothies and wellness. You can wear all the clothes in the world, but it's always what's inside that counts.

What's on your playlist right now?

Great question. I have to preface the answer by saying that I am terrible with music! You never want to play name that song/artist/album with me, I'll lose 9 times out of 10. So, I'm going to rely on Spotify to give you the true answer:

Alabama Shakes, Lana Del Ray, Kings of Leon, The Temper Trap & Massive Attack.

Also: John Mayer, Hot Bodies in Motion, Thievery Corporation & Mark Farina. I love Miley's Wrecking Ball. Sorry, can't help it!

My daily commute consists of country, some jazz, classic rock and '90s jams. And Oprah. Lots of Oprah. I'm all over the place. Gotta love satellite radio!

Describe your style.

Constantly evolving. (Thanks for the revolving closet, Poshmark!)

I think in the last couple of years it's settled somewhere between bohemian and edgy -- which I guess is pretty trendy right now, so that works.

I feel my best when I am comfortable. I like oversized, slouchy shapes, cool draping, piles of jewelry and lots of leather. Notorious for buying clothes that are a couple sizes too big for me. I'm going through a hat phase. And a minimalist phase in terms of colors; I'm drawn to neutral palettes lately.

Most importantly, I dress for me and no one else.

I secretly wish I could pull off the granny chic J. Crew kind of look!

Who inspires you?

I consider Gabrielle Bernstein my guru. She's been a huge part of the change in my life the last couple of years and is a constant source of inspiration. I am continually in awe of the passionate team I work with at Poshmark. My soul sisters keep me going, and I am blessed to be surrounded by driven and motivated ladies who are living out their entrepreneurial dreams. Lila & Abby, I'm looking at you!

What are you reading?

I LOVE reading! My grandparents were worried when I was young that I was going to be socially awkward because I always had my nose in a book. (Don't worry, I turned out okay.) Sadly, I don't have the time to pick up a physical book these days. I am currently doing the May Cause Miracles 40 day workbook.

Some books I've listened to recently via Audible:

• Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead

• Divergent (& its sequel Insurgent)

Blogs & Websites I have bookmarked:

• Tiny Buddha

• IFB

• Plus, a MAJOR twitter addiction. It's seriously my main news source.

Additional:

• Will our kids may be a different species?

• The innovation of loneliness

• Fuck yes or no

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

There's so much to be excited about! When you look at each day as a gift, your perspective changes.

Having never traveled abroad, I'm looking forward to upcoming international trips (St. Martin, Tokyo, Greece), celebrating milestones of dear friends, and majorly fun projects both at work and for the blog. Stay tuned!

Thank you!

Find Kate online: Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

Aces Interview: Jeanine Pesce

The Create + Cultivate Portland event brought a lot of new badasses into my world. My two favorite speakers from the day were Emma McIlroy of Wildfang, and today's Aces interview, Jeanine Pesce.

It's refreshing to know Jeanine Pesce is somewhere out there being awesome. I can tell you right now that the answers you'll read below are so close to how I would answer these questions, it's scary. Kindred spirits indeed! She automatically became one of my favorites at C+C just because she and I were the only ones there wearing Nike FuelBands. I just don't come across sporty West Coast girls with a soft spot for dirty south hip-hop and an affinity for fashion and business to boot. Jeanine left the NYC fashion world for San Francisco and her own business. Range focuses on trend forecasting and daily inspiration for the active, sport and lifestyle markets. It's a perfect fusion of her love for outdoors with a keen sense for bringing the creative eye to sports and active lifestyle marketing. I think what she's doing is super rad and I hope you do too. Enjoy!

What's on your playlist right now?

I love gully rap music more than anything else in the world, I tend to stick to East Coast and Dirty South more than West Coast though. Sorry Pac.

• Gucci Mane

• Rick Ross

• Waka Flocka

• T.I.

• Dipset

• Weezy

• Meek Mill

• 2 Chainz

• A$AP Rocky

• Biggie

• Big Pun

• Three 6 Mafia

In addition to that, I've been pretty much been listening exclusively to records for the last few months, I have a pretty amazing collection of vinyl that I inherited from my parents that just found it's way out of storage and back into my life. It is an interesting mix of Motown, classic rock, movie soundtracks and instrumentals with a touch of '80s bangers. I would say my favorite of the bunch are:

• Diana Ross

• Marvin Gaye

• Al Green

• Stevie Wonder

• Prince

• David Bowie

• Fleetwood Mac

• Phil Collins

• Hall & Oates

• Neil Young

• Tom Petty

• Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd

• Edith Piaf

Describe your style.

As I get older my style has changed dramatically. It also probably has something to do with the fact that I moved from NYC to California three years ago and have successfully shed most of my fashion-slave layers. If I had to try and nail it down I would describe it as "funky art-aunt goes to the mountain".

You know those ladies that are wearing something super swaggy, but it just looks like a sack? That is how I envision my future self.

I love tent dresses, tunics and rompers and I own more pairs of sport sandals, hiking boots and Birkentsocks than anyone you probably know in real life. I wear tons of performance apparel and natural fibers (like merino) because I am a huge nerd and I obsess over technical materials, plus I am usually outside either camping, hiking, running or getting ready for snow season, so I need clothing that functions and works with the body. I have not totally lost my taste for fashion though, so if I do buy a new piece, I try to make sure it is something timeless like Dries, or a simple basic from A.P.C. or Theory.

Who inspires you?

People that takes chances and strong, independent women. I grew up in a seriously hard-working household and I can only really relate to other people that have a similar work ethic. It is really a double-edge sword for me because I yearn for the freedom associated with being a dreamer, but my genetic makeup is firmly grounded in reality, so "taking a chance" and leaving my career to start my own business for example, wasn't something that came naturally (or easily) to me. I think that is probably why I spend so much time outside. Nature gives me the ability, both literally and figuratively, to get lost in the moment and experience guilt-less bliss. I truly admire the mothers of the world with full-time jobs that weren't willing to sacrifice their dreams of having children for a title and the entrepreneurs that have had the balls to carve out their own path or vision regardless of the outcome.

What are you reading?

Lately, I have been trying to do all my reading off-line, just to give my eyes a little rest from the glowing screen of my computer. I always read New York Times on Sundays with my fiance Cooper, it is a little bit of a tradition for us. We get a coffee and sit around the house passing the sections back and forth. There is something so nice about holding an actual, physical newspaper. Magazines that you will ALWAYS find on my coffee table are -> Kinfolk, Outside Magazine, Frame, Mark, The New Yorker, Sunset Magazine, The Surfers Journal and The Plant (Journal). My guilty pleasure is the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin, I just can't get enough of it and I can always use a little escape from reality.

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

Growing my business and taking on new challenges, wild adventures that involve tents, boards and bikes, and marrying my best friend in front of all the people that I love in the spring.

Thank you Jeanine! Find her at This is Range and JeaninePesce.com.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

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 Asylum: A 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

• Shantaram

• A Moveable Feast (for the millionth time)

• Fall of Giants

• Life by Keith Richards

• The Art of the Steal (I love crime books - strange...)

• And more but I can't recall all the titles! Not a good sign.

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.