Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009!

2008 has treated me very well! It was full of travels, success, love, surprises (both good and bad), and many dreams coming true… and to my surprise it all happened with one ‘new year resolution’ in mind – live according to my heart’s desire. Here are the main highlights of 2008:

• I kicked off the year with a vacay to Oahu celebrating an anniversary.
• I met my great friend Sydney and joined her at FashionFirst.
• I got a promotion at the 8 to 5 gig. Well deserved!
• I celebrated my birthday will my best 5 girlfriends and sisters with an overdue girls’ night out in town.
• I went to NY for the first time and attended New York’s Mercedes Benz Spring 2009 Fashion Week. (WoW!)
• I partnered up with Tarah at Urban Fashion Network and am getting my ticket to the hottest shows in Seattle with a small price of BLOG.
• Getting the opportunity to meet Seattle’s influential people in the fashion industry such as Lizzie Parker, Fashion Ethic entrepreneur – Candace Caldwell, etc.
• I got my first apartment in my dream city (not NY just yet)!

This year has truly been a blessed one. I am so thankful for all the people who’ve supported me through it all. I’ve held on to many great long time friendships while gaining some new ones along the way. I am leaving 2008 feeling loved, successful, and satisfied… but more determined than ever.

In 2009 I am looking forward to many more blessing! It will be the little simple things in life I’m choosing to focus on such has more sleep, exercise, and taking two seconds to breathe – basically stop overworking myself to death.

Happy New Year! See ya in 2009.

CRAVEshow 2008 - Seattle’s Premier Holiday Shopping Party

After a long day of work I picked up Sydney and we headed to McCaw Hall at Seattle Center for the Seattle Holiday CRAVEshow. One thing I love about the CRAVEshows is the fact that there is always so much going on. We had two floors full of vendors to shop from, two stages of entertainment, and a spa and wellness area to pamper ourselves. We roamed the halls of venders stopping by a few booths such as Fashion Ethics, La Ree Boutique, and the Liminist photography booth for a quick photo.

Given I was exhausted; I didn’t go too crazy with the shopping. I did, however, make a few Christmas purchases. My favorite purchase for the night was an ornament by Girlie Girl Gifts I bought for myself (hey, I deserve a gift too). They customize the character to look like you. See any resemblance? ;)


No worries if you missed this show. There are always more Crave parties to attend in 2009. Visit CRAVEshow website for more information.

Five Minutes with Kimberly Arrington (co-owner of Clutch)

Clutch is located in the heart of downtown Seattle on 4th Avenue at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Owners Kimberly and Carrie Arrington started Clutch in August 2007 (around the same time Urban Fashion Network began too). Their goal behind Clutch is to bring Seattleites a boutique filled with exquisite independent designer bags and that is exactly what they have done. During FGI / UFN’s networking event, I had the chance to sipped champagne with Kimberly and asked her a few questions.

YK: What inspired Clutch?

KA: The idea started when we couldn’t find a handbag one day. We noticed the clothing boutiques don’t carry handbags and if they do, they are never on sale! We have shoe stores but no handbag stores. It was driving me nuts!

YK: I have a fancy holiday party to attend. What would you recommend?

KA: Alexis Hudson Snowbird in emboss snake. It is pleated on the sides, sides and it’s a little luxury for not a lot of money - $420.



The second bag is also by Alexis Hudson and it’s the Mont Blanc in Grape. It’s our most popular seller for $525.



YK: They say a girl’s life is in her purse. Do you mind sharing what’s inside your purse?

KA: sure. I have my wallet, blackberry, brush, a stash of chocolate, a novel, bus pass, some personal mail, and my water bottle.

For those of you who missed the FGI / UFN networking event for the opportunity to save 20%, it’s not too late. Starting now until December 24th, Clutch is having “handbag stimulus” package to help their customers in these tough economic times. With any purchase, you are eligible for a drawing to save 20, 30, and even 50% on your next purchase. For more details visit their website at http://www.clutchseattle.com/

To view pictures from the FGI / UFN networking event, visit my Picasa Album.

Happy December!

This morning as I was walking to work in the freezing weather I realize the Macys star was up! That only means two things: 1) the holidays are here (yay!) and; 2) it’s December! I am still having a hard time believing it’s already December. This year has really been a fast (but good) year and it will only continue in full speed. However, before you blink, here are a few great events for the month of December you may want to attend:

• Dec. 4th @ 6PM – FGI / UFN Networking Event @ Clutch: This event is open to all Fashion Group International and Urban Fashion Network Members to mingle with complimentary champagne, wine, and desserts. There will be a $35 fee for non-members. Come and meet people in the fashion industry! You’ll also receive 20% off of your Clutch purchase that night.

• Dec. 6th from 2PM to 8PM – Meet Joshua Christopher @ Sway and Cake: Joshua must have been reading my mind when he created Daftbird – a collection for ladies who love to wear their man-friend’s t-shirt without the overly loose fitting. Hilary Duff, Jennifer Aniston, and Lauren Conrad are just a few of the celebrities to sport his t-shirts. RSVP at guestlist@swayandcake.com.

• Dec. 10th from 5:30PM to 9PM – Crave Holiday Party @ Seattle Center: The Crave Party is everything you’ll need to cover the month of December. First, there will be several booths set up from FashionEthic to La Ree Boutique to help you to check off your Christmas list. Second, learn how eat light and cook light for the holidays, and third, enjoy several fashion shows on what to wear for the holidays! Tickets are available online now for $15.

• Dec. 12th from 8PM to 10:30PM – Fashion Forward Gala @ Pier 66: Benefiting the Seattle Humane Society, Custom Media Solutions and Fashion Week Placement are partnering up to throw a Hollywood-like glam fashion show. Two designers - Dolores Gill and Kelly Flynn will be showcasing their latest collection. To see the price list or to purchase your ticket, click here.

You can also visit Urban Fashion Network’s event page or Tarah’s blog for more upcoming events.

Happy Holiday! I’ll see you out and about!

Green Chic

It’s official – green is the new black! This past Saturday night was spent at Café Metropolitan with Tarah and some of her girlfriends for the Green Chic – An Ethical / Eco fashion show. Put on by Fashion Ethic and En Mode Productions the proceeds went to The Adubon Society.

All the pieces on the runaway were from Fashion Ethic, an online boutique ran by eco-friendly supporter and entrepreneur - Candice Caldwell. Fashion Ethic’s mission is to be fashionably responsible and by that they mean: sweatshop free labor, fair wages for workers, sustainable fibers, organic cotton, and low impact dyes.

Log on to FashionEthic.com and use the code GREENCHIC to receive 20% off your entire purchase now through Wednesday, November 26th.

Seattle Goodwill’s Glitter Gala Sale

Call all recessionista (anyone who wants to look stylish but is on a tight budget due to the economy)! Seattle Goodwill’s Glitter Gala sale is the place you want to be this weekend. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Great fashion all in one place: This event only happens once a year bringing you quality vintage clothing / jewelry, glamorous formal wear for both men and women, designer wear, and one-of-a-kind deals!
2. Support your local community: All the proceeds will benefit the Goodwill’s free job training and education program.

The sale is located at Seattle Goodwill’s Dearborn street store: 1400 South Lane Street from Saturday, November 15th through Sunday, November 16th. Hours are 9am to 6pm both days.

Check out their blog for more stylish tips / finds and visit their website if you’d like to volunteer for next year or donate.

Happy Shopping!

Q&A with Eco-friendly Fashion Designer Lizzie Parker

I joined Tweed along with other supporters to welcome their newest designer – Lizzie Parker tonight. The celebration was held at Tweed Boutique in Greenwood from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Tweed (owned by Danielle Luartes) is now carrying Lizzie Parker’s full collection. I sat down with Lizzie Parker for a quick Q&A to get to know her a little better.

YK: Congrats Lizzie on your new home! Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

LP: Well, I worked at Microsoft for 5 years and got a business degree at Hope College. I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer but thought it was more of a fun activity. In the end I’m glad I did it that way because you will always be able to design if you have that ability naturally, it will never leave you but to be successfully you’ll have to know the business aspect.

YK: How did you get started in fashion?

LP: I started by helping out with trunk shows through Worth Corporation and eventually started Lizzie Parker which has been around for 2 and ½ years now.

YK: Lizzie Parker is well known for being eco-friendly and we’ve all heard about everyone else who is taking fashion towards sustainability. Why did you choose to make your line eco-friendly?

LP: For my kids. I don’t want to leave a mess for my children. I always try to make a difference. My signature fabric is organic bamboo jersey which is the first to be certified in the market and I also use organic cotton. 95% of my manufacturing is in Seattle.

YK: Tell me about your Spring 2009 collection? I saw it in PFW and absolutely love the fuchsia color you used.

LP: The fuchsia pieces were made at a lower price for the economy but season less is the way to go. I try to do classic pieces.


YK: I saw your collection in PFW and now you are partnering with Tweed Bountique. For a designer who has been around for 2 and ½ years, I would say you’ve been pretty darn successful. What are your words of wisdom for those designers who are beginning?

LP: (rolling eyes sarcastically with a smile) Find a mentor. I was lucky and had great mentors. Stay true to yourself and what you believe. Talk to people on the business side of things too.

YK: Ok, my last question. Why Tweed Boutique?

LP: My line has done very well here and Danielle and I click the moment we meet. Everything just worked out well so it felt like the right thing to do.

To see Lizzie Parker's Spring 2009 Collection, visit her website: www.lizzieparker.com. To purchase Lizzie Parker clothing visit Tweed Boutique.

EcoLavish: An Eco-Conscious Fashion Show

Tonight the EcoLavish Fashion Show, put on by Half Past Lavish and sponsored by Urban Fashion Network was held at the Fremont Abbey Art Center . The show started at 8 pm and was hosted by Janaea and Susan from Seattle ’s Beauty Revolution Magazine.

Given the name of the fashion show – EcoLavish, I had already anticipated what the show was going to entail, a healthy dose of fashion with plenty of opportunity to practice sustainability. EcoLavish sure did not disappoint me. Not only did they practice but they implemented sustainability in their show!

They started with their hosts from Seattle ’s Beauty Revolution Magazine. This new online magazine coming in November has a mission to bring to all you eco-conscious fashion and beauty lovers a sustainable life style. Many of the designers practice sustainability with their collection by using vintage pieces. The designers included Malia Peoples, Nicole Hood, Laura Kincaid, Jessica Keen, Antonina Ramsey, Rita Gruzman and Kimberlee Iblings.

Urban Unveiled

For all you blushing brides to be, this was one exquisite event you did not want to miss out on. Urban Unveiled was founded by photographer Sharlane Chase and wedding planners Jesse and Travis from True Colors Event. Their mission behind Urban Unveiled is to bring those getting marry, the best vendors in photography, floral, catering, and well… everything else you can imagine that makes a wedding happen. Their style encompasses class, sophistication, luxury and simply going all out!

The venue, the Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle was decorating nicely by Rented Elegance and Design (R.E.D). Catering was done by Wolfgang Puck and it didn’t hurt that the cake vendors presented little baked samples either. They were delicious!

Honestly, I had not anticipated a night of seeing lavishing vendors display their magnificent capabilities. I was solely there for the Luly Yang Bridal Couture show. Yes, I have two girlfriends being wed this upcoming year and I wanted to take great notes so that I can offer advice when needed. However; I am not getting married anytime soon and once I was in awe by the décor, I immediately felt regretful that they couldn’t be there.

The Luly Yang Bridal Couture show only enhanced the event. Once again, Luly was able to stun the crowd with her collection. I loved the flow of the trains, the excellent choice of fabric, the outrageous designs and the list can go on and on. It took my breath away being only a row behind the runway.

I believe this event happens twice a year – February and October for those planning a wedding for fall or spring. Hope to see you there next time.

Portland Fashion Week

PDX has done it again. They’ve taken sustainability into another level. With a runaway made out of 160 recycled water bottles, no wonder Book Moda named Portland Fashion Week ‘the most sustainable fashion week in the whole of USA, if not the world.’ The show was held at 14 Square (a newly built LEED certified building) in the Pearl District from Wednesday, October 8th through Sunday, October 12th.

With a strong emphasis on being green, everything from the sway bags to the lighting of the show were taken into deep consideration. Even the designers were eco-friendly. Lizzie Parker who showcased her collection on Saturday night, is well known in the Seattle area for her eco-friendly contemporary clothing line for women. Other designers presented were Idom, Lucia, Christopher Bevans and May Tee.

I was only able to attend the Saturday night show and was very impressed with the venue, the vendors and the runaway. The show was very similar to the tent outside of Bryant Park for New York fashion week. The variety of vendors in different aspects of fashion was a good and informative browse to have while sipping on my cocktail and waiting for the doors to the showroom to open. I even scored a free shirt from Mabel and Zora! My favorite eco-friendly designs were the paper coutour. Overall, PDX pulled off the second longest running fashion week in the west coast nicely.

Luly Yang's 20/20 Fashion Show - Fashion is in the Eye of the Beholder

Oh la la… couture! Tonight, after a week of built up anticipation, I attended Luly Yang’s 20/20 Fashion Show held at the Fremont Studios. The concept behind the theme 20/20 is to signify the importance of perfect vision when it comes to fashion which Luly believes is in the eye of the beholder. The proceeds from the show went to Camp Korey – a free, fun and safe camp for children of all ages suffering from a serious and life threatening illness.

The show kicked off with strong, brave and beautiful illness fighters from Camp Korey all glam in Luly Yang couture from head to toe. Then clients of Luly Yang stun the crowd with their piece of couture on the runway. At last the Luly Yang collection was shown. There were a total of five gorgeous sets each having their own theme: Eye of beholder, Optical Illusion, Essence of Color, X-ray Vision and Love is Blind. Each set had a strong focus around a specific eye color with a hint of the eye shape thrown on random couture.

Luly Yang also announced that she is opening her second couture boutique shop in Bejing, China this month.

To see photos from the show, click here.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am excited to join the Urban Fashion Network team as their lead intern and am looking forward to reporting to you the latest and greatest fashion events in the Northwest! Stay tune...