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.

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.