Darrah's Dresser

Guest Post: Rivka Norene

2009-11-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

First off, thanks to Darrah for the opportunity to do a guest-post! I'm here to talk a little about my Etsy shop, Rivka Norene.

I opened my shop on Etsy a little over a year ago, but I just got serious about it this month. I've been making jewelry for as long as I can remember, starting with friendship bracelets in the first grade. Over the years, I've taught myself a lot of jewelry-making skills, but my favorite techniques are wire-wrapping and beading. I love being able to take a design I see on TV, or at a boutique, and reinterpret it with my own perspective. Besides making beautiful, fun, and a little bit funky pieces, I strive for durability. Too often I've paid $25 or more for a necklace that I wore twice before it started to fall apart. So my philosophy is to make pieces that are wearable and built to last. I hope you get the chance to check it out!

As a special to Darrah's Dresser followers, I'm offering a $5 discount on any single purchase made before December 10, 2009 (this will ship in time for the holidays!). Just send me a message once you've checked out (but before you've made your payment) with the subject: "Darrah's Discount."

Girl meets Girl on Top

2009-11-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

Friday night was a great event for The Limited. If more stores held events like this, I think we could single handedly turn this economy around. It's about the community working together to support local businesses. Vendors, like yellow+blue wine and Old School Frozen Custard acted like the perfect gateway drug to shopping. I only had a granola bar and oatmeal, so that wine really took a toll on me! I think The Limited wanted me to to get drunk, and strategically placed a leather jacket in my size and in my price range right before my eyes -- tricky tricky! My friend and I were holding glasses of wine, and after I bought the jacket, we clinked our glasses together and said, "Cheers!" If only I could cheers after every purchase. I think I might buy more! It just solidifies the purchase. You should try it.

After mingling with my beloved bloggers, I met with Girl on Top author, Nicole Williams. She signed a few copies for me, and I can't wait to start reading! I need as much career advice as I can get!

Pencil Me In

2009-11-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

Seattle's scene is spicing up! Don't miss out on some of these great events:

November 6th 2009
Girl on Top Book Tour
6:00-9:00pm
The Limited at South Center Mall
* Swag, Cocktails, 40% Discount, and meet the author! Make sure to RSVP!

November 7th 2009
My Closet for One Day's Wages
9:00-1:00pm
ECC Seattle 651 NW 81st Street, Seattle, WA 98040
* Sell and donate towards this great cause. 100% of the sales will be going to ODW, and ODW will in turn donate 100% of the money to different projects.

November 8th 2009
Sips & Shoes
4:00-7:00pm
Grand Hyatt Seattle
* Over 30 NW wineries showcasing their newest releases & some the city's hottest shoe stores displaying their latest styles.

November 12th 2009
Y.E.S. Seattle’s 1st Anniversary
Banana Republic - 500 Pike St, Seattle 98101
* Enjoy 25% off all items and mingle with fellow Y.E.S. members at the downtown Seattle Banana Republic location.

November 13th 2009
Blush II
7:00 – 11:00pm
Spitfire Grill
* Guests and attendees will enjoy an evening of fashion, beauty, and entertainment all to benefit Y.E.S. and Dress For Success.

November 14th - 15th 2009
Goodwill Glitter Sale
9:00-6:00pm
Seattle Goodwill on Dearborn Street
* Showcasing looks from the Glitter Gala, and much more! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind sale!

November 20th 2009
Blog Meet Blog
6:00-10:00pm
BoConcept Seattle
* Cocktails, Networking, and Giveaways! What could be better?

November 21st-22nd 2009
Etsy RAIN Holiday Craft Fair
10:00-5:00pm
Intiman Theater
* Seattle hand-made swag, charity, and a ton of vendors! Buy Seattle!

Girl on Top

2009-11-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

Have you forgotten all the dating do's and do not's? Even if you're in a relationship, don't forget them just yet! Girl on Top career expert Nicole Williams, is here to walk you through the 20 tried-and-true dating rules, such as "Play Hard to Get" and "Don’t Give Away the Milk for Free"—and shows you how to put them to use when the object of your affection is your job. With her ingenious approach—taking the tactics used to land a man and applying them to your career—you’ll be able to handle any work situation and come out on top.

I'm extremely interested to see how "the rules" can help me get my dream job. I'll be graduating in a few months, so thoughts of career goals have been filling my mind. If you're not doing anything tomorrow evening, I suggest taking a ladies night, and going to the Girl on Top Book Tour! Darrah's Dresser will be an official guest. Don't miss out on stellar swag and 40% off everything at The Limited! Check the website to see if the tour will be visiting your city. Seattle gals don't have to be the only ones on top!

Click the invitation to enlarge!

Make sure to RSVP!

Q&A: Rodrigo De Medeiros

2009-11-04T06:21:00.000-08:00

I met Rodrigo at the Fall 2009 Nordstrom Designer Preview. He was standing alongside my sister in the photography pit, and I could hear them chatting behind me. After that, I saw him at practically every fashion show in Seattle! Seeing his face among the other press always put a smile on my face. His personality is refreshingly humble for the quality of work he produces. It's almost impossible to put into words what he can capture on camera. His images are timeless, and I wouldn't be surprised to find a collection of his works bound in a book at Borders in the next 50 years.

Some of his latest work has been produced in conjunction with a short independent film called, "The Sheets Must Be Silk." He wrote a script inspired by a true story -- the last photo session of Marilyn Monroe before her death.

Rodrigo spreads his creativity across many fields, never spreading too thin. All of his work is brilliantly sophisticated, full of life, and inspiring. He holds the photograph to a new standard, paving the way for future advertising and editorial. His fresh perspective on the fashion industry is exactly what we need in order to make this field more respectable. Feel free to see more of his work on his website. You can purchase some of his published work here. They would make great coffee table gifts for your host this holiday season!

Darrah: Why Seattle?

Rodrigo: I met my wife in Brazil during my last year in college. It just felt like a natural move to come here and be close to her. So I came to the Art Institute of Seattle a few months after getting my BA in advertising, and enrolled in the Commercial Photography program -- a GREAT program by the way. There's not an established fashion industry here, but that's changing gradually. There's so much potential in this market.

Darrah: When did you realize that photography was going to be more than a hobby?

Rodrigo: In college, I tried all kinds of media: film, drawing, painting, ceramics, voice overs, animation, creative writing, theater, and even radio spots. As I approached my last year, pursuing a degree in advertising, I chose photography as the main medium for my graduation project. It was called "The Cage of Desires", and explored all the complex forms of desire and how people perceive themselves. I picked 45 random people of all ages and walks of life and asked them the following question: "If you had to choose one photograph that could best describe you, what would this photograph be?". The choices people made surprised me immensely. I realized that photography was the perfect vehicle of expression, and a great way for me to get to know fascinating people. The project turned into a gallery show with 45 over-sized black & white prints, and was a huge success. I still find it pretty ambitious since I had a simple Pentax k-1000 film camera with a couple of lenses, and only used high ISO black & white film (Kodak Tri-x and T-Max), and did all the printing myself.

Darrah: What methods do you practice for drawing inspiration?

Rodrigo: I draw inspiration from life itself, and from numerous sources: magazines, galleries, web sites, movies, books, dreams, people I love or just met, happy times and somber moments, etc. Pretty much anything can be an amazing fountain of inspiration. I do not restrict myself at all. The sky is the limit. Inspiration and drive can come at any given moment, and I use all of my senses to stimulate it. All it takes is a little "click" and a whole concept sprouts. The moment you create barriers for your imagination, you're dead. I have a black book where I write all kinds of stuff that I may use later.

Darrah: What camera do you use?

Rodrigo: I use a Canon EOS 5-d digital SLR. It has a full frame sensor, and that makes all the difference in the world. I used to be a Nikon fan, and still am to a certain degree, but Canon is a slight step ahead of the game in terms of image quality and technology. I love how the new CMOS sensors just render the most amazing colors and dynamic range. Honestly, the difference is in the glass - the quality of the lenses you use. People are so focused on the amount of megapixels that they forget what's essential to create a great image: the natural eye. That has nothing to do with what camera you have.

Darrah: Your portfolio covers everything from corporate to editorial, but I'd be interested to know what your favorite subject matter is...

Rodrigo: People. Photographing people is still what makes my heart beat faster -- it's what makes me tick. I often feel like a psychologist with a passion for photography [Laughing]. I've always been fascinated by how unique everyone is, and how I always come up with a different way of capturing the subjects I photograph. It is a two way street though -- a photographer can't do it alone.

Darrah: Since I met you at the Nordstrom show, I was wondering what you think about fashion photography. I don't know if you saw The September Issue, but Grace was having a hard time fighting for the more artistic spreads. Where do you see fashion editorials heading?

Rodrigo: I haven't seen The September issue yet, but I really want to watch it alone and take my time doing it. I've always felt intimidated by the major fashion publications. Not because I don't think I could shoot for them, but because it is such a political game -- a constant battle of egos. Let's face it -- it's so hard to be original because it seems like everything has already been done, right? I know there is no end to human creativity, but because there are other types of restrictions, magazines like Vogue, W, or Vanity Fair face huge and endless obstacles in order to achieve a high level of creative vision every issue. It's virtually impossible. I have a lot of respect for creative directors and art buyers. They have the hardest job! A lot of photographers don't like to work with them, but I don't mind collaborating. It enhances the experience and relieves the burden of having to hit bulls-eye every single time.

With a magazine like Vogue, the largest and most successful fashion publication in the world, it's always under the radar: people are afraid of innovation, because it may bring changes to the current status, and many people don't like that. It's scary how many close-minded people I come across in this field. I understand the pressure Grace is under all the time! Fashion is more than a seven letter word, and it has come a long way beyond clothing and aesthetics. Nowadays, it's so much about attitude, personality, lifestyle, and social politics. Fashion has become a canvas, which is excellent for someone like me. I confess that I have some serious internal conflicts regarding how ephemeral and superficial the world of Fashion is. It can be rather disturbing to be surrounded with beauty, colors, and unattainable standards when there is so much hunger, poverty, and violence in the world. Lately, it will only work for me if that canvas can be used as a platform to express my discomfort with the state of the world, and feel like I am contributing somewhat to change that.

I like controversy. I respect photographers like Helmut Newton, Brigitte Lacombe, Herb Ritts, Steven Meisel, Sante D'Orazio -- fearless, with a strong signature. They are a constant source of inspiration. Society is constantly changing, so naturally, print and media have to go with the flow. Fashion editorials are no different. Just look at the growing presence of celebrities in fashion editorials the last few years. Fashion will probably never have a serious social responsibility. That has never been its purpose. On the contrary, it has always been about "escaping" that sense of dread people feel when confronted by unpleasant things that represent human misery.

Then again, those things can be used to shape that canvas. For example, I've always loved the European Benetton ads - they're still a milestone in the history of Fashion and Advertising. We've seen similar efforts in the "RED" Gap campaigns. I see the natural adaptation to emerging media in the Internet. The faster we get information, we start to re-shape the whole industry. The essence won't change much, mostly the vehicles and the speed. Trends come and go, people get more demanding, so Fashion needs to adapt to the same pace in order to survive. However, there will always be the few who call the shots, and the others who follow.

Darrah: What's your favorite magazine in regards to their editorial quality?

Rodrigo: There are many, but mostly foreign publications. I like FLAUNT, 125, NUMERO, and the Italian and German editions of VOGUE. The American Vogue, I'm afraid to say, always plays it safe. Sometimes W magazine has some really beautiful spreads. The American public still has a lot to learn from their counterparts in the Fashion industry. There can be no fear of making mistakes; that is how we learn best. Those magazines go places that we have not experienced here in the US yet. They sometimes use the ugly, the gritty, and the imperfect as inspiration to create something bold and beautiful.

Darrah: What does your ideal model look like?

Rodrigo: The looks don't matter as much as the way the person carries his/herself. I like to see drive, self confidence, fearlessness, and a natural demeanor. I'm not speaking of body shape or weight -- absolutely NOT. This is about an aura that some people have, NOT about physical beauty. I don't like stupidity, people who are too self-aware, or those who look forced. It gets in the way. Real elegance is rare -- a true gift. I admire that, and despise vulgarity. People often confuse boldness with vulgarity. It takes a certain level of sophistication to see the difference and use it. Young models frequently overdo it, but that comes with experience and maturity. The best models listen and do their homework. Frequently, models wear clothes that don't match them at all, and it's because they're trying too hard. Not every model can do both editorial and catwalk work. In rare instances you find some who can, but most don't have the natural presence that the job requires. Being a model is definitely not an easy task, and the pressure is big.

Darrah: What's the strangest thing you've photographed?

Rodrigo: My favorite "strange" picture is one of a swimmer inside a clawfoot tub, goggles and all, taken for one of the assignments at the Art Institute of Seattle. I still consider that one of my best ever.

Darrah: When I first visited your website, I had no idea you were so ambitious. You're an actor, write books, and provide such a large scope of photography services. What gives you that drive?

Rodrigo: Like I said earlier, I draw inspiration from all kinds of sources. I do many things because all this motion and variety gives me a strong drive, and the drive makes me create. I don't see myself ever stopping. If I stopped, I would probably go insane. Photography, film, writing, art -- anything is a vehicle to expression. There is no point in restricting oneself.

Darrah: Do you have any role models?

Rodrigo: I don't have just one role model. I draw inspiration from people who want to make a difference, go beyond the norm, break rules, and leave their mark in the world; people who aren't afraid to be themselves, who put no limits to their expression or their potential, and who see no limits to human greatness. That applies to any field. My inspiration comes from men like Einstein, to my wife, a woman who has an amazing drive, and all the great people in between.

Darrah: What does your family think of your work?

Rodrigo: They always embraced it. My wife works full-time now, so I can freelance and take care of our kids. It all got a lot better after I started getting published and making some money, of course. Thank God the family in general stopped asking me to do group portraits and weddings [Laughing]!

Darrah: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Rodrigo: I've always lived for the present until I had kids! In five years, I would like to have penetrated the advertising market more widely, and to have worked with other publications nationwide. I would like to have established myself as a solid name in the industry, someone people trust to deliver passion and creativity.

Darrah: Is there something most people don't know about you?

Rodrigo: Most people are surprised to find out that I was overweight as a kid and, therefore, extremely shy. I was bullied and teased at school. I made a huge effort around the age of 14 to lose weight and get healthy. It changed my quality of life. Most people also don't know that my first inspiration came from some pictorial spreads I saw in the Brazilian edition of Playboy magazine as a teenager (nudity is not a big deal in Brazil). Those were super productions shot by renown fashion photographers involving celebrities and amazing locations. They were like fashion spreads, only with more nudity. I can't deny I was heavily influenced by those and came to admire the photographers who pushed the envelope and used that vehicle to create something eye-catching, sophisticated, and inspiring - not something you would expect to see in a magazine like Playboy.

Haute Halloween Giveaway!

2009-11-01T08:21:00.000-08:00

Not only is this my first giveaway, but hopefully one of many to be held on Darrah's Dresser! I am giving away a $40 Gift Card to Value Village! All you have to do is leave a comment, and I will select someone at random - Sounds fun, right?!

Value Village contacted me early this week to see what I was going to be for Halloween. The obvious response was -- Rachel Zoe -- "I die." To be honest, I just wanted an excuse to buy a fur vest! Oh, the evil. When I arrived at the Crown Hill location, they had already arranged for a costume consultant to pull elements for my look ahead of time.

This is what they came up with:

The total cost for this look was - $71.91. The price is a little high for a do-it-yourself costume solely because there are so many elements. The plus side is that you'll wear these pieces again.

Though Value Village pulled together some great pieces, I had to cater to the stylist within, and create my own look.

Shirt - Merona blouse from Target
Fur Vest - Xhiliration black fur vest from Target
Trouser Denim - Lee trouser jeans from Ross
Shoes - Black peep-toe wedges from Payless
Necklace - Chunky red necklace from Good Will
Bracelets - Red bracelets from Fred Meyer
Watches - Good Will
Rings - Black and Coral over-sized rings from Target and Ross
Earrings - Red Jeweled earrings from Fred Meyer
Wig - Legally Blond wig from Toys-R-Us.

Thanks Oprah!

2009-10-31T10:15:00.001-07:00

In response to my last post -- perhaps Christian Siriano is this generation's hope for innovation in fashion. His fall collection was featured on Oprah this week, including petals of silk organza, crinoline, and ombre-tiered pleated lace. The one thing that will separate our generation's designers from the last is the point of accessibility. Kiss your dreams good-bye if your heart is set on Valentino, but Christian Siriano's work can be found in the holiday collection at Payless. Can you believe all his models were wearing Payless shoes with couture dresses?!

Everything at Payless was 50% for one day thanks to Oprah. I couldn't wait to scavenge the racks and pile up on shoes!

Christian Siriano at Payless

Fashion Forward?

2009-10-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be "fashion forward?" Does it mean trying every trend on the runway, or does it mean having the artistic ability to interpret different design concepts and come up with your own cohesive thought? After the Neiman Marcus Gala, someone suggested that people like me are the reason Seattle isn't fashion forward. Why? Because I didn't like a Chanel ankle bag. However, some things just seem like they're going backward! A house arrest anklet will never aesthetically appeal to my senses.

I saw The September Issue a few weeks ago, and woke up the next morning and cried to Valentino the Last Emperor. Sounds silly, but the era of couture is over. What do we have left? Everything's already been done. Can we look to new designers to bring emotion to fabric? Will we still have creative directors like Grace Coddington who stand up for natural beauty?

I'd like to think so, but after I read this article on Blue is in Fashion this Year, I have doubts. It's come to a point where designers are drawing inspiration from Halloween costumes - the epitome of cheap and disgusting. If I can clear anything up in regards to fashion, it's the fact that even high end designers produce unflattering and disappointing garments. Just because I don't suckle at the tit of major designers doesn't mean I am not forward. I simply recognize what is backwards. I love embellished headbands, don't get me wrong. Put a big flower on my head, and call it good. However, there's something insane about putting lace bunny ears on my head, and tentatively wearing them to work! I don't think the trend will ever filter down. Design should be able to be interpreted, and this trend is so beyond that. Desperation has sunken in.

I'm taking this as a sign that there are few brilliant designers left...

Fashionable Flickr

2009-10-23T02:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! - Lydia Selk

Stylin' Sister

2009-10-18T13:51:00.000-07:00

Photography by: Lydia Selk

As you know, my sister does a lot of the photography that I feature on my blog. I drag her to fashion shows with me at the cost of giving her a ride. The distance is worth it for the work she produces! I thought I'd give a shout out because Seattle Metropolitan writer, Laura Cassidy, featured my sister's photography during Bellevue Fashion Week.

Francisco, one of the designers I interviewed, saw us at the Fall 2009 Nordstrom Designer Preview, and asked if Lydia would be interested in coming back to the studio to do a photoshoot. After a few air kisses, it was a done deal. She took some great shots, and the silk ties she captured appeared during the Fall 09 David Lawrence show. I actually saw them months before, but promised to keep them a secret until fashion week. I'm not very good at keeping secrets...

Bellevue Fashion Week - Vogue

2009-10-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

I almost cried when I emailed the PR coordinator at Nordstrom to tell her that I wouldn't be able to make their show for Bellevue Fashion Week. I have to remind myself that school is my #1 priority. Luckily, the PR coordinator for the Vogue event was able to snag a spot for my sister and I to attend Front Row Fashion during the weekend. Even though the show was only 30 minutes long, it was the perfect production to curb my fashion addiction for the week. Fashion is like a drug, and Vogue was my quick fix for the evening. I'm having withdrawals in Ellensburg. I doubt anything fashionable exists here. I can only look forward to the weekend when I can escape to the city. Here were some of my favorite looks...

- Ladylike Sophistication -

Macy's - Alfani blouse, Rachel Roy zipped skirt

Ann Taylor - leopard dress necklaces gloves shoes

Nordstrom - Haute Hippie feather black skirt, Nexx white blouse

- 80's Redux -

Macy's - Rachel Roy yellow cardigan and multi-colored dress

Nordstrom - Gemma yellow tank, Kate Spade pink pencil skirt

Nordstrom - Kate Spade yellow dress

- Top Coats -

Marqsman - Kai-Aakmann men's hooded trench, Generra plaid shirt, Coming Soon jeans
Martin+Osa - trench, blouse, cardigan, jeans, gloves

David Lawrence - Iceberg herringbone topcoat, sweater, and Just Cavalli jeans

Nordstrom- Kate Spade black and white coat, Alice and Olivia black sequin leggings

Aritzia - Mackage black belted coat, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt

Mercer - Trina Turk black belted coat and skirt

- Biker Chic -

Nordstrom-Haute Hippie sequined skirt, Elizabeth and James red plaid button down, Andrew Marc leather vest

Nordstrom - Rag and Bone black leather shift dress

Nordstrom - Haute Hippie black embellished tank, Seventy Two plaid skirt,
Milly leather motorcycle jacket

Birthday Blogger

2009-10-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! Rather than skipping class, I decided to celebrate by learning. Cheesy, I know! Honestly, I'd rather save a skip day for when I really need it (like for a fashion show). Anyways, one of my professors brought up Newton's law of motion, and said, "To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

As much as I've heard this quote repeated throughout the years, I never really thought about how it relates to my personal life. Six years of college, and five different universities weren't exactly in my "four-year plan." However, I can honestly say that it was all by choice. Whatever I decided (action) had an equal and opposite reaction. It's refreshing to think about how much choice we actually have in our lives. I decided to exercise my power to choose, and the reaction was a six-year bachelor's degree. Some good news -- I can say with certainty that I will graduate this Spring! It has a nice ring to it, right? I finally have something to hold as constant in my life while everything else sort of falls into disarray.

Even though there isn't anything significant about turning 23, I feel as though I'm at a turning point in my life. I'm excited to move into a new chapter, but it's scary at the same time. In the next year I will be graduating school, searching for my first "real" job, and saying hello to all those student loans that have been awaiting the glorious day. I think Sallie Mae is more excited for me to graduate than I am! I'm half expecting a representative to show up at my ceremony and ask for a $50 payment.

Alongside school, I've been putting a lot of effort into this blog. I've been writing for almost two years now, and I still don't really know where I'm going with it. I don't want my posts to be meaningless, but I don't have time to be meaningful every day. Over the last few months, I've been supporting local fashion events -- some good, some bad. Since Seattle's fashion scene is fairly new, it's more about being seen than seeing. I was criticized for not loving the Neiman Marcus gala, however, I fear for the future of fashion if nobody speaks up. Chanel can't always be fabulous. Louis Vuitton has bunny ears gracing the runways. Who is going to ask "why?"

All of this reflection is part of turning one year older. I feel like the older I get, the more questions I have, yet fewer answers seem to be available. Ah, life's ambiguity.

Fair Fashion

2009-09-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend of the fair!

Friday I want that brown satchel!

SaturdayI'm in love with this sweater and the color combination.

Fashionable Flickr

2009-09-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

Product Runway #4 - Lydia Selk

Busy Scholar

2009-09-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

I started school this week. I apologize for the lack of posts. I'm continually over committing myself. I promise to write something thought provoking this weekend.

Fair Fashion

2009-09-20T08:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday

Beautiful boho tops paired with skinny jeans

Fair Fashion

2009-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Friday

Awesome fringe boots with knee-length leggings

Cute gladiators and rockin' hair

Neiman Marcus Gala

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone has been writing really fabulous reviews of the Neiman Marcus Gala. I don't want to be the one journalist that doesn't, but it's taken me a week to translate that event into words. As much as I want to support every fashion event that happens in Seattle, there are some events that just don't register with me. People were trying way too hard. I was trying too hard! I didn't notice at first, but my nose slightly tilted upward as I sifted through $1000 fur vests like I could actually afford them! The undefined "black tie" had people dressed to polar extremes. Some women wore evening gowns, others wore cocktail dresses, and a select few chose to cross all boundaries of what's trendy. It's funny because galas like this demand that you wear designer threads like they're nothing special - "These old things? I've had Louboutins for forever..."

Photographs Courtesy of The Bellevue Network

Apparently Neiman Marcus is above selling things. I heard one person complain that they couldn't find anyone to ring them up! However, not many people were actually trying things on. The store reminded me of one of those perfectly placed dining rooms that nobody ever uses. If they were smart, they would have asked everyone to come in the worst outfit they own. This way, it would have been easy to talk them into a better one. Unfortunately, everyone was wearing the finest threads from their closet. Why would they take them off to try anything on? They already look fabulous! Well... for the most part...

I got the one up, one down from at least 20 women with the worst plastic surgery jobs I've ever seen! If we ever want a Housewives of Bellevue, we need a better plastic surgeon! I was scared. Seriously... I was about to go hide behind the fur vests and throw one at the aliens so they wouldn't attack me with their Christian Louboutins and fangs!

It's pretty sad when the sales staff at Neiman Marcus looks better than everyone else. I don't know where they came from, or how they were recruited, but they all looked very well put together. One of them was wearing these adorable red Valentino heels (below). My question is how a sales employee can afford $900 Valentino shoes when she hasn't had a day of work yet. Doesn't add up, right?

Sales Staff

Like I mentioned before, we really need to define the term, "black tie." Wear What When blogger, Laura Cassidy, mentioned this in her Semi-Formal in Seattle entry. The fact that nobody really knew what to wear lead to a lot of polar fashion extremes. This is why I created a "Best Dressed" and "Worst Dressed" list. If you'd like to see more of what people were wearing, check out Needle + Thread. Kam was my official photographer for the evening, so all these pictures came from her.

Best Dressed

Amazing shrug over a Dior suit.

Simple. Chic. Great pop of color.

Beautiful open back with exposed zipper.

Worst Dressed

Scary thong woman. I know you saw her.

Yo Gabba Gabba?

At first, I couldn't tell if this is a house arrest anklet or a really hideous bag alternative. Turns out, it was a really hideous bag alternative.

After all of this contemplation... I finally have my answer to Alison Brownrigg's question from NWSource - Stores like Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, and Hermes are definitely too expensive, even for wealthy Bellevue, given the state of the economy. According to Bureau News, "Luxury stores have been hit hard as affluent shoppers have retrenched after years of splurging on designer goods and are much less willing to pay high prices for status." The design plans for the Bravern were made in 2006 when the economy was thriving. Three years later, and a lot has changed. I've been working in retail the past two years, and it's not pretty. If you're not a Target or Macy's with a shit ton of Sunday ads full of coupons - good luck.

According to the Bellevue Network, there were a lot of sales opening weekend, but let's just be honest and readily admit that stores have return policies, and the bubbly allure of having Magic Johnson in the same room as you when you bought that dress is going to die down once your mortgage payment comes around. Washington isn't the place for luxury retailers. We never have been. I don't care how many wood planks and textured walls were installed inside the Bellevue Neiman Marcus. That doesn't make it Northwest.

Perhaps I'm partial, but Nordstrom is a Seattle native, and Neiman Marcus doesn't quite fit in. If nobody has been buying Gucci from the Bellevue Nordstrom boutique, why would they buy it at Neiman Marcus?

Fur Vest Fetish

2009-09-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Neiman Marcus gala ignited my fur vest fetish once again. There were so many! I couldn't stop touching them and trying them on! According to my friend C.J., the techno music in high-end retailers was designed to make you crave expensive clothes while trying everything on to the beat. It's so true... This one was $1,000.00! Why do I love fur vests so much when I know they're ridiculous?!

I die...

Fair Fashion

2009-09-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday

No Fair Fashion...

Sunday

Cute print and mustard bag.

Great high-waisted skinny. Sweet shades.

Adorable boots and country-inspired dress.

Fair Fashion

2009-09-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a broke college student, I have to work whenever I can. I can't just frolic around to fashionable events all over Seattle. This may come as a surprise, but I come from a small town that holds the annual state fair. I would include a definition, but even Google can't define the term. A fair is the most random culmination of events and people in the world. I'll just leave it at that. Anyways, my family has been doing fair parking for over 25 years now, and I get the honor of flagging cars in. Sounds fun, right?

It may not be the most fashionable job in the world, but I'm making money... and money leads to fashionable things.

Since I see a lot of people throughout the day, I thought I would host a series called Fair Fashion over the next three weekends. Out of the thousand fair goers that pass my way, I'm determined to find fashionable people in Puyallup. If you know the area, you know this is a challenge. Luckily, I'm off to a good start!

Friday

Great high-waisted skirts.

Country concert chic.

Neiman Marcus Gala

2009-09-11T08:50:00.001-07:00

More to come...

Neiman Marcus in Bellevue

2009-09-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the Neiman Marcus Gala in Bellevue! I've decided to keep the Banana Republic dress sweet and simple with a floral headpiece. I don't know if a leather jacket would be appropriate for a "black tie" affair.

The press was given an sneak preview of the store, and all the new shops that will be opening in the Bravern on September 12th, 2009. I brought one of my favorite local bloggers, Kam, from Needle+Thread. She doubles as an excellent photographer. As we strolled around this enormous venue, I was excited to be among the "real" press like Seattle Times, Seattle Magazine, and NPR. However, I was brought back to reality when I had to leave the tour at 11:30 to go back to my "real" job working the front desk at a software company. If only I could write about clothes all day...

I can't wait to see how Neiman Marcus comes alive tonight! The energy from the clothes alone was enough to give me a 24-hour high. Since this is their first store in Washington, they decided to incorporate natural elements throughout. From the artwork to the wood installments, you could say that the shoe fits.

If you can't make it tonight, don't miss the Grand Opening of the Bravern this weekend! You'll be able to sip champagne while perusing this fall's Jimmy Choo collection and browse the annual beauty event at Neiman Marcus. Trophy Cupcakes will have delicious mini cupcakes to sample, and there's a perfect place to cozy up to live music by two outdoor fireplaces on the second floor. Just think about savoring complimentary Pan-Asian bites in Wild Ginger's upstairs bar... yum!! Shops like Anthropologie, Wolford, DNA 2050, Jimmy Choo, Brooks Brothers Country Club, Arthur, Tory Burch and Piazza Sempione will keep you fascinated with the latest fall trends. Though some shops are still under construction, and have inventory on the way, a dramatic transformation will take place over the next few days. There will be numerous in-store festivities and promotions all weekend long, so don't miss out!

I already had a cupcake from Trophy... and it literally disappeared in five seconds. I don't know what happened?!

Vote for me on Chicisimo!

2009-09-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

I just realized I have 100 followers now! Thank you for reading my blog, and taking an interest in my fashionably formed opinions. I'm equally a fan of everyone else's blogs! I love reading up on what you're all doing in fashion. I'm always getting the scoop from somewhere else, meeting new friends, and drooling over some fabulous wardrobes!

I'm featured on Chicisimo! today, and would love it if you voted for my outfit!

I wore this outfit in New York when I met up with my aunt's friend at People magazine. My friends were nice enough to let me do a photoshoot on their deck in Manhattan. Just goes to show you can piece together a stylish look on a college budget!

Black Tie on a Budget

2009-09-08T07:34:00.001-07:00

I'm supposed to attend the opening of Neiman Marcus in Bellevue this week. The gala is going to be a black tie affair, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the Northwest glams up!

I'm going to wear this classic silk georgette number from Banana Republic. It's simple silhouette can be manipulated in a variety of ways. I got a killer deal on it too!

Silk Georgette Dress - $27.97

How would you wear it?

Glam it up with diamonds.

Create a juxtaposition with a leather jacket and studded heels.

Keep it sweet with an adorable floral headpiece.