Amaluna Seattle

They came, we saw, they conquered! The critically acclaimed Cirque du Soleil, Amaluna show set up shop here in the Emerald City, Redmond’s Marymoor Park to be exact, and I had the lovely pleasure of witnessing the show with my familia Saturday the 23rd. The performance was so moving I just about shed a tear. I was already emotional from the mushy dinner I experienced prior to the show with my sister and mum; add a cocktail or 2, hypnotic body contortionists, cello seduced melodies, and you’re just asking for the droplets to join in.

Seafood Penne at Kirkland’s Top Shelf Broiler

What to Expect

Broadway mastermind and Tony-award winning, Diane Paulus is the genius behind the Cirque du Soleil “Amaluna” show. It combines several Shakespearean favorites, like “The Tempest,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to tell the story of 2 lovers torn apart by disagreeing family backgrounds. Lover 1, and soon to be Queen Miranda falls in love with the incredibly chiseled young sailor, Romeo – lover 2, who is ironically stranded on Miranda’s home island after her mother, Queen Propsera summons a mighty storm. Now Miranda is no ordinary Princess, chick appeared to be a double jointed gymnast capable of performing the most majestic tricks in a glass water bowl, while her Romeo, eager to rescue her from her overly uptight family, effortlessly glided up an aerial rope using only his 2 arms and some insane upper body strength. Of course there were other magical performances, like that of the incandescent Moon Queen who worked the hell out of a suspended hula hoop, the Amazon gymnasts and their Amazonian boyfriends, the twirlers, cyclists, dancers, and uuuuhhhh, you just have to go see it, my lack of Cirque du Soleil type verbage is not doing me justice! It’ll be playing until March 24^th. If your sense of imagination has likened itself to a dull blade, I highly suggest seeing the show for a nice sharpening.

Vintage Rhinestone Necklace 

Pulling off Casual Elegance
 
Because I was indeed attending a “circus” of sorts, I wanted to dress comfortably yet elegant. Casual and comfort are 2 of my favorite words when it comes to style, and I wanted my wardrobe for the show to be as unfettered as possible. That meant one of 2 things: jersey knit fabric and no heels. I opted for both. If ever you want to appear elegant and casual, pair a fitted maxi skirt or pencil skirt with a super casual top: like a t-shirt, button down, or even a fitted crewneck. Use your jewelry to hype up the glamour. I'm talking chunky bijoux bling - the Man Repeller's Leandra Medine best epitomizes this. I sported this lovely vintage, double strand pink rhinestone necklace and equally blingy earrings to up the elegance. If you choose a maxi, try flats, kitten heels, or sandals with the look instead of heels; I threw on my cowboy boots, they never fail me.

Beloved Versace Handbag 

 

Steak Dinner at Kirkland’s Top Shelf Broiler   

Steak Lovers Delight

As stated earlier, my sister, mum, and I had dinner prior to the show at Top Shelf Broiler in downtown Kirkland. It has 2 separate entrances, 1 for their lounge which houses a live DJ Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after 10pm, and 1 for their dining room. We randomly discovered the spot while cruising through Kirkland for a restaurant that had “that something different” feel. There was a special party being held next door at the restaurant's lounge, so we were the only ones in the dining room which was nice. We watched the sun set off the Kirkland beach from our window while being serenaded by a pianist specializing in Louie Armstrong hits. Although seafood seems to be their specialty, they do serve other dishes, including the most succulent steaks. I ordered the Seafood Penne and my sister, the steak. Despite being incredibly delicious, my penne was no match to her steak and annoyance quickly ensued after I requested a 3^rd bite. All and all great find. Warm ambiance and service, and good eats.

Happy new day. Meow.

What to Wear to a Networking Event

Don't be fooled. There is a right and wrong answer to this question. Networking events are great opportunities to build relationships, and ultimately promote your business, but first impressions are key, and you want to make sure you're making the right one. 

First and foremost, dress for the occasion at hand. If it's a formal gala, formal attire is preferred (that counts as a networking event because you never know who you'll meet), as opposed to a workshop, seminar, or panel discussion which may call for a more casual look; but careful, too casual can easily turn a potential client or collaborator off. A reliable ensemble to fall back on when preparing for any event where professional relationships may be formed is business casual: that can include a tailored dress, boot-cut jean or pant with a casual cashmere sweater, and or low drama heel or wedge. It's appropriate, but not stuffy, while still showing off your personality. Also, choose solid colors instead of prints to avoid appearing too busy or overly eccentric. People tend to prefer to do business with bold attitudes over loud ones. 

I attended the Young Female Entrepreneur event - deets coming soon - a few weeks ago and wanted to look sleek, but not boring. I took a chance and chose to break out my Margiela double-man pant (they could literally fit 2 of me). You know, the one’s I camped outside of H&M for during the Margiela for H&M premiere! They had been hibernating in my closet up until the event; hanging like the icons they are on their monogrammed Maison Martin Margiela pant hanger. Because the pants are slightly avant-garde, I went for a fitted black turtle-neck to avoid looking too architectural - I didn't want to scare anyone away by jabbing them in the jugular with a jaunty Balmain type shoulder - and completed the look with a classic mule. I was soo pleased with how well the styles came together - let's just say I shook some strong hands that night!

So next time you have an event that could bring potential prospects to your business, think sleek, chic, and simple for your ensemble: that includes hair, shoes, jewelry and accessories. It's a sure fire way to guarantee you snatch up, or give out a shit load of business cards! 

Meow.

2013 Presidential Inauguration

Jason Wu wooed us again at the 2013 Inauguration Ball where the 1^st lady donned, yet again, one of the designer’s master pieces – a delicious, cross strap red ball gown. It was a lovely choice seeing that as the 1^st lady she has to come correct. I mean she’s not only representing a new generation of 1^st ladies, but honoring 43 others, and we all know the late Jackie Kennedy did not play; chicks style was something fierce! But Michelle has more than done us proud during her last 4 years as head b-i-t-c-h with her refined collection and classic taste, and of course, Mr. President makes the finest accessory of them all. Go on with ya bad self 1^st lady; looking forward to seeing what fashions you grace us with during this next run! 

Meow. 

Photos by: shefinds.com

 

The Bag of Sport

Scored this lovely le’sport style, Alexander Wang-esque, nylon handbag! I found it at a discount department store while perusing the racks for holiday gifts. What’s even better is that it was on sale. [#hellyes] I had been looking for an “it” bag for the winter but aborted my mission after being disappointed with the seasons low drama selection. But I got lucky, and how much more drama can you ask for in a modern style, sport shaped handbag made entirely out of nylon. This is the stuff that laptop sleeve dreams are made of, and I'm geeked!
Meow.

Where Am I?

 

Photos By: Carmen Daneshmandi

Happy New Year Ya’ll! So excited that it’s 2013; something about this moment feels pivotal, and I plan to walk in expectation for whatever it may be.

I wish I could boast about resorting it up in some tropical haven like Antigua or Barbados, but I’m simply at the Volunteer Park Conservatory or greenhouse here in Seattle. A colleague of mine recently asked me if I’d be interested in partaking in a feature premiering in People Mag come spring and you know I was all for it! I needed an opportunity to pretend I was enjoying lush warm weather in the dead of winter. Unfortunately this is about as much as I can show and tell you at the present time, but expect a follow-up. The '50s style, accordion pleats skirt and metallic shoes are some of my favorite pieces. The skirt is by the Queen of draping herself, Donna Karen, and the shoes by Report. Damn, this whole look is really making me anxious for spring; if only I was somewhere warm where I could get away with it...would Seattlietes find it odd if I dressed for spring a season early?

Meow! Onward march...

The New Year Dress List

The New Year is almost here, and along with a laundry list of resolutions comes the dress we enter 2013 in. This is no ordinary dress; it can’t be, because of a very interesting hypothesis that claims the way we exit the old year is an example of how we might enter the new one, so let's do so in style! With that in mind I styled 5 chic dresses from 3 style groups to assist you with your look for the New Year: the eco-friendly girl with boho charm, the trendy party-monster, and the quirky sophisticate. Here we go...

The Eco-Friendly Bohemian 

Dresses and accessories from Velouria Boutique, Seattle WA.

The refined free spirit with a taste for modern charm. Not so much into what she might label trendy fashion, you’ll spot her sporting vintage or eco-friendly pieces from small town designers with big time talent. Svelte cotton jersey dresses that easily transition from work to play, and classic ‘50s cuts are her saving grace. Friends envy her unfettered sense of style, and are constantly perusing her wardrobe in hopes of undergoing their own Cinderella story, but no one wears the look better than she does. She’ll keep it simple this New Year in the chicest, most adorable way possible.  

The Trendy Party-Monster

Dresses and accessories from Bliss Boutique, Seattle WA.

She has the trend game on lock. Think hip, PYT (pretty, young, thing), on the scene dipped in the latest styles: leopard print platforms, an envelope clutch and sleek oversized blazer. She wears a backless anything better than anyone, and is always primed to the 9 in whatever’s splattered in the latest magazines. This New Year she’ll don the traditional bodycon disco ball inspired sequin dress and waltz into the party a hair before midnight. It won’t start until she gets there anyway.

The Sophisticate 

Dresses and accessories from The Clothing Company, Seattle WA.

Unlike her eco-friendly counterpart, this style maven enjoys pulling inspiration from mainstream fashion in hopes of creating her own signature look. Dressed in popular brands she’s rarely on the scene, but when she does step out she’s impeccably styled. A savvy shopper with a fabulously trained eye, you’ll find her modeling the most unexpected dress that she discovered at the most unexpected place, and she’ll probably do it again this New Year.

Which look best represents you this New Year?

By the way, hope you had a bomb Christmas...Meow!

  

80's Baby

I've become rather cynical concerning the current dress market available. By default I'm more experimental with my wardrobe in hopes of conserving my savings and out of amusement. The 80's baby and 90's wild child in me gravitated towards this once "fufu" reworked 80's dress and 90's studded jean jacket. Years ago the critic in me would've sneered at this dress but all I see now is a fabulous opportunity to play real life dress up. I'm enjoying both the dress and jacket. It's like a re-vamped LBD (little black dress) with a hint of Kelly Kapowski, and I truly appreciate the jean jacket for adding much needed unexpected sparkle. It’s funny what happens once you expand your style palette or any palette for that matter and come to find that you actually adore what you once thought you cared nothing about... Meow.

 

H&M x Margiela

The precious. My newly treasured keepsakes compliments of H&M x Margiela – the oversized asymmetrical black pant and Trompe L’oeil dress. Love that Margiela re-released key pieces from past collections for this collab, makes my garments all the more special! This was my first collection campout and it was epic. The adrenaline rush released when the H&M doors finally opened was surreal. [#coolballs] Although I froze my [#bumchops] off waiting outside in the nippy weather, Seattle had it easy compared to other H&M stores around the world, or so I heard.

Check out the full review I wrote for Seattle Met.com detailing the sheer pandemonium of the premiere HERE.

Meow.

H&M x Margiela It Happened

It went down Wednesday night while awaiting the premiere of the Maison Martin Margiela collection outside of Seattle's HM shop. I froze my #bumchops off just to get my fix, (it was one of those rare fashion moments) and exited the store early Thursday morning satisfied! Write-up on the stylish ordeal premiering soon for Seattle Met [dot] com – stay tuned to view my new precious cargo!

Meow.

Casual Friday

Hail Mary! It’s Casual Friday ya’ll, meaning blue jeans are allowed on the premises for all my corporate members. But for us non-corporate goers it means switching up our day to day look for a cozier approach that doesn’t quite resemble our average day to day look? I know you hear me up in hurr’!

My more comfy CF, (Casual Friday) approach required very little style recalculation seeing that I simply took old staple pieces and rocked them in a new way! Exhibit A: my massive collection of worn-in sweatshirts. I’ve taken a liking to cutting 3 quarters off the sleeves or at least up to the elbows, and snipping away the fitted band along the waist line, (although this sweatshirts band was spared). There’s something refreshing about the sweatshirts no fuss new fit? I suppose it's the relief in ones wrists and waists from those bloody fitted bands, or the fact that your dingy hoodies and crew-necks are transformed into something cool and fun to wear again!

Exhibit B: the super duper flared jean. You might remember this trend from your school days. The extra flared bells that all the girls used to sport? Well, I never quite matured out of that trend and brought my bells out for a visit. Paired them with my favorite patina’ vintage boots and fatigue vest and rocked those bells like it was 1999! Although CF is casual, try experimenting with your casual wardrobe! Take your staples and wear them different ways or dust off your most aged and beloved items and let them see the light of day again. Just because they're dated on the fashion trend-lists doesn’t make them unwearable – for all we know you could be the ultimate trend resurrect-or!

Happy Friday mi amors'. Meow.