Seattle life & style - FreshJess.com

Lookbook Love: Drifting Arrows at Craft & Culture

2012-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hana Ryan is doing some cool things over at Craft & Culture, and shares my passion for highlighting indie designers and local Seattleites. Here's her latest designer feature, Leah Lawrence's Drifting Arrows.

The Pacific Northwest may not typically be considered a swimwear capital but Seattle-based designer Leah Lawrence is about to put it on the map with her new line Drifting Arrows. In the debut collection, Leah presents four impeccably edited styles in a palette of oceanic matte colors. A life of travel and time spent near the ocean inspired the designer to create swimsuits that incorporate timeless elegance into a modern lifestyle.

Born in Africa and raised on Maui, Leah grew up in vibrant cultures and dramatic landscapes. Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for the past 10 years, the designer wanted to create a line to reflect both her nomadic upbringing and Seattle sensibilities.

The theme of Drifting Arrows is “traveling without a set destination.” Leah envisioned a worldly but realistic woman. “I thought about the experience of going to the beach, swimming and then having a day of stuff to do after,” she said. “One of my primary considerations was creating suits that transition seamlessly into the outfit a woman will be wearing after the beach -- something that will be beautiful peeking out from under your clothing.”

How has Africa influenced you?
I think Africa has inspired me to travel to unexpected destinations and places that are less developed. I’m interested in areas that have more authenticity, a kind of a ruggedness and untouched quality.

Is Drifting Arrows your first design venture?
It is! I designed swimwear in school years ago but finished school feeling kind of disillusioned. After graduating I worked as a buyer at Blackbird Ballard, a men’s retailer in Seattle, and tried to get a real grasp on the industry and how to get from point A to point B in the fashion world. When I realized it was time for me to do something, swimwear was the obvious choice.

What do you think makes a great swimsuit?
I think a great swimsuit makes a woman feel super comfortable and sexy. That is the most important thing, honestly. You have to avoid a situation where the bathing suit is wearing the person and also create something that highlights the best assets of a woman’s body depending on what those are. Each woman is different.

Tell us about your materials.
I source all my materials from an Italian company that makes the highest quality lycra you can get. That is what they specialize in and their testing is really, really thorough. They also offer an amazing array of colors. I’m proud to import it myself.

What has surprised you most about this process?

I worked as a buyer for a long time so I was on the receiving end of peoples’ emails and phone calls. People were reaching out trying to get me to take a look at their line and I always knew what they were doing was hard. I wanted to be really empathetic to their situation and look at everything that they were trying to show me but you can’t get to everything. I thought I already knew that was how it was going to be. But when I actually started calling stores and trying to get my thing out there, it was hard. Ultimately I got tough skin, stopped caring and would email someone a 7th time. And sometimes after that 7th time, they were like, ‘Oh my god, I didn’t see your email. I’m so glad I saw it this time.’ So you have to persevere through that and not be so sensitive.

Where do you feel most at home?
I feel most at home in the upcountry of Maui with my family. The compound.

What are you most excited for in the future?
In terms of Drifting Arrows, I’m really excited about fleshing out the line and adding more styles, colors and prints -- really bringing my vision forward. I had to start as simple as possible with minimal styles, minimal colors, no prints. So I am excited to expand and at some point do eyewear, beach bags and give a whole story.

Interview by Hana Ryan of Craft & Culture. Photography by Mckinley Parker. Product model: Juliana @ LUSH. Editorial model: Anna H. @ TCM.

Seattle: Be the first Chorus Idol!

2012-05-30T17:03:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wanted to have 200 men as your back-up singers? Do you love to sing Karaoke? Do you sing every day in the shower and fantasize about singing at Seattle’s largest performance hall in front of thousands of people? If you're 18 or over, then Chorus Idol is your opportunity to make your dreams come true; and you should enter today.

Check out all the details at FlyingHouse.org.

Good luck!

The Parallax Project by Brian Oh

2012-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

My friend & photographer Brian Oh recently took the leap to doing freelance photography full-time, with studio space and everything! This is his Parallax Project. He's sending out disposable cameras to people in 47 countries and 4 states. Their only task is to use this camera to document their lives. However and whatever they capture is up to them. It's awesome to see what's come back so far. I'm looking forward to seeing more come in as the project progresses.

Remember what it was like to take pictures with disposable cameras?

Check out more Parallax Project on the BrianPhotoh Facebook page, and look out for his Kickstarter campaign to support the Parallax Project soon!

Fresh Faves: Seattle Memorial Day Picks

2012-05-25T09:05:00.001-07:00

Many of you will be running from the city for some much-needed vacation time. If you're here in the Pacific Northwest, that will probably include some time with family and nature, as my weekend will be out camping. Before you and I take off for the weekend, though, I just wanted to share a couple of my favorite Memorial Day deals and dance parties:

EVERYTHING at Actual Pain is half off all weekend with code MEMORIAL! I may have waited for midnight to order myself a couple of tanks :)

I will be dancing a great week off at HollyHood tonight at Barboza. Did you know Barboza stays open til 3:00a.m.? It does!

For all my thrifting enthusiasts - Value Village has half off everything on Monday from 9am - 9pm.

And Goodwill has .99 pink tags + 40% off blue & red tags

Finally - FREE BURGERS! I love you Lil Woodys!

Finally, I'm capping off this Memorial Day weekend at Barboza for just the best dance party in the city - Tigerbeat Mondays!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

IFB Links a la Mode 5/24/12 - edited by Fresh Jess

2012-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I edit the Independent Fashion Bloggers' Links a la Mode once a month (every 4th week.) If you're an IFB member, Links a la Mode is a great way to be featured in the massive community. Each week, you can submit your best blog post for consideration in LALM. We (the editors) then read each submission and select 20 for that week's roundup. I'll be writing another post soon that goes more into detail in what I specifically look for when I'm going through submissions. If you're not an IFB member, take a look at some of my favorite fashion blog posts from the last month :)

DIY Days of Summer

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

The bloggers are taking it to the crafts these days! What better way to get your wardrobe ready for summer than breathing new life into what you’ve got? This week’s Links a la Mode is chock full of quick & easy DIY projects for everything from crystallized shoes and Miu Miu-inspired clutches to top buns and accessories laced with neon. If getting crafty’s not on your to-do list this week, don’t fret. We’ve also got thoughtful posts on personal style, dressing for summer events, supporting local designers and blogger besties. These posts are getting better and better every week and it was hard to choose just 20 of them. Keep ‘em coming!

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: MAY 24TH

Aspiring New Moms: Summer in the Office

Barefoot Duchess: The Top Bun & How to DIY

Bon Vivant and a Budget: How to Host a Clothing Swap

Chic Cheat: Oh Miu Miu Stars

Fashion After Breakfast: DIY Pastel Collar Necklace

Fashion Love Affairs: 6 Free Ways to End Your Fashion Rut

Fashion, Well Done: Personal Style - A 5-Year Retrospective

FashStash: Support Local: Saloni Rathor

Finely Made: DIY: Lizzie Fortunato Scale Bracelet

Flounces and Slashes: DIY Swarovski Crystallized Shoes

I Have a Degree in This: Why You Should Take My Fashion Degree Seriously

My Confidence and Me: Introducing...(Melissa/For Fi Love, Me)

My Style Snapshot: Let It Be

Sea and Swank: What to Wear: Weddings

Stars For Streetlights: DIY: How to Make a Scarf Shirt

Style Over Sense: DIY Doorknob Hanger

The Average Girl’s Guide: Vent Sesh: Consumption

The Style Safari: Thurs-DIY: Tropical Floral Tee

Tobruck Ave: BEfriends

Under the Cottonwood: Trends: Graphic and Bold Prints

SPONSOR:
Spring Sale at Shopbop: Magda Berliner, Weitzman, Rachel Roy, Badgley Mischka, Raquel Allegra, Garde Paris, Rebecca Taylor,Oliver Theyskens & Sonia Rykiel

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

Fresh Style: Snapshots

2012-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

For someone who gets pegged as a fashion blogger a lot, I sure don't do many of my own style posts on here. I was not one of the ones blessed with a photography background or a photog boyfriend :), plus I hate taking outfit pictures. Anywho, here are some of the pieces and things that have been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe lately. Seattle doesn't seem to know what to do with itself weather-wise, so the last couple of months have been all about layers and toting around both sunglasses and an umbrella. Increment weather conditions indeed!

Got my hair done at Swink Style Bar for my birthday dinner & dancing!

In God We Trust sunglasses (funky similar ones here) / Marc Jacobs necklace / old leather jacket (similar)

Watching my friend Sara's boutique SPUN Sustainable Collective in layered bursts of color. This orange tank was our swag from the Lucky FABB opening cocktail party at Kelly Wearstler's boutique!

H&M denim shirt / Kelly Wearstler distressed neon tank / scarf from Moksha / old snakeskin print leggings (coated denim version here) / Topshop studded flats

What can I say? I love Alive & Well. They don't even sell women's gear. I've been living in this hoodie every time it's cold.

Waiting our turn for brunch at Pete's Egg Nest in Greenwood. I have also been living in this maxi dress and military jacket!

MinkPink printed maxi dress (similar) / Roxy military jacket / black/speckled gold TOMS / vintage crossbody bag

detail of the Roxy military jacket

AlixRose and I hung out on the Google campus in Fremont prepping for our DIY Hangout on Air earlier this month.

Uniqlo windbreaker / Sincerely Jules' Dream-Believe-Achieve tee / printed denim from Moksha / Zara platform booties

Alix actually gave me this tee for my birthday. It's designed by one of our favorite bloggers, Sincerely Jules! I love the positivity oozing from this tee.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Lookbook Love: Insight S/S '12 Womens

2012-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

My lookbook love this week is Insight 51's spring & summer Untitled series. Not much to say but that it's dripping with style & edge! Let the photos speak for themselves:

Inspire & Be Inspired

2012-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is probably one of the nicest compliments I've ever received as a blogger:

Welcome to the fold, Candy Cucumber! Thank you so much for reading Fresh Jess.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Jess

Styled Seattle's First E-Zine

2012-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

File this under "Seattleites doing awesome things." Darcy Camden is the professional wardrobe stylist behind Styled Seattle. She's recently ventured in the e-zine world with this quick Issuu read which profiles her team of equally talented professionals; swimwear trends; accessorizing tips and even highlights a Seattleite whose wardrobe was transformed by Darcy.

Enjoy!

Sneaker Peak

2012-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Working at Nike for a few years left me with an affliction towards sneakers that will never fade. Luckily, sneaks have found their way out of the gym or off the field and into the hearts of designers long beloved in the fashion industry. While shopping for a new pair of running shoes, I found myself drawn to some of these lifestyle pairs too. Missoni Chucks & neon Cole Haans? Sign me up!

I love the colorways of this collaboration of the iconic print with the classic All-Star.

Missoni & Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star (via Nitro:Licious)

Such a fantastic update to the wingtip style. Neon soles!

Cole Haan LunarGrand Wingtip

Been seeing these pop up on my favorite fashion bloggers' feet the past few months. I love the hidden wedge - great for short ones like me.

Isabel Marant Wedge Sneaker

Nike takes the season's hottest trend - floral print - and applies it to several of their most popular shoe styles.

Nike Liberty Dunk Hi

This one is coming out soon. Lots of fun for the summer time. This will look awesome paired with miniskirts and tank tops for the beach.

Kenzo & Vans (via StyleSight)

Daniel Radcliffe Interviews Helena Bonham Carter

2012-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am a huge Harry Potter fan girl. There is nothing quite like geeking out on all things HP with other equally crazy fans. I love it. My favorite character in the books and films (besides Harry of course) is Bellatrix LeStrange, the most diabolical witch on the block. In the films, Bellatrix comes to life thanks to Helena Bonham Carter, who is so absolutely perfect that it's hard to imagine anyone else playing the part.

Interview Magazine recently featured Helena Bonham Carter, in an interview by none other than Daniel Radcliffe himself. Color me the happiest HP fan in the world! They talk about all things Helena, from being raised in an exemplary family to being typecast to working with your love & the father of your children. I've posted a few of my favorite excerpts on self-expression and style below, but you can peep the whole interview over at Interview.

Photo: Peter Lindbergh for Interview Magazine

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On comparing yourself to others

BONHAM CARTER: Everybody has an inferiority complex when they step into a room. But then when you have children and you get older, it doesn't really matter. When I was young I had so many inferiority complexes. I had an inferiority complex because I didn't go to university. I had an inferiority complex because I didn't train. Then it gets tiring. And you do get bored of it.

RADCLIFFE: Right. And so that boredom is actually what ultimately leads you to go, "Oh, fuck it."

BONHAM CARTER: "Fuck it" is my guiding philosophy.

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Self-perception

RADCLIFFE: I think people see your career as almost having two halves, one where you played this kind of ingénue. And then there's a perception that around the time you met Tim [Burton], you started getting weird. But I know you'd been weird long before that.

BONHAM CARTER: I was weird right from the start. It's just that you can't ever expect people to get you. And I do think that really did mess with my head, being well-known young, when you really don't know who you are. This is how ridiculous I was: I'd sometimes go look at a written profile of me and see how I was described and say, "Oh, is that who I am?" You can't ever put your self-definition in the hands of somebody who meets you for 15 minutes.

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"Do you have to be the witch or the queen tomorrow?" I thought, Well, that's pretty much my life.

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Personal style

RADCLIFFE: Would you describe yourself as being into fashion? I know you have your style—self-expression, really.

BONHAM CARTER: All I'm into is dressing up. I love dressing up. It's like what we do for our job, get paid to dress up. So I carry on doing it in life, and I do put on a bit of clothing, and the clothing changes how I feel.

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On being typecast

RADCLIFFE: For me, it seems to be about getting audiences accustomed to seeing me in different things. There is never going to be one part that's going to totally separate me from 10 years in a part that I loved, you know? And I would never want to be totally separated from it.

BONHAM CARTER: I think in time, you will, darling.

RADCLIFFE: Really?

BONHAM CARTER: Honestly, people have such short memories. Absolutely.

Seattle: Locavore at the Kirkland Arts Center, this Saturday

2012-05-15T07:00:00.001-07:00

Kicking off the Kirkland Art Center’s 50th Anniversary is the second annual Locavore. On Saturday, May 19 at 12:30PM this unique event aims to combine the creativity of both art and fashion.

Eastside boutiques David Lawrence, Design 10301 and Born to Run: Barefoot Shoes, will grace the runway along with custom garments made from an artist/designer collaboration. Attendees may also look forward to KAC's current exhibition Clay? IV, local food & drink, and a VIP wine tasting provided by Gallery Wine and Art.

Join us as we celebrate local artisans in support of a vibrant, creative, and forward-thinking region.

Locavore

Saturday May 19th, 12:30PM

Fashion Show 1:30PM

General Admission $30

VIP Tickets $50

Purchase tickets here

Lookbook: Mixing it up with Nasty Gal

2012-05-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

I swear, Nasty Gal gets better and better with every day that passes. It's been amazing watching how much Sophia Amoruso and team have grown the site, from back when I was losing bids on their eBay site to its funding just this March. I can't feel bad about shopping when I know I'm supporting a badass entrepreneur, right?

These are shots from Nasty Gal's latest lookbook, Mix It Up. I'm a big fan of the mixing prints trend and the bustier/circle skirt combo is what's been motivating my workouts lately.

Check the full lookbook over at Nasty Gal's blog.

What's your favorite trend for this spring or summer?

Fresh Jess the Freelancer

2012-05-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

It's true. I left my job a few weeks ago and am freelancing full-time. I thought about keeping low-key, but I've realized I don't owe anyone anything. Except myself, of course, and I owe everything to the opportunities that have come my way thanks to blogging and social media. I have wanted to do my own thing for so long and for me to not put myself out there is doing myself a severe disservice.

I am extremely thankful for my friends and family who've told me I should've been doing my own thing all along. It's humbling and encouraging to hear things like "I'm so excited to see what you'll do!" and "It was only a matter of time!" I am grateful to the agencies and brands who've reached out to me about full-time gigs, but I know this is the best thing for me right now. I've taken the last few weeks for some personal time, the Lucky FABB conference, and organizing my thoughts.

So what is it that I'm doing? Quite simply, stuff I've already been doing. Blogging mostly, because what I've wanted more than anything is to grow FreshJess.com to the amazing blog I know it will be. I am also writing, strategizing, creating, speaking, mentoring...doing. In short, helping tell amazing stories, launch awesome campaigns and bring fantastic ideas to life through words, networking and media.

One of my favorite Russell Simmons quotes is "Only do shit you believe in. Period." I can't tell you how excited I am to create a work life that weaves seamlessly with my blog and personal life, and most of all, to work on things I truly believe in.

Source: thewellnesswarrior.com.au via Jess on Pinterest

For a full run-down of my services, you can take a look at my new Freelance Services page and contact me at jess@freshjess.com for more information.

W Hotel Seattle Hosts LP at Symmetry Live (Giveaway!)

2012-05-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

The W Hotel Seattle is hosting L.A.-based singer/songwriter LP this Thursday night for its Symmetry Live series - and I've got a whole hotel package to give away in conjunction with the event!

LP was named one of Esquire magazine’s Artists to Watch in 2012 and was a breakout performer at this year’s SXSW. Recently signed to Warner Bros. Records, she has created a strong buzz in the LA music scene, playing sold-out shows at the Soho House and Sayers Club. With her unique and powerful voice, she has been described as a mix of Jeff Buckley, Florence + The Machine and Janis Joplin. Check her out on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Check out all the details for the event in the flyer below, and RSVP to rsvpevents@whotels.com to attend.

GIVEAWAY:

Want to make a staycation out of the event? I've got an Exclusive Symmetry Live Package to give away for this Thursday night. The package includes:

Entrance for 2 to the Symmetry Live performance
Insider look with access to sound check
Symmetry Live CD
LP CD
Fabulous Corner King Room (avg. rate $255)

All you have to do is Tweet to @JessEstrada to enter to win.

I'll draw a winner on Wednesday, May 9th at 6:00p.m. PDT. Offer for the stay is only good for this Thursday night.

Good luck!

Lucky FABB: Conference Day Recap

2012-05-05T15:58:00.001-07:00

After a jam-packed Sunday of networking, mimosas & sun, I was eagerly anticipating Lucky FABB conference day. Though the skies were grey for most of the conference, the beachside venue made for a perfect day full of awesome photo opps in the midst of learning from some inspiring speakers.

I was really impressed with the diversity in talent, industry and experience that Lucky brought together for this conference. I was actually drawn more to the tech mavens like Brit Morin, Randi Zuckerberg and Soleil Moon Frye. It was also super cool to learn about the great things Jessica Alba is doing with The Honest Company; Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant's various ventures; and Elizabeth Banks' lifestyle website. All of the speakers and panelists had such unique insight from brand, personality and blogger experience that I left with a ton of wisdom and to-do list items.

If you'd like to take a look at my notes (they're messy!), check them out on my Evernote.

The view from the Annenburg Community Beach House. A perfect place for a conference!

Credentials in hand. Ready to roll!

Conversation wtih Zac Posen

Stay True to Your Voice
Sophia Rossi, HelloGiggles.com / Kristin Ess, The Beauty Department / Jane Marie, The Hairpin / Bri Emery, DesignLoveFest / Brit Morin, HelloBrit.com

Just one of the many beautiful installs in The House of Zappos

A Conversation with Jessica Alba & Christopher Gavigan of The Honest Company

What Hollywood Can Teach Fashion
Christin Trogan, Funny or Die / Will Gluck, Film Director, Screenwriter & Producer (Easy A) / Ashley Madekwe, Actress & Blogger, Ring My Bell / Hillary Kerr, WhoWhatWear / Jeannie Mai, television host & digital correspondent, NBC Fashion Star

A Conversation with Mad Men's Janie Bryant & Kiernan Shipka

My outfit via Value Village Fashion Ambassador: thrifted yellow wool blazer / Banana Republic silk sleeveless top / H&M high-waisted skirt / With Deena & Ozzy nude booties

How I Became An Entrepreneur
Soleil Moon Frye / Alli Webb, DryBar / Wende Zomnir, Urban Decay / Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY / Kate Sommerville, Kate Sommerville Skincare / E.J. Johnston, co-creator, NBC Fashion Star

How Brands Work with Blogs
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI / Quinn Donnelly, Benefit Cosmetics / Geri Hirsch, Because I'm Addicted / Gabrielle de Papp, Neiman Marcus / Aimee Song, Song of Style

A Conversation with Elizabeth Banks

A Conversation with Randi Zuckerberg (My absolute favorite part of the day!)

After all of these fabulous panels and fun times in the sponsor gifting suites, it was time for the closing party. I got to say thank you to Lucky's editor-in-chief, Brandon Holley:

After the party, we were sent home with LeSportsac duffle bags FILLED with countless beauty, skincare, fashion & fitness goodies. This is the most serious swag bag I've ever seen in my entire life. So much amazing stuff:

Lucky FABB was without question my favorite conference to attend. Lucky took such great care of us for the short time we were together. I made countless connections with brands, other industry professionals and fellow bloggers. I'm really looking forward to the next!

Seattle: Cinco de Mayo Around the City with Jose Cuervo

2012-05-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Yesterday I got a crash course on the oldest and most recognized tequila brand in the world. Jose Cuervo has been family-owned for 10 generations and counting, and if he's not a part of your Cinco de Mayo, well, it's not really Cinco de Mayo then.

Tequila is the fermented and distilled sap of the blue agave. It's produced in central Mexico, and the aging and production process gives us the different classifications you see on your friendly neighborhood liquor store. Silver (or blanco) tequila is rested/bottled after about 2 months, while aged (or reposado) tequila spends at least two months to a year in the aging process. Gold is a blend of silver & aged tequila that makes it perfect for margarita-mixing. Jose Cuervo's classic Tradicional is 100% agave, and aged for 6 months to perfection.

Stephanie of the Jose Cuervo team sat down with me to share some of the Seattle haunts where you can get your Tradicional on this Saturday:

107.7 The End's Taco Truck Challenge & 5k Run

Start your day off with the Fiesta Ole 5k Fun Run, then sample some of Seattle's best taco (and non-taco) food trucks. At the end of the day, the Top Truck will be crowned winner of the Challenge!

Barrio - Head to the Hill for Barrio's tented patio, special Barrio Brunch menu, followed by Cinco de Mayo menus and drink specials. For all of the Cinco fiestas on the Hill, check out Capitol Hill Seattle's list.

Belltown Pub - I know this isn't a Mexican bar, but the Belltown Pub will be turning itself into a cantina for Cinco de Mayo.

Coa - One of Seattle's only tequilerias, Coa also features healthy Mexican food (with kale, squash, eggplant and the like. Yum!

Laredo's - Always a favorite in Queen Anne, Laredo's is hosting Cuervo and other Cinco drink specials this Saturday.

Mama's Mexican Kitchen - The oldest Mexican restaurant in the Emerald City, this Belltown favorite will have their patio open, a DJ and drink specials flowing from 4:00p.m. to midnight. The Cuervo Girls will also be in the house!

Matador (West Seattle, Ballard, Redmond, Tacoma, Portland & Boise) - Jose Cuervo Tradicional is a featured special at all Matador locations this Cinco de Mayo. Tent parties will commence in their Redmond and Tacoma outlets.

Mestizo - The new Latin American establishment is also on the list of Cuervo Girls' tour stops this Saturday. Enjoy drink specials and food from various Latin American countries here.

Pesos - Because every Saturday is Cinco de Mayo at Pesos.

Tacos Guaymas Greenlake - TG in Greenlake have been hosting their tent party since 2001. Always a great time! Cinco drink specials & more.

Trago - The South Lake Union spot is blocking the street in honor of Cinco de Mayo. There'll be a tent party, Cuervo Tradicional and Platino specials, and yes, the Cuervo Girls will be making a stop here too.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Drink responsibly! Take an Uber home if you can't manage - use the FreshJess code for you first-timers!

Lucky FABB Recap: Day 1

2012-05-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Lucky Magazine Fashion & Beauty Blogger (FABB) conference flew by earlier this week! I spent a whirlwind 48 hours in sunny Santa Monica with some of the most stylish ladies, coveted brands and inspiring speakers in the country.

Lucky FABB was created just under two years ago as a means for the fashion mag to connect with some of its most influential readers. At its first West Coast venture, Lucky FABB hosted over 150 bloggers and a slew of the hottest brands & style sites in the land. Lucky was awesome enough to pack the day before the conference with events for all of us to meet each other and get a taste of California style. I flew down Sunday morning (it's just a two-hour flight from Seattle to L.A.) and made it just in time for the Lucky FABB Brunch, hosted by RewardStyle at the beautiful Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica.

Lucky FABB Brunch hosted by RewardStyle. So many beautiful outfits!

Lucky FABB was a great excuse to catch up with my girl Jammie, who recently moved to L.A. from Seattle. We'd only met in person a couple of times in Seattle, but have kept in touch on Twitter. She's one of the nicest, most giving & motivated people I've met in a long time, and she was the first to tell me about Lucky FABB! She's a FABB veteran, having attended all three so far.

After brunch, we hopped on a sweet double-decker bus for a Lucky FABB Shopping Safari hosted by HaveToHave. Lucky's West Coast Editor, Marlien Rentmeester & HaveToHave swooped us down to Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach for shopping and sun at Marlien's favorite AK boutiques. I hadn't spent a lot of time in Venice prior to this trip, so for me it was a lot of fun seeing the sights while networking with some amazing bloggers!

During our safari, we Instagrammed & tweeted out our most-wanted pieces in each of the boutiques. You can peep and vote for your favorite safari finds on HaveToHave.com right now.

Lucky FABB Shopping Safari hosted by HaveToHave.

Marlien talking about one of her favorite finds at Heist, for HaveToHave

Sweet beachwear at Undrest by the Sea

Dog bone bracelet & sick nails on Kelci of Two Point Oh L.A.

We closed this fabulous day at the Kelly Wearstler boutique in West Hollywood for the Lucky FABB opening cocktail party. The beautiful Ms. Wearstler herself was in the building to greet all of us for FABB, in addition to an army of Lucky editors and staff. Not only is she a master fashion and interior designer, she is absolutely stunning in! She was super sweet and chatted up everyone at the party. We even went home with a sweet neon distressed muscle tee which I may or may not have worn a few times already :)

With the amazingly sweet Caroline Waxler, Lucky's digital content director and executive producer of the Lucky FABB conference!

Finally met Erin of Apartment 34, a fellow but former Seattleite who's now in the Bay! Love her

So naturally, after a busy and productive day, I'm starving. Jammie was kind enough to take me to one of L.A.'s finest - the original Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles! It was my first time at Roscoe's, and now my tastebuds will know nothing that compares to a good old Roscoe's meal. Can't wait to come back here!

All in all, day 1 of the Lucky FABB conference was packed full of networking and fun with some serious fashion mixed in. I had a fabulous day and went to bed excited for the conference day to come.

See all of my Lucky FABB photo adventures on the Fresh Jess Facebook page!

Fresh Jess & AlixRose Hangout on Air with Google+ (updated)

2012-05-01T14:29:00.001-07:00

UPDATED 5/2/12:
They say you should try one new thing every day. Last night, I did two things I've never done before: a live DIY demonstration, and hosted a Google+ Hangout on Air!

When Google asked AlixRose and I to host a Hangout on Air, I jumped at the chance but was still a bit nervous. I don't do much video, but have always wanted to incorporate more into my blog posts. Hosting this Hangout on Air made it much more approachable to me. We asked a few of our friends to join us in a DIY Hangout Circle, then planned to broadcast at 7:00p.m. last night. Half an hour flew by, with two quick & easy DIY projects inspired by one of Alix's recent blog posts mixed in with some conversation on summer trends and our friends' DIY experience.

Most people have a Google+ profile but haven't done much with it since signing up. I'm one of those people! After using G+ (and Hangouts especially), I've found it's a great way to keep in touch with groups of people and the general public as a whole. For my blog, it's an easy way to share my posts and host small video chats with friends and readers. Jen Joyce says that the Uber community managers in each city use it for their weekly meetings, and another friend, Carrie, is excited to use it to keep in touch with all of us (we've got one girlfriend in Vegas, New York and Nairobi, Kenya!)

Visit my Google+ page and add me to a circle! Alix and I had such a fun time with Hangouts and are definitely open to doing another one again in the future.

Thanks Google for inviting us to do this; to Sara for letting us use SPUN Sustainable Collective as our space to Hangout, and to our participants: Alyson, Carrie, Emily, Jen, Jillian & Steve!

Fresh Jess at Lucky FABB - Watch the Livestream!

2012-04-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi friends! I'm in beautiful Santa Monica for Lucky Magazine's first Lucky FABB West Coast conference. I got in yesterday for a full day of fun, shopping and networking with fashion bloggers from all over the country. Today we'll hear from the likes of Randi Zuckerberg, Zac Posen, Jessica Alba, Soleil Moon Frye, my blogger crushes Aimee Song (Song of Style) and Geri Hirsch (Because I'm Addicted) and more.

Watch the livestream below, and follow my tweets at #LuckyFABB.

I'm posting pics on my Facebook page as well! This was my outfit for most of yesterday. Fresh off the plane :)

Quiksilver Women shirt / lace tank from Moksha / H&M shorts / vintage scarf

Nordstrom Flagship Spring Cosmetic Trend Show 2012 (Recap)

2012-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Nordstrom held their spring 2012 Cosmetic Trend Show last Saturday and as usual, it was quite the show! It was my second time covering the Trend Show as social media press, and really enjoyed tweeting each of the looks from the front row.

Even though the Trend Show highlights what's hot for spring and summer beauty and fragrance, Nordstrom didn't fail to support with spring fashion looks from various departments in the store. Feast your eyes on all of this amazingness from DvF, Rachel Roy, Citizens of Humanity, Elie Tahari and Derek Lam:

All of these avid beauty fans were up bright & early for the show!

Nordstrom always sets a clever theme for their Trend Show, with each scene featuring essential makeup pieces from all the great brands in the store. This spring's theme was "Getaway", featuring "Glow Getters" golden, healthy radiance; "Sun-Dressed Eyes" with rose gold and shimmery yellow palettes; and "Splash-Glam Lips" with luscious corals and reds.

This year's Trend Show counts these trends among this spring & summer's beauty getaway essentials. You can see them demonstrated in the various looks in my photos:

Sun-dressed eyes

Splash-Glam lips

Effortless lips

Carefree cheeks

Flirty lashes

Glow getters

Imperfect brow

In the nude nails

Deconstructed hair

Fresh scents

Bond #9 Central Park West fragrance with:

Truth & Pride citron double-breasted jacket

Ted Baker multi rose bug cuffed shorts

Bare Escentuals' bareMinerals foundation with:

Vallete grey-silk sleeveless top

Theory natural white "Nayilla" wide-leg pant

Nars' Larger than Life lip gloss & pure radiant tinting moisturizer with:

Derek Lam ivory silk short sleeve blouse

Diane von Furstenberg grey "Charlotte" sequined short

Front row with AlixRose!

Philosophy Oxygen Renewal Set & Purity Made simple one-step facial cleanser with:

Remain rose gold scoop neck sweater

Hinge rose memoir tank top

Citizens of Humanity petite rose skinny pant

M.A.C. extra-dimensional eye shadow & zoom waterfast mascara with:

Marc by Marc Jacobs red hot silk top & normandy blue multi-print skirt

Chantecaille coral reefs palette & gel liner with:

Rachel Roy green/blue print dress

Nordy's Sanda Belaire with the Trend Show bloggers! Me, Ilsay of The Ultimate Makeup, Alyson of Crushing on Clothes & AlixRose

Outfit:

Thrifted yellow wool blazer (via Value Village Fashion Ambassador program!)

Grey low v-neck tee

H&M green denim

Topshop studded flats

And the sweet swag bag filled with goodies!

Getting Pretty with Gene Juarez Happy Hour

2012-04-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was invited by Gene Juarez Salons & Spas to their GJ Happy Hour at the Downtown Seattle location. Gene Juarez designed these happy hours a few years ago as a fun ladies' night concept, with mini-treatments, bubbly, yummy goodies to eat and the like. Each salon location now hosts at least a couple of these happy hours a year.

This was my first time at one and I'm told the flow of the event has evolved a bit to be a little more flowing (versus being shuffled from station to station) and now includes a fancy Facebook Beautification Project photo shoot at the end! Needless to say, it was fun being worked on by some of the best in the Seattle beauty industry.

My stylist, Leonardo, leads Gene Juarez's Team Artistic, which does the hair for almost every photo shoot and fashion industry event in the city (and more.) Leonardo worked some serious magic on my hair, giving it volume like I've never had before!

I then had the honor of sitting in Tracy Marie's chair for makeup and nails. Tracy is Gene Juarez's Makeup Education Director, a.k.a. the makeup artist that teaches all of the other artists! A seasoned pro in the makeup industry, Tracy didn't just do my makeup and tell me what product she was using. She went into more detail about why she chose the look that she did for me than any other makeup artist I've ever worked with. She went way beyond face shape and skin type, asking me a ton of questions about my lifestyle, my personal style and my attitudes toward makeup. Tracy then created a look with Gene Juarez's Flash Face concept (read: quick & easy) that played with some of the season's hottest colors while keeping the overall effect minimal. Thanks to her, I found out how to best highlight my features, tame my combination skin, and that I should spend more time with cool-toned makeup for pops of color.

I probably spent way more time than usual with Tracy, but I was so inspired by her clear passion for educating others about her passion. So great to have a new friend from this happy hour!

Special thanks to Alyson, recently departed as Gene Juarez's marketing coordinator and fellow blogger at Crushing on Clothes, for inviting me to attend!

She takes the best laughing pictures! I don't look that cute laughing!

I'm ready for my Facebook Beautification Project photos!

Even got a couple of pics with my girl, the lovely AlixRose!

The best things about this happy hour were the makeup tips I'm able to use every day now, and the fact that my hair held up for a couple of days after the event! Waves for days!

Thanks Gene Juarez! To find out about the next Gene Juarez Happy Hour in the Puget Sound region, sign up for their email list at GeneJuarez.com.

One quick note: I recently became one of Value Village/Savers' latest Fashion Ambassadors! I've been scouring the Value Villages around the Puget Sound region for years, and now my thrifting adventures are a little sweeter. The black & white ikat print top you see in the Gene Juarez shots are actually a thrifted t-shirt dress, and this beautiful coral knit sweater is also a Value Village find. These are both current staples in my wardrobe. You'll see a lot more of my Value Village finds weaved into posts going forward!

Outfits:

Black/white thrifted t-shirt dress (worn as tee - similar)

Levi's Perfect Fit denim

Zara booties

Thrifted coral knit sweater (similar here)

Studded necklace

Topshop studded flats

Arm swag from various trips

Seattle! Massive Monkees Day this Saturday, 4/21

2012-04-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle’s world-champion break dancing crew Massive Monkees, is celebrating Massive Monkees Day this Saturday, April 21st. All proceeds from their 13th anniversary event will be donated to Extraordinary Futures which focuses on building critical life and leadership skills for at-risk youth across the globe.

Come join in the sights and sounds of the local hip-hop scene while contributing to a good cause. During the 5-on-5 crew battle, world-famous DJs Lean Rock, Element, Fever One, Soul One, and Sureal will be working the turntables. Special performances will be made by Big World Breaks and more.

The MassiveMonkees, a 28-member group of break dancers, has spent years dancing their way through competitions, winning countless awards and titles. In 2004, they were named World B-Boy Champions at London’s Wembley Arena. The crew has placed 3^rd on season four of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew and currently tours the country to speak and inspire the public.

Beyond their passion for dance, the Massive Monkees Crew has a strong belief in giving back to the community and world that helped shape the people they are today. As recognized leaders in the community, they were honored by former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, who named April 26 official Massive Monkees Day.

Get your tickets at Brown Paper. Advanced purchase is suggested as space is limited. Additional donations will be accepted at the Massive Monkees merchant booth as well as at the door.

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Backstage Bash: Apollo's After Party this Friday!

2012-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Pacific Northwest Ballet's Backstage Bash is back for 2012 with Apollo’s After Party! The end of Apollo and Carmina on April 20 brings the party to the stage once again at McCaw Hall.

Come dance the night away to beats spun by DJ Skiddle from C89.5 as the (complimentary!) drinks flow from the multiple bars both on and off the stage (Last year’s party was just too much for one stage, let alone one bar). And let’s not forget the delectable food for all (as if you could, don’t lie).

You will be surrounded on the stage by the company dancers; this is one of their favorite events of the season. All net proceeds for the bash go to support Pacific Northwest Ballet (@PNBallet) and their commitment to the arts including the PNB school, professional company, world-class choreographers and teachers, and top-notch dancers.

Get your tickets to Backstage Bash before they sell out! Head here for more information and to buy.

Fresh Monday at Melvita

2012-04-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

I kicked off this week with a fresh facial at Melvita, the natural & organic beauty line out of Ardèche, France. Though I was there on an invite from Melvita, I can honestly say that I've never met a team so knowledgable and informative about every product in the store. M. Didier Thevinin, Melvita's head of education and training, gave me a crash course in all things Melvita, from its humble beginnings in the Ardèche region to its leadership in ECOCERT certification for beauty products.

I learned about the various oils and ingredients that go into Melvita's product lines, and their commitment to strict standards for organic & natural products. They make sure to avoid parabens, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and colors, paraffins and more (see the full list here.)

Didier and Sebastian (Melvita San Francisco's store manager) then sat me down and asked me about my beauty routine & any goals I had to improve my regimen. They selected the products below based on my answers (which told them I have your textbook oily/combination skin.)

Sebastian was kind enough to walk me through each step of my facial and reiterate some of the benefits from the ingredients in each step of the process.

Feeling rejuvenated, I fueled up with an almond croissant and some seriously delicious juice from Boulangerie Nantaise, the French bakery in Belltown. I'm not sure what was in that juice but I will have to head down to the bakery sometime and get more of it!

After breakfast and a tour of the rest of the store, I headed out with what I later found out was the single best swag bag I've ever received. Not only did I receive all of the products Sebastian used in my facial, but I got day & night versions, some monthly treatments and a bunch of samples too! M. Thevinin was so kind to write out the facial selections he'd made for me as a reminder for home.

Melvita, thank you so much for having me and starting my week off on the right foot! If you're into natural or organic products, I recommend checking out Melvita online or in one of its 45 worldwide locations (Newport Beach, Seattle or San Francisco in the U.S.)