Seattle life & style - FreshJess.com

Seattle: Goodwill Designer Accessory Sale starts today!

2012-03-09T08:59:00.002-08:00

The University District Goodwill is hosting the Goodwill Designer Accessory Sale today and tomorrow, 10:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.!

Photo from Fresh Jess at the Goodwill Glitter Sale preview

Much like the famous Glitter Sale in the fall, the Goodwill Designer Accessory Sale benefits Goodwill’s free job training and education programs. The sale will include authentic, faux and vintage designer shoes, handbags, accessories and more at affordable prices. Can't make it to the sale early? Not to worry. Shoppers can find a great selection no matter when they visit since Goodwill staff will restock the shelves with more designer accessories throughout both days of the sale. ·

Photo from Fresh Jess at the Goodwill Glitter Sale preview

Designer brands include: Dooney & Bourke, Coach, Betsey Johnson, Fossil, Cole Haan, BCBG, Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Steve Madden and Nine West. Men will find a great selection of items, including ties, shoes, hats, belts and clothing.

Goodwill’s free job training and education programs include: English for Speakers of Other Languages, Basic Computers, GED Preparation, and Retail and Customer Service. These classes help low-income and disadvantaged people in the community find jobs and become economically self-sufficient.

Photo from Fresh Jess at the Goodwill Glitter Sale preview

Seattle Goodwill Industries is a private, nonprofit organization that has served the central and northern Puget Sound since 1923. It provides free job-training and education programs and services that help low-income and underserved people obtain the skills they need to secure employment so they may achieve economic self-sufficiency.

For more information about Goodwill programs, please call toll-free 1-877-GIVE4GOOD or visit the website at seattlegoodwill.org.

Photo from Fresh Jess at the Goodwill Glitter Sale preview

Volunteering for Bulldog Haven NW at the Seattle Dog Show this weekend!

2012-03-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Spike, bf and I will be volunteering in the Bulldog Haven NW booth at the Seattle Kennel Club's 2012 Dog Show!

Come watch the pedigree dog shows & fun entertainment. Stay and hang with us in the BHNW booth to learn about the rescue, available foster dogs, volunteer opportunities and more.

Admission is just $10!

The 2012 SKC Dog Show is at CenturyLink Field Events Center, this Saturday & Sunday from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Let me know if you'll be there!

More info on Bulldog Haven NW

Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show website

Gravis Instagram Contest

2012-03-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Skateboarding brand Gravis is hosting an Instagram contest (for North American users) running through 2012! I have to be honest - I'm sharing this video not just because of the fun contest but the eye candy too :)

It's simple:

Follow @gravisfootwear on Instagram
Tag your best photo #gravisphotocontest
Each month, pro skateboarder & photographer Arto Saari will choose one lucky user's photo to win a pair of Gravis shoes.

Gravis Instagram Contest from Gravis Footwear on Vimeo.
Music by Richard Houghten

Noir Lash Lounge Now Open in Bellevue

2012-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Canadian lash phenomenon is finally here in the U.S. - and in Bellevue specifically! Alixrose and I had the pleasure of meeting Joyce Poon, founder of Noir Lash Lounge two weeks ago and she treated us to a set of extensions and some LashDip for Alix. Joyce really works hard to differentiate Noir from pretty much every other lash extension provider around.

Noir is exclusively focused on lash extensions and LashDip only, though with Julep Nail Salon next door and the option to bring in other services, you can still have that bridal party or girls' night out in the lounge. That's another differentiator - Noir is set up like a lounge, with plush chaise lounges and dance music in place of the quiet rooms and massage beds you'd normally see.

Lashes start at $75 for the initial set, with $35 fills and an average of 4-6 weeks in place. Mine lasted all the pool time, humidity and exploring I did on my cruise last week without a single one falling out!

Noir Lash Lounge is open now just a block south of Bellevue Square on Bellevue Way.

Thanks Joyce!

NoirLashLounge.com / Twitter / Facebook

Fresh Style: Cruisin the Caribbean

2012-03-05T08:41:00.002-08:00

Last week I went on a much-needed technology break while on a Caribbean cruise through Belize, Honduras and Mexico. It was nice to get lots of reading, tanning, eating and exploring in! That said, I'm refreshed and happy to be back in the blogging swing of things.

Here's a quick photo recap of my trip outfits. Not much to say except that as a born and raised Seattleite, figuring out how to stay cool, functional and stylish in the tropical heat and humidity was easy and fun. Enjoy!

Illin in Roatan, Honduras
1950s Polynesian swimsuit
Sunnies from In God We Trust
Black w/gold speckled TOMS

Beautiful West End - Roatan, Honduras

I love Mexican Coke. So happy to see one of these tiendas every 20 feet!

At the top of the Temple of the Masks - Kohunlich Mayan Ruins

Kohunlich Mayan Ruins
Stussy dress
F21 denim shorts
Grey TOMS
Vintage cross-body bag

Mexico! Port at Cozumel
Lira draped tank
Lush tiered crochet knit shorts
Reef sandals

Cozumel

Last night at sea
Vintage dress (My Kelly Kapowski dress)
Deena & Ozzy sandals

Fresh Faves: Byron Gronseth & a Re:Fresh Jess

2012-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

People ask me all the time how I manage to work, blog, be out and have a life. The truth is, you never get anywhere (sanely) without the help of a great team, and for mine, I'm grateful. I enlisted the help of one of my dear friends, Byron Gronseth, to help me breathe some new life into the look and feel of Fresh Jess. What he is giving me in return is so much more.

Byron is definitely not your cookie cutter graphic designer. At least not to me. He sat me down in a coffee shop for a few hours and walked me through a ton of questions, delving deep into my interests, passions and visual stimuli to come up with a whole new branding identity.

What you now see here on FreshJess.com is one piece of that. "Pretty, witty, girly, worldly" - I also wanted imagery to reflect the West Coast and Pacific Northwest without a cliche shot of the Space Needle and me holding an umbrella or something. We both agreed on a darker palette too. Take one look at my Pinterest style boards and you'll see I'm not one for frills and sequins and glitter (unless I have to be.)

I also wanted to reflect my insistence on keeping FreshJess a lifestyle blog, even though I'm classified as a fashion blogger about 90% of the time. It's fine, but I still want to cover other things that mean a lot to me: the causes I support, the celebrities and mentors who inspire me, the books I read, the places I eat, etc. All things fresh in the eyes of a young Seattleite. Life + style, if you will.

Anywho, I'm so extremely thankful for Byron's help in making FreshJess look so fly. Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Check out ByronGronseth.com and his Behance gallery.

Pinterest is Taking Over My Life: 2/26/12

2012-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've decided to post a few of my favorite pins from various boards on my Pinterest in a weekly roundup here on Fresh Jess. You will see outfit inspirations, recipe ideas, travel destinations, celebrities, art and other visual stimuli that inspires me.

I love this style. I wish it'd warm up in Seattle already!

Source: electrictigers.tumblr.com via Jess on Pinterest

Powerful

Source: fitasfuck.tumblr.com via Jess on Pinterest

I'm about that juice life!

Source: reisumidori96.tumblr.com via Jess on Pinterest

I love this.

Source: electrictigers.tumblr.com via Jess on Pinterest

Candy & spikes

Source: ciaobella50.com via Jess on Pinterest

Are you on Pinterest? Leave your username below in a comment so I can follow you!

Guinness & FreshJess = The Largest St. Patty's Day Celebration Ever!

2012-02-25T00:09:00.001-08:00

What's a holiday like St. Patty's Day without a little fun & games?

This year, Guinness is setting its sights high with a mission to set a Guinness World Record for The Largest St. Patty's Day Celebration Ever.

They've partnered with me to lead the efforts here in Washington State!

How can you help make this The Largest St. Patty's Day Celebration Ever?

It's easy:

1) Head over to Guinness.com

2) Fill out the form to confirm you're over 21 (sorry kiddos)

3) Click "Join the Party"

4) Fill out the pledge form & enter "JESS" in the optional code

5) Share it on Facebook

Simple as that!

Master Brewer Fergal Murray

For each pledge made that includes code "JESS", I'm donating a dollar to my dear Bulldog Haven NW in support of their efforts to provide better lives to rescued bulldogs.

Drink responsibly - it's for a good cause this time!

Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade lands at Nordstrom

2012-02-23T22:42:00.002-08:00

The Florence Broadhurst for Kate Spade tour bus rolled through the Nordstrom flagship in Downtown Seattle last night, and what a party it was! Kate Spade creative director Deborah Lloyd hosted the launch of the Japanese-print inspired collection, and Nordstrom pulled out all the stops to make for a fabulous soiree. Guests enjoyed itty bitty sliders, apple tarts, whoopie pies and red velvet cake; sipped champagne and bottled Coca-Colas; and danced to the tunes of the Vivian Girls. All the while, shoppers tried on and browsed through the new collection, rich in bright coral and pink. I was a big fan of the structured totes and the sunnies myself.

Take a look and head to Nordstrom to pick up these sweet pieces.

All Florence for Broadhurst for Kate Spade photos after the jump

Marni at H&M is coming!

2012-02-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what I love most about Marni at H&M - the patterns, color palette or silhouettes! The collection comes out on March 8th, 2012, and all of the pieces are under $150. I'm hoping one of the Seattle-area stores is on the list of 250 who are getting pieces from it.

Marni creative director and founder Consuelo Castiglioni oversaw this latest collaboration with H&M:

“I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favorite pieces in signature fabrics and prints. As always, I love juxtaposing prints and colors, mixing modern tribal with Bauhaus graphic and adding sporty utilitarian elements.”

Enjoy the full lookbook below, and let me know if you have any favorites!

See the full lookbook after the jump:

Pink Carpet Project: Seattle Fashion Stands w/Planned Parenthood

2012-02-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

When news broke out that the Susan G. Komen Foundation would be cutting its funding for Planned Parenthood, the Seattle fashion community (led by the amazing Cameron Levin) banded together in a matter of hours and decided to produce the Pink Carpet Project to support Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and to bring attention to this important issue.

Seattle-based designers including: SPUN, Lizzie Parker, Vian Hunter, Katie Chrisman, Kate Mensah, Lady Konnyaku, La Belle Reve, Banchong Douangphrachanh, Lekkerlife, MEKA Clothing, Fancyhawk Lingerie, Miriam Reynolds, Cameron Levin, House of Isaac Andrews and Ilha Swimwear will have their latest collections at Pink Carpet Project.

There will also be live burlesque performances, a pop-up boutique, a fashion show, swag bags and a short introduction from Dr. Anna Kaminski, Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest.

We hope you can join us for this wonderful event!

Pink Carpet Project

Seattle Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood

Thursday, March 1st, 2012 // 8:00 - 11:30p.m. // Fred Wildlife Refuge (127 E. Boylston, Seattle 98102) // 21+

$25 // $50 VIP (front row seating & swag bag)

$300 Table Host (Includes front row table seating for three people, two bottles of wine and appetizers, black car transportation services to and from event by Black Crown Car Services LLC and swag bag).

Buy tickets here

Sponsored by The Stranger, Fred Wildlife Refuge, Girly Girl Wines, Black Crown Car LLC, Grim's and Manhattan Drugs.

Fresh Style: Fight Night

2012-02-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend had his second pro mixed martial arts fight last night (and came home with the win!)

I love fight nights. People always ask me if I get scared or nervous watching him fight, but I always tell them that MMA is a sport and like every other athlete, he goes through training, conditioning and strict dieting to prep for the fight. I do get nervous during the fight because I want him to win :)

Dressing for fight nights is always a lot of fun. I like to think of the significant others of famous boxers and ultimate fighters, while keeping it fun, functional and fresh. In a sea of jeans and tees though, it's not that hard to stand out!

This time I took my Jeffrey Campbell Night Walks for a spin. You can find them at SoleStruck!

Dimepiece Designs dress
Jeffrey Campbell Night Walks
MNG wool coat
Vintage Pendelton scarf
Bracelets from: Sustalux, Moksha & gifted (from my grandma in the Philippines)

Fresh Jess' NYFW Favorite Shows

2012-02-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

The nice thing about Fashion Week is that you can catch a lot of the action online. While it can't replicate the excitement of being in the tents, it's much easier for fashion enthusiasts to catch their favorite designers' runway shows via blog or video.

That said, here are some of my favorite runway show recaps via LifeMinute.tv:

DVF

VPL by Victoria Bartlett

Zac Posen

Jenny Packham

Betsey Johnson

Sudden Vacation: Seattle to Paris

2012-02-20T06:00:00.001-08:00

Capital One invited me out to a fun short they filmed in Seattle a few weeks ago. Unfortunately it was during our snow & ice storm when I didn't venture outside for a few days :/ The finished product is a cute transformation of the crepe stand on Pike St. into a quaint Paris getaway.

This "Sudden Vacation" is for Capital One's Venture Adventure giveway. Head to TimeForVenture.com, upload a photo of yourself in one of their getaway postcards and that's your entry to win a dream vacation. Enjoy & good luck!

Fresh Style in NYC

2012-02-19T20:58:00.001-08:00

Snaps of my outfits while in NYC. Shouts to Mollie for taking these!

IFB Con outfit - see my recap post!

With Mollie & Michelle (Amuse Bouche) outside Chelsea Market

Climbing the steps up to the Highline

Illin' in Soho
H&M denim shirt
Vintage crossbody bag & sunnies
Necklace & speckled denim from MokshaSteve Madden boots

At the tents!Uniqlo J+ kimono down coatH&M colored denimZara booties

Had a blast with Mollie!

Usher & Diplo: Climax

2012-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

This is probably the first track of 2012 to really get me. I still have it on repeat!

Usher - Climax from NEO14 on Vimeo.

What are some of your favorite songs or albums right now? Let me know!

Seattle: Goods is closing

2012-02-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

Bummed to hear about Seattle skatewear staple Goods closing on the Hill, especially so soon after the launch of Alive and Well. Goods had a great run of almost ten years and definitely put the city on the map in the skate & streetwear world. I've always been a big fan of their house collection and logo.

My boyfriend and I stopped by this morning to say goodbye and were greeted by this long line!

Make sure you stop by and see what's left. Pay respects on Goods' FB page.

Rebecca Minkoff F/W '12 Runway Show

2012-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

I had the privilege of catching the Rebecca Minkoff fall/winter '12 runway show thanks to Mollie of MollieInSeattle. Theophilus London performed briefly before the models took the stage in beautiful leather, metallic, sherbet tones and geometric prints. I'm not sure there was a bag in this collection worthy of taking the Morning After's place as "It Bag", but there were a few cute accessories in the mix.
Check out some of my favorite looks from the show, then my video of the final walk (all photos via Fashionista.com):

Erin Fetherston F/W '12 Presentation at Milk Studios

2012-02-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of attending Erin Fetherston's F/W 2012 presentation at Milk Studios last night. Ms. Fetherston's collection is packed with tons of chiffon, berry tones, brocade and lovely, flattering lines. These are perfect for every occasion from a night out on the town to a fancy gala. The presentation attracted a beautiful crowd of celebrities, industry professionals and bloggers alike.

Enjoy the pics!

Erin!

ErinFetherston.com

Fresh Style: Eazy Breezy

2012-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

After weeks of cold temps and even a few days of snow and ice, the sun came out in the Emerald City and decided to bring some (relative) warmth with it! In upper-50 degree weather, it only made sense to reach for some shorts, my vintage Eazy-E tee and my current staple, the denim shirt, for a few errands and a casual chocolate cooking demo at my best friend Sara's boutique, SPUN Sustainable Collective.

H&M denim shirt & faux leather shorts
Vintage Eazy-E tee
Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace
Steve Madden military boots (another staple of mine)

Traipsing the city & catching reflections with AlixRose

Illin at home after a great day!

Mercer Boutique $500 Gift Card Giveaway

2012-02-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Mercer is one of the go-to boutiques in the city for the hottest brands and trends fitting the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Mercer's probably best known for their denim selection, but they've really stepped up to provide a well-rounded selection to create full outfits and styles.

They're hosting a $500 gift card giveaway on the Mercer Facebook page right now. All you have to do is like their page and fill out the entry form to enter to win (make sure you mention Fresh Jess as your referral!)

What's there to lose? You could win a sweet gift card to update your wardrobe for spring, and you'll be updated on the latest items and events in Mercer stores. Take a look at what they've got in store now:

IFB Conference Feb 2012 - Recap

2012-02-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

The February 2012 IFB conference was the perfect way to kick off New York Fashion Week! This was my third time attending and my first as a speaker, moderating the "Media Goes Mobile" panel.

The audience was full of fresh faces and judging by the #IFBcon tweets, they had a great time and learned a lot from all of the speakers!

I hadn't really considered myself a "veteran" blogger - in fact, I still don't since I have a lot to learn and do! However, it was really fulfilling to be onstage sharing information and advice on social media and blogging.

Milk Studios was absolutely PACKED to the walls for each panel, so my pictures are mostly backstage. Enjoy!

Vintage plaid cape, bib necklace, belt & clutch from Sustalux; bracelets from Moksha, Sustalux & Urban Xchange

The panel! Karen Moon (StyleMusee), Macala Wright (Fashionably Marketing Me), Tom & Lorenzo, Bryan Boy & Aliza Licht (DKNY PR Girl)

H&M sleeveless top w/back cutout; vintage belt from Sustalux

With Jennine Jacob, founder of IFB

With Karen Moon & Bryan Boy

With Aliza Licht in our capes

With Macala & Aliza before our panel

Tony Wang

Tom & Lorenzo

Met one of my favorite bloggers, Vintage Vandalizm!

Another fabulous panel

bling!

Guest of a Guest has their conference photos up already. Check them out!

I am in town for the rest of the week catching a few shows and catching up with some great friends. Tweet at me if you're around! @JessEstrada

How Bad Do You Want It? (Video)

2012-02-08T06:00:00.001-08:00

One of my heroes, Amy Jo Martin of Digital Royalty, tweeted out this "How Bad Do You Want It" inspirational video last week. Amy queues this up every night so she can watch it first thing in the morning. The video's by Greyskale Media and features football player Giavanni Ruffin with voiceover from Eric Thomas, aka "The Hip-Hop Preacher."

I can see why Amy starts each day with this video. What a great reminder to go the extra mile. When you think you don't have to...that's when you have to, most!

Enjoy!
How Bad Do You Want It from Greyskale Multimedia LLC on Vimeo.

Fresh Style: Alive and Well

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

Alive and Well might only stock menswear for now, but that doesn't mean the stylish ladies can't work some pieces into their wardrobe. After getting a sneak peek last week, I came back for a couple of beanies, from the house brand as well as Seattle's own Actual Pain.

Remember that HUF x Haroshi deck I posted and pinned? We got that too! It'll stay in our home as a collector piece though. No skating here :)

Black leather jacket
Grey short sleeve drape tee
Deena & Ozzy python print leggings
Black/metallic gold TOMS from Coastal
Vintage Ray-Ban aviators from Sustalux

PowerCam App for iPhone (Review)

2012-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

They say that the best camera is the one you have with you (at least, Chase Jarvis does.) For a blogger and amateur photographer like me, that means the lens and apps on my iPhone. I am always looking for ways to improve my blogging game. Lord knows I am sharing photos with friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Hipstamatic, Pinterest, Tumblr and more on a regular basis! So when I was asked to review* the PowerCam app by WonderShare, I was excited to add it to my arsenal of iPhone photo apps.

PowerCam is an app for all apps. Besides the basic necessities of grid, zoom, balance, exposure, photo resolution/sizing and lighting adjustments, it's got an impressive 50+ effects for editing & filtering photos and videos. There's also a tilt-shift functionality, face-tracking and timer for self-portraits (YES), color splashing and in-video filter changes. You can share your pictures and videos straight from PowerCam to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Tumblr and via email. I have over 20 apps on my iPhone for photography alone, but this is the closest one I've seen that has features of a point & shoot camera combined with the features of Camera+, Hipstamatic and Instagram. Honestly, the only thing missing for me was a good stabilizer function. Aside from that, it ranks high on my extensive list of photo apps!

I took PowerCam with me to my family's Super Bowl party today to play with its many features. Check it out:

Download the PowerCam app on iTunes, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

This is a sponsored post, fully written and reviewed by me. All opinions expressed in this post, as with all posts on Fresh Jess, are mine.