January 18, 2013
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU BEAUTY EVENTS

Caitlin Murphy
  01.18.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

THE HOTSPOTS

The holiday shopping season may be over, but that means it’s the ideal time to enjoy some January shopping deals.  Head to Nordstrom’s flagship downtown Seattle store or visit the swanky University Village shops for fabulous beauty events and deals this month. After all, looking your best is the perfect way to usher in the New Year!

THE SCHEDULE

Downtown Seattle Nordstrom: January 18-19

Bobbi Brown Master Class with Beauty Team Artist Dillion Pena. Bobbi Brown is famous for her naturally beautiful makeup. If you’ve had a chance to see Katie Holmes’s gorgeous new campaign. you’ll want to stop by this event for expert recommendations, tips and tricks from Pena and the Bobbi Brown team. 

Chantecaille’s Healing Facial Event features luxurious Jasmine and Lily Healing Emulsion facials. Plus, you will receive a four piece gift with any $125 dollar purchase. 

The Dior Skincare Team is ready to help you find your perfect skincare regime with the Skincare Studio Event. 

The Blissful Beauty Event is a great way to learn about everything from eye serums to BB creams. Simply stop by any beauty counter and receive a complimentary skincare consultation along with free samples. 

Book an appointment for the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift at the Advance Skincare counter. Kate is the skincare expert to the stars and this is one of her most popular treatments.

University Village

Calidora Skin Clinic is offering January specials through the 31st. If you buy five facials you can get one free and if you buys three Laser & Light Therapy treatments you receive two free. 

Tuesday January 15- Friday, January 28 L’Occitane en Provence is hosting skincare events featuring mini-facials, honey hand massages and treats from Provence.  The treatments are free of charge so be sure to book you appointment soon!

Every Tuesday at Swink Style Bar you can get a blowout or drystyle for only $25!

GUEST LIST

Updating your beauty regime is essential ,so these events are a must for anyone. You’ll be sure to run into ladies of all ages (and maybe a few men too!) who love to pamper themselves.

EXTRA DETAILS

To book your appointment call Nordstrom or University Village or visit their websites.

Nordstrom Downtown Seattle

500 Pine Street

Seattle, WA 98101

206.628.2111

University Village

2623 Northeast University Village Street

Seattle, WA 98015

(260) 523-0622

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Filed under: Bobbi Brown Calidora Facial Nordstrom Seattle Seattle Event Skincare Swink University Village Heaven Salon 
January 9, 2013
URBAN YOGA SPA

OFFERING HOT YOGA AND SPA SERVICES, THIS “HOT SPOT” IS A WINTER MUST
Caitlin Murphy  01.09.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Seattle isn’t exactly know for it’s warm sunny weather, and when the winter months roll in, it’s rain rain rain. That’s why paying a visit to Urban Yoga Spa in January and February is almost essential for your sanity . The Hot Yoga room is a welcome respit from the dreary outdoors…the room in hot, like a vacation in Tahiti hot. And how great it this, not only does the location offer Hot Yoga classes, you can also enjoy massages, manicures and pedicures, acupuncture, eyelash extensions and waxing. 

 AMBIENCE

You can’t miss this literal hot spot, as it resides on the corner of 4th and Stewart just blocks from Seattle’s downtown shopping core. The windows are large and reveal open, contemporary interiors done in serene whites, smooth reflective surfaces and geometric pops of black. This location is very zen, but it’s not your earthy kind of yoga studio. When you visit Urban Yoga Spa you know you’re downtown and it’s much more spa like..polished, sophisticated and very chic. 

EXPERIENCE

Several friends of mine swear by Urban Yoga Spa, and since they sports some of the most impossibly tight triceps and flat abs, I knew I had to give it a try. The yoga room is very large with  white walls, mirrors lining the front and sides and very tall ceilings. Cathy is one of the most popular instructors, so my friends suggested I visit her class first, and as luck would have it, it chose an special Madonna themed session. (In my opinion, when the opportunity arises to listen to Madonna music for and hour, one does not turn it down!) The air was thick with humidity and the wall of heat hit me as I walked in the room…it was just what I needed. We flowed through several yoga sequences and when the intensity and heat where too much, I just laid down and enjoyed the warmth. The workout was INTENSE, and I may or may not have checked my watch several times to see if was going to make it. Afterward, however, I have never, and I mean never, felt better. There was a sense of calm and zen that I have never felt before or since, and I have to say, I crave that feeling. Plus I long for the hot room when that cold Seattle wind starts to blow.

If you want to check out the spa, just head upstairs.  You’re greeted with an immaculate white sanctuary bathed in natural light from the large windows overlooking the bustling streets below. You’ll find nail stations and massage rooms, it’s the ideal place to pamper your body inside and out. 

WALLET WATCH

Single yoga classes are $20, there is a new member speical which offers unlimited classes for a month for $99. You can find prices for spa treatments HERE.

IN CROWD

These are your sophisticated yogis, so you’ll see lots of Lululemon outfits and stylish Nordstrom gals. There are plenty of guys as well and the atmosphere is wonderfully inclusive so you have every size, shape and age in each class.

NEED TO KNOW

Urban Yoga Spa

4th Avenue & Stewart Street 

1900 4th Avenue

Seattle, WA

206.420.0222

Image credit: Urban Yoga Spa

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Filed under: eyelash extensions seattle seattle salon seattle spa wellness yoga 
January 4, 2013
FORMULARY 55

SMALL BATCH AND HANDMADE LUXURIES FOR YOU AND YOUR HOME
Caitlin Murphy  01.04.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

Fabulous bath and body products are one of those great luxuries everyone should afford themselves.  Cordelia Smith, one of Seattle’s favorite producers of small batch soap and lotions with her heavenly Sweet Petula line, has recently opened a retail store, Formulary 55. Smith has been making bath and body products since 1993, and she started selling her wares at farmer’s markets. The new store showcases Smith’s own line, along with other brands she both uses and loves.

AMBIANCE

Just north of Seattle’s super chic University Village, you’ll find Formulary 55 tucked away in a large brick building in the Ravenna Neighborhood. The intimate shop is boasts soothing Robin’s Egg blue walls and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The rustic open shelving houses beautiful bottles and perfectly packaged products stacked beautifully in displays worthy of Martha Stewart. The shop is small, but very well appointed, making it one of those neighborhood stores you love to visit yourself and introduce to friends.  Behind the retail store, you’ll find Smith’s manufacturing house where she formulates her fabulous concoctions. 

EXPERIENCE

Walk into Formulary 55 and instantly you feel more relaxed. The sweet scents of shea butter soaps and cardamom and coffee body scrubs fill the air and I start to think of all the ways I can transform my basic bathroom into a serene spa. The shelves are stacked with small batch products like  Fig + Yarrow sea scrub, my favorite hand made Sweet Petula White Gardenia candles and soaps and  Mr. Mustachio shaving products for the guys. There are so many bath and body luxuries at Formulary 55 that even though the store is small you can really spend hours here. There are bathing slats, milks  items for the home, perfumes and colognes and even pet care, so you really can find something for everyone. Formulary 55 even offers monthly spa nights!  

IN CROWD

You’ll find quintessential Seattleites here…you know, the “early adopters” who always know the coolest places and newest trends before anyone else. Ladies and gents, teens, grandmothers and everyone in between loves paying a visit to Smith’s store. 

WALLET WATCH

You can find affordable luxuries starting at around $9, plenty at the $15-25  range and most items are under $50.

NEED TO KNOW

Formulary 55

2612 NE 55th Street

206.729.2548 

(Photo Credit: Formulary 55)

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Filed under: bath bath and body seattle seattle hot new places milk & honey body scrubs 
December 20, 2012
SCIENCE MEETS NATURE WITH HARMAN LONDON SKINCARE

Caitlin Murphy
  12.20.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

WHERE TO FIND

Home to Amazon, Microsoft and a myriad of startup tech companies, Seattle has a long standing love affair with all things scientific.  The city is also home to some of the most beautiful mountain vistas and waterways in the country and has a well known affinity for nature. So it’s no surprise that Seattleite’s love the Washington based Harman London skincare line and their fusion of nature and science.  The gentle, paraban free line was developed with a board certified dermatologist to give you skin exactly what it needs to look its best, without any unwanted or harsh extras.

TREND ALERT

Did you know soapy cleansers can dry skin and actually exacerbate the effects of  winter weather? That’s why I love that Harman London has created a no-soap, low foaming gel cleanser  called “Pacify” that cleans the skin without over drying. It also doesn’t contain and harsh fragrances which makes it gentle and non irritating for my skin. It leaven my skin feeling clean and fresh but not tight. If you’re skin is very dry try the “Super-Fresh” a moisturizing cleanser with hydrating panthenol. You’ll also find paraban free moisturizers and a moisturizing   eye cream which I’m convinced subtracted several years from my face. I love the eye cream’s silky texture and it feels light on the gentle skin around my eyes.  

My favorite product in the line however, is the “Shield” lanolin and paraban free purifying hydrating gel. The winter is just very rough on my skin, I like the heat turned up when I’m inside and the wind outside from our latest wintery blasts just makes things worse. I apply the gel at night and the licorice essence in the “Sheild” actually reduced some of the redness in my skin and left it feeling softer and more radiant in the morning.  

GET THE LOOK

Harman London gives you high quality skin care at a wallet friendly price ranging from $15-$27.  You can purchase Harmon London Skincare products at harmanlondon.com

Image credit: Harman London

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Filed under: moisturizer seattle seattle beauty trend Skin Care Harmon London 
December 12, 2012
BLUE LUNA, KIRKLAND BOUTIQUE WITH A EUROPEAN TOUCH

SCORE FASHIONS STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAYS OF PARIS, MILAN AND BARCELONA
Caitlin Murphy  12.12.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

THE HOTSPOT

When you say fashion and shopping on the Eastside, most Seattleites immediately think of the Bellevue Square Mall, but the mall isn’t the only  fashionable destination in the swanky enclave. Quaint “Old Bellevue” on Main Street is home to beautiful high end stores, restaurants  and boutiques that really shouldn’t be missed. And in Kirkland, you’ll find a bit of Paris at Blue Luna, a chic location featuring handpicked contemporary European fashions which are favorites in Eastside fashion shows. 

AMBIENCE

Blue Luna’s is new to Kirkland (they have been a destination in Bellevue for years) but now you can find the store in Kirkland’s lovely downtown. This is the ideal spot for a clothing boutique, the new store’s interiors are reminiscent of the European fashions the boutique feature…contemporary, chic and sophisticated. With monochromatic palettes of grays and silvers the unobstructed racks perfectly display the clothing.

EXPERIENCE

Each piece at Blue Luna is stand alone special…this is where you find fashion, not just clothes, fashion. Seattle fashion is traditionally  laid-back with a functional vibe. You won’t find that at Blue Luna which is exactly what makes it so special. The construction and structure in the Isable De Pedro gray shift dress is fabulous, along with the architectural  details in the shoulders and cowls of the cop.copine coats and jackets and simple elegance with Sarah Pacini knits.

IN CROWD

The Blue Luna motto is “unique fashion for women who want to be remembered”. That is the best way to sum up who you will find perusing the racks and styling the sweaters. Women with discerning taste who love fashion.

WALLET WATCH

Runway fashions don’t exactly come cheap ( expect to spend in the $200 -$500 range). But remember these are forever pieces made exceedingly well, so when you break down the price per wear, they are a good investment. 

NEED TO KNOW

Blue Luna

127 Lake street South

Kirkland, WA 98003

425.974.1145

bluelunafashion.com

(image credit: Bella Luna Facebook page)

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Filed under: bellevue fashion kirkland seattle seattle hot new places 
November 28, 2012
ELIZABETH ARDEN RED DOOR SPA

Caitlin Murphy
  11.28.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

The Iconic Spa Introduces New Marine Based and Aromatherapeautic Treatments To Their Already Luxurious Menu

ABOUT

Stroll through one of Seattle’s most exclusive spots, The  Shops at The Bravern, and you can’t miss that iconic red door. The one that transports you away from your to do list, and into a land of luxury filled with a full menu of exquisite massages, signature facials, body treatments, hair, makeup, manicures and everything ladies need to look and feel their best.

I’m talking about the iconic Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon, which has been a leader in the spa business for over 100 years.  Beauty pioneer Elizabeth Arden believed beauty should be “an intelligent union of nature and science to develop one’s finest natural assets”, which is why you should definitely pay a visit to this luxurious, elegant spa.

AMBIENCE

Red Door  Spa is aptly named, since a huge red door is the gateway to serenity among Bellevue’s bustling downtown high rises. The vibe is sophisticated, contemporary and elegant, ceilings are tall and the reception area is bright, sleek and well lit.  In the front of Red Door Spa you’ll find a the makeup area, a separate area with several hair stations and just a turn down a hallway , the manicure and pedicure areas.  The floors are tiled  and the color palette is neutral with with pops of red and wood accents.  Past the pedicure chairs you open a door to the relaxation room and you’ve entered the spa. I love that Red Door Spa separates the spa from the salon because it keeps the treatment rooms calm, quite and serene without even murmur of the blowdryers…only calming serene music. 

The spa area and relaxation room keep the contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic but the colors are deeper earth tones, the surfaces are softer, and light is dimmer. Soft candlelight flickers in each of the private treatments rooms. 

EXPERIENCE

I booked the Seawater Pearl Hydrating Facial which incorporates algae caviar and seawater pearls  for the ultimate in  hydrations and one of the new marine based treatments Red Door unveiled for fall/winter. Since the dry indoor air and harsh winter weather were making my skin look a little lackluster, I  figured this  was the perfect treatment…and boy way I right! The Seawater Pearl Facial is the most hydrating facial I have ever experienced, and it left my skin looking radiant and about 10 years younger.

I changed into my robe and enjoyed a cup of Green Tea in the relaxation room, then my delightful and lovely esthetician lead my back to the treatment room. The bed and blankets were warmed and my esthetician placed a heating pad on my abdomen…perfect given the chilly winter weather outside.

The Seawater Pearl Hydrating Facial is ideal for sensitive skin like mine since there are no harsh extraction or chemical peals. We started with a gentle exfoliation prepared with seawater and marine calcium . The combination sloughed off the dead skin and immediately made my skin feel more vibrant. We moved onto hydration where lotions with combinations of algae and seawater pearls were massaged into my skin with special attention payed to my jawline and décolletage. A mist of steam, then my favorite part…two seawater peral sachet pressed over my skin activating essential trance minerals and intensely hydrating my skin. There were a few more relaxing and hydrating maskas and, the facial massage, neck massage, arm and hand massages where fabulous. Oh , and each of the Red Door facials comes with a complementary makeup touch up so I could go out afterward and finish my day!

This is a luxurious treatment perfect for the winter months and left my skin baby soft and absolutely glowing! 

IN CROWD

The Bravern shops include Hermes and Neiman Marcus so you’ll find plenty of well heeled ladies getting pampered.  Plus the Bravern is  located below one of Microsoft’s office buildings so you’ll see career minded ladies booking appointments. 

WALLET WATCH

Facials start at $80 and go up to $230 and the spa offers a full range of menu items. View full price list. 

NEED TO KNOW

reddoorspas.com

Red Door Spa

The Shops at The Bravern

700 110th Avenue NE

Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 455-3700

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Filed under: elizabeth arden red door spa facial seattle seattle salon spa 
November 21, 2012
BLACKBIRD APOTHECARY

Caitlin Murphy
  11.21.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

This Ballard Skincare , Fragrance and Soap Shop Was Created For Men…But It’s Loved By Women

 THE HOTSPOT

Ballard is a hip, cool neighborhood where fisherman, true blue Seattleites and young hipster families all coexist. It’s also home to some of the city’s best new restaurants and foodie culture along with outstanding one of kind shops and funky, local boutiques. Blackbird, the men’s clothing store,  is vastly popular with the most fashionable men in Seattle, and owner Nicole Miller is known around the country for her impeccable taste. Miller recently expanded Blackbird and opened an apothecary filled with heavenly scented soaps, toners and candles and fragrances. The store is intended for men, but with so many  unique and unisex soaps and fragrances, women love it as well. 

AMBIENCE

Located on a cobblestone road off Market Street in Ballard, Blackbird Apothecary is a hidden gem in Seattle’s beauty scene. The walls are black and the ceilings are high, and the space is simply decorated…the design is clean, making everything about showcasing the products. Fragrances from like Diptique, Histoires De Parfums and Comme Des Garçons are showcased in a white bookcase along a side wall. A geometric tower of of square soaps sits on a table near the front window. One of these is Blackbird soap, recently featured in GQ Magazine and made to commemorate the Mt. St. Helens eruption, it’s black like the volcanos ash but with a refreshing scent of Oregon peppermint and Washington geranium, perfect for the many man who still wants to smell amazing. There is a cabinet of skincare products from Malin + Goetz , shaving kits and table neat the back with intense Cire Trudon candles. 

EXPERIENCE

The moment you step into the store you nose is filled with aromas of spices, woods, sweetness and peppers. Blackbird Apothecary smells the way the perfect man should smell, masculine while still warm and gentle. You know the men (and women) who shop here are impeccably dressed and perfectly groomed. The personal shopper will help you choose a the perfect fragrance. I recommend the Histoires De Parfums Tuberose 2 Virginale, it’s the ideal unisex scent with notes of cherry jasmine, iris, tuberose and tangetine that will immediatly become a signature.  

Men love the skincare with Malin + Goestz being the most popular, and the shaving kits make the ideal gift for your husband or father. The selection is so well curated and you’ll discover brands and scents you never knew, but soon learn out you can’t live without!

IN CROWD

You’ll find Seattle’s fashion forward set, hip 20 somethings from Ballard, men and plenty of women.

WALLET WATCH

You can buy a bar of sopa for $10 and a fragrance for $100 to over $200, so there is something for every price point. I love the Diptyque solid perfume for $48, it makes a great gift for you or someone on you list.

 NEED TO KNOW

Blackbird Apothecary

5404 22nd Avenue NW

Seattle, WA 98107

blackbirdballard.com

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Filed under: diptyque fragrance seattle seattle hot new places histoires de parfums comme des garcons 
November 14, 2012
GET THE SECRET TO LEA MICHELE’S RED CARPET HAIR STYLE

Caitlin Murphy
  11.14.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

The Beachwaver is Celeb Stylist’s Curling Iron Creation

THE HOT PRODUCT

Sexy, tousled waves are ubiquitous when it comes to the red carpet styles of Lea Michele, Blake Lively, Sofia Vergara and Emma Stone. While it wearing an armful of Loraine Schwartz diamond bangles might not be possible, it is possible to easily recreate these bombshell celebs’ hairstyles at home with a curling iron from Lea’s own stylist.

Celebrity hair stylist Sarah Potempa created The Beachwaver, a rotating curling iron, so that anyone can get celeb worthy hair. Potempa has styled for magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Real Simple and Seventeen along with clients like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Emmy Rossum and Lea Michele. Her curling iron invention bring her celebrity styling know-how to you!

THE EXPERIENCE

The Beachwaver is one of the coolest beauty  inventions I have seen in a long time. I love doing beachy waves, and I’ve  tried every device to get the perfect look from clampless irons, to holding a regular curling iron upside down, but the Beachwaver is my favorite. It’s so good in fact , that Potempa says her celeb clients are thinking of doing their own red carpet hair in the future!

Instead of choosing a heat setting from a dial, you can set a specific temperature on the Beachwaver. Then you pick which side on you hair you want to start on and hit the “L” or “R” button. The clamp on this iron is short and holds just the ends of you hair. Start with the clamp facing you and secure your ends, press the “GO” button and the iron rotates to create the waves. Quick tip, wake sure the iron is always rotoating away from your face. To do the other side, simply press the corresponding “L” or “R” button and repeat. The iron will curl away from your face in the other direction. Genius!

Wait for the hair to cool, then simply run you hands through for gorgeous celeb worthy waves.

GET YOUR FIX

To get beautiful waves at home on your own, you can purchase The Beachwaver at sarahpotempa.com for $199. 

If you have a special occasion coming up, say a holiday party and you want to have your waves professionally styled, book an appointment at one of Seattle’s blow dry bars, Mane and Swink. Ask for the $35 “Wave To Your Fans” from Mane or the $35  “G&T” (girly and tousled) fromSwink Style Bar. Styles look gorgeous and last for days, plus a visit to the blow dry bar is always a great time!

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Filed under: beachy waves Blake Lively blow dry bar celebrity hair lea michele seattle seattle celeb favorties sofia vergara emma stone swink style bar 
November 7, 2012
TAKE A TRIP TO WINE COUNTY

Caitlin Murphy
  11.07.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Sultry Shades Of Merlot and Bordeaux Are On Lips And Fingertips

WHERE TO FIND

When it comes to makeup, Seattleites love let their natural beauty shine through. But this fall, plenty of ladies have decided to take a trip to the dark side and embrace shades suited to another northwest favorite…red wine.  Washington wine country is famous for its Merlots and Bordeauxs, and while we are used to seeing those names on a wine list, now they’re showing up all over town on lips and fingertips!  

TREND ALERT

Deep aubergine and oxblood are the biggest colors for fall. You’ll find the deep red shades in fashion with everything from handbags and shoes to dresses and denim, and in makeup with of the moment lip and nail colors.  

This fall’s bold wine shades for lips and nails are the natural progression of the bold bright shades we saw for spring and summer. The look is still a statement, but the color story is more appropriate for the season’s pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters.

GET THE LOOK

There are a few things to take note of when choosing a wine colored lip shade. First, it will look very dark and a tad intimidating in the tube, but never fear, the color looks beautiful when applied. Also, make sure you pick the right color for your skin tone, which might take little bit of experimenting. 

The look can go a little goth, so make the rest of your makeup is pretty and simple. A touch of tinted moisturizer or a medium coverage foundation will do the trick since you want a little of your own skin to show through. Then keep your eye makeup minimal with a little liner, dash of shimmer shadow and mascara..make you lips the focus. 

Try Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned,  Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Black Orchid or Dolce and Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Dahlia

These are also great shades for manicures since it’s a a vampy twist on classic red nails. Try Chanel’s Malice, Essie’s Bordeaux, or Julep’s Caroline or Lucy.

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Filed under: beauty trends chanel fall 2012 Julep Lipstick nail polish seattle seattle beauty trend 
November 1, 2012
NEW PURE BARRE STUDIO OPENS IN QUEEN ANNE

Caitlin Murphy
  10.31.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

You Have To Try This Celeb Favorite Workout That Melts Inches And Tones Muscles

THE HOTSPOT

Barre classes are just about the hottest workout trends! Everyone from celebs to college students, career gals to new moms can’t get enough of the low impact, high results workouts. The ballet inspired moves lengthen and tone your muscles without building any bulk, creating a long lean dancer’s body. Pure Barre already has one studio newer University Village and another one the Eastside, but the recently opened a Queen Anne location. Classes in the other locations were always popular so the new location is great news for Seattle residents. Especially as the holidays approach!

AMBIENCE

Nestled the the bottom of Queen Anne hill, and down the street from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the new Pure Barre studio is in a great location. If you work downtown  you could stop in for a class before heading home, or if you live in the city you could just hop the monorail to Seattle Center. The studio is also easy access for those that live in nearby Queen Anne or Westlake.  

The studio is located in the glass 500 Mercer Street building. Inside, the studio is large and airy  like many of the the Pure Barre spaces. Floors are carpeted with ballet bars around the outside, tall ceilings and mirrored walls. The clean and modern studios are one of the best parts of working out at a barre class. It feels more like a trip to the spa than a trip to the gym…granted a sore muscles and sweat inducing trip, but a trip none the less.

EXPERIENCE

You would never guess one inch plie’s could literally met inches off your body. (I mean that, you will sweat a ton!) Women who take Pure Barre classes have lost 10, 20, 30 even 70 pounds. Your legs will shake, your abs will quiver and yes, you might even curse. But after an hour of pulses, leg lifts and teeny tiny crunches you will have flatter abs and a higher your booty.

You’ll target your biceps and triceps with one or two pound hand weights (if you have the option, go for the one pounders, trust me), tone your lower body with sets of plies and squats that will cause you to think your legs and butt might just be on fire, and abdominal exercises that could only have been designed to create the flattest abs possible. The music is motivating which totally helps, and the class is entirely low impact so it’s easy on the joints. In fact many women love to to barre classes to stay in shape while pregnant. 

Pure Barre classes are tough, but the transformations and results speak for themselves!

WALLET WATCH

The first class is free! Yay! I love this since it gives you a chance to try the class and see if you like it. Single classes are $23 and one month of unlimited classes is $225.  Pure Barre offers many different membership options  so check out the website.

NEED TO KNOW

Pure Barre- Queen Anne

500 Mercer Street

Seattle, WA 98109

206.535.8910

purebarre.com

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Filed under: celebrity favorites pure barre seattle seattle hot new place wellness workout 
October 17, 2012
THE ULTIMATE EDGY GIRL’S SALON

Caitlin Murphy
  10.17.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Visit Vain Where Individual Style Reigns Supreme

ABOUT

Victoria Thomas Gentry brought East Coast NYC edge to Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood 16 years ago, and three salon’s later, Vain is still on the cutting edge of hair cuts and colors.  The salon has received high praise from InStyle Magazine, Seattle Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky, and Vain prides itself on helping women express their personal style…whether you prefer punky pink tips or ravishing raven locks. 

AMBIENCE

Vain in Belltown actually began as a boutique beauty supply store and as demand for Victoria Thomas Gentry’s edgy hairstyles grew so did the salon (now with three locations: Downtown, Ballard and West Seattle). But Vain has stayed true to its boutique roots and the West Seattle location currently boasts jewelry, purses and hats in the from of the salon. The ambiance is edgy…exposed brick, loft like details and  rocker hair styles abound. 

 EXPERIENCE

Seattle has a rich rockstar, alternative culture, early adopter history and Vain salon is the perfect representation of that part of the city. While areas like Bellevue, Madison Park and Laurelhurst exemplify Seattle’s chic sophisticates, Vain characterizes that Seattle culture of personal expression. 

If you want to sport some of this Season’s edgier styles, then Vain is the ultimate destination. Stylists are experts in bold colors like tips of pinks or blue, sculpted bold bobs, blunt bangs and sexy shags. The stylists are genius hair artists and give even edgiest styles a look of sleek sophistication.Check out Vain’s blog for photos of cool customer styles)  That being said, Vain isn’t’ just for out-there styles, the salon also does beautiful highlights and lowlights and even romantic long layers.   

Vain is also one of the top salons for texture…so if you’re a curly girl you’ll want to visit Vain. 

 IN CROWD

The cool kids. You’ll find every age demographic at Vain from kids to grandmas, hipsters to soccer moms, plus plenty of musicians and artists. Vain is also a great salon for guys. 

WALLET WATCH

Haircuts are $30-$60 and colors starts at $50 and goes up. 

NEED TO KNOW

http://www.vain.com/

Downtown

2018 1st Avenue

206.441.3441

Ballard

5401 Ballard Ave NW

206.706.2707

 West Seattle

4513 California Ave SW

206.535.2595

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Filed under: haircut InStyle Magazine lucky magazine seattle seattle magazine seattle salon seattle spa 
October 3, 2012
DIPTYQUE FRAGRANCES AND CANDLES

Caitlin Murphy
  10.03.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

The Luxurious Scents Celebs Can’t Live Without 

THE HOT PRODUCT

When it comes to beauty, the Parisians always get it right. Especially the three Parisian artists who created diptyque fragrances in 1963, and unbeknownst to them, launched celebrity beauty necessity. Not just an obsession…a necessity. Molly Simms, Eva Mendez, Emma Watson and Jade Jagger (her favorite is Myrrhe), along with fashion icons Karl Lagerfeld and Manolo Blahnik (a Tuberose fan) not only stock their homes with diptyque candles, they won’t even travel without them. Diptyque is on everyone’s must list and Magazines like Vogue, InStyle and Elle have featured the elegant French candles and personal fragrances for years.m

THE EXPERIENCE

Did you know scent is the most powerful sense tied to memory? If you want to ensure you have only the chicest and most luxurious memories…fill your home with diptyque candles.  The fragrances are neither masculine nor feminine, so they are the perfect home aroma,  and notes pay homage to ingredients from nature like roses, basil, jasmine and ylang ylang. Since diptyque candles also come in a travel size, celebrities love to travel with them, brining a homelike ambience to any hotel. 

Now, diptyque are by no means your standard scented candles. The fragrances are intoxicatingly good without ever being overpowering, and the glass voices, with their white labels and trademark black lettering, are so chic you’ll be delighted to display them. Scents like Mimosa and Gardenia transform any room into a indulgent retreat. You know how walking into someone’s home that smells exquisite creates an instant air of  luxury and sophistication…that’s what diptyque candles do. And if candles aren’t your thing, diptyque also makes heavenly room sprays. 

The luxe Parisian line also creates personal fragrances along with body lotions, body oils and shower gels. These scents are perfect for the perfume aficionado and those who tend to go fragrance free. Again the notes are fresh and natural so you’ll always smell expensive and glamourous…never overpowering. Diptyque fragrances turn you into the most alluring and glamourous woman in the room… no wonder celebs can’t live without them!  

GET YOUR FIX

You can purchase diptique fragrances, room sprays and candles from Nordstrom or in Seattle at Barney’s and Waston Kennedy.

Watson Kennedy Fine Living

86 Pine Street

Seattle, WA 98101

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Filed under: body wash diptyque emma watson eva mendez fragrance InStyle Magazine molly simms seattle Celebrity Favorites 
September 26, 2012
LUSTING AFTER LEATHER

Caitlin Murphy
  09.26.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

This luxe fabric gets a ladylike makeover

WHERE TO FIND

It’s no surprise that Seattlites love their leather. With the city’s rich rocker history, and well, all the rain, it’s the perfect edgy, yet practical, fashion choice.  If my recent trips though some of Seattle’s most fashionable haunts like the downtown Nordstrom, Bravern and University Village are any indication, northwest ladies are loving leather! 

TREND ALERT

This fall, leather is expanding beyond the traditional motorcycle jackets and knee high boots into (gasp!) more feminine pieces. You’ll find dresses, skirts, trenches and tops entirely made of leather or at least featuring leather details. The sophisticated silhouettes give uptown panache to a fabric that is usually considered more Joan Jett than Jackie O. You’ll see plenty of eastside and downtown ladies sporting this luxe look and you’ll definitely want to give it a try for fall! 

GET THE LOOK

Leather pieces are coming in at so many different price points that anyone can partake in this trend. Whether you want to go all the way with a leather dress or just add a little to your traditional trench, there is something for everyone. Look for more conservative shapes like pencil skirts or shift dresses which create a visually interesting outfit as the edginess of the leather juxtaposes the classic qualities of the silhouette. Here are a few ideas…

 

 Leather Peplum Top: This vegan leather top comes in under $100 dollars and is the perfect piece to wear to work and then out for drinks. Plus, it combines two of these season’s hottest trends with its leather like finish and peplum.

Leather Dress: Earlier this fall I stopped by Banana Republic in University Village and scooped up their killer leather shift dress. I’m glad I did since when I returned a few days later, the store was entirely out of stock. If you can find the Banana dress, don’t ask questions, just buy it, it’s that good. But if you can make a bigger investment I love this dress from Jenni Kayne and I know I will see it on Capitol Hill’s coolest girls. 

Trench Coat with Leather Accents: Seattle Moms love their classic trench coats. This one with leather details adds just that bit of edge that every Seattelite craves.

Leather Skirt:As our weather signals signs of fall, I’ve noticed leather pencil skirts starting to make an appearance. This one from Banana Republic comes in the softest leather and the most office appropriate length. 

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Filed under: banana republic fall 2012 fashion peplum seattle seattle fashion 
September 19, 2012
ATHLETA OPENS AT UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

Caitlin Murphy
  09.19.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Workout Clothes You’ll Actually Want To Be Seen In

ABOUT

Just because you’re working out doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion for function… and with clothes from Athleta now you don’t have to.  With everything from active wear to jackets and dresses to sweaters to shoes you can sweat it out and look uber-cute while staying uber-comfortable. Athleta is a little more “fashion” than Lululemon and holds to the same principle of creating stylish sportswear.

AMBIENCE

University Village is one of my favorite places in Seattle. It’s a beautiful outdoor mall with lots of lovely landscaping, charming  outdoor dining and seating areas and tons of fabulous shops. Althleta has moved in to University Village right next door to the H&M, and they have created an outdoor and activewear wonderland. Gap Inc owns the sportswear company and this is the first location in the northwest. 

EXPERIENCE

The store is really beautiful and reminds me of a more rustic Lululemon. There are weathered wood accents, plank wood floors and burnished metal light fixtures. You’ll find performance tops, shorts and jackets perfect for running and yoga near the front of the store. All the sportswear features really pretty feminine details and patterns plus, they have lots of great colors to choose from. You can also choose from an array of yoga pants, bathing suits and underwear.

The back of the store houses the”Adventure Travel” line which includes really cute tissue tees for layering,  pants, knit dresses, cashmere sweaters, down jackets and clothes that look more Nordstroms than the gym. This stuff is perfect for active Seattle women (and especially busy Moms) who need functional clothing but still want to look stylish. I love the infinity and  lightweight printed scarves.

The new Athleta store is also offering complimentary classes like crossfit, yoga and running clubs!

WALLET WATCH 

Athleta sportswear prices are comparable to Lululemon with some items being a little easier on the wallet. Tanks run about $50, yoga pants range from $65-$90 while jackets range from $70 – $130. The clothing price range between $50 and $150.

NEED TO KNOW

Athleta

University Village

2623 NE University Village Lane

Seattle, WA 98105

www.athleta.gap.com

 Image Credit: Athleta Facebook page

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Filed under: fashion gap lululemon running seattle seattle hot new place university village yoga 
September 12, 2012
FASHION WEEK AT THE BELLEVUE COLLECTION

Caitlin Murphy
  09.12.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Vogue Magazine And More Bring The Best In Fall Fashion and Beauty To The Northwest  

THE HOTSPOT

New York had it’s fashion week, and now it’s Seattle’s turn when the Bellevue Collection hosts it’s 7th annual  weeklong fashion extravaganza. The uber chic Bellevue Square Mall, Lincoln Square and Hyatt Regency Hotel will play host to one of the most fun fashion events in the Seattle area, with shows and beauty events to get you fabulously fashionable for fall. 

THE SCHEDULE

Fashion Week runs September 26-30th and there are amazing events all week, you really shouldn’t’ miss it!

Some of the  complimentary events include the bareMinerals Beauty Event of Thursday September 27th and theSephora Faces of Fashion event with Sephora PRO Artsit Christine Egashira on Friday September 28th. Also, don’t miss the  Fashion Forecast with style expert Lawrence Zarian and Vogue’s Anne Vincent on Saturday September 29th, seating is limited and it’s always a great show.

Fashion Week also hosts several ticketed events and some of the highlights include…

Nordstrom Fall Fashion Show

To benefit the Detlef Schrempf Foundation
Thursday, September 27
Hyatt Regency Bellevue

7 pm – Cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception
8 pm – Runway show spotlighting the best of contemporary and emerging designers

 Posh Party Beauty & Trend Show

Friday, September 28
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
6:30 pm – Check In, 7 pm – Show Begins

I attened this event last year and it was a blast, in fact you can read about it here. It’s really a fun, party atmosphere with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a runway show. This year  Macy’s showcases Urban Decay pro artist Eric Jimenez and Benefit Cosmetics’, Jill Gould and Natalie Forrelli demonstrating fresh looks for the season. Tickets are $50.

Front Row Fashion Show presented by Vogue

Saturday, September 29
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
6:15 pm – All Access Check In, 6:45 pm – GA Check In, 8 pm – Show Begins

This is the main event as “Vogue presents the fall trends straight from the pages of the magazine to the runway”. You’ll learn tips and advice for how to wear fall trends you can actually purchase from the stores in the Bellevue Collection. All Access tickets are $175 and offer exclusive perks, a $50 gift certificate to the Bellevue Collection and a swag bag while General Admission tickets are $100 with a swag bag and a $25 gift certificate to the Bellevue Collection. 

GUESTLIST

Just about everyone who lives for fashion will be there…from fashion and beauty editors, to Seattle’s fashion bloggers, to girlfriends, lovely ladies and super stylish moms and daughters. Plus, style expert and TV host  Lawrence Zarian and Vogue Magazine’s Anne Vincent will be in attendance.  

EXTRA DETAILS

Check out the Bellevue Collection website for a full list of events, packages and tickets.

 http://bellevuecollection.com/FashionWeek/index.php

 Dates are September 26-30

 The Bellevue Collection includes Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square. Plus several of the Fashion shows will be held at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue

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(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: bellevue events fall fashion 2012 fashion show seattle hyatt 
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