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 
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 
September 5, 2012
GET GORGEOUS AT SEATTLE’S ONLY SPOT FOR FRENCH STYLE FACIALS

Caitlin Murphy
  09.05.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Jill Bucy Skincare Is a Hidden Gem In Queen Anne

ABOUT

Tucked away in the romantic, boutique MarQueen hotel at the bottom of swanky Queen Anne Hill, Jill Bucy Skincare has been winning rave review for years from magazine and patrons alike. It is the only spot in Seattle that provides French-style facials and each one of the therapists hold the prestigious CIDESCO certification and have up to 1850 hours of training. You know when you’re here, your skin is in the best hands possible. 

AMBIENCE

The space is intimate and elegant and perfectly reflects the French aesthetics it’s known for. It feels feminine and chic, with romantic details like chandeliers and ornate mirrors, just the right place to transform into the most beautiful version of you.

EXPERIENCE

Jill Bucy Skincare has one of only four Biologique Recherche Remodeling Face Machines in the United States.  This treatment delivers mild currents to the skin helping to thoroughly clean pores, improve texture and increase the definition of your features among a myriad of other wonderful benefits. 

The French-style facial starts with a consultation where you and your incredibly well trained aesthetician will go over the specific issues of your skin. Then a deep cleansing with plant based potions begins followed by exfoliation and very gentle extractions. The lymphatic massage of the upper body is almost legendary, while a custom made mask awakes skin that is years younger. The remodeling machine delivers a gentle current that sets back the hands of time with every pulse. If you want to talk results, this is truly on of Seattle’s best beauty treatments

 IN CROWD

Jill Bucy Skincare has been a closely guarded secret of Seattle’s most elite ladies. Queen Anne Hill houses some of the city’s most tony residents, and they trust their faces to this spa’s French-style facials. 

WALLET WATCH

The Jill Bucy Classic French Facial is $135.

NEED TO KNOW

Jill Bucy Skincare in located on the first floor of the MarQueen Hotel.

600 Queen Anne Ave North

Seattle, WA 98109

206.283.9295

www.jillbucy.com

Image credit: MarQueen Hotel

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Filed under: downtown seattle facial seattle Seattle Spa Skin Care 
July 25, 2012
The Northwest Face Spa at the Woodmark Hotel

Book A Single Treatment Or A Full Day Of Beauty At Kirkland’s Waterside Spa

Caitlin Murphy  Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2012 by ,

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ABOUT

The Northwest Face Spa is partnered with the beautiful and award winning Woodmark Hotel, which boasts gorgeous water views as it’s located right on Lake Washington. The spa offers both medical and aesthetic treatments including the VISIA skin imaging system with skin analysis, laser and  light therapies along with traditional spa experiences like facials, massages, body treatments, makeup and waxing. 

AMBIENCE

The hotel and spa are located in the exceptionally well manicured Carillon Point along the shores of Kirkland. The point jets out into Lake Washington so when booking an appointment, give yourself a little extra time before or after your treatment  to walk along the water and take in the spectacular views. You’ll enjoy quintessential northwest touches in the spa’s interior with the earth tones, gold and wheat hues, and plenty of wood accents making the decor is luxurious, while still being comfortable. 

EXPERIENCE

I love Northwest Face Spa’s packages, they are expertly put together. You can go from a quick beauty pick me up to a full day of beauty, or even bring your hubby and choose from five different couples packages.  If you happen to be looking for something special before your big day, the bridal packages are not to be missed. Plus the spa routinely runs specials so check the website as the season changes. 

 The body wrap treatment allows you to customize your treatment and choose from a menu of delectable sugars, masques, and moisturizers. Choices read like a dessert menu and include ingredients and items like cucumber mint souffle, chocolate mousse, and pear & green apple. I am a firm believer of the notion that any day that includes a mimosa is a good one, I like to start with the mimosa body scrub. Here, a soothing mimosa champagne sugar scrub removes all the dead skin and roughness from your body. Then, a refreshing cucumber mint masque  locks in hydration, while wrapped, a heavenly scalp massage revlies all your tension followed by an application of mimosa lotion. When you visit,  don’t miss the dry sauna, relaxation room or high tech rain-shower that are available along with your treatment. I recommend making a full day of it and enjoying lunch at one of the waterside restaurants…do so you’ll feel as if you’ve been on vacation.

IN CROWD

Lots of Eastsiders and plenty of brides to be. The hotel is one of the top spots in Seattle to get married so the spa makes a wonderful pre-wedding stop. 

WALLET WATCH 

The 60 minute body wrap is $125, while the signature Swedish Massage starts at $60 for 30 minutes. Packages begin at $100 for the 90 minute Spa Refresher and go up to $595 for the 5 hour (and incredible) Bride’s Bliss.

NEED TO KNOW

The Northwest Face Spa at the Woodmark Hotel

Woodmark Hotel

1200 Carillon Point

Kirkland, WA 98033

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Filed under: body scrub body treatment kirkland seattle seattle spa spa review 
June 20, 2012
The Bronze Bar

Try This Professional Airbrush Tanning and Look Like You’ve Been Sunning In St. Tropez

Caitlin Murphy  Posted Wednesday, June 20, 2012 by ,

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ABOUT

With high praise from InStyle Magazine, Allure Magazine, Seattle Bride, Seattle Times, Daily Candy and Lucky Magazine, the Bronze Bar is a go to spot in Seattle for professional airbrush tanning. Owner Deana Finch is a New York City trained airbrush expert  and even trained under the creator of the original “sculpted tan.” It’s the perfect place to get a beautifully bronze year round, and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone getting married soon who wants a little extra glow on their wedding day.

AMBIENCE

Located in the Belltown area of downtown Seattle the salon is intimate with a  private, dedicated area for the fabulous airbrush application.

EXPERIENCE

Because the Bronze Bar is professional airbrush tanning as opposed to the booths, you get a customized formula for your color, discuss your results with your sprayer and you can choose from a few different specialties. I love this since it seems to take away any fear of walking out looking overly bronzed.   

I chose the Basic Bronze since I have fair skin and this application creates a natural golden color,  but can be customized to be a little deeper.  You can also get the Bigger Bronze if you have olive or dark skin since these give you a fabulous deep dark tan. I love the Bridal Bronze, and while I had a destination wedding, had I gotten married in Seattle last year, I would have definitely chosen this. You start with a clear solution that is applied two days in a row and can be tailored to the lines of your dress…so strapless girls can get a gorgeous decolletage or a a golden glow for a backless dress. And oh, if you haven’t been too great about hitting the gym lately and want some “instant” definition…then book the buff bronze with a sculpted application to create toned abs and arms a la Jennifer Aniston.

Just a few quick tips before you visit…make sure you shower, exfoliate and skip the deodorant, makeup and moisturizer before your appointment. Wear loose fitting, dark clothes and bring a bathing suit or you can wear a provided disposable thong or go nude if you choose. In about 15 minutes I was strategically airbrushed and my sprayer made me feel incredibly comfortable throughout the process. I loved my results …a gorgeous bronzy glow with an even application incredibly natural color.  So while Seattle might be a little sparing with the sunshine, I look like I’ve been spending my days at the beach! 

 IN CROWD

Brides to be, Moms, girls about town and let’s be honest…plenty of ladies and gentlemen who want that golden glow in a city that is know for lots of rain!

WALLET WATCH

Basic Bronze  $45, Bigger Bronze $55, Bridal Bronze $95, Buff Bronze $75

NEED TO KNOW

The Bronze Bar

2615 1st Avenue

Seattle, WA 98121

 206.374.8512

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Filed under: airbrush tanning Seattle Seattle Spa Skin spray tanning Sunless Tan tanning 
March 28, 2012
Spaahh at The Hotel 1000

This Elegant Spa Is Home To One Of The Best Hot Stone Massages In The City!

Caitlin Murphy  Posted Wednesday, March 28, 2012 by ,

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ABOUT

Located in the chic and sophisticated Hotel 1000 near Seattle’s famous waterfront, the Spaahh at Hotel 1000 is an oasis in the bustling city. The Spaahh offers facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and spa packages.

AMBIENCE

Hotel 1000 is one of Seattle’s premier hotels with its cool interiors, fabulous restaurant and gorgeous rooms. It’s been named one of Travel and Leisure’s T+L 500 World’s Best Hotels and to Conde Nast’s Traveler’s Gold List of the world’s best places to stay…and let me say the spa deserves those accolades as well. Take the elevator downstairs and you’re whisked away from busy downtown life into a serene and soothing retreat. The soft wheat and gold shades with bamboo and wood accents immediately put you at ease as does the always warm and friendly staff. The changing rooms are beautiful and there is a lovely relaxation room with plush seating, soft music, and cucumber water to add to the tranquil atmosphere.

EXPERIENCE

I booked the 90-minute hot stone massage and let me say, it was hands down one of the best experiences of my life!

The staff was wonderfully helpful and welcoming, they even provided me with a robe and slippers before my treatment. Upon meeting my masseuse, we discussed focusing on my upper back since it was tight and creating some serious headaches, and working on my tight runner’s calves. She then asked me how hot I would like the stones. I like them pretty hot, but it was nice to know we could dial the heat back if needed.

The massage started face down with placing the hot stones down my spine (with a towel underneath to prevent redness) then my masseuse used other hot stones to melt every sore and knotted muscle in my body. My tight runner’s calves became soft melted butter and my back opened up in a way I have never felt before. I turned over and the stones were placed on my chest and under my collar bones and again hot stones were used to massage my chest muscles, arms, hands, and front of my legs. The added heat from the stones felt amazing plus it softened my muscles making them more malleable. I also really enjoyed the extra pressure that the stones gave to the actual massage work. The 90 minutes flew by and I left feeling completely relaxed, rejuvenated and reborn! This is one of my favorite treatments in the city and I can’t speak highly enough of this incredible massage…I implore anyone living in or visiting Seattle to book it!

IN CROWD

Both out of towers and locals alike love to get away to this urban oasis.

WALLET WATCH

The 90 minute hot stone massage is $175, while the 60 minute hot stone is $160 and the 45 minute hot stone is $145.

One of my other favorite things about the Spaahh at the Hotel 1000 is the Spaahh Happy Hour. It’s Monday-Friday from 11:30am-2:30pm. You can get an express 30 minute facial for $45, a 30 minute “pick-me-up-massage” for $48 plus salon treatments like a 
brow wax for $16, lip wax for $16.

NEED TO KNOW

Hotel 1000

1000 1st Avenue

Seattle, WA 98104

206.957.1000

www.hotel1000seattle.com/spaahh

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Filed under: hot stone massage Hotel 1000 Massage massage seattle salon Seattle Seattle Spa Spa 
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