Aug 27

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I normally don’t go to these trade events in the industry. I stick to the shows since I’m not a buyer. It has been years since I went to MAGIC and it has evolved. They are adding shows and the buyers can check things out according to the demographic/style, etc. As I mentioned a couple days ago, I was here representing SSF and facilitating fabulous strategy salons. It was a complete success in my opinion and we met some amazing folks; designers and manufacturers. [photo of gals from SUST and editor from PLENTY Mag]

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In ECollection, for the rock and roll gal in me, I was intrigued by Loka. They were a standout in the ECollection section not just because the girls were super cute and sweet, but they have a distinct non-eco look. It’s very refreshing. I can’t wait to start wearing some of their pieces.[photo of Loka Designer and the booth]
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Pool was super fun and hip. I saw a ton of brands I know and love, as well as, new ones. Funny, but I found a eco-brand there too that I happen to be wearing today ~ Velvet Leaf. The designers are adorable and really committed to sustainability. Top it off, their brand is super cute. I am a fan and will be writing more about them in the future. [photo of Velvet Leaf designers with Sp09 collection in the background]

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That’s it for now…got to take a disco nap to rev up for the last night in Vegas. I will give you a run down of new places besides Hard Rock to check out. RL

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Jul 31

vuitton_fall2008_pants.jpgI love the harem, or as us Americans call it, the “hammer” pant. It’s a fun and fabulous look, but I am already getting the cocked eyebrows and wide eye looks from friends and clients who I suggest that THIS is it for fall and into next spring. The style is sold out on favorite Brooklyn store Noisette’s on line site and has been spotted on the streets of Paris since last year. I shot with Lizzie Parker and her Spring 09 and very “Sustainably Stylish” version is going to be hot. I think it is going to be terrific with “sky scraper” heels as well as ballet slippers and, not to mention, boots. I’m going for it.mail.jpg There are going to be many ways you can wear this look and I think it is going to be a fav for sure. Please note gals, that there is a right and a wrong way to wear these pants and the general rule will be to stay fitted and cropped on the top. Also, a good fit on the high hip will be important. Belting will be key and hopefully you will love it. Most everyone else is going against this look for the States, but I say go forth. RLPhoto Credit Top: Luis Vuitton Fall 08Photo Credit Middle: Lizzie Parker Spring 09 

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May 5

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What a week it was. Busy with spring shopping and events. Killer Looks Salon celebrated their Tenth Anniversary on Thursday and it was a “killer” event. The wine was fab and crowd was gorgeous. Friday, Sustainable Style Foundation had their Cocktails for a Cause event hosted by La Rousse and that was great. It featured the Brazilian vegan shoe line, Melissa and local non-profit, Eco Encore. After that I jetted off with one of my bff’s to Product Runway, a fashion production by the Interior Design Coalition of Washington. I was so proud to be from Seattle. This show is the way all shows should be. Interior Design teams used interior products and created couture fashion looks and presented them on the runway. As a garmento, I was truly impressed. The designs and their inspirations were amazing. The judges were internationally known and the whole night felt like we were in NYC. The crowd was dressed and looking fabulous. A side note, I have produced a fair amount of parties for interior designers and architects and I have to say, they are one of my favorite crowds. They get it. From respecting how a room should look, to respecting that the rest of the production. Bravo to my design brothers and sisters. Those of you that know me, must know the night did not end there…we all rallied and went to give a big send off to Noel, who is moving to Vegas. Noel is the designer of the beaded rings that you always see me and my posse wearing…I’ll do a separate blog about it so you can find her…good luck to Noel who will continue to rock the visual display world for Nordstrom in Vegas. We ended the night at 13 coins…you locals know what that means. RL

photo: Product Runway Finale’

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Apr 9

Its super busy and while I would love to blog every day to keep you posted…it is a bit challenging with all running around. A quick update on the shopping. I spent a couple of days mid-town and got some great basics done for clients. Yesterday, I shopped in Greenpoint and Williamsburg…really love it there. It is chill and I feel like I can find some unique pieces…I also feel like I am supporting a local biz and that feels good. Style notes? Gals, it is all about the loose shift dresses. if you are uncomfortable with that look, think twice. It is comfortable and can look terrific if you accessorize. Boys, continue to rock the blazer….more about that soon.

Last night I went to an Ernest Sewn fashion event (photo coming soon) that was in conjunction with the Cotton folks. The event was all for this cool campaign…check it out…recycling your jeans and creating a new product out of it…you know what I am thinking here of course…you got it…so “sustainable”. Here is the info ~ Cotton from Blue to Green” campaign and fashion show sponsored by Ernest Sewn and National Jean Company

More soon. RL

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Apr 2

pfw08-092_2.jpg  Portland Fashion Week organized a great opportunity to educate folks at the Better Living Show about the sustainable stories behind the landmark designers/brands showcased this weekend.  Nau, Lizzie Parker and Anna Cohen all have one thing in common and that is, they are pioneers in the industry.  With limited resources in the past available to fashion designers, each of them have been innovative in their use of and sourcing sustainable options.  With great design that is appealing and yes, even stylish and sexy, consumers have options now more than ever to make a sustainable choice with the clothing they wear.  My favorite quote of the event was one that related to the stylish and sexy approach to sustainability.  It was from Lizzie Parker who said, “In the end, it’s about a hot chick in a great dress”. I love this and interpret it to really mean…it’s about great design.The Eco - Panel was a well attended event that garnered many excellent questions and observations from the attendees.  We can look forward to future practices by the fashion industry that will help consumers make sustainable choices by a seal of sustainable approval by Sustainable Style Foundation, as well as, a standard by fashion designers that includes a baseline of sustainable business and design practices. The lively discussion led by me representing  Sustainable Style Foundation,  and Leslie Hoffman (Earth Pledge/Future Fashion - NYC) had a honest and open tone that led to sharing and creating a sense of community that will be necessary for us all to make sustainability a mainstay in our world.Had a great night out with some of the PFW crew and rounded out my last day in the city at Portland Art Museum checking out my favorite painters, Degas, Toulouse- Lautrec  and Forain, and thier work on one of my other favorite arts,  Dance. If you have a chance to check it out by May, 11. I would. It was done exceedingly well.On my train ride home, I was ready to get back to lovely SEA and prep for NYC. RLphoto credit | Tana Thurman, Portland - OR 

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Mar 28

Hey Everyone. I am back in PDX participating in Portland Fashions Week’s events around the Better Living Show. Pretty great scene down here as mentioned in my previous blogs and last night’s event was really fun with an oh so fab showing of the chic fashion crowd. The crew down here in Portland is really pushing for it’s fashion scene be all inclusive and a representation of what is happening in the Northwest. I love this thought and the collaborative mindset of Tito and Chris, the producers of Portland Fashion Week.  I know that Sustainable Style Foundation is looking forward to working with them to help forward our mission to educate around the area of sustainability and lifestyle choices. I look forward to bring you more news from here.  Today I will be meeting a few PDX fashionistas for cocktails and Saturday I will be participating on the Eco-Fashion Panel at the Better Living Show.  I will post again this weekend if I can with photos. RL

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Feb 8

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The fall 08 collection for Reem Acra was a beautiful. Her combinations of silk charmeuse with sequins was really compelling for me. I love mixes of texture and her mix this season was amazing. “Jewel tones such as midnight blue, aubergine, mustard and forest green are complemented by metallic neutrals and chocolate brown….the collection represents confident, modern luxury, and a global sense of belonging…” was how she described her collection. The wait was the usual in the tents, but it was worth it for the show.

After the show I made my way back downtown to check out Sandbox, a really beautiful photography studio with locations in NYC and SF, where my bff, L, was working for the week for a quick visit and tour.

Next stop was the NBBJ party where they were showcasing their new offices in the financial district; The new space was lovely, spacious (a commodity in the city as you new), modern and sustainable on top of that. They are going for the LEED certification Gold status. For more on what this means, go to sustainablestyle.org. My gal pal Christine was the interior designer for the project and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

After the party we snuck out for a well deserved steak frites and a glass of wine.

NYC Style Note: Girls with bangs, loose berets and flat boots everywhere….

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Jan 31

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Yesterday was my favorite day so far in 08.  It was kick-@#$. I started the morning meeting with my new tailor/alteration partner, Ivy, who has 30 years experience in costume, dress making and teaching construction. As you may know, I do in-home tailoring appointments for my clients. It is part of my full image consulting service.  I can’t wait you all to meet her. She is a gem

I went from Ivy to a meeting with Lizzie Parker, a local designer who just was featured this week in WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) highlighting her innovative use of design with less fabric use.   On top of that, she uses bamboo and is all about sustainability. I have shown one of my favorite Fall 08 look of hers. “I think it is a compliment when people ask me if it is okay when they wear my pieces dirty cause its their favorite and the can’t bear to be parted with it” is a fabulous quote from my lunch with Lizzie which put a smile on my face.  Watch for her. 

After lunch, I ran a few errands which included bring my husband some dinner at the office; how 50’s is that? Yikes…then I ran up to Capitol Hill to Moe Bar to do a bit of schmoozing at the City of Seattle’s Film & Music Offices’ monthly Happy Hour. Some fabulous conversations about film in the Seattle area and got to complain, with no sympathy, about the not so cool crowd at Bryant Park that I am going to encounter next week in New York.

Then, I ran back down the hill to my favorite tapas place, see my blog in fav places, to meet Julie the rock star owner of Olivine in Seattle. I couldn’t believe that she has been open for ten years…that is amazing and her store on Ballard Ave is a destination location for shoppers.  We had a fabulous conversation about her move to make the store sustainable and stylish.  She and I will be partnering in the fall on one of my les Egoistes Wardrobing Salons…stand by for more info on that.

After that I ended my night at Zoe; my favorite place to end up where the bar tender, Tom, makes the best flatliner in town, besides my hubby.  I wound down reading a movie script that I will be working on as costume designer in the near future. Why do I bother to share all this with you? The day was full of meetings and conversations about things I am passionate about.  I have spent the last twenty years keeping my passion alive and being consistent with building how I want to see my life…today was an example of that. I encourage you all to go for it. RL

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Jan 23

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Yesterday was a fun day. I was asked to pull some folks together by Kelley Moore for a photo-shoot about “green entertaining”. I was able to pull from our fabulous friends at Sustainable Style Foundation that included film writer/director Megan Griffiths, and green building diva Lynne Barker. Our task was to have a conversation about sustainability while we were shot for the beautifully designed story.  I will post the editorial when it come out in a couple of months.  The best thing about it were the wonderful conversations that were started about how we can continue to be design and style minded while still saving the world.  Kelley is a true go-getter and someone to watch emerge out of the northwest. RL

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Jan 15

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It is pretty clear that I like to go out.  I love checking out people, design of the space, the food…but since New Years Eve, we have been hosting intimate dinner parties in our small condo.  We can’t have more than six, three couples including us, over, but we dine like we are at a fine restaurant.  It has been really fun to try recipes, keep the fire going and spend up to six hours visiting and eating dinner.  I love to set the table beautifully and do a coursed meal and, I am serving what is in season and selecting as much as I can that is local and organic in order to be sustainable.  It is also fun for our guest to participate by bringing something for the meal. We are continuing our weekly entertaining through the late winter season as we await the light, sun and good weather.  RL

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