Girls’ Getaway 2018: Bellevue Collection Fashion Week

Let’s be honest: When it comes to fashion shows and red carpet events, Bellevue Collection’s Fashion Week is truly head & shoulders above the rest. And this year was no exception! From designer meet & greets, to platters of fresh macaroons wafting through the crowd, to a famous artist giving out personalized caricatures, everything about Bellevue Collection Fashion Week 2018 was done to perfection.

Our crew of adventurers consisted of 15 fashion-loving Boise women, all ready to explore, wine, dine, and shop till we dropped! On day one, we hit the ground running with a VIP party at Nordstrom.

But first things first: lunch at the new Bento Grill, where chef Tom Douglas crafted a unique dining experience that melds gourmet Asian cuisine with take-out-buffet efficiency.

Debbie Evy, a brilliant stylist from Nordstrom’s Collections department, showed us how to select our dish, then customize each step to create the perfect bento box experience. Top off lunch with a blended mango sake shake, and you’re in for a fabulous afternoon!

Next stop: Nordstrom’s Designer department for champagne and shopping! Debbie and her crew brought in new fall pieces from Gucci, Prada, Louie Vuitton, and more to tantalize our couture-craving crew.

While models displayed how to style this season’s scrumptious Chloe sweater dresses and vibrant Tory Burch jackets, makeup artists from Trish McEvoy primped and pampered our travel-weary faces.

On the lower level, hair stylists had style-&-go stations ready to plump, smooth, curl, and tame our tresses! With our Nordstrom treasures and beauty swag-bags in hand, we dashed back to our rooms at the Westin Bellevue for a quick clothing change…

And then off to the show!

The Independent Designer Runway Show is one of my all-time favorite events! In the past, designers from around the Pacific Northwest have competed for a coveted top spot, cash prize, editorial coverage in Seattle Met Magazine, and the opportunity to display their looks in Bellevue Square.

This year, instead of fledgling designers, the Collection graced us with a special show that brought back past winners to compete in a best-of-the-best runway throw-down!

Flip through the slideshow to be inspired by looks from:
DEVONATION by Devon Yan
LOURDES é EVA by Nore Suárez
Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li
Poppyseed by Rebekah Adams
Valentina & Valenti’s by Milena Natanov
Deyonte’ Weather Collection by Deyonte’ Weather
Chany Venturini by Maria Venturini

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”18″ gal_title=”Independent Designer Runway Show 2″]

Runway photos thanks to Denise Vasecka,
jewelry designer at Unigon Specialties

At the end of the show, audience members casted their votes, and the winner was…

Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li!

Congratulations Ms. Svensk Li!!! And congratulations to the Bellevue Collection for another superb and inspiring independent designer runway show! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Boise Event Spotlight: Dillard’s Designer Pop-up Shop!

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Woohoo, handbag-loving babes, it’s baaaaack!!! Last year, I partnered with Dillard’s to invite you to a new shopping concept that literally popped-up in their stores across the country: the What Goes Around, Comes Around Vintage Handbag Event. This year, it’s back, bigger and better than ever!

Remember this rad shopping party from last year? More pics & the recap of that event here.

This year’s first-come, first-served shopping opportunity is part of Dillard’s collaboration with What Goes Around Comes Around, the leading global purveyor of authentic luxury vintage accessories and apparel. Since 1993, WGACA’s New York City Soho flagship has remained an industry staple, frequented by celebrities and tastemakers from around the world! WGACA’s expert buyers travel the globe to find the rarest and most desirable pieces in exceptional condition, and bring them to YOU for the chance to fill your closet & rock your ensembles with unique and covetable fashion treasures.

Oversized totes are having a major moment in the fashion world right now! Guess which one I love?

Last year’s shopping party focused on Louis Vuitton bags, exclusively. But this year’s Vintage Handbag Event features pieces from Prada, Fendi, Gucci, and also Louis Vuitton, including everything from wallets to fanny packs to luggage! And now instead of a group party, you get to make a personal private appointment directly with Dillard’s, for your chance to shop these beautiful fashion treasures.

Remember, vintage and collector pieces are limited in quantity, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Obsessing over the pretty little things!

Make an appointment with Dillard’s for your personal, private shopping moment by calling (208) 321-4646! Or, go into the store in person to book your spot. (You can also email Tami at store934@dillards.com to inquire about specific bags shown here.) In-person shopping appointments start July 20th and go through the 29th. Hurry, before they’re gone!

Authentication cards & guarantees – all are real designer bags, some still with their original packaging & tags!

Happy Shopping, my fabulous friends!!!!
XOXO,
Tanya

What is a Nordstrom Rack, and why am I Cartwheeling About it?

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grew up (mostly) in the Pacific Northwest, where Nordstrom was founded. This wonderful family-run store has always been one of my favorites, its name synonymous with high quality, high fashion, and top-notch customer service. I still have my mother’s Dexter boots, bought at Nordstrom in the late 1970’s – despite being decades old, they’re strong, solid, & fashionable as ever! (Thanks, Mom!)

When the newly-opening Nordstrom Rack comes up in casual conversation, I usually hear one of two reactions. Many folks are thrilled, and can’t wait for the grand opening. Others look at me puzzled, and say: “What’s a Rack???” For those of you who fall into the first category, you’ll be happy to know the rumors are true: Boise is, indeed, opening it’s first Nordstrom Rack on April 12th, 2012. (Info on the Grand Opening Celebration is HERE!)

For those of you who fall into the second category, here’s the scoop on why everyone’s so excited: if you love high-quality, fashion-forward clothing, shoe, & accessories for less than department store prices, Nordstrom Rack is a little slice of shopping Heaven. Actually, I take that back; it’s a BIG slice!!!

But wait, you may say, what makes Nordstrom Rack different from other “fashion for less” stores? Because the items & brands they carry are different! Racks receive shipments of high-end clothing, directly from their mainline Nordstrom stores in Seattle, Portland, LA, and other parts of the country. Things that are still current, but maybe have only a few size options left, get sent to the Rack where they are deeply discounted. In fact, once or twice I’ve come across a clothing item in the Rack, that is STILL in the mainline stores, but at half the price!

A Nordstrom Rack in town gives us access to fashion styles and high-end names that are new to Boise! (Can you just hear the fashion bloggers salivating? Lol, I’m doing cartwheels!) Shopping in the Rack is like digging for buried treasure on a tropical beach; every day the tide washes out, and brings a whole new selection of amazing discoveries! We’re talking about fashion gems like Kate Spade totes, Chanel wallets, Gucci shoes, Diane von Furstenberg blouses, Givenchy jewelry, Nanette Lepore dresses, Armani jackets… I could go on and on, but you get my point. These are brands and styles that are HARD TO FIND in Boise – up until now! (Or rather, up until April 12th!)

So rejoice, Boise! And get ready for something new. Nordstrom Rack is coming, and I for one will be first in line! 😉 See you at the Grand Opening!!

~StyleSpyGirl

P.S. Seriously, I hope you can all join me for the amazing Opening Day party! There will be entertainment, refreshments, and giveaways, including 20 Gold Hangers hidden throughout the store – each worth $100!!!