Seattle Sunday Comes Early: The Triangle of Light & Other Essentials from a Trish McEvoy Expert

Your weekend starts now.

You know how much I love Bluemercury and last week I was lucky enough to get my fix. The U-Village store frequently hosts makeup events.

Translation: Experts from specific makeup or skincare lines visit for a few days to give private appointments and help you learn directly from the gurus. The best part, if you buy at least three items from the store (that includes your skincare products, post shaving gel for the fella in your life or anything else) your session is FREE. Yeah, that's real.

So, back to your weekend...

This weekend is the Trish McEvoy event and I wanted to give you a heads up so you can set your appointments. I sat down with Regional Artist Jason McCarty last week and he shared a seemingly endless stream of tips and tricks directly from "Trish", as the team affectionately refers to McEvoy.

As your very own personal stylist, I HAD to share. Here we go!

5 Things I Learned from Trish McEvoy Artist, Jason McCarty

Seattle SundaymelliciaOctober 17, 2014Comment

Seattle Sunday: Pirkko — Nordic Style in the Heart of Downtown Seattle

It's a funny thing, living in Seattle. If you live or work near Pike Place Market — a plethora of tasty fresh food, flowers and unexpected finds — you may frequent it regularly. If not, you likely only visit when entertaining out-of-towners. We're so neighborhood-centric, we can easily forget that there are very good reasons to venture outside the ten-minute radius around our houses.

So, on this beautiful Sunday, my goal is to inspire you to go beyond your neighborhood, and Pirkko is a worthy destination.

Last Chance to Save & Win!

Today's your very last chance to save 10% from TomboyX with code: Poplin.

Seattle Sunday: My Love Affair with Vixen Day Spa & Boutique

The pros of boutique shopping:

1. You get a piece that no one else has.

2. You have an interesting story to tell about your purchase.

3. Ideally, you have great customer service.

The potential cons of boutique shopping:

1. You walk out with one item, if any, because you simply can't afford the prices.

2. You feel judged when you walk in the door.

Enter Vixen Day Spa & Boutique in Magnolia: Your first and likely new favorite boutique (and day spa!). Owner Courean Napolitano opened the doors in 2002. An esthetician by trade, she started the business as a day spa and eventually expanded so that her loyal clientele could shop before a manicure, relaxing all the while.

As a personal stylist, it's common for clients to tell me that they love the idea of boutique shopping, but struggle with execution. Might I suggest Vixen as your introduction to boutiques?

5 Reasons to Visit Vixen

Seattle Sunday: Northwest Native American Style (Sort of)

Our good friend, photographer, tile setter, designer, maker, painter and the list goes on, Selena Kearney is also a member of the Chehalis Tribe. Being around her for so many years has offered us the opportunity to get a glimpse into Native American culture. (For the record, Selena refers to it as, "Indian.") I digress.

This weekend we attended the Salmon Homecoming on the Waterfront and I found some Native culture mixed in with some crazy deals that I thought you, Dear Reader, might appreciate.

Three Excuses to Enjoy a Pow Wow in the Coming Months

Seattle SundaymelliciaSeptember 22, 2014Native American style, Northwest Native American, Personal Stylist SeattleComment

Seattle Sunday: Embrace Your Inner Tomboy (and win!) with TomboyX

If you, Dear Reader, embrace the TomboyX lifestyle, the brand sells itself. Quality pieces with an edge.

But, if you love it, and aren't sure how to wear it- that's where your very own personal stylist comes in. And, now is certainly the perfect time.

TomboyX and Poplin Style Direction are joining forces to help YOU win up to $250 worth of clothing from the brand, a styling session with me at the showroom AND lunch with the team. Make sure you are entered to win by liking TomboyX and Poplin on Facebook as well as signing up for our newsletters. See more details here.

Now, where were we? Oh, yes, styling.

Ways to Wear My 3 Favorite Pieces from TomboyX

Seattle Sunday: Trendspotting at U Village Means Free Stuff for YOU

Ah, University Village- the place you go shopping when you are entertaining out of towers.

It's relaxing, can technically be counted as time "outdoors" and has an array of destination retailers without fighting for parking downtown.

September offers up thirty plus excuses to get to U Village fast.

What's Trending at U Village and Why it Matters to YOU

Seattle Sunday: Swopboard Lets You Sell Your Stuff & Help A School

Remember when Craigslist wasn't creepy?

Yeah, those were the days.

If only there was a way to sell things to people in your very own neighborhood AND help out a local school, perhaps even YOUR kid's school. I am excited to share with you, Dear Reader, that such a place does exist. Thanks to the interweb and a small crew of dedicated folks right here in Seattle.

I'm appreciative of my good friends at the Recology Store in Issaquah who first clued me in on Swopboard. As it turns out, boutiques like Veouria are on board, too. More on that to come.

It's especially fun to share Seattle Sunday posts that highlight local brands or people that have managed to make an impact on the rest of the country. Swopboard is in the process of becoming one of those companies. Although, I get the feeling if YOU embraced them, they'd go even further.

In the words of the team: SwopBoard is an online marketplace to buy, sell and give back to local schools. Transactions involve users who share similar lifestyles - people in your school and neighborhood communities - which increases the chances of finding the right buyer and purchasing what you really need.

Here's What YOU Need to Know About Swopboard.

Seattle Sunday Winner: Handmade Earrings from Jill Griffin Jewelry

Missed the recent post about jewelry handmade right here in Seattle by Jill Griffin? Not to worry. You can check it out here.

Plus, a few other key pieces of information for you:

1. You were entered to win!

Seattle Sunday: The Hip Modernist Quilter: Jonathan Armstrong

As you can imagine, I get pretty excited when I make a new discovery. Whether it's a new retailer, a great deal or an unusual pairing, I can't wait to shout it from the rooftops.

Ever since I met Jonathan Armstrong, a local web developer, very stylish man, deep thinker and skilled maker, I've been sharing his story. And people love it. So, it's only fair that I share it with you, Dear Reader.

Jonathan sews quilts by hand. And they are unbelievable. Fortunately for me, he has one on display at Ludlow in Phinney Ridge. (That place is so incredible, it warrants an additional post of its own. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks.)

We recently caught up with Jonathan at Ludlow to hear his thoughts on style, quilting and the power of making things by hand. Enjoy!

Menswear, Seattle SundaymelliciaAugust 10, 2014 Comments

Seattle Sunday comes early: I went KitchenSurfing and so Should YOU

In all of our lives, there is a pivotal moment when we officially move up in the world. Well, officially to ourselves, anyway. When we graduate from generic ice cream to Dryers and then to Ben and Jerry's and beyond. Or when we buy our first items at full price from a boutique or perhaps our very first designer purchase (even if it is at the Rack).

Once you've crossed the threshold, everything changes. Suddenly, you wouldn't consider glancing at generic anymore. And shopping at a boutique becomes a regular occurrence. If you have yet to make any of these leaps (hello college), don't worry. You will. But, if you have moved beyond level one and even level two in the game of life, I have something for you: Kitchensurfing.

Just over a week ago, Kitchensurfing launched in Seattle. It's already established in larger cities and thank goodness it finally arrived at our foodie mecca. The concept is simple: a chef prepares a meal for you and your guests at your house AND cleans up afterward. Yes, that's what I said.

A few weeks ago, we hosted a Kitchensurfing dinner party. Our very generous friends, Steve and Lauren, offered to share their home with a group of friends to try it out. Our conclusion? Kitchensurfing: It's a must have.

Four Reasons Your Next Adventure MUST Include Kitchensurfing

Seattle Sunday: Jill Griffin Handmade Jewelry

Over the last few weeks, I've had a number of clients use words like, "earthy," and "natural" when describing their personal styles. You, Dear Reader, know how essential style keywords can be. Along with the do's and don'ts for your body type, style keywords can help you ensure that your clothes are communicating exactly what you want them to.

Lucky for me, the lovely and talented Jill Griffin was just a click away to empower me to offer up locally hand made jewelry for the earthier set of my client base. I met Jill last year when one of my clients hosted a trunk show for her. (I went home with a black leather cuff.)

And, because I think of you, Dear Reader, as my virtual client, I wanted to make sure I share her pieces (and the client discount) with you.

What You Need to Know Now About Jill Griffin Jewelry

Seattle Sunday: Live Simply By Annie Takes Organizing to Another Level

There are two extremes for the fashionista:

The stylish individual who has clothes strewn about her bedroom with extras shoved into her closet.
The stylish individual who has everything methodically organized by size and color with off season items stored away in the appropriate containers.

Most of us fall somewhere in between. And, like having your very own personal stylist, many of us have always secretly yearned for a professional organizer in our lives.

Enter Annie.

Seattle Sunday: Vintage & Pre-Loved Finds from Citizen Rosebud

I don't know about you, Dear Reader, but my teen years were spent in thrift stores. On the eternal quest to find something that communicated who I was through my clothing and managing to stay within my teenage budget was no easy task. Parenthood has made every minute more valuable and my love of shopping has shifted to brick and mortar stores and online. But, my love of vintage coats will never die. And that is where the Citizen got me.

Citizen Rosebud AKA Bella is a die hard lover of all things vintage. With special love for American-made items, she knows her history through clothes. Each dress, each coat, every pair of shoes has a story and Bella is dying to tell it to you.

Winner: Did YOU win the Uber Wishlist or the print from Justin Marx Photography?

Thanks VERY much to the Velouria team for hosting last night's Art Walk event. The husband and I were there chatting it up and helping raise funds for YouthCare. 10% of every sale last night will support the organization's work to end youth homelessness.

AND, every person who purchased something online or in the store yesterday was entered into the drawing to win either a free Uber Wishlist (that's a $575 value!) or a Justin Marx Photography print.

Enough talking, let's see who won!

Giving Back, Seattle SundaymelliciaJune 15, 2014Comment

Seattle Sunday Father's Day Edition: Ian

Our house is filled with fashion enthusiasts. Our daily conversations are often dominated by current events, work updates, food and fashion. And we love it.

As a personal stylist for men, women and kids, I'm often asked about my favorite boutiques for each. With Father's Day right around the corner, it seems only right that today's Seattle Sunday post highlight a men's boutique for the hip man, Ian. Plus, when you mention Poplin you save 15%.

Seattle Sunday: Stylish Outdoor Gear for Women by Freeman

I love the outdoors. But, I don't love outdoor gear.... well, on me anyway.

I worked at an outdoor gear store when I was in high school, selling, designing the displays and learning information about functionality and design that I still use on a regular basis. As the recipient of a healthy discount, I bought Gortex jackets, fleece anoraks, Thorlo socks and everything in between for nearly everyone I knew. Years later, when it's time to hike in the rain, I reach for the same Gortex shell.

Until now.

Our good friends at Freeman have finally given into our demands. They've created a waterproof jacket any woman can love.

Four Reasons to Love the Lady Freeman On YOU.

Seattle Sunday: JCOCO's Couture Chocolate, Do Tell.

I like my Seattle Sunday posts to focus on a local brand, boutique or stylish Seattle-ite. After all, our city has much to offer. So, when I was invited to an exclusive event for local chocolatier Seattle Chocolate's new brand JCOCO, I was doubtful it would fit into my vision for Seattle Sunday posts. But, I certainly couldn't pass up chocolate and wine pairings, now could I?

So, I invited my good friend and very first client, Lauren, to join me for an evening of indulgence. Little did I know that JCOCO would introduce me to "couture chocolate" (that's what they call it!) and the inner workings of a chocolatier while tapping into the love of fashion that so many of us share.

5 Reasons Why JCOCO is Even Cooler Than I Thought.

Seattle Sunday: Winslow Handmade Ties & Pocket Squares

This post has been in the works for months and I am THRILLED to finally be able to share with you, Dear Reader, what I've been telling every person I come in contact with: my love of Winslow.

I initially heard about Winslow from our good friends at Freeman Seattle (check out the recent post featuring Freeman or the site with new jackets for women). Shortly afterward, I saw one of the ties at Velouria and I was hooked. The brainchild of two bright, energetic and thoughtful women, Winslow makes one-of-a-kind handmade neckties, bow ties and pocket squares from reclaimed fabrics. Each one is unique and impeccably made.

They are inspirational. More than a tie or a pocket square, Winslow offers transformation.

5 Ways that a Piece from Winslow Can Be Used to Alter the Course of Your Life

Seattle Sunday: Mother's Day Hiatus

Seattle SundaymelliciaMay 12, 2014Comment