Wear What When

Oscar de la Renta at Mario’s

See spring styles at the downtown department store.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jan 23, 2012 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: style.com

A look from Oscar de la Renta’s spring 2012 show. You can see many more looks from the presentation at Mario’s on January 27 and 28.

Where: Mario’s

What: A two-day opportunity to look over a gorgeous selection of Oscar de la Renta’s spring line. It won’t be out on hangers for another month or so, but this trunk show presents the New York designer’s celebration of lace, feathers, cropped sweaters, and ball gowns.

If you had seen the presentation in New York during the most recent fashion week, you would have heard a soundtrack of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Strange, right? De la Renta’s offerings usually appeal to a more mature audience, one that’s more classical than classic rock. Check out the OdlR slideshow on style.com and see what you think of what fashion writer Nicole Phelps calls the designer’s “refresh button.”

Then get to Mario’s and see it for yourself.

When: Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27 during normal store hours.

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Tags: Mario's, Seattle Trunk Show

The Row at Mario’s

The Olsens cited a trip to Seattle among their two inspirations for the spring line. You can see it here, just a few weeks after its New York City debut.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Oct 25, 2011 at 10:00AM 0 Comments

Would Nick Cave be flattered? A look from the Olsen twin’s spring 2012 collection for the the Row; they say the pieces were inspired, in part, by a trip to Seattle where they saw the artist’s work at SAM.

Last April, the Row designers Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen came to Seattle to plug their other line, Elizabeth James. While they were here, they visited the Nick Cave show at SAM, and inspiration hit.

You’re sharper than I am if you can see the influence in their spring 2012 collection, but then maybe I’m not picking up on it because we haven’t seen the almost all-white pieces in person. Here’s a chance to change that.

The collection will be at Mario’s on Thursday, October 27 from 10 to 5.

Hints: The designers told the press gathered for their September 9 show that the Seattle show made them want “everything to float and breathe, or make a sound even.” Style.com reporter Nicole Phelps noted that “In the stillness of the performance space, the shell buttons densely embellishing a long tank faintly jingled.”

The Olsens’ gorgeous and exclusive designs are worth seeing regardless, but the Seattle connection should make the trunk show all the more fun.

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Tags: Seattle Art Museum, Mario's

Report: Fashion’s Night Out

Here’s what went down where we were at last night.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 09, 2011 at 01:15PM 2 Comments

Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

Slideshow: Seattle style blogger Adria Saracino from The Emerald Closet shared a few of her snaps from #FNOSea, as I’ve come to call it. Check her blog on Monday for more of her shots.

Though generally speaking I’d have to be categorized as anti-man bag, this fellow here is definitely an exception to my admittedly short-sighted ‘rule.’ I like that he’s just full-on owning it with this great clutch.

View Slideshow » Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

Slideshow: Seattle style blogger Adria Saracino from The Emerald Closet shared a few of her snaps from #FNOSea, as I’ve come to call it. Check her blog on Monday for more of her shots.

Though generally speaking I’d have to be categorized as anti-man bag, this fellow here is definitely an exception to my admittedly short-sighted ‘rule.’ I like that he’s just full-on owning it with this great clutch.

View Slideshow » Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

Love that Adria got a picture of this gal; I had seen her also but then she was gone by the time I crossed the street. It’s a completely agreeable look from top down; love the cropped tee.

View Slideshow » Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

If this woman wore those shoes all over downtown for the whole of Fashion’s Night Out, I’d like to buy her a cocktail. Get in touch, lady!

View Slideshow » Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

Somehow this captures the mood of the night, which really felt more like a ‘day,’ or at least an evening, owing to the gorgeous weather and the slightly surreal giddiness of shopping en masse.

View Slideshow » Photo: Adria Saracino for The Emerald Closet

Skirt length: past the knee. Let’s do this.

You know you’ve had a good time in downtown Seattle when your parking tab at Pacific Place is $26.

We definitely started Fashion’s Night Out early. We were checking in on shops like Nancy Meyer well before anything you would have called “Night,” but we had serious ground to cover and we were determined to make all the requisite stops.

And here’s the thing: making those stops, especially early on, afforded us the opportunity to chat with shopkeepers, not just about #FNOSea but about, well, life in general. And the block party aspect of the event—the whole get-to-know-your-local-retailers thing—is integral to what Fashion’s Night Out is all about.

Of course, FNO is also about a good time. Wherever we went, as we ran into friends and acquaintances, the first round of questions concerned where we’d been, what they were doing there, and what they were pouring. At Mario’s, for instance, it was vodka cocktails, spiked with a photobooth.

But just as important as the booze was the activity, celebration, and/or parade of fashion; what FNO’ers really wanted to know was where the action was. They were looking not just to shop but to do or see or partake—at Alhambra that meant watching as models in fresh fall gear posed rather valiantly in the First Ave windows, while all manner of passersby got up on the glass to inspect them. At Baby and Co. it meant wrapping up in a scarf-tying demo. At Barneys it was a party vibe with a DJ and inventive snacks; at Nordstrom, the savvy department was flooded with friend groups getting in on some newfangled, editable, digital step and repeat situation.

While there was plenty of good stuff going on, it wasn’t necessarily easy to sense the critical mass of it, simply because it just isn’t possible to be everywhere at once. Trucking from, say, First and Union to Sixth and Pike, you were bound to miss moments of retail bliss, sartorial celebration, and fashion-on-the-loose here and there. Even with our early start and extra hours built in, it wasn’t easy to get to all the stops let alone take some time to stop, shop, and enjoy them. And send up a few Tweets about it.

“Are you seeing lots of people? Is everyone here?” That was another thing we asked each other—only that too was difficult to gauge. Same reason.

Only solution: Next year, every single downtown retailer and restaurant stays open til 9 and we really turn this thing inside out. Or, maybe by then science will have made some progress on the whole being-two-places-at-once thing.

Still, when we wound up at MistralKitchen at the end of the night (have you had the Thai popcorn there? insane) there certainly weren’t any regrets. Sure, it would be cool to be in New York for FNO where the event kicks off New York Fashion Week (and $26 buys you twenty minutes of parking), but walking down Westlake last night and looking up at the moon in our uncluttered, clear blue-black sky, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else.

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Tags: Mario's, Nordstrom, Barneys, Fashion's Night Out '11, Baby and Co.

Guide: Fashion’s Night Out

Follow us, literally and digitally, for good times and great outfits.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 02, 2011 at 09:00AM 4 Comments

These fold-out Fashion’s Night Out maps, with full info on all participating stores, are included in our September issue; if you’d like one, feel free to stop by our offices on Western Ave and pick one up. Thanks to the amazing UK-born Seattle-based fashion illustrator Izzie Klingels for the artwork on the map.

Whatever the reason, there’s a sort of critical mass this year as far as Seattle and Fashion’s Night Out are concerned.

The Bravern is doing it, U Village is doing, heck, even Alderwood Mall is doing it.

And downtown Seattle is most definitely doing it. And so are we—we being a pack of Seattle Met’sters and friends. Mia Harrison from Fashion Network Seattle and Melissa Middleton from JeNeSeQua are joining Ethan Miller and Jamie Fish from Heffner Model Management and our Seattle Met posse as we do the shopper’s version of a pub crawl at a fashion-centric block party.

The whole lot of us will be armed with mobile devices to Tweet and Facebook what we see and who we see; we’ll be looking for FNO’s Best Dressed, tagging and uploading contenders to the Seattle Met Facebook page and my Twitter feed.

Meanwhile, the Heffner crew will be scouting for new faces. So bring your top model dreams, your summer-to-fall style, and let’s hang out.

Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow me on Twitter now so that when we cross paths and digitally verbalize our mutual admiration, we can tag and “@” you and all that.

And, be sure to use the Downtown Seattle FNO hashtag, #FNOSEA

Here’s our itinerary. (Warning: it’s a lot to take in; we’re completists and we’re intent on getting to all the spots at all the right times—backtracking be damned.)

+ 2:45 to 3:30 Swink Style Bar Where else would we start? As I don’t have much hair to blow out, I’m just getting my makeup done. I’m thinking liquid liner and nude lips.

-3:30 to 5 Pacific Place vendors: Ann Taylor, J.Crew (those who spend $150 or more on FNO get a free custom Fashion’s Night Out tote), and True Religion Brand Jeans (gift with purchase!) to Nancy Meyer (yes, absolutely, underpinnings are an essential element of fashion) to Eileen Fisher (more champagne! sweet treats! raffle prizes!) to Mario’s (for a spin through the photobooth while the DJ plays our song; they’re starting early—4!—and ending early—7!—so don’t miss out, and do check out small bites, signature cocktails, exclusive Fashion’s Night Out merchandise, and prizes from Hugo Boss)

-5 to 6:45 Columbia Sportswear (to check out their new City Collection) to The Finerie (for Fashion’s Night Out specials, signature cocktails, and a chat with designer Abigail Glaum-Lathbury) to Free People (we’ll see who’s enjoying the 20 percent discount and complementary feather extensions—with purchase of course) to Alhambra (where there will be a live fashion show, live music, and champagne—and, for those who spend $200, a $50 gift certificate) to Baby and Co. (we’ll take 10 percent off of the scarf bar and some “how to” demo’s, yep, thanks).

-6:45 to 7:15 We’ll be at RN74, refueling, even if we have to pay full price. The buzzed-about joint is offering a late night happy hour from 9 to close for FNO’ers; all items on that menu will be $5.

-7:15 to 8 Barneys New York, where they’re doing it up party-style with Trophy Cupcakes, light bites from Alan Davis of Scout Provisions, and a DJ (store manager Chris Nardi promised me Boy George—or was it Culture Club?). Please note: Barneys is outta here at 8. We’re sort of hoping they’ll let us flip the ‘open’ sign to ‘closed’ … or something like that.

-8 to 8:30 Morton’s the Steakhouse where bar bites are $6, but depending on how rigorously you’ve been shopping, you might just go for the steak and seafood three-course menu for $54.99.

-8:30 to 9 Ah, how many nights have we been at Nordstrom for last call? They’re serving up entertainment, refreshments, prizes, exclusive merchandise, and, of course, the latest trends. We’ll be there.

-9 to ? MistralKitchen, because, c’mon, we’ve only just begun. The official after-party spot is offering specials on food, cocktails, and champagne from 9 to midnight.

Of course, we certainly won’t be the only thumb-typing style hunters out and about on September 8. Seattle fashion bloggers and of-the-minute shopping news updaters Jess Estrada from Fresh Jess, Tina Witherspoon from Glamspoon, Ashley Breckel from Style Umbrella, and the Emerald Closet folks from the blog of the same name will all be out and about. Hope you will, too—we can’t wait to connect!

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Tags: Mario's, Nordstrom, Barneys, Fashion's Night Out '11, Baby and Co.

Sales: Mario’s, Barneys, Nordstrom, Blackbird, Neiman Marcus [Updated]

It’s a great week to be a woman in Seattle—and it’s not a bad time to be a guy, either.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jun 02, 2011 at 06:30AM 0 Comments

Lanvin, on sale at Mario’s.

Ladies, check it out: You’ve got the Nordstrom half-yearly sale for women and children in full-effect; markdowns in Collectors, the designer department, and designer shoes and handbags, started yesterday and continue tomorrow.

Beginning today, you’re also wanted on the second floor of Mario’s, where the women’s summer sale is commencing. You’ll find prices cut on pieces by Prada, Lanvin, Helmut Lang, Brunello Cucinelli, Vince, and more.

And then there’s Barneys, where savings of up to 40 percent kicked off yesterday.

Now, gentlemen: Don’t feel left out. That Barneys sale includes clothes, shoes, and accessories for men and women, and on top of that, the designer sale at Blackbird in Ballard started yesterday and continues as long as the merchandise is there.

UPDATE: Hey! Neiman Marcus is on sale too! Women’s designer is up to 40 percent off and you’re invited to save up to 33% on menswear.

Your biggest headache is where to begin. Just keep one thing in mind, okay? Yes, you can shop online at a number of these stores, but if you’re planning to hit Nordstrom sale and/or the Barneys one, do your community a favor and hit them in person. Not by pointing and clicking. Why? Because doing so means one of your neighbors gets the commission, not some computer. (Go ahead and shop online with Blackbird, that money will stay in town regardless since they’re totally local; with Mario’s, virtual shopping is not an option.)

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Tags: Mario's, Nordstrom, Barneys, Blackbird

Trunk Show: Akris and Peter Cohen at Neiman Marcus and Mario’s

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 31, 2011 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

From Akris’s fall 2011 line; see it at Neiman Marcus on June 6 and 7.

Where: Mario’s

What: Preview next fall’s looks by Peter Cohen, known for 25 years of restraint and essentials.

When: June 1 and 2 from 10 to 5; the Los Angeles-based designer himself will be there on June 2

*************************************************

Where: Neiman Marcus

What: Trunk show featuring looks from Akris’s fall 2011 line. Think artful minimalism in shades of sable, mustard, and the Seattle sky (gray, that is).

When: June 6 and 7 from 11 to 4

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Tags: Neiman Marcus, Bravern, Mario's, Seattle Trunk Show

Trunk Show: Lanvin at Mario’s

Exclusive (in the Northwest) to Mario’s, a look at the beloved line’s pre-fall collection.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 08, 2011 at 07:00AM 1 Comments

Photo: Style.com

Saturday, March 19 at Mario’s in downtown Seattle: The only place in the Northwest where you can preview Lanvin’s pre-fall 2011 collection.

Where: Mario’s. And only Mario’s.

What: A Lanvin prefall 2011 trunk show. Exclusive to the Northwest. As in — at least in these parts — only Mario’s is hosting this particular set of big bow blouses, caped dresses, and cinnamon-colored maxis.

Wouldn’t it also be fun to say that Alber Elbaz will be there? Oh there you go again. Getting an inch and taking a mile.

In place of the celebrated, bespectacled designer is the brand’s women’s sales manager, Scott Studenberg. If your instinct is to shrug a ruffled shoulder, don’t. Access to anyone other than the iconic, hundred-year old house’s mail boy is a pretty big deal. You can ask Studenberg about washed silks, bow ties, almost preposterous lapel pins, or the volume of a pitch-perfect skirt. I might ask him about the recent H&M collaboration; Elbaz called the experiment a once-in-a-lifetime kinda thing and admitted he was afraid no one would show up. Really?? (For the record, I was there on Fifth and Pike at 6:04am and got one of the last dresses on the racks.)

On the other hand, you don’t have to ask anyone anything.

You may just go, stand in front of the clothes, feel thankful that we live in such a beautiful city in a world where almost everything is at least touchable, inspectable, and available for evaluation, and then leave again when you’re ready to.

When: Saturday, March 19 from 10 to 5. Champagne and petite bites will be served.

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Tags: Mario's, Seattle Trunk Show

See You Next Fall

Just announced: Fall ‘10 Trunk Show at Mario’s for The Row

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 12, 2010 at 04:20PM 3 Comments

Photo: Style.com

The Row’s fall 2010 collection will be at Mario’s on March 26

You’re just barely getting your big toe into spring and I’m tossing fall into the mix? Don’t throw up your hands at me, I’m just the messenger.

Word just got out that Mario’s is bringing the Row’s fall collection to their downtown store on Friday March 26.

From 10a to 5p, a rep from the line (no, sorry, not Mary-Kate or Ashley) will be showcasing key fall looks, so prepare your long-lunch excuses and early dismissal forgeries now. Be the first on your block to check out those long-sleeve leather “tee-shirts” and blue python-patterned accents in person.

And yeah, those of you who are really intent to lead the pack can place special orders for September delivery.

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Tags: Mario's, Seattle Trunk Show, Fall/Winter 2010, Leather

Wheel of Fortune

Take the spin at Mario’s “Mar 10” in-store party and fundraiser

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 08, 2010 at 04:00PM 0 Comments

The right raffle ticket could get you a pair of Lanvin sneakers at Mario’s “Mar 10” party

The coincidence that is Mar 10 is all they need to throw a pretty good party each year at Mario’s.

Get it? Mar 10 = Mario.

The shop becomes a bit carnival-like when the wheel of fortune moves in, and customers who have spent $200 or more get to take a spin. (Note: You have until the 10th to spend those 200 bucks, and when you do, you’ll get ten percent off.) Prizes are added all day so depending on when you drop in, you might be spinning for the Manolo Blahnik heels of your choice (up to $745), an Oscar de la Renta Ikat clutch, Etro scarf, or Brunello Cucinelli piece (up to $750).

Men, you’ll spin for a Zegna sport coat, John Varvatos shoes (up to $365), Canali suit, and other similar, stellar items.

But it’s not just about you. Or Mario’s. Or even celebrating coincidences.

Raffle tickets will also be available; 100% of the proceeds from those sales (one ticket goes for $10, or buy three for $25) goes to Children’s Healing Art Project and Coyote Central. The former uses art to help kids in crisis, the latter lets junior-high youth discover their inner creative spirits.

Raffle prizes are no joke (errr—-what was that I said about this not being about you?): Score a Lanvin item (up to $1000), Irene Neuwirth earrings, an Isaia Aqua Spider suit, or something equally as incredible.

The only question is, are you feeling lucky?

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Tags: Downtown, Promotions, Accessories, Mario's, Good Cause

Sale of the Week: Score!

Mario’s yearly Super Bowl Weekend sales are about to kick off

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 02, 2010 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: Style.com

Phillip Lim 3.1 is among the collections on sale over Super Bowl Weekend at Mario’s

Every year on Super Bowl Sunday, as frozen pizza products warm and beers chill, Seattle’s designer- and sales-obsessed women line up outside Mario’s waiting for their main event to begin.

At 11a.m., the doors open. Players (that’s you, Madam) sprint up the long staircase and tackle racks of fall/winter merchandise — marked to an insane 50% off the lowest sale price (some are already marked down 60% – do that math) — in search of the ultimate score.

Of course, the beauty of competitive shopping is that the ultimate score (Prada, Lanvin, Vince, Louboutin) is in the eye of the scorer.

For the most part. Which is not to say that elbows are not thrown, questionable strategies are not employed, or that things don’t get as rowdy as an afternoon on the blacktop. Or the turf. Or whatever.

And so, for the faint of heart, there is the pre-sale. On Friday and Saturday, 2/5 and 2/6, you’ll get 30% off the lowest price on select clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories.

30% isn’t 50%, but you won’t loss an eye or anything.

Now, at Mario’s they know that not all men care whether whats-his-name maintains possession or where the 30 yard line is. From Friday through Sunday, guys can take 30% off the lowest marked price on items by Tom Ford, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, and more.

So, shoppers: Get in Shape. Stretch. Hydrate. Carb load. Cruise through Mario’s before Friday, make a mental wish list, and start memorizing your game plans. Or generating good karma. Or working on your stair sprinting.

May you all be named MVP.

^{^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^}^^
Check last month’s archives for more fall/winter sales in action:

West Edgy
Center of the Universe
Getting to Know Them
Go West

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Tags: Fall/Winter Sale, Mario's, Super Bowl Sunday