Wear What When

Tamara Codor Design

Meet the designer, and her elegantly rugged, sustainably built furniture designs.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 17, 2012 at 10:30AM 1 Comments

Photo: Charlie Schuck

SLIDESHOW: Codor Design. Says the namesake designer: ‘My goal is to create a design house that keeps putting out new designs as long as we exist. We are not interested in mass manufacturing and getting things done cheaply. We are interested in trying new things, finding new materials, and expanding into more avenues of design.’

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

SLIDESHOW: Codor Design. Says the namesake designer: ‘My goal is to create a design house that keeps putting out new designs as long as we exist. We are not interested in mass manufacturing and getting things done cheaply. We are interested in trying new things, finding new materials, and expanding into more avenues of design.’

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

Codor and design partner Sterling Voss have secured a gorgeous space in Pioneer Square with massive ceilings and tons of history. They plan to open it as a showroom, design event space, gallery, and more in the fall.

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

Codor: ‘I am attracted to the improbable in design. Stripping a piece of furniture down to its barest elements, making it float and in an elegant way, having heavy objects suspended on impossibly thin legs. This intrigues me. I love that it is possible to stand an elephant on just the right amount of toothpicks. I had a number of pieces that manufacturers have told me were impossible to make, but these designs come from a design team that has tried to tan our own hides, and has reinvented the wheel at every turn, so that is no excuse.’

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

Codor Design’s chairs use reclaimed wood; many of the other pieces also use American sustainably sourced wood. Codor says ‘Metal happens to be 99% recycled, so that’s good.’ This particular chair is available at NuBe Green.

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

Codor Design is sold at deringhall.com and on codordesign.com At the moment they are also represented in Chicago by Atelier Gary Lee, and in High Falls, New York by Nectar Imports.

View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck
View Slideshow » Photo: Charlie Schuck

The designer does interiors also—including, of course, her own. This is her first loft.

Codor: ‘It was a big open space and a fun challenge to divide into different spaces while keeping the open airy feeling. I love ceiling-to-floor dramatic curtains, and, because they were sheers, the light played through them while still creating a space separation. I think because of my background in classical painting and set design, I see everything as a challenge of composition. It is not as important that things are of the same genre, material, or time period, as long as they fit and create a composition that is interesting to me. While comfort is important, I think people feel intrinsically comfortable when their actual body fits in the composition.’

Style Counselor Tamara Codor is the kind of girl who manages to look purposeful in painting overalls and a sweater. Like she means it—which of course she does. She’s a finely trained working artist and hands-on furniture designer, but you wouldn’t necessarily know that if you saw her crossing Broadway and Pine.

And you might not necessarily know, if you saw her out of those overalls and inside a pencil skirt, that she was partially responsible for a living room full of sturdily graceful neo-green furniture.

Along with Sterling Voss, Codor creates under the name Codor Design. The slideshow here gets you inside the pieces and inside the minds of Codor and Voss (who happens to be pretty great-looking also; we’ll have to photograph him next time).

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Tags: Style Counsel, Sustainable Such and Such, Seattle Designer

Moms Know Best

Seattle’s top style moms dish Mother’s Day gift advice.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 08, 2012 at 07:00AM 3 Comments

Photo: Sight Unseen

At least one Seattle mom wants this necklace by local designers Iacoli & McAllister. Read on for more ideas.

When you need a straight answer, you go straight to the source. With only a few shopping days left until Mother’s Day, we asked some expert Seattle moms to put us on the quick course to spot-on gifting.

Designer Lizzie Parker
Mom of: Two children and one bulldog
Favorite gift: Every year my husband does a green screen–like picture and Photoshops the kids in for a Mother’s Day poster. My favorite was them with their light sabers wishing me a Star Wars happy Mother’s Day when they were toddlers.
Top gift picks: Breakfast in bed and the day to shop at some of my favorite Seattle haunts: Nancy’s Sewing Basket (for some new fab fabrics; perhaps I will make myself something), La Ree (I mean Isabel Marant and Rick Owens, need I say more?), and Baby and Co (I love to check out her seasonal window themes).

Jacquelynn Reasy Woodward of Sorella Spa
Mom of: A two-year-old and another on the way
Favorite gift: Day at the spa, a portrait of my family, a fun day planned by my husband.
Top gift pick: Our Mother’s Day special, which includes a massage, facial, and deep conditioning treatment for $100.

Ali Brownrigg, blogger and shopper
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Nothing beats a homemade gift created with intention and love by your kiddos. They’re so eager to give it to you and so proud when you display it in a place of honor. My most favorite gift ever was a paper skirt that my husband helped my daughter make for me to wear to all my fashion shows.
Top gift picks: I’d be over the moon with sleeping in, then snuggles in bed, a homemade card, and some flowers picked earnestly from our backyard. But if I were making a wish list I would include a mani/pedi at Mimisan on Queen Anne, a skinny strap belt from MMH, this necklace from Iacoli & McAllister, which I am fairly swooning over, or a Tiffany 1837 bar pendant from their new Rubedo metal collection because I think it looks like a modern cartouche.

Designer Rosanna Bowles
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Handmade art from my youngest daughter and mind-stretching books from my older daughter.
Top gift picks: Our fabulous cake pedestals and compotes from the Decor Bon Bon, Le Gateau, White Pedestals, and La Patisserie lines.

Makeup artist Tiffany Lowry, also known as Tiffany Colors
Mom of: One
Favorite gift: The gift of staying in bed all day. My family brought me breakfast and coffee and all my favorite mags and even a few videos on the iPad so I could cuddle and relax all day! And a cupcake from Flying Apron—chocolate with peanut butter frosting! YES!
Top gift picks: A makeover/beauty update. As a working mother I know the stresses and the lack of time we take to put ourselves together! I’m chasing my daughter to eat, get dressed, and shove her homework into her backpack and then we are out the door so I’ve figured out the best lipstick to apply in the car! Y.S.L Rouge Pur Vernis A Levres #8; it’s the “It” color and so sheer that you can’t mess up and you look so put together.

Lingerie designer Laurie Shapiro from Toad Lillie
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Because my boys are young, the only gift I look forward to every Mother’s Day is a sloppily written handmade card and an extra big hug. My husband is so sweet and shows his appreciation every year with something very feminine for Mother’s Day to help make up for the crazy, messy boy-filled life that I have.
Top gift picks: A lovely nightie is perfect for celebrating the woman inside every mother. My handcrafted Glace chemise has a hand-painted bodice that almost acts as jewelry and is bias-cut to flatter mom and make her feel glamorous. A close second would be perfume because what mom doesn’t want to smell fabulous? Since it’s so hard to pick the perfect fragrance, I recommend taking a custom perfume making class instead with local perfumer Meredith Tucker of Sweet Anthem. This way Mom can escape for a few hours to olfactory heaven and design a one-of-a-kind fragrance that will leave her remembering not only the thoughtful Mother’s Day gift but the experience as well.

Nancy Meade, owner of Terra Bella in Bellevue
Mom of: Four
Favorite gift: I love receiving artistic gifts made by my kids. Some of my favorites have been a watercolor painting, ceramic mask, ceramic bowls, and long, decorative love notes. I love knowing that they put energy, thought, and love into creating something special and meaningful for me!
Top gift picks: Our handcrafted gorgeous jewelry from a multitude of local and world-wide designers; Italian hand-loomed linen hand towels and tea towels; Sid Dickens memory blocks handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada; gorgeous Arte Italica serving pieces and hobnail glass pitchers; modern resin trays, vases, bowls by Lawrence Essentials; hand-blown glass candle cylinders by Marianne Guedin, made in France.

Terri Morgan, owner, TCM Models
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: My favorite gift is just having uninterrupted time with my kids; cell phones put away, no TV—we could be doing anything, we’re just together.
Top gift pick: I really love it when I get a spa day or mani/pedi thing. It isn’t something that I normally treat myself too. I really like Mimisan on Queen Anne.

Samantha Crowley, owner of Fleurt in West Seattle
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Handmade paper flowers from my son Jack when he was in First grade. New shoes from my daughter this year. She was a little early but could not resist the new Geox shoes from Nordstrom. I also enjoy this one day a year where I don’t have to do anything. My kids make me breakfast, lunch, and dinner, clean the house, and wash my car.
Top gift picks: Fleurt is loaded with goodies for Mother’s Day. Of course fresh flowers are always gorgeous, but for something a bit different we have custom terrariums in all shapes and sizes, mushroom growing kits, and my all time favorite: tea towels from Studio Patro.

Sara Seumae of Spun
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Every mom I know says that they cherish the hand-drawn pictures and macaroni crafts that their kids make them. I am no different! My husband recently bought me a home laminate machine just so I could save my daughter’s artwork. Some of them are sweet while others are pure comedy.
Top gift picks: As a mother, I love to receive gifts that I wouldn’t normally buy for myself. My kids—let’s be serious, my husband does the gift shopping—always buy me clothes or jewelry, knowing that I seldom buy that for myself. I think that moms would love to receive anything from Cameron Levin. Her pieces are easy to wear and beautiful for going out to dinner or a fancy party. She even has pieces that can easily be layered for a casual look. I love the folded-sleeve top; I wear it over a tank top and jeans. Our Mother’s Day sale on Saturday, May 12 includes 50 percent off our remaining stock of Cameron’s Chelsea collection, 30 percent off fall/winter pieces from the talented Kate Chrisman, 20 percent off the Spun line, and 20 percent off jewelry and handbags.

Mindy Jahn at Whole Foods, Lynnwood
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: I love food and cooking so the best gifts I get from my kids are when they make me breakfast in bed. They have been doing this since they were very little and each year it gets better and better. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease two years ago and now the kids even bake me gluten-free treats and bring them to me with coffee and fruit.
Top gift pick: Our store has some fantastic Mother’s Day gifts. My ultimate favorite gift would be a gift that gives back. The Blessing Basket is the perfect gift for any caring mother; these handwoven and hand-signed baskets are not only beautiful but are helping to eliminate poverty across the globe.

Sally Brock, owner of Fancy
Mom of: One
Favorite gift: Crepes in bed (dad’s contribution) and beans and cereal (Claudia’s addition).
Top gift picks: I’d love to get these 14K yellow gold earrings with pink sapphires, peridot, and champagne diamond petals, but of course, I can just make my own. I also love this Catherine Grisez necklace featuring coral, rose quartz, and carnelian.

Designer Maresa Patterson
Mom of: Three boys, and four if you count the biggest kid of them all.
Favorite gift: I received a universal remote control that was life-changing. I can actually watch Mad Men whenever I want to without having to shuffle between eight remote controls! (Can you believe this season?)
Top gift picks: In honor of Mother’s Day, consider Linda, made of 100 percent double-face cotton. It’s very comfortable, perfect for hanging out with lovely children and chasing them around! Also, a beautiful Dries Van Noten scarf from Jack Straw or anything from Far 4.

Carilyn Platt, public relations
Mom of: One
Favorite gift: Last year, I took the charms from my mom’s charm bracelet—the one she received when she first went to Europe with her parents—and had them put on a charm bracelet that she bought for me. My husband and son got me a new charm that they also added to the bracelet, and that is probably my most treasured Mother’s Day gift because of the special meaning all around.
Top gift picks: I must preface by saying I am not expecting any of these things, but they would of course be welcome any time of the year. Creed perfume, a VitaMix blender, a Glassybaby, local skincare products from Kari Gran, a birdhouse or bench from Ravenna Gardens, or jewelry from Maria Carter or Jamie Joseph.

Serpil Kaymaz, owner of Alhambra
Mom of: One
Favorite gift: Small and simple gold jewelry.
Top gift picks: Jewelry from Jane Hollinger, Sara McGuire, Beth Orduna, or Dana Kellin. The line Tucker is also a wonderful for Mother’s Day. The prints put everyone in the mood for spring and their styles are classic and timeless. I am particularly fond of the red polka dot short sleeve blouse.

Alissa Leinonen, founder of Gourmondo Catering
Mom of: Five
Favorite gift: In addition to the homemade cards and crafts I’ve received over the years, including some adorable handmade jewelry, I’ve loved it when my children have made special baked goods and desserts on Mother’s Day. I’m lucky to have children who love to bake.
Top gift pick: Gourmondo’s dressing gift sampler, which includes our Bacon Balsamic, Tuscan Herb, and Cypress Citrus dressings, is a fun gift for the foodie Mom. They are great over fresh greens from your local farmers market. The Tuscan Herb works as a marinade, with a Painted Hills steak or grilled chicken breast.

Natalie Angelillo, of Swink Style Bar
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Best gift ever was an elaborate breakfast in bed cooked by my two kids all by themselves without any fighting and a total kitchen clean-up afterward. Admittedly the last part was probably as great as the first.
Top gift picks: Our Mommy and Me Dry Style package, or a three-, six-, or 12-pack of blowouts. Or a gift certificate for our downtown or University Village locations.

Kay Smith-Blum, CEO Butch Blum
Mom of: Three boys
Favorite gift: When they do yard clean up. One year they even washed down the white-stained fence, saving me hours in the garden!
Top gift picks: The striped dresses from Martin Margiela and MM6, Margiela’s diffusion line. One is $545, the other $295—both are quintessential travel dresses, doubling as bathing suit cover-up after they get used once or twice for shopping and dinner.

Ruth True, owner of NuBe Green
Mom of: Five
Favorite gift: Some bubble bath and the time to use it.

Judith Winquist, co-owner of Mane Blow Dry Bar
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: As my children are now adults with families and busy careers of their own, my favorite Mother’s Day gift and the one I value most is the gift of my children’s time. Any outing or event they choose to do together with me on Mother’s Day is one I hold dear. It spawns priceless memories and even photos that keep giving throughout the year.
Top gift pick: In a very real way, Mane Blow Dry Bar fulfills my Mother’s day dream to spend more time with my daughter, Kate, who is also my business partner. This year, our collaboration in our new business will afford us the opportunity to pass on the gift of shared time by offering daughters an opportunity to purchase gift certificates to pamper their mom or mother-in-law. Better yet, come in together for mother-daughter blowouts. Our Mane gift certificates are available for purchase online.

Sanda Belaire, from downtown Nordstrom, Savvy department
Mom of: Two
Favorite gift: Homemade cards and paintings are always treasured!
Top gift pick: Our exclusive Nordstrom Glassybaby Evelyn candle holder makes an excellent Mother’s Day gift. Each one is locally handmade by Seattle artists and 10 percent from the sale of each is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Toms canvas slip-on shoes can be custom painted by the kids with fabric paint for a unique gift, and with every pair of Toms shoes purchased, the company gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

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Tags: Locally Designed, Seattle Designer, Locally Made Jewelry, Mother's Day 2012

He/Art

An art sale that’s really a house party. Or is it the other way around?

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 03, 2012 at 01:00PM 0 Comments

Photo: Jen Ament

An encaustic painting by Jen Ament, who will be featured at He/Art on Saturday, May 12.

Think, suggests designer, maker, and gatherer April Pride, of an art opening and a house party rolled into one.

KEXP DJ Tim Betterley is providing the tunes, Hilliard’s will be poured and consumed, and art (more on that in a minute) will be available to trade for American cash. And it all happens in Pride’s Madison Park domicile at 1214 42nd Ave E.

‘I have always pondered why we don’t view art in the environment of a home,’ says Pride.

He/Art on Saturday, May 12 from 5 to 9 makes it happen with contributions from Irene Wood (you’ve seen her accessories in our fashion spread; she’ll show work in oil, acrylic, ink, and polyurethane here), photographer Jules Frazier, encaustic and ink-on-paper artist, Jen Ament, and glass artist JP Canlis.

You should go, and make yourself at home.

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Tags: Visual Art, Seattle Designer

Fashion and Food at the Palace Ballroom

Tom Douglas creates cuisine in conjunction with local designers.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 26, 2012 at 08:00AM 2 Comments

SLIDESHOW: Get a look at the designers whose work will be served up alongside bites from Tom Douglas. Here, Julie Danforth’s easy little dresses. What flavor goes with a high-neck red frock?

View Slideshow » Illustration:

SLIDESHOW: Get a look at the designers whose work will be served up alongside bites from Tom Douglas. Here, Julie Danforth’s easy little dresses. What flavor goes with a high-neck red frock?

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Marta Kappl’s strappy sundress. Says the organizer and designer: "Food and fashion are both necessities for life. We can consume fast food and fast fashion, or we can value quality.”

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Looks by Project Red Dress winner Corgan Harper will be featured on the runway.

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The show also features work by scarf artist Erin Hilleary.

What dish goes with a little black dress?

Restaurant kingpin Tom Douglas and fashion entrepreneur Marta Kappl from House of Fashion team up to find out in Haute Cuisine meets Haute Fashion on Friday, May 4 at 7 inside the Palace Ballroom. Yes, you’re invited.

The event begins with cocktails; then, from 7:30 to 9:30, food and fashion will be served. World-class, locally sourced food, and world-class, locally sourced fashion. Oh, and world-class hair and makeup from Gary Manuel.

Kappl and her cohorts say cuisine and couture have the same basic ingredients: quality ingredients, a creative concept, and a skilled chef—so why not pair the two and allow each to benefit from the other?

The slideshow here gives you a look at some of the Seattle-area designers whose work will be consumed on the runway. As for how Douglas will complement evening gowns and strappy day dresses with delicious bites? You’ll have to be there to find out.

Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets.

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Tags: Locally Designed, Seattle Fashion Show, Seattle Designer

Cameron Levin at Karan Dannenberg Clothier

Wine and water goddesses in Belltown on Thursday, April 26.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 19, 2012 at 02:00PM 2 Comments

Come see Seattle designer Cameron Levin’s Sati collection at Karan Dannenberg—you could win a gift certificate to Calidora Skin Boutique or Milagros Salon and Spa.

WHERE: Karan Dannenberg Clothier

WHAT: A trunk show and champagne celebration feting the Sati Collection from local designer Cameron Levin. Get inside these fun, easy-to-wear party dresses and talk to the designer herself about the water-preserving sustainable fabrics (100 percent organic cottons, bamboo jerseys) used to construct the pieces that she subsequently named after the Egyptian goddess of waterfalls.

Fans of local design and retail are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity; Dannenberg is as passionate a shop owner as Levin is a style industry insider. If you followed our coverage of the Pink Carpet Project you’ll remember that Levin not only showed her flowy, sea-colored creations there, she organized the whole thing to boot.

What’s more: this trunk show comes with glasses of Antoine de Clairvoy Champagne from O’Wine SJT Cellars and a chance to win prizes from Calidora Skin Clinic and Milagros Salon and Spa.

WHEN: Thursday, April 26 from 5 to 8

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Tags: Locally Designed, Seattle Designer, Cameron Levin

Blog Spot: Glam.spoon

She’s comfortable being the most dressed-up gal in the room, but she wouldn’t mind it if you gave her a run for her money.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 19, 2012 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: She writes, she styles, she designs, she sews. Glam.spoon blogger Tina Witherspoon does a lot for the local scene. Here, one of the six Ruby Room Auction looks she created to raise money and awareness. (model: Sabine Parrish)

View Slideshow » Photo:

SLIDESHOW: She writes, she styles, she designs, she sews. Glam.spoon blogger Tina Witherspoon does a lot for the local scene. Here, one of the six Ruby Room Auction looks she created to raise money and awareness. (model: Sabine Parrish)

View Slideshow » Photo: Jonanthan Beck

Here, Witherspoon sews her heart out for Fashion Feud.

View Slideshow » Photo: Barbie Hull

With organizer Briauna Mariah and designer Kim McCormick at the Keeping Abreast Fashion Show, a fundraiser for women fighting cancer.

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And here’s Witherspoon in…a daily outfit post. This Q and A inspired her to start documenting her day-to-day stylings. Right on, girl.

In episode three of our Blog Spot series we meet recent SM guest blogger Tina Witherspoon. When the local designer, blogger, and expert thrifter isn’t watching Fashion Star (ha!), attending local shows of every sort (if she’s not watching from some prominent seat, she’s backstage dressing models in order to show off her recycled glamor), or raising awareness about local causes like Dress for Success (she’d like to invite you to one of their dynamic luncheon fundraisers on Tuesday, April 24), she’s keeping up Glam.spoon, her online compendium of sales, events, and style.

WWW: Your personal geography, please. Where were you born and raised, and where are you currently living?
Witherspoon: I was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and was raised in rural New Hampshire. After college in upstate New York, I bought a one-way ticket to Seattle. That was 20 years ago, so I think I’m an honorary native.

Your personal style in three words: Bohemian, DIY, Layered.

Assuming your blog doesn’t pay the bills, what do you in order to pay the wireless bill and buy new clothes?
I’ve been working part-time as a freelance executive assistant for two years since leaving the corporate world. I’ve worked on and off for financial firms, event planners, and architects. I wish I’d gone freelance years ago because, compared with when I was working full-time for one company, I’m so much more productive and efficient with my time.

Your blogging timeline: Is this your first? What, if anything, came before?
Glam.spoon is my first blog. I started it in 2007 as a companion to my clothing line, but it’s really taken on a life of its own. Over the years I’ve taken writing, photography, and web design classes, and now I’m using all of those skills in one place. I’m also happy to use the platform to build community, help promote other local brands, and cover events. We have a ton of creative people in Seattle.

What was the voice inside your head saying as you were first imagining this blog?
First and foremost, I wanted to promote my brand and share my philosophy and approach with recycled textiles. What I didn’t expect was to actually love blogging. It’s liberating to have your own platform to connect with people. Through the blog and social media outlets, I’ve met some really interesting people from around the world as well as locally, and I never would have met them otherwise. I also found a community of like-minded creatives who all subscribe to the same manifesto: DIY and be creative.

Who reads your blog? What do you think people like about your posts and pictures? My readers really like to see the fashion. The posts showcasing new couture pieces get the most attention. Last fall I participated in The Ruby Room’s annual auction and uploaded a gown a day for six days to promote the event. That was by far the highest traffic week so far.

What’s the hardest thing in terms of blogging about style in Seattle?
Finding inspiration on the streets. I was so inspired by the documentary on Bill Cunningham, but he would not have had a 50-year career if he lived in Seattle. Seattleites may have great clothes on underneath, but for eight months of the year, we trudge through the streets in long black coats and sensible shoes while clutching umbrellas. It’s not easy fighting the elements with grace.

What’s the raddest thing in terms of blogging about style in Seattle?
I love the fact that Seattleites are very individual and take risks, but mostly that we don’t take it all too seriously.

One blog that no one knows about that everyone should read:
I’ve become obsessed with attending Portland Fashion Week this year, so I’ve been looking for Portland area blogs to read for inspiration. I found Urban Weeds first, and really love the vibe of it. I also like Clever Nettle and Confessions of a Product Junkie.

What do you want to do more of on your blog? What’s keeping you from doing it?
I’d love to do daily outfit posts. One of my resolutions for 2012 was to make an effort every day no matter the weather, so I owe it to myself to document that. What’s keeping me from it is getting a decent photo! I’m a pro at taking my own headshots, but a full body/outfit post is tricky. However, I just downloaded a camera app with a timer, so maybe I’ll figure something out.

What would you like to see more of in Seattle in terms of style?
I’ve always been comfortable being the girl in the room that’s overdressed for an occasion. Seattle does casual chic really well, but I’d like to see more people elevate style to another level on a more regular basis.

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Tags: Locally Designed, Seattle Designer, Seattle Style Bloggers

Kimberly Baker at Madewell

See the new spring collection at U Village

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 13, 2012 at 01:00PM 0 Comments

Photo: Madewell

Insert Kimberly Baker here.

WHERE: Madewell in University Village

WHAT: You can’t really say that Madewell’s slouchy urban-prep look is just the thing for Kimberly Baker’s iconic, narrative jewelry because the local jeweler’s gold-plated bunnies and historically minded tough-chic shapes lend themselves to so much more than college stripes, neon skinnies, and cuffed camo. But you can say that the two brands are a really nice match, and, in fact, this trunk show essentially says just that. When Baker’s new spring line will be shown alongside flowered boyfriend shirts and metallic wedges, you’ll hear the sentiment loud and clear.

Listen up for this, too: Take 20 percent off Kimberly Baker’s pieces, and Madewell purchases of $125 or more.

WHEN: Thursday, April 19 from 7 to 9

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Tags: University District, Locally Designed, Seattle Trunk Show, Kimberly Baker, Seattle Designer, University Village

Introducing J’Amy Tarr

This Seattle designer’s fall look book is right on target.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 09, 2012 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: Local designer J’Amy Tarr’s fall 2012 collection. Bronze-foiled leather creates an abstract design on black leather.

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SLIDESHOW: Local designer J’Amy Tarr’s fall 2012 collection. Bronze-foiled leather creates an abstract design on black leather.

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Tarr: ‘Leather is chic. It will always be in fashion to some degree, but designers seem to be going bonkers for it at the moment. Leather technology has improved over the last several years; it can now can be made stretchy, washable, foiled, printed… you name it. This makes it even more comfortable to wear. I personally think everyone should own a pair of leather pants—there is just something about wearing a pair that make you feel quite sexy and a little badass. Once they are on, the skin molds to your body and is incredibly comfortable.’

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Tarr: ‘For this collection, I thought of a woman who looks for luxurious fabrics and clean design lines. I am not a ruffles type of girl, so I didn’t want lots of things hanging off the designs. Just chic versatile clothes made to be styled by their owner. I wanted to let the wearer be empowered to add their own twist—dress it up or down.’

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This is one of my favorite looks from Tarr’s fall collection. ‘This dress is named after my aunt who is incredibly elegant and always impeccably put together,’ says Tarr. ‘It is made from 100 percent heavy silk crepe so the fabric has good weight to it. It is also lined, so it feels great on the body. This dress has a complicated pattern, since there are no vertical armhole seams, the fabric has to be cut horizontally. The seaming is really interesting. This is something other fashion people would notice. On first glance, you might not know how much went into designing that dress, since it appears simple. That is just the point, I love a simple dress with an innovative seam detail.’

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Tarr: ‘This textile technique is my signature. It is created from hand-cut lambskin, lamb suede, and bronze-foiled leather which are then hand-placed and appliqued onto a lambskin base. The amount of labor involved with these pieces is extraordinary. I made these myself, and am still looking for a factory in the USA that can replicate this work. The lambskin circle skirt was engineered so that the pieces would line up on a curve. Each of these pieces take about four or five full days to make.’

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Although Tarr currently has no retailers lined up to sell these looks, she’s working on it. ‘I am looking to have a trunk show with a special retailer this fall in Seattle and San Francisco. I will be updating my website and Facebook page
with announcements regarding retailers and trunk shows. I also update the Facebook page with insider info and pictures of how I made the garments, so if you are interested in seeing behind the curtain, please come check it out, but the best way to find out where I will be selling in the near future is to go to http://jamytarr.com/where-to-buy.’

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This look is a cornerstone of the designer’s fall outlook. ‘I practically made my entire collection so that I could make those bronze side-zip leather pants. I think those are quite versatile; wear them with a long sweater, short jacket, t-shirt, tank top – whatever!’ says Tarr.

If you watched the fall/winter 2012 collections over the last few months, you couldn’t have missed the super-prominent role that leather played. Black leather especially. It made up the collections’ best skirts, pants, dresses, and even jumpsuits.

On one hand it gave me pause; the treatment processes for leathers are really toxic, and then there’s the matter of all those hide-less animals… As I watched the collections in New York, Paris, London, and Milan, I had to wonder if anyone is thinking about sustainability and low-impact anymore. On the other hand, I can’t deny the power and beauty of a supple, curve-hugging leather pants. It’s a conundrum.

Count local—by way of Academy of Art University in SF and an internship with Michael Kors’ women’s line in New York—designer J’Amy Tarr among those who can’t resist the material. She just released images of her fall ’12 collection and leather figures-in big time.

Click through the slideshow here to see the Seattleite’s take on the next season, and to find out more about her design approach and retail goals.

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Tags: Locally Designed, Seattle Designer

Fashion Star Recap 3

How did the remaining Seattle contestant fare in this week’s retail game reality show?

Posted by: Tina Witherspoon on Apr 05, 2012 at 06:10AM 0 Comments

The Seattle contestants with Elle MacPherson.

Let us guess. You can’t bring yourself to watch Fashion Star but you’re curious how the show’s Seattle contestants are faring? And you’re wondering what Jessica Simpson could possibly add to the discussion? Local blogger, designer, and all-around style gal Tina Witherspoon joins us on Thursdays to recap the show.

I flipped out when I saw a tweet hinting that the designers would be making couture this week… NOT! The challenge was to make two pieces for completely different markets: one high-end garment, and one low-end version with broad appeal.

Local gal Lizzie Parker was cut last week, so all our hopes for a high/low victory rest with Lisa Hunter, who was shown this week in the workroom describing a high-end coat made from a “very rich fabric, $50 a yard—gorgeous!” She’s also making a low-end version in a yellow fabric. Her goal is to sell to Saks 5th Avenue because it’s the last store she shopped in with her mom before she passed away. At $50 per yard she better hope Saks 5th Avenue makes a bid, otherwise that coat will be sold at a loss through Macy’s for $79 or H&M for $39.

After the coats hit the runway, Varvatos reports that “the high-end wasn’t high and the low-end was predictable.” So, unfortunately, no offers for Lisa tonight.

In other no-offers news: Orly, of the two-fer, attempts to create a high-end look that transforms when you fold down the waistband. Her look goes from being a pair of high-waisted Hollywood pants to a pair of not-so-high-waisted Hollywood pants. Celebrity mentor Jessica Simpson jokes with her about having gotten in trouble for wearing high-waisted slacks (yes, we remember), but says she loves the look. That doesn’t get Orly anywhere, though.

Among the designers who are more fortunate: Sarah makes a high-end dress with back cutouts and an asymmetrical hem that’s interesting, but it’s hard to tell how high-end it is until Varvatos proclaims it cheap—excuse me, inexpensive. Simpson likes the low-end dress and offers Sarah her sage advice: “Next week just keep making it better.” She doesn’t need Simpson’s advice, though, because once she gets to buyer’s row, there’s an offer from H&M for $60k. They want to buy both designs. Hang on—H&M? High-end design? Would this be for the recently announced luxury fashion store off-shoot they’re doing? Nope, they’re selling the “high-end” dress for $19.99.

The bottom three this week turn out to be Lisa, Ronnie, and Edmund. The mentors decide to save Ronnie, probably because of his connections to Zac Posen. H&M tells Lisa that the buyers have been asking for innovation and current trends in her designs from the beginning, and she just hasn’t shown that. Well honestly, her aesthetic is 1960s Audrey Hepburn, so what did they expect? Ultimately Saks 5th Avenue tells Lisa, “I’m sorry, you’re not our fashion star.”

So we say buh-bye to the other Seattle contestant, but it’s all good. Lisa got one buy from Macy’s and she feels she’s proven that she can take her designs beyond her boutique.

My favorite part of each show might just be Elle MacPherson’s tagline at the end of each episode. This week gets us another gem: “Who will get bought and sold on the stage? Who will take one step closer to becoming the next big fashion brand? Tune in next week and remember there’s always something special in store for you on Fashion Star.”

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Tags: Reality TV, Locally Designed, Seattle Designer, Vian Hunter, Fashion Star

Just Landed: Freeman at Ian

Locally made jackets get local retailer.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 02, 2012 at 10:30AM 1 Comments

New at Ian and great for this wet, cold spring: Freeman jackets.

Sometime ago we mentioned the not-altogether surprising trend of Seattle designers launching outerwear lines.

One of those lines, Freeman, has landed at Ian downtown. The co-ed boutique stocks the waterproof, made-in-Seattle jackets in two classic colors. Swing through and take a look, this time in person.

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Tags: Seattle Designer

Lizzie Parker at LA Fashion Week

Scenes from the local designer’s fall/winter collection.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 27, 2012 at 09:45AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: Looks from Lizzie Parker’s recent Fashion Week LA runway show.

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SLIDESHOW: Looks from Lizzie Parker’s recent Fashion Week LA runway show.

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‘I showed in LA once a few years ago, but not as a headliner on the big night,’ says Parker. ’This year my show was televised live on KTLA to over one million people, so it was a great way to say who I am as a designer while the reality show I am on is airing.

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Parker and I recently bonded about our shared love of Rick Owens. It’s rarely super obvious in Parker’s designs, but I love seeing the influence come through here and there. Like it does here.

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It’s subtle, but there’s a little Owens-inspiration here too. The curve of the hem and the way it reveals more of the body—even though we’re talking about a modest, long-sleeved turtleneck here … I’m into it.

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‘My entire collection was knit; i really pushed myself to do new things including wax coatings, texture, and pigment spray. You may think it is leather, but it is really french terry—which I am super proud of,’ says the designer.

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‘I always believe in season-less designs,’ says Parker, ‘so half of what I showed is available now in my Issaquah store. More items will filter into the store and online over the next few months, ending in July, which syncs with a normal fall delivery.’

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I asked Parker to explain how LA’s fashion week is different than New York’s. We don’t hear as much about it—there are no crush-worthy street style photos of Anna or Kanye and crew on style.com and similar sites. It’s just an altogether different thing. Here’s how Parker puts it: ‘It is about wearable fashion, not some BS look that is not wearable for the West Coast lifestyle. it’s more casual and more approachable. There definitely are celebs there, for example I met Janice Dickenson at my show, which was fun.’

“For every five garments made in New York, I’ve heard 100 are made in LA, so it’s happening there in terms of manufacturing. Being a West Coast designer, it made sense for me to put myself out there on the biggest West Coast stage.”

That’s Lizzie Parker weighing in on the recent Fashion Week LA.

To see what Parker sent down the biggest runway the West has to offer, and to hear more from the Fashion Star contestant about her real life as a designer, click through our slideshow.

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Tags: Seattle Designer, Lizzie Parker, LA Fashion Week

Sarah Loertscher at LA Fashion Week

Check it out: Dark, complex, geometric, and graphic.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 22, 2012 at 12:15PM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: Sarah Loertscher x Mila Hermanovski; the local jewelry designer collaborated with the former Project Runway contestant for her fall/winter 2012 collection.

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SLIDESHOW: Sarah Loertscher x Mila Hermanovski; the local jewelry designer collaborated with the former Project Runway contestant for her fall/winter 2012 collection.

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That’s what we call a ring.

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My favorite of Mila’s looks. Love the tunic/jacket combo.

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Check back with WWW for details on when you can see Loertscher’s pieces at Click! in West Seattle in April.

Former Project Runway contestant Mila Hermanovski tapped local jewelry designer Sarah Loertscher for an assist with her latest runway show.

Shown recently at LA Fashion week (it’s a whole different ballgame in Cali—more on that when we catch up with Lizzie Parker next week), Hermanovski’s collection could appeal to fans of Helmut Lang and Seattle designer and co-member of Team Project Runway Castoffs Logan Neitzel. Dark, spacey, plenty of leather, hits of neon—good stuff.

Loertscher’s wonderfully large, geometric explorations were a great fit for the fall/winter 2012 looks; check the slideshow here for runway proof.

And check back with us in the weeks to come; the steel artisan will be showing these pieces—hot off a couple of ancillary fashion week stages in El Paso, Palm Springs, and beyond—at a trunk show at Click! Design that Fits in West Seattle.

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Tags: Seattle Designer, Locally Made Jewelry, Sarah Loertscher, LA Fashion Week