Jeff Mintle Obituary

Born in the summer of 1976 outside of Spokane, WA, Jeffrey Jonathan Mintle had a quintessential unplugged 1980s childhood. Days were colored by riding bikes and climbing trees; ad hoc parking lot skateparks and the original Star Wars trilogy in real-time on movie theater screens that couldn’t be paused, rewound, or skipped ahead. 

“No cell phones,” Jeff wrote in a book he began keeping after his initial brain cancer diagnosis in 2022. “We skated until we were exhausted, watched the stars at night, and talked about life.”

In those days, the world was about as deep and wide as the long dirt road that led down to the lake behind Lakeview Terrace Trailer Park—but looking back, Jeff would come to realize that his curiosity, his wanderlust, and his dreams of the future set him apart from others in his rural community.

Jeff’s first job was cleaning the pool at the Coulee House Motel near the Grand Coulee Dam, and he and his dad split the $400 cost of a 1980 Dodge Colt in desperate need of a paint job. Driving the little light blue hatchback to work that summer, could he imagine that the initials “V.P.” would one day go before his name? Was he daydreaming of the brand new 2019 Audi S5 he’d one day buy for himself? 

When he packed up and left for Western Washington University a few years later, Jeff’s grandmother, who was always called “Granny”, loaned him money to buy a Macintosh computer. It was 1994, and personal computers were only just becoming ubiquitous. Did it occur to him then, on that long drive to Bellingham, that he was riding between two worlds? Did he know that in the next world, the world of email inboxes but also of true love and the perfect family of four, those long drives across the state would become business trips to Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, and New York? 

In 2000, Jeff began working at Zumiez—an international apparel retailer focused on youth culture, located in the Pacific Northwest. It was there, amid the style and culture he loved and a career he was thrilled to be cultivating, that he met Sydney. 

“YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU’VE FOUND THE RIGHT PERSON,” Jeff wrote in all caps. And Sydney and Jeff both knew. They dated for one year, were engaged for another, and then married in a small ceremony that allowed them to put all their resources toward a honeymoon in London—Jeff’s favorite city; a place he knew Sydney would love.

“I think it was everything she could have dreamt of,” Jeff remembered. And then some. A few weeks after their return she discovered she was pregnant; she believed she had a girl, and knew her name was London. But London was another five years down the road. First, a son: Liam. 

“Seeing the kids being born was a beautiful thing,” wrote Jeff. “Seeing their loving arms wrapped around their mom’s. Just seeing the wonder and excitement in their eyes. Every time they try something new it creates a whole new world for them.”

“Sydney and I didn’t have anything, he wrote in his book, “but we were able to make a life for ourselves.” At once a painter who loved to create abstract and representational work as well as a disciplined and budding businessman who wanted to give his family more than he had, his even-keeled leadership and vision were eventually rewarded with respect, responsibility, creative license, and resources. 

And, travel.

“For work, I got to go to New York and Los Angeles almost every year. Also the U.K., Japan, China, India, South Korea, Atlanta, Miami, Colorado, Boston, and Philly and others,” he documented. And he quickly figured out how to bring the whole family along and stretch the trips into family adventures. “It’s been amazing to see these places; it's shaped my perspective of our life, and our country,” he wrote. “I’ve been so blessed to have so much travel time with my family. We took advantage of every opportunity to explore the world. The kids are amazing at it, and they love it, too.” 

“I hope you will make decisions based on what you really love, not about what will get you a higher salary,” he wrote in a section about values and life course. “For me, it never really felt like I was working. I was always chasing happiness and when I did that, things just fell into place. Love. Money. Security." 

When, in the fall of 2022, Jeff began to have trouble articulating himself, a glioblastoma diagnosis came that would both radically reorder their lives and inspire them to carry on exactly as they were. “I never thought I’d have to entertain the possibility of not being here for Liam and London,” he wrote. As a family, they focused their love into a force that helped them believe in the best: that Jeff could adapt to the changes in his brain, that he could beat this, that he could survive. 

“Now I feel like getting old is the one thing I want,” he wrote. 

Through brain surgery, three courses of treatments, and the ups and downs of tests and scans, the Mintle’s shared love for each other inspired everyone around them. They made the most of every day—traveling back to their favorite city, London, and to Kauai. They went to Seahawks games, Yellowstone, and Suncadia. They went nowhere at all and loved that, too. 

“I love our vacations, and our quiet nights around the house,” he wrote. Jeff and Sydney’s beautifully remodeled home on the Western slope of Queen Anne represented the success they had found together out in the wide world—but more importantly, it was a place that held the four of them perfectly. It was their sanctuary. 

“Stay present in every moment; it helps make everything sacred,” Jeff wrote. “Staying in the moments with mindfulness and gratefulness is so important as I go forward.” He had been nurturing a new meditation practice and the presence he gleaned proved powerful when, in the autumn of ‘23, the future began to look limited. While all along, Syd and Jeff had been sharing their story on social media, this time they only shared news of the tumor’s regrowth with their closest community. Jeff’s desire for privacy in the last couple of months was a way to protect others and a way to protect the hope that maybe somehow, some way, this might all work out differently. 

The late Louis Vuitton designer Virgil Abloh, the modern epitome of cool, creative kindness, had long been one of Jeff’s heroes in design and skateboarding, and in life. And Virgil had handled his cancer story similarly; telling almost no one so that when he died in 2021, the news shocked the world. On the evening of Jeff’s passing, a friend told Sydney that it had been on that same exact day—November 28, two years prior—that Virgil had died. It brought her great comfort to imagine the two of them together, skateboarding in heaven. 

“What’s strange is that right now I feel somewhat one with God,” Jeff had written among the final pages of his book. And maybe with his heroes, too—with icons, with ancestors, with angels, and all of nature.   

Measured in years alone, Jeff’s life was relatively short. But the breadth and depth of his experiences gave him a nuanced perspective of what it is to be human as one millennium passed into another. From his modest childhood home to global design studios; from his younger days full of health and vitality to the embodied knowing of terminal illness; from a slow, quiet world of simple pleasures to the hyperconnected technology of the 21st century, Jeff walked far and wide. He saw a lot, he lived a lot, and he accepted, respected, and valued a lot. And, as everyone who knew him knows, he loved a lot, too. And was loved deeply in return. 

Oftentimes when people die, we don’t have the benefit of their reflections. But because of the memories and insights Jeff recorded, we know how he saw his life and we know what was important to him. We know what we wanted his legacy to be, and we know precisely how we can embody his spirit. The following is a list of simple, joyful things that colored Jeff’s world:

Ocean waves

Crickets at night

Acoustic guitar

Soft rain 

Thunderstorms

Quiet mornings and birds chirping

The sounds of a walkabout in the city

My family sleeping quietly

The fun of new adventures and new plans

Riding a skateboard

Going to Seahawks games

Tailgating

A blank canvas

“Love is all we have,” Jeff wrote. “Love is safety. I am safe. I love you all and I hope that you will always remember that about me.” 

Jeff was a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, community, and football family. Learn more about Jeff Mintle’s legacy here.

Jeff Mintle

July 12, 1976 - November 28, 2023

Jeff Mintle Legacy

On Behalf of Friends of The Mintle Family:

It’s with deep, unimaginable sorrow that we share the news of Jeff Mintle’s passing. He left this world for the next one on November 28, 2023 after a 13-month battle with brain cancer. Jeff was a bright light, an incredible human, and a sweet soul. It was only natural that he leave this planet on a beautifully clear night under the light of a full moon.

Jeff was diagnosed with brain cancer last fall and was in surgery to remove the tumor within days of his original diagnosis. During treatment which included multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, Jeff remained positive, open-hearted, and determined to fight. He enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas with his family, spent time snowboarding with his son Liam, attended Seahawks games with his friends, and traveled as often as possible. He navigated a return to work at Zumiez where he led the Private Label Division and several months later celebrated his 23rd anniversary with the company. After several clean scans post-treatment, life returned to a new normal and it seemed as if the cancer journey was complete. Unfortunately, in early October the aggressive cancer returned and Jeff was given just a few weeks to live. In the weeks before his passing, Jeff spent time visiting with friends and family, sharing stories and memories with his children, and savoring every moment.

Below are some words from Jeff and his family:

There will be lots to say and share in the days and weeks to come, but for right now, we want to give you this list of simple, joyful things that colored Jeff’s world. This list comes directly from a book of writings he worked on over the last year, so that all of us would have his story and his insight. 

It’s our hope that these images and ideas will support you as we all try, together, to find a way to gently move forward. 

Ocean waves

Crickets at night

Acoustic guitar

Soft Rain 

Thunderstorms

Quiet mornings and birds chirping

The sounds of a walkabout in the city

My family sleeping quietly

The fun of new adventures and new plans

Riding a skateboard

Going to Seahawks games

Tailgating

A blank canvas 

Jeff lived a full and beautiful life. He was a gifted artist who loved to think outside the box. He will be deeply missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

We would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has walked alongside our family during this journey.

xoxoxo Sydney, Liam, and London

How to Get Involved

1. Look into the night sky and check out Jeff’s star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Right ascension 1h 6m 37.6s / Declination 68° 32’ 54.97” / Magnitude 9.3420000. (Pictured below, center. Blue star)

2. Set time aside to pray, meditate, or send healing vibes to the Mintle Family to help them cope with this unimaginable loss.

3. Send your photos, videos, memories, and stories of Jeff via email to mintlememories@gmail.com.

Jeff was committed to finding creative ways to approach sustainability in his life and work. As a result, he chose an end-of-life option that strengthens the environment, rather than depleting it. In his last act on earth, Jeff will save one metric ton of carbon from entering the environment by using Recompose.

The family is asking for privacy at this time and plans to host a small, private ceremony to honor Jeff’s life in the week’s ahead. They ask that each of you celebrate him in your own way by being kind, gentle, and creative in all of your endeavors.

Gifts, cards, flowers, and momentos can be sent to the family’s mail box located at Queen Anne Dispatch.

Mailing address:

Attn: Mintle Family

2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Box #806

Seattle, WA 98109

Thank you for your kindness during this difficult time for the Mintle family and their entire network of extended friends, colleagues, and community at large.

Credits: Thank you to Laura Cassidy for helping us craft these beautiful words. We also want to thank Tom Fernandez for capturing such beautiful images of Jeff’s star. And last, but not least, thank you to the entire team of friends and caregivers who helped care for Jeff in the final weeks of his life. You made his transition peaceful and filled our broken hearts with love.

2022 Summer Guide to Suncadia

One of my family’s favorite summer traditions is spending time in Eastern Washington to swim, soak up the sunshine, and simply relax in the great outdoors. I’m not a big fan of camping, but I do enjoy being out in nature so spending time at Suncadia is the perfect compromise. Located in Cle Elum just 90 minutes east of Seattle, Suncadia Resort is an easy road trip and makes for a beautiful drive over Snoqualmie Pass. We first started visiting Suncadia back in the summer of 2010 and it’s been captivating to watch the property evolve over the years. The resort is now home to 3 swimming pools, a golf course, multiple restaurants, hiking trails, bike paths, a full spa, playgrounds for kids, and many other amenities that make it a great place to visit.

Last year many of the traditional on-site experiences at Suncadia were modified due to the pandemic, but this summer the resort is back in full swing and the property is buzzing with a variety of activities and activations. According to CNN Money, taking a break from work is when people come up with their best ideas. Translation: you'll basically be multi-tasking. Here’s my 2022 summer guide to Suncadia:

WHERE TO STAY

We love the Lodge at Suncadia and it’s a great place to stay if it’s your first time visiting. There are a variety of room types available including rooms with kitchenettes, washer and dryer units which are great if you’re staying for a full week, and even a few select rooms with hot tubs. The rooms with balconies are great for star gazing at night and you can’t beat the convenience of having on-site dining and coffee. The Lodge is a great home base if you want to visit the spa, enjoy a glass of wine at Portals, or be within walking distance of the Swim & Fitness center.

Earlier this spring we stayed at The Inn at Suncadia for the very first time and really loved our experience. The rooms were spacious and the property felt like a rustic boutique hotel. The Inn overlooks the golf course which was fun for spectating and is also home to Stovehouse restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. I also like that there’s a mini parking lot next to the Inn which makes it easy to load in your luggage.

For those craving a little more privacy and space, you can also rent vacation homes at Suncadia. Many of them have game rooms, hot tubs, large kitchens, and plenty of space for larger groups to spread out. You can book these directly through Suncadia or through private owners but note that not all privately owned home rentals come with access to Suncadia facilities. So if you really want to swim, make sure you check on pool access before booking.

WHERE TO EAT

Portals - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant is located at The Lodge and serves classic Pacific Northwest cuisine. FIFTY 6° is the bar attached to the restaurant and serves the same menu as Portals if you prefer a more casual dining experience or an easy takeout option.

Swiftwater Cellars - This family-friendly restaurant is our go-to at Suncadia and is perfect for lunch, dinner, and wine tasting. The menu features whipped honey ricotta served with flatbread, tenderloin served with whipped potatoes, and chicken confit served with sauteed spinach. They also have a great kids’ menu. Reservations are recommended during the peak summer season and they are often booked well in advance. If you visit Swiftwater, don’t miss the gift shop in the lobby. It’s brimming with great home decor, fashion accessories, and gifts.

The Stovehouse - Located in The Inn at Suncadia, Stovehouse is a smaller restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features a range of salads, sandwiches, pasta, and steak, plus a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. For dessert, they offer boozy shakes and root beer floats.

Coal House Caffe & Market - If morning coffee is a must, head to the Coal House Caffee at The Lodge where you can quickly get your morning coffee fix and pick up anything you may have forgotten including sunscreen, hats, snacks, and drinks.

Base Camp - Located just 10 minutes from Suncadia, Basecamp is a great place to grab a bite in downtown Roslyn. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also have a gift shop and bookstore. This is one of our favorite places to grab lunch with the kids because it’s fast and you can sit outside to enjoy the sunshine. They recently added QR codes to the outdoor tables so that you can sit down, order your drinks/bites, and have them delivered to you.

Brick Saloon - Located just next door to Basecamp, The Brick is the oldest continuously operating bar in Washington state, established in 1889. The menu features beer, wine, and pub fare, and they also have a full calendar of LIVE music and events. Kids are welcome in the family dining area until 9:00 pm.

Banzai Teriyaki - Seattle foodies got very excited earlier this year when celebrity chef Shota Nakajima announced that he would be opening a restaurant in Cle Elum. Although he’s no longer involved with the restaurant, it remains a delicious dining option within a 10-minute drive of Suncadia. On the menu at Banzai Teriyaki, you’ll find gyoza, edamame, fried rice, miso soup, and a full range of teriyaki combo plates.

WHAT TO DO

Pools - In addition to a swimming pool and hot tub at The Lodge, you can also splash around at the Swim & Fitness center or at the Nelson Dairy Farm Pool. The Swim & Fitness center pool is a great place for littles who are just learning how to swim and for grown-ups who want to relax. The Nelson Dairy Farm pool is high-energy with a lazy river, splash pad, and large jacuzzi.

Spa - Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia is excellent and offers a full range of facials, massages, and body treatments. They also have hot outdoor mineral baths, a rustic sauna, and cozy relaxation rooms.

Park - There are multiple parks on-site at Suncadia but our favorite is Dawson Park. It features a playground for kids, tennis and pickle ball courts, lush green grass, and even a fenced dog park.

Hiking - Suncadia Resort has multiple trails on the property where you can hike and get out into nature. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or you prefer a paved path, there’s something for everyone.

Activities - Located near the Swim & Fitness center, Suncadia’s Rental Pavillion offers bikes and scooters, mopeds, kayaks, stand-up paddle boarding, kid activity kits, and more. If you like golf, you’ll be pleased to know that Suncadia offers two scenic championship golf courses.

Entertainment - Suncadia has a full line-up of free outdoor summer concerts and movie nights. Visit the concierge for a current calendar of events. You can also check out the 2022 Suncadia Activity guide.

WHAT TO PACK

The summer days get hotter in Cle Elum than in Seattle but the evenings can get chilly and the wind is also a factor, so you'll want to pack all of your usual summer attire plus a sweatshirt or light jacket for when the sun goes down. You’ll also want to pack sunscreen, bug spray, slides for the pool, and sturdy shoes for hiking and activities.

Suncadia is great for family trips, romantic weekends, and getaways with the girls. It’s an easy 90-minute drive from the city yet it feels like a world away. If you’re looking for a relaxing destination this summer, this is it.

Suncadia Resort 3600 Suncadia Trail, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Seattle Summer Retail Report

The summer season is here and we’re now in year three of the COVID-19 pandemic. When I started writing these retail reports back in 2020 to keep the fashion community updated on what was happening around town, the world was a very different place and businesses were extremely anxious about how things would unfold. It was an uncertain time that tested our resiliency in a wide variety of ways.

Fortunately, the pandemic proved to be a catalyst for creativity and together we embarked on a journey to navigate the “next normal”. In 2021, optimism returned to the market as new stores opened and vaccines made life a little less scary.

As we mark the halfway point of 2022, Seattle continues to experience a critical slowdown when it comes to the pace of business as we once knew it and many downtown storefronts remain closed as a result of crime and low foot traffic. In addition, office workers that once provided a vital spark to the city have yet to return in larger numbers, with downtown office occupancy rates stalling at around 33%. Jon Scholes, President of the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA), has acknowledged that many factors are at play when it comes to re-building Seattle’s downtown corridor including homelessness. Mayor Bruce Harrell has noted that he is actively working with the Regional Homelessness Authority to prioritize downtown tent removal and get people into permanent housing. Despite all this, tourism is returning to the Emerald City. In fact, the cruise ship season is on track to bring in over a million visitors to Seattle this year, according to the Port of Seattle. Business and industry events are coming back to the convention center, baseball season is well underway, concerts are happening, and the annual Pride parade returned to downtown Seattle on June 26.

When it comes to shopping habits, the pandemic has prompted many consumers to opt for a hybrid method of interacting with the brands they love. In addition to embracing the safety and convenience of online shopping, virtual styling, and amenities like curbside pick-up, consumers are returning to stores for personalized in-real-life experiences that give them a reason to get offline and reconnect.

Local designers are pushing through the chaos and continuing to focus on business development. Elisa Yip of luxury knitwear brand Sskein has added home goods to her assortment and Luis Velez of Guillermo Bravo recently closed a $65,000 round of funding to help with the production of a new customizable sneaker. Elsewhere, new business developments look optimistic, too. Evo recently opened a first-of-its-kind branded hotel concept for outdoor enthusiasts in Salt Lake City. Amazon opened a 30,000 square foot “Amazon Style” retail space in Los Angeles, and Tomboy X has partnered with Target on an exclusive new collection to celebrate Pride Month.

Today, we’ll explore what’s happening around town from a business and fashion perspective while also looking optimistically ahead at the possibilities for fall.

Downtown Overview

In the summer of 2020, Seattle experienced a wave of social justice protests that caused downtown retailers to board up their storefronts and adjust retail hours. Some of those stores never recovered and many storefronts are still boarded up. Despite all this, industry events are coming back to the convention center, the Mariners season is underway bringing in traffic to Sodo, events at Climate Pledge Arena are drawing people to lower Queen Anne, and the annual Pride parade will return on June 26th to downtown Seattle. The DSA is reporting that just under 1,000 in-person events are scheduled for this year, which will continue to bring traffic into the city for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Store Openings

It’s not all doom and gloom around town. In fact, many stores are opening and introducing themselves to the market.

• Levi’s (Bellevue Square)

• Backcountry (U Village)

• Bogey Boys (U Village)

• Clare V (U Village)

• Evereve (U Village - New Location)

• Frankie4 (Capitol Hill) * Not totally new, but new-ish.

• House of LR&C (Alderwood Mall)

• Idina Bridal (U Village)

• Mejuri (U Village)

• Skin Spirit (Greenlake) source

• Vixen Collection (Queen Anne) - The official Grand Opening is Saturday, June 18th

Store Closures

• Lika Love (West Seattle) Source

• Bogey Boys (Capitol Hill)

• Ann Taylor (U Village)

Business News & Headlines

• Evo opened its first branded hotel in Salt Lake City. (source)

• Elliott Bay Book Co. has been sold to longtime manager, Tracy Taylor and Murf Hall and Joey Burgess, of Burgess Hall Group, who also own Pike/Pine's Big Little News. (media alert)

• Former Nordstrom VP Kristin Frossmo tapped as next head of Made in Washington (source)

• Tomboy X partners with Target to celebrate Pride Month (source)

• Earlier this year, Seattle boutique Sway & Cake launched a sustainable line of jewelry, AU 79. Pronounced Oh-79, the collection was inspired by the atomic symbol and scientific number for gold.

• Allbirds to start selling its shoes in select Nordstrom department stores (source)

• Nordstrom Local sets up shop in the Hamptons for the summer (source)

• REI hires chief supply chain officer as it expands its distribution footprint (source)

• Eddie Bauer Tops List of Employee Retention (source)

• Filson is only making 50 of these denim duffle bags and they’re already sold out

• Zumiez presented Jeff Mintle, VP of Design and Global Trend, with the Leader of the Year Award for his dedication to the company and unwavering leadership during the pandemic.

• A return to work, travel, and events boost sales for Tommy Bahama (source)

• Online retailer Zulily lays off corporate workers as parent Qurate aims to cut expenses (source)

• Funko to lay off 258 workers (source)

• Amazon opens a fashion store in Los Angeles (source)

• Oiselle’s donation program, Bras for Girls, is now officially a 501c3 non-profit. (source)

• Arvin Goods makes the list of “Best No Show Socks” in Elle Magazine

• Jennifer Garner wears Brooks Running Shoes (source)

• Glasswing Greenhouse Reopens After a Two-Year Hiatus (source)

• SanMar joins Vice President Kamala Harris on Central America Initiative (source)

• Cosmetic review platform RealSelf cuts 13% of its workforce and names permanent CEO (source)

• Kathryn Hyde has been named as the new owner of Millie boutique on Queen Anne.

• Chunks has partnered with August, a lifestyle period brand, on a special collab. (source)

• Blue Nile to Become a Public Company Again (source)

• UW business students launch Novoloom to provide ready–to–sew clothing and accessory kits (source)

• Seattle Met recently tapped stylist Darcy Camden and shop owner Kayla Gil to help select 5 must-have summer trends.

• Finnair Launches Service to Helsinki from SEA Airport (source)

• SEA Airport Celebrates Air Canada’s Inaugural Seattle-Montreal Service (source)

• Starting in July, travelers can catch a flight from Paine Field airport to the San Juan Islands aboard a Kenmore Air Cessna Caravan. Tickets will be priced at around $189 each way. (source)

Events

• The annual Northwest Hope & Healing Fashion Show will take place at the Seattle Yacht Club on August 21st at 11 a.m. Tickets are on sale now.

• Seattle Met recently tapped stylist Darcy Camden and shop owner Kayla Gil to help select 5 must-have summer trends.

• Zumiez and Digital Experience Platform NoCap Launch NXTUP Concert Series (source)

Influencer News

The ongoing pandemic has underscored the value of community building within the world of social media to connect with customers. As a result, content creators with large followings who match a brand’s specific target audience are reaping the rewards of their influence. Paid collaborations, sponsored posts, giveaways, and press trips are all back for local content creators and the community is eager to dive deeper into meaningful partnerships.

• During the month of May, Gossip & Glamour partnered with Tash Haynes on 40 days of giveaways to celebrate her 40th birthday. Featured brands included some of my local favorites including Mohai Seattle, Boma Jewelry, 86 West, Yuan Spa, Uneeda Burger, The Woodmark Hotel, The Village at Totem Lake, Knack Shops, Trophy Cupcakes, and more.

• Melody Todd of Honest Chatter hosted a special event in Snohomish to celebrate local businesses and support the community.

• Seattle stylist and menswear influencer Richard Meharry launched Le Finalé, a luxury consulting company geared toward helping fashion-forward grooms navigate their big day.

In related news, influencer shopping app LTK (formerly LiketoKnow.it and rewardStyle) is working to help retailers reduce online return rates by adding a product review feature for content creators that allows them to share information on garment fit and materials.

The influencer marketing industry is expected to grow to $16.4 billion this year, up from an estimated $13.8 billion in 2021, according to a study by Influencer Marketing Hub. Despite the global impact of COVID, influencer marketing is as popular as ever. In 2021, influencer marketing platforms raised more than $800M in funding, a sign of continued growth for the industry. In 2022, 68% of marketers surveyed for the report plan to increase their influencer marketing spend.

Fashion Podcasts

The latest Wisdom from the Wardrobe podcast episode from the Michael Bruce Image Consulting team is now LIVE. Titled “Euro Chic”, episode 22 features great tips for helping you navigate summer travels in style.

Wisdom from The Wardrobe

The Nordy Pod launched earlier this year and if you’re a fashion fan that hasn’t checked it out yet, it’s definitely worth a listen. Hosted by Pete Nordstrom, President and Chief Brand Officer, The Nordy Pod gives listeners a “peek behind the curtain” to learn more about the people behind the business. In the latest episode, Pete chats with Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos.

Nordy Pod

BONUS

If you want to take a trip down memory lane, check out Episode 13 of the Gossip & Glamour podcast from September of 2019. It’s wild to listen back and hear what was happening around town at that time, just a few months before the pandemic really took hold.

GG Podcast Episode 13

Fall Fashion Notes

The fall fashion season is just around the corner and robust planning for a variety of events is already underway. We predict that fashion events will be back on in a big way. Bellevue Fashion Week Runway Shows will return to full capacity this fall and tickets are scheduled to go on sale in mid-July. A special What She Said Women in Business event at W Bellevue will also take place in conjunction with Bellevue Fashion Week and is scheduled for Thursday, October 13. Save the date!

Who’s Hiring

Staffing shortages continue to be a major issue across all industries, fashion included. In addition, Seattle has unique pipeline issues because of the fact that two of the schools that had previously produced new fashion talent have closed including the International Academy of Design and Technology and The Art Institute of Seattle. There are still local colleges offering courses in fashion including Seattle University, Washington State University, Bellevue College, Seattle Central, Cornish School of Arts, and the University of Washington, but despite this, the ongoing impact of these dedicated fashion programs going away remains to be seen. Connecting the dots to help local retailers find qualified talent can be hard, so we were delighted to see that the Sustainable Fashion Forum, based in Portland has added a job board to its platform. StyleCareers is another great resource for finding local fashion jobs.

Final Thoughts

Despite the ongoing pandemic and rising inflation rates, I continue to remain optimistic about the future of the Seattle business landscape. Now is the time to actively reimagine what a post-pandemic Seattle could look like. It’s critical that we thoughtfully rebuild in a fair and equitable way. I look forward to being part of those conversations.

Weekend Road Trip To Portland

Summer is the best time of the year to hop in the car and explore the best of the Pacific Northwest. The weather is great, the scenery is gorgeous, and it’s easy to pack up a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and hit the road. If you’ve been craving a weekend road trip, look no further than Portland. The trip will take a little over three hours by car from Seattle, but once you arrive, get ready for good food, great sights, and tax-free shopping.

We just returned from a long holiday weekend in the ‘Rose City’ and it was definitely a trip to remember. It’s been over two years since our last visit because of the ongoing pandemic, yet despite all the changes in the city, there’s still a lot to love. We arrived on Friday evening and checked into The Bidwell Hotel, just a few blocks away from Pioneer Square. Valet parking was easy and we got a spacious corner suite with a king-sized bed and cozy sitting area that overlooked the city.

The next morning we drove 30 minutes away to explore Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island. It’s a family-run, working farm that uses regenerative practices to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. On arrival, you’ll find easy parking, plenty of space for the kids to run around, tractor rides, and a great marketplace with beautiful farm-to-table food offerings for an easy lunch. Topaz Farm also does LIVE music under the oak tree on beautiful summer nights. You can check out the line-up here. We will definitely be planning our next trip around one of those events.

Later that evening I met up with some friends at High Horse, inside The Bidwell on the second floor, for drinks and light bites. Best known for its signature cocktails, craft beers, and local wines, High Horse is also a great pick for exploring delicious regional cuisine. The menu includes fresh oysters, mussels, grilled calamari, goat cheese bruschetta topped with grilled peaches, and flank steak salad. High Horse offers happy hour specials daily at 4 p.m.

On Sunday after doing a bit of shopping downtown, we decided to venture even further outside the city to check out Hood River. Located an hour from Portland, Hood River is a beautiful drive filled with scenic waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Columbia River. Once you get there, you’ll find cozy bookstores, boutique shopping, art galleries, and plenty of great restaurants. After cruising the main strip, we stopped for lunch at Double Mountain Brewery. They’re famous for pizza and also have a great selection of sandwiches and salads. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the Truffle Shuffle pizza, a white pie with mozzarella, crumbled goat cheese, and portabello mushrooms marinated in truffle oil.

After our meal, we headed to the waterfront park to watch local outdoor enthusiasts kiteboard and kayak. The park is located on six acres of land and has a swimming area, bike path, picnic tables, play structures, and even a pint-sized rock wall for the kids to climb. You’ll also find plenty of coffee shops, ice cream stands, and breweries within walking distance of the park. This was a relaxing way to end the day and we loved sitting in the grass overlooking the water and soaking up the last of the summer sunshine.

Monday was the 4th of July, so we decided to check out a parade with some friends in Portland’s Mt. Tabor neighborhood. The local fire department led a precession of kids on bikes as part of the 4th of July festivities and then pulled over to let the littles check out the fire engine and try their hand at working the fire hose. There were plenty of laughs and photo opps for kids and adults alike. The day was complete with neighbors socializing and enjoying a good old-fashioned potluck complete with classic American hot dogs and 4th of July-inspired treats.

To cap off our Portland adventure, we also checked out a few of our favorite shops on Hawthorne including Sloane, the House of Vintage, and Communion. If you love a treasure hunt, the House of Vintage is definitely worth the trip. It’s a 13,000-square-foot store featuring a curated selection of merchandise from over 60 dealers. We always find great things when we visit and there’s always something new to discover.

Our Portland weekend was jam-packed with activities and it was nice to have the opportunity to catch up with old friends while we were in town. The Bidwell Hotel offered us the perfect home base for our adventure because it’s centrally located downtown and had everything we needed for a safe and comfortable stay. We will definitely be planning another trip down to Portland again soon.

Portland Road Trip Notes

• Stay

  Bidwell Hotel 520 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97205

• Shop

  House of Vintage

  Sloan

  Nordstrom

  Communion

  Muji

• Dine

  High Horse

  Double Mountain Brewery

• Explore

  Topaz Farm

  Hood River

100 Seattle Brands You Can Shop Online Right Now

When I started my fashion PR agency over a decade ago, some wondered if my business model would be relatively short-lived because of the perceived lack of fashion in the city. Turns out, there are countless beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands based in Seattle and new ones emerging each day that would LOVE your support this season. Here's a round-up of 100+ local brands that you can shop online right now.

Women's Fashion 

Akala - Sustainable clothing designed in Seattle and made in the USA. The collection features size-inclusive wrap tops, sweaters, pants, and jumpsuits. 

Armoire - In addition to Armoire's wardrobe subscription services, you can also shop an edited assortment of merchandise online including branded t-shirts, local jewelry, and more.

FELLER - Waterproof raincoats in a variety of modern designs including trench coats, fitted coats, jackets, and parkas. 

Morning Siren - Fashion apparel and accessories, plus gifts.

Prairie Underground - All Prairie Underground clothing is made in Seattle and ethically produced with sustainability in mind. They even have an adorable collection for kids.

Paychi Guh - Paychi Guh believes that cashmere should be an everyday indulgence. The collection includes sheer cashmere sweaters, textured scarves, cashmere tanks, beanies, and more. 

Rabecca Onassis Boutique - Fashion maven Frilancy Hoyle owns this fashion-forward women's boutique which has both a brick-and-mortar location and an online shopping site. Check out the brand backstory here.

Rollick - This Seattle-based online boutique features apparel and accessories for women, plus jewelry, gifts, handbags, and outerwear.

Rossario George - Specializing in ready-to-wear clothing for women, the Rossario George Collection features dresses, jumpsuits, blouses, and blazers. They also carry a limited selection of make-up and home goods.

SCHAI - Designed by Korean-American designer Suk Chai, SCHAI is self-described as an 'untailored alternative luxury'. The collection, made from finely milled Italian fabrics, features beautiful shapes and architectural lines.

Sskein- Founded in Seattle by designer Elisa Yip, Sskein is a line of sustainable luxury knitwear for women including cozy cardigans, bodysuits, jumpsuits, and accessories. 

Stone Crow Designs - You may have seen Jennifer Charkow's rock-and-roll inspired designs on Season of 18 Project Runway or around town at Sassafras boutique in Belltown.

Over & Over - Founded by retail veterans Vivian Miller-Rahl and Barb Gauld, Over & Over creates beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces out of vintage kimonos.

Tomboy X - This cool local brand was founded by two self-proclaimed tomboys, Fran Dunaway and her wife, Naomi Gonzalez. The line features everything from unisex t-shirts to underwear, bras, pajama sets, and loungewear. In June, they launched a limited-edition collection with Target to celebrate Pride month.

Farinaz Taghavi - Farinaz specializes in making beautifully tailored shirts for women made from the finest European fabrics available. 

Union Bay - Established in 1981, Union Bay believes in the freedom of youth and making clothing that prolongs the youth within. The assortment includes apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids.

JUNGMAVEN - JUNGMAVEN makes ethical fashion for men and women out of hemp. They fully acknowledge that choosing a hemp t-shirt is a small act, but it's one that has the power to change the world, and I think that's something we can all get behind.

Gustavo Apiti - Beautiful bespoke garments for women (and men) including custom suits and dresses.

Maiden Noir - Contemporary clothing for women (and men) including apparel, accessories, and outerwear.

Sarah Alexandra - Sarah Alexandra shirts are tailor-made from the finest Italian fabrics available to give women a flattering fit that is perfect for everyday wear.

Girlfriend Collective - Girlfriend Collective makes size-inclusive activewear out of recycled materials like old fishing nets and water bottles.

Not Monday - Designed for women, by women, Not Monday makes luxurious wardrobe staples that are thoughtfully crafted from premium fabrics to give you that Sunday morning vibe, every day of the week.

Flora & Henri - Flora & Henri's namesake label features beautifully designed products for women and kids including cozy sweaters, dresses, scarves, and even swimwear. The children's collection of essentials is the perfect way to welcome new arrivals because every baby needs a pair of dreamy cashmere leggings.

You Look Great - Founded by on-air personalities Carla Marie and Anthony, You Look Great features merchandise for men, women, and kids. After launching their show, Carla Marie and Anthony wanted a fun saying they could share with their audience. After trying many different phrases they stumbled upon the idea of saying "You Look Great!" to callers. The idea was, even though they couldn't see the people calling in it didn't matter- you still looked great. The phrase became way more than they could have ever imagined and has inspired everything from fun workout challenges to random acts of kindness in the community.

Women's Handbags

Kate Mensah - Gorgeous handbags in bold, unique designs, by Kate Mensah. The collection includes clutch bags, studded wristlets, crossbody bags, and oversized totes.

Ampersand as Apostrophe - Architecturally-inspired handbags for design-conscious fashion fans. Many of the styles featured in the collection are designed to be worn in multiple ways for full functionality.

Nuciano - Nuciano is an award-winning handbag brand based in Seattle. Founded by Joy Egbejimba, Nuciano offers today's modern woman the freedom to express her individuality through bold fashion accessories.

Jewelry 

Boma Jewelry - Boma Jewelry has been making high-quality, sustainably-minded jewelry since 1981. Family-owned and operated, this ethical jewelry brand is leading the industry when it comes to price and transparency.

Lace & Pearls - Founded by Seatle style influencer Asa Herrman, Lace & Pearls Jewelry makes beautiful jewelry that is perfect for any occasion. The assortment includes handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

AU 79 - The in-house label of sustainable jewelry by Sway & Cake.

Valerie Madison Fine Jewelry - Best known for offering alternative wedding rings and engagement bands, Valerie Madison also makes beautiful fine jewelry including earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings.

Amy Augustine Jewelry - The OR Collection by Amy Augustine features colorful beaded bracelets, layered gold necklaces, and pendants with natural stones. Available exclusively at Flora & Henri.

Baleen - Founded in 2008, Baleen specializes in affordable, fashion-forward jewelry, made in the USA. The collection includes earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Silver + Salt - Handcrafted in Seattle using sterling silver, gold, and semi-precious stones, Silver + Salt makes beautiful jewelry and custom bespoke pieces using recycled metals and ethically-sourced gemstones.

Maja Arnold Jewelry - Artist and designer Maja Arnold designs contemporary monogram jewelry that is custom-made and deeply meaningful. 

La Objeteria - Feminine, playful, and designed to celebrate the beauty in everyday life, La Objeteria Jewelry is handmade in Seattle by Barbara Magana Perez.

Allison Claire Jewelry - Allison Claire makes beautiful, officially licensed collegiate jewelry. Each piece is custom made in the USA and designed to be worn with pride.

Rebekah J. Designs - This Seattle-based brand blends elemental metals with modern textiles to give jewelry a unique twist.

Point No Point Jewelry - Founded in 2011 by Julie Stark Allen, Point No Point Studio was inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The assortment includes wedding and engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bespoke pieces.

Accessories

Chunks - Best described as colorful, quirky accessories, Chunks was launched in the spring of 2019 by Tiffany Ju. The collection includes acetate hair clips and colorful sunglasses. 

Beauty 

French Girl Organics - French Girl Organics is committed to offering handcrafted skincare with sustainable luxury in mind. I'm a big fan of the bath & body products, but the lip tints are pretty amazing, too!

Herbivore Botanicals - Safe, non-toxic, and highly effective skincare made in small batches using high-quality organic ingredients. Herbivore Botanicals was created in 2011 by Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow in their Seattle kitchen. 

LUMVI Skincare - LUMVI stands for 'luminous vitality' and is the brainchild of Dr. Christine Schaffner of Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa and beauty maven Lauren Vogt. 100% of the line is made in the USA using plant-based ingredients that are highly effective and safe for the skin.

Kari Gran Skincare - Eco-luxe, organic skincare formulated without chemicals that will disrupt your hormones and wreak havoc on your skin. Each product is made using sustainably-sourced, wild harvested, non-GMO ingredients.

Veque - Veque nail polishes come in a full range of beautiful colors and are made with clean vegan ingredients. 

Alaffia - Handcrafted with fair trade ingredients that support community empowerment projects in West Africa, Alaffia makes clean skincare products for the entire family including shampoos, soaps, lotions, body washes, deodorants, and more. I encourage you to check out the Alaffia story here.

Lamain Beauty - Lamain is a beauty company built on diversity, inclusion and non-toxic ingredients. The range includes liquid lipsticks, bronzers, face mists, finishing powder, and more.

Noir Lash Lounge - With locations around the country and a homebase in Seattle, Noir Lash Lounge specializes in beautiful eyelash extensions. In addition, they also manufacture their own line of strip lashes for those that prefer to DIY. 

Rue Sante - Specializing in organic, vegan beauty products that promote mind and body wellness, Rue Sante makes facial oils, bath powders, mineral masks, and more. 

Rho Cosmetics - Founded by Rachel Ho, a former R&D formulation chemist, Rho Cosmetics aims to make skincare science fun and accessible. The current collection includes a Hydra-Boost Serum and a Repair & Balance cream. 

Immortal Perfumes - Immortal Perfumes is a micro-perfumery specializing in historically-inspired handmade perfumes. 

Molly Ray Perfumes - Driven to elevate perfumery as an art form, Molly Ray creates beautiful fragrances for individuals, brands, and special events.

Untamed Humans - This local skincare brand uses high-quality ingredients to create personalized, uncomplicated skincare routines for clients to give skin exactly what it needs.

K Banana - K Banana carries coveted Korean skincare products and gifts from must-have brands including Dr. Jart, Huangjisoo, Knours, BTS, and more.

Wellness

Two Cranes Botanicals - Specializing in premium, organic, full-spectrum CBD oils, Two Cranes Botanicals was founded by Korean American twin sisters Hanna and Susun, who deeply believe in the restorative power of cannabinoid-rich full-spectrum hemp extract as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Peak & Valley - Peak & Valley was founded in 2019 with the goal of providing inclusive, science-backed, honest products to the world of wellness. The product line includes blends for stress, skincare, and brain function.

Seattle Gummy Company - Dr. Connie Wan founded Seattle Gummy Company to make performance-focused gummy products that pair the power of bioactive ingredients with Traditional Chinese Medicine. All products are vegan, non-GMO, all-natural and made in USA.

Fitness & Outdoor

Oiselle - Oiselle is a Seattle-based athletic apparel company for women who love to run. Founded in 2007, Oiselle's mission is to make great products, improve the sport, and build the sisterhood. Their flagship store is located at University Village.

Brooks Running - Brooks Running believes that every day with a run is a gift that brings you closer to your best self. Check out the 100+ year history of the brand here.

Filson - Established in 1897, Filson is the leading outfitter and manufacturer of goods for outdoor enthusiasts. The luggage selection is pretty amazing, too.

Eddie Bauer - Local brand Eddie Bauer is celebrating 100 years in business this year and to mark the occasion, they've launched some pretty cool collabs. The company specializes in casual sportswear for men and women with an outdoor lifestyle.

REI - Founded in 1938 by a group of climbing friends, REI sells high-quality gear for outdoor adventures. Every year since 2015, REI has closed its stores on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, in order to give employees an opportunity to #OptOutside with friends and family.

K2 Sports - K2 was born on Vashon Island in 1962. Renamed in 2003 as K2 Sports, the company is on a mission to make high-quality products for snow sport enthusiasts.

Outdoor Research - Founder Ron Gregg built Outdoor Research on the simple idea that life is an adventure. The assortment includes apparel and accessories for men and women, plus headwear, handwear, and gear.

Tommy Bahama - Tommy Bahama specializes in relaxed, casual clothing for men and women. They also carry a large assortment of beach gear and home goods.

Menswear

Freeman - Based in Seattle, Freeman makes high-quality men's clothing, outerwear, and accessories.
The collection includes Feller's signature raincoats, plus sweatshirts, flannels, and more.

Good Man Brand - Co-founded by Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, Good Man Brand offers a full assortment of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men. Good Man brand donates 3% of every purchase to the Why Not You Foundation, which is committed to motivating, empowering, and preparing today's youth to be tomorrow's leader.

Coal Headwear - Coal began in 2002 with the mission to create better-fitting headwear. The collection has expanded since then and now includes apparel, accessories, and face masks.

Zumiez - Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer that specializes in apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods.

Guillermo Bravo - Guillermo Bravo is a genderless line of sneakers and apparel, designed by Luis Velez. The current collection includes coats, trousers, and button-down shirts.

Ebbet Fields Flannels - Ebbet Fields makes athletic clothing inspired by history. Products are manufactured in the USA and each item is limited-edition and handcrafted.

Petty Snacks - Petty Snacks makes streetwear featuring cartoon characters that have an abiding love of weed.

Samborghini - When he's not designing merch for music artists like Billie Eilish and Migos, designer Sam Bledsoe makes his own line of graphic-design driven apparel.

Hammer & Awl - Specializing in modern equipment for the modern man, Hammer & Awl is a Seattle-based boutique that carries apparel, accessories, outerwear, jewelry, and leather goods.

Division Road - Division Road is a luxury menswear boutique that carries footwear, apparel, outerwear and accessories.

Jack Straw- Jack Straw is a specialty boutique based in Seattle that focuses on beautifully constructed clothing that isn't fussy or uncomfortable.

Metamorphic Gear - Inspired by a need to upcycle used outdoor gear, Lindsay Lawrence created Metamorphic, an entire line created from upcycled sails, tarps, and climbing rope.

Ably - Brothers Raj and Akhil spent 40 years in search of a better way to make clothing without the heavy environmental footprint. They finally invented Filium™, a technology that makes natural fabrics repel liquids and reduce the amount of energy needed for the laundering process.

House of LR&C - Created by Russell & Ciara Wilson and Christine Day, the House of LR&C (Love, Respect, and Care) is designed to celebrate a distinct love of fashion while also making a difference in the world by creating large-scale impact.

Roanoke - Self-described as 'men's fashion separates tailored to meet the needs of the contemporary tech professionals', Roanoke made its debut earlier this month and is reshaping what it means to dress for the workday. View the Kickstarter now.

Casual Industrees - Casual Industrees is a lifestyle apparel company based in Seattle. The collection includes apparel and accessories for men and women, plus hardgoods and poster prints.

LIKELIHOOD - Likelihood combines a passion for footwear, men's fashion, and Seattle culture. Shop online or visit the store on Capitol Hill. Sign up for the mailing list to hear about upcoming sneaker drops.

Bogey Boys - Golf-inspired lifestyle clothing founded by Macklemore. Check out the shop at Seattle’s Univerity Village.

Evo - Evo is a leading online retailer of outdoor gear and fashion apparel. In 2022, the company opened a branded lifestyle hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Kids

Kate Quinn Organics - For over a decade, Kate Quinn Organics has been making baby clothes out of bamboo and organic cotton. In 2018, the company made the decision to abandon its wholesale business and focus entirely on its direct-to-consumer business, making its childrenswear line more affordable and accessible to all.

Beet World - Beet World creates timeless clothing for kids in soft cotton fabrics that are perfect for everyday wear. The collection includes girls dresses, skirts, tops, trousers, and hair accessories.

Meme Kids - Meme makes fashion-forward clothing for babies and kids. The adorable collection includes overalls, beanies, jackets, and jumpsuits in bold prints.

Petite Moss - Petite Moss is a Seattle-based children's fashion and lifestyle brand made from 100% Organic Pima Cotton. Don't miss the cashmere silk cardigans and Peter Pan collar shirts.

For & Littles - For Love & Littles is a Seattle-based childrenswear boutique that carries clothing and toys for modern little ones. Founded by Seattle style blogger Rechelle Lewis, a portion of the proceeds from every sale is donated to women struggling with infertility.

Bootyland Kids - Known for its unique selection of creative clothing and toys for kids, Bootyland also stocks books, games, and everything else you need for a kid-friendly home.

Toys & Gifts

Tokki - Tokki is on a mission to ignite joy through gifting. Founded by Jane Park, Tokki is woman-owned, carbon-neutral, and made in the USA. Wrap your holiday gifts in Tokki's 100% cotton gift bags that are designed to be reused again and again.

Chalo - Chalo is a travel gift and lifestyle company that focuses on expressing the unique experience of a city. Products include Fishermen totes, Boarding Pass Canvas Bags, Face Masks, and more.

Knack Shops - Knack helps modernize the gift-giving experience by offering fun distinct, and memorable gifts. Each gift is artfully arranged in a custom, personalized Knackbook.

Orphan Ten - Small batch ceramics, made by Shannon Kelly. The collection includes bowls, vases, planters, and serving trays.

Thea Candle Co. - Founded in April of 2020, Thea Candle Co. makes beautiful candles that are non-toxic, clean-burning, and made using reusable ceramic vessels.

Seattle Chocolate Co. - Seattle Chocolate Company is well-known for its meltaway truffles and decadent chocolate bars. Their sister line of chocolate, jcoco, was created to elevate the way people experience chocolate and give back to organizations working to end hunger.

Fran's Chocolates - Based in Seattle and family-owned, Fran's Chocolates is celebrating 38 years of creating premium, artisan chocolates. Their signature Salted Caramels are my favorite!

Theo Chocolates - Theo believes that chocolate can be made in a way that allows everyone, from bean-to-chocolate, thrive. The collection includes chocolate bars, chocolate-covered marshmallows, peanut butter cups, and more.

glassybaby - Glassybaby makes handblown glass candle holders and drinking glasses, crafted to support causes of hope and healing. $3 from the purchase of every glassybaby purchase goes to the glassybaby foundation.

Watson Kennedy - Established in 1998 by Ted Kennedy Watson, Watson Kennedy is a beautiful place to shop for all things home and entertaining. From paper goods, to pantry items, and even home entertaining essentials, Watson Kennedy has unique gifts for the whole family.

Antica Farmacista - It started with two best friends and one shared vision of creating an unparalleled luxury home fragrance brand. Founded in 2003, Antica Farmacista now has 20 unforgettable home fragrances that offer an immersive scent experience.

Strideline Socks - Strideline socks wants you to take back your sock drawer. This Seattle-based company prides itself on making the most comfortable socks on earth. The assortment includes socks for men and women, plus an entire collection dedicated to NFL players.

Archie McPhee - Archie McPhee sells the best novelty gifts and toys in Seattle and was even named as one of the "Top 10 Independent Toy Stores" by USA Today. At the shop, you'll find everything from Bigfoot Puzzles to Ketchup Candy Canes, and Inflatable Unicorn Horns for Cats.

Posie Turner - Specializing in socks for your soul driven by the power of words, Posie Turner is a Seattle-based brand of colorful socks for men and women.

What would you add to this list? Send us a note or leave a comment below.

Recap: FrogLegs Tea Party

I recently partnered with FrogLegs at University Village to host an intimate tea party experience for a few of my favorite ladies. The Ladurée-themed event, part of FrogLegs’ expanded menu offering for adults, included colorful macarons, dainty cucumber sandwiches, raspberry lemon cake, freshly baked madeleine cookies, Fortnum & Mason Countess Grey tea, bubbly rosé, a full charcuterie board, and more. During the party, professional pastry chef Jamie Louks of HBOMax's BAKETOPIA, taught us all how to make macaron cookies from scratch. The entire experience from start to finish was immersive, engaging, and a fun way to get people connecting in real life.

FrogLegs recently expanded its assortment of adult cooking and culinary experiences to include baby showers, gender reveal parties, tea parties, team building events, and more. They even offer experiences to get adults and kids cooking together. You can view the full menu here. What’s great is that each experience is completely customizable, so you can be as hands-on, or as hands-off, on the cooking as you want to be. If you simply need a place to gather a group and want to have catering built-in, FrogLegs can do that, too. We loved our tea party experience at look forward to coming back again, soon!

FrogLegs Locations

University Village - 2643 Village Lane Seattle, WA 98105

Kirkland - 501 Market Street Kirkland, WA 98033

Issaquah - 2550 NE Park Dr. Issaquah, WA 98029

Summer-inspired services at Yuan Spa

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to book a rejuvenating spa service to get ready for the season ahead. I’m partial to Yuan Spa because they’ve been a client of mine for several years now, but that also means I’m an insider when it comes to the best services on the menu. From relaxing massages to hair and scalp treatments, indulgent body scrubs, and a unique hydrotherapy experience you won’t find anywhere else, Yuan Spa has something for everyone. Here are 7 summer services to book now:

For Smooth Skin:

SUMMER WATERMELON & BASIL VODKATINI SCRUB - This scrub combines Square One organic vodka, basil and watermelon seed oils, and sugar and rice bran oils for luscious and refreshing body exfoliation. After the scrub, you’ll enjoy a quick rinse in the shower before receiving a coconut shea butter hydration application to leave skin perfectly hydrated for summer. This is a seasonal service available for a limited time only.

For Extra Soft Feet:

YUAN SIGNATURE RADIANT FOOT TREATMENT - This unique service integrates Chinese acupressure to help remove the blockage of Qi (energy) in the meridians of the body and restore overall balance. The treatment begins with an aromatherapy inhalation and light massage working along the main energy lines of the head and scalp.  This energy path is continued along the hands and arms, and then down to the legs and feet, where meridian points, foot massage, and hot towels will leave you feeling grounded and relaxed. 

For Gorgeous Eyes:

ELLEEVATED LASH LIFT & TINT WITH KERATIN TREATMENT - Lash Lifts combined with a color tint are a great way to highlight the eyes and streamline your summer “get ready” routine. Say goodbye to eyelash curlers and embrace the ease of a lash lift at Yuan Spa. Lashes become prominent, longer, thicker and darker – offering less maintenance than traditional lash extensions. This is a great service to book prior to going on a summer getaway.

For Luscious Hair:

HAIR & SCALP THERAPY | THE CIRCLE CHRONICLES - The hair and scalp are often overlooked when it comes to spa services, which is exactly why Yuan Spa focuses on offering a range of treatments that are specifically designed to help give you more good hair days. Whether you are looking for relief from dry scalp, color damage, or thinning hair, Yuan Spa can customize powerful blends of nourishing oils to boost hydration, soothe hair, and calm the scalp. During the Hair & Scalp Therapy service, warm oil is applied using a combination of pressure points and Chinese Gua Sha techniques. The scalp and hair are then masked and brushed with a custom mix of The Renaissance Circle and the Circle Chronicles mask of your choice.

For Total Relaxation:

CBD MASSAGE - Whether you need to unplug before going on a summer getaway, or you need a relaxing way to ease back in to your normal routine, Yuan Spa now offers CBD massages. Rich in anti-inflammatory and cell-stimulating properties, CBD has been shown to increase relaxation, decrease pain, reduce soreness and address a variety of skin concerns.

For Glowing Skin:

DERMAPLANE FACIAL - Get your skin ready for summer with a Dermaplane facial at Yuan Spa. This facial gently exfoliates dead skin cells and “peach fuzz” on the face, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant. This service is recommended for a variety of skin concerns including enlarged pores, acne scarring, dry skin, sun damage, and fine lines. In addition, dermaplaning allows for increased product penetration, helping to maximize the effects of the products in your summer skincare routine.

For Total Hydration:

QUINTESSENTIAL HYDRAFACIAL™ - For the ultimate “get-ready-for-summer “ experience, book a 60-minute Hydrafacial at Yuan Spa. The service includes facial lymphatic drainage, LED light therapy, and the patented Hydrafacial vortex infusion for deep cleaning and product penetration.  Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez swear by the Hydrafacial for its unparalleled results, and I do, too. Check out my personal Hydrafacial experience, here.

BONUS

To create a spa experience at home, try Yuan’s ShowerSpa Mist, available in the retail section of both locations. With just a few spritzes into a hot shower, you'll feel as if you've been transported back to the spa. These mists also make a great gift.

YUAN SPA LOCATIONS

Yuan Spa - Kirkland

11900 NE Village Plaza, Suite 176

Kirkland, WA 98034

(425) 896-8026

Yuan Spa - Bellevue

1032 106th Ave NE #125

Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 449-8788

ABOUT YUAN SPA

Founded in 2012 by Zhiqin Zhang, Yuan Spa is an award-winning luxury day spa and tranquil urban retreat offering a full range of services including decadent massage therapy, advanced skincare, and healing hydrotherapy. Learn more at YuanSpa.com.

I Know A Place: Seattle Fashion Edition

As a long-time Seattleite who loves exploring, I know many places around town that truly make this city a magical place to live. We have gorgeous bodies of water surrounding us, clear skies, clean air, and innovative ideas. My friends frequently come to me to ask for recommendations on hidden gems around town like must-visit boutiques and great places to dine with kids. I constantly find myself saying the phrase, "I Know A Place", so it's only fitting that Visit Seattle asked to highlight a few of my favorite places for a recent campaign.

For our latest collab, I explored the city through a fashion lens by visiting beloved book stores, boutiques, and specialty shops that are too good to miss. My family and I capped the day with a delicious dinner at Goldfinch Tavern before turning in for the night at the Four Seasons. Here's an overview of our itinerary filled with insider tips for safely exploring the city in style. 

I know a place....that curates a gorgeous assortment of global fashion brands. 

Flora & Henri has been locally owned and operated since 1998. The Seattle concept shop located on the corner of First and Jackson in Pioneer Square is visually stunning and perfectly curated with beautiful products for the entire family. At Flora & Henri, you'll find a mix of local favorites like handbags from Ampersand as Apostrophe merchandised next to dreamy, global favorites like dresses from Italian brand Loretta Caponi.

I know a place...where you can shop local for ethically made clothing and shoes.

Clementine's in Pioneer Square offers fashion fans a unique place to shop from small brands that value slow fashion. Owner Linda Walsh is passionate about providing an inclusive space for people to make conscious fashion choices. Featured brands include Paloma Wool, People Tree, and Prairie Underground.

I know a place...where you can shop an amazing selection of local authors. 

If the pandemic was good for anything, it was simply to remind us that we're always just one book away from a great escape. Elliott Bay Book Co. on Capitol Hill is a full-service, locally owned bookstore home to over 150,000 titles. As a lifelong bookworm and #ShopLocal fan, I love the fact that they give valuable shelf space to local authors including astrologer Stephanie Gailing, who released not one, but TWO books during quarantine. Stephanie's latest books, The Complete Book of Dreams and The Complete Guide to Astrological Self-Care offer readers a holistic approach to everyday wellness. As a Virgo, I'm a big fan of astrological insight and after devouring Stephanie's dream book, I'm really excited to dive into her self-care guide that features sections for each of the twelve zodiac signs. 

* Elliott Bay Book Co. also carries the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function book by MOHAI curator Clara Berg, which originally accompanied the 2019 Seattle fashion exhibit.  I was honored to be part of the advisory committee for that exhibit and it remains one of my favorite MOHAI exhibits of all time because of the unique way it told Seattle’s style story.

I know a place...where you can shop one of Seattle's best heritage brands. 

Filson has been around since 1897, originally outfitting prospectors passing through the city on their way to the Klondike gold rush. The Seattle flagship is a fun place to experience the roots of the brand and witness its evolution. In addition to shopping in person, customers can opt for curbside pick-up for orders made over the phone. Same-day delivery services are also being offered from the flagship store within a specific radius.

I know a place...where you can shop an incredible selection of international fashion magazines.

Big Little News is a hidden gem on Capitol Hill brimming with specialty magazines like British Vogue, Elle UK, Paris Vogue, and more. In addition, you'll find indie magazines that cover a variety of interests and must-have items to accompany your reading material, like bottles of champagne and giant boxes of candy. This is a great place to shop for gifts, too.

I know a place...where you can shop a great mix of local designers that handmake their goods in Seattle.

Located in Belltown, Sassafras is a retail shop and fashion studio home to a variety of local brands including Stone Crow Designs, Bartle B., and La Macón by Shari Noble. The shop is a hub for independent fashion designers from around the city and offers a great way for fashion fans to shop a selection of local brands all under one roof. Personal shopping appointments are available and can easily be booked online.  

I know a place...where you can enjoy an amazing dinner complete with sweeping views of the Puget Sound. 

Goldfinch Tavern, located at the Four Seasons, serves up Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. From the drinks menu, start with the Smoked Manhattan and then move on to my favorite main course: Cedar Plank King Salmon served with vegetables from Pike Place Market. As a side dish, you have to try the Goldfinch Lobster Mashers. I'm still dreaming about the decadence of this acclaimed side dish.  Insider tip: Flat rate parking is available when dining at the restaurant. 

I know a place...where you can escape the ordinary and enjoy a staycation in the heart of the city. 

Four Seasons Seattle is the perfect place to visit when you need to recharge but want to stay in the city. We loved the views from our room of the Washington State Ferries and of the iconic Seattle Great Wheel. Room service is a must for breakfast (my daughter London highly recommends the blueberry pancakes) and if you have time, the spa is a magically rejuvenating place that is good for both the body and soul. The Infinity Pool overlooking Puget Sound is also open daily for guests from 6  a.m. to 9 p.m. and features sweeping views of Elliott Bay.

What are your favorite places to shop around town? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email or leave me a comment on this post and tell me your favorite shops to explore around town. 

* This post was written in partnership with Visit Seattle. 

2022 Bozeman Travel Guide

Last fall, Trevor Noah announced that his "Back to Abnormal" comedy tour would be heading to Bozeman, Montana in April. As a big fan of both "The Daily Show" and Montana, I instantly booked tickets and encouraged a few friends to do the same. A few weeks prior to the event, Trevor ended up rescheduling the show in order to host the White House Correspondents Dinner that same weekend, but my family and I were already committed to the trip so we decided to go anyway and I'm so glad we did. Our long weekend in Bozeman was one of the best trips we've taken in a while and we can't wait to go back. Over the course of a few days, we visited with some friends who moved to Bozeman during the pandemic, checked out all the local shops on Main Street, dined around town, stopped in on a local comedy show, and even visited Yellowstone National Park. Here is my travel guide on the best places to shop, eat, stay, and play in Bozeman, Montana.  

How to Get There from Seattle

According to Google, the drive to Bozeman from Seattle is approximately 10 hours and 53 minutes via I-90 East. If we had more time to dedicate to this trip, driving might have been a more cost-effective option for our family, but since we only had a long weekend to spare, we decided to forgo the drive time and maximize our time in Bozeman instead. Non-stop flights from Seattle run about $415 per person on  Alaska Airlines and there's generally a morning, afternoon, and evening flight option available. 

Once we arrived in Bozeman, it was really easy to rent a car from Hertz and get on our way. If you're a AAA member, you'll save money on fuel, car seats, and adding additional drivers to the car. 

Where to Stay 

Located in the heart of downtown Bozeman, the Kimpton Armory Hotel offers convenient access to everything on Main Street including coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more. We've stayed at many Kimpton Hotels before and have always had a great experience, so I'm pleased to report that this hotel provided all the usual amenities and services that we've come to expect. The rooms were clean and spacious, there were multiple restaurants on-site, and valet parking was quick and easy. 

Where to Eat

The first night we arrived, we met up with friends for drinks at Tune Up, the basement bar at the Armory Hotel. Last Best Comedy was hosting an open mic night and we enjoyed drinks and laughs as a prelude to our dinner up at the Sky Shed, the hotel's rooftop bar complete with fire pits and relaxing mountain views. Everything is great on the Sky Shed menu, but we really liked the Furikake Fries, Fried Chicken Bao Bun, and Coconut Curry. 

On our second night, friends of ours that moved from Queen Anne to Bozeman during the pandemic took us out on a date night to Brigade. Known for sourcing local ingredients and putting them together in a creative way, Brigade has some great options on the menu including regional charcuterie boards, black truffle gnocchi, and wild mushroom ragu. They also do a happy hour every day from 3-6 p.m. where you can get $3 martinis, oysters, and draft beers. 

If you're looking for coffee to power up your day, don't miss Wild Joe's on Main Street. They serve a great selection of locally roasted coffees and they also offer grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks and snacks for kids. My daughter loved the "Fluffy" which is a foamy steamed milk drink with chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, of course. 

While in town we also checked out Revelry, located just steps away from The Armory Hotel. I liked that they had unexpected things on the menu like the house-smoked trout and avocado toast, frites & fondue, and coal-fired beet and cranberry salad. The beer and cocktail menu was great, too. 

The Armory Hotel actually has 3 restaurants on-site, and on our final night we dined at Fieldlings. It's the fancier of the three restaurants and the menu features fresh ingredients from local purveyors. We liked the house-made ricotta served with grilled sourdough bread and the beef short rib rigatoni.

Bozeman Food & Drink List

Revelry - 24 N Tracy Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

Brigade - 233 E Main St Suite 201, Bozeman, MT 59715

Fieldlings- 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)

Sky Shed- 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)

Tune Up - 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)

Wild Joe's Coffee - 18 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715

The Hideaway (Liquor Store/Dive Bar/Casino) - 1625 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715

What To Do

Yellowstone - Bozeman is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park. If you've never been, it's definitely worth the drive. On our trip, we saw a ton of animals including deer, bison, elk, wolves, birds, and even mountain goats. It was really fun for the kids to try and spot animals with their binoculars and they kept a running list of everything they spotted. The north entrance of the park is located in Gardiner, Montana and the entrance fee is $35. 

Sweet Pea Festival - If you're heading to Bozeman in August, don't miss the Sweet Pea Festival. This year, the festival is celebrating its 45th anniversary and the event will include food, music, art, flowers, dance performances, and more. This event is a great opportunity to check out the "Best Of" Bozeman and wristbands are available now. 

Country Bookshelf - Bookworms and casual readers alike will love Country Bookshelf. It was founded in 1957 and continues to be a place where locals of all ages can come to find great books. It's even been named by Martha Stewart as one of the "Best Place to Find the Best Reads" and they also have a robust calendar of events. 

Museum of the Rockies - A friend of ours recommended that we take the kids to the Museum of the Rockies, and with interactive exhibits and a full planetarium, it did not disappoint. Located on the campus of Montana State University, the museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and a T. rex skeleton. The gift shop is great, too!

Where to Shop

Downtown main street in Bozeman is brimming with bars, restaurants, and local boutiques. It was a fun place to shop and explore while we were in town. As is the case with many small towns, the customer service was amazing and it was fun getting to know the locals. 

Heyday - Since 2007, Heyday boutique has been a great place in downtown Bozeman to shop for apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts. The store is bright and airy and the team is eager to help you find exactly what you need, and maybe even a few things you don't, because when it comes to a well-edited assortment of must-have merchandise, they've got the formula dialed in. You can even shop online and enjoy $8 flat rate shipping. 

Mōka - Located in the heart of downtown Bozeman, Mōka is a great place to visit whether you need a wardrobe refresh or a fun outfit to wear for a night on the town. They have great shoes and accessories, and even offer sizes for teens. 

Jonah & Sage - Small town boutiques like Jonah & Sage are truly what make cities like Bozeman great places to shop. Locally owned & operated since 2001, the store is designed to outfit locals for whatever Big Sky Country brings their way. They carry a variety of brands including Commonform jewelry, which is lovingly handmade in Montana by my dear friend Stacy. I also love the fact that they have menswear, home goods, and gifts, making it a one-stop shop for everything on your list. 

Bonnie & Clyde - If you're looking for contemporary clothing in Bozeman, don't miss Bonnie & Clyde, located in the Main Street Market. Nestled just past the cafe and coffee bar, Bonnie & Clyde is brimming with shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, jewelry, and more. I got a great pair of summer sandals here that I can't wait to wear once the weather in Seattle warms up!

The Last Word

Bozeman was a delightful, family-friendly place to visit and we will definitely be booking another trip soon. The friendly atmosphere and small-town vibe will always have a special place in our hearts. It was definitely a trip to remember!

If you visit Bozeman and check out any of the places on this list, please tag @Sydlovesfashion on Instagram so that I can ride along on your adventure, too!

5 Great Gifts from Made in Washington

Made in Washington made news earlier this month when it appointed former Nordstrom VP Kristin Frossmo to lead the company as President and CEO. Previously executive vice president and general merchandise manager of Nordstrom's shoe division, Kristin will bring a wealth of retail knowledge and customer service experience to the role as the company prepares for a busy tourism season ahead. 

Since 1984, Made in Washington has been a place for locals and tourists alike to shop for a wide array of products that are designed and produced in Washington state. In her new role, Kristin will help bring the stories of local artists and makers to life as the company continues to expand its presence in the region and differentiate itself in the market as a diverse place for local shopping and discovery. 

With locations in four very different settings (Pike Place Market, Alderwood Mall, Bellevue Square Mall, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport), Frossmo sees an opportunity to personalize the experience at each location and give consumers a unique, hyper-local shopping experience. She's also excited about the possibilities that lie ahead when it comes to increased consumer engagement through interactive events, product demos, and specialty shopping nights where customers can learn more about the emerging and established brands carried by Made in Washington. 

As part of the transition, Kristin will replace current President and CEO Mike Mondello, who also serves as President and CEO of SeaBear Smokehouse. Made in Washington carries products from over 250 local vendors across a range of categories including food, art, home goods, gifts, glassware, and more.

As a long-time shopper of Made in Washington, I love the fact that customers can design their own gift baskets or choose from a wide selection of pre-made gift sets. It makes shopping for the holidays, or any occasion, fun and easy. We have a lot of relatives that live out of state, so having the opportunity to send them a little piece of "Washington" is always a welcome gift. 

Here are 5 of my favorite gifts available at Made in Washington: 

Seabear Smoked Salmon - An iconic Pacific Northwest gift that is handcrafted in small batches and smoked using traditional smokehouse techniques. 

SaltWorks Dead Sea Bath Salt - This relaxing bath soak has 10x more minerals than ordinary sea salt and features USDA-certified organic eucalyptus essential oil to soothe skin and reduce stress.

Handblown Glass Paperweight - This handcrafted, Mercury-inspired paperweight glows in the dark and contains ash from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Perfect as a standalone piece of art or a stylish office accessory.

Market Spice Huckleberry Tea - I've been a fan of the Market Spice teas for a long time and the signature Huckleberry flavor makes a great gift!

Chalo Boarding Pass Tote - This Seattle-inspired tote bag is spacious, durable, and great for carrying around all your must-haves. There's even an interior zip pocket to safely carry around smaller items like a wallet or keys.

Whether you need an easy way to support local makers or you're looking for a great gift, you'll find it at Made in Washington. Visit one of the stores or learn more about Made in Washington, here.

Recap: Simone Biles x Athleta Girl Event at U Village

Over the weekend, London and I had the opportunity to host a special Mother + Daughter event at Athleta in celebration of the Simone Biles x Athleta Girl collection. Designed to empower the next generation of strong women, the limited-edition activewear line for girls ages 6-12 features fun colors, breathable fabrics, and built-in reminders that no dream is too big with mantras like "Because I Can" and "The Floor is Yours". 

The gymnastics-themed event included movement, music, light bites, bubbles (for the moms), and "Shine Bright" confidence-boosting worksheets for the girls to fill out. Everyone had a great time shopping, socializing, and meeting the team at the University Village Athleta store. 

I want to extend a BIG thank you to store manager Kelly King for hosting such a wonderful event and making everyone feel so welcome. Her team did an incredible job leading the girls through gymnastics routines and helping to build their confidence throughout the night. Swag bag sponsors included Aveda, Froglegs, Paint the Town, and Supergoop. Thank you to photographer Vivian Hsu for capturing this event so beautifully!

Here's to raising the next generation of strong, confident, and resilient women who dream big and make the world a better place!

Athleta at University Village has a variety of styles from the Simone Biles x Athleta Girl collection in stock now. The merchandise mix includes t-shirts, tank tops, bike shorts, and more in sizes XS-XXL.

Athleta - University Village

2610 NE University Village St. 

Seattle, WA 98105

2022 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th and in the spirit of supporting the amazing local businesses in our community, I came up with a list of 55 great gift ideas to help celebrate the moms in your life. As a mom of two fabulous kids and one very spoiled fur baby, I know that motherhood is a constant juggling act and that even during the toughest of times, the moments are fleeting. This year I want to send a big thank you to the fellow mamas out there who are working hard each day to raise kids that are kind, caring, curious, empathetic, and resilient. I see you, I support you, and I’m here for you when you need a kind word, a long walk, or a glass of wine. Happy Mother’s Day!

55 Mother's Day Gift Ideas that support Seattle businesses

1. The AstroTwins Momstrology book helps parents understand the astrological charts of their little ones. It’s beautifully written and deeply insightful.

2. A sapphire and diamond ring from House of Hitchcock.

3. An overnight stay at The Woodmark Hotel so that she can wake up on the water in Kirkland.

4. Gift cards to local boutiques on Capitol Hill including Sway and Cake and Glasswing.

5. A signature massage from Yuan Spa. Don’t miss the unique hydrotherapy experiences available in Bellevue and Kirkland.

6. An electric boat ride on South Lake Union.

7. An old-school Igloo cooler for picnics and playdates at the park.

8. A beautiful, ethically-made necklace that she’ll cherish forever from Boma Jewelry’s Treasured Collection.

9. A signature Monarch tee from Luly Yang.

10. A figure-flattering mock neck top from Oiselle.

11. Vegan nail polish from local brand Veque.

12. One-of-a-kind, custom dinner napkins from Set the Table by Lisa Cole.

13. An Astrological Self-Care book by local author Stephanie Gailing.

14. An annual membership to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Don’t miss the Behind the Seams event and Spring Fling at the Mohai Mercantile taking place on Mother’s Day weekend. More info can be found here.

15. A sunset dinner at Goldfinch Tavern overlooking the Puget Sound at Four Seasons Seattle.

16. A bottle of soothing, single-sourced CBD oil from Two Cranes Botanicals. I got my own mom a bottle last year and she LOVES it.

17. A dinner date at Bamboo Sushi.

18. A gift card to SkinSpirit that she can use on facials, Botox, skin care products, and more.

19. A gift certificate for a blow out at Drybar.

20. An intuitive life coaching session with Erika Lynn.

21. A Dyson Supersonic blow dryer that will cut her drying time in half. My husband got me one last year and it cuts down my dry time from 20 minutes to 8 minutes flat.

22. An athletic-inspired skort from Girlfriend Collective that can be dressed up or down during classic Pacific Northwest summers, available locally at Prism in Ballard.

23. A hilarious candle from Malicious Women Co. in Snohomish.

24. A utility canvas bag for overnight weekend trips from Seattle boutique Flora & Henri.

25. An Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Box from Trophy Cupcakes.

26. A bottle of perfume from 86 West fragrances, available locally at Corre.

27. A wine club membership to XOBC Cellars that benefits Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation.

28. Tickets for a ride on the Victoria Clipper from the Seattle Waterfront to Victoria, B.C.

29. A cooking class for adults at FrogLegs Cooking School.

30. Modern handmade ceramics from Orphan Ten.

31. A gift certificate for a session with a professional wardrobe stylist from Styled Seattle.

32. A University Village gift card that can be used on an epic fashion field trip.

33. A weekend trip to Suncadia so that she can escape the city and be one with nature.

34. An all-natural skincare gift set from Kari Gran Skincare.

35. A PNW gift set from Seattle Chocolate.

36. A seafood-inspired gift basket from Made in Washington.

37. A beautiful crystal diffuser from Antica Farmacista.

38. A cool swimsuit from Tomboy X.

39. A new pair of shoes from Brooks Running.

40. A delicious and easy to prepare dinner kit from Kitchen & Market.

41. A lightweight, jersey-knit beanie from Coal.

42. Colorful hair accessory clips from Chunks.

43. An architecturally-inspired tote bag from Ampersand as Apostrophe.

44. A dinner date at Canlis.

45. A gift card to Queen Anne Dispatch so that she can shop for whatever she wants. (They have apparel, accessories, gifts, jewelry, home accessories, beauty products, and more!)

46. A glassybaby she’ll cherish forever.

47. Gorgeous microbladed brows from Sula.

48. A new raincoat from Eddie Bauer.

49. An ethically-made midi-dress by The Cura Co.

50. A Union Jack throw blanket, available locally from Watson Kennedy.

51. A sushi-inspired tea towel, available locally at Morning Siren.

52. A pair of eco-friendly cellulose acetate earrings from Baleen.

53. A lavender-scented, aromatic, mousse-like ultra-moisturizer from Alaffia.

54. A gift card to Purpose boutique to shop for a new summer dress.

55. A gift certificate to Apollo Nails for a well-deserved mani/pedi.

TOP IT OFF

Don’t forget to send mom a memorable message using a Tokki bow card.

Fashion Field Trip: Snohomish Edition

For my latest fashion field trip, I joined Melody Todd of Honest Chatter on a journey 35 miles north of Seattle to a sweet little place called Snohomish. I don’t usually drive this far north to shop and I typically only visit Snohomish once a year when I’m headed to Craven Farms in search of the perfect pumpkin, but this time around, I’m on a mission to meet local shop owners and explore hidden-gem boutiques.

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Snohomish was little more than a sleepy small town sprinkled with antique shops and farms. Back in the day, antique hunters would visit Snohomish and spend hours scouring local shops for secret treasures. Yet over the past few years, Snohomish has blossomed to become an unforgettable destination for boutique wineries, lifestyle shops, and independent jewelry designers. Downtown Snohomish is even home to Lamb & Co., an adorable home decor shop owned by the twins from the HGTV hit series, Unsellable Houses.

We started our adventure at Maple & Moss, which has a great assortment of Pacific Northwest-inspired apparel, accessories, and quirky gifts. I really liked that the mix includes products for men and women and that they carry a full range of sizes. I got the “Champagne for Breakfast” sweatshirt.

Next, we visited Mimi’s Boutique, a country-style boutique that sells clothing, accessories, home decor, and furniture. I love neighborhood boutiques like these that carry a fun mix of everything you need and a few things that you don’t but should probably buy anyway in the spirit of helping to stimulate the local economy. We got an eco-friendly sloth dryer ball, some adorable earrings, and a “Boss Lady” silicone wine cup.

Located just across the street you’ll find Snohomish Pie Co. For those of you with a serious sweet tooth, this may be the ONLY reason you visit Snohomish this year, and that’s ok because it will have been well worth the visit. In addition to classic apple pie, the assortment features a variety of other delicious favorites including Chocolate Pecan, Marionberry, Peach Raspberry Crumb, and Cherry. If you’re looking for an over-the-top experience, check out one of their Pie Shakes, which is literally an entire slice of pie blended with creamy vanilla ice cream.

Next up, we visited Worthy. This boutique is a true treasure trove of goodness and the curation is excellent. The product mix includes a range of clothing, jewelry, home decor, accessories, gifts, and even lighting fixtures. They also have a small vintage section in the back brimming with concert tees, denim jackets, sweaters, and outerwear. I really liked exploring everything this store had to offer and found an amazing gift for mom in the form of a beautiful decoupage oyster shell that doubles as a trinket dish.

Edit was one of my favorite boutiques in Snohomish because it was unexpected and reminded me of the stores that I frequently shop in the city. The store itself is huge and perfectly merchandised with a curated mix of clothing and accessories for men and women. I also loved the beautiful assortment of home fragrances and furnishings. You can even find plant-based cleaning products from Seattle brand L'AVANT Collective at Edit, which was a nice surprise to discover.

If you love fashion, don’t miss Golden Shop in Snohomish. They sell fun, accessible, and easy-to-wear clothing for women. You’ll find everything from cute sundresses to cowboy boots, overalls, handbags, and hats.

Jewelry fans can’t miss Point No Point in Snohomish, Julie Stark Allen’s jewelry studio inspired by the neutral beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All of the jewelry is handcrafted in Snohomish and all diamonds are conflict-free and ethically sourced. The 14k Rose Gold Sapphire Triangle studs are stunning and everything in the assortment is beautifully unique and worth checking out. You can even commission custom pieces using available loose stones.

Located right on the main street you’ll find Malicious Women Co. A sassy, woman-owned company that sells ethically-made candles, apparel, jewelry, and gifts. At the shop, you can design your own candle or buy one off the shelf. I promise you, there’s a perfectly hilarious one for every occasion. All of their candles are made from 100% natural soy (grown in the U.S.) and use a paper core wick that is lead-free. The burn time for each candle is approx. 40-50 hours.

For those with a green thumb, and those without (like me), don’t miss Retreat Plant Co. They specialize in indoor plants, terrariums, and beautiful ceramics. The staff can help pick out the best plants for each environment and can also arm you with the necessary information to keep them alive. They also do great workshops and parties.

Speaking of plants, nestled in Snohomish you’ll also find Sprig Flower Co., offering a beautiful mix of flowers, gifts, beauty products, and home decor. We recently worked with Alyssa and her team for an event in Seattle and the flowers were absolutely stunning! They also offer local flower delivery in Snohomish County.

The final store we visited to cap off our fashion field trip was Lamb & Co. They have a sweet little stop filled with kitchen essentials, living room decor, and products featured on the show. You can learn more about the twins and their HGTV show here.

Snohomish Shop List

Edit - 1001 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Golden Shop - 1800 Bickford Ave Suite 204, Snohomish, WA 98290

Lamb & Co (the sisters from Unsellable Houses on HGTV)

Malicious Women Co - 920 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Maple & Moss - 104 Union Ave. Snohomish, WA 98290

Mimi's Boutique - 906 1st Street Snohomish, WA 98290

Point No Point - 923 1st St Suite B, Snohomish, WA 98290

Retreat Plant Company - 1118 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Snohomish Pie Co - 915 1st St Ste C, Snohomish, WA 98290

Sprig Flower Co. - 1007 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Worthy - 1200 1st St, Snohomish, WA 98290

Snohomish is well worth the drive from Seattle and there are plenty of shops and restaurants to make a day of it. Parking is not plentiful on the main street, but it is free, which offers a refreshing break from the usual 2-hour parking limits in the city. So consider this your reminder that when you shop small, an actual business owner working hard to support their family and bring their dreams to life, does an actual happy dance. Happy shopping in Snohomish!

Seattle Staycation: The Woodmark Hotel

It's no secret that it's a weird time to travel right now due to the ongoing pandemic. While that hasn't stopped us from safely visiting some of our favorite places, we've also sprinkled in some fun staycations around the city to mix things up. Over the weekend my family and I stayed at The Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland and had a great time waking up on the water. The hotel is located on Carillion Point overlooking Lake Washington and it's an easy 15-minute drive from Seattle. Underground covered parking is available for guests and once you're on-site, there's easy access to coffee, dining, and even a spa. 

We started our adventure with a complimentary glass of bubbles upon check-in and then went up to find our room. The Kirkland Suite is a great option for families who want extra space. The room is 650 square-feet and features a separate living area with sleeper sofa, private balcony, master bedroom and bathroom, in-room fridge, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. 

For dinner, we headed to the Beach Cafe which is located on the lower level of the hotel overlooking the water. The menu has something for everyone including craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. We ordered the truffle mac and cheese, bread basket, sliders with truffle fries, and chicken strips for the kids. Everyone loved their food and we're excited to go back again soon. 

If you're traveling with people who love snacks, don't miss the chance to "Raid the Panty", nightly at 10 p.m. The Woodmark Hotel stocks everything you need for late-night nibbles including candy, popcorn, ice cream, and fresh local treats. 

For brunch the next morning, visit Carillon Kitchen across the plaza which serves complimentary coffee and tea for hotel guests and also has a limited menu of breakfast items available. For a full brunch experience, make reservations ahead of time at Le Grand Bistro Américain. I've dined here on many occasions for brunch with friends and the food has been excellent EVERY time. The French Toast with maple syrup and vanilla créme fraiche is not to be missed. 

In terms of activities, The Woodmark Hotel is centrally located next to Downtown Kirkland which has a great mix of shopping and dining options. Or, if you take Lake Washington Boulevard the other way, you'll find even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options at The Bellevue Collection. 

The Woodmark is a great, pet-friendly hotel that is perfect for out-of-town guests or Seattleites looking for a luxurious staycation. One quick note, The Woodmark Hotel is currently renovating the lobby. From now until March 14th, guests should check-in from the lower lobby which is accessible through the parking garage. 

Summer Getaway Guide: Kauai

Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I actually lived on the island for several years as a kid and it's always had a special place in my heart. My family loves it too, so we try and visit as often as we can. Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and is often called the "Garden Island" for its lush greenery. The island is less touristy than other islands and most things shut down by 9 p.m., so you're forced to relax and enjoy the scenery. After a crazy year of working from home while also homeschooling the kids due to the pandemic, we desperately needed this recharge. Read on for my guide on all things Kauai.

Best Place to Stay

We always stay at the Kauai Beach Resort when we visit the island. We've stayed there many times over the years and always had a great experience. The hotel is located in Lihue near the airport and has been a great home base for us when we visit. The rooms are spacious and if you can get a view with an ocean view, even better. 

One of the best things about this hotel is that there are four swimming pools, including one with a water slide. We also loved the convenience of the poolside outdoor bar. For littles, there's a super shallow, sandy pool that has a great water feature.  

The hotel also has a great gift shop/coffee bar that serves Starbucks coffee and pastries. It was a great way to start the day and pick up snacks before heading out on our daily adventures. The hotel also has a great bar and restaurant for dine-in or take-out. One of the things we loved about our recent visit was the fact that you can now order and pay remotely via your phone and pick up your food at the hostess stand once it's ready. Technology is the best. 

We found ourselves at Shutter's Lounge multiple times on our trip. They do great fish tacos and Kalbi beef bowls. They also have a decent kids menu which was helpful since we have notoriously picky eaters. 

Best Beach for Kids

Kauai Beach Resort is less than 10 minutes away from Lydgate Beach Park, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This beach is protected from the ocean by a rock wall, making it a great choice for kids and for those who want to snorkel. There are also lifeguards on-site and a shaded playground nearby that is great for kids who need a break from the sun. There are also on-site facilities including picnic areas and restrooms.

Best Beach on the Island

Hanalei Bay is the best beach on Kauai. Although it's not the easiest to get to at the moment due to recent andslides and subsequent construction, it's worth the drive. Located on Kauai's North shore just past Princeville, Hanalei offers clear blue water, white sand, and sweeping views of gorgeous green mountains. The historic pier was built in 1892 and still offers visitors a stunning backdrop for beach days and sunset picnics. Don’t forget to check Hawaii's DOT site for traffic info before heading out to stay up to date on lane closures and traffic revisions. 

Best Beach for Spotting Sea Turtle

Poipu Beach is a great place to spot sea turtles on Kauai. We spotted them several times surfing the waves when we visited the beach and each sighting was magical! The drive to Poipu Beach from Kapaa is about 40 minutes by car and you get to pass through a beautiful tree tunnel on the way. Poipu Beach has a great swimming area with lifeguards plus a playground for kids. You can also get a legendary Puka Dog across the street from the beach.

Best Place for Beach Rentals

There are many great places to rent beach equipment on Kauai including sun umbrellas, bodyboards, coolers, beach chairs, inflatables, and more. We rented from Kauai Snorkel Rentals located at Coconut Marketplace in Kauai. The prices are great, $15 for a week-long body board rental, and the process was super easy. We simply showed up, picked out our gear, and brought it back a week later. This is a WAY better alternative to buying gear and leaving it behind at the end of the trip. We talked to locals about this issue and it sounds like island tourists are notorious for this. Please be mindful of the environment and the footprint you leave behind when you visit Hawaii.

Best Place for Shave Ice

I could literally eat shave ice every day and I probably would if I lived in Hawaii. We loved Jojo's Shave Ice at the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa and went back several times during our time. They offer so many delicious flavor combinations but our favorite was definitely the classic Rainbow (Strawerry, Banana, Vanilla) with Macadamia nut ice cream. Shave ice makes a great snack on a hot day and the small size was big enough to share.

Best Poke Bowl

If you're a poke fan, don't miss the fresh fish at Foodland in Princeville. For less than $10 you can get a rice bowl topped with fresh poke. Voted Hawaii's best for 9 years in a row, I promise you, this poke bowl is well worth the drive. I like spicy poke, Shoyu (mixed with soy sauce), and Hawaiian-style (mixed with seaweed and sea salt). Honestly, they're all good and if you can buy a bag of Hawaiian taro chips, the experience is even better. If you're heading to Hanalei Bay for the day, stop by Foodland to pick up a poke bowl for lunch on the way.

Best Date Night Restaurant

Every time we visit Kauai, we always make reservations at The Plantation House by Gaylords. This is a great restaurant for date nights, family dinners, and special occasions. The dinner menu includes fresh ahi poke, lobster gnocchi, sake short ribs, and truffle potatoes. The cocktails are good, too! If you head over for lunch, don't miss the Koloa Rum Tasting Room which is also located on-site.

Car Rental Advice

There's a severe rental car shortage in Hawaii due to low inventory and increased demand, so if you want wheels on your trip (you'll need them), I recommend that you book early. We rented from Avis on this trip and had a great experience. Our 4-door Jeep Sahara was so much fun to drive and provided more than enough space for suitcases, boogie boards, coolers, and more.

How to Plan Your Itinerary

Driving around Kauai takes time, especially during the summer months, so it's best to plan your day by choosing one main area to explore or dividing the day into morning and afternoon activities. Hanalei Bay is a full-day activity when you consider drive time and traffic revisions. Here are some of our favorite things to explore on Kauai that should absolutely be on your itinerary:

Hanalei Bay

• Beach Park & Pier (the most gorgeous beach with white sand and clear blue water) 

• Hanalei Shopping Center - Lots of great local shops and restaurants 

• Bubba's Burgers

• Plan a full day and take a picnic lunch to the beach. Rain showers and clouds generally pass quickly, so don't be worried if you see a few clouds in the sky. 

Princeville 

• Princeville Center is a great place to shop and dine

• Foodland has THE best poke bowls on the island

• There's a great toy store for kids on-site

• Keep an eye out for the Princeville Night Market

Poipu Beach

• Beach Park & Playground

• Sea Turtle Spotting

• Puka Dogs

• Baby Beach

• Brennecke's Beach Broiler

• Old Koloa Town (Stop by on your way to Poipu Beach)

• The Shops at Kukui'ula (Located near Poipu Beach and a great place to stop for dinner after a day at the beach. The center also has Long's Drugs so you can stock up on anything you forgot at home)

Waimea Canyon

• Great scenic drive when you need a break from the sun

• The canyon is a 14-mile stretch with panoramic views

• The road ends at Kokee State Park

Coconut Marketplace

• Located in Kapaa with easy parking and plenty of gift shops

• Don't miss Jojo's Shave Ice

• Great dining options including Chicken in a Barrel, Bobby V's, and Island Country Market

• You can also get beach rentals including sun umbrellas, snorkel gear, and more at Coconut Marketplace

Final Thoughts

If you're heading to Kauai, take a deep breath, enjoy the experience, and don't forget to pack your patience. The summer months are peak season for tourists and in addition to increased traffic on the roads, you'll also experience long wait times at restaurants if you don't have advance reservations. Kauai is experiencing the same labor shortages we are on the mainland, so please remember to be patient and kind. If you're staying at a hotel, don't forget to take out cash to tip your housekeepers. They are working overtime this summer and want to help ensure that your trip to paradise is an amazing one. 

Sign Up for Clear

Make your SEA airport experience seamless by signing up for CLEAR before you travel. With CLEAR, you can move quickly through airport security at 40+ airports nationwide. It’s super easy to sign up and you can get 2 months free by using my personal referral code.

5 Takeaways from Fearless

Fashion fans: if you're looking for something fun to read this summer, look no further than Rebecca Minkoff's new book Fearless. Those of you that know me well, know that I'm a sucker for two things: fashion exhibits and fashion books. So naturally, when I stumbled upon this book at the airport while waiting for a recent flight to LA, I purchased it. I'll be honest, I haven't kept up with her career aside from noticing when she appeared on Project Runway: Fashion Startup back in 2016, but I do remember the popularity of her handbags from back in the day. 

The book is divided into 21 different rules for success, including things like "Go for Purpose Over Payout", "Create Two Way Streets", and "Communicate Your Heart Out", which as a fashion publicist, resonates with me deeply. The book starts out by diving into Rebecca's early days in the fashion industry. She became a household name when a "I Love New York" t-shirt she designed was worn by a famous actress on The Tonight Show. Four years later, she designed her first handbag, and the rest is history. Here are my 5 favorite takeaways from the book. 

#1 - You Have More to Offer Than You Might Think 

In the early days of Rebecca's New York journey, she had no friends and virtually no money so she decided to spend her free time volunteering and began picking up hours at a space that hosted gallery nights for up-and-coming artists. "The only things I had to offer," says Rebecca, "were time and energy." Through the experience, she met like-minded people, expanded her network, and found a connection point to the city. 

There are so many young people today who are eager to break into the fashion industry but hold themselves back because they think they have nothing to offer when nothing could be further from the truth. Don't underestimate the value of time and energy. It's a resource that not everyone has, so if you have the time, interest, and energy to volunteer in spaces that speak to you, DO IT! You never know what you might learn or who you might meet. 

#2 - Don't Take It Personally If Something Doesn't Work Out

There will be many times throughout the course of your career that things won't work out the way you planned. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's the art of the pivot. You may test out great ideas that fail miserably for whatever reason and it's important not to berate yourself when that happens. In the book, Rebecca notes that ideas are experiments. The important thing is to learn from them and move on. "Every minute you spend stuck on the hamster wheel or why something didn't go exactly as you had planned is a minute you could be spending on creating something new." 

#3 - Networking Flows Both Ways

Relationships are everything in every industry, which is why networking is critically important for success. As you can imagine, the fashion industry in New York is notoriously cliquey, and since Rebecca started her career before the birth of social media, she was on her own when it came to navigating the world of fashion. The key to networking is about asking what can we do for each other versus asking what can you do for me? There should be a give and take. For example, if you are asking for introductions, be prepared to return the favor down the line. And don't forget to thank the people that have helped you along the way.

#4 - Talk A Lot of Shop

When Rebecca Minkoff was getting started, sample sales in New York were starting to take off. Not only was it a great way for designers to make some extra cash while cleaning out their storage rooms, it provided a fun experience for fashion fans. Rebecca noticed early on that sample sales were a great way to connect with customers and get their feedback on products. She got to eavesdrop on what people were saying and always paid attention to what products went first and which ones were left over at the end of the day. That insight proved to be invaluable and the community-building that the samples sales provided was a also a way for the brand to stay engaged with its audience. Rebecca Minkoff eventually started doing sample sales twice a year and it became an amazing way to get product into people's hands. 

#5 - Give Your Gut Some Credit

"I do not regret my big messy failures. I regret that when I knew in my gut something was wrong even when it was something small, I didn't have enough faith in myself to fight for what I knew was right," says Rebecca Minkoff. This is a big part of being fearless. You have to trust your gut. There is an inner knowing in each of us that is there to help guide us in the right direction. When we ignore that inner voice because it's not convenient, or we feel like we would be rocking the boat if we spoke up, we are blocking our own intuitive wisdom. Trust your gut. There is a reason it's called a "gut instinct" and those feelings are there for a reason. 

This is a great book for fashion students who are just starting out in the industry and want to hear words of widsom from someone who started small, worked hard, and built a $100 million dollar fashion empire. Fearless is full of lessons learned and tangible takeaways. It's a great summer read and I finished it over a long weekend. Find it at your local bookstore or on Amazon.