glam.spoon: fashion blog

Girls Gone Glam 2012 Save the Date!

 

I'm thrilled to announce that glam.spoon will be participating in Girls Gone Glam benefitting Dress for Success Seattle for the 3rd year in a row! Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 28th and be sure to get there early to enjoy champagne and appetizers, plus -  I will have a new batch of Saturday Market Dresses, specially priced for the event!

Dress for Success Seattle at the YWCA Inspire Luncheon

The YWCA's 2012 Inspire Luncheons are underway! The first event featured the talented and charming Academy Award winner, Helen Hunt at Meydenbauer Center on March 15th. She shared very personal stories of the joy and challenges of raising a strong daughter. I still remember the luncheon I attended a couple of years ago with Gloria Steinem as the speaker. Talk about inspired.

The YWCA hosts 3 of these events each year, and the next one is scheduled for Tuesday, April 24th at the Washington State Convention Center with guest speaker Sheryl WuDunn, co-author of Half the Sky. If you have some time, watch the online video of her Ted Talk. It's an inspiring 18 minutes.

On behalf of Dress for Success and the YWCA, I encourage you to attend the event if you're so inclined, by registering to sit at the Dress for Success table. Dress for Success Seattle is a wonderful organization that helps women trying to get back on their feet and into the workforce. I've been supporting them for years through the Girls Gone Glam events and the Closet Treasures Sale. We all know how important it is to feel that you look your best and feel confident when interviewing for a job that could change your life. 

What: YWCA Inspire Luncheon, Seattle. Learn how the YWCA impacts women and families in our community.

When: Tuesday, April 24^th, 2012 from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Washington State Convention Center

Program: In addition to client stories, enjoy a presentation by co-author of Half the Sky, Sheryl WuDunn along with other supporters of Dress for Success Seattle.

Cost: Suggested minimum donation of $150 per person, lunch included.

If you would like to attend the event, please send an email to Shauna Aron, Event Coordinator for Dress For Success Seattle, who will assist you with registration.

Closet Treasures...

One of my favorite shopping events of the year is happening this weekend!  The 9th Annual YWCA Closet Treasures sale is a fashionista's dream.  You can find designer and vintage clothes and accessories at consignment prices, and the best part is that proceeds from the sale benefit the amazing Dress for Success program.

Don’t miss this treasure trove of designer, name-brand, and vintage clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories. The sale is this Friday, October 14th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the Special Preview, and then on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00 to 4:00. Purchase $30 tickets to Friday's exclusive event or pay $35 at the door. Saturday shopping is free! Proceeds benefit Dress for Success® Seattle, a YWCA Clothing Services Program.

I've been going to the Closet Treasures sale for years and I've always found amazing pieces at the sale. Plus it's a lot of fun! What an inspiring way to spend a Friday night.

Check out this video that aired on King5's New Day Northwest with a fashion show preview of the items you can purchase at the event.

And for those of you looking for some styling advice, Mayna Sgaramella, Wardrobe Consultant, Stylist, Speaker and Owner of Closet Fly, LLC  will be at the pre-sale event on Friday night offering her styling services as a bonus!

 

annual YWCA Closet Treasures sale

Have you been to the Closet Treasures Sale before? If so, then you've probably already put it on your calendar... but did you know the event has moved across the bridge to the fancy schmancy new location at the Bravern? If you haven't been before, please clear your schedule for this fantastic event. You're in for a treat!

Reason number one: Guilt-Free Shopping

Charity shopping events are a win-win. Shop the YWCA Closet Treasures Sale for new and gently used designer goods. Win: discounted prices; Win: money goes to a good cause. This year you'll find designers such as Nicole Miller, Robert Rodriguez, Jimmy Choo, Ungaro, Sanctuary and much, much more. In addition to the current designer offerings, there will be lots of great vintage clothing, handbags, jewelry and evening gowns. You can put together a whole new outfit for around $100 bucks.

Reason number two: First Pick Preview Sale Friday, October 14th

If you're a serious fashionista like me, you want to get there early and beat the crowds. How about a little head start? For $30 advance tickets, you can attend the Preview Friday event from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and get first crack at these designer duds. You'll also enjoy complementary refreshments while you peruse the racks of fashion.

Reason number three: Bargains throughout the day Saturday 

If you opt for the big event on Saturday, October 15th, watch for bargains throughout the day. The staff will put out new items all day long, and you'll get bonus discounts: Spend $50, save $5... Spend $100, save $10. That's a 10% discount just for spending money!

Reason number four: Dress for Success Seattle

Now in its 9th year, the YWCA Closet Treasures Sale is a two-day fundraising event that supports the important work of Dress for Success Seattle.  At the event, members of the community are invited to purchase designer and name brand clothing items at significant discounts with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Dress for Success Seattle.

The YWCA opens doors to opportunity and self-sufficiency for women and families facing poverty, violence and discrimination. With more than 100 years experience, the YWCA is the leading organization for moving women and families out of crisis and empowering them to achieve lasting independence.

Now get out there and shop!

 

aLive Fashion Show 2011

Carlynne Morrison Holtzinger is one busy lady. Her business card reads model, fashion designer, stylist, blogger and event planner, but she juggled a whole lot more than that in coordinating this event. She also took time for a sunrise photo shoot promo for the event covered by NW Source.

 

Photos by Kristina Krug

Carly is the beauty and brains behind aLive Fashion Show celebrating a couple of wonderful charitable organizations "through a FUSION of Fashion, Photography, Music, Theatre & Art" held at 415 Westlake. The venue is gorgeous and even the weather cooperated. If you haven't been to the Westlake area recently, that little neighborhood is really coming along.

Carly managed to get some pretty amazing local boutiques involved to dress the models for the fashion show and stage pop-up shops in the venue. The list of sponsors, designers, contributors and production team members is a long one, including CRAVEseattle, Dry Soda Co., kakao, E. PIKE VINTAGE, cuoco and the dahlia WORK SHOP. They all came together to help raise money and awareness for Dress for Success Seattle and the local branch of World Relief. And, of course, to throw a little fashion party.

The evening delivered on all its promises with multiple tableaus of beautiful models styled in the latest clothing and accessories, interludes of local independent music, choreographed theatrics and even artwork...

   Artwork by Baidaa Weli & Pietro 

The first segment of the fashion show included actual items that will be available for sale at Dress For Success Seattle's annual Closet Treasures Sale coming up in October. The models dressed each other on stage to symbolize the work that Dress for Success does every day, helping women get back on their feet and back in the workplace.

 

 

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you know how much I love, love, LOVE vintage. The second segment of the show included gorgeous party dresses and a pair of jodhpurs from E. Pike Vintage, accessorized by The Linnet Bird. Don't you just love a tableau?

That blue tulle number was so cute, I had to get a close up. The model looks like a marionette or a porcelain doll with that hat on.

Following a brief talk from Andrew Hays of World Relief who introduced the crowd to one of his organization's recent success stories, the In-Kind Donations coordinator invited all attendees to stop at their booth and learn more about what they do and how you can help. "We don't just want your money" he told the audience. I encourage you to go to their web site and find out if there's some way you can help with their efforts.

Queen Anne Dispatch is so much more than a place to ship packages. They are a full fledged boutique with gorgeous dresses and to-die-for shoes, and it just so happens you can also ship your packages. This segment of the show proves that the owner's eye for fashion is very sharp. Accessorized by Moorea Seal Jewelry.

Perhaps the most interesting pairing of the evening was the segment that included Tarboo, Inc. shirts and Baby & Co. headscarves, along with C. Mor. Threads vintage items. I've seen a lot of headscarves lately, and I'm wondering if I could pull off a look like this... 

Live musical performances are not something you see at a fashion show every day, but for aLive Carly enlisted the help of local musician, Zach Fleury, to entertain the audience while the models changed into their next looks.

 

Carly, above, looking on as the models walk the runway. She's wearing a strapless jersey maxi dress from Queen Anne Dispatch and necklace by Pariscope Studios, and crowned with Moorea Seal's Boho Twist Headpiece.

For the last segment of the show, the models returned to the simple white undergarments they wore at the top of the show, and gathered on stage for the finale. Apparently, she didn't have enough to do, because Carly also created a finale look for herself to model incorporating her C. Mor. Threads line with items fram Nakate. 

The models' hair was styled by Gene Juarez with makeup by the team at Sephora.

Handling herself like a pro, Carly joked her way through trying to keep her cue cards straight and a couple of unplanned silences, charming the crowd all evening. She then invited everyone to stay after the show for dancing and shopping.  

Last but not least, a giveaway!

Since I bought a VIP ticket for the show, there was a SWAG bag of goodies waiting for me at my seat. To explain why I started buying VIP tickets - front row is much better for taking photos, and you often get in early to the venues. When it's a charitable event, it's even easier to justify. As far as why I keep buying them, well, I love getting free stuff! However, I've decided that a few items from this bag should go to someone else, so I'm going to host a little giveaway and spread the freebies all around.

Who doesn't need another pair of sunglasses? Well, since I only wear prescription sunnies these days, you get a chance to win this purple and tortoise shell pair by a A.J. Morgan, contributed by Queen Anne Dispatch.

Without fail, every time I get a pedicure, I go for one of 3 shades. It's either a deep red, brown or black on my toes. This Pink Bouquet from Sally Hansen is just too sweet for me. How about you?

The last item in the giveaway is a pair of handmade earrings by The Nakate Project. Through selling handmade products from the small African village of Kakooge, they are increasing awareness of the plight of AIDS that still impacts many people there. When I read this quote on the back of the postcard, I knew what I had to do:

"Whether you're someone who wants to buy a necklace, or you're a designer, a photographer or a woman with a book group, blog or fashion show, we're asking - where will you take Africa with you today?" 

Leave a comment on this post if you'd like to enter the giveaway. I'll pick a winner on August 8th.  And please spread the word about these worthwhile charitable organizations and local businesses.

girls gone glam - thank you!

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Girls Gone Glam event at the Alexis Hotel. It's always a good time working with the Dress For Success Seattle organization, and the coordinators at the Alexis treated us like royalty. What a lovely space in which to display a little couture!

girls gone glam!

This will be my second year as a participating vendor at Girls Gone Glam, benefiting the Seattle chapter of Dress for Success. In addition to having a few brand new spring dresses on hand, I will have lots of past season items on sale.

Print this post and bring it with you to buy ANYTHING off the sale rack for just $25!

 

 

closet treasures sale - looking for the winner? check the comments...

It's that time of year again!  Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Closet Treasures Sale to benefit Dress For Success Seattle on October 2nd and 3rd. 

This is my 4th year attending the sale and I always come away with an armful of goodies.  Once again, I plan to purchase a $35 ticket to the First Pick Preview Sale on Saturday.  Last year, Josie and I were in line at 8:45 a.m., coffee in hand, and it was well worth it!  Besides, all the proceeds benefit Dress for Success Seattle, so it's an easy decision.

Dress for Success Seattle has become a signature cause for glam.spoon.  I've participated in their annual Girls Gone Glam event, attended the YWCA Inspire Luncheon where I had the opportunity to hear the Gloria Steinem speak, and I've donated clothing to support their amazing efforts to help women get back into the working world.  I can't say enough great things about this organization!

Here is a sneak peek at some of the designer items they have for sale this year... you can see more items and read about the sale on their website.

Josie moved to Portland this past summer so I need a new shopping buddy this year...  I thought it might be fun to buy two tickets to the preview sale and raffle one of them off!  If you live in (or will be in) the Seattle area on October 2nd, if you are a tireless shopper with a quick eye for scouting treasure, and can wake up and be downtown at the YWCA by 8:30 a.m. on a Saturday... then this ticket is for you!

Please leave a comment below if you are interested in joining me for the sale!

Girls Gone Glam

Glamour and charity go very nicely together... it's a win-win!  Many thanks to my pal, Laurie, for inviting me to be one of the exclusive vendors at the 3rd annual Girls Gone Glam event last Thursday night.

I had forgotten how beautiful the Alexis Hotel is with its old world charm and urban chic location.  And the decorations added to glam-up the lobby were absolutely Vegas worthy.  The event was extremely organized and the attendees were nothing but complementary!  Below is a collage of my booth and a few customers modeling my designs.

All proceeds from the event go to Dress for Success Seattle.  If you haven't heard of this fantastic organization, you should definitely check out the web site.  Suits to Self-Sufficiency says it all!