Yves St. Laurent Exhibit in Seattle: The Perfection of Style

Happy New Year! Recently I visited the Seattle Art Museum to view the stunning exhibit featuring the designs of YVES ST.LAURENT. Talk about having to pick your jaw up off the floor!?!  Wow, I was in awe of every outfit and had to pry myself away each time,  to carry on with the rest of the display. Evening Gown :Autumn- Winter 1983 Haute couture collection: Paris pink silk satin draped bodice with large bow and black silk velvet skirt

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Chritmas 2016: Postcards from Seattle

                                                            Merry Christmas Friends, I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season so far!  It's the most wonderful time of the year, and for many it's also the busiest.  I was downtown last week to visit a very exciting exhibit. I will be posting about it, later in  December or early January!  If you follow my fashion posts, then you won't want to miss what I have to share! On my way to my destination, I had to stop and admire all the pretty lights, trees, and garland up at Pike Place Market. It is beautiful all year long, but especially at the holidays.

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3 Unique Coffee Shops in the Seattle Area

Sippin in Seattle's latte land- the coffee capital of the world  awaits you! The holidays are here again, and it's the perfect time to try out a new coffee shop. Cozying up in one of these spots with my favorite brewed beverage, somehow makes the rainy season more bearable.

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Bellevue Fashion Week 2016: Fall's Top Trends

September is usually a whirlwind month in the world of fashion.  Anywhere that is a major fashion hub has a fashion week to showcase all the latest trends for the upcoming season. I am a little late getting this post up, but hopefully you will enjoy it anyway! Not to worry though, right here in the Seattle area is one of the premier fashion events in the country.  Bellevue Fashion Week is sponsored and presented by the Bellevue Collection.   It is interesting to see how the trends differ from year to year. Check out last year's trend show with Rachel Zoe here . The collection includes Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place: The Northwest's finest dining, luxury hotels, nightlife, and shopping are all found in this lovely hub east of Seattle.                                                     Photo: Bellevue Fashion Week Website

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3 Ways to Improve Self Image in Middle Age

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How to Style A Leather Jacket for Fall

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Top 6 Washington Road Trip Destinations

*Thank you to  Khan Law Firm of Seattle for sponsoring and writing today's post. I know you'll enjoy reading about these amazing road trips in the state of  WA! Top 6 Washington Road Trip Destinations Seattle is home to a seemingly endless variety of attractions that can easily entertain your family or friends and fill up an afternoon. At the same time, there are a number of scenic destinations that are well worth seeing and just a short drive away. From the mountains to the sea, few areas can compare with the beauty and diversity found in Washington state. When a change of scenery is in order, a road trip can be just the thing to satisfy that desire to experience something new, without the fuss or expense of embarking on a full blown vacation. The next time you are in the mood to get away, whether for a day or a weekend, check out one of the following, which are our picks for the top five road trip destinations in the area:

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Top Small Towns in Washington: Gig Harbor

Yahoo for Friday! It's the last weekend of summer, I am soo sad to see it go. If you have read my blog for very long, you know how much I love cool rainy weather....ha not!  Anyway, I am still not done sharing posts from my trips around the sound the past few months. Up next: Gig Harbor.  Experience the beauty of this west sound gem on an old fashioned trolley car ride!

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Fall 2016: 3 Must Have Fashion Trends

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Visit Poulsbo Washington: The lil Norway of the Pacific Northwest

Over the next few weeks in my travel posts- I am featuring a series on small towns in the Puget Sound . The west sound area of Seattle has some of the most beautiful scenery, and small town gems.  Even though I get tired of the rain and overcast skies, there is just nothing like Northwest summers. If you have never explored or visited Kitsap county, then do hurry over and check out some of the breathtaking scenery before summer ends!  The Kitsap Peninsula is home to several scenic towns and landscapes.

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Laura Britt : Chic Shoes for Everyday Style

Disclosure : I received a pair of shoes and a prize package , in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Today I am excited to share the work of talented artist and designer, Helen Little. She is the founder and creator of Laura Britt Shoes . ( They are named after her two daughters). Helen digitally designs beautiful artwork onto canvas , which are screen printed onto tennis shoes.  She has an amazing story and journey behind her work!

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How to Spend A Day In Banff National Park

If you've never seen the Canadian Rockies, you must put it on your bucket list! Here you will find some of the most beautiful landscape in the world. People come from all over the globe, every season of the year- to explore and enjoy this wilderness paradise. All the elements of heaven surround Banff National Park in Alberta. I was born just a few hours from here in Medicine Hat. I was raised  in Vancouver, and have drove through here many times. This time I was able to stop and look around more. This is by far some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen in my life!

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Postcards from Palm Springs

It has been quite toasty in my  Pacific Northwest corner of the world. Whose complaining ?! Not this girl,  I love heat! Well to a point, I did complain  a few weeks ago when I was visiting the southwest city of Palm Springs.

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The Winchester House: A 110 Room Tour in 65 minutes

  Disclosure : I received  complimentary tickets to the Winchester Mystery House,  in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. A few weeks ago enroute from Southern Calfornia, we stopped in San Jose for a few days to visit family.  An added bonus was getting to tour this magnificent mystery house: The Winchester Mansion. It's hard to believe I saw so many rooms in just one hour!

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Off The Shoulder in Beverly Hills

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Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 360 Degrees of Wow

Disclosure : I was provided a complimentary ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway,  in exchange for a review.  The tour was arranged by Palm Springs Tourism  Bureau . I have been on vacation in California for two weeks, and took a break from blogging. I had a great time, and have wonderful content to share over the next few weeks. It seems like I have been all over the state and back. We started out in Los Angeles, spent time at 5 different beaches, San Diego, Palm Springs, San Jose, and San Francisco. Today I am excited to share with you, my visit to the  Palm Springs Aerial Tramway . Photography : Valerie Hansen

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Southern Calfornia: Style and Travel Tips

Hollywood- "What's your dream."  I love that line from the movie "Pretty Woman". Needless to say I am CA dreamin! I'm so excited  travel season is almost here!  Southern CA is one of my destinations this summer, so I am in outfit planning  mode!

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2016 Lexus ES 300h Review : The Ultimate Style Ride

It's been on my bucket list to take a luxury car for a spin, and a short time ago my dream came true! It was a lot of fun, and I was blessed to drive it for a week. It's amazing how the small things in life can bring joy to your heart. 

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European Designer Review: Ashley Lloyd Fashion Int.

I am excited to share the work of an European designer I collaborated with recently: Ashley Lloyd International .  The bold and creative designs immediately caught my eye! His talent is amazing and unique. 

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Birch Bay: The Perfect Spring Break Getaway

Birch Bay is a beautiful little town in the very NW corner of Washington state.  It's amazing  that I grew up 30 miles from here in Vancouver BC, and  never visited until this past fall!  Spring break time has arrived and this is the perfect getaway spot!  This picturesque bay is just two hours north Of Seattle.  The bay is protected waters, and located between Semiahmoo Bay and Lummi Bay.  If you are looking for a quiet place for some R & R, (with breathtaking views), this is the place for you! 

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Spring's Best Bet: The Trank Dress

 You may think the most versatile piece of clothing in your closet is your jeans, or your favorite go to blazer.  Probably every lady has a tank dress of some kind in their closet, that doesn't get nearly the amount of attention it deserves.

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Tips for Wearing Denim on Denim: + Link Up

How can you break all the fashion rules? By wearing the denim on denim trend: AKA: The Canadian tuxedo.  Mixing up denim pieces is so exciting, because the outfits you can pull together are endless. It's the trend that's so wrong- it's right! Denim on denim has long be considered a fashion blunder, or social mistake.  Why has this all of a sudden changed?

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3 Tips for Styling a Nautical Look

Ahoy Mateys! You don't have to set sail to wear one of the hottest looks for spring, but it sure would be fun wouldn't it?! I live in a city that has 3 naval bases, so it seemed very fitting to style this look with the beautiful scenery here in town.

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Spring 2016: How to Style a Bohemian Outfit

    I think spring has sprung in the Puget Sound. We've  had some balmy temps and bright sunny days this past week. It was perfect weather for a photoshoot on the waterfront here on the peninsula.

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Macys: Late Winter Style Picks

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Dallas: Why You Should Visit the Big D

I loved my trip to Dallas, and thought I would share some reasons why you might want to pay the "Big D" a visit. This city is a taste  of southern class and fine hospitality.  Much to my surprise: Ten gallon hats, plaid shirts, and jeans were not the norm! Dallas is a refined city, rich in more than just monetary ways, and bustling with activity! It is a great place for a weekend getaway or extended vacation.  I and a friend were there for a few days for the fashion market, and here is what I loved about this city: 1)  Breathtaking Skyline Views

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Dallas Fashion Market: Hot Spring Trends

Howdy,  Happy Wednesday! It seems like forever since I've posted on my blog. When you go on a trip, there is always so much to catch up on when you get home!  I had a great time in Texas, and have lots to share with you about my trip to the Dallas Fashion Market.   What a fashion feast it was!

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Interview with Fashion Illustrator: Dominic Gomez

Fashion Illustration Good morning friends, I am excited to share this interview with you! Dominic is a very talented artist and fashion illustrator.  He volunteers much of his time to advancing the fashion industry here in Seattle.  I  met him at Seattle Fashion Week last year, and have become a huge fan of his work.  He is on the board of directors for this amazing fashion extravaganza, and does a great job marketing the show.  I am really excited for this year's event. It's coming up March 10-12: if you are in the area- get your tickets now, they go fast! Now grab your coffee, sit back and learn about a day in the life of a fashion illustrator!

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The Seattle Meowtropolitan: Cats and a Cuppa Jo

Photography: Valerie Hansen Catpuccino anyone?  If you are a lover of coffee and cats, then  "Meowtropolitan"  cafe is a must see destination! The Wallingford area of Seattle is home to this new coffee shop and cattery. Cat cafes are quite popular in Europe, and are starting to gain popularity here in the states. I've loved cats all my life. I think I was born with the cat lover gene, if there is such a thing! My fondest childhood memory of my dad, was him carting his cat along with him everywhere he went. When I heard the Meowtropolitan was coming to town, I knew I had to get there asap!

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