Seattle: Saturday, September 11, 2010

Tag seattle tradition

day 1 – capitol hill block party – the first few hours

i was uber excited to see a few of the bands playing friday. like… jazzed.  so when i got there (after work), and the ‘will call’ line stretched two blocks, i waited.  then when my tickets were in the ‘guest list’ line… i tried to shake it off.  i was doing pretty well.  thinking… man, this is way better than i thought it’d be.  then, bang. no breathing room.  no moving room.  drunk people. elbows. and suddenly, i realized the photos weren’t worth it.  i liked the few bands i got to see. and having been to my share of music festivals, i am by no means, a baby.  i just think CHBP is still figuring it out.  should a photographer have to shove through over a block long area of people to get photos, and then… shove your way back out?  maybe.  but it detracts from the experience. everything i’ve been reading seems to show people are enjoying themselves… and the music.  i’ve seen a lot of amazing photos, and think maybe it’s just not my thing.  give me bumbershoot, wide open spaces, years of experience, and just around the corner.  for all of my CHBP photos, click Read more

on a boat – seattle summer – elliott bay

i’ve had the luck of living in proximity to sailing folk… the last few thursdays, i’ve had invites to head out to the thursday night downtown sailing series. 2 thursdays ago, i brought my camera, and captured our beautiful night out on the water. thanks to neighbor josh for the invite, and the cornfields for having us. to see all the photos… click Read more

stylish lady – vicky – downtown seattle

since today is the first day of anniversary sale, i thought i’d post some stylish nordstrom representation. loved her layered stripes and pearls.

have you picked your must have items from that gorgeous book?  come see me at store 2 (northgate), and i’ll make sure you find some stellar hosiery for fall (really fashion? we just got summer and you want me to think of fall?)

summer holiday – 4th of july – seattle

nothing says american independence like kids, dogs, old cars and darth vader. am i wrong? we celebrated our fourth in edmonds this year, brunch with friends, then off to stake out a spot for the edmond’s parade. then back in to the city for a dinner bbq. since i don’t live in a house that overlooks lake union (or know anyone who does) i tend to watch my fireworks on tv or listen to them popping out in the street as i fall asleep. what can i say, i lead a glamourous existence. i can’t complain.  hope you had a great 4th, to see some of my photos from the parade click Read more

local hero – tom douglas – paramount – seattle

From needle+thread

i first want to apologize that my ISO is OFF, and this picture is grainy/dim/sucktastic (for those who know me- NERVES!). second i want to say… SWEET! it’s tom douglas!   for anyone in the area who loves food, tom is our version of a celebrity. to me, he’s like the seattle-gastro-santa-claus. and he was very sweet to let me bug him for a picture. this little kiosk of goodness in the lobby of the paramount is a VAST improvement over whatever they used to offer. i remember going to a concert ages ago, being famished, and my choices were like nuts or a cookie? tom’s keeping us fed in style. and if you’ve ever been to a party (or wedding!) where he’s cooking… watch for those little grilled cheese bites. you will have died and gone to heaven.

enjoy this now – spring is springing – seattle

From needle+thread

wasn’t yesterday gorgeous. driving through all the hoods of seattle, i love the explosion of pink. makes me want to pull over and capture some of it. so i did.

seattle tradition – seattle aquarium

From needle+thread

right when you walk in, a mic’d up scuba diver in a tank that’s enormous. (he’s in there)

From needle+thread

miss fidgety does NOT hold still (but i still get the shot) up against the cool textured wall.

From needle+thread

my amigo in arms.

seriously.  how long has it been since you were there?  i tried to count and since i suck at math, came up with something around 9 or 14 years.  IT. IS. SO. MUCH. BETTER.  i’m not kidding.  you should leave work and go right now.  or let’s make a date and go during octopus week.  i will be there.  then.  you don’t know how i feel about octopuses (or octopi, both are CORRECT).  i lurv them.  they’ve helped me out of many a stressful situation.  it’s a long story.  but me and the eight-legged guy?  we bonded.  and i was even polite while politely shoving people out of my way to get this picture.

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the update – seattle tradition – christmas

From needle+thread

EVENTS-
dec 3rd-17th (thursdays) – downtown – an improvised christmas carol – have you been to unexpected productions? HI-larious, and their interpretation of a christmas carol is SO FUNNY. i think i went 3 times the first year i found it. they take suggestions from the audience for elements of the story, and it turns a story we’ve all heard a zillion times, into something unexpected, fresh and FUNNY. GO!
dec. 4th – downtown – figgy pudding caroling contest – if you’ve never been, it’s worth a stroll through, or stay for the whole thing. i love that they block off the streets and you can wander and listen to all the groups sing. here’s some info about the event.
dec. 4th – top of queen anne – holiday magic – from mcgraw to galer, all the merchants on top of queen anne are having a festive night
dec 5th – holiday kick off at the sip and ship in ballard – i know there’s music and a percent off, but can’t find my email about it. i LOVE the sip and ship. and they take a lot of stress out of wrapping AND shipping. two things i’m not fond of.
dec. 6th – the boutique culture warehouse sale – i went to the one they had end of summer… some great deals from some of your favourite boutiques AND this time they’re doing a clothing swap.  here’s the info.
dec. 12th – santarchy or santacon… of course they have a facebook page.  the best part of santarchy is coming across it randomly.
dec. 17th – holiday party at mario’s, their website has all the info.

plus i just did a search for where to see the best light decorations, and my favourite, olympic manor is listed in this article- although, i can’t tell how old it is. and just realized it’s written by courtney strand, who i met for the first time at blogmeetblog!

more to come, and if you know of something great, email me!

i grew up in a relatively small town.  what am i saying… 6000 is teenie tiny.  i sometimes feel like i’ve come so far from where i started, that i’m never very sure if i actually did come from there.  christmas-time is that period in the year that that i’m fully reminded.  makes me remember growing up- maybe it’s like this for everyone…

i seriously start getting giddy, my ADD kicks into overdrive with all the sparkle, music, parties… baking opportunities. i make christmas music mixes and make my husband nuts with the over-playing of the waitresses ‘christmas song’, i like wearing socks and sliding in the kitchen while gene autry blares, and i make cookies i only ever eat this time of year.

since this blog is seattle specific, i wanted to begin to collect all the things i love attending every year.  seattle is beautiful at christmas.  i love living here, and making new traditions in our city by the sea… i know i’m getting a jump on the christmas stuff, pre-thanksgiving- but… this is what i’m looking forward to, and there it is.  if you want to find a list of christmas events, check back and click on inspiration or musings.  for the month of december, i’ll make sure it stays at the top.  have a happy thanksgiving (we’re doing a small t-day with friends- wii give thanks!- it’s kind of self explanatory…and will involve turkey).  hope to see you about town, and as always… i’ll have my camera.

p.s. the picture is from last week and involved no editing but cropping.  i’m loving the crazy light shift this time of year- although it is making for some tough fashion capturing.

EVENTS-
dec 3rd-17th (thursdays) – an improvised christmas carol – have you been to unexpected productions? HI-larious, and their interpretation of a christmas carol is SO FUNNY. i think i went 3 times the first year i found it. they take suggestions from the audience for elements of the story, and it turns a story we’ve all heard a zillion times into something unexpected, fresh and funny. GO!
dec. 4th – downtown – figgy pudding caroling contest – if you’ve never been, it’s worth a stroll through, or stay for the whole thing. i love that they block off the streets and you can wander and list to all the groups sing. here’s some info about the event.
dec. 4th – top of queen anne – holiday magic – from mcgraw to galer, all the merchants on top of queen anne are having a festive night
dec 5th – holiday kick off at the sip and ship in ballard – i know there’s music and a percent off, but can’t find my email about it. i LOVE the sip and ship. and they take a lot of stress out of wrapping AND shipping. two things i’m not fond of.

more to come, and if you know of something great, email me!

the update – this friday – the event – blogmeetblog

From needle+thread

we’ve been working over the last couple of weeks to make this blogger event something special.  we’re so excited to meet everyone!

just a few things!
we’ve updated the time – it’s now 7-10pm

giveaways/sponsors- thank you thank you thank you to:
boconcept- wouldn’t be a party without an awesome party space. boconcept is also sponsoring some giveaways! sweet!
mike’s hard lemondade- mike’s will be there with their spiced apple and they want to video some blogger responses. i love holiday ‘merrymaking’, mike’s might be my new ‘go-to’ beverage for the holidays (save me the trip to ikea for glogg)
Qdoba- will be providing food for us! a full taco bar- be sure to visit their Facebook fan page.
trophy cupcakes- a little bite of sweetness, trophy is bringing 140 mini cupcakes!
Dry Soda- a little sweet, a little bubbly… the perfect party drink!
SPUN- a giveaway for the bloggers! $200 in SPUN clothing.
hazel salon & organics- free organic samples from chi and pearatin, 2 $50 gift certificates for amazing salon services!
value village- 2 $20 gift cerificates for 2 lucky bloggers!
moo cards- moo is giving several lucky bloggers free cards. we love moo, and we LOVE free!
modcloth- sponsored giveaway from modcloth. if you haven’t see their cool clothes, check them out here.
shop ruche- sponsored giveaway- see their great vintage inspired clothes/accessories here.
cs management- hired our very awesome DJ- tigerbeat. nothing makes a good party like great music!
yiu design and cylinder studio- help with the promo and website- thanks guys!

a small list of some of the 100 blogs who have rsvp’d!
the clothes horse – our co-host for the event, rebecca has an amazing blog chronicling her style and inspiration.
urban fashion network – tarah and youa do a great job of giving you the low-down on local fashion events, and sponsoring local designers.
darrah’s dresser – another seattle fashion blogger, darrah’s honest run-down of events and fashion is a can’t miss.
sydney loves fashion – local fashion insider sydney- shops, culls and finds all the great, making your job easy when you need to know where to get what.
jaunty magpie – get inspired for that next fashion purchase, the magpie puts together imagination, style and great finds.

plus: alix rose, emerald dandyfashion for nerds, the midnight cook and so many more!

we can’t wait to see everyone this friday!
n+t

seattle art museum – SAM Remix

From needle+thread

when i showed up at the last one of these parties… i think it was august…  i was setting my expectations low.  i was late.  i almost didn’t go.  i took the bus with my friend jennie, and i think we almost bagged and went drinking somewhere… but when we got there… it was like we showed up at a party in another city.  people were dressed up.  there were so many people, lines for drinks weren’t that long… and since it was at the sculpture park, and the end of summer… you could mill, dance, mingle at your own speed.  it was a really fun night.

so when this one came round, i was ready.  i knew.  and when i got there… it did not disappoint.  a great mix of young and old, drinks+snacks, AMAZING beats by one of the best dj’s i’ve heard in a while… tigerbeat (tigerbeat206 on twitter) and people who brought it when it came to style.

SAM is not the best museum i’ve been to in my life, but by far it’s the closest to my heart… and there are worse things you could do than turn a museum into a night club every couple of months and get the people milling around, dancing and appreciating art.  add it to your list of events… you won’t be disappointed.

rocker style – snow patrol – paramount theater

From needle+thread
From needle+thread

snow patrol is one of my favourite bands, and i do love the way gary lightbody dresses.  it’s kind of a bohemian/rocker style, and it fits his lanky body… i was sad snow patrol’s management couldn’t accommodate some up close pictures, but maybe next time.  here’s one of the paramount (pre-sign lighting) and then the band themselves.

seattle tradition – juan – downtown seattle

From needle+thread

i wonder that he’s still doing what he used to do. i saw him out there with the sign, but he was just holding it. maybe he’s become more peaceful. although, judging by the sign, the sentiment is still there.

seattle tradition- bumbershoot – seattle center

From needle+thread
From needle+thread

this past weekend i went to bumbershoot with some visiting friends. if you haven’t been, it’s something you should try at least once… be prepared for lots of people- young and old, although far more young, possible rain, subsequent mud, lots of great music, pressing bodies, food from stands, queuing… and one of the greatest ways to ring out a summer. thanks to all who made the end of my summer memorable, and those of you who let me take your picture… what a great weekend!

seattle tradition – 1st thursday

From needle+thread

i don’t get out for first thursday every month, but do try to get out and see SOME art at least one time during the month… i’ll make it tonight with a couple friends. we’ll be stopping by EMP, free entrance into the muppet exhibit ! and then on to pioneer square and then to SAM for a TASTE. hopefully we see some people to snap…


*picture from the market on a sunny summer day

navy suits – pete + eric – NDP, downtown seattle

From needle+thread

don’t they look handsome ? two of the tallest men in seattle show us how it’s done. wish #3 had been there… i’ll have to get him next time…

seattle tradition – nordstrom designer preview

i debated whether this was a ‘tradition’ so to speak. i know it happens every year. i want to say it happens twice a year (spring, fall ?). but it’s certainly something i’ve never done. i mean, as a designer, i’ve certainly wanted to. but the time, or the money, yadda yadda… then i received my ruben toledo designed invitation. i’m besotted ! one of my fashion illustration gods (monday’s post!)… and there it is, sitting in MY mailbox. nordstrom does some things very well. let’s see how they do a fashion preview. shall we ?

seattle tradition – nordstrom anniversary sale

i rarely punctuate my year with retail. i mean, my week, sure. having worked at nordstrom for several years (clothing design, kidswear) anniversary was a special ’season’ that we designed into. before working there, i didn’t know what it was. or what it meant to the inhabitants of the seattle area (i rarely wait outside a store at 5am, i was shocked to see HORDES in JULY). it’s part of the job for corporate employees to work today (and into the weekend if you’re really going for the gold star) in the stores. helping the sales team, restocking, ringing… ensuring the event is the best that it can be, and that each customer (think so many people you can’t walk a straight line anywhere) gets the customer service nordstrom is renowned for. i hope it goes well, anniversary for nordstrom can rival holiday. i looked at the book i received, and although i won’t be doing any shopping myself, i liked seeing that high end retail is paying attention. lots of accessories, smart price points… happy anniversary. sale.


want to see some other great sales going on this weekend in the area? then click here !

seattle tradition – fremont solstice


so every year, there are a few events that encapsulate life in seattle (in my opinion).  i’ve made it to several of them on and off over the years, but solstice has become a tradition for our circle of friends, and every year that we participate is another year of memories here punctuated with this silly day of summer freedom.  if you’ve never been to solstice, or you’ve been but haven’t gone all out… i recommend it.  be silly, dress up… or… take it all off. anything goes for solstice.  this weeks photos are again from fremont, but during the fair.  i’ll be moving on to other areas in the coming weeks… hopefully hunting down diverse neighborhood style.  happy summer solstice !

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