CopyStrands

Sparkly Cocktail Hour

2012-02-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

I adore vintage bar carts (I'm always admiring them in vintage shops, maybe someday I will buy one). But for now I can admire this modern bar cart with character by Society Social. They offer whimsical chairs and tables too. The designs are sparkly and fun:

Photos: Society Social

Preview: Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-16T16:09:00.000-08:00

After the Missoni debacle, I wonder how Target will field the flurry of Jason Wu followers. Especially since Jason Wu is best known for designing First Lady Michelle Obama's inauguration gown. Well his collaboration with Target hits Target's website and stores on February 5, 2012. Here's a sneak peek of the lookbook from the collection ($19.99-$59.99), what do you think?:

Photos: Jason Wu Lookbook / Target

Our Christmas Cards

2011-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

This year the hubs and I decided to have fun with our Christmas cards. Since they went out we've received so many questions and comments from family and friends. Here are some fun ones:

1. Did you jump off the ledge behind you? No
2. Were you jumping on a trampoline? No
3. Where was the photo taken? Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle
4. I love your upside-down skirt. Thanks?
5. Who took that awesome photo of you jumping? Art of Subtlety photography by Amanda Waltman.

We jumped off the ground by ourselves and our awesome photographer, Amanda Waltman, clicked away and kept yelling "do it again!" She is a steady handed shutterbug, thanks Amanda! P.S. We ordered our Christmas cards from Amanda too. She offered perfect template options and sent them to a printer for us, couldn't have been easier!

Here's a sneak peek of our Christmas card:

Clever Birdhouse Key Ring

2011-12-14T14:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that bird decor is everywhere. And this is the first time I've seen something practical and clever involving the bird fad. I know a few people who will swoon over this idea: Sparrow Key Ring.

Photo: The Container Store

The Sweden Tray

2011-12-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

Love the concept of this tray. This pretty tray designed by Caro-lines in Sweden showcases the names of Swedish towns to form the country. The sleek black and white design is dishwasher safe too!

Photo: Caro-lines

More Sweden

Cute e-Reader Clutch

2011-12-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of eReader cases on the market. But so far I've not found one with true character. Especially one that is NOT leather. Then I found out about local Seattle designer Angela Kay Designs. How cute are all these eReader cases?

Photo: Angela Kay Designs

Boutique Crush: C. Wonder

2011-11-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

When I lived in New York everyone wore black. The days I wore color, I got lots of attention. And now New York is full of color. Soho has a brand new store: C. Wonder! I will be back in New York next March and this will be my first stop. Check out this colorful Manhattan gem:

Rainboots: $68 Suede Mocs $78

Photos: C. Wonder

More: New York

Boutique Crush: Nygårds Anna

2011-11-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Just another reason to love Sweden. Really inspiring photo campaigns of the designs at
Nygårds Anna. I especially love the whimsical nature of these past designs...(I swear I should have been born in another decade):

Photos: Nygårds Anna

Modern Apron Bibs for Kids

2011-10-31T13:34:00.000-07:00

I recently joined my fashionable sister and equally hip friend Tricia on a Sunday excursion to the Thread show in Seattle. There were several new and talented designers there from around the Pacific Northwest and beyond. But the one designer who stood out most for me for innovation, creativity, and a character-filled touch of whimsy was Chibi Shoguns.

The friendly owner, Yoko, has created modern bib-inspired aprons for the modern child that actually stay on and cover more of your adorable child's clothing when they eat and play. Yoko's Japanese prints are sure candy for the eye. Tricia bought this cute bib for her pretty daughter, miss cutie K:

More: Kids

Photos: Courtesy of Tricia

Orla Kiely New York

2011-10-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

Psst...Orla Kiely is now open in Manhattan! I loved visiting their flagship store in London. The clothes are so well made with a whimsical touch. I bought a lemon yellow dress by Orla Kiely.

Check out their recent designs:

New York Address: No. 5 Mercer St.

Photos: Orla Kiely

My New Moo Business Cards

2011-10-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

It was time for new business cards. And I needed something that would separate my blog from my business. When I meet new people some ask: What is your blog? Others ask: What is your business? And I found the perfect solution with London-based Moo business cards! I now have these awesome mini cards with my photo and info on the back of two separate designs I created. Now when I'm asked questions I can give the perfect card. What do you think?

For my blog:

For my freelance writing and editing business:

And the back of the cards (read the last line a Be Green do!):

Photos: CopyStrands

Boutique Crush: Zara

2011-10-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Stumbled across Zara several years ago on my travels to Spain (before they opened their first U.S. store in Manhattan). The Spanish-based company is one I visit when I travel around the world. But now, you can shop at Zara from the comfort of your couch. They just launched their online store for men, women and kids. Yay! Now they need to put a store in Seattle.

And while on a recent trip to San Francisco I popped in the local Zara store and snagged these rad pants! (shown above)

Photos: Zara

Play. Shop. Eat. San Francisco

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've lived twice in the San Francisco Bay Area. And every time I visit there my eyes see changes that the city has made. There is a bigger push to shop local and fresh there. And to live close to your work. If a trip to San Francisco (otherwise known as Frisco) in the Bay Area is in your future, this list will help you discover how to play, shop and eat in a town with high rent, classic cable cars and steep hills. And if you're lucky you can snag a taxi in a city with a major cab problem.

Play
Cable Car: It may sound touristy, but locals use them too. And the classic cable car can help you navigate the tough SF hills. It's a fun way to see the city. Get there early, lines get long.
Golden Gate Park: It's the prettiest park in SF. Worth exploring if you have time. You can walk through it, rent bikes or rollerblades there and even take Segway tours through it.
Bike along the Wharf: The best way to see all the attractions along the wharf is by bike and it's a scenic ride along the water. Or rent a bike and go on your own ride.
Chrissy Field: Go fly a kite, read a book, enjoy a picnic. It is a great park for setting sail. And when the fog blows over you can see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Yurba Buena Gardens: Walk under the waterfall (kids love this).
SF Zoo: Kids also love to see this urban jungle. The animals are characters!
SF Moma: Discover art in SoMa and hide out with art on a rainy day.
The Walt Disney Family Museum: Explore the treasures of Disney interactive family-style.
Le Video: On a rainy day, rent an indie flick and fire up your TV or laptop, watch it back at your home or hotel.
Haight and Ashbury Streets: Makes a fun photo, check out the convergence zone at quitting time. And discover the colorful homes in the area.
Alamo Square: Gives you the best view of the famous Painted Ladies.
Lombard Street: The best place for a photo of the crookedest street is at the bottom. Take the Powell-Mason cable car line to Lombard and Columbus. Otherwise you can go to to top via the Hyde Street cable car line.

Shop
Rag: This co-op stands for: Residents Apparel Gallery and it is chalk full of local designer duds. It was packed the day I was in it, very popular.
Perish Trust: This awesome vintage store (pictured above) was also packed the day I was in it. It's full of vintage typewriters, eyeglasses by Warby Parker, light fixtures, rare books plus nautical, bow and arrow and railroad memorabilia. The co-owner (stylist Rod Hipskind) told me that his "parents owned an antique shop in Sacramento" and he said he didn't "know how long his store on Divisadero Street will last" but that he's "enjoying it day-by-day." He has a fierce eye for vintage, a must see curiosity-type shop. While there I bought this anthology, which he and his other co-owner Kelly Ishikawa were featured in.
Goorin Brothers: This quaint hat shop on Haight Street is popular. Go in and try on all the classy hats you can imagine.
Athleta: The snappy sportwear line for women now has a brick and mortar shop on Fillmore.
Nest: Just down the street from Athleta is this awesome vintage home decor store.
Eden and Eden: Offers fun, colorful jewelry.
Jeremys: Go buy something on sale. Or ogle the beautiful designs.
Bell Jar: There are pretty, trendy and affordable dresses at this little boutique.
Ambiance SF: Features current fashions for women, a cute store!
Heidi Says: Offers a pretty shoe salon.
Cliff's Variety: This is a quirky, fun store where you can buy kitchsy things from kitchen supplies to tool belts. Fun section for kids too.
Monument: Discover the mid-century modern furniture.
Room 4: Best vintage store in SF from home decor to apparel.
Green Apple Books: The best indie bookstore in SF. Join their Apple-a-Month Club and they will handpick the best fiction selection for that month and mail it to you.
City Lights Books: Also a great indie bookstore that specializes in world history and the arts in the heart of SF.

Eat
Slanted Door: Located in the Ferry Building the Vietnamese dishes are set up for you to share with others. The location of this restaurants rocks and so does the food.
The Ferry Building: You really can't go wrong with any food inside this awesome market especially during their farmers' market on Saturdays.
Chiaroscuro: Across the street from the Transamerica building is this cozy and delicious Italian cuisine restaurant with a killer wine list.
Bix: This restaurant has been around a long time, it's tucked away in Jackson Square. A jazzy treat to visit.
Oriental Pearl: Local consider this place the best Chinese food in Chinatown.
Aliotos: In Fisherman's Wharf is one one SF's oldest restaurants and they have the best dungenous crab.
1300 on Fillmore: Maple syrup slow braised short ribs. Nough said.
Yoshis: They serve only the freshest ingredients at this sushi bar with jazz music too.
Greens Restaurant: Go for a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and a vegetarian meal.
Leopold's: Popular local SF hangout with a Bavarian feel with rustic decor and a wine bar in back.
Alembic Bar: Wet your palate at a favorite local hangout.
Bourbon & Branch: Make a reservation at this speakeasy and order a drink from the 1920s. Don't even think about ordering a Cosmo here. Think bourbon, rum, scotch and whisky. Or if you want to sit in the library without a reservation use the general password "books" to drop in for a drink.
Latin America Club: Sip a strong, very strong, cheap margarita at this pinata decorated joint.
Mr. Smiths: A speakeasy and dance club wrapped into one.

Read more Play.Shop.Eat posts.

Photo: CopyStrands

Umbrella Fruit Bowls

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

A clever London-based designer created these fruit bowls. How rad are these Yumbrella Fruit Bowls by designer Benjamin Hubert? Love how whimsical they are. What creativity!

More: London.

Photos: Benjamin Hubert

New Line: Pendleton for Anthro

2011-10-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing says fall like the name Pendleton. Long known for its classic heritage to wool the Portland, OR-based company has partnered with Anthropologie. Wrap yourself in iconic comfort for me, since I can't, sadly, wear wool (darn allergies). Take a look at these chic, woodsy designs:

Photos: Anthropologie

West Elm: South Lake Union

2011-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

West Elm opens in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood on October 6, 2011! I know a few people who will be really excited about this, including me! And the store will have a living wall. That's a Be Green do!

Photos: West Elm

Waterfall Braid Tutorial

2011-09-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Look at my pretty waterfall braid. The waterfall braid is the new trend braid of the season. It may look complicated, but it’s easier than you think. Plus, it looks great for any time of day, even in the office. I recently had my hair braided in a waterfall effect for a wedding I went to. This style works best on straight hair or wavy hair (like mine). Here’s how you can get the look too:

1. Make sure hair is dry, tangle free and parted naturally.

2. Collect a small section of hair at the top of one side of your head, close to your part, and break it into three sections.

3. Braid the three sections then drop the bottom section closest to your face. Now, add a section of hair to the top strand near the crown of your head (like you would when you do a French braid). Then grab a new section of hair on the bottom (closest to your ear just behind the dropped section; don't grab in front of the dropped section).

4. Now you should have three equal sections of hair again. Repeat step three.

5. Continue this process to the desired length you want it, wrapping the waterfall braid toward the back of your head as you go. Finish with a normal braid to the desired length. Finally, secure the braid with bobby pins or a hair tie and flip a section of hair over the top to conceal the pins or hair tie. Or cover the secured section with a decorative hair piece.

YouTube features great video tutorials of how to do a waterfall braid too.

Photos: CopyStrands

Boutique Crush: Vintage Angel

2011-09-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle's Susie Jarvis has outdone herself this time. On the heels of her Vintage Closet store in Ballard she has opened another called the Vintage Angel in Fremont. She is known for her massive collection of cowboy boots, slips and vintage purses. Love it! See for yourself...

Photos: Vintage Angel and Vintage Closet

100 Years of Style

2011-09-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Want to smile? Watch as a man and woman go on a delightful romp in clothing spanning a century. The vintage pieces are my favorite.

It's an advertisement that was done for the Westfield Stratford City shopping center in east London, England. Best ad ever. Watch:

Another Be Chic moment!

Gorgeous Handmade Bags

2011-09-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

I adore these handmade bags by Oregon-based designer, Abby Meadow. She creates bags from "natural, organic, sustainable and recycled fibers and fabrics." This is a gorgeous Be Green do! My favorite bag is this one.

These bags are perfect for weekend trips. Where are you headed for the long holiday weekend? I'll be at my favorite getaway to ride my bike, fly my kite and play in the sand with dear friends.

Photos: Infusion

Boutique Crush: KIND Boutique

2011-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Eco-friendly shop Kind Boutique features sustainable style and design and vintage clothing. They have adorable housewares too. Their designers range from Bodkin to Hansel From Basel. A lovely little Be Green shop.

Photo: KIND Boutique

Mad Men for Banana Republic

2011-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

I adore the show Mad Men and I heart the new designs Banana Republic is launching this August 11 in honor of the 1960s show. Gorgeous and dapper for all, love it!

Introducing Banana Republic’s complete Mad Men collection:

What do you think?

Photos: NY Magazine

Look What's New: MYHABIT

2011-08-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

It was just a matter of time before Amazon.com joined the ranks of high-end, couture discount sites (think local Seattle company Zulily). Enter: MYHABIT. Just use your Amazon.com login and password to get started on their new site. It's a private fashion sale site that offers up to 60% off brands from high-end designers to boutiques.

While on the site I discovered Decades Denim (shown above). Offering a new twist on the blue jean. They are designed more like leggings in look, but a bit heavier in weight like a jean.

It will be interesting to see what else they sell as time goes by, each day new products are launched for women, men, kids and home by couture designers.

Photo: MYHABIT

Next Drizzle: Danefae Raincoats

2011-07-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

Scandinavia features some of the best designs in the world. Just because it rains doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style - no more sporty raincoats for me. While in Sweden I fell in love with a raincoat designed by Danish company Danefae for sale at several Swedish and Danish boutiques. Each time I saw it I wanted it more. So I splurged on a black and white mini polka dot raincoat (shown above). It's lightweight, waterproof and complete with taped seams. Love the puckering in the back. And the longer length keeps thighs covered on a rainy bike ride. No matter what I'm wearing it can go over the top of any outfit, including my dresses, and I'll still look chic on a rainy day in Seattle. Win-win!

Photos: Danefae

Boutique Crush: Penelope's

2011-07-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

On our way home from Scandinavia we stopped over in Chicago where we discovered this awesome brand of men's shoes: Zuriick (they are based in Utah). The hubs ended up buying this sweet pair of shoes by Zuriick at Penelope's in Chicago's Wicker Park where we told co-owner, Joe Lauer, about Shoe the Bear and he was excited for the tip. He co-owns the store with his wife Jena Frey. They have a killer men's section of clothes and shoes; the women's section is eclectic and they have lots and lots of dresses. A must see if you are ever in Chicago! From downtown just take the Blue Line subway to Damen, their store is a short walk from the station.

Photo: CopyStrands