The Style Issue
STYLE + BEAUTY

FASHION WEEK: PACIFIC NORTHWEST STYLE
SHOPPING ON THE FOREFRONT
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR BEST OF BELLEVUE 2023!


































































































































































































































































































STYLE + BEAUTY
FASHION WEEK: PACIFIC NORTHWEST STYLE
SHOPPING ON THE FOREFRONT
CAST YOUR VOTE FOR BEST OF BELLEVUE 2023!
I hope this letter finds you inspired and full of creative energy.
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the accessories in which we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversation, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is one of the threads that is woven together to make the tapestry that is "us."
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions, and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together, or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to take your own style path. There is so much here in Bellevue to uplift our spirits, drive our inspiration and ignite the creativity within each of us.
What I’ve found is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you are at heart. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.
September 2023
PUBLISHER
Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Bree O’Brien | bree.obrien@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Max Baker | max.baker@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bree O’Brien, Dawn Burns
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Courtesy of The Bellevue Collection, Courtesy of Tommy Bahama, Mark Jared Zufelt
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
BREE O’BRIEN, EDITOR @BELLEVUELIFESTYLEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
Tag your Instagram photos with @BellevueLifestyle
on auction items ranging from LASIK eye surgery to airline tickets and hotel stays. 20: Tables tried to out-bid one another in hopes of snagging the most delicious locally-made dessert. 21:
speaker Annie (Cheng) Sim discussed her travels, as well as what brings her home: Community.
WHO REPRESENTS THE BEST OF BELLEVUE? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
EVERY VOTE COUNTS. ANYONE CAN WIN. VOTING IS OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 4TH 2023. WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN OUR DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE.
Experience the rich traditions of Ukrainian culture at the Northwest Ukrainian Festival, founded in 2016 and organized by the Pacific Ukrainian Society. September 9th, 10am-8pm at Bellevue Downtown Park, immerse yourself in an enchanting celebration featuring authentic cuisine, traditional clothing, captivating performances, and family-friendly activities. This vibrant event fosters cultural exchange, strengthening relationships between communities. Connect with friends from around the world and indulge in a day filled with music, dance, food, and fun.
Bellevue native Dr. Kelly Aramaki graduated from Newport High School in 1993. He has a BS in Zoology from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the UW. In 2018, he became the BSD Executive Director of Schools and was promoted in 2022 to Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Aramaki and his wife, Reiko, live in Bellevue with their daughter, Hannah.
Proto101 is bringing sustainably and ethically made clothing for women and men to the Bellevue Collection, with the recent launch of their flagship store on the second level near Macy’s. The brand offers built-to-last basics like tees and sweats in timeless silhouettes, constructed for comfort and function. All garments are under $100 and made with non-toxic, high-quality materials. Proto101 also plants one tree for every garment sold.
Fleur Studio is thrilled to announce the opening of its second location, in Bellevue! Building upon their success in Kirkland, they are expanding to bring exceptional floral designs to more flower enthusiasts. Experience the artistry and personalized touch that Fleur Studio is renowned for. Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening and be sure to follow @fleurstudio.co on IG for details. Get ready to indulge in the beauty of Fleur Studio's new Bellevue location!
Nonprofit housing developer and operator Plymouth Housing recently celebrated the official opening of Plymouth Crossing, the first permanent supportive housing building on the Eastside. The new building delivers 92 apartments for adults experiencing chronic homelessness. "We know that 1,000 people experienced homelessness on
the Eastside according to our most recent Point-in-Time Count,” said Karen Lee, Plymouth Housing CEO. “At Plymouth Housing, our success rate in helping people leave homelessness behind forever is more than 95 percent."
John Howie Steak, Bellevue’s premier steakhouse and wine bar, announced today its newest promotion, Prime Rewards. The loyalty program establishes incentives for guests by providing gift cards for future visits, and it runs from July 10 through December 7, 2023. “We are thrilled to introduce Prime Rewards as a way to express our gratitude to our loyal guests,” said John Howie, founder and owner of John Howie Restaurant Group. johnhowiesteak.com
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Bellevue
SEPTEMBER 2023
Everyone loves a closet refresh and stylish scene, so we’ve rounded up some of our picks for the most sophisticated and fashionable destinations that will have you feeling renewed as well as ready for the camera.
MBAR: Artful rooftop space with a modern Middle Eastern–meets-Mediterranean menu, drinks & sweeping views. 400 Fairview Ave N 14th Floor, Seattle, WA
SELL YOUR SOLE CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE: Upscale consignment store carrying gently-used, designer women's clothing in loft-like digs. 2121 1st Ave Ste 101, Seattle, WA
SEATTLE OPERA: Founded in 1963, it's vital to the dynamic cultural and civic life of our region, and it’s also the perfect place to wear your luxe evening wear. 363 Mercer St, Seattle, WA
GRAPHEME: Letterpress Studio carries organizational and office products in shop, as well as other paper products and stationery, which encourage clarity, creativity, precision and self-reflection. 2421 E Union St, Seattle, WA
PARFUMERIE NASREEN: A beautiful jewel box perfume boutique located in the legendary Royal Sonesta Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle. 1005 1st Ave, Seattle, WA
Want to recommend a local experience? Scan the QR code and
Michelle Tsau, Eastside resident and Founder of Avant Gardist, is an intrepid leisure traveler. Born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of 14, when she moved to the US, her forays into Japan, Romania, Taiwan, and more have led her to encounter many unique independent designers across the globe. Her “curious quest to discover undiscovered treasure,” motivated her to start the company in 2019 as a fashion e-commerce platform - a hub for sourcing distinctive, unconventional fashions not found at the usual shopping meccas.
When abroad, Tsau scours fashion districts for independent designers, and engages when she finds them to determine if they’re on the same page with regard to values and vision. Her ethos around sustainable and ethical design and production is an important factor in choosing partners. She looks for opportunities to highlight little-known designers, like serving on the panel for the 2022 Futures Initiative from the Smithsonian Museum to celebrate its 175th anniversary. Avant Gardist invited three of its designers; Vincent Li, Phenotypsetter and Yasuyuki Ishii; to showcase their futuristic designs at the event.
For Tsau, the best part of the job is finding new talents and being the first to shine a spotlight on independent designers.
“Avant Gardist is about bringing the sense of discovery back into fashion, and democratizing fashion,” she says. An Avant Gardist pop-up shop is planned for Seattle in mid-September. You can find more information on avantgardist.com where you can sign up for the newsletter, and follow along on Instagram @avantgardistinc as well.
“Avant Gardist is about bringing the sense of discovery back into fashion, and democratizing fashion”
Be Stylish, Confident & Adventurous. Discover Shopping that Inspires. Show Your Bold Side for Fall. Find it All Here — All in One Place. The Bellevue Collection
Recently I had the opportunity to tour Tommy Bahama’s design studios in Seattle with Bradley O’Brien - the EVP of Product Design and Development - to learn about how art becomes part of the brand’s iconic fabric designs. The light and airy design workspace feels lush - as well-tended houseplants punctuate every unused surface. “Nobody has an art department like this,” says O’Brien. Artists are tinkering with designs at various tables using paint, ink, or computer, and one can see the tropical designs come alive.
Each season sees the brand’s design and development team select a destination to embody that season’s product line. Ibiza, Capri, Uruguay, and the South of France are all past selections, and it’s easy to see the influence of these locales on past releases that adorn the walls. In-house fine and graphic artists draw inspiration from textiles collected abroad, flora, fauna, global art, and the jam-packed Tommy Bahama archives: garments, and fabric samples from seasons past.
Often the brand will work directly with outside artists, like Alexandra Penney, Beppe Spadacini (the “king of the tropicals,” O’Brien tells me), and Justin W. Cox who created the stylized marlin adorning several of this year’s pieces. Cox has worked with fashion brands before - his parents owned a retail store and he grew up in that world. He developed his artistic talent by trying different methods, “messing around with paint, looking for an outlet,” he says. He took to acrylic paint because he
can create pieces quickly, and the colors smear together in a desirable way.
After honing his skills, Cox posted some of his work on social media and people responded positively. He’d previously worked with Tommy Bahama’s SVP of Men’s Design, Dawn Brandl in the ‘90’s, and the two reconnected virtually which led to the brand partnership. “Tommy Bahama’s quality and attention to detail are incredible,” Cox says. “They took my work and helped it come to life.”
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Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection, the Pacific Northwest’s much awaited style event, takes over the stage September 8-9. For the 17th year, The Collection’s iconic high-energy runway shows return to highlight the best in fall fashion, inspiring guests to discover their own individual styles. Fashion Week kicks off the season with trend reports, a style workshop, interactive experiences and of course irresistible shopping.
“For some people, trends can be intimidating,” says Jennifer Leavitt, Vice President of Marketing for The Bellevue Collection, “but fashion should be about self-expression.” On September 8, the Trend Takeover Runway Show features a mix of retailers highlighting each trend, so guests can see them worn in different ways. Hot trends this year include:
• Red - this will be from day to night and can be head to toe or just a pop.
• Power suits - strong menswear influence and shoulder pads are back in a BIG way.
• Preppy - classic layering that has a casual feel of sophistication.
• Visible lingerie - a peek of sheer fabric done so as not to feel overexposed.
• Full skirts - the mid-calf skirt sits at the waist and blooms out.
• Soft fabrics - floaty or clingy fabrics with movement and feminine trims like ruffles or lace.
The Collective Runway Show on September 9 is about the latest fashions from premier brands, presented with a Pacific Northwest twist. Inspired by runway shows around the world, with the benefit of being able to “shop the show” and purchase anything that caught your eye, right away. “At both shows you will see a gamut of people who just enjoy fashion,” says Leavitt. “We see groups of women who come every year, men too. There’s great food and fun drinks, and we always try to bring a little something new and different.”
Over 17 years, The Bellevue Collection has contributed more than $1.2M to community partners benefiting education, arts and social and health services by donating 100 percent of every Fashion Week ticket sale. And this year is no exception, as tickets from The Trend Takeover Runway Show will benefit KidsQuest and The Collective Runway Show will benefit Treehouse.
For more Fashion Week programming details and to purchase tickets, visit fashionweekbellevue.com or follow The Bellevue Collection on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We are business owners You are not dealing with a sales person, you ' re working with the owner. Compass offers a program to help prep your house for market. This concierge service allows sellers to maximize their ROI with little to no up front costs
We provide to our sellers a weekly market update with all necessary insights so you know what’s going on with the market & the current activity of your house.
We provide top of the line staging and photography, and use traditional, digital, and social marketing methods to reach potential buyers.
We are up to date on current excise tax & new tax initiatives for increasing the capital gains exemptions We help guide our clients how to best take advantage of market opportunities and limit their costs.
Compass is a leading brand in locally, as well as nation wide We have a national reach that attracts active buyers.
We communicate face to face, via phone, & email to keep you updated and informed throughout the buying or selling process.
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We have a large national database of agents, buyers, & sellers, allowing us to better assist you to buy or sell locally, and to connect you if relocating!
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This Forbes rating is based on information from June of the prior year to June of the award year
We specialize in portfolio management, tax mitigation strategies, liquidity events, advanced planning and concentrated positions.
For more information on third-party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers investment advisory services in its capacity as an SEC-registered investment adviser and brokerage services in its capacity as an SEC-registered broker-dealer. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that you understand the ways in which we conduct business, and that you carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to you about the products or services we offer. For more information, please review the client relationship summary provided at ubs.com/relationshipsummary, or ask your UBS Financial Advisor for a copy. UBS Financial Services Inc., its affiliates and its employees do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your personal tax and/or legal advisors regarding your particular situation. Private Wealth Management is a division within UBS Financial Services Inc., which is a subsidiary of UBS AG. © UBS 2022. All rights reserved. The key symbol and UBS are among the registered and unregistered trademarks of UBS. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-626383130 Exp.: 12/31/2023
Blair Moore has loved all things fashion from a young age. The Nashville native studied Fashion Merchandising and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fashion capital of the world, New York City. It was inevitable the mother of three would find herself in a career where she would help other women find their confidence through their wardrobe. Blair says, “I love helping women find their true personal style and get them organized in their closet so they feel truly empowered to get dressed each day with ease and confidence!” Blair shares four trends for spring and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.
This season, bright colors such as hot pink and kelly green are trending. I know this can be difficult for my neutral-loving ladies, so I always recommend starting small. Choose a fun, colorful earring or add a bold clutch to brighten up your look. You can also have fun with your shoes by adding a colorful heel or sandal to a dress or denim outfit.
From floral midi dresses to feminine floral blouses, this season is all about flower power. Choose a flowy floral skirt and pair it with your favorite knotted tee and sandals for an effortless look. Tip: If wearing a dress with a large floral print, try adding a denim jacket, light cardigan or woven belt to add texture and break up the print.
From casual jogger sets to feminine tiered skirts and puff-sleeved tops, two-piece sets are everywhere! What I adore about twopiece sets is that you can wear them in multiple ways. Wear it as a set or take the top and pair it with denim, or take the skirt and pair it with a tee and light jacket or blazer. Two pieces, but multiple ways to wear them!
Let me be clear — I LOVE a skinny jean and always will! But the 90s denim trend is having a moment and if you want to embrace it, here are a couple of tips: Choose a fit that is high-rise with a more relaxed fit through the leg. You want the jean to fall right above the ankle bone. This is slimming and flattering to the eye. Pair with a strappy heel, sneaker or slide.
StyledByBlair.com
Instagram: @bestyledco_
Edit down your closet. Ask yourself these three things: Do you still like it? Does it fit within reason? Is it still in good condition? If the answer is no, it’s time to donate or sell that item. Keep a donation basket in your closet to help you stay on track.
Buy something new, get rid of something old. Each time you buy a new item, get rid of an item in your closet. This manages the chaos of having too many options in your closet. We only wear about 20% of the items in our closet, so make a list before shopping and shop with intention.
When it comes to organization, having a system in place is key. Utilize the entire space for your items. For example, buy closed bins for out of season or travel items and place them on the top shelf. Utilize the back of the door or any blank walls with hooks for hats or a jewelry organizer. Get rid of items that are taking up space in your closet like shoe boxes, sentimental items, and bulky items like luggage. Store them elsewhere if you can. The two best things you can do to save on space and have an organized closet is to invest in all matching slim velvet hangers. This frees up more space in your closet and looks great, too. And finally, add matching labeled baskets for folded items to keep everything nicely organized and in specific categories.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SEPTEMBER 1ST
Route 66 @ Market Stage at Crossroads
CROSSROADS BELLEVUE, 15600 NE 8TH ST, BELLEVUE
7:00 PM
The Route 66 Big Band performs as a 12- to 16-piece dance band featuring music with the “Big Band Sound of the Swing Era”. This great, swinging band's repertoire consists of classic and authentic big band hits as well as standards from later decades. Tunes by Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Count Basie among others. crossroadsbellevue.com/ music-events/family-fun
SEPTEMBER 8TH
The Trend Takeover Runway Show
HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE, 900 BELLEVUE WAY NE, BELLEVUE | 6:30 PM
The Trend Takeover Runway Show is a night where fall trends are revealed on the runway, showing all the newest in fall fashion and beauty. It’s a lively night to celebrate fashion with friends and enjoy beauty booths, fun photo ops, sips and bites. Must be 16+ to attend. 100% of all ticket sales benefit KidsQuest Children’s Museum. bellevuecollection.com/ fashion-week/trend-takeover
SEPTEMBER 9TH
The Collective Runway Show
HYATT REGENCY BELLEVUE, 900 BELLEVUE WAY NE, BELLEVUE | 6:30 PM
Watch premier brands showcase their fall looks. Dress up and raise a glass to a stylish night of fashion and fundraising. Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres and desserts along with a premium gift
and a Bellevue Collection promo card. Must be 21+ to attend, 100% of all ticket sales benefit Treehouse. For more details, bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek/collective
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Family Paint Party
THE ARTSCI COMPANY, 3003
NORTHUP WAY, BELLEVUE
7:00 PM
Treat your favorite people to a new kind of night out! Go from blank canvas to completed masterpiece in just two hours while you drink, laugh and (maybe even) dance the night away. Absolutely no experience necessary – our talented local artist Lindsey Clark will guide you and show you all you need to know. Tickets at eventbrite.com
SEPTEMBER 10TH
Tunnel Light Marathon
IRON HORSE STATE PARK, HYAK TRAILHEAD, 150 LAKE
EASTON STATE PARK RD, NORTH BEND | 7:00 AM
Each race begins at the Hyak Sno Park Lot at Snoqualmie Pass and the Finish area is just east of North Bend. Set your new personal record and qualify for the Boston Marathon on this beautiful downhill course. Come experience the Tunnel Marathons' difference. We're rated 5-stars on FindMyMarathon. com. Second-fastest course according to FindMyMarathon.com 2019 course scores. tunnelmarathon. com for details.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Age Gorgeously with The Medical Spa at PRO Medical
CHATEAU LILL WINERY, 14208
REDMOND-WOODINVILLE RD
NE, REDMOND | 5:00 PM
Join The Medical Spa at PRO Medical for a fabulous evening of fine wine and no fine lines! This event includes:
• Demonstrations of the latest aesthetic treatments
• Mini-Services from featured partner, The Spa & Salon
• Industry experts from high-performance skincare brands
Exclusive treatment savings and gifts with purchase
Wine and delicious bites
Entertainment and more… Call to reserve your space, (425) 861-6281.
SEPTEMBER 23RD-DECEMBER 31ST
Satpreet Kahlon: the inscrutable shape of longing
BELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM, 510 BELLEVUE WAY NE, BELLEVUE
Satpreet Kahlon was the winner of the 2021 BAM Biennial: Architecture & Urban Design Award of Excellence. This award comes with the opportunity to present a solo exhibition at BAM. In her sculptures and installations, Kahlon explores the messiness, contradictions, and nuances of living inside a body shaped by one’s lived experience and by one’s cultural and ancestral history. bellevuearts.org
SEPTEMBER 23RD
The Bark Benefit 2023
MEYDENBAUER CENTER, 11100 NE 6TH ST, BELLEVUE | 6:00 PM
At Saving Great Animals, we work hard all year long to help the forgotten, the neglected, the abused and the abandoned dogs in shelters. Join fellow dog lovers to raise funds for dogs in need! Your ticket price includes a hosted bar, appetizers, a three-course dinner and an opportunity to bid on fabulous auction savinggreatanimals.org for more information.
SEPTEMBER 30TH
Élan Vital | Art Exhibition + Fashion Show | Event II
IRC, 5130 164TH AVE SE, BELLEVUE | 5:00 PM
NW Land Real Estate | Elena Bundren is proud to organize and sponsor Élan Vital - the series of contemporary art exhibitions in Seattle and the Eastside. Local artists, musicians, vendors and local businesses take part in these events. We are happy to invite you to this Contemporary Art Exhibition, Fashion Show and Music event. Visit elanvitalart. for more information.
Architect
Aaron Mollick of Studio AM Architects while working with Stuart Silk Architects
landscape architecture
Richard Hartlage of Land Morphology