As always, runway shows are inspiring, and this year's Independent Designer Runway Show was no exception.  It's wonderful to see such fresh, local designers who are making beautiful pieces and putting the Pacific Northwest on the fashion map.

Nordstrom GQ Menswear Collection - Bellevue Fashion Week

When you see runway shows, the majority of the looks are all for women, but what about the fellas? Doesn't a Jaunty Gentleman deserve to feel stylish and be a fashionable standout?? Nordstrom and GQ Magazine was the match made in heaven at this year's Bellevue Fashion Week. For the last few years, the Nordstrom show has always been one of my favorites, putting some really beautiful ready-to-wear looks together, reminding you that you don't have to do haute couture to make a statement. This year, they made the bold choice to go with nearly all menswear (as you can see from this shot of the final runway lap, there were a few ladies in the mix!). This was a great decision, not just for bolstering the spirits of fashionable fellows wanting inspiration, but for this annual fashion week as a whole, mixing things up and showing that style is not owned by any single person or gender, it's an expression we can all participate in.

Independent Designer Runway Show - Bellevue Fashion Week

Another Bellevue Fashion Week come and gone, but not to fret...we can relive all its wonderful moments through photos! One of the best shows that I'm happy to say seems to be an ongoing annual event is the Independent Designer Runway Show (IDRS). It's like our very own Project Runway, featuring a panel of local fashion industry experts, like well known stylists and image consultants, industry professionals from companies like Amazon, and Seattle Met's style editor, Laura Cassidy, who are both mentors and final judges with a selected group of local designer finalists, who get to present a collection on the runway and compete for a final $5,000 cash prize. Let's make it work, shall we?

The Birdy's all aflutter -- there's a busy week ahead, because my-oh-my, it's time for Fashion Week in Bellevue again! It's a sign that the year is truly flying, because it seems last year's shows were not that long ago. And perhaps that's just a reflection of fashion itself -- it moves fast, it's unrelenting, and beauty can truly be fierce.

I gave myself a little treat over the weekend, I spent a couple of hours wandering through the latest exhibitions at the Bellevue Arts Museum and, as always, was delighted, surprised and drawn into the visual language of art. I went in to peruse one particular exhibit, and found myself spending time on all the floors, exploring everything, which is the best possible way to spend a day at the museum.

You can just hear Madonna's song, Vogue, playing in your head when you think of the Front Row Fashion runway show, presented by Vogue Magazine. It's the show that sells out the quickest, given its Vogue pedigree, it's a trend-driven vs designer runway show, it has the widest array of clothing from different shops throughout The Bellevue Collection, and of course, there's the marvelous goodie bag they have for each attendee. Front Row Fashion is like the big Saturday night fashion party, where people get inspired by the runway and immediately head out to "shop the show" with new ideas over how to give their wardrobe a refreshing hit of style. 

Vogue's Anne Vincent was back to introduce the show, as well as talk trends with style expert and television host, Lawrence Zarian, who was a Fashion Week special guest. As always, there can be no style without substance, and this year's tickets went to benefit The Moyer Foundation, a favorite local charity that reaches out to families in need and provides them the support they need during difficult times.     

As always, this is the most crowd-excited show. It's a Saturday night, you see groups of girlfriends in their highest heels and most favorite new outfit, getting together to get excited about style. It's the night I have the most fun for Fashion Week, as I usually get together with a group of friends and we wander the stores and make an evening of it. I kept the merriment to a minimum this year, but still had a great time with runway photos. The show selects wearable trends and it's meant to make fashion feel accessible. I think sometimes high fashion becomes almost too theatrical, which makes it feel unattainable to most people who just want to feel put-together. I love edgy looks and high-concept ideas, but I do agree that at the end of the day, we live in the clothes we wear, and sometimes five-inch platform heels studded with jewels and spikes might be a bit much for a quick trip to the grocery store. So let's appreciate fashion for its wearable quality, as much as its innovation, shall we? 

These are some of the favorite photos from Front Row Fashion. There were many more outfits, but these looks had the most impact, interest or best represented the trend themes the show was divided into. I hope you feel inspired to give some of these looks a try!

Layer Logic: fall-ready combinations that mix textures, materials and lengths to create interesting layered looks. L to R: Talbots, Eileen Fisher, Vince


Sport Chic: active wear mixed with everyday casual; making fitness fashionable and giving an everyday look a sporty, urban feel. L to R: Lucy, Hugo Boss, Lucy


Power Play - Suiting: traditional suit styles don't have to be boring. Use unusual layering, accessories and material/color choices for interest. L to R: Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Banana Republic 


Power Play - Dresses: the daytime dress can be as strong as a power suit. Colors and materials ensure a dress means business. L to R: Nordstrom (Cynthia Steffe), Hugo Boss, Nordstrom (Robert Rodriguez)


Bold and Beautiful: a monochromatic or neutral look is a perfect canvas to showcase bold accessories. L to R: Nordstrom (Kristen Blake, Vince Camuto), Nordstrom (June, J Brand, Marc Jacobs), Nordstrom (Haute Hippie, Michael Kors)


Urban Mix: don't fear mixing prints and patterns! Use them as you would color blocking,  making sure one print is clearly dominant over the other, and that they compliment each other in color or pattern. L to R: Ann Taylor, Aritzia, 7 for All Mankind 


Coat Crusade - bold colors and shapes: say goodbye to the all-black overcoat; embrace different silhouettes and colors/materials. L to R: Ann Taylor, Hugo Boss, Hugo Boss 


Coat Crusade - outerwear as a statement: let your outerwear be as fierce as your outfit with leather or fur (faux is fine). L to R: Hugo Boss, Vince, Hugo Boss


Show Stoppers - color and texture: use an all-over jewel-toned color or a luxe-textured material to light up a room for your next special occasion. L to R: Hugo Boss, Hugo Boss, Nordstrom (Abi Ferrin)  


Show Stoppers - classic shapes with sparkle and detail: never let a cocktail dress or LBD be "basic." Seek out dazzling details to be the hit of the party. L to R: Macy's (Xcape), Nordstrom (Sean Collection), Nordstrom (Sean Collection)


Jaunty Fine Print: photography by Denise Sakaki, shops/designers listed above

It's probably the most dangerous runway show of Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection -- as in, dangerous to your wallet, but friendly to a closet needing something new and fabulous. The annual Nordstrom Fall 2012 Fashion Runway Show is the most interactive runway event for the now 5 day-long fashion event that takes over downtown Bellevue every autumn. The runway showcases curated looks and pieces from various designers, but you also have the chance to "shop the show" with an ad hoc accessories and makeup boutique that's set up before and after the show. That's always the marvelous danger of attending this event, I've had more than enough moments of temptation where that McQueen scarf wouldn't seem as indulgent as getting a whole outfit, or just that one beautiful clutch from Marc Jacobs wouldn't hurt -- I don't need to heat my house when I have something stylish to keep me warm! I think the overly generous pours of wine and cocktails probably add to that mentality, but I'm all about mixing business with pleasure. Hey, it's serious business when you want to upgrade a wardrobe!

But it's not all glitz and glam, those sky-high platform heels are supporting a purpose behind this show, namely the Detlef Schrempf Foundation. They do impressive work to provide assistance and support for organizations who provide care and assistance to families throughout the Northwest. They've been with the Nordstrom runway show every year, and they highlight a different group who will be the beneficiary of the evening's proceeds. It brings more awareness to smaller organizations that may not have the resources to become a household name -- yet. This year's show supported the Bellevue Youth Theatre, a fantastic group of volunteers who mentor children of all ages towards getting involved in the performing arts, and they put on regular shows. Every child is involved, they have a part to play and I know from personal experience how wonderful this group is because I have a friends whose children have been involved for many years and the kids LOVE IT. It's absolutely changing lives and introducing the arts to those at a young age, which is about as Jaunty as it gets. Even more exciting, the proceeds from the Nordstrom show will only further along the BYT's major project of getting a new, larger theater over in the Crossroasds neighborhood. If you get a chance to see a BYT performance, please do, and it's something to definitely get your kids involved in, if they want to be a part of the arts. 

Of course you're saying: what about the runway show?! Consistently a beautiful show of clothes every year, Nordstrom choose pieces that are mindful of trends, but definitely suited to fit the audience. These are wearable combinations of pieces, for both men and women, ranging from special occasion to office attire. It's a way of seeing clothing that you would normally find hanging on a rack and instead putting them on full display to reiterate that age-old saying: Just Try It On! 

These certainly aren't all the outfits, but they're some of my favorites. I've got more shows to photograph and share, so keep coming back for more photos from this year's Bellevue Fashion Week!

Milly: smart, quirky and with a nod to retro styles. Very feminine, but not girly. There were gorgeous pieces with prints and intense color. 


Vince: beautiful warm fall hues in simple styles. Sweater knits with leather make for a nice contrast, and even the all-leather look can be feminine. 


Kelly Werstler: artful combinations of textures and patterns to build an outfit. Love the layering of contrasting prints, and colored tights peeking through a leather cut-out skirt. 


Marc by Marc Jacobs: geek graduated to hipster. The pieces are darling and can be worn separately -- and no, skinny jeans and artsy glasses are not required.


Rachel Zoe: ladylike and classic with a bit of disco glam. Nicely polished looks that go from power lunch to cocktail hour. 


Billy Reid: relaxed style doesn't have to just mean jeans and a t-shirt. Mixing materials and jackets galore for a nicely finished, put-together look. 


Elizabeth and James: add a little rock n' roll to your wardrobe. Small details like leather gloves or studded shoulder patches on a sweater balance out a soft look. 


Haute Hippie: unleash your inner rockstar goddess. Bold prints and patterns, their pieces aren't for the style-shy. Sky-high boots and heels are a must.  


Haute Hippie: clearly a Magpie favorite, the evening looks range from sweet to full-on golden goddess.  


Theyskens' Theory: simple, but bold. Mixing materials and textures to create contrast and wearable pieces ranging from day to night. 


Tory Burch: it's fun to be a girl. Not totally stuck in a MadMen episode, but with a nod to vintage, the pieces modernize classic looks by mixing materials and a streamlined fit.  


Rag and Bone: casual with a touch of quirkiness. Taking everyday outfits and having one special item, like a bold color, unique pattern, or mixing patterns on classic separates.


Diane Von Furstenberg: a stylish lady who will never be out of fashion. Feminine and fun-to-wear pieces, these are outfits that celebrate what it means to be a woman.


Diane Von Furstenberg: cocktail dresses that are never boring, and wave the Jaunty banner that sparkly, shiny things will never, ever go out of style!


Jaunty Fine Print: photography by Denise Sakaki, designers listed above

It's a fashion whirlwind every year when Fashion Week rolls into Bellevue-town. But they don't end with a whisper, they have to do a big finish, with big music, big heels and big hair! The last big show to close out 2011's Eastside fashion celebration was Report Footwear's Undressed show, featuring wild hairstyles by Seven Salon and clothing by Vince. It was a more theatrical turn compared to other shows, adding dynamic lighting, choreographed walks and a runway look that was meant to inspire the imagination.

Each segment had a distinct theme, from the bare necessities of good hair and high heels, to the vintage funk of the disco era. The mood of this show was young and playful; it was about celebrating the way fashion can be a way to transform a person.  













Jaunty Photography by: Denise Sakaki

The Bellevue Collection Fashion Week continued its runway events with the big Front Row Fashion show, presented by Vogue Magazine. It's always held on a Saturday night and tends to be the big premiere event, as people get dolled-up in their fashionable best and the Bellevue Square Mall makes it into a shopping night, offering specials throughout the night. This year's Front Row Fashion show benefited The Moyer Foundation, a local charity founded by Jamie and Karen Moyer, dedicated to assisting children who have suffered a loss and supporting programs designed to help young adults in distress. 

The show was a mix of the latest trends, curated in themed collections from a mix of designers. The presentation was flashy and bold, meant to excite people over the clothing being worn and head out afterwards to get their favorite looks straight from the store. The overall looks were designed towards comfort and wearability; nothing over-the-top. It was meant to show fashion in a friendly way, less conceptual and more "see it, buy it," which probably speaks to more people. I think sometimes high fashion can be a little scary and intimidating, so runway shows that present fashion more integrated in everyday lives makes it feel relevant. Front Row's pieces felt understated, but used accessories to make the outfits interesting. I think that's a good rule of thumb; we all have neutral basics, but a bold piece of jewelry or a scarf with an interesting pattern not only punches up a look, it keeps the attention where it matters: our wonderfully unique faces. I don't know if it was the intent behind the show, but I felt like the underlying idea behind everything in this collection was: true style is wearing your clothes and not letting your clothes wear you.

These are some of the more interesting looks I chose from each theme; it's not everything, but this Birdy just wanted to show the eye-catching looks and then a collection of favorites at the end! 

Fall for Texture (from left to right) The Gap, Hugo Boss, Aritzia, Aritzia

Color Conundrum (from left to right) INC from Macys, Eileen Fisher, Lacoste, Abi Ferrin

For the Frill of It (from left to right) New Romantics tank/Wacoal tank/We the Free leather shorts; Komarov Dress; White House Black Market dress and purse; Parker bustier/J. Brand skinny jean/Ivanka Trump purse


24/7 Utility (from left to right) Aritzia, Banana Republic, 7 for All Mankind

Time to Shine: (from left to right) Ann Taylor; Michael Kors: BCBG tee/Rachel Roy sequin pants; Vince


Outer Limits: (from left to right) Aritzia, Hugo Boss, Talbots, Talbots 

Evening Stars: (from left to right) JS Boutique dress, Vince, Abi Ferrin, Hugo Boss

Jaunty Feathers and Jewels: I love anything to help frame one's Jaunty visage, and these looks and accessories will make heads turn. (large) Hugo Boss sequin feather dress, (sm top) Cynthia Vincent, (sm bottom) Aritzia dress and necklace 

Jaunty Wraps: I love any way to wrap and wear scarves, especially liking how these are all different shapes, textures and fabric weight. (sm top) Eileen Fisher printed silk scarf, (sm bottom) Eileen Fisher knitted scarf, (large) Aritzia printed scarf

Jaunty Mixed Media: I'm a fiend for textures and mixing things up, and these looks caught my eye, with layering materials, and contrasting light fabrics with heavy fur. (large) Ann Taylor; (sm top) Frenchie top/Robert Rodriguez blazer; (sm bottom); Hugo Boss dress and fur vest 


Jaunty Photography by: Denise Sakaki

The Magpie didn't get a chance to post photos from the recent Artsfair festival that happened the weekend before taking off for vacation. Presented by the Bellevue Arts Museum, this annual weekend-long fair is a chance for artists from all over the country to show off their talent and for people to talk directly with the creative minds behind the work. Wandering around, these were some favorites that I took a particular shine to - take a look at their sites, as I think you'll agree they're all unique talents! {1} Christina Goodman, hand painted miniatures and jewelry, {2} J. Brooke Patterson, J.B.W. Studio - little worlds inside real eggshells, {3} Rachel Ann Austin, paintings and other lovelies, {4} Brian Major, Major Arts masterwork murals


Jaunty Fine Print: photos by Denise Sakaki