My annual “Best of” review for 2011 is here….. Enjoy!!!

1. Michael Kors – I love his products. What can I say? I got my first purse in 2005, and have followed his designs ever since! This year I was fortunate enough to invest in two pieces – the most comfortable wedges I’ve ever worn, and a fabulous purse that doubles as a briefcase (pictured in silver – mine is black). Oh, and I invested in the KORS stock – so you should go spend some money there too!!!! :-)

2. My *finally* decorated bedroom. According to the Feng Shui bagua, this is the travel section of my home. So I decided to deck it out a la India/Bollywood.

3. Layer Cake – I am unsure how many bottles of this I consumed this year. But I can tell you that exactly one bottle of this wine fits in my pink water bottle. And it tastes delicious.

4. Noir Jewelry – I love their bling. And as you may know from a previous post – I love their HUGE bling rings. I just can’t help myself! Here’s the biggest ring that I got this year:

5. Seattle Chocolates – The design project that I did with Seattle Chocolates this year was possibly my favorite project of the year! I had such a blast using their graphics to create beautiful garments – and rekindled my love of chocolate. Seriously – a mimosa truffle??? Best. Ever.

6. Bri Seeley – Ok, how could my FIRST retail collection not make the list? It officially made me an “award winning” fashion designer, and brought an increased visibility to the brand via two magazine publications (Seattle Magazine and South Sound Magazine) and several blog posts. Thank you for all of the support and I am so excited to continue dressing all of you (and your families and friends too!!!).

Shawn Kinney Photography

7. Girl with a Dragon Tattoo – I not only read the book this year, but I also saw both movies. I was highly captivated by the book, which I recommend reading before you see the movies. I could pass on the Swedish version of the movie….. but if you enjoyed the book – definitely see the American version. Well done!!! On my list for 2012: The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest……

8. How to Love by Lil’ Wayne – this is quite possibly my favorite song of the year…. I just can’t get enough of it! I listen to it on repeat while I’m driving.

9. Tattoos – I got my third tattoo this year…. and may be inspired to get my fourth shortly. I notice tattoos more than ever now and have seen some of the coolest ever this year. Here’s my new one, “Live in Love”

I hope that your 2011 was fabulous….. and I wish you all a prosperous 2012!!!!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….. Ten Lords-a-Leaping, Nine ladies dancing, five golden rings, four calling birds, three turtle doves, two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of Asian pear wine.

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What are you waiting for ladies?

Well, needless to say I had a really packed and fun weekend…. and missed out on several days of Christmas! Forgive me as I skip the sixth, seventh, and eighth days of Christmas….. and move right into the ninth!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me – nine ladies dancing…… five golden rings, four calling birds, three turtle doves, two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of Asian pear wine!!!!

For this ninth day of Christmas, I’d like to recognize some beautiful ladies from our burlesque community – the ladies of Stripped Screw. I was first introduced to them this summer by a friend who helps with the technical aspects of their performances. I was blown away by their innovation and tongue-in-cheek approach to the art. I have since seen three of their performances and have loved them all equally. They will be bringing Disney After Dark back again in March, 2012 and I highly recommend that you see it! Heck – you can even sit with me :-)

Here are some photos from their underwater shoot as photographed by They Are Only Pixels (http://www.theyareonlypixels.com/)

Stripped Screw - Kutie Labootie

Stripped Screw - Stella D'Letto

Stripped Screw - Kylie Koyote

Stripped Screw - Minetta Lane

Stripped Screw - Violet Tendencies

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….. Five Golden Rings, four calling birds, three chocolate turtles, two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of Asian pear wine.

What better place to find your golden rings than Bon Lemon? You can shop online (bonlemon.com) or in their new retail location at 2938 Limited Ln Ste C1 in Olympia. They’re open today from 12pm-6pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm and next week Tuesday-Friday 12pm-6pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Don’t forget to pick up a Bri Seeley tie or shrug while you’re there shopping!!!

Here are some of my favorite rings at Bon Lemon:

Gold Tiger Stripe Ring

Pink Paisley Ring

Stretch Sticks Ring

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….. four calling birds, three chocolate turtles, two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of Asian pear wine.

Today, get yourself or a loved one something stylish to carry your cell phone. It is made of Italian calfskin. Available in purple, and bronze. You can find it on their website for 20% off!!! http://roccoedante.com/shop-handbags-online/palermo-cell-phone-mini-bag/

Rocco e Dante Palermo cell phone case

On the Third Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….. three chocolate turtles, two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of asian pear wine.

Most of you know by now that I am fortunate enough to be connected with TWO amazing chocolate suppliers:
1. The Cocoa Bean – my family’s business that supplies the most scrumptious chocolates, fudge, ice cream, candy, and gifts

2. Seattle Chocolates – Producers of the most mouth watering chocolate concoctions.

So go out and treat yourself to some chocolate today – the Third Day of Christmas :-)

On the Second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…… Two shrugged shoulders, and a bottle of asian pear wine.

Just in time for the holidays – I have made some fabulous faux fur shrugs. They will be available tonight during the Holiday Trunk Show at Twilight Martini Lounge from 6pm to 10pm. I have a limited stock, so come early!!!!

Solid black fur with multi-colored lining and a purple bow

Dark fur with chocolate lining and aqua bow

Multi-colored fur with gold lining and a gold bow

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me….. a bottle of asian pear wine!

Windfall Winery Asian Pear wine is one of my absolute favorites! And it’s a local wine! Check out their product here: http://www.windfallwine.com/

Cheers!

People comment on my jewelry frequently. Most recently, my Noir Jewelry ring. It’s huge – and that’s an understatement. I realized that my obsession with big bling has definitely grown over the years. This photo progression will demonstrate that point quite well:

Kappa Delta Ring - college

Ponte Vecchio Ring 1 - 2004

Ponte Vecchio Ring 2 - 2009

Noir Jewelry Bulb - 2009

Noir Jewelry Calla Lilly - 2010

Noir Jewelry - 2010

Noir Jewelry Huge Knot - 2011

I don’t think my tiny hands can handle anything bigger than the Huge Knot. So…. now what?

After my trunk show in October, there were a number of people severely bummed that they couldn’t attend. I spoke with a friend/client and we worked together to coordinate another trunk show – even better than the last one!!!!

Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Twilight Martini Lounge, 2125 Western Ave, Seattle WA 98121
Admission: New toy to benefit Toys for Tots or Cash Donation to YouthCare will be collected at the door.

Why should you come?

*A portion of all designer proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots and YouthCare.

*The first 25 attendees will receive a 2-night hotel voucher valid in several major cities (tax+fees apply)!

*Attendees with proof of purchase from on of the featured designers will be entered to win a 4 night Vegas Hotel Voucher. (Airfare not included, tax+fees apply)

*Attendees who visit each vendor table and show their fully stamped passport will be entered to win a two-night Vegas hotel voucher. (Airfare not included, tax+fees apply)

The evening will include approximately seven Designers of Clothing, Accessories, Jewelry, Hats, etc. to satisfy all your shopping needs!!

Designers:
Bri Seeley

http://www.briseeley.com/

Kimmi Designs

http://www.kimmi.etsy.com/

Mac Fashion House

http://www.macfashionhouse.com/

MEKA Clothing

Boring Sidney Hats

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BoringSidney

Vue Society

http://www.vuesociety.com/

Just in time for the holidays – I will have some NEW products for sale. I will be debuting a collection of men’s ties AND faux fur shrugs!!! Come spread the holiday spirit, donate to a good cause, and finish up your holiday shopping (or just treat yourself to something extra special!!!). Can’t wait to see all of you there!!!