Sep 30, 2009

Ankling Along

How to wear the latest trends-Pairing
My predictions for fall were spot on!!!! Now how to pair these fabulous looks?
Try these hot ideas for your ankle boots this season......
Opaque colored tights matched with a mini skirt,or try leggings with a long tunic (maybe belted to break up the length)
Another great look is a mid length pencil or A- line skirt matched with tights and ankle boots. Think a gray tweed skirt or hounds tooth with charcoal gray tights ,gray or black suede or leather boots.
Add a leather jacket ,a swing coat or a bomber jacket and you've got the right idea for fall 2009 fashion.

What about bright colored ankle boots??
Again, those can be paired with black , or if you're like me ,skinny jeans and a jacket or scarf that matches the color of the boots for an eye catching look . an example would be bright red boots with a red and black plaid jacket, black pants,etc. you get the idea!
Be Fabulous!!!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Sep 24, 2009

Bistros On A Budget

When I first started writing for BellevueGrl, I didn't intend on becoming a food critic, but there are so many great places to dine in this town,that I had to give just a quick review of where to get the best food for under $25.00 and that includes a great glass of wine......
Here are some best bets to help your budget but keep you from "Whining" while you're dining

Nestled inside the old Chili's  Restaurant in Issaquah is Tutta Bella- At first glance one might think it's just another italian restaurant amid the rest,but this place has an upbeat atmosphere,a friendly fun staff,the owner will come out and chat with you,and has the best speciality pizza I've tried all for under $25.00 including a glass of wine. The patio dining is very elegant,with little fireplaces ,it's cool without the heavy cash.

The same goes for Pizzeria Guido located at Crossroads Mall in Bellevue. The wine list is extensive ,featuring most wines direct from Italy,great prices,nice "homey" atmospere. This place is always packed,usually a hometown crowd,and one bite of their pizza will tell you why. I'm not sure if it is the food or the staff that impressed me the most. My waiter opened up a fresh bottle of  Valpolicella, Villa Girardi 2003 for my pleasure after he noticed I enjoyed my glass so much.=)  I was in heaven!!! Again, a very reasonably priced meal.

Rubys Diner- Redmond Great for breakfast,a fast luch,or dinner and yes, they have green chile to put on your burgers . This place is great for the kids,quick service if you are on your lunchbreak.and again most meals average about 10.00 They have just about any kind of shake you could want ,syrups to add to your coke or soda for a real cherry/lime coke. Fun,friendly staff.

Frankies  Pizza and Pasta-Redmond  A friend of mine and I discovered this restaurant quite by accident when we were new here. we were starving and driving around the town totally lost when we came upon this great restaurant..now this pizza comes with the best marinara sauce I have ever tasted...just like your grandma would make at home if you were so lucky.It's been three years, and we've been coming back to this place ever since.They serve great pasta ,all freshly made in their kitchen. My favorite, Fettuccine Alfredo is made with real cream sauce,you can taste the butter,add a little fresh cracked black pepper..yum!!!! I must mention the wine of the month as well...the owner has never made a bad choice every time it's wonderful.For a great meal that's not alot of "dough"..pardon the pun.. this is a place you'll keep coming back to!

More to come-
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Sep 17, 2009

Bookin' It

BellevueGrl isn't just about fashion tips,it's about finding quick tricks,tips,and great buys,where to find the friendliest helpful staff, and where one can just kick back and get pampered.One of my favorite things to do is to unwind at my local coffeeshop or bookstore.
Isn't it funny how a booklover can get lost at Borders or Barnes and Noble????
A book can make us laugh,it can make us cry. A book can inspire. It can be a muse or a catalyst to great things. to a child it can be magical,to the teenager it can create a world beyond,somewhere to escape,and to an adult,it can bring back memories of fond times,of love lost,of triumph.it can teach.even the smell of an old bookstore is something to savor.
Some Great places-
Half Price Bookstore- Redmond  large location,books,cds,movies,comics,even bestsellers,you can browse till your hearts content. lot's of great gift ideas. wonderful for books on wine and cookbooks. their sci-fi section is the best I've seen
Borders-Redmond-Friendly helpful staff,knows their merchandise,which scores extra brownie points from me.If they don't have it,they will offer to order it for you. beautiful collection of 2010 calendars.Nice Seattles Best Coffee inside
Barnes and Noble-Issaquah This store is always well stocked. If you can't find it at your local shop,try this one. after shopping a few other locations I was impressed to see that this particular store was up to date on all the hottest items. Extra points...very clean Starbucks inside,they bake cookies fresh there,so be prepared to fall victim to chocolate chip cookies...yum!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 15, 2009

Shopping on a Shoestring

As Promised- The "More to Come"
These are some great places to shop on a budget and where you can make those dollars work for you to walk away with great discounts and freebies.
Payless- Yes Really!!!! Great boots!!! I found a hot pair of purple ankle boots... Love them!!!
Nordstroms Rack- Look hard you'll find a treasure if you take the time to search through the store. I found a pair of Jimmy Choo boots. you'll find  Coach shoes,Burberry,Cole Hahn to name a few.
Coach Outlet- NorthBend- Need I say more??? Coach Discounted!!!!
Nine West- NorthBend- Great Shoes, Friendly staff
Sephora- Bellevue Square and Alderwood Mall - Sign up to become a beauty insider it's free and you'll score great gifts on your birthday,and fun treats throughout the year
Until next time ~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 12, 2009

Dollars and Sense

I don't know about you,but even as a savvy shopper I'm not planning on a shopping trip to the new Neiman Marcus anytime soon.
I mean in today's economy unless you have a throw away income can anyone really afford to?
"Ball-gowns be damned!!!"
Although I'm not above strolling through to grab a few samples in the cosmetic department (CHANEL)
So what's a girl on a budget to do??? Bellevue Grl has the answers.......
I'll bet if you raid your own closet you'll find that you already own a few of falls hottest pieces.
here's some tips and some great places to shop when every penny counts.
Black Skirt-Add a colorful belt in hot pink,electric blue,or leopard print to update the look and add a pop of color
White Blouse- Add Jeans and boots
Over sized Bag-Add a "pony-tail scarf" to the handle tied in a bow to give a sweet classic look
Scarfs- Always in style
Vintage Jewelery- Very hot this year
More to come on great places to shop
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 11, 2009

Key Pieces

Tonight, I'm reaching out to you dear readers
What makes or breaks a look??? What are the key pieces that you use that pull it all together for you? Is it your great coach bag? a black leather trench coat,a burberry scarf,or great heels that pull your outfit together.
Share your ideas with me!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 10, 2009

Jeans Jumble

After hours of trying on various brands of jeans and six stores later,a big thumbs up to a very popular company for their "Born to fit(R) " Jeans. One try....and they got it right!!!!
Smooth line,no "gaps" (pardon the pun) at the waistline so you don't have to wear a belt,perfect fit and the length??? Heavenly!!! Finally jeans made for those of us that have above average inseams.
A slap on the head goes to the other brand who says that they make jeans that are "Made to fit real women" Four pairs,all the same size and the same style,guess what??? four different lengths...none of them long enough.
Now, the above mentioned jeans do come with a bit of a pricey tag and do not come in black (YET!!!) but for the fit,they are worth the price (69.50)
I'll be back for more!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 9, 2009

A Well Kept Secret

Anyone who has known me for awhile knows that I love to collect antique jewelery. I have alot of hand me downs given to me by my grandmother who was rarely without her signature pearls or blue crystal necklace.
Tucked inside a tiny corner of Crossroads Mall in Bellevue is Exclusively Art. The shop keeper Svetlana stocks some of the most unique pieces you will ever find. I found a beautiful pair of owl earrings in green and gold crystal. From necklaces (turquoise,quartz,and crystal) to earrings,one of a kind crosses,seed pearls and Victorian style jewelery,this is the place to find that one of a kind conversation piece that will always get you compliments.
With dress wear returning to an almost "forties" look the pieces found in this shop are perfect to pair with a sweet red or black bow trimmed mid length cocktail dress.
The secret is out.....check out this fantastic place on your next trip to the mall,bet you'll walk away with a few "treasures" of your own!

Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 8, 2009

Bargin Hunting

Every now and then going to consignment,thrift stores or even hunting your neighborhood locals,you can find a great deal. This was the case on a recent trip to my local mall in Factoria. I usually don't shop end of season sales....too much compulsive buying...but this time I really found a treasure at my local Nordstroms Rack....
Most of the time I browse through the store not finding much to take home,often getting a deeper appreciation for what is hanging in my own closet,but this time I found something so special I quickly grabbed it,tried it on to make sure it was real,and walked out of the store feeling like I won the lottery!!!!
Found: one Ralph Lauren hot pink satin trench coat (the belted kind that "Brenda Lee Johnson" wears on The Closer) This hot little number was originally $219.00 was marked down to $79.97 now when I went to the register,I was expecting to pay that price...imagine my shock when the total rang up at $47.98!!!! I quickly grabbed my coat and made for "the getaway car"!!! =-)
How awesome is that??? One fabulous fashion find and something that will be around for a long time...
Treasures can be found if you keep hunting!!!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
Bellevue Grl

Sep 7, 2009

Happy Labor Day!!!

Just a quick post for today
Remember the three F's???? Fit,Form,Function????
Mine: Fun,Foxy,Fabulous
Until next time
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Sep 6, 2009

It's finally Fall !!!!

After the fashion faux pas of the summer (white shorts with zebra print undies,and flippin' out of your flip flops at the mall and flopping on your face) Let's hope that this season brings out some foxy fashionistias in some fearless fashion.
Hint to the wise: Watch it on the leopard print!!!!
What's hot???? White shirts. Maybe with a ruffle or interesting pleat.Pair with slim jeans,and ultra high ankle boots for a killer look.add a classy leather jacket or trench,a big bag,a scarf and you're rocking some hot looks!!!
Tip for those ankle boots: A bit tight,but love the heel??? try getting them in half a size larger and add some insoles (the gel kind) your feet will stay comfy all day