Jacquelyn Jaech at the Fred Hutch Gala in December 2011. Duell fisher for Team Photogenic © 2012

Style Watch Column by Rose Dennis

It’s the time of year when calendars start to fill with fundraisers and galas to attend. Whether the attire is business, cocktail or black tie, we should plan ahead to find the perfect dress to wear.

Updating an outfit that we already have in our closet with new accessories always works. With “color” being one of the big trends for spring, purchasing brightly-hued shoes and handbags in pink or yellow (the new neutral) will make you look up-to-date.

Colorful prints are also in fashion, and will freshen up any look. Fortunately, in our area it’s acceptable to be seen in an outfit more than once, and it’s OK if it wasn’t just seen on the runway in Paris or New York.

Whether you decide to wear something new, vintage, or pre-existing in your closet, make sure that it fits properly and accentuates your body silhouette. As our body shape changes, it’s important to constructively look at yourself in front of a full-length mirror and see if you look the way that you want to.

Most events will have a professional photographer taking photos to document the event, which adds importance to looking great on the red carpet. Have your hair and makeup professionally done to accent your look.

Knowing how to pose is also important: If you decide to have one hand on your hip, be sure that all of your fingers are close together, with your other arm down. If you feel self-conscious about your arms, cover them with long sleeves or a shawl; if your thighs or calves bother you, by all means, wear a longer dress. Never hold a beverage glass; try to cross one leg in front of the other and smile!

Andrea Ward and Duell Fisher at the Fred Hutchinson Gala in December 2011. MICHAEL NAIMAN for Team Photogenic © 2012

Carla Murray at the Fred Hutchinson Gala in December 2011. Duell Fisher for Team Photogenic © 2012

Rose Dennis has been singled out by numerous publications as Best Dressed, a Signature Style Uptown Girl and as a reigning tastemaker. She lives in Bellevue.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill will raise money for Bellevue LifeSpring with its annual Chile Fest Sept. 6-25.

Chile Fest is an annual celebration that pays tribute to the harvest of the chilies in Hatch, New Mexico. During this time, Z’Tejas offers a special menu. With the sale of each entree, Z’Tejas donates $1 to Bellevue LifeSpring, formerly Overlake Service League.

Bellevue LifeSpring promotes stability, self-sufficiency and independence for those in need in the Bellevue community through programs and services that feed, clothe, shelter and educate. Volunteers will be at Z’Tejas Sept. 6 to answer questions about the cause.

The special Chile Fest menu includes:

Two appetizers:

- Chile and Onion Rings: Hatch New Mexico Chile rings and fresh onion straws dipped in buttermilk and seasoned flour, flash-fried, topped with queso fresco and served with prickly pear chipotle BBQ sauce and ranch dressing ($7.99)

- Prickly Pear Glazed Meatballs*: Beef and chorizo meatballs smothered in a prickly pear chipotle BBQ sauce, served with crispy Hatch New Mexico Chile and fresh onion rings ($10.99) *Dinner menu only

Four dinner entrees:

- Chicken Tinga Rellenos:  Smoked chicken marinated in tinga sauce, stuffed into Hatch New Mexico Chiles, flash-fried, topped with chipotle sour cream and queso fresco, in a green chile sauce, served with nopalitos salad ($12.99)

- Ancho Trout:  Ancho bacon panko crusted ruby trout, topped with a mesclun mix salad, avocados, onions, tomatoes and queso fresco in an apricot dressing and green chile aioli  ($17.99)

-Jambalaya Farfalle:  Bay scallops, smoked chicken, andouille and pesto marinated shrimp in creole sauce with farfalle pasta, peas, ancho chiles, topped with queso fresco ($18.99)

- Green Chile Carne Guisada:  Chile beef guisada, mixed with red and yellow peppers and Hatch New Mexico Chiles in a green chile sauce, topped with cilantro and queso fresco, served in a cast iron skillet with hot flour tortillas ($ 13.99)

Four lunch entrees:

- Chile Chicken Salad: Chile glazed chicken atop a mesclun mix with tomatoes, red onions, avocados, pickled Hatch New Mexico Chiles and chipotle peppers, tossed in an apricot dressing, topped with queso fresco ($12.99)

- Chicken Tinga Rellenos:  Smoked chicken marinated in tinga sauce, stuffed into Hatch New Mexico Chiles, flash-fried, topped with chipotle sour cream and queso fresco, in a green chile sauce served with nopalitos salad ($11.99)

- Jambalaya Farfalle:  Bay scallops, smoked chicken, andouille and pesto marinated shrimp in creole sauce with farfalle pasta, peas, ancho chiles, topped with queso fresco ($16.99)

- Corona Pork Enchiladas: Pork braised in Corona beer and Jack cheese, topped with green chile sauce, queso fresco and chipotle purée, served with sweet corn rice and borracho beans ($10.99)

Two drink specials:

- Dobel Diamond Smash:  Maestro Dobel Tequila, Herradura Agave Nectar and muddled lemon and mint leaves ($8.50)

- Guacamole Margarita:  Hornitos Reposado, avocado, fresh lime juice, jalapeño mint syrup with an onion salt rim and garnished with salsa fresco ($8.50)

Dessert:

- Sweet Ancho Cake:  Shredded sweet potato, ancho chile, rum soaked raisins, and walnuts layered with green chile custard and topped with jalapeño mint cream cheese frosting ($6.25)

Z’Tejas is located in the lodge on the third level of Bellevue Square; (425) 467-5911; www.ztejas.com.

For Ahinsa Mansukhani, the annual Taste of Main charity event is all about the food.

How often does one get to eat at Bis on Main, Cantinetta, Monsoon East and 520 Bar & Grill all in one day? And for dessert? Try Amore Chocolates, Fran’s, and Cupcake Royale.

“That’s a pretty great day,” said Mansukhani, who created the event three years ago as a fundraiser for Children’s Response Center, a nonprofit serving children who have survived abuse, crime and other traumatic events.

This year, Taste of Main is noon – 5 p.m., Aug. 20 on Main Street in Old Bellevue. A $40 passport for adults (suggested donation for children’s entry), includes a swag bag of goodies, a sampling of food and drink from the various restaurants on Main Street and access to sales, giveaways, and wine tasting from local businesses.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary chair massages, pedicures, makeup applications, and salon services, as well as live music, and a silent auction.

New this year is a boat and classic car show, a “Kids for Kids” fundraiser where the Boys and Girls Club will host a car wash at the Chevron Station and donate the proceeds to the children’s charity, and an expanded menu of offerings. Pagliacci Pizza, Tuscan Stone Pizza, Cupcake Royale, La Cocina Del Puerco, Belle Pastry, Bill the Butcher and Cantinetta join the roundup of participating restaurants.

Mansukhani says one thing people appreciate about Taste of Main, is that every penny of a $40 passport goes directly toward the nonprofit and helping children.

Highlighting Old Bellevue’s charm and fine retailers, restaurants and businesses was also part of Mansukhani’s vision in 2009, when she started the event as a less expensive, more accessible way for people to be philanthropic in a recession.

“[Old Bellevue is] a hidden gem on the Eastside,” she said.

Pre-order passports by calling Children’s Response Center at 425-688-5130, visit one of the retailers pre-selling passports, or purchase passports at the event. For more information, go to www.childrensresponsecenter.org.

Photo By Kiera Wooley*

Everyone has them: those single socks whose mate has mysteriously disappeared in the dryer, drawer or gym locker.

Celebrate Lost Sock Memorial Day Monday, May 9 by donating partner-less socks, along with other clean, usable women’s, children’s or men’s clothing, to Seamless Moves’ Lost Sock Day Clothing Drive to benefit Northwest Center. On Lost Sock Day, volunteers will play matchmaker and pair up as many donated socks as possible, so that they may fulfill their calling to warm chilly toes.

In honor of spring cleaning, take a look inside closets and dresser drawers over the next couple of weeks and keep a bag handy for items to be donated. Then, take them to one of the sites below by May 6 or contact Seamless Moves for pickup at 425-746-1334.

• The Stor-House and Wine Storage Bellevue, 1614 118^th Ave S.E., Bellevue
• Foot Solutions, 15230 N.E. 24^th St., Suite O, Redmond (Overlake)
• Delaurenti Florist, 15100 SE 38th St., Bellevue (Eastgate)
• Home Street Bank, 6949 Coal Creek Pkwy S.E., Newcastle
• The Stor-House, 2829 N.E. 3rd Street, Renton

More information at:

www.seamlessmoves.com

Twitter @seamlessmoves

*This photo, “Second Pair of Socks.” is copyright (c) 2009 Kiera Wooley and made available under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 license.

Throughout the last three years, KKi has generated more than 1 million dollars in revenue to support and grow economic development programs in eastern Africa. More than  70 percent of this revenue has been generated through the sale of KKi’s fashionable hats and clothing, which make for self-sustained development programs – no longer reliant on outside donations.

The organization has created a sustainable model for poverty alleviation in Northern Uganda through the production and sale of one-of-a-kind headwear and fashion accessories.

Check out a Q&A with Kohl Crecelius, CEO and co-founder of Krochet Kids International from, The Bellevue Reporter

He will present his “Life Is What You Make It: A Concert & Conversation with Peter Buffett” accompanied by cellist Michael Kott, in which he intersperses piano and vocal performances with personal stories.
Buffet said the only real inheritance handed down from his parents was a philosophy: “forge your own path in life regardless of your circumstances.” He said this creed that has allowed him to follow his own passions, establish his own identity, and reap his own successes.

The program is the live companion to Buffet’s New York Times best-selling book, “Life Is What You Make It,” which has been described by Bill Clinton as, “a wise and inspiring book that should be required reading for every young person seeking to find his or her place in the world.”

The Bellevue College Foundation raises funds to support quality education and learning opportunities for all BC students. The BC Foundation’s Campaign to Achieve Student Success recently passed the $7 million mark. The annual “Become Exceptional Luncheon” is attended by nearly 1,000 local luminaries and regional leaders, civic-minded residents and education advocates.

The event is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 27 at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 Northeast 6th St., Bellevue. Tickets are free, but require registration at: http://bellevuecollege.edu/foundation/luncheon/

For more information, go to www.bellevuecollege.edu/foundation and www.peterbuffett.com.

Photo by Jakob Montrasio*

Bellevue LifeSpring, formerly Overlake Service League, is pleased to announce the grand re-opening of its Thrift Shop at 167 Bellevue Square on Friday, April 8. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., and throughout the day, shoppers will be drawing for special discounts and coupons ranging from $1 to $100. Each day throughout the month of April, customers can participate in daily drawings for a variety of discounts.

The grand re-opening is in celebration of the organization’s first 100 years of providing help and hope and introduces its fresh identity as Bellevue LifeSpring. Its goal remains unchanged: to remain a vital resource for those most vulnerable in Bellevue by creating and sustaining local social services that not only meet immediate needs, but offer long-term solutions.

The thrift shop has been in operation for more than 75 years and began in a smaller storefront on Main Street before moving to its current location in 1948. The shop serves the dual purpose of raising money for programs and of providing items for those in need during crisis and transition. Through considerable donations and community support, including key support from Kemper Freeman Family, the Bellevue LifeSpring Thrift Shop is the longest standing merchant in Bellevue Square. Staffed primarily by volunteers, the thrift shop offers high quality items at very reasonable prices and boasts having “something for everyone”.

Styled like a department store, the thrift shop offers designer labels, new items and other quality merchandise in a friendly and inviting atmosphere – long-time customers come by not just to shop but to sit, chat and enjoy the camaraderie amongst the volunteers and community.

Through its year-round fundraising events and the thrift shop, Bellevue LifeSpring provides emergency financial assistance, educational grants, and holiday and youth programs for families and at-risk youth in Bellevue.

The Bellevue LifeSpring Thrift Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Donations of clean useable clothing, accessories, small housewares and books are always welcomed. Furniture, computers and electronic equipment are not accepted. For clarification of the items accepted, or to volunteer at the thrift shop, call 425-454-6424, or visit www.BellevueLifeSpring.org.

*This photo, “MK Media Productions Clothes.” is copyright (c) 2009 Jakob Montrasio and made available under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 license.

Tateuchi Center’s Act Two Guild announces today that its signature event, “Silhouettes of Style—A Royal Affair,” will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, Friday, April 29, 2011 at The Westin Bellevue, with special emcee, Molly Shen of KOMO 4 News.

The women of the Act Two Guild present their annual spring luncheon and fashion show to raise funds and community awareness to support Tateuchi Center, a world-class performing arts center featuring a 2,000-seat Concert Hall and 250-seat Cabaret, targeted to open in 2014 in downtown Bellevue.

“A Royal Affair,” this year’s theme, is named in honor of the Royal wedding of Prince William and Ms. Kate Middleton, occurring on the same day.  The Bellevue Collection, Presenting Sponsor of “Silhouettes of Style,” promises a first look at top fashions of the season, including a special runway segment that pays homage to Ms. Middleton’s personal style.

“It was by complete chance that the date we scheduled for our third annual event is now the date for the upcoming royal wedding,” notes Event Chair Michele Phillips-Baransky. “The wedding day of the future King of England and his Princess offers us an elegant backdrop to bring women together to enjoy fashion, raise money for Tateuchi Center, and celebrate.  It will be an affair to remember.”

The Bellevue Collection is orchestrating the show in conjunction with its Spring Style Event. “As a nod to this auspicious occasion, we are delighted to add some exciting new segments to the Royal Affair runway show to benefit Tateuchi Center,” said Jennifer Leavitt, vice president/marketing, The Bellevue Collection. Silhouettes of Style is the highlight of the spring season for us and our only runway presentation, so it is very special – and this year it will celebrate the fashion savvy and effortless elegance of Ms. Middleton.”

Kim Hardwick, president of Act Two Guild, said her group is pleased to once again have the support of The Bellevue Collection.

“Our sponsors, who also include Aegis Living of Bellevue and Bob’s Heating and Air Conditioning, are forward-thinking local businesses that recognize the many advantages a world-class cultural facility like Tateuchi Center will offer to our community and the Eastside,” Hardwick said. “We are incredibly grateful.”

Officers of the Act Two Guild, in addition to Hardwick, are: Michele Phillips-Baransky, vice president, of Kirkland; Carol Loya, treasurer, of Kirkland; and Lizabeth Morrow-Nold, secretary, of Woodinville.

Reservations are now available for $125 for individual reservations or $1,250 for a table for ten.  All proceeds benefit the $160 million Tateuchi Center Campaign.

What do you get when you combine a room full of Washington’s most sought after winemakers, 2010 lead Sommelier Lisa Rongren and more than 80 wines from around the world? 

You get  Le Vin à Son Apogée  (Wine At Its Best), an annual wine tasting and auction hosted by Overlake Service League on Saturday, November 13, at Fremont Studios in Seattle.

In its 6th year, this event features hundreds of international and northwest wines, rated over 90 points, poured by a team of leading sommeliers from the Puget Sound area. An exclusive VIP “Meet the Winemaker” party with Chris Figgins, CEO & Director of Winemaking for Leonetti Cellar and Figgins Family Wine Estates, begins at 5:30 p.m. The VIP party will grant 150 guests the exclusive opportunity to taste Leonetti Cellar’s 2007 Sangiovese and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, a pre-release tasting of the 2008 FIGGINS Estate Red Wine, to be released Fall 2011, and enjoy hors d’oeuvres featuring Lostine Cattle Company all natural 100 percent grass-fed beef from the Figgins Family’s new food endeavor.

The main event begins at 6:30 p.m., and includes the trademark “Around the World in 80 Wines,” a huge array of fine and unique international wines, all rated over 90 by Robert Parker.

A second selection, “Best of the Pacific Northwest,” showcases fine wines from àMaurice, Betz Family Winery, Buty, Col Solare, DeLille Cellars, Domaine Serene, EFESTĒ, Lachini Vineyards, Leonetti Cellar, and Woodward Canyon; hand-selected by Lisa Rongren, Wine Director of John Howie Steak, recently honored with the “2010 Sommelier of the Year” award by Seattle Magazine. Each wine is paired with fine cuisine prepared by award-winning caterer Lisa Dupar.

A Martini and Manhattan bar and non-alcoholic options are also available throughout the evening.

This event culminates with a live program, featuring Emcee Amy Yamada of 425 Magazine. Auctioneer Paul Brittain leads guests through a fast paced “wine frenzy” auction of collector wines, including Magnums and Imperials. An impressive live auction includes winemakers’ dinners, a selection of limited edition and vintage wines, trips, unique experiences, art and other finds. Guests are invited into Studio B at the conclusion of the program for a fun after party, complete with DJ, disco ball and dancing.

Overlake Service League is a nonprofit organization helping struggling families and at-risk youth in Bellevue since 1911. Since 2005, the Le Vin à son Apogée wine tasting and auction has raised almost a million dollars for Overlake Service League’s Breaktime/Mealtime program. In partnership with the Bellevue School District and Top Food and Drug , Overlake Service League provides the Breaktime/Meatime program to over 3,000 qualifying students during school breaks. Volunteers pack and help distribute thousands of nutritious breakfast and lunch meals to struggling Bellevue families each year.

The goal for the 2010 Le Vin à son Apogée is to raise $200,000 to support the expansion of this program to include the two week Winter break; an especially difficult time for families struggling with high heating bills, increased daycare needs and looming holiday expenses. An additional 1,000 pre-packed Breaktime/Mealtime boxes will be handed out to Bellevue students and families this year. 

Financial sponsors of the 2010 Le Vin à Son Apogée (Wine at its Best) wine tasting and auction are: Lexus of Bellevue, Intelius, The Bellettini, Puget Sound Bank, Fairwinds-Redmond, GLY Construction, Bellevue Reporter and Compass Wines.

Tickets for the 2010 Le Vin à Son Apogée (Wine at its Best) including the VIP Meet the Winemaker Party are $250 per person.

Tickets for the 2010 Le Vin à Son Apogée (Wine at its Best) featured tasting event are $150 per person.

For reservations and further information, visit OverlakeServiceLeague.org or call 425-451-1175.

Join your neighbors and friends to help fill the Eastside’s local foodbank shelves during the month of October, and feed your neighbors in need. The community food drive runs through Oct. 23 with donation sites throughout East King County. The food collected will be donated to local organizations including Hopelink, Renewal Foodbank, Emergency Feeding Program, Mercer Island Foodbank and Issaquah Foodbank.

Needed items include: Peanut Butter; Canned corn, peas green beans and diced tomatoes; canned peaches; canned beef stew; canned pork & beans; Macaroni & Cheese; Jars of baby food; canned soup; canned tuna and 1 qt envelopes of powered milk. 

Donation Sites in Bellevue: 

Bellevue Aquatic Center, 301 143rd Ave NE

Bellevue Botanical Gardens, 12001 Main St.

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE

Bellevue Golf Course, 5500 140th Ave NE

North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave NE

Halloween Baskets for YWCA

During the craziness of the holiday season, it is easy to overlook those in the community who don’t have the luxury of indulging in the annual traditions. Help out a local family this month by creating a Halloween Basket that includes a pumpkin, carving kit and candy. The small gesture will add  joy to some little tikes during these tough times. Bring the basket to the YWCA East Cherry site (2820 E. Cherry St. Seattle, WA 98122)  on Monday, Oct. 25. Email nhilton@ywcaworks.org for more information or call 206. 568.7845.

Learn about more ways to give back by visiting the YWCA website at www.ywcaworks.org.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

Join the Bellevue and Eastside community on Sunday, October 5 for the 9th Anniversary of the Making Strides 5K walk in Downtown Bellevue Park. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk officially starts at 9 a.m. Wear your pink and show your support for the American Cancer Society and the work they are doing to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. Funding from the Making Strides walk goes towards helping women get access to mammograms, funds groundbreaking research to find cures and keeps the phone lines open every minute of every day and night for questions that need answers. 

To learn more or to sign up for the upcoming Bellevue Making Strides 5K, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline.