The Bellevue Scene

Bellevue Fashion Week 2010: lululemon athletica

lindsaylarin — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:10:37 +0000

In celebration of the five years lululemon athletica has called Bellevue home, the fitness-forward retail shop hosted a runway event during Bellevue Fashion Week 2010. Appropriately titled, 5: Fitness | Function | Fun | Fearless | Fashion, the event took place at Hyatt Regency Bellevue and included a live yoga demonstration by Troy Lucero and Dawn Sternstein.

City escape: Stroll the Bellevue Botanical Gardens

lindsaylarin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:13:08 +0000

The following photos of the Bellevue Botanical Gardens were taken by Lindsay Larin on Sept. 2, 2010, using the Motorola Droid phone by Verizon.

A recent trip to the Bellevue Botanical Gardens on a sunny afternoon resulted in some beautiful outdoor photos of lush greens, flowers in full bloom and gravel walkways. The 53 acre garden space includes woodlands, meadows and wetlands and is free and open to the public daily. It is one of few botanical gardens in the world that has no visitor fee, and is open every day of the year.

Highlights of the Bellevue Botanical Gardens include the Northwest Perennial Alliance Border, Waterwise Garden, Yao Garden, Alpine Rock Garden and summer displays of dahlias and fuchsias.

The Garden is a part of the Bellevue Park Department, but public funds are not adequate for total maintenance and enhancement, so your membership dollars help provide the support needed. The Society also sponsors educational opportunities for both children and adults which provide information and experiences in a living laboratory.

In 2009, the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society embarked on a campaign to complete an $11 million master plan improvement to the Garden. Olson Kundig Architects have been selected to design the new buildings and the design work has already begun. More than $6 million has been committed through the 2008 Parks Levy passage, CIP Process and a challenge grant from the City of Bellevue. The Society is 55 percent of the way to reaching their goal and is committed to raising the remaining $5 million.

The funding raised through the campaign will create new visitor spaces including Education and Administration, Ravine Garden, and Sun Terrace Garden.

Ways to help support the Bellevue Botanical Gardens:

What: 2010 Gala Auction “ENCHANTED GARDEN!”
When: Friday, September 24, 2010
Location: The Harbor Club, 777 108th Ave NE #2500
Cost: Reservation – $110
Patron Reservation – $150
Contact: www.bellevuebotanical.org

Day of Remembrance event

lindsaylarin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:47:12 +0000

Construction workers gather at the location known as Ground Zero in New York City on September 2, 2010. Photo by Lindsay Larin.

On Saturday, September 11, the lawn at Bellevue City Hall will transform into a place of tribute in honor of National Day of Service and Remembrance. The free ceremony will run from noon to 2 p.m, commemorating the events of September 11, 2001.

A picnic lunch will be provided for the first 500 guests courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill along with live music performance by Eric Moore and “Two Scoops” Boogie-woogie, blues and old time rock and roll. Young attendees will have the opportunity to explore the “Kid Zone” free activities and volunteers will be onsite to collect food donations in support of Hopelink.

Limited free parking will be available at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE.

This event is presented by the City of Bellevue to recognize the outstanding community service efforts of Bellevue neighborhoods and to remember those who perished on September 11, 2001.

For more information, contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372.

All about the kids event

lindsaylarin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:21:50 +0000

This Labor Day Weekend, show support for local foster kids by attending the “It’s All About the Kids” event on Sunday, September 5 at Greenbaum Home Furnishings in Bellevue. The event, benefiting Olive Crest, will include complimentary food and beverages along with a special performance by Magician GG Green. Read all about GG Green in a recent Mercer Island Reporter article.

Event: It’s All About the Kids

When: Sunday, Sept. 5, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Greenbaum Home Furnishings, 929 118th Ave SE, Bellevue

Contact: www.differentbydesign.com, 425.454.2474

Art on the cheap

lindsaylarin — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:08:41 +0000

By Kirsten Smith | Courtesy Photos

With warm days lingering throughout the month of September, now is the perfect time to stroll along the Bellevue Art Walk or explore the outdoor Japanese Festival – all while staying on a budget.

Bellwether 2010: Art Walk Bellevue

Enjoy art pieces from all around the world for free right here in Bellevue. Bellwether 2010: Art Walk Bellevue (pictured above) features art installations from Bellevue City Hall to Meydenbauer Bay, including Bellevue Downtown Park and the Bellevue Galleria. Audio descriptions of each piece are available by dialing the number on each installation. The installations will be in place through October 17. Visit www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/bellwether2010.htm for more information.

Free First Fridays

Bellevue Arts Musuem offers free admission the first Friday of every month, 11am -8pm. On Friday, September 3, you can enjoy many exhibitions including The Art of Discovery, featuring artists from the Pacific Northwest. The museum is located at 510 Bellevue Way NE, www.bellevuearts.org, 425.519.0770.

Kidsquest Children’s Musuem in Factoria welcomes the entire family to come explore, play and learn on Friday, September 3, from 5 p.m., to 8 p.m. The free event is open to the public of all ages. Kidsquest is located at 4091 Factoria Mall SE, www.kidsquestmuseum.org, 425.637.8100.

Japanese Festival

Join the two-day celebration of the Aki Matsuri 13th Annual Japanese Cultural Arts Event on September 11 and 12. This year’s event will feature two kimono specialists from Tokyo and a full-scale Omikoshi from Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America. Bellevue College Main Campus, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, www.enma.org.

Art Classes

Quiltworks NW and Beads and Beyond offer a number of free, casual classes once a month. Registration cost varies depending on the course, but prices start as low as $10. Visit the website for a complete listing. Quiltworks is located at 121A 107th Avenue NE, www.quiltworksnw.com, 425.453.6005.

Bellevue Art and Frame showcases artists and provides workshops, classes and educational presentations for kids, teens and adults. Every Saturday from 2 p.m., to 4 p.m., the shop features Demo Days, a free event to watch and learn from the experts. Bellevue Art and Frame is located at13131 NE 20th ST., www.bellevueartandframe.com, 425.453.8959 .

Free Art Tip

Bellevue schools’ libraries and common areas often feature the work of local students. Check the Bellevue School District website to see galleries of student art and then visit the schools to see pieces up close. Learn more at http://curriculum.bsd405.org.

Next month: Tell us your favorite ways to “Eat on the Cheap” on the Eastside. Share your fun and creative ideas by e-mailing the editor of The Scene at llarin@thebellevuescene.com.

Twisted Cork reopens with fresh look

lindsaylarin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:45:46 +0000

Hyatt Regency Bellevue has officially reopened Twisted Cork and Twisted Cork Lounge, giving the restaurant space a refreshed look and new, rotating menu featuring local ingredients.

The original Twisted Cork was closed in March 2010.

“We saw the chance to offer something unexpected,” said Rolf Osterwalder, general manager of Hyatt Regency Bellevue. “Bellevue was in need of a great breakfast spot, as well as a comfortable lounge with intriguing food, and that’s just what we’ve accomplished with the new Twisted Cork and Twisted Cork Lounge.”

Under new management and the direction of Executive Chef Greg Kurtz, Twisted Cork is now open for breakfast, with Twisted Cork Lounge opening in the evening for tapas-style dining, cocktails and entertainment. Defined by plush modern armchairs and contemporary decor, the Twisted Cork Lounge is the newest spot in Bellevue to meet up with friends and unwind. The bar offers a wide selection of Washington wines and Northwest microbrews on tap.

Pair a cold beer with one of the many tapas items on the menu including the chile relleno with vegetable hash, jack cheese, cranberry, avocado crema and ancho chile mole; local clam and chorizo bruschetta topped caramelized onions top a Macrina Bakery baguette; and watermelon and heirloom tomato salad with herbed goat cheese, arugula and roasted heirloom tomato vinaigrette. In the mood for a quick happy hour?

Sip one of Twisted Corks new specialty drinks ($5) during happy hour Monday through Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Beer and wine will also be available for $4.

Stay late on the weekend for live music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday night.

“Think bold flavors, bright plates and unexpected presentations,” said Kurtz, executive chef for Twisted Cork and Twisted Cork Lounge. “We’ve taken the traditional offerings – the menu items that everyone loves – and put our own unique gourmet ‘twist’ on each one.”

Twisted Cork is open for breakfast every morning, featuring a full menu and buffet including signature house-made beignets served with a duo of dipping sauces; eggs benedict with house-made black pepper and chive biscuits topped with prosciutto and stuffed French toast infused with bananas, honey mascarpone and Nutella. Breakfast would not be complete without a sweet mimosas to drink or the smooth taste of a good Bloody Mary ($3 each), available throughout breakfast until 10:30 a.m. weekdays and 11:30 a.m. on weekends.

Twisted Cork and Twisted Cork Lounge are located at 900 Bellevue Way Northeast on the ground floor Bellevue Place, located just off the lobby of Hyatt Regency Bellevue. Call 425.698.4100 or visit www.hyattregencybellevue.com for reservations.

Tasty New Cocktails To Try:

1. Champagne and raspberry infused Bellevue Bling

2. Vodka and grapefruit based Pink Panther

3. Mango Peach Sangria featuring Grand Marnier and viogner

Front Row Fashion talk with “Vogue” Director Anne Vincent

lindsaylarin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 18:59:14 +0000

By Lindsay Larin | Photos by Chad Coleman

Anne Vincent of Vogue magazine, 2009

The Scene recently had the opportunity to speak with Anne Vincent, the director of merchandising and special events for Vogue, in anticipation of the 2010 Fall Fashion Week presented by The Bellevue Collection. Fashion Week 2010 takes place this week, August 24 through August 29 and will culminate with the second annual Front Row Fashion show presented by Vogue, the country’s leading haute fashion authority. Vogue will produce a full-scale fashion show highlighting top fall and winter trends found at The Bellevue Collection shops.

Check out video from the Tuesday, August 24 edition of New Day NW on King 5.com, Vogue Director Previews Fall Trends.

Vogue, in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Assouline Publishing, present the American Fashion Collection as an exhibit at Bellevue Square, located near the mall entrance of Nordstrom on the first floor. The fashion installation showcases still photography from the American Fashion Collection series of books.

To purchase tickets to this week’s fashion shows, visit bellevuecollection.com

SCENE: Tell me about the partnership between The Bellevue Collection and Vogue magazine?

VINCENT: Our inaugural trip out to the Seattle area was such a success last year. We had a fantastic time and a good response from everyone involved. We are working right now on the Front Row Fashion show, making it bigger and better than last year.

SCENE: Anything new this year?

VINCENT: We are incorporating more looks from stores at The Bellevue Collection, extending the length of the show and flying models in from L.A. The runway will be lengthened to allow for more front row seating. This will be a full-scale production. It’s very exciting.

SCENE: What we can expect to see on the runway?

VINCENT: I was out in Bellevue in June and I had a look at everything and will be coming out for the week of the event to work with our stylists. The actual runway show will be broken down into trends of the season and will include current collections that can be found in stores. It will be a first look at the fall/winter 2010 collections. The beauty of the show is that you can shop the runway. What you see is actually in store.

Fall/Winter Trends

1. The Cape- Simplicity in volume and shape

“For us at Vogue, it is all about the coat stories. In our August issue, we featured a photo spread on capes, which is very in this coming season,” Vincent said.

2. Feathers & Fur- Accented on coats, skirts and even purses this fall/winter

3. Shearling- A blend of comfort with a uniform look and feel

4. Mad Men Trend- Pay homage to the fifties with form-fitting skirts and slim sweaters with a thin-belted waist

5. Back to Basics- Fall and winter colors pay tribute to the classics (think camels, gray, and blacks with accents of bright blues, oranges and reds)

Bellevue Checklist: Aug. 23-Aug. 29

lindsaylarin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:31:11 +0000

Tuesday, August 24

Bellevue’s Live At Lunch 2010 Summer Concert Series continues with a live performance by Josh Rawlings Trio at Bellevue City Hall. The music begins at noon. Visit www.bellevuedowntown.org for more information.

2010 Summer Outdoor Movies in the Bellevue Downtown Park presents Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (PG, 153 minutes). The free community event happens at Downtown Bellevue Park, 10201 4th St. NE. The movie begins at Dusk.

Wednesday, August 25

Bellevue’s Live At Lunch 2010 Summer Concert Series continues with a live rock-and-roll performance by Buckets of Rain at the Expedia Building in Bellevue, 333 108th Ave NE. The music begins at noon. Visit www.bellevuedowntown.org for more information.

Thursday, August 26

Bellevue Farmers Market returns to Downtown Bellevue every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located at Washington Square, 8th Street and 106th Ave NE in Bellevue.

Bellevue’s Live At Lunch 2010 Summer Concert Series continues with a live “Top 40″ performance by Idol Eyez at Bellevue Galleria, 550 106TH Ave NE. The music begins at noon. Visit www.bellevuedowntown.org for more information.

Wild Summer Nights at The Shops at The Bravern continues with a feature live performance by Geoffrey Castle, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The outdoor event (at the outdoor fireplace just off the 110th Ave arrival court) includes live Jazz, appetizers and beverages. Tickets are $5 at the door, with proceeds directly benefiting the Hopelink organization.

Fall Trendwatch – Mother, Daughter and Girlfriend Runway Show happening as part of Bellevue Fashion Week. The daytime event will take place at the Evergreen Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency, beginning at 11:30 a.m. One hundred percent of ticket price benefits The Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue. Tickets can be purchased or reserved online at http://bgcbellevue.org/falltrendwatch.html.

Forever In Fashion presented by Tiffany & Co., will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. during Bellevue Fashion Week 2010. Tiffany & Co. invites you to discover a spectacular array of iconic Tiffany jewelry and the art of putting it all together.For more information please call 425.451.8844 or email bellevue@tiffany.com.

Friday, August 27

Pop over to Bellevue Square for Fashion Frames, from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. View live modeling gallery of fall style featuring this season’s hottest trends with fashions from Aeropostle, Arden B, Banana Republic, Billabong, Cache, Eddie Bauer, Element, Escape Outdoors, Express, Gap, GUESS?, Helly Hansen, Louie Permelia, Lucy, Macy’s, Macy’s Sunglass Hut, Mercer, Michael Kors, Montblanc, Papillon, Talbots, True Religion, The Territory Ahead, Vans, and Zebra Club.

Bellevue Arts Musuem presents Finally Friday, A mash-up event of arts, food, drink, music and mingling. The event is free for members and $10 for non-members. Runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the museum’s rooftop.

Saturday, August 28

The Bellevue Club (11200 SE 6th Street) is hosting the first annual Bellevue Club Car Show featuring classic cars and motorcycles. The all day event will feature rare and classic cars along with a gourmet barbecue courtesy of Executive Chef Paul Marks. The event is free and open to all ages. Call 425-688-3384 for more information or visit http://bellevueclub.blogspot.com/2010/08/car-showwill-your-ride-be-there.html.

Vogue presents Front Row Fashion, the not-to-be-missed fashion show hosted by The Bellevue Collection. The runway show, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency, will feature fall trends from local retailers. One hundred percent of the proceeds will directly benefit The Moyer Foundation. Visit www.thebellevuecollection.com for more details.

VIP Shopping Night is also happening on Saturday night, from 8 to 10 p.m. Visit Center Court at Bellevue Square for the special event which will include decadent desserts, fashionable in-store events and a $20 gift certificate from The Bellevue Collection. You’ll also be privy to exclusive offers from select Bellevue Collection stores open late just for you. Participating stores will remain open until 10 pm. Event is for all ages and cost is $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Space is limited. One hundred percent of ticket price benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue.

Saturday & Sunday, August 29

Join the Bellevue Botanical Garden for the first ever Art in the Garden event, showcasing sculptures by 25 Northwest artsits. Free to the public, the event is all ages and runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bellevue Botanical Gardens is located at 12001 Main Street, 360-629-4297 for more info.

Sunday, August 29

Report Footwear VIP Store Launch Party will celebrate the shoe-store’s new opening. Taking place from 7:30 to 10 p.m., the Girl Power Hour event will include a 20 percent discount on any in-store purchase, appetizers and swag bags. By invite only. For more info, visit info@girlpowerhour.com.

Freestyle Theory fashion event presented by SEVEN salon and Zebra Club will include cocktails and a runway show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and are exclusively available at all SEVEN the Salon and Zebra Club locations. For additional information please call SEVEN the Salon at 425.289.1777 or Zebra Club at 425.450.5542.

Boudoir studio event | Sept. 1

lindsaylarin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:14:05 +0000

To help celebrate the opening of her new studio on the Eastside, Boudoir photographer Joey Nicole will be hosting an Open Studio event on Tuesday, September 1.

Guests can enjoy complimentary champagne or sparkling water, wander through the gorgeous studio space and mingle with girlfriends during the two hour event at the Joey Nicole Boudoir studio.

View a gallery of Joey Nicole’s work here.

Photographer Joey Nicole

What: Open Studio at Joey Nicole Boudoir

When: Wednesday, September 1

Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: Joey Nicole Boudoir studios, 410 Newport Way NW, Suite C

RSVP: http://eveningofboudoir.joeynicoleboudoir.com

Jewelry trunk show at Common Folk Co. | Aug. 28

lindsaylarin — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 22:30:20 +0000

Jewelry by Karen Grace

Common Folk Co. at Crossroads in Bellevue will be hosting a Fall Jewelry Trunk Show on Saturday, August 28, from 5 to 9 p.m.

One-of-a-kind pieces will be available from local jewelry artists including Leah Pastrana, Julie Westra, Karen Grace, Terri Brush and Krissy Vintage.

The event is free and tapas and wine will be served, catered by the Crossroads Bar & Grill. The event will also include a drawing and in-store specials.

Common Folk Co., 15600 Northeast 8th Street Bellevue, 425-653-5555.

Jewelry by Leah Pastrana

Jewelry by Kristen Vintage