Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

Welcome to this week's Fashion Friday blog. I'm still filling in here until I can find a new fashionista to take over. Today we visit Catwalk, Envy, Sonja Clothes to Live in and Vanity. These are all really great places to find on-trend looks and unique designs. First stop is Catwalk a new pop-up boutique with clothing created by local designers, jewelry by local jewelry designers, purses and hats by local designers and art by local artists. You will go nuts when you see all these cool and innovative designs! The "pop-up" part refers to the fact that this store is only going to be there temporarily until the space its in is taken over by a real tenant. They only have it on loan so get in there before its too late. The offerings are too good to miss! Catwalk 1734 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, Wa http://catwalktacoma.wordpress.com/ 1 (253) 336-5483 Connect on Facebook  Envy 2614 North Proctor St., Tacoma, WA 1 (253) 761-5531 Connect on Facebook   Envy i...

Hello my thrift seekers~ I've come across some super steals so hang on to your seats (and some extra dollars)! Rene Shea Fashion 751 St. Helens Ave, Tacoma, 253.507.9349 Connect on Facebook From dressy to casual and all in between, I discovered that Rene Shea has just what we need to spiff up our wardrobes on a dime. White cotton summer dress: Perfect for a little yacht party, deck brunch, pin-up style goodness This short sleeved zip hoodie is only $11 and in my size. You better scoop it up before I do! Rene Shea Fashion also has handbags, shoes and jewelery. I am totally digging this one! Posh Home 2502 6th Avenue, Tacoma, 253.593.5001 It's always sad to see one of our local businesses close.We've seen many flourish and open, move, and many go to the way side. Posh Home just announced they are closing their Tacoma location. They will be missed. The only positive to this story is you can save moola with their closing sale! The flier below was...

The other day one of my favorite purses broke a strap when I was on the bus to Seattle. It was my fault. I knew the straps weren't strong enough to be used as a laptop bag/purse but it was the perfect size and love it so much! OK. Lesson learned. Now I'm on the hunt for a big purse that will double as a stylish laptop bag, or vis versa. Here are some cute bags I found in my search. This is the $6 Walgreen's beach bag that saved the day when my bag strap broke. I looked all over for a boutique but it was the only store on my path that day. That's my favorite gold purse from Nanette's inside it.   Watermark Gifts   1115 A Street, Tacoma WA   http://www.watermarkgifts.com/   253- 383-2041 These are bags that fold up really small so you could carry it in your purse in case you need an extra bag to carry something! What a neat idea. The picture below is what they look like folded up. I found a lot of cute bags but the search for my perfect on...

TGIF!!  We got some great places on Pacific Ave near UW Tacoma this week. Of course, as promised, we have items from Bleach in today's blog. We also want to introduce a new spot that maybe you haven't heard about yet. Catwalk, a new pop-up art and fashion shop is now open on Pacific Ave and has a lots of original designs that you might just fall in love with! Bleach 1934 Pacific Avenue Tacoma, WA 98402   Connect to Facebook  If you want to go for a urban look and represent Tacoma this is the place for you. They always have something new.  Our June Fashion Icon JD Elquist modeled these shorts and a nautical Tacoma shirt for us and he offers the following fashion advice for guys: Instead of wearing your shorts low, go for a more professional and mature look with them above your knee. Also, if you plan on wearing the same color shirt and pants you can add dimension by rolling up your sleeves. I personally love this shirt because its a cross between the C...