Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

Lady Jacqueline has the week off so I'm filling in this week with your thrifty deals around town. There are so many ways to live like a Duchess on a paupers salary, I could write a whole book about it but here are a few of my favorites ways right now: Clara Spa & Salon  1506 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 Connect on Facebook 253.682.2005 http://www.ClarasSpa.com Did you know that you could have a gym/spa membership at Clara for just $25 a month? Membership benefits include use of the Courtyard Marriott pool and gym plus spa amenities like the steam room and sanctuary plus a 20% discount on ALL spa service. This is the best kept secret in town!  This gym has recumbent bicycle, treadmills, elliptical machine, free weights and more. Great indoor pool and hot tub. Its not uncommon to have the whole place to yourself if you visit at the right time! But word of warning, don't get too crazy, there's a camera on you so any one near the front desk upstairs can...

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...

I have loads of thrifty pretties for you to behold. So let's get started shall we? The Giving Place 430 East 25th Street, Suite 3, Tacoma, 253.307.6271 Connect on Facebook Located in Freighthouse Square for the last 15 years (most recently moving from one inside suite to another as of May) The Giving Place is not just another gift store. It's so much more.  Owner Gary Pieterman spent years as a care giver, both volunteering his hours and as a career choice. This store was a way for him to "retire," (though the man is always on-hand there), and give back to the community. They sell all sorts of cool things and 50% of all net profits are donated to causes that support those with life altering illness and afflictions. So the title in itself is not just a clever name for a gift store but precisely what Pieterman aims to do. His enthusiastic positivity exudes, really it's hard not to smile while talking to the guy. Here are a few of my favorite examples of thi...

Today we are starting a fun new angle to the Fashion Friday blog. Every month we will select a local Fashion Icon to go shopping with us and give us fashion tips. This week I had the pleasure of interviewing J Daniel Elquist for my June Fashion Icon feature. JD spent time in New York where he had his own successful Fashion Blog, so it was truly an honor. While at UrbanXchange and Bleach he gave me some tips on summer choices, how to wear certain clothing, and other how-to tips, tailored just for Tacoma. UrbanXchange 1934 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA, 98402. (253) 572-2280 http://urbanxchangetacoma.tumblr.com/ Connect on Facebook I couldn't wait to ask JD what he thinks about summer fashion this year and for his opinion about what's in style for men this season. He explained that, as always, shorts are in the line-up but he also showed us some versatile looks that go from day to evening. He said men need to be selective about combinations and he offers some great tips belo...

Here we are, the end of an amazing week that has teased us with a little touch of summer and the usual gloom of the PNW. Fear not, I do believe we have some obligatory summer weather coming our way! With that you're sure to see some summer eats, treats, decor, deals and wardrobe. For Now~ Each weekend we will begin to give you the "weekly rundown" in case you missed a super rad shopping opportunity. It would be a shame and no one likes that awful feeling of regret when you let a deal slip between your fingers. Monday the Duchess featured some Pacific Ave eats  and announced an addition soon to open in the heart of downtown: Menu Item Monday Tuesday we found chalk paint and divine shabby chic decor at The Design Cottage: Home Decor Tuesday Wednesday the Duchess told us about some ah-mazing  spa packages  that inspire a healthy body and mind: Wellness Wednesday Thursday we went shopping for vintage shoe goodness: Thrifty Thursday And on F...

Hello my frugal friends! Hope you've warmed up those penny pinchers. This is gonna be good. ART BUS Connect on Facebook For starters, don't forget tonight is ART BUS!!! And for any true thrift seeker, you will want to get your hands on those VIP bags. Only $20 includes stops through our great city to take in some of our creative culture, meet the artists, free snacks and fun but that's not all! Oh no it get's better! You get a VIP bag full of goodies. Trendy jewelry? check. Coupons to the hippest spas and restaurants? Yuppers. Savings on vintage goodness? You bet. Don't miss out. Another perk to Art Bus? Embellish Multispace Salon is on both tours. Know what that means? You get to oogle the beginning of a color craze and see it in action with live in person demonstrations of the Color Bug and get to participate in the contest. Pink, Orange and Purple snacks and beverages will be available to represent the wowza colors available AND anyone who books an app...

Maybe you're broke, maybe you're just thrifty and like to save some change. Whatever the case funds (or lack thereof) don't have to stand in the way of  experiencing our creative community. Today I'm going to prove that point precisely. If you're not familiar with the TED events, youtube them. Inspiration oozes and  you are likely to walk away with a renewed sense of faith in humanity and how we can make a difference. Strapped for the $65-$100 ticket prices but aching for the experience? There's a scholarship for seven lucky participants! These scholarship tickets allow attendees to watch the live stream in MOG's theatre while the talks take place in the Hot Shop. And give them the opportunity to interact with fellow attendees and the speakers. Find scholarship info here , and more info on the event here . Tacoma Art Place http://www.Tacomaartplace.org Oh Tacoma Art Place, how you rock  my socks. Rad workshops from crochet to painting AND the supp...

Oh yes, more sweet deals for you! The theme common among these? They will tickle your penny pinchers. Scrabble tile necklaces. Several different color schemes and patterns. Simple statement and 10% off their usual $15.95 price tag. Jewell Day Spa 2501 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 253-572-5224 Connect on Facebook Still feeling the chill of winter? I know I am with Tacoma and her bipolar weather casting. All winter scarves are 25% off the already friendly price range of $18-$25. "Winter" is a term I use loosely of course. These varying textures and colors are perfect for the lingering blustery spring winds. Jewell Day Spa Music to heal the soul. CD's meant to set the ambiance for your down time while reading, yoga, lighting candles or just to have playing in the background. A great selection to choose from~and they are all only $10! Jewell Day Spa Spring. Yes, it is officially spring. And though only the cherry blossoms seem to have hope for this these flip flops may put s...

When I put the call out for items for this week's Thrifty Thursday, a theme emerged and I went with it. This week, its all about the bags. Cheetah print clutch only $5.00! Absolutely adorable silky animal print clutch accented with a cascade of silky ruffles and a removable satin bow. One inside zip pocket. Zip top closure. 6"x10". Available in Black and Pink. A Little Touch of Magick 763 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402 Connect on Facebook Purple suede bag  $15.00 Anew Thyme A woman/veteran owned business selling Gently worn maternity clothing & handcrafted baby items 754 Broadway St., downtown Tacoma's Theatre District 253.365.6966    Connect on Facebook     All these totes are brand new and are on sale for only $10 each   Nine Lives Vintage 3013 6th Ave, Ste A, Tacoma, WA. Connect on Facebook Michale Kors silver purse $100 London Couture 746 Broadway St. Tacoma WA 98402   http://lcvintage.com/ Tignanello, moder...