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...

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...

This week has been crazy for me, so I mean it personally when I say TGIF! This week we visit one of our favorite ART BUS stops, Nine Lives Vintage Wears. The owner Kristi has so many great clothes that I could have spent all day taking photos here but for the sake of practicality I only picked out a few of my favs. When you go, be sure to take note of the amazing artwork they also have for sale. Its just a cool place to go on 6th Ave period! Nine Lives Vintage Wear 3013 6th Ave, Ste A, Tacoma, WA.  Connect on Facebook   Floral print dress, perfect for summer. Lace black top This coat is very interesting to me because its actually made out of very light material. The perfect black dress with a little character. How no-one has snatched these up is beyond me. Locally made Glass earrings. Dragonfly Glass Earrings. Adorable black and white dress perfect for the office or a night out on the town.  Locally made necklace. Black and white l...