Tacoma Nordstrom Relocation Gala

Last night in T-town (Tacoma for those of you not from the south end), a fabulous event took place. This event was like none other. You may wonder what I am talking about. I am talking about the Nordstrom Relocation Gala which benefited the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass. For Nordstrom, this event was 42 years in the making. For me, I have been waiting for 2 long and agonizing years for this event to happen.

Guests were treated to valet parking. After handing over the keys

to the car, we entered via the black carpet where we were greeted

with cocktails (wine, champagne and pomegranate martini's). Tarah and I were given the grand tour by Nordstrom PR rep, Kendall.

As we viewed each new feature, trays of food were constantly passing us (I loved the lobster corn dogs). The Dudley Manlove Group provided the musical entertainment while guest checked out all that the store had to offer including the chance to shop before others. Models were available on both floors,modeling the latest fashions.

A few noteworthy items have been added to this store which include:

Anastasia Brow Bar - the perfect place to learn how to stencil your own brows, purchase an at home kit or get a wax.

Deborah Lippmann Manicure Bar - treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure at the end of a long shopping trip

Shoe Shine - we can all use a buff every once in a while plus it is

situated between men's and women's shoes so you can check

out shoes from your seat while getting a shine.

Cafe Bistro - entree based meals, quick service and a calming ambiance

B.P Dressing Room - this is something you must see for yourself. you can bring along your friends and they sit back on the couch and watch TV while you try on clothes. it makes me wish I was a teenager again.

There are many more feature however all of the fashion related ones you will have to tune in tomorrow for. I will be providing a breakdown of the different departments.

The official grand opening is Friday October 3rd. Nordstrom is kicking it all off with a Beauty Event at 8am in which a light breakfast will be served. This new store is a definite must see and a must shop.

Nordstrom Fall Fashion Week Runway Show

Fashion Week in Bellevue is now officially underway. Friday September 12Th was the official start. To kick off the week was the Nordstrom Fall Runway Show. The Nordstrom Show benefiting the Detlef Schrempf Foundation is in its third year. To date they have raised over $70,000 to benefit children and families in need. In today's current economic times this is even more important.

The doors opened at 6:30 pm for a VIP reception. The guest were greeted with 2 signature drinks the Fashionista (Vodka and X Fusion liqueur) and Lemon ginger Press (Ginger Lemonade). Boutique shopping was available. It was the best of handbags and shoes. There was Jimmy Choo, Prada, Gucci, Tory Burch, L.A.M.B, as well as several others. The food and service at the reception was exceptional. Nordstrom service was available in everything we saw (Thanks to Nicole). At 7:00pm the doors opened to the general admission ticket holders.

At 8:00pm, the curtains were pulled and the crowds started up the stairs searching for seats. The joy of being media is getting to sit at the end of the runway.

The show featured 10 top designers done in individual scenes.

Scene 1: Versace - I get skeptical with Versace as I prefer the colors of black, gray and white. I was pleasantly surprised. The Fuschia wool Mandarin-collar coat was beautiful and I also loved the Navy/black patent satchel.

Scene 2: Tory Burch - While she is well known for shoes, her clothes are even better. From the charcoal melange boat-neck dress to the grey patent 'Reva' clutch with rhinestones, a black stippled double-breasted cropped 'Ann' jacket and finally the purple knit sleeveless A-line 'Duncan' dress.

Scene 3: Diane von Furstenberg - Somehow I didn't even realize this is whose clothes were going by as I had turned the page in the program wrong. It was so sad as I love DVF.

Scene 4: Robert Rodriguez - The same can be said for this as DVF.

Scene 5 - Marni - I was also slow to catch onto this one.

Scene 6 - L.A.M.B. - I realized the error when L.A.M.B. was up as Gwen's style is so distinctive. She had 2 main items that I could see myself wearing, black tuxedo blazer with multi-color bead detail, and the carbon 'Secretary' dress. The rest was interesting, just not my style.

Scene 7: 3.1 Phillip Lim - This line was absolutely gorgeous and very me. The prussian blue dress with gold neck plate, rain turtleneck with rosebud sleeves paired with a black mini-houndstooth high-waist pencil skirt, black three quarter sleeved dress with necklace tie, marine sleeveless 'Capelet' dress and chocolate two-toned ballet-neck dress with lace swirl. There really wasn't anything in this line that I didn't like.

Scene 8: Michael Kors - I love watching him on Project Runway and this year I loved watching his designs come down the runway. I loved it all and don't know what not to describe so instead here is a picture of my favorite item.

Scene 9: M Missoni - This was a short collection and had lots of color mixed in. The items did not appeal to me as much as some of the other designers.

Scene 10: Gucci - All of the clothes in this line were very Bohemian and just not me. I like my clothes to be more tailored and a little less colorful. I did however love the studded knee high boots. Unfortunately we did not have a really good picture that would do them justice.

The show overall was amazing. I look forward to thing to wear this season. Thank you Nordstrom for once again bringing us the latest and greatest and filling the void of missing Bryant Park. Read here tomorrow to see how Posh Party went.

To see pictures of the entire evening click here :Nordstrom Show