Antoinette Alexander
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Antoinette Alexander has traded in the Space Needle for the Statue of Liberty and today is a writer in Manhattan. Despite being thousands of miles away, the Pacific Northwest remains near to her heart. Eager to share with 425 readers what’s hot, hip and cool on the bustling streets of New York City, Alexander is keeping her “eye on style” as a contributing writer for 425.
Contact Antoinette Alexander at eyeonstyle@425magazine.com
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Spring 2010
It may not feel like it right now, but believe it or not spring is just around the corner and with it will come fashion that offers a splash of vibrant brights set against practical neutrals, according to fashion gurus. Taking its cue from New York Fashion Week in September, authority Pantone predicts that spring will bring about such shades as turquoise, Amparo blue, violet, aurora, fusion coral and tomato purée. Providing a dependable backbone to the brights of spring will be pink champagne, Tuscany, dried herb and eucalyptus.
425 Twist: The 425 region knows how to stay on top of style. Bellevue Fashion Week was a success. Some of the hot fashion featured layering and accessorizing with work-in pieces to update your current wardrobe, saving on both funds and closet space. The most current statements in fashion also included boyfriend jackets and flashbacks to the ’80s with bright colors and dramatic lines. Details: bellevuecollection.com
High Line
On your next trip to Manhattan consider checking out the city’s newest park — High Line. The High Line is a public park built on a 1.45-mile-long elevated rail structure running from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street on Manhattan’s West Side. Back in the day (1934 to 1980), the High Line was a freight rail line that carried meat to the meatpacking district, agricultural goods to the factories and warehouses of the industrial West Side, and mail to the post office. Raised above the city streets, the space offers visitors amazing views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. It blends plant life with long, narrow “planks” to form a walking surface and features viewing platforms, a sundeck, and gathering areas for performances and art exhibits. The first section of the park (Gansevoort Street to 20th Street) opened in June 2009, with the second area (20th to 30th Street) slated to open in 2010.
425 Twist: Bellevue has a few of its own leads on updated parks and recreational areas. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center is a newer collaboration of ecosystem and environmental stewardship education into a year-round, 320-acre wetland park. Another recent development is the Wilburton Playfield which is under construction until early next year when a new, synthetic surface will line the playing fields. Details: bellevuewa.gov and ci.bellevue.wa.us
Opia
If you find yourself in Midtown Manhattan in search of a relaxing, yet elegant lounge, check out Opia at 130 E. 57th St. at Lexington Avenue. Opia recently underwent some renovations and now features an expanded terrace overlooking the bustling street where up to eight guests per terrace can dine al fresco. There’s also an original hand-blown glass sculpture by Jordan Mozer and a redesigned banquet area. Opia offers a main lounge, which is the largest area of Opia that is decorated with varying couches and tables; a bar, which is small but modern with a flat screen TV; and a den, which is a great cozy spot to host a private party.
425 Twist: The Hyatt Regency recently underwent a face-lift to include a 17,745-square-foot grand ballroom and a 13,755-square-foot junior ballroom available for theater, classroom or dining settings. The project, totaling 185 million dollars, introduces a grand staircase, a winter garden feature and curved koa wood walls, all emulating the tranquil Asian theme prevalent throughout the Northwest. Details: bellevue.hyatt.com
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton is building on its more than 150-year tradition of designing travel requisites with its Casino Trunk. Covered in iconic Monogram canvas, the Casino Trunk is a portable casino of such games as poker, roulette and blackjack. It’s fitted with Louis Vuitton’s emblematic natural leather handles, brass S-lock and corners. Its compact frame opens at both top and front to reveal an array of red microfibre-lined compartments.
425 Twist: Louis Vuitton has now joined The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, where they are enhancing 425’s fashion sense with luxury goods including luggage, city bags, leather goods, sunglasses, textiles, ties and accessories. Fashion at your fingertips! Details: 425.453.6700.
Clinique
Okay, so I know this isn’t really a New York City item but it just across the pond from the Big Apple in another really cool city — London! Cosmetics brand Clinique made a big splash at Selfridges London in the fall 2009 when it unveiled a new global flagship counter at the high-end shopping destination. The new counter revamps the brand’s shopping model to offer multiple levels of service so beauty mavens can enjoy a one-of-a-kind, custom-fit experience. This new beauty experience includes a “diagnostic” consultation with two-way mirrors, makeup “bars” where shoppers can test and select products on their own, and standalone makeup and skin care browsing areas. I did a little shopping at Selfridges London during a recent trip but, unfortunately, wasn’t there when this new counter was unveiled. You never know, if this new shopping experience is a hit then maybe you’ll see some of these elements at a Clinique counter near you!
425 Twist: Nordstrom carries the popular Clinique line. Check out the newest in skin tone-correcting moisturizer, acne solutions, men’s age-defying eye treatment, sun sprays and creams along with the newest in make-up palettes and innovations. The staff at the counter is more than happy to assist you with finding the perfect fit for your skin type and preference. Perhaps that counter will mirror London’s soon enough! Details: nordstrom.com
For the full story pick up the latest copy of 425 magazine. Subscriptions are available by phone at 425.646.1380 or you may order your subscription online.
