Why not treat yourself to something special? How about the prefect dress tailored by Madina Vadace [206.985.8152] or Luly Yang [206.623.8300]? (You may not have time, but note this info for the future) There is nothing as hot as a dress tailored to fit in all the right places. You may never go back to "the hanger". I often wonder who these fit models are? Probably ten year old boys chained to a box of laxatives. But seriously...I have been asked by the fashion divas to research this issue more, so stand by in the New Year for more about "Clothing fits for those who choose to eat three meals a day."

G Puss on the Town
We've sent our Glamour Puss out to hit the town and give her ratings on dress finds...not to mention, service, dressing rooms etc. Here's her report on the low and high end...

As I sat at home last week with a terrible cold and a bad case of cabin fever, I began to notice my calendar begin to fill up with invites to fabulous holiday parties and swanky soirées (okay, so far I have 3 invites, but it's only the first week of November!) Realizing this, I thought to myself that perhaps I should invest in a new dress, something that is sexy, practical and perhaps maybe could be worn to more than one of these festive occasions? Since I, like everyone else, am on a bit of a budget this year, I thought I would shop around... Believe it or not, even though I am a serious clothing snob, I started with The Bon Marche (the budget). I had to see what they had to offer. Lately, I've been pleasantly, if not shockingly, surprised by their selection, so I thought I'd take a peek at this season's offerings. The selection was pretty good, there are definitely the TACKY velvet and satin numbers that initially turn me off...but I didn't let it throw me. I focused and took another look. There were some seriously decent choices here. And, everything that stood out was priced under $200. There were some sexy beaded skirt and halter sets from Scala and Marina, a beautiful red "tiered" dress from JS, a perfect black dress from Jones NY and some great picks from Lauren. The real stand-out was a fabulous selection from Bisou Bisou. Really beautiful dresses - sexy and modern. The staff was pretty hands off, which I usually prefer. I'm sure if I needed extra attention they may have been more than attentive.

Since I was already downtown I decided to stroll down the street and torture myself by trying on some designer duds. As I entered Mario's I couldn't decide if they were being deliberately inattentive (I couldn't have looked that broke, I mean you can still have style on a budget) or if that was their usual MO. Mario's is not one of my regular shopping haunts. Maybe someday... Anyway, as I strolled around I found gorgeous offerings from D&G, Etro and the requisite Marc Jacobs. Talk about fit...and price! I also found some dreamy dresses by Maggie Norris. For a mere $1150 you can be seen in a great little Navy number by a designer named Peter Cohen. Excellent fit, excellent color - a deep Navy, as striking as black but a bit more interesting. If I could afford it, I would shop here. I hope some of you do...I would love to see it out. But being realistic, do you really want to spend rent on a new pair of Manolo's?

Okay, back to reality for a single gal. I hopped in my Volvo and headed to Les Amis in Fremont. I absolutely love this store. I can usually find a dress that no one else will be wearing there. I had a plethora of choices with truly unique pieces. The girls were super nice. Friendly and helpful (as they should be if youÕre going to drop $300+ on an outfit. You can expect to drop that much there, but oh, to own a beautiful ensemble by a fabulous boutique designer...I think it's a small price to pay. The selection of Rozae Nichols was stunning as was the great pieces from designers Nanette Lepore and Erica Tanov. They also had a nice selection from Theory and Trina Turk. I was also eyeing the hats to complete my look.

Another local retailer that rarely lets me down is Olivine on old Ballard Ave. They usually have an interesting array of choices that run the gamut from big name designers to smaller, more undiscovered talent. This season however, they seemed to be strongly focusing on Diane Von Furstenberg. Now don't get me wrong, I adore my DVF wrap dress , but I would probably not go out of my way if a Diane Von Furstenberg dress wasn't on my list, or my budget. (They did have fabulous accessories, cosmetics and jeans though!)

My decision you ask? You know what? I think I am totally going to do The Bon thing this year...no one will ever know...Happy Shopping!

If you can go bare legged, DO IT. Make sure all your limbs are well oiled...you can always add a little glimmer to your lotion or oils. Some great subtle shimmer products; Lancome Faux Gloss, Body Glo, Baby Oil is fantastic. If you can't bare it, chose hosiery that is so nude, you can't tell. Donna Karan Nude is your best choice. No open toe shoes when you wear hosiery...no, no, no.

General Holiday Face and Body Check List

• Wax it all - Brows, bikini - our favorite place - Robert Leonard Salon [206.441.9900]
• Manicures for nails and Pedicures for feet - if you can get in Frenchy's [206.325.9582] do it.
• Get your teeth whitened.
• Schedule an appointment with your favorite hair stylist for a fabulous curly or up do for the evening's parties...hell, get your make up done too.

Winter Fashion

*Little tiny clutches. A great choice for parking at the bar. Leave big slouchy bags at home or at the coat check...no hogging the real estate...big bags can seriously block your view.
*For those who dare ~ Chain-linked tops.
*Anything ABBA inspired rock star, satin and fur (faux or recycled vintage).
*Glitter sneakers (Bernhard Willhelm $80).
*The jumpsuit (skin tight).
*Leg warmers with sexy, slouchy high-heeled boots.
*Thigh-high boots...
*Matty, ratty, big hair or lots of layers and messy, chunky wisps...
hoochie mama hoop earrings (big and gold), exposed garter belts and going bra-less (we recommend for the less endowed or those that defy gravity). *Borrow from the rap stars and tune into BET [Black Entertainment Channel].
*For those who care ~ Creative hats. For a local milliner - Mikele Kieffer Milliner [206.368.7942 or at Alhambra].
*Or try vintage. Scarves. Mix it up.
*Stripe Socks, lots o' bracelets...
*Just when you decided to give in to the pointy toes, round toe shoes are back, buy some if you can find them. They will work for next year.
*Novelty print underwear.
*Sweats to wear out with that anti-war tee. Add a brooch.
*Cargo military trouser that sits low on the hip (J-crew, Olive) with boots and a fitted sweater.

Holiday for the Fellas
Clean and freshly trimmed hair is a must. Tuxedo jacket over the jeans. Keep the shirt simple. Try a cotton/lycra tee (Club Monaco, Kenneth Cole). How about a silk jacket with skinny lapels paired with the skinny legged rock-star pant. For he who dares ~ go with no shirt. He who dares not ~ keep your shirt fit tiny.

Any fitted shirts and pants are all good. Well, just last week at Bimbo's as a plate of nachos just hit the table, we spotted a little honey in his fitted 501's and let me tell ya...he had the look down. Probably the best-looking behind in the city. I kid you not.

Dance Tip: Leave your shirt on. We don't care how good the idea sounds in the moment. Nelly says "Just the sexy chicks..." comprende?

• December 12 - Groggy Fashion Show @ Blu (Fun Rave Clothes...but we have never been to their shows)
• December 14 - COCA Black and Blu Ball
  www.cocaseattle.org
• December 20 - Winter Masquerade Ball @ Catwalk - Fetish and Leather
  www.bizzareproductions.com
• New Years Eve - The Absolute Red, White and Blue Ball @ Pier 66 - Four theme rooms with entertainment including Maceo Parker.
  www.redwhiteandblueball.com
• Party Volcano often has the goings on for the weekend. If you subscribe, you'll get the info...mind you, it is very Burning Man based.
  partyvolcano@yahoo.com

Special PRE FUNK.ING. (Where to cocktail before)

• Best place to check yourself out head to toe
~ Downtown Nordstrom Ladies restroom. Full-length mirrors and a vanity to fix your makeup.
~ Daniel's Broiler on Lake Union. Same deal.

• Best Design - Columbia Tower Club - Women's restroom with floor to ceiling windows. A gal can sit and contemplate the future as clouds drift on by.
~ Canlis - The great outdoors at one of Seattle's swankiest.

• Best place to sneak a booty call.
~ Alibi Room - Privacy in the hall and our favorite feature... plenty of TP.
~ Queen City Grill - Great cell range.

• Best place to get down and dirty. Tough to find in Seattle, but you could try the Sapphire's bathroom...but, you didn't hear it from us. Here is what you should look for: Great speakers in the bathroom, dim lighting (red's are good), unisex (so if you lock the door, no line backup). We were in Portland last month and noticed several bars met this criteria...can't say why, perhaps it was the company. If you are there, check out The Tube and XV's loos...
note: If you just want it, you know any place will do...

• Best place for a group "discussion".
~ Lava Lounge - It just happens there naturally, perhaps it's the proximity.

• Best place to get picked up.
~ Cha Cha Lounge - The line spills out into the bar.

• Best place to share a very drunk "hallmark" moment with your best friend.
~Barca - The red velvet couch.
~ An encore mention for the Sapphire Kitchen & Bar.

• Best "open door" policy.
~ Sunset Tavern - Sneak Peeks of the fellas on the way to the ladies room.
~ Crocodile Café - Same deal

• Skankiest.
Another tough one in Seattle...several places have sketch johns...ultimately, we went for Graceland. Did they really re-model the bathrooms?

• The Ally McBeal Award.
~ Conworks - Unisex and Anxiety-ridden.

• Honorable Mentions.
~ Kingfish - Always fresh flowers.
~ Chez Shea - Very French.

Local Issues: Bouncers and Women
Girls going out? Watch out for big, muscle-ridden bouncers who like to take their aggression and misogynistic feelings out on tiny, thin, stylish women. This is absolute truth. I kid you not...I have had countless women describe in detail how they had been rough housed, sworn at and threatened by men who are supposed to protect. These venues get the finger for not controlling their (IN) Security ~ Showbox, Bad Ju Ju and one specific security dude at the ARENA show. Shame on you.

Show Report Arena Fall Fashion Show ~
Didn't attend, but caught the published photos in Minty...all in all, fairly impressive. P.S. In response to the last issue, Arena does claim to have non-profit beneficiaries...Thanks Jon for the info.

Element Show ~ Where did it go? What happened?

Gift Giving-Off the Beaten Path...Places and Ideas

>> Go to Little Shops that have it going on: Olivine (Ballard), Olive (I had to run out clutching my pocket book) Burnt Sugar (Fremont)

>> Paper-Haus (for utilitarian creative)

>> Elliot Bay Books (for anyone...go here and support the locals if your going to do books)

>> Uwajiamaya (fun stuff for the Asian food lover)

>> Check out local designers Trunk Shows and Sample Sales for the one-of-a-kind gift. New Designer in Town: Rachal Mara - her new line will soon be found at Alhambra and Olivine. She has been featured in Lucky and her designs have been picked up by Fred Segal and Saks Fifth Avenue...we are lucky to have her.

>> Sunday Fremont Market (support this Seattle institutions friends...Sound, Mind and Body is trying to shut it down) and the Fremont Antique Mall.

>> Used book stores...Fillipi's used books and records (Stinky but unique on Capital Hill), Title Wave (Queen Anne), so many more ~ go to one in your neighborhood.

Next Issue ::
Spring 2003

• Glamour Puss looks for a new pair of Jeans ~ Can she replace her Seven's?
• Where can we find fashion for the averaged sized gal?
• We are looking for fashion photography submissions! All images must be provided digitally at 72 dpi. Local designers strongly encouraged, we hope to feature you.

You can reach elle s. at elles@lesegoistes.com

End of the Year Thoughts

And as you wait, await the one thing
that will infinitely increase your life;
the gigantic, the stupendous,
the awaking of stones,
depths turned round toward you.

The volumes in brown and gold
flicker dimly on the bookshelves;
and you think of lands traveled through,
of paintings, of the garments
of women found and lost.
And then all at once you know: that was it.

You rise, and there stands before you
the fear and prayer and shape
of a vanished year
- Rainer Maria Rilke

A wise fortune cookie told me once, "Always be yourself and you'll always be in fashion." Let's be good to each other and remember to have fun.

elle s

Read Fall's issue here!

Check out the Spring/Summer 2002 Kouture Korner!

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All Rights Reserved.