Local Event:

Casual Industrees is holding an event in Bellevue this Saturday March 26th at Zumiez! Come help support a local Brand!

This event was found on Casual Industrees website for more information please visit:

http://www.casualindustrees.com/store/pc/home.asp

The Latest: Street Wear

Obvious Clothing... Celeb's Must Have Pieces!

Obvious Clothing has grown over the last couple years into a brand that celebrities, reality TV shows and the everyday consumer crave. Todd and Chad Kimball are the brothers behind this line and have created something that won’t be leaving the fashion industry any time soon. Chad Kimball is a five-time Broadway star while Todd Kimball brings his entrepreneur skills to the table; these two are the perfect duo with their different styles. The brothers first started with a line called O-Gear which was a line that was very state the obvious; a pink shirt with a flamingo on it stating “pink shirt”. The concept of the line was really fun but they realized in order to make their company grow they would need to expand their line in a different direction which is what brought them to Obvious Clothing. Still incorporating the “Obvious” from O-Gear but bringing a new swag to the line. Obvious Clothing’s website states, “The line specializes in originality with exclusive silhouettes and compelling imagery culled from artists around the world. The result: a luxury garment that radiates a tantalizing, feminine mystique with iconic appeal.” The company has two new lines coming out as well one being Lolly higher end cashmere line and knocked a maternity line. Knocked will win over the celebrity moms to be and we can expect to see their next baby bump photos in people magazine featuring the line. Obvious Clothing states, “Lolly by Obvious Clothing complements the vibrant spirit of Obvious Clothing with a whimsical twist on a wardrobe classic. Lush, buttery soft and simply sexy, this luxe collection is a natural progression for the Kimball’s who thrive on developing creative platforms that inspire their audience and advance the Obvious Clothing brand.” This company is only going to keep growing with their unique style and luxury fabrics.

What to look for:

• Chad Kimball on the big screen for the musical 'Memphis' April-May
• Chad Kimball on "The Good Wife"

Celebrities Rocking Obvious Clothing: Lindsey Lohan, Fergie, Giuliana Rancic, Vanessa Hudgens, and the cast of ABC's The Bachelor.

Visit: http://www.obvious-clothing.com/index

What's Good?

Goods is a street wear boutique located on Pike Street downtown Seattle. Goods is not only high end street wear but also a skate boutique. They are known for their graphic tees and exclusive kicks. I love the stores layout and the overall vibe it exudes, clean and chic. The merchandise is strategically merchandised throughout the store. Brands to look for at Goods are Stussy, The Hundreds, Rocksmith, Goods and Wesc. Celebrities known to frequently stop in Goods while in town are Ryan Scheckler and Tony Hawk.

Want more? Visit the following:

http://www.needgoods.com/store.html

http://goodsseattle.blogspot.com/

Sway & Cake

Check out Sway and Cake boutique located on 6th Ave next to Nordstrom. The boutique carries several high end designers and has everything from clothing to fabulous accessories. Some of the brands you can find while shopping at Sway and Cake are Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Amanda Uprichard, Trejse, Elizabeth and James, and Rebecca Minkoff. The owner of Sway and Cake has made her business grow by hosting trendy parties after hours allowing the customers to shop and drink while viewing the latest trends. Her marketing style is what has kept her company going strong.

Visit:

http://www.swayandcake.com/

Casual Industrees:

Casual Industrees started in 1998 and was created by a group of local guys who enjoyed hitting the local spots to go skateboarding/snowboarding. They got their inspiration while snowboarding and living near Mt. Baker. The brand soon became a lifestyle. They design a variety of in house graphic tee's that sport local areas in Washington, anything from the Space Needle, UW, and local snowboarding spots. Casual Industrees can be found in the Rail department at Nordstrom along with on their website and Zumiez.

Cant get enough of Casual Industrees?

Check out: http://www.casualindustrees.com/store/pc/home.asp

Q&A Interview:

Interview: Chrissy Imes

Nordstrom Women’s Shoe Manager

Chrissy Imes graduated from Central Washington University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in business. She has worked at Nordstrom for the last five years and recently got promoted to a management position in Women's Shoes. She loves hanging out with her friends and family in her free time along with traveling whenever she gets a chance!

Q: How long have you been working for Nordstrom?

A: I have worked for Nordstrom for 5 years.

Q: Have you always worked in shoes at Nordstrom?

A: No I started making coffee in the ebar and I sold in women’s apparel for 8 months. All the rest of my time at Nordstrom as been in shoes.

Q: What location are you at? Do you like it?

A: I currently just got promoted to the women’s shoes manager at southcenter. So far I like it. My previous store was Bellevue, which I absolutely loved!

Q: Where do you see your career taking you in the future?

A: I hope to be a store manager one day in the far future.

Q: Since you are already a manager do you see yourself going into corporate one day or into buying?

A: It's not my goal to be a buyer although I do see myself becoming a regional manager for shoes. Being a RM is more hands on in the stores with customers, salespeople, and managers. It is a teaching job and that is what I love most.

Q: What is the most satisfying part of your day at work?

A: The most satisfying part of my day is making my goals, whether it be with sales or helping coach my team to be better.

Q: What do you find is your biggest challenge being a manager?

A: My biggest challenge is delegating duties and not doing everything myself. I have to remember to spend time teaching my assistants and letting them take control of aspects of the business so they can learn.

Q: Who is your favorite shoe designer?

A: My favorite shoe designer is Jimmy Choo.

Q: Why Nordstrom?

A: I have a strong passion for my job and this company I wouldn't change a thing about my choice to work for Nordstrom.

Q: Would you consider changing paths and managing a clothing department?

A: Probably not, I kind of have an obsession for shoes and the shoe business.

Q: Who would you say is your top competitor company wise?

A: The biggest competitor for my department of shoes is probably Macy's.

Q: Where is your dream location for managing shoes? Is it still with Nordstrom?

A: Yes with Nordstrom and I would love to go back to the Bellevue women’s shoes department. Or manage the flagship women’s shoes floor.

Q: What’s been your greatest success so far?

A: Getting to manage my own women’s shoes floor.

Q: Do you have any advise when it comes to applying for a management position?

A: Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses.

Q: What is the best advise you received when getting where you are today?

A: "You are here for a reason, because someone believed in you... Now make me proud."