October 3rd, 2012 
Jill Gould, Vice President of Education, North America and Natalie Forrelli, National Education Director-EAST of Benefit Cosmetics (Photo Credit: Lesley Haenny)
Friday, September 27 brought the Bellevue Collection’s Posh Party Beauty and Trend Show at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The sold-out show was hosted by Brooke from Seattle’s New Movin 92.5’s, Brooke & Jubal in the Morning. This year’s show raised money for Bellevue LifeSpring, whose mission is to promote stability, self-sufficiency and independence for those in need in the Bellevue community through programs and services that feed, clothe, shelter and educate.
Eric Jimenez, Worldwide Retail Director and Global Makeup Artist for Urban Decay (Photo Credit: Lesley Haenny)
The evening began with representatives from Benefit Cosmetics making over an audience member with a fresh new look. Jill Gould, vice-president of Education, North America and Natalie Forrelli, national education director-EAST for Benefit Cosmetics showed the audience the difference filling in eye-brows can make for framing the eyes and how using the right face products can truly make a difference in a woman’s morning and evening routine. Jill then walked through the audience and threw little goodie bags of Benefit products to women lucky enough to catch them!!
Eric Jimenez, Worldwide Retail Director and Global Makeup Artist for Urban Decay followed featuring Urban Decay’s Vice Palette (with 20 never-before-seen eye shadow shades) and Eye Shadow Primer Potions. Eric also spoke of the benefits of using Urban Decay’s makeup setting sprays, such as the XL All-Nighter and the XL De-Slick. I can say from personal experience that the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion and the De-Slick Makeup Setting Spray are two of the most miraculous products in my makeup arsenal, and I highly recommend them!
Oxblood Red (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
The much anticipated fashion show began when the lights dimmed and the music started pumping through the crowd. Fall’s new “it” color, Oxblood Red, strutted itself beautifully on the catwalk. Oxblood colored blazers, blouses, jackets, knits and dresses from Aritzia, Express, 7 For All Mankind, Macy’s, Banana Republic and Eileen Fisher opened the show, self-describing itself in its beauty and versatility to be worn at work, in the evenings or just for fun.
Prairie Fire (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
Flowing and yet still elegant, the Prairie Fire collection was next, looking almost bohemian chic. Beautiful, bright and bold colors mixed in casual elegance made a true statement for those who encompass a free spirit.
Power Suiting (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
No longer just a black jacket and pants, the Power Suit collection followed. Textured grays, bright white suits with a pop of bright color at the shoe, and daring in-your-face reds lit up the cat walk as they would light up the boring office environment.
Fur-Get Me Not (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
The Fur-Get Me Not collection stepped onto the runway mixing animal prints and fur with soft, neutral and gorgeous dark colors. Prints and furs stand out when you use them as your showcase piece – be sure not to mix too many prints and textures together!
War Horse (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
Another new trend emerged itself onto the runway, the War Horse collection. Equestrian style filled with bold colors and prints paired with riding boots and fitted jackets mark this trend and make a statement. War Horse is a very versatile look and can be worn at work and on weekends.
Pattern Blocking along with the heel design I fell in love with! (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
One of my favorite trends, pattern blocking, also displayed itself on the runway. Solids partner with stripes and polka-dot accents, different patterns of similar colors mix to create one, all tied together with a statement-colored shoe truly bring a gorgeous outfit together. This collection introduced me to my new favorite heel that is going to be a must-have in my shoe collection.
Leather Accents (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
With the cool weather that fall brings, leather is a must-have this season. Its versatility shows on the runway for both men and women. Leather jackets, dresses with leather sleeves, leather pants – do not be afraid! The muted shine of leather can truly create an amazing outfit!
Luxe (Photo Credit: Bellevue Collection)
The final collection was Luxe, featuring outfits from Express, Trillium Custom Tailoring and Design, Arden B and others. The Luxe look includes sparkling sweaters, paisley printed jeans, wool coats and petal sleeve and peplum dresses. The look is classic and cozy – perfect for the crisp air of fall in Seattle!
I had a wonderful time at Bellevue Collection’s Posh Party Beauty and Trend Show. Being able to catch a glimpse of affordable outfits from stores that I shop at and seeing what patterns, colors and trends go together to make the perfect outfit was both eye opening and almost comforting – if you have the right tools, being fashionable is very easy to pull off and very easy on the wallet!
