Seattle getaway...part 4...wooed by Prints Charming in the land of Liberty!

Liberty of London

In my distant past, I owned a Liberty print shirt that Mr. HB had gifted me when were were poor as church mice...it was a very sweet and extravagant purchase at the time and I loved it so much....the elbows actually wore through!

It's all about the details...

100% cotton pj's...how cute are these?

They feel so girly on...I love the bows too.

Target...for those of you who do not know is a large store that retails a huge variety of merchandise....everything from clothing to housewares to hardware...and I got to shop at the Northgate location briefly on our trip back home.

Target is a fun place to shop, surprises everywhere you turn...and affordable.

I was dizzy from the get go...Liberty signs everywhere...go this way, now turn, go back, go farther, get muddled, lose sight of Mr. HB, spied Liberty boots, bags, hats, bathing suits (cute but too skimpy), tops, pj's, dresses, or frocks as I am now calling them, thank you Faux Fuchsia!!

They even had an escalator which carried shopping carts...I thought that I had lost Mr. HB for a few minutes while he was studying said contraption.

I am thinking peacocks...

strappy and shirred...

flirty and tiered, 

a swish when you walk...

I have given myself "permission" to play...and not "safely"

 There is an abundance of fabric, (yes LPC it's polyester!)  

I feel feminine,

and I am pushing my comfort zone by choosing a print...and adding volume where it is really not needed!

I have been wooed by Prints Charming!

I can see this summer frock on the boat, in the garden picking flowers, maybe even a backyard BBQ.

Check out Sweet Tea in Seattle in her frock...she is so cute!

She is a fan of Target and as a result of her posts I was looking online for locations from the hotel suite.

I can see that Target has a site online....hmmm, I wonder if they ship to Canada?

 Deadline for the scarf giveaway is March 21st...someone is going to be lucky!

Seattle getaway...part 3...one is not enough but 4 might be too many!!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!....there was a large parade in Seattle on the 13th....firetrucks, those futuristic looking steel DeLorean cars, bagpipers, men in uniform, Irish water spaniels, kilted men and women, and later we discovered a festival. Green was the theme...shamrocks, green garb, hats, beads, costumes, a sea of green...it was wild!  There were Irish dancers on stage, face painters, stalls for all things Irish....

I salute the Irish today...my grandmother and her kin....the Hollins clan!

We have been going into Laguna for years. They were one of a few retailers that sourced and stocked quality arts and crafts pieces. Wellers, Rookwood, and Gruebys in matte greens would take my breath away.

Cacaphony of colour and form.

We browsed inside but did not buy, The Humble Bungalow is full of pottery...and most of it green!

One of my goals was to hunt for a pair of ballerina flats, I had a vision in mind and I looked long and hard and did not find what I was envisioning...I know my dream pair are out there I just haven't seen them yet.

I did not let that deter me in my quest for footwear...it started so innocently...Mr. HB and I had embarked on an early morning walk and found ourselves outside The Nordstrom Rack, (I'd been there before!) we were there before they even opened!

There were a few other couples, Starbucks in hands, noses pressed to the glass...eyes on watches checking the time...and a rush ahead as they hurried in.

After a cursory check of the leather bags I headed upstairs...to shoe territory...hundreds of shoes, maybe thousands...in size categories on shelves stacked 2 and 3 high. I tried on an obscene amount...."When in Rome"....I narrowed it down to 4...

(I was planning on another edit but Mr. HB said "just get them all"

A man after my own heart!)

The shoe reveal....

Stickley, the Bungalow cat was "somewhat keen"(YAWN) to see us after our weekend.
She had been tended to lovingly by her favorite Bungalow Gal, lovely daughter.
I insisted that she humour me and see what would come out of the bag.

Born Bow fronts

(Yawn, I am not amused)

Sperry loafers

(Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?)

Anne Klein loafers

(Closing my eyes now)

Miz Mooz

(You woke me up, now I see red!)

Loafers are a standard and basic shoe for me so I got 2 pairs as replacements for my weary ones.

The antiqued Borns are just for fun, and the Reds are to replace my BCBG girls flats.

I am doing a happy dance now!

I have some more loot, see you tomorrow....

Seattle getaway...part 2...hunting and gathering, I bagged a big one!

There were so many great shopping opportunities to take advantage of in Seattle that I was overwelmed. (Not afraid of the challenge, I quickly rose up to meet it!)
We packed a lot into our time away, walking miles and for hours, exploring the Downtown core and seeing the sights...we did eat well and often!
Mr. HB was a very keen shopper. He managed to acquire 2 new black wool coats; one "MOTU" business coat, the other casual,  5  "Logo Free" Nordstrom polo shirts, and 2 pairs of shoes; one pair business, one pair casual for the boat.

I came home with more than I imagined... let's start here and there will be more posts to cover the rest of the loot!

I had been looking for a new bag, and had not found anything locally that made my heart flutter so I knew that it would be uppermost in my mind to scout out any prospects in Seattle.

Seattle did not disappoint!
Hooray! I bought a new bag.

Introducing....Tory Burch, my new arm candy.

love the colour!

reminds me of a caramel, or butterscotch...yummy.

Lined with several compartments.

Tote or cross body hands free for serious shopping!

Just waiting for a playdate!

I had a superb experience when purchasing this bag.

The sales staff were enthusiastic and showed me every possible bag they had on the floor. 

Bags by a multitude of amazing designers, in all colours, and styles, with prices from here to eternity.

 I tried them on, "test drove" them a bit, but all the while I kept TB firmly grasped in one hand so no one else might scoop her up.

Love or lust at first sight, I just knew!

I am thrilled with my new TB bag. The price tag is one that I can live with, the colour is new for me, it will go from spring and summer to fall. It will hold an immense amount...as long as it is not too heavy!

I laugh when I say that, as my Marc Jacobs Turnlock was too heavy when loaded up with my basics and so I gave it to my Lovely DIL.

Mr. HB was quick to point out that I better make certain that it would not be too heavy!

I am going to introduce TB to the Market and see how she likes it....we might run into our friends from Chanel or Louis Vuitton.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway scarf...see details on a former post.

More shopping reveals tomorrow stay tuned...

Seattle getaway...part 1!

We are home from our 4 days in Seattle, lots of walking as predicted and the weather was wonderful, sunny and crisp but very litttle wind and rain.

Space Needle

Monorail

Pike Street Market

Our suite at the Mayflower Park Historic Hotel

Very comfortable, and great to come back to for a bit of rest after hours of walking and sightseeing.

Frank Gehry architect, marries art and function, and voila, The Music Experience!

...and across the street, 

Ride The Ducks!

 I thought it might be a bit too touristy, but was so much fun and a great way to see Seattle and a cruise in Lake Union!

Amphibious WW11 Ducks!

I had to take this photo as I follow a blogger whose blog is named Faux Fuchsia go and pay her a visit.

We did shop and we both found lots to bring home...Mr. HB was especially pleased to find polo shirts with No Logo's on them at Nordstroms!

Mr.HB does not do Logos...and on the boat, during summer his signature top is a classic polo shirt. Thank you Nordstroms!

Shopping does give you an appetite, so laden with our many bags, we made our way to the closest eatery...

We ate lunch in the Nordstroms Grill, great food and exceptional service.

I dined on a roasted vegetable salad and a glass of bubbly, Mr.HB had a pale ale and a beef dip sandwich.

I have some shopping surprises too...I will reveal them tomorrow!

Minimalist fashion luggage challenge.

I have a "small carry on bag", regulation size and I need to be prepared for 4 days of windy and rainy Seattle weather, dinners out, shopping and a LOT of walking.
Sounds easy for those of you who are experienced globe trotting executives or world travellers. NOT EASY pour moi!
I was very impressed with Janet over at The Gardener's Cottage who recently packed for a romantic weekend in Palm Springs and fit everything into a modest sized tote. She shows us pictures of her ensembles and she was spot on with her choices!
Note to self; it can be done.
I have to admit my packing history is shameful. I definitely fail in this area so I set myself a challenge, be ruthless, plan ahead, hang things in wearable groupings, mix, match and discard what doesn't do double duty....and here's the reason for this challenge...to leave space for holiday purchases!

I am going to be wearing my skinny jeans because I can wear flats for the ease and comfort navigating the streets and the expected mileage.

Hermes scarf, Gilmore top, Olsen belt, skinny jeans in petite, sequined black flats.

We will be staying at Our Home away from Home.
We will be shopping and sightseeing....Pike Place Market and more.
I love the vibe Downtown

INC top, skinny jeans, sequined flats.

Sweet Tea in Seattle has suggested the Bravern Mall in Bellevue which sounds very enticing! LV, Hermes, Neiman Marcus, Woolfords and that is just the start...OMG, there is even Valet parking!

 I have dark denim skinny jeans, (to wear with flats) and dark denim dressy jeans, (need heels), capri length black Hue leggings....neutral tank top, white 3/4 sleeve Cut Loose top, Parkhurst long sweater which can be also belted for a coat effect, new black trench style jacket, scarf, Olsen belt with ornate buckle detail, and a nightie. Does that sound like enough? Too much?
I have not packed a skirt or a dress which might be a mistake...but I did not want to put boots in or hose (my legs are ghostly pale) and dressy shoes....but can pair the grey or winter white longer tops with my Hue black capri tights. These tights with flats have me feeling very Audrey-esque!

Debra Kay necklace, Cut Loose top, Parkhurst sweater.

Hermes scarf, black spring jacket.

Weather feels very cold outside so I am thinking I'll wear my winter wool black Olsen coat just to be on the safe side...Is snow mentioned in the forecast!!!

Olsen winter coat, and hide gloves in Elliot Lucca bag just in case.

I also plan to pack my grey Club Monaco scarf which doubles as a wrap...soft and cozy, great if one is sitting beneath the air conditioner in a restaurant.

Have you noticed the theme here?

Black, black, more black and a smattering of neutrals...only color here is in the lacy lingerie and the toes, neither of which will be paraded in public.

I usually wear a stack of silver bangles but I am wearing my Tiffany necklace as a bracelet to mix things up a bit...and if I get lost...

I had a pedicure with Shelley this morning....and I have happy feet and toes!

OPI toes.... I'm India Mood for Love!

In Seattle, I will be first and foremost "holiday making" with Mr. HB.  I'll also be shopping for shoes....and maybe a bag. Mr. HB is very helpful and his opinion is valued especially when Hermes scarves are being considered...he has been involved at Tiffany's as well. Maybe I'll introduce him to Chanel and Louis Vuitton this time and see how they get along! He gets bored in Macy's so I'll go solo for an hour or so and see how many pairs of shoes I can buy. I hope there are some cute ballerina flats in my future.

I may be away from the blogosphere for a few days...
Don't forget to check out the FANtastic silky scarf I am giving away...see earlier post.