Beginning with “Queen City” in 1869, Seattle has had a few nicknames that have been used to describe our fair city. From Queen City to Jet City to the Emerald City, these phrases describe only a part of our city’s personality, or more specifically: the largest city in the state that is not a capital, the ties to Boeing and our beautiful forested surroundings, respectively.
This month’s theme for Vanguard Seattle is based on the moniker, “Jet City,” so I set out in search of what that meant to me from a fashion perspective. I looked at street style, at what was going on locally and in the neighborhoods around the city. I even checked into heavy metal band Queensrÿche’s song, “Jet City Woman,” which was inspired by a band member’s flight attendant wife who was based in Seattle. While the lyrics of this head banging hit didn’t exactly make me feel inspired to put a new fashion look together, it did get me thinking about what fashion looks like, as a Jet City Woman, as a Queen City Girl, and as resident of The Emerald City. Being the literal girl that I am, I have decided to take on the three moniker’s of Seattle as an inspiration for three stylish looks that are just part of the individualism, originality and signature style that is quintessential Seattle.
Queen City Girl
Local designers who have consistently stellar design concepts are like royalty to me, and that is how I feel about the label SCHAI. I covet many things from each collection, especially the beautiful dresses, including this amazing Globe Dress. The draping of the silk, the Kimono sleeve and standout color are just a few of the reasons to love this piece. Queen City girls don’t shy away from standing out in the crowd, so wear this dress with a pair of Gianvito Rossi lace up leopard print calf hair ankle boots. Add a contrast of color with the turquoise Miu Miu Clutch, and jewelry pieces that compliment the modern feel of this look. I love the Chloe Fringe Bracelet and the Ben-Amun Dreamcatcher Chandelier Earrings, which both touch on current jewelry trends.
Jet City Woman
Jumpsuits have certainly been having a moment or two, and with good reason. They are a cool alternative to a dress, and can be polished or casual. This NLST Sleeveless Harem Flightsuit is a funky nod to the Jet City Woman. The zipper details give it a surprisingly feminine edge, especially when paired with this Randi Crop Jacket from rag and bone. This cropped silhouette is such a hot trend, and I love the drawstring pull at the back and the snap details. It is a great investment piece for into fall as well. Add some Top Gun style with a pair of classic Ray-Ban mirrored aviators and a large Moorea Seal Denim Tote (now on sale) with leather trim. But don’t forget to add some kitschy fun with this awesome Pagoda Cat Pouch for carrying your Butter London Ruby Marie Lippy. Stand-out gold details add sleek style, like the No. 6 Gold/Natural Kiltie Wedge Shoe and the Alexis Bittar Ribbon Cuff to complement this cool jumpsuit. This look embodies the adventurous spirit of the “Jet City Woman,” who isn’t afraid of new things, from outdoor adventures to rocking a pair of harem pants. You go, girl.
Emerald City
“Playful style” sums up this last look perfectly. Suede, the darling of the summer and into fall, makes an ordinary pair of shorts extraordinary. We borrowed from the boys with a PLAY Comme des Garçons’ mens striped button down and a Madewell Linen Crop Vest. While the vest is made for women, the shirt is actually menswear, which I tend to buy and size down because you can get a better price on luxury brands like this if you get them from the mens department. Go figure. Loeffler Randall’s Backpack is sleek and stylish and keeps you hands free so you can keep track of your cute Panama Hat while you are out and about. Lulu Frost’s Swift Nomadic Earrings add the perfect bit of Emerald City touch with their wing-motif studs and green tassels capped with howlite stones. Green suede Billy Ella Lace-Up Flats—another big summer style-maker—can waltz you perfectly into fall.
No matter what your style, I hope that you will try a little something new every time you get dressed. Remember, “There are seven days in the week and someday isn’t one of them.”
