Urban Blowout.

Defining Urban Fashion

{ Bellevue Fashion Week }

Honestly I've never heard of Bellevue Fashion week until this year and well, let's admit it, I have no money to actually attend any of the amazing events such as the Nordstrom Fashion Show or the VIP Shopping Night (Okay, maybe I could afford the $25, but-- I don't got much money for the clothes at Bellevue Square!!).

I could afford the Urban Blowout Fashion Event held by 7 Salon and Zebra Club-- and I was quite sure I could at least find an outfit in the closet to look like I might belong. Let's just say it was completely worth it-- awesome show and free champagne? Only $25, DEAL!

{ Urban }

My question: how do you define urban?? It's such a broad term and from person to person, I'm sure we could come up with a book of definitions.

The man who picked out all the outfits for this particular urban event defined it as a mix, a combination of styles-- pushing the envelope further and further. He mentioned the European style, the difference in their style and our American "mimication" of the idea.

The outfits were put together in a way that-- let's say walking in to a Zebra Club you might not feel like you could find an outfit quite like the one's the models wore, but it's in there and it only comes to show how creative you can get with simple (and of course, some crazy) pieces of clothing when you combine them all together.

It was a fun show, good music, unbelievable hair, amazing visual accompaniment, and beautiful models (and not to mention some beautiful faces in the crowd).

Another question: when did boys wearing rolled up, high water pants become a thing?? It was one style that I'm not quite sure I'd see out in the streets, at least... not any streets around here. But... if I see any of you boys pulling it off-- kudos to you, I'll love it. I'm not gonna lie though, I'm still a sucker for those skinny jeans!

I did get some amazing shots. Take a look and tell me- how do you define 'urban'??

For me : I think urban has become a sense of street, with a sense of modern elegance, with of course a whole lot of edge-- and that edge gives it the uniqueness that each individual brings into the definition.

The Center of the Universe

In the Neighborhoods of Seattle

{ Run, Drink, Play! }

Fremont Oktoberfest 

Last weekend was the annual micro-brew festival, Oktoberfest, hosted by the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. 

I ran in the Brew Ha-Ha 5k. You can run the 5k individually, as part of a team, or even in a beer belly division! The run included a t-shirt, an award ceremony, a Race Expo and the MOViN 92.5 rehab party. It was a beautiful Sunday and had the "just right" weather for a run.

So, what better way to quench your thirst after a run? I was lucky enough to attend and check out the 5 beer tents located in the microbrew garden. I got an adorable tasting mug and 8 tasting tokens (well, 9 if you include the extra token I got for signing up for the vinehop e-newsletter). Those tiny tasting mugs are so deceiving and I was feeling a good buzz already after my third taste. I was able to try the Jamaica Red Ale from Mad River Brewing Company, which was delicious! It had a caramel richness with a spicy kick to it. CHEERS! I made it a goal to try a taste at each tent and succeeded. I couldn't resist trying Fremont's own Brewing

 Company, I mean why not? When in Rome, right? I tasted their "Universale"-- a Pale Ale, my preference in microbrews, was what I would call "nom nom nom." In other words, yummy. 

Sunday was dog day. There were dogs everywhere! CityDog

 was holding a contest, "CityDog Cover Dog Model Contest" and "The Simpsons Santa's Little Helper Dog Look-A-Like Contest," I wish I had brought Deuce. The little fat boy could

 have been a star! 

Next year, I plan on attending all 3 days. There are a ton of events going on and heck I am trying to get my beer tasting on. Fremont's Oktoberfest is voted by USAToday and Orbitz.com one of the best places to toast to Oktoberfest! Not to mention, it is all for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds go to funding local schools, art groups, community events, and promoting Fremont as "Center of the Universe"

{ Fremont Sunday Market }

Walking through the Fremont Sunday Market was my first time, but it is held every Sunday rain or shine. It is a street market where you can find a bunch of random and not so random things. It's great and maybe I'm easily amused, but I felt like I had to stop at every tent. I was able to see some really cool hand made

 jewelry, new artists displaying their work, along with antiques, collectables, and some original clothing-- leading me to talk about Subculture Apparel. 

His Space Needle print caught my eye immediately. I liked it so much I had to buy one of his stickers. I didn't catch his name, but he mentioned he started printmaking for his senior project. All of his prints represented the city of Seattle-- the Space Needle with roots growing from it, the Gasworks image, and the Seattle skyline with paint splots as seen from Gasworks park.  The shirts came in different colors and it seems to me that the artist is coming out with more color combinations. From the looks of the myspace site, people even request

color combinations. Pretty sweet. I really like the designs, it's attention grabbing. I don't really find a lot of Seattle shirt designs that I would actually wear, but I would rock his work. Ladies don't fret, he did have women's shirts, too! All shirts are designed and printed in his garage. The shirts are $15 a piece and can be purchased online at www.SubcultureApparel.com.  So help promote this local artist buy wearing his original gear. Represent Seattle! Plus, every order comes with a free sticker. I decorated my MacBook with the sticker I bought. Where will you stick yours? You can also check out Subculture Apparel on Myspace.com/suburbancultureclothing. 

Overall, we had a great time in Fremont. Definitely an artsy neighborhood of Seattle that everyone should check out if they are in the area.

My First Appearance.

Hello all you lovely people out there, I'm Faye Farrales, Nicole's pa'tna! It's funny because as freshman in college we were constantly asking why we had to go to school to do what we wanted to do? Being part of this team probably makes a lot more sense to me than my four years in college did. I graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology. . .

Anyway, Nicole and I are taking action. We are "do'ers" and I'm effen excited to be on the team! The two of us are thick as thieves and we are about to embark on another journey together, it's gonna be awesome! I cannot wait to capture and experience all the differently beautiful things life has to offer. I hope to help cuArtistry develop for Nicole to reach her goals and then some.

With that said, I think between the two of us we are going to be witnessing a lot of amazing things.

My Partner in Crime

Introducing the Team

{ And We're Off! }

Getting this project under way is exciting and a ton of work, yet the work hasn't begun! My partner in crime since we stomped through the playground at SilverRidge Elementary is joining me and well, I couldn't think of anyone better than her. It's Faye! She'll introduce herself later, but it's exciting to get all of this underway!

{ In the Works }

We already have some projects in mind and working on a calendar so we're getting things done. Finding inspiration around Seattle is going to be exciting!

Preparing for the Beginning

Alki Beach : Seattle

{ The Definition of Redefinition }

After some idea tossing between Faye and I, we took a trip to Alki Beach - a great place for people watching!! It was a perfect time for some shooting around - perfect day in Seattle. Although, we did feel like creepers taking pictures of a randos - oh well, it's for the art!

We found this unique store, Pepper : ReCouture near Duke's Chowder. With some crazy unique clothing, including one of a kind pieces combining high fashion and old school clothing in a very creative way. After knocking over their little mannequin (oops, watch out for it, it's not too stable! haha or maybe it's me) we found some funky little outfits... I think we found out where to get our Halloween costumes this year!!


We started to crave some pizza - met up with two other friends and had some interesting talks. We all have our tabloids - apparently being graduated and "older" - our tabloids have gotten quite boring, so we reverted to talking about the younger folks. It happens, it's entertaining, it's just real. Yet we couldn't help but think about the future. A baby sitting in front of us only made us wonder, when will that be us?! Oh gee, when that wave starts rolling out - hahah, that'll be interesting. For now, times like these - good shit.

[[more pictures coming - bare with me, sorry!]]

Point of Conception

CuArtistry : "Captivating Universal Artistry"

{ About the Project }

CuArtistry is my beginning project into the world of art. The idea is simple : captivating universal artistry - gathering and producing art amongst friends, fellow artists, and strangers a like.

This is the point of conception. It's a journey, a thrilling experience, a rocky ride to finding art, culture, and inspiration. Direction has developed and we await the birth and growth of something amazing, hopefully many amazing somethings. I will share my experiences in developing this project from the days of inspiration to production to whatever else comes my way.

First I'll start with today and then we'll journey back around to where it all began. The art I have captured.

{ Inspiration }

College is an experience that most of us were pulled into the direction of. When I started and even before the thought was in order to do what you want and to get the job and the money, college is necessary. Yet, I recently graduated from Washington State University during a time of recession and the job market still remains tough to break through. And doing what you want and enjoy isn't always there - you must work towards it everyday, but sometimes joy is lost in what you thought you wanted.

I know this is an experience for many. This is our inspiration.. we must be do'ers and take action to continue doing something we love every step of the way, no matter what stage. It's about the emotion from all life events and finding the energy to put it to use. That's universal, the emotion in which we all feel. The ability that art has on expressing emotion.

Other sources of inspiration will be explored throughout. Trust me.

{ About Me and Production }

Cua is the last name and my pride for my family helped create the name for this project. I am a Washington State University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science.

My heart and soul will be poured into this project - I believe that's what art should truly portray. My goal is to connect with fellow artists and art lovers with the same passion.

It's about seeing the journey. Using other art to create more. Using the ideas of others and your own to create something different, bigger, and better.