Dressed for Tea: 2011

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Wendy

Wendy Westerwelle, Outside Pariscope Studios, Downtown Seattle

I met Wendy at the Fall Show & Sale of Pariscope Studios last weekend. Wendy and I bonded over the fashion documentary, Bill Cunningham New York. In the must-see documentary Bill Cunningham said that fashion is the armor to surviving day to day life. Westerwelle thinks there is a spirituality to fashion and that a major part of it is having a colorful personality. And Westerwelle definitely embodied that.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Welcome to Indian Summer

One of Seattle's hidden gems, Indian Summer, a cozy retail boutique tucked away in the residential part of Capitol Hill, recently celebrated it's one year anniversary. Indian Summer has a lot of great treasures and a whole lot of charm thanks to the shop owner and fashion enthusiast, Adria Garcia.

Shop owner, Adria Garcia outside Indian Summer, Mercer and Summit, Capitol Hill

Are you from Seattle?

I was raised in Hawaii, lived there until I was 16. I've been in Seattle for the past 13 years. I think there is something mystical about this city. I like the dark and rainy mood.

How did you choose the name Indian Summer?

My mom had a antique store when I was younger that was a big influence on me. At home, I would pretend to have a shop and I called it Indian Summer and I would have neighborhood friends come by. It was meant to be.

What are your fashion influences?

Houlston, Alexander McQueen, african style, native tribe, more feathers, more beads, more turquoise the better. And of course, all my pretty friends.

How did you get into fashion?

My parents are really into clothes. My Dad is very GQ and my Mom has the best collection I've ever seen, very gypsie inspired and vintage 70's. Back in the day, my parents were Washington state disco champions and I loved looking at old photos of them.

Do you have any fashion faux pas?

wearing uggs and headset headphones in public, sneakers, and low rise jeans.

Favorite past times?

Live music, thrifting, dinner parties, playing music, & dancing.

If you could be anywhere, where would you be?

At the Carnival of Brazil surrounded by all the festival dancers or at the Rose Bowl flea market in California.

What do you never leave the house without?

lipstick, change of shoes, & a flask

What's something you're looking forward to?

My winter collection. It's going to be really icy, real norway style with huge sweaters and a pale color palette.

What's your life advise?

Pump up the volume. Wear it because you only live once. People always say they don't have a place or event to wear certain pieces. That's not true. Wear it to the grocery store, and get a couple compliments and go home.