Staff Obsessions: Spring Fashion Trends You’ll Want To Be A Part Of

Spring is next month and we couldn’t be more excited for the change of weather and wardrobe. Look out for these hot spring trends and tips to change up your look and bring some fun to your spring wardrobe. Think of 90’s inspiration, bright colors, crochet pieces, soft silk, ruffles and bows, fun accessories and floral prints. With all these springy ideas to incorporate into your date outfits, you shouldn’t have any trouble wondering what to wear on your next date…

Bright Colors and Surf’s Up

We always see bright colors in summer but spring is all about the bright colors too! Think greens and blues, red and orange in both accessories and clothes. Also, designers found inspiration from luau themed pieces for spring. You will see fun floral prints, including palm trees and pineapples, mixed with springy colors.

Crochet 

A trend that comes straight from the 70’s, and we have learned to love the last couple years. Crochet will be a must- have through spring and summer, on everything from tops to skirts and swimsuits. We love layering a crochet boxy top over a fitted bright tank for a date night.

Silk

This is the material that will steal the spotlight this spring! It is both flowy and sensual, paired with leather now or a fun light spring jacket as it warms up. You will also find structured and tailored tops and jackets, as well as silky boxy dresses that will follow your curves for the perfect date night!

Angular Necklines

This spring look is flattering and fun for all! Think bare shoulders and collarbones, off-the-shoulder tops, cutout tops and dresses. The unique cut will feel fresh and new for spring. Your naked shoulders will be the focus of seduction- pair with a mid-skirt or high waist dark denim for your date night.

Bows and Ruffles 

Bows can take the place of previous embellishments details we have seen on tops the past couple years. You will see them on jackets, tops, accessories and on belts. Bows are a simple and fun way to play up your feminine and flirty side. T

The ruffles will come on tops and dresses in all different styles- some fitted, flowy and also feel free to layer them up. Good thing there are romantic ruffles everywhere, what an easy way to “dress up” without even trying. We have seen this Victorian-inspired neckline everywhere, but for this spring it is loosened up a bit and in bulkier ruffles.

Earrings and Ear Art 

Anything goes as far as earrings go- the ear lobe will be shining this spring! You will see everything from mismatched earrings to jumbo-sized, ornate versions. Put away your simple studs and have some fun trying some new accessories!

Happy dating (and shopping)!

-Your It’s Just Lunch Seattle Matchmaker,

ijldinnerclub.com

tsjustlunchseattle.com

Staff Obsessions: Our Favorite Fashion Boutiques

There’s no denying it: fall means fashion. And while many are quick to assume Seattle isn’t a fashion staple among United States cities, well, many would be wrong.

We know how to dress in the PNW and we definitely know where to go when we’re in need of the most fashion-forward clothes and accessories.

Meadow:  Queen Anne

Check out this adorable, brightly adorned and charming shop. This boutique can be described as stylish, cute, affordable, and sweet! It has been a successful business since 2009, and is on the quiet corner of 6^th and Crockett on the top of Queen Anne Hill. You will be happy to learn that affordability is in mind- clothing prices rarely top $50. Shop the collection of stylish clothing for your date night, and with inventory including printed silk tops, chambray shirts and dresses, you will absolutely find more than one keeper! Also shop unique accessories to complete your date outfit, as well as fun home décor and gifts.

Vixen:  Magnolia 

Since 2002, Vixen, a charming boutique, has been tucked away in Magnolia. Start with treating yourself and getting pampered at the Vixen Spa before your date. Vixen offers a unique spa experience, with the best cutting edge treatments, indulge in facials, massage, a wax, or relax with a manicure or pedicure. Then shop for your date night, with curated collections of clothing and accessories. You will feel like you are raiding your girlfriend’s closet- and find great products from the best companies and trendy brands.  Guaranteed you will have trouble finding the right outfit for your date, as there is so much to choose from.  Also shop great necessities, gifts galore, and beauty products to make you feel and look your best!

Canopy Blue:  Madison Park

Nestled in a corner of Madison Park’s neighborhood, Canopy Blue is a dream come true. You will find hard to find basics, as well as the season’s must-have styles and more elegant date attire! The merchandise is carefully edited but delightfully diverse. Enjoy the relaxed and soothing atmosphere, with canopied dressing rooms, seashells strewn throughout the St. Bart’s décor theme, and crystal chandeliers. Canopy Blue has the goods to dress you to the nines with looks of modern, sophistication, glamour and fun! Snap out of dreaming of vacations and beaches while shopping here, and focus on your dreamy date night outfit instead.

Totokaelo:  Capitol Hill

Try something different, and browse this stunning boutique on Capitol Hill. You will find unique designer brand items to add to your closet. You will be looking fabulous with your fun additions from Totokaelo, and feel like “first class”. There is a wide variety of beautiful items- including high-end luxury pieces, jewelry, home goods and art, brilliant selections of shoes, and even a men’s shop. Brands range from couture to designer and to local talent, and the ambiance of this store is like no other. You will leave feeling sexy and sleek and ready to rock your date night.

Have fun and happy shopping!

-Your It’s Just Lunch Seattle Matchmaker,

If you would like to meet Seattle Singles with It’s Just Lunch Seattle contact us at: itsjustlunchseattle.com

If you would like to meet Seattle Singles with IJL Dinner Club contact us at: ijldinnerclub.com

Staff Obsessions: Our Favorite Fall Boots

It is officially boot season, which means it’s time to get your fall shopping list ready! Yes, you will see some familiar styles: ankle booties, flat boots, heeled, and thigh-high boots. And of course, you will find boots at all price points and, even though we love finding the great deals, know that some are definitely worth the investment!

Remember to look for the quality of the materials, leather, sole, lining etc. You want your fall boots to be super cute and trendy, but also comfortable and wearable (and capable of lasting more than one season)!

We all have our staple riding boots for winter and we can’t wait to wear our comfy boots with leggings and tights, but this year’s selections of boots go way beyond that. These favorites are worthy of a weekend shopping before they’re inevitably, all gone!

Western- Inspired:

These chunky heeled ankle booties are classy and business on top, and country on the bottom.  You can’t go wrong with a basic black or dark brown bootie- such a great staple for any closet and the perfect addition to any outfit this season! Since they hit at the ankle, they elongate your legs and make your look extra chic! Try Sole Society

Lace-Up Booties:

Sometimes wearing a heel to work can get a little tricky, although a heeled boot that still looks office appropriate is a great alternative that will keep you covered through the rest of the year! The preppy look of the suede mixed with laces and a good heel is all we want to make a perfect bootie! A neutral tan color, goes great with flattering black and grey skinnies, detailed bottoms, and all dresses! Try Nordstrom Rack

Urban Wedge:

How fun is this reintroduction of the mid-ankle platform shoe? The wooden base and leather details make the boot so comfortable, that it will become your go-to! They will make people want to rock them too, admiring the color block and contrast of the black and tan that adds just the right amount of flare to any outfit this fall! Try Urban Outfitters

Peep Toe: 

This is great for the transition from summer to fall, since it is a mix of a sandal and heeled boot with a fun and flirty edge! These may not be as practical as your favorite, everyday boots, but if you’re looking for something a little more unique and to change up your look- you can’t go wrong with these! They also give you another excuse to keep up with your pedicures throughout the fall ☺ Also, if you are super trendy, or if it’s a little chilly, then you can pair with high socks for a layered look! Try Steve Madden, Nordstrom 

Happy Shopping!

-Your It’s Just Lunch Seattle Matchmaker,

If you would like to meet Seattle Singles with It’s Just Lunch Seattle contact us at: itsjustlunchseattle.com

If you would like to meet Seattle Singles with IJL Dinner Club contact us at: ijldinnerclub.com

How to Put in the Effort While Looking Effortless!

First dates can make you nervous, excited and give you all kinds of emotions! The last thing you should have to worry about is “what should I wear?” However, it seems like we always scramble to find that perfect outfit before a first date. Your first date impression is essential, and you want to nail the outfit.

For women, we all know what our assets are (what we love to show off and what we like to minimize). Use your best judgment, as one specific outfit will not work for all body types. Never reveal too much, as you must leave something to the imagination. If you have great toned arms, show them off. If you have killer legs, rock a skirt or dress. If you want to show some cleavage in a low cut top, tone down the bottom with some dark skinny jeans.

You can wear jeans, but they should be dark and form fitting. Skinny jeans are always best. Other jean styles are more appropriate after the first date. Heels will make you feel sexy and boost your confidence; they make your calves and ankles look longer and leaner. The only time flats are okay on a first date is if he is your height. Wear your hair down, and stick with loose, feminine and pretty styles. Stay away from stiff hair!

With fall coming up, pair skinny black or indigo jeans with a fun, sleeveless top and tailored/cropped leather jacket. With shoes, try heels or booties.

For men, you don’t want to be too formal, as “buttoned-up” doesn’t seem that natural and relaxed. Instead, try a collared shirt; it is always attractive to a woman! Also, always wear a watch. Watches look great on all men, and show you are confident and pay attention to detail and accessories. Be sure to have a clean shave, or at least trim up your facial hair so you aren’t too scruffy!

Now you’re ready to look great without trying too hard!

-Your It’s Just Lunch Seattle Matchmaker,

Staff Obsessions: Our Favorite Fall Fashions For Women

The count down has begun! We are only weeks away from an official fall, and fall fashions are inspiring us all over the place! When we think of fall, we think of slouchy boyfriend jeans, distressed denim, cozy sweaters or cardigans, booties and definitely scarfs.

Here are some of our favorite must-haves, to help you update to your wardrobe this season:

Puffer Coat: Your new fall coat should be an updated version of the “puffy coat”. This season has bold colors, interesting cuts and patterns, and can make any basic outfit complete with this simple add-on!

Faux-fur vests, stoles and shearling: There is so much you can do with the faux-fur layering pieces! Shrug it over your shoulder, belt it, and it adds all sorts of sophistication! Also, nothing keeps you warmer than a shearling coat, which we saw last fall, but now it’s back in all forms: cropped jackets, oversize coats, and vests!

Flares: Feel free to take a break from the skinny jeans (that is when you aren’t sporting them rolled with booties) and break out the flares! Pair them with a wedge for extra height, and this will elongate your legs too! Go extra ‘70s vibe and try a boho silhouette, knits with fun patterns, and gold accessories!

Accessorize: Don’t be afraid to spice up your outfit with extra accessories! Try a statement earring, it takes minimal effort and will add a maximum impact to your outfit!

Neon colors: Bright, electric neon shades are back and better than ever! The neon pieces are paired with more neutral fall shades, such as tan, grey and navy. The pop of bright color, inspired from the 80’s, is all you need to make your outfit come to life, in a new and sophisticated way!

Chunky Knits: These sweaters are amazing because they couldn’t be more comfortable! Stay away from looking sloppy by layering necklaces, and balance a boxy or bulky sweater with a slimmer bottom (try a dark skinny jean).