Halloween On the Hill

Monday, October 31st, is this year's Halloween On the Hill, the spookiest, most candy-filled night on the hill! On the top of hill, all along Queen Anne Avenue, local stores will fill with ghosts and ghouls from 3-6 pm for candy and fun! Sponsored by the Queen Anne Merchants, this event is always great family fun.

Lole Women

This year's outerwear is in and we have been completely blown away by the selection from Lole. Based in Montreal and founded just in 2002, the styles "for active urban women" have grown leaps and bounds each season. This year's inspirations come from all over the world, from British Columbia, to Central Park, to Barcelona. While the ballet-inspired dresses and cardigans are truly lovely, the feminine touch to the really durable outerwear has us all rushing to pick our favorites.



(Head on over to our facebook to check out more pictures of staff favorites!)

Besame!

"I miss the attention to detail best seen in products of the past. I love the effortless glamour I envision when I think of classic Hollywood starlets. My Besame is for the woman who makes it clear to the world she is not going to be taken lightly!" -- Gabriela Hernandez, designer, cosmetics historian, and creator of Besame Cosmetics

Bringing retro style into contemporary fashion, Besame Cosmetics has captured not only the "wow factor" of classic cosmetics, but the attention to detail and quality as well. From mascara to lip creme, Besame makes us feel truly glamorous! The semi-matte finish lipsticks are enriched with Vitamins A, E, C, aloe, and Green Tea (our favorite, Red Hot Red, pictured below).

Sidewalk Sale!

Half off cargos, dresses, shoes, skirts, and more! This Saturday, come to Queen Anne where the streets will be filled with face-painting, sprinklers, snacks, kids' art projects, and sales galore! Our sales last all weekend!

Feather Me

So I don't know if you've noticed, but hair feathers are happenin'. Feather hair extensions, feather clips, and feather headbands are an in-demand commodity right now. Feather hair extensions are starting to make their way into many of the hair salons in Seattle, but getting yourself to a salon for two small feathers and then going back when you want them taken out can be a bit of a hassle. Clip-in extensions that you put in yourself give you the freedom of wearing them when you want for as long as you want, with the added bonus of letting you opt for a more concentrated dash of feathers. You can also take them out for washing, giving them much more longevity than salon extensions.

I also thoroughly enjoy the feather hair clips and headbands. They are a little bit more of a statement and are the perfect addition to a snazzy outfit. Clips and headbands are also a much better choice for people with short hair. So fun!

Spring Friends and Family!

It's finally here! Mark you calendars! Our Spring Friends and Family event will be Friday, May 5th, 6-10pm. As always, the wonderful DJ Mullet will be keeping us moving while you enjoy free drinks, food, and 20% off all regularly priced merchandise. Sale all day, party at night!

Queen Anne Spotlight: Charley + May

Last month, a lovely little home boutique opened a few doors down from yours truly: Charley + May. A lovely collection of home accessories, bath & body, local jewelry, art, and more, it is a wonderful addition to our neighborhood! Stop by for a chat with the owner, Lauren, about the store's namesakes (her grandparents) and take a peek around in this fun, vibrant shop.

Lace and Whiskey

The runways of Spring 2011 are all about lace. Colorful, lingerie-inspired, punked out with leather, and, my favorite, antique lace. Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney both showcased some beautiful designs. Lace babydolls and tunics pop with brown leather accessories, cowboy boots, and wooden wedges.

Jailbait!!

Fendi, Marc Jacobs, and Prada all showcased stripes on the runway this season. Vertical, horizontal, thick, thin, dressy or casual, stripes are as versatile as they are timeless. Most exciting for me, gone are the days when you had to choose between stripes and polka dots! Striped shirt and polka dot belt? Perfect! Top it off with some brassy gold jewelry and you are set. Graphics and florals come and go, but stripes are forever.

These Boots Are Made For Walking

It's hard to believe that Spring is actually approaching. At a snail's pace, maybe, but approaching nonetheless. As much as I love and long for warm, sunny days, I love wearing boots. With our Fall/Winter boots on half-off right now, it has been reminding me to enjoy wearing my boots while I can. Soon they will be tossed in the corner of my closet in favor of sandals. I was feeling a little sad about it until our new Spring boots came in! Comfortable, edgy, and stylish, my dreams are now filled with floral sundresses, leggings, cutoffs, and all the other cute things I can wear with them!

Grey and Gloomy

Living in the Pacific Northwest, you see a lot of us walking around wearing black and grey. Muted tones are simply a wardrobe staple. I know you've heard it before, but don't be afraid of a little color! You don't have to start wearing a bright pink sweater, but just a splash of color on a necklace or big earrings can really make your outfit pop.

Resolutions

Well, 2011 is here and with it the time for resolutions. We've got it pretty good here at the Dispatch: fun atmosphere, a great crew, and wonderful customers. I think a good resolution would just be to keep building on the amazing community we are so proud to be a part of. So thank all of you so much for your support, your conversations, and the energy you bring that has helped make Dispatch what it is today.

Wishing you all a fantastic New Year!
Love,
The Dispatch Crew & Lily

Holiday Magic!

Tis the season! Stop by Dispatch to watch our busy holiday elves cater to your every shipping need!

Friends & Family

TOMS: Good Deeds in Style!

Founded in 2006 by Blake Mycoskie and based in Santa Monica, California, TOMS shoes have become one of the most talked about shoe lines in the world. Stylish and comfortable, these shoes also do a good deed: for every pair of TOMS shoes sold, the company's non-profit subsidiary (Friends of TOMS) donates a new pair of shoes to a child in need. Queen Anne Dispatch carries not only the classic Alpargata-style, but cordones, wrap boots, wedges, and botas! Staff favorite right now? The new SEQUINED classic flat. Come check them out before they sell out!

Voluspa!

New Voluspa candles have arrived! We have new candles in all sizes, from 1.7 oz to 15oz. All come in beautiful re-usable, decorative tins. With scents like Laguna, Spiced Apple, and Warm Perique Tabac, Voluspa candles are sure to make any space smell wonderful. As a gift or just a little something special for yourself, these candles are winners!

Halloween on the Hill

Halloween is here! The store is already being taken over by Wonder Women, fairy princesses, elephants, witches, goblins, and ghouls. Don't forget about Halloween on the Hill this year. Sunday, from 3-6pm, the Ave will be flooded with the Trick or Treat parade. Bring your best costume by the store for a treat or just come hang out and watch the excitement!

Bundle Up!

It's getting to be that time of year when layering and bundling are musts. When you're out and about, what better way keep warm than with cute hats, scarves, and gloves?! We have a huge selection from the brands you love: Pistil, Broner, Smartwool, Tickled Pink, and more.

Add Some Flair!

Fashion is about styling from head to toe, and we've got everything you need to fully outfit yourself, starting with your head! The QAD ladies are sporting handmade Lotus embellished headbands (only $18!), as well as a spooky sequined bat headband (far right, $8). What easier way to add a little bit of glam to your outfit?

We also have Lotus Flowers ($26), which can be pinned not only to your hair or hat, but to any item of clothing! Try pinning one into an updo before a fun night on the town! Or onto your favorite cardi for a little extra flair!

As the temperature drops...

In case you haven't noticed, it's getting cold here in Seattle. It's time to bundle up in fashion! We have an amazing selection of outerwear right now, from the waterproof Merrell coat to this ultra-chic Luii Cheetah jacket ($118):

With a vintage feel, this jacket is sure to keep you both cozy AND fabulous!