The Pacific Northwest files, part two…

A gorgeous shot taken from the train ride from Portland to Seattle. HIGHLY recommend the train and if I were serious about branding and marketing, I’d find a way to bring train travel back to its glory days in this country. Make it pretty, romantic, mysterious, sexy. I will say the decorum of the train we rode in had a great retro vibe which made it feel especially hip.

The first and lasting impression of Seattle I took with me – how so very SWEET AND GRACIOUS everyone was. Made friends everywhere we went.

Other lasting impressions:  the beauty of this part of the country, the incredible food ( its everywhere!) and the emphasis on the “craft” cocktail. The “speak easy” kinds of places that haven’t quite made their way to the middle yet (I googled craft cocktail, speak easy, prohibition and one place popped up in the W downtown Atlanta). It’s a total throwback vibe. All the bartenders wear suspenders and/or bow ties and take great pride and care in mixing the perfect cocktail for you. Just before presenting you with it, they slip a straw in to taste, making sure its just right. “I feel like I’m drinking a flower” shouted my friend Jilly. It was like watching and tasting art.

The interior of the Portland train station. Beautiful architecture.

Whenever I think about or see a train station, I can’t help but think of the gorgeous train station that once was, in the City of Detroit. It lays in ruins now but was designed by the same individuals that built Grand Central Station. I’m holding out hope that one day it will be returned to its former glory.

You know by now my love of creative window displays…esp those with a great message.

A green glass collection that rivals Marthas.

An excellent gallery wall display via WATSON KENNEDY. An amazing store where all these pics were taken. The place was stocked full of whimsy and “be happy” vibes. Thank you sweet ladies for allowing me to take pics. Nothing chaps my a@@ more when I walk into a store and there is a big sign that reads, “absolutely no photography!” Not even a please? How soon we forget one of the first lessons in life…sharing.

Took this one for the kiddos. Lava lamps and monster babies were on their list this past Christmas.

This picture doesn’t even come close to doing these guys justice. They were like the size of petite filets, every single one. I couldn’t help but think HOW LUCKY ARE YOU ALL THAT LIVE HERE!? No wonder everyone is so nice. You can walk down here anytime you want and pick up a fabulous meal for dinner time.

Standing under a gorgeous display of “snow fall” inside Anthropologie…

Mason jar snow globes. Maybe the kids and I will try to make one of these next year.

I love everything about this picture. I thought the floors were sweet with that hint of blue stone, the weathered beaten patina of the bench (would also make beautiful floors!) and the shaggy pillow. Can you say sucker for texture?

Some chevron sparkle. These reminded me of all the beautiful ornaments my Mother-in-law Jan gave us over the years. We miss her sparkle. Whatever life Grandma Jan was dishing out, we were eating it! xo

This was the coolest store and for the life of me I cannot remember the name. It was based out of London and had over 6,000 (!!!) vintage sewing machines in the Seattle store alone.

The floors in here were gorgeous as well. Look at all those vintage spools!

The color and shine of this top made me think of gorgeous FULL drapes and the blue fur, some fun, funky accent pillows. Design inspiration is everywhere.

And this just rocked. With some high nude platform pumps. Yeow!

Saying goodbye to the beautiful Northwest corner of this great country…cheers!