There are few things I love more than a day spent shopping and spa-ing, but if you add girl time with my mom into the mix, you've hit my trifecta for the perfect day. When I was in college, Mom used to drive over to Seattle now and then to take me shopping at U Village and to lunch at Piatti. It was one of our special rituals that makes me so very grateful that I went to a college close to home. Ever since, it's kind of been our thing.
So, a couple of weeks ago, when Gene Juarez sent me a coupon for half off spa pedicures to test out their new location in The Bravern, I called Mom immediately. We made appointments and eagerly anticipated our special day!
Come Sunday, the weather was horrible. But, despite the rain and wind and cold, Mom and I wandered through The Braven in Bellevue with sunny outlooks. I must say, who creates an outdoor mall in the PNW? It was not pleasant to walk outside between stores, despite the lovely music that cut through the howling wind. Weather aside, we had a grand time.
We started in Tory Burch where we previewed some of their early spring line. I am coveting the Lucia Pumps, a sixties mod block heel pump in beautiful jewel tone suede, and the Willla Dress, a sixties color block trapeze swingy little number. But those are things to lust after--as well as 3/4 of all their current merchandise! I helped Mom pick out a new Robinson Tote, possibly the most functional bag TB has ever made, complete with pockets galore. She even went for a cute heart shaped key chain to add a little bling to the understated black tote. I wound up with the Gigi Patent Mid-Heel Pumps in a creamy dulce de leche, the snakeskin Minnie Travel Flats, and the lace Rosie Blouse with the scalloped hem, ascot necktie, and buttoned cuffs (LOVE!). I can't wait to wear the Rosie Blouse with some black skinny pants and some pearl earrings. Such a classic, dressy piece that I will have in my closet for years to come. Bree, Cynthia, and the fabulous team at TB took care of us, brought us bottled waters, and even held our bags while we continued on our Bravern adventure.
Next, we went up to Trophy on Level 2 for some extra hot, foamy lattes--vanilla for Mom, almond for me. If you haven't been to Trophy, it's a must at The Bravern. The cafe is a bit like Breakfast at Tiffany meets Paper Source meets Kate Spade. There are adorable teal and black accents, a fun selection of champagnes and sparkling roses, cute bistro tables, and a wonderful assortment of cards and gifts. Oh, and cupcakes. One mustn't forget the cupcakes. They have a semi-automated espresso machine that requires the barista to tamp down the grinds by hand and pull the shot manually. Each shot has the perfect amount of crema, the creamy brown foam that appears at the top of a shot. They use locally roasted beans that have a balanced, rich flavor, without any bitterness. Truly, their lattes put Starbucks to shame.
After downing the last of our lattes, we finally made it to Level 3. Gene Juarez is tucked away in a corner above Trophy. My first impressions were that the architecture and style of this GJ is very different from the older Bellevue location, and even from the Redmond location, both of which are much more traditional. Whereas Redmond has creams, beiges, and browns, the new Bellevue GJ is light, airy, and modern--almost masculine. The sleek reception area has modern styled chairs with a more minimalist vibe. It did feel noisy as we walked in, but the pedicure area was nice and quiet. Mom and I had the whole place to ourselves! We sat side-by-side atop comfy leather "booths," complete with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets so you feel cozy despite the contemporary surroundings. Nail Techs Ellen and Snow took great care with us, as they buffed, and scrubbed, and massaged, and polished, and our nails looked picture perfect by the time we left. After our service, we were shown to the relaxation area which is private to the spa (not the salon). If we were to visit this location again, we would request to wait in the relaxation area before our treatment where it is quieter, and not in the noisy and crowded salon reception area up front. That felt like the only miss in terms of the spa experience. Otherwise, we were treated like queens and our spa afternoon was fantastic.
Most of all, I feel so blessed to live near my mom so that we can enjoy these special days together. Love you, Momma!
Tory Burch Boutique, Bellevue
Trophy Cupcake Cafe
Gene Juarez, The Spa at the Braven
So, a couple of weeks ago, when Gene Juarez sent me a coupon for half off spa pedicures to test out their new location in The Bravern, I called Mom immediately. We made appointments and eagerly anticipated our special day!
Come Sunday, the weather was horrible. But, despite the rain and wind and cold, Mom and I wandered through The Braven in Bellevue with sunny outlooks. I must say, who creates an outdoor mall in the PNW? It was not pleasant to walk outside between stores, despite the lovely music that cut through the howling wind. Weather aside, we had a grand time.
We started in Tory Burch where we previewed some of their early spring line. I am coveting the Lucia Pumps, a sixties mod block heel pump in beautiful jewel tone suede, and the Willla Dress, a sixties color block trapeze swingy little number. But those are things to lust after--as well as 3/4 of all their current merchandise! I helped Mom pick out a new Robinson Tote, possibly the most functional bag TB has ever made, complete with pockets galore. She even went for a cute heart shaped key chain to add a little bling to the understated black tote. I wound up with the Gigi Patent Mid-Heel Pumps in a creamy dulce de leche, the snakeskin Minnie Travel Flats, and the lace Rosie Blouse with the scalloped hem, ascot necktie, and buttoned cuffs (LOVE!). I can't wait to wear the Rosie Blouse with some black skinny pants and some pearl earrings. Such a classic, dressy piece that I will have in my closet for years to come. Bree, Cynthia, and the fabulous team at TB took care of us, brought us bottled waters, and even held our bags while we continued on our Bravern adventure.
Next, we went up to Trophy on Level 2 for some extra hot, foamy lattes--vanilla for Mom, almond for me. If you haven't been to Trophy, it's a must at The Bravern. The cafe is a bit like Breakfast at Tiffany meets Paper Source meets Kate Spade. There are adorable teal and black accents, a fun selection of champagnes and sparkling roses, cute bistro tables, and a wonderful assortment of cards and gifts. Oh, and cupcakes. One mustn't forget the cupcakes. They have a semi-automated espresso machine that requires the barista to tamp down the grinds by hand and pull the shot manually. Each shot has the perfect amount of crema, the creamy brown foam that appears at the top of a shot. They use locally roasted beans that have a balanced, rich flavor, without any bitterness. Truly, their lattes put Starbucks to shame.
After downing the last of our lattes, we finally made it to Level 3. Gene Juarez is tucked away in a corner above Trophy. My first impressions were that the architecture and style of this GJ is very different from the older Bellevue location, and even from the Redmond location, both of which are much more traditional. Whereas Redmond has creams, beiges, and browns, the new Bellevue GJ is light, airy, and modern--almost masculine. The sleek reception area has modern styled chairs with a more minimalist vibe. It did feel noisy as we walked in, but the pedicure area was nice and quiet. Mom and I had the whole place to ourselves! We sat side-by-side atop comfy leather "booths," complete with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets so you feel cozy despite the contemporary surroundings. Nail Techs Ellen and Snow took great care with us, as they buffed, and scrubbed, and massaged, and polished, and our nails looked picture perfect by the time we left. After our service, we were shown to the relaxation area which is private to the spa (not the salon). If we were to visit this location again, we would request to wait in the relaxation area before our treatment where it is quieter, and not in the noisy and crowded salon reception area up front. That felt like the only miss in terms of the spa experience. Otherwise, we were treated like queens and our spa afternoon was fantastic.
Most of all, I feel so blessed to live near my mom so that we can enjoy these special days together. Love you, Momma!
Tory Burch Boutique, Bellevue
Trophy Cupcake Cafe
Gene Juarez, The Spa at the Braven
