Lucia Apparel

Happy Hour

2009-06-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Lucia Apparel is now offering Happy Hour Specials to our online friends!!!

Every Weekday
[Monday - Friday]
2p - 4p SAVE 10% off your ENTIRE Purchase

Also available for Online Sales.
www.luciaapparel.etsy.com

be sure to mention that you are a twitter or facebook friend.
If you are not yet, you can join now!

ps. Pass it along!

2009-06-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

work work work!!

Beautiful Day!

2009-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we learn to appreciate good weather. When I woke up this morning and looked out my window, I knew it was going to be a good day! Not a cloud in the sky on a Saturday morning; everyone can feel what I'm talking about.I am expecting to see lots of new faces as well as old friends in the store today!

We have a special going on this weekend for all of our "online friends". We are offering 15% off all dresses. Who doesn't love a perfect summer dress? After our recent break-in losses, we are running a little bit low on inventory, so the 15% off applies to special orders as well. Just mention whichever online outlet you saw this on and we will give you the discount.

Come in and play with us! We love to create new things and help everyone find that perfect summer outfit!

I also have to mention that for the rest of the weekend we will be playing our Michael Jackson tribute playlist on pandora. Come by and rock out with us!!

See you soon!

15% off Dress SALE!!

2009-06-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Come in this weekend, [Friday - Sunday] for our sale. 15% off all dresses. The sale is for online friends only, so be sure to mention this post.

Be sure to check out our online store as well.
www.luciaapparel.etsy.com

Join our Facebook Fan Page:
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=619268400&ref=profile#/pages/Portland-OR/Lucia-Apparel/56847569695?ref=ts

and Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/luciaapparelpdx

[receive an additional 5% off your entire purchase for Facebook/Twitter Friends]

Sarah Wallace
Lucia Apparel
424 NW 11th Ave
Portland, Oregon 97209

ETSY!!

2009-06-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

There are so many things brewing around here at Lucia Apparel these days. For starters, we are working on an online store and revamping our website. To tide you over until those are up and running, we have started an Etsy Shop. Lucia Apparel's Triangle Top Nightie made the front page of today and we are getting more and more people hearting our shop each day.
We are also clearing out the store from previous seasons stock to make room for our Fall line which will be coming out in late August.

Fabulous photo taken by Misha Ashton.

Blog Feature...

2009-06-13T10:20:00.001-07:00

Lucia Apparel's grey polka dot sleep wear dress was featured on the Mixed Plate Blog. It has been a few weeks since the feature, but I thought I would announce it anyways. The nightie was featured under the Mom's Day post.

Mixed Plate is a blog dedicated to Indie Style and Design. Liana covers everything from art to fashion and even accessories. The blog is very relaxed and fun to read. Check it out!

Thanks so much to Liana for the mention.

Check her blog out at: www.mixedplateblog.com
Also mention this blog post in our online store or Portland location and receive 10% off of all loungewear!

Artist Preview - Amy Olson Ballard

2009-06-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

We just received our newest vendors jewelry today. I am so thrilled to introduce to you, Amy Olson Jewelry. Her lovely pieces compliment the clothes and just the whole feel of the store so well.

For as long as she can remember, Amy has been interested in anything that she can craft. Mostly self-taught, though she has taken a few basic classes in wirework (having had the great fortune to work for Mark and Viki Lareau in Tacoma, WA, who gave me my first set of tools for Christmas). Amy credits her grandmother for all of her skills, “She is my inspiration.” She was the one who got Amy crafting as a young girl and is a gifted crafts person herself!

Amy Olson Jewelry is made of the finest materials, including fine and heavy gauge sterling silver, 14kt GF components and semi-precious gemstones.

“I hope you enjoy what you see, for I truly enjoy making it!”

You can also view a recent interview she did with the lovely ladies of DIY Alert.
Amy will also be set up in front of the store, along with the rest of our new vendors today for First Thursday and in celebration of our stores one year Birthday Party!!!

Amy's Links

Etsy Shop
Blog

Fashion Show Photos

2009-06-03T14:11:00.001-07:00

The photos are in! Friday nights fashion show at Cha Taqueria was a BLAST!! All of the models were fantastic, and the food and drinks were great! Thank you to all the participants, Mabel and Zora, Popina Swim, Haberdashers and Lolabelle Designs. Also to Misha Ashton for hanging out and snaping some shots!!!

Candace Dress

Back Gathers - Short Sleeve Top

You can check out the rest of the photos on our facebook fan page!

Happy Happy Happy Hour!!

2009-05-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

As with many other Portlanders, I am a HUGE fan of happy hour. It is the perfect way to try new places without breaking the bank; and what better way is there to spend an afternoon than drinking and eating delicious food with friends? I have several criteria for what makes a good happy hour; above and beyond just how the food is. First of all, especially as we approach summer time, is there outdoor seating? Are there drink specials, food specials or both? Is the atmosphere inviting and relaxing?
Only recently, I discovered a fairly new establishment called Cha Taqueria. It is located on 21st and Everett in the old antique mall building. As a long-time NW dweller, I was so excited to see that someone finally did something with that space, especially something so nice!

Now back to happy hour! A friend of mine brought me down to Cha, where we had delicious food in a beautiful outdoor setting, and $3 Coronas! Their happy hour runs from 3-6pm daily, and a lesser known fact: they offer happy hour from 3pm-close everyday at the bar! What a deal. My personal recommendation would be the pork soft tacos, on homemade corn tortillas, and the chicken and black bean burrito; both under $5.

You will often see the owner himself, Javier, working in the restaurant and helping maintain the high level of customer service. I highly recommend that everyone check out this place! Support local business!! And remember to check out the latest happy hour updates at www.urbandrinks.com!

Also, Don't forget about our fashion show tonight at Cha!!!

Cha Fashion Show . Friday, May 29th 2009, 7pm
Featuring Lucia Apparel, Mabel and Zora, Popina Swim, Haberdashers and Lolabelle Designs.
Enjoy delicious drinks and food while viewing great new looks from your favorite local boutiques!!

Cha Taqueria
305 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

The wonderfully fabulous blogger, sfgirlbybay featured one of our fashion designers for the fashion show today on her blog, Popina Swim.

Hope to see you all there!

Artist Preview - Misha Ashton

2009-05-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

With all of the changes here at Lucia Apparel, one of them is going to be my efforts to write a blog post every single day and Thursdays will be Artist Preview Day!! Mostly to go along with the huge turnout Portland gets for its First and Last Thursday street fairs! Which by the way, today is Last Thursday so make sure to go up to Alberta for a fun filled day of art, music and food, and maybe a few drinks, seeing as it is supposed to be in the upper 80's today.

Since the idea of doing an artist preview only just came to me this morning over a hot cup of coffee, I am going to take the easy way out and show you some photos from our featured artist, whos work we carry year round in at the store, Misha Ashton.

We started showing Misha's art about a year ago for First Thursday and decided it went so well with the clothing line to keep it on display all the time and just have her change pieces out with the seasons. Currently we are showing her Floral Series with images from all around the world. Cherry Blossoms in Japan, Suculant Cactus in New Zealand and of course, Roses in our lovely city of Portland. Not only do we display her lovely art, we also have many of her wedding and portrait portfolios to flip through in our lounge area. Misha is also Lucia Apparel's fashion photographer and graphic designer.

We didn't have time to do an official interview, but Misha was recently interviewed by a Portland Based website called DIY Alert, run by the lovely ladies of Handmade NW. You can see her full interview on their website.

Not only can you find her work on permanant display at Lucia Apparel, but she will be out at Last Thrusday today in between 26th and 27th on Alberta selling her work. An event she has participated in for over four years. Also make sure to check out her blog, she has just posted her monthly give away!!!
Misha's Links:
Website
Blog
Online Store
Flickr
Twitter

Cha Fashion Show

2009-05-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

So I know I have been slacking SOOOO much on the blog posts, but I that will start to change over the summer. Many new changes in the store, new great things with the brand, partnerships, new jewelers, and on and on. For now though, I would just like to tell everyone about a great fashion show we have coming up this Friday!

Cha Fashion Show . Friday, May 29th 2009, 7pm
Featuring Lucia Apparel, Mabel and Zora, Popina Swim, Haberdashers and Lolabelle Designs.
Enjoy delicious drinks and food while viewing great new looks from your favorite local boutiques!!

Cha Taqueria
305 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Also check out our new online store...
www.luciaapparel.etsy.com

follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/LuciaApparelPDX

Lucia Apparel Awarded Best New Store 2008!!

2009-02-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to Nicolle Shops Portland for choosing Lucia for the best new store in 2008!!

Last Saturday night, Lucia accepted the award at the 3rd annual Nicolle Shops Portland party at the Ducati Showroom. We couldn't be more excited and honored to receive this award. The last year has been a lot of work and to have it recognized feels pretty good!

Heres to keeping it local in 2009!

Invite Only Sale at Lucia

2009-02-04T17:08:00.001-08:00

Thank you to all who attended the Bargain Hunting 101 sale last weekend at the Crystal Ballroom. I had a great time at the event and we did get a good turnout!

I have even better news. We are having another sale at our flagship store in the Pearl. This will be just as good as the BH101. There will be clearance prices on all kinds of Lucia merchandise, wine and snacks and good people!

When: Friday, February 6th
Where: Lucia Apparel, 424 NW 11th Ave Portland, OR 97209
What Time: 4-8pm
What to expect: Deals, music, wine, food, fun!

Tell your friends and I will see you all there!

New and exciting times at Lucia!

2009-01-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since our last post, but we are back at it once again with lots of new and exciting things happening at Lucia! For starters, we have a fabulous 'After-Christmas Sale' going on in the store right now that you can't miss: 25-70% off almost everything in the store, so you should get down there right now and take advantage before the sale ends on February 1st. If you do happen to miss this fantastic sale, or even if you go and end up in the mood for more Lucia fashion, we are also hosting an after hours invite-only sale on Friday, February 6th. More information on this event is soon to come, so keep your eyes and ears open for the next blog so you can learn all about it!

In addition to the sale, we also have new lounge wear in-store ready to be taken home with you and enjoyed. Comfy sleep shirts, lounge wear pants, sleep dresses, and soon to be in-store luxurious silky nighties adorn the racks of Lucia, just waiting to go home with you! These are all fabulous ways to never be embarassed about lounging around in your pajamas again.

Another upcoming event is our first First Thursday in a while, and we are coming back big! February 5th (Thursday) we will be hosting "Love at Lucia," a Valentine's Day themed event where guys and gals can enjoy the night and pick up a few of their (or their special lady's) favorite things. Our new lounge wear will be showcased, along with free hand massages and pedicures from an Aveda representative using some of the wonderful 'Sweet Beauty' brand lotions so you can see just how amazing these lotions feel and smell, and browse their other fantastic products. Verdun Chocolates will also be with us giving out samples of their delicious chocolates, and beverages will also be supplied! You may say we are outdoing ourselves, but we want to provide you with a fantastic pre-Valentine's Day event with your man, or your ladies, so come on down and join us for "Love at Lucia" on Thursday, February 5th at our retail store in the Pearl, on 11th between Glisan and Flanders.

Portland Fashion Week Reviews

2008-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

While all the craziness from last week winds down, we have been scouting around looking for news of what everyone thought, and I was very happy to learn that Willamette Week reporter Shefali Kulkarni had great things to say! Check it out at:

http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=14005

Also, Mercury reporter Brett Glass said a couple of nice words. In the case of this article, I am thrilled; mostly due to the fact that every other designer mentioned as well as the venue itself was slightly less approved of. There are some great photos in this article. And, Brett, I hear you about everyone playing it safe, but with the economy and the all too practical Portland consumer, what is a designer to do? Check it out at:

http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=14005

We will keep you posted on any more info that comes our way, and please feel free to send your own critiques over to us at www.myspace.com/luciaapparel

Fall Clearance Sale

2008-10-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

First of all, I would like to say thank you to all of you who came out and supported us on Saturday night. I have to say that it was the best Lucia show yet, and if you weren't able to make it we should have photos up soon. It was a great night, so thank you to all involved!!!

To keep the celebratory feeling alive, we are having a HUGE SALE this weekend!! It is happening Friday-Sunday the 17th-19th. We are taking 25-70% off all store items including new fall deliveries. No one should miss this; we have never had a sale this big before!! It is a perfect time to start your holiday shopping and find some good deals on those items you have been eyeing!

Another important thing, if you mention that you heard about the sale on our blog, you will get an additional 10% off of your purchase.

I will see you all this weekend!! Don't forget!!

2008-09-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Relief!

If you're feeling in the mood for some good 'ole girlie pampering, make your way to Lucia Apparel on Thursday, October 2nd. We will be hosting our First Thursday in the Pearl party with Sweet Beauty Spa. Throughout the evening, we will be demonstrating Sweet Beauty owner, Lisa Francoise's collection of decadent skincare products- seriously, ladies, her creations are truly gourmet! Lisa makes all of her scrubs, lotions and soaps from one of nature's luxurious offerings- the cocoa bean. Lisa uses 100% fair trade organic chocolate in all of her products- a natural alternative to maintaining and restoring the skin's natural glow.

Indulge yourself during First Thursday in the Pearl! Swing by Lucia Apparel and treat yourself to Lisa's chocolately blends of skincare. During the party, we will also be offering chocolate samples from Seattle's Theo Chocolate, along with some wine. During your visit, make sure to check out our new store markdowns and exciting fall arrivals. Also, we will be offering special sales throughout the night.

And.........if you do not have your Portland Fashion Week tickets yet, you can purchase them at Lucia Apparel. We are now officially the Pearl District ticket vendor, and are selling VIP, preferred and general admission tickets for any or all of the five nights! Our collection will be featured on Saturday night. We hope to see you all there!

Sweet Beauty Spa party begins at 6:00 p.m. and goes to around 9:30 p.m.

For more information, call Lucia Apparel at 503.222.5244 and visit:
www.sweetbeautyspa.com

Better TV Spot

2008-06-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Awesome news!!! We were interviewed for a spot on Better TV. It aired a little while ago, but here is the link to the video.

Great shots of the store and some fun stuff with me talking!!

http://better.tv/bettertv/?cid=507869917&lid=435027957&tid=1599932033

Store Now Open!

2008-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo glad to say that the store is finally open. I have been dreaming about this for years now and planning it for what seems like forever. After a few trials and tribulations with the construction and set-up, we did it! And, in record time, I must say. From the day that we got possession of the space we have been at it night and day. Now with a few bumps and bruises and puffy eyes, we are open to the public and ready to help all our fellow Portlanders dress with style.
I am so thankful for all the friends and family that helped along the way. Without all of you, we would not have been able to do this. So, now it is time to celebrate!
We will be hosting a Grand Opening Gala on June 5th (First Thursday) and will provide wine and cupcakes and have special discounts for all customers that stop by. The event will be starting at 6:00 and will go until around 10:00.
As a quick side note, now that we are having so much fun in the Pearl District, expect many upcoming first Thursday events here. Keep your eyes open for our Girls Night Out party and Fall Debut which will be happening in September.
Lets share in the excitement!!

Almost There

2008-05-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that we are about ready to open!! I'm super excited and also a little exhausted, but happy to say that things are pretty much on schedule and we should be open around May 19th.

I would like everyone to know that the Grand Opening Gala is taking place on June 5th. It is the first Thursday in June and no matter where you will be that night, you have to stop by the new Lucia Store.

And please come in and check us out before the party, maybe you can get something to wear to the big event!!

Also, the new site is up and kicking; www.luciaapparel.com

Website Makeover

2008-04-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

Over the last two months we have been working on rebuilding the website to keep up with the ever-growing standard.

Today, I am extremely happy to say, that the new site went live. As well as being a much more appropriate representation of our business, the site contains many new features. Also, the Spring/Summer line is now available.

Please check out the site and don't forget to sign up for our mailing list for the latest updates on the store as well as coupons and event invitations.

www.luciaapparel.com

By the way, I welcome your feedback!

Adventures in Retail

2008-04-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

So hear it is, official as can be, the Lucia Apparel retail store has found its home and will be opening sometime next month. Come mid-May, all of our wonderful creations will now be displayed and available in a relaxing, inviting atmosphere that is all our own.

The new location is:

424 NW 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Thats right, its in the Pearl District directly off of the street car line. I couldn't be more excited or more ready for this to happen. The Grand Opening Gala will be taking place on June 5th, a first Thursday. Please save the date, we will have wine, music, interesting people and great clothes.
What an excellent time for this to be happening, as summer heads our way, the shop will serve as the perfect summer shopping experience. Our staff will serve as a knowledgeable guide to navigate you through all those special-outfit-requiring events that everyone attends this summer.
There is a lot more to come on this, but I am thrilled to be able to announce the news and am looking forward to meeting more and more Portlanders!

Style and fit for all, thats what I say

2008-03-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Great news!! I have a new idea. Lucia has always prided itself on providing styles that flatter all body types and not giving in to unflattering trends. So, we want to take this to the next level and make it more accessible for our customers; as well as offer help to those seeking advice on style and how to apply it to their body.
So here is how we plan to incorporate this:
-Different trends in each season are going to appeal to different figures, but how does anyone sort through the mess themselves? By reading our blog. From now on not only will this blog be an outlet for the adventures we face as a small company, but also a style guide for those seeking answers. We will feature current trends, who should wear them, who should avoid them. As well as answers to common problems and what styles we offer as a solution. No more muffin tops!! No more tears in the dressing room!! Not only will we incorporate our line and style, but also give tips to make shopping a better experience for all.
-In our clothing line, we like to offer a variety of styles that will help to accommodate customers of all shapes. However, it recently occurred to us that it may not be as obvious to others as it is to us. We have developed a system that gives each style a symbol to make it clear which body types that style would apply to. This label will be directly next to the hang tag and create a personal shopping experience in half the time and without the pressure.
I like to think of it as a good quality that we are as enthusiastic as we are about ideas like these. Yes, its cheesy, but we are here to start a fashion revolution; where everyone can feel comfortable and confident in their ensembles.
I would love to hear comments on this, so please type away. Also, feel free to visit the website at www.luciaapparel.com and contact me directly by email.

New Portland Fashion Week Event

2008-03-18T22:41:00.000-07:00

Portland Fashion Week..... Wonderful program that is putting Portland on the map in the fashion world with its wonderful events.

I like the sound of that. Lucia had a wonderful show at last season's fashion week, so when we were contacted to participate in the next event, of course the answer was yes!

Currently PFW only shows one week per year, unlike most cities, that have two separate fashion weeks; one to debut Spring and one to debut Fall. So I am very pleased that they are taking another step forward and hosting a display as well as a fashion show to unveil small pieces of upcoming Fall collections. Maybe by next year we will have another full week of fabulous shows, which Portland received national press for.

Programs like Portland Fashion Week make a major statement as to Portland's place in the limelight. We love our town for the laid-back fun lifestyle and the small-town feel. The more we show it off, the more we set a good example. Not to mention the fact that 10 percent of the proceeds of the event are going directly to Children's Cancer Society! This is a wonderful organization as well that helps families through unbearable situations. If you have ever heard Nelson and Terry's Valentines Day for the CCA, you know how many families they touch.

Here is the info about the upcoming show, please feel free to save the flyer and send it anywhere and everywhere. I hope we get a large turnout and Lucia can blow everyone away with it's Fall debut.

Welcome to the World of Lucia

2008-03-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

Lucia Apparel is a women's clothing line that is designed and made here in Portland, OR.

Our mission is to promote confidence in women by providing them with stylish and comfortable clothing for daily endeavors; for it is fashion that is our slave, never the other way around. We achieve this by following our own three laws of design:

figure flattering, comfortable fit
style without trend
high-quality beautiful fabrics

The line is currently available online at www.luciaapparel.com, as well as in various other boutiques. However, our most exciting development is currently underway and the first ever Lucia Apparel store will soon be open in Portland.

The store will serve as headquarters for this fabulous brand and will provide an inviting, fun environment for customers to experience. Various events will also be held there, some invite-only, so joining the mailing list is essential.

Check back for the latest updates and new progress on the store. I can't wait to meet you all.