On NBC’s “Today Show” this week, the swanky W Seattle was rated by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of the best pet-friendly hotels in the country.

Known for exemplary guest services, the hotel’s PAW (Pets Are Welcome) program offers jet-setting pooches amenities that rival those for their human counterparts: turn-down treats, a cozy doggie bed, even a birthday cake if the occasion calls for it.

To see the Today Show clip, click here.

For more information on the W Seattle’s PAW program, click here.

In a region renowned for its coffee, what will take the ubiquitous drink to a new level? Java connoisseurs will find out July 30 when Vovito Caffè & Gelato “officially” opens in The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, just off the 110th Avenue arrival court. (However, they are open now, so go check them out!)

Home to two of the region’s three Slayer espresso machines, the Italian-inspired specialty cafè will offer hand-crafted espresso, coffee and beans in Premium Blend and Single Origin varieties, as well as a full selection of gourmet teas and chai beverages. Along with coffee and tea drinks, Vovito Caffè & Gelato will feature house-made gelato, sorbetto, a wide variety of paninis, salads and baked goods -– all made fresh daily.

The café will open at 6:30 am Monday through Friday (8:30 am on Saturdays and 10:00 am on Sundays) to satisfy coffee and breakfast cravings, including freshly prepared Panini breakfast sandwiches, pastries, fresh orange juice and gelato smoothies.

Vovito is a welcome addition to The Shops at The Bravern, which has been seeking a coffee purveyor. “We’re extremely pleased to have Vovito Caffè & Gelato open at The Bravern,” said Mark Netherland, senior investment manager for project developer Schnitzer West, LLC. “The quality of the product we can now offer visitors was worth the wait.”

For more information check out their website!

The Shops at The Bravern Celebrate
Fashion’s Night Out September 10th

And Launches Weekend Filled With Fashion, Food & Fun
FALL FOR FASHION
September 10-12, 2010

All around the globe, fashion lovers will unite in celebration on September 10th for Fashion’s Night
Out (FNO) to shop the latest styles and support worthy causes. As an official participant in FNO, The
Shops at The Bravern extends an open invitation to celebrate the occasion with a memorable and
interactive weekend toast to fashion, food, health and beauty in recognition of The Shops’ grand opening
anniversary.

When: Friday, September 10th: Fashion’s Night Out Celebration at The Shops: 5 to 11 pm.
Saturday, September 11th: Stores open 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday, September 12th: Stores open Noon to 6 pm

Where: The Shops at The Bravern, at NE Eighth Street and 110th Avenue NE in Downtown Bellevue.

What: In celebration of Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th, The Shops at The Bravern will stage
fashion shows, live music and DJs, along with special in-store events and parties, finger food and
beverages. Just like the FNO parties around the world, The Shops at The Bravern are pleased to extend
shopping hours for guests. And as a special tie-in to the New York event, we’ll show a live broadcast from
Neiman Marcus’ own fashion director and Northwest native Ken Downing as he celebrates Fashion’s
Night Out. The party continues throughout the weekend with music, activities, and of course, the fall’s
latest fashions to create your own individual look.

Party-goers are encouraged to avail themselves of The Bravern’s concierge services, including access to
stylists, hair and makeup, manicure/pedicure, spa treatments, car service and overnight-stay reservations
– all for that special night out September 10th.

And in added celebration, The Shops at The Bravern will provide an exceptional gift with purchase: The
first 500 guests to present $500 or more in receipts from The Shops on September 10th will receive a $50
gift card.

About Fashion’s Night Out

Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore
consumer confidence, and boost the industry’s economy. In the United States, the program is a
collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company,
and the City of New York.

On September 10, 2010, Fashion’s Night Out will return to New York City to put the fun back in shopping,
with designer appearances, live windows, celebrity guests, and other special events. Around the world,
and led by fifteen international Vogue editions (Australia, Britain, China, France, Germany, Greece,
India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, and Turkey), each country will celebrate
Fashion’s Night Out on one night between September 7 and September 16, 2010. Fashion’s Night Out
will be the subject of a one-hour special on CBS on September 14, 2010 at 10 pm. For more information
visit www.fashionsnightout.com, powered by QVC, or join us on Facebook and Twitter www.twitter.com/
fnonyc).

If you haven’t seen Manolo Blahnik at Neiman Marcus yet then you need to head on over and see what the designer has lined up for Fall. Instantly I was attracted to the strappy black “Satin Cage Sandal” (pictured here) – it would be a beautiful shoe to carry anyone from Summer to Fall.

Next to grab my attention was the “Jeweled Satin Skimmer” which most folks will recognize as the shoe from Sex & The City… Well kind of. It’s the flat version of it – ADORABLE!

Lastly, the boots in this collection appear to be pretty classic looks (give or take a few). I have to say it pleases me when designers do that as you really get your money’s worth when a shoe is more classic than trendy. I want to get as many uses that I can!

Tip: Buy your shoes online at Neiman Marcus and you can get FREE ONLINE SHIPPING* at any price with code JULYNM. Happy shopping!