Ramissa Fennell in custom Otra Vez

So, you already know that Otra Vez makes stunning jewelry for sale in boutiques all over Seattle (and beyond!). What you may not know is that we do amazing custom design work as well! As word of our custom work grows, more and more of our fans are requesting special pairs of earrings made just for them (or as a gift for a friend or loved one).

At Otra Vez we’ll work with you to create custom jewelry that is as unique and individual as you are. You can choose from our selection of salvaged goods, or bring in your own broken, heirloom, or outdated jewelry to have us work with.

Send us a picture of a piece you love, look through our gallery of current and sold pieces on Facebook, or just send us your thoughts and ideas to start. We’ll get right to work! Contact us at orders@otravez-ecotique.com for more info.

Twice Blushed Designer Amanda Vernell

As you may have noticed, more and more green wedding resources are emerging as eco-conscious brides (and grooms!) are looking for ways to keep their weddings earth-friendly. Twice Blushed turns once-loved bridal gowns into unique, one-of-a-kind art that represents an environmentally conscious approach to the traditional wedding gown. An essential component of a “green wedding”, Twice Blushed gowns are handmade right here in Seattle and range from $300 to $2,000 plus.

This trunk show, sponsored by Fashion Group International, is happening at Vernell’s studio at 5228 20th Ave. NW in Ballard. Cupcakes and champagne will be served. Tickets are $10 for FGI members, $15 for non-members and $5 for students with ID.

Swing on by, meet the designers, and peruse the beautiful showcase of gowns, jewelry and accessories!

See you there!

International Women's Day has been celebrated for over 100 years!

The Founder and CEO of Women for Women International, Zainab Salb says, “We all have envisioned a day where women will speak out and speak up, to break their silence and demand peace, justice, and more equality in this world. A hundred years have gone by and women have accomplished a lot in legal protection, political and economic representation, education, and so many other areas. But the road to full equality for women is still long, and our vision of justice and sustainable, full peace in our lives has yet to come.”

We couldn’t agree with her more.

Statistics show women are disproportionally marginalized in the world and it is time to BRIDGE THE GAP. Let us make this day a day the time to celebrate our womanhood, our voices, our contribution to society. It is time to speak out. It is time to break our silence. It is time to demand peace and justice. IT IS TIME TO JOIN US ON A BRIDGE!

The sites below will link you to meeting places all over the world for International Women’s Day. Take some time on March 8th to find a bridge, any bridge, and let’s celebrate what a powerful impact we women have on our world!

http://www.womenforwomen.org/bridge/
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp

Through the month of February Otra Vez will donate $5 from every pair of earrings that sells to the continued relief efforts in Haiti.

It is hard for us to imagine the terror and devastation that the earthquake in Haiti has brought its people. To date, there are over 200,000 people dead, many injured, and thousands upon thousands of people trying to survive with little or no food and shelter. Like concerned citizens around the world, we at Otra Vez have a deep sadness for the people of Haiti and want to extend our hands and prayers to their country.

World Concern (rated four out of four stars by Charity Navigator) is an amazing organization that has been helping Haiti and its people for 31 years. They are now at the forefront of the relief effort in Haiti and they truley care about the people of this country. Through World Concern we will be donating $5 for every pair of earrings sold to the continued relief efforts.
Treat your self or a loved fantastic pair of earrings and you will be helping many people recieve food, shelter and necessary medical assistance.

We may live far away from the country of Haiti and this devastation, but remember, we all see the same sky, we are all connected, and now is OUR time to help our Haitian brothers and sisters.

Mary Nyigok Malak

We are so excited to announce a new sisterhood! As you know 10% of our proceeds support Women for Women International, now specifically Mary Nyigok Malak of Sudan, Africa. Mary is 31 years old  and married with 6 children. Through our sponsorship, Mary will learn about women’s rights, allowing her to take greater control over the decisions that govern her life and that of her children; she will learn technical and business skills that will allow her to sustain an income; she will receive direct cash assistance and emotional support, and will be given access to jobs and tools to start her own business. Follow our blog to learn more about Mary, her family, and their transformation. Each month we will be posting information about Mary’s progress, how she is finding her voice, and learning new skills. Viva la SISTERHOOD!

Jessica Salazar in D-List Magazine

Check it out…, D-List Magazine coverage from Seattle. Go to www.dlistmagazine.com, click on the November issue, and “thumb” to page 53. Hard copies of D-List Magazine can be found all over Seattle, just go to their website and click on “find a copy” to locate a vendor near you!

Special thanks to Jenascia Chakos of D-List Magazine, Photographer Katrin Dartnell, Julia Westphal, and Duque Salon/Spa/Boutique for hair and make-up!

* Please note the following correction: Otra Vez products are also carried at Duque Salon/Spa/Boutique in Ballard.

Thanks Tarah!

Ranny Kang

Otra Vez is proud to introduce Ranny Kang! We decided to showcase Ranny and her quest for the Miss Washington USA titles because we applaud her hard work in empowering and encouraging women from all walks of life and her desire to use this platform to bring about positive change in our community. To vote for Ranny in her journey for the crown go to this site.

Ranny was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington where she attended Henry Foss High School and went on to become a Husky at the University of Washington in Seattle. Ranny studied Communications with the intention of pursuing a career in advertising, marketing, or public relations. But, after three internships and a full time career in sales, she decided to venture out on her own. At 24 years old, she is working on various business ventures that will allow her to empower young people in education and women all over the world.

Ranny will utilize the Miss Washington USA platform to empower women and girls in her community. She believes that the world becomes a better place for everyone with each woman realizing their own power. Ranny is committed to taking a stand for all women and girls, questioning societal standards, and giving back to local and international communities.

Her personal ambitions include retiring her parents, speaking at a TED Conference, running the Boston Marathon, finishing a Iron man Triathlon, writing a book, traveling the world and being crowned Miss Universe. Ranny’s vision is to become an international humanitarian, philanthropist and activist. She is inspired by Oprah, Barbara Walters, Somaly Mam, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other women who embody real power with equal amounts of grace.

Ranny enjoys balancing her life with multiple projects and living an active lifestyle. She loves to learn, create, dance, and play. She admires kids for their fearless attitudes and passion for life. When she’s not working on her current ventures, she’s planning her next adventure. Everything she does is intentional. With the support of her family, friends and community, Ranny believes anything is possible.

Ranny is inspired by people who are doing what they love while contributing to others. When she heard about Otra Vez and their commitment for making a difference in the world through their enthusiasm and support of Women for Women International and the Save Darfur Coalition, she couldn’t walk away. She admires Jessica for her passion and creativity and her efforts of “giving everyone and everything a second chance.”

Otra Vez will be in the Indie Market at…

September 5-7, 2009 at Seattle Center

“Since 1971, Bumbershoot has drawn artists representing the best in music, film, comedy, spoken word, dance, theatre, performance, and visual arts to the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend.  North America’s largest urban arts festival, Bumbershoot takes place in the heart of the city at the 74-acre Seattle Center.  Over 150,000 visitors from near and far spend the weekend reveling in the world of Bumbershoot, experiencing everything from regional favorites to international superstars across all arts disciplines.

For nearly four decades Bumbershoot has strived to be a socially responsible and environmentally friendly Festival. As a uniquely urban event nestled in the Pacific Northwest, one of the nation’s greenest locales, Bumbershoot maintains a reputation as a trendsetter within the festival industry.”

Some of the hottest music artists will represent:

Black Eyed Peas, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse, Franz Ferdinand, De La Soul, Jason Mraz, Raphael Saadiq, Sera Cahoone, Michael Franti and Spearhead…to name a few!

For more the full line up and more information visit: www.bumbershoot.org

Laura “Piece” Kelley in earrings by Otra Vez

in the Boutique Culture Warehouse 2009!

Score some MAJOR SAVINGS!

The Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale is an all-inclusive, one-stop-shop that connects Seattle’s style-savvy bargain hunters with their favorite boutiques and designers. Boutique Culture saves shoppers time (and money) by organizing all the “must do” boutiques and brands into one easy-to-navigate event. Participating boutiques include Deli, Blackbird, Clutch, Jesica Milton, Plane Jane, Una, Suzabelle, Otra Vez Ecotique—to name a few.

Locally sponsored by Verizon Wireless, the Boutique Culture Warehouse Sale is more than fashion finds; this one-of-a-kind warehouse sale also features:

• Logan Neitzel, Seattle resident and star of Lifetime’s Season 6 “Project Runway,” will be on-site signing autographs Aug. 29th from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Shoppers will also get a sneak peek of Logan’s much anticipated collection!
• Verizon Wireless will be offering hourly giveaways to attendees via its text message technology
• Daily fashion and accessory giveaways, as well as the chance to win prizes from Hotel Max, Butter of London, El Gaucho, Steven Cole Salon, SassyFit and more 
• A delish selection of Wink Cupcake’s famed sugary confections
• Modern refreshments from Dry Soda’s line of all-natural sodas
• Restful, relaxing martini-style lounges featuring Seattle’s hottest DJ’s

Insider Tip: Shoppers are encouraged to visit the sale on Saturday for the best selection.      
Street parking available on site and in nearby lots.
Vendors will be accepting cash and all major credit cards. 
There will be no fitting rooms on-site, so please dress accordingly.

For more info visit www.bcwarehousesale.com