Thursday, December 31, 2009

Holiday Trip to Leavenworth

by: Cleary O'Farrell

Last weekend Dave and I traveled to Leavenworth with a couple of our friends. They go once a year at this time to enjoy the lights, do some shopping, see the tree lighting, etc. They had asked us to come along and I was thrilled to find that we were staying in the beautiful condos above Mapel!



During the car ride there I put a dent in finishing my Holiday cards and by the time we arrived I was ready to shop, eat, drink. In that order. Our suite was beautiful and had a wonderful view of the river off the back deck. There was also a large entertaining kitchen, fireplace and tree.












We turned on Pandora radio and got to unpacking but after about 10 minutes I said I was “going downstairs” which seemed harmless until Dave wondered where I’d been for the last hour. Well, Mapel was literally at the bottom of the stairs and I needed SOMEthing to wear that weekend ;-) Not to mention hang out with Jenelle, eat chocolate and chat it up about what products were hot, town happenings, good places to eat.

Once I was finished there, I emerged in new Joe’s skinny jeans, a white burnout l/s top, and a black and a gold stone necklace. Our friend Emily picked up the tweed belted coat in blue which was recently featured in InStyle mag’s top picks.

From there we headed back upstairs, imbibed in some Holiday cheer, had dinner and then hit the town. We spent most of our time at the Post Office where we began a dart tournament, perforated by occasional (bad) karaoke singing into the wee hours of the morning. Once we left for the condo I remember most of our walk … especially meeting a couple of peeps who were sledding by the gazebo. We asked if we could join in and we had a great time with them for a few of runs – I hit a couple of ‘jumps’ and got like 6 inches of air. It was pretty awesome.

The next morning I got up early and grabbed a pic of the beautiful river and all the snow!

















Before hitting the streets we stopped at the coffee stand Haus Dog Kaffee & Tea right in front of our place (which is absolutely excellent – the owners Klaus and Regina are totally funny and awesome). The main street was closed so the large amounts of people in town could walk anywhere, and stop by the occasional firepit and chat with whomever. Everyone was friendly, and in good spirits.







We must have shopped for nearly 3 hours and covered only ½ of what Leavenworth had to offer. Still, in that time I managed to go into Mapel three times for various gifts for my family and friends. Silver Nutcracker ornaments, Table Topics, a glove and scarf set, tie and cufflink set a Two Sisters silver necklace, a dish soap/lotion set to name a few. Oh, and more chocolate.










I couldn’t wait to get my loot back to Seattle, wrap it and give it away! When Christmas day came people were very pleased with their gifts and I was so happy to see their smiling faces.


















I will ALWAYS recommend staying at the Gasthaus Wunderbar as well as making more than a few trips to Mapel!!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Mapel & Mahtab Azimi have you covered for New Year's Eve!

Still looking for the perfect party dress to ring in 2010 with major style?

Mapel's partnered with designer Mahtab Azimi to bring you what you need to steal the show on New Year's Eve. Azimi effortlessly combines affordable upscale and artfully designed clothing. Each garment, made in the USA, is meticulously engineered to flatter a wide range of shaped and sizes with impeccable lines, skillful proportions, precise details and flattering fabrics.

Azimi's philosophy is "to create for the girl who wants to dream, love & live in color and look fabulous at the same time."

I love the Grecian-inspired shapes and the rich jewel tones of the dresses featured at Mapel. Azimi thoughtfully created each shape to flatter almost every body type, with adjustable fabric draping and belts. Pair these pretty frocks with statement necklaces, bangles or jeweled earrings, your favorite heels and a sparkly clutch and you're set to bring in the new year!

Shop all Mahtab Azimi at Mapel here
.

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Last minute Mapel gift guide

If you're anything like me, you'll be part of the masses frantically finishing up (or starting & finishing) their holiday shopping this last weekend before Christmas.

Instead of risking your life braving the crowds at your local shopping mall, why not take advantage of free ground shipping and $25 back on your purchase of $100 or more at ShopMapel.com?

Here are a few ways in which you can wrap up your list at Mapel:

You can never go wrong with a sleek & vivid clutch as a last-minute gift for your sister, friend or favorite co-worker. This blue croc clutch holds everything your loved one needs for a night out - and it's only $24! View all handbags & wallets here.


Accessories make for the best Secret Santa, White Elephant, Hanukkah or stocking stuffer gifts. Keep these lovely knit legwarmers in mind if you're last-minute shopping for a trendy girl, and check out the rest of your accessories options at Mapel here.


For the little ones on your list, Mapel has children's tutus (like this purple paisley number), baby slings, nursing covers and diaper bags. View all baby items here.


Need a quick White Elephant gift for your next holiday party? Look no further than Mapel's "Home Etcetera" section, where you'll find games like this Girls' Night Out TableTops game, beautiful print aprons and great tschotskes.


Mapel's got a few great items for the stylish boyfriend, husband, brother, father or other fab male figure in your life. I'm a huge fan of this new toggle Nordic sweater - only $48! Check out the full Mapel men's selection here.


Nothing snazzes up an outfit like a great piece of jewelry. Mapel's stock of earrings, bracelets, necklaces and cuffs will be a surefire hit for last-minute stocking stuffers or for one more present for a stylish lady!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Spend a Benjamin at ShopMapel.com & get $25 back, now through Christmas Eve

In an effort to help you get your Holiday "Jollies" Mapel is offering a one time only gift certificate promotion.

Now through December 24th, Mapel is giving away $25 gift certificate (valid during the month of January) for every purchase of $100 or more @ ShopMapel.com.

Enjoy FREE ground shipping on all orders and easy returns/exchanges.

Free gift wrapping upon request @ checkout!

We have some great new product from Tulle, a new collection called Champagne Lace,

Winter Boots, Premium Denim, Jewelry and other stocking stuffers.

Happy shopping!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Mapel Holiday Gift Guide: Sporty Snow Bunny

This time of year, most sporty girls from Leavenworth to Seattle, from Vancouver to Aspen have their eyes on the mountains. Whether you love to snowboard, ski, sled or just sleigh ride, Mapel's got a few pieces for you to bundle up and keep warm while you're making the most of wintertime.

Any of these sporty essentials will make great gifts for the ladies on your holiday shopping list. Each of these are versatile, comfy, functional - and best of all, almost everything in this gift guide is under $80!

Keep an eye on Mapel's Happy Hour specials, every day from 2 - 6 p.m. for amazing deals on this & some other Mapel favorites!

Mapel Sporty Snow Bunny

Items in this set:

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Party Rockin Style: Melanie Renee Design

Are you flitting from holiday party to holiday party this winter? Mapel’s got a few options for every gathering this season – for less than $200 each!

Melanie Renee Design is an organic line based out of California’s central coast. Melanie Renee mixes vibrant colors with elegant shapes that flatter a multitude of body types. Her designs are feminine, classically tailored and inspired by mid-century fashion. All fabric are sourced and woven in the USA and all garments are constructed in California.

The Minnie Cranberry Dress is perfect for a holiday party or night on the town with friends home for the holidays. I love the box pleat detail that lines the torso and bust. The detailed top perfectly complements the full skirt, which leaves you carefree as you dance the night away.

The Estelle Taupe Dress is probably my favorite dress at Mapel right now. The fit is classy & elegant yet sexy. I’m nuts for the pleats along the neckline and the velveteen skirt. Three buttons along the side of the skirt allow for a unique leg line. This is definitely your go-to workplace holiday party dress!

For ladies who prefer pants – or for the casual Santa brunch with the family – there’s the Sunshine Tunic, shown here in slate. Made of cotton & silk, these jewel-toned tunics add major spark to your outfit. Wear it under a cardigan and peacoat, but make sure you show off the beautifully scalloped shoulder straps too! Your favorite jeans and boots will complete this fab outfit.

For more Melanie Renee Design at Mapel, click here.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Mapel Holiday Gift Guide: Urban Girl Chic

When the temperature drops, it can be hard to stay stylish while keeping warm on the go. For you or the city girl in your life, here are a few functional essentials at Mapel that up the trendy ante.



From L to R:
Long sleeve burnout tee in grey: This sheer raglan crew by Alternative is the quintessential layering piece for the cold winter months. Wear underneath a chunky sweater dress or over your favorite tank top, pair with a scarf and jeans and you’re set for a day of running out and about.

Admiral plush coat: BB Dakota’s affordable take on the military coat is irresistibly on-trend. The high neck and bold brass button detail make this coat perfect for a day full of meetings – or a night out on the town.

Chocolate tweed hat: every urban girl needs a tweed structured hat. This sweet menswear-inspired piece is only $24, giving you major style points for a tiny price!

One-shoulder dress: Kersh’s ruffled one shoulder dress is incredibly easy to wear and perfect for the urban girl’s full schedule of holiday parties. Add a simple belt, strappy shoes and your favorite clutch for a statement party ensemble.

Purple infinity scarf: the urban girl masters her wardrobe when she stocks it full of versatile pieces that work with a ton of different outfits. That’s why she needs an infinity scarf! She’ll keep warm in a thousand different ways.

Forest slouchy hat: The Northwest is famous for its adverse weather conditions. Keep your ‘do under control with this warm, classic slouchy hat by Compose.

Honey curvy connor: Joe’s Jeans masters sexy urban style with this pair of black stretch cotton denim with studded detail on its back pockets. Must-have!

Potter fur vest: One of the hottest trends this year is the fur vest. Stay stylish while being kind to the animals and your wallet with this faux-fur BB Dakota design.