Love your jeans
Finding that perfect fitting jean is like finding your soul mate and its death till you part. To increase the life span of your beloved jeans there are a few things you can do.

One nemesis is the torturous chamber within the washing machine. Doing laundry is rarely fun, so put it off more! The less you wash them the longer they survive. Turn them inside out, use regular liquid detergent, and the temperature no higher than warm. Stretch denim begs to be thrown in the dryer after almost every wear which decreases the elasticity. Instead, hang them for 45 minutes before tossing them into the dryer on high heat to finish. For rigid denim hanging is best so they keep your bodies original shape.

Hemming keeps them from getting destroyed and looks better. Wash and dry them (in the dryer) before taking them to get altered.

If a hole appears, don't wait for it to become to huge gash, fix it quick with an iron heat patch or drop them off to a tailor.

Fun, sexy jeans, like People's Liberation, can be found at Red Line on Sixth Avenue.

So love them right and Long Live your Jeans. â€" Alexandra DeLong

Glenna’s Clothing
Fashion reviewers called the style choices of most of the female nominees and attendees of this year’s Academy Awards safe. I call them boring. These broads have access to the most crazed and genius designers the world over who continuously turn out dazzling creations that flatter any figure, and yet, some of them actually picked brown as the color for their big walk on the red carpet.

Lame.

Interesting color choices were worn by actresses Nancy O'Dell, who managed to bring out the glitz in a grey, skin-skimming, décolletage-baring, lace-embellished dress, and Kelly Preston in a bust-enhancing, draped, fall leaf orange, strapless gown of Grecian influence. The only gown of real note was the flaming red, definite haute couture elegance designed by John Galliano. The silk taffeta worn by Heidi Klum held so much old Hollywood high drama that all other designs simply faded away. And while the intense red was carried well by Klum’s strong, mature beauty, young, fragile-looking Anne Hathaway seemed overwhelmed by the very crimson dress she wore. Follow Klum’s example. Get some va va voom â€" like the rest of these high-dollar earning ladies should have â€" at Glenna’s Clothing in downtown Tacoma. Glenna’s Broadway boutique shop specializes in stunning vintage couture, retro finds and gowns galore.

Don’t forget the shoes â€" rounded toe, pointy toe, open toe, sandal (no toe) â€" and accessories, sparkly jewelry, and divine hats to boot. â€" Jennifer Johnson

Bra chat
There’s something about matching bras and panties. It’s our own sexy secret. Feeling seductive and hot underneath your clothes adds more to your look then realized.

The wrong bra can destroy your outfit and damage your breasts. How can you tell if your bra is helping or hurting your style? First, know your bra size. The staff at Nordstrom is happy to give complementary sizing. Most women buy bras too big. Thinking that the looser band size wont dig into the flesh, creating back chub rolls. In reality, if the band is to big, it moves up your back; it should be parallel to the floor. This pushes the breast tissue forward causing them to fall out of the bra or sag prematurely. Knowing that, I'm willing to take the back chub.

You want it fitted, not cutting off circulation, but snugly clasped on the last clasp. It will stretch over time. The underwire should start on the side of your body, and go completely around the breast tissue. The wire should curve up and lay flat in between your breasts.

Stay sultry in Betsy Johnson, Calvin Klein or DKNY (sold at Nordstrom) and know how to support your style. â€" Alexandra DeLong

Rocky & Coco’s sale
Word around town was Rocky & Coco’s sports cool new threads. In true Weekly Volcano form, we had to check it out. This contemporary boutique carries a slew of awesome designers, including my beloved James Perse, the master of the cotton tee. So when I first entered Rocky & Coco’s, his classic pocket T-shirt was the first thing I noticed. Sure, $58 is a little steep, but at 40 percent off who can resist?

Check out my favorites on the Weekly Volcano Web site. â€" Julie Jordan

Play with your face
It can take hours getting ready for a night out on the town. Just getting dressed can leave you scrambling for time, a mascara wand in your hand looking in the rear view mirror while driving. We forget that the first thing people usually notice is our face, instead of our designer bags or shoes.

Make-up is its own fashion statement, and instead of going for boring black or brown eyeliner, that leaves you looking like a raccoon in the morning, this spring go for bright eyeliners. Almay, found at any Rite Aid and Walgreens, is one of my favorite eyeliner lines. Almay’s purple eyeliner will make your peepers pop. For brown eyes, a smoky purple liner right on the lash line combined with lavender shadow brings out the chocolaty richness of the eye. For green eyes a vibrant hue of violet creates a playful contrast between the two colors making the eye look bigger. For ladies with the baby blues deep dark blueish-purples are best. The blue highlights the eye color and the purple tones add depth and dimension. Purple can work for anyone when done right, so this spring be daring with your liner and let your beautiful eyes be the best part of your outfit. â€" Alexandra DeLong

Once Upon A Child
Fashion trends are so fickle and forceful. A friend related an uncomfortable story recently of how she took her 10-year-old son shopping for pants and was completely dismayed to discover that the high-ups in the fashion industry have decided that boy’s pants will now be skinny-legged. Think of the tight jeans rocker and punk guys wear. Think of the dirty-hot singer you were drooling over on the stage last weekend; the one in the skinny black jeans making the pelvic thrusting motions toward the crowd. Now your son gets to wear them. The friend further tells me of how she pulled her son through rows of pants, whole stores and shopping centers before giving in and getting him a pair. The poor boy didn’t want them, either. He wanted his usual mid-range baggy pants that had a little room in the seat. How did this happen? Who decides what we have as options for our children’s clothing and where we can buy them, anyway? I say, “We do!” or at least those who actually have kids do.

Youngsters are under ever mounting pressure to fit in and look cool. That’s pretty difficult to do when corporate designers keep changing things on them. Plus it’s hard on mom and dad’s pocket since kids grow so fast. Consignment stores offer a lower price for past year’s fashions for kids. Once Upon A Child is one of many shops in the area that sells discounted used clothes for kids and babies accepting only gently worn items, so unlike a trip to Goodwill, one doesn’t have to spend 10 minutes per garment looking for torn or unraveling seams, missing buttons, food stains and such. â€" Jennifer Johnson

Fashion news
Fendi created a new do-it-yourself baguette bag decorating kit. Get in on the action!

Scarf it up
Cashmere scarves and oversized sunglasses have been a Hollywood trademark for the past few years. They are the perfect accent piece to turn any ensemble from drab to fab. Casual and sophisticated, they keep you warm and fashion forward transforming muted winter looks into eye-catching style.

Let’s dive deeper. Scarves have been a fabulous accessory for centuries, dating all the way back to Ancient Rome. They were originally used to wipe the sweat off the face but quickly became a symbol of fashion for men, either knotted at the waist or around the neck. In the early 18th century scarves were seen on kings, queens and other people of importance.

Scarves are a classic piece that has become a fashion icon. They have been used in almost every culture on every continent to either show military status, accentuate a look or for religious purposes. By adding a scarf to your outfit you are adding a piece of history to your wardrobe.
Today, brighter and bolder is better. At Nordstrom there are lovely scarves in the brass plum section for only $18.

This winter be instantly glamorous with a scarf, and have your style stand the test of time. â€" Alexandra DeLong

[Nordstrom, 4502 S. Steele, Tacoma, 253.475.3630]

Lover’s Package
Plain and simple, I think Valentine’s Day blows. It’s just another holiday pushed by the greeting card companies, the chocolate factories, florists and every restaurant around (does anyone really need an excuse to go out to eat?) via every media outlet known to mankind. If you’re feeling pressured to spend money and buy something tangible as a way to prove your undying love (or at least strident interest) for someone, you should at least get some ... er, I mean something out of it, too. Lover’s Package is a chain store focused on pleasure … er, I mean pleasing its customers with great sales people who are jovial and nonchalant as they bluntly ask, “Can we help you find something?” and they really will walk you right over to whatever adult item you mumble about and then make suggestions on what products are rated better than others. It’s like asking about tires at Goodyear, except you don’t put these rubbers on cars.

From tame to tawdry, sex kitten to scary dominatrix, Lovers Package sells lingerie hot enough to finish melting the polar ice caps. Drop in to discover DVDs, creams, potions, tickly toys, and devilish whips to tantalize your naughty bits. It’s worth the trip just to be able to say, “Show me to your battery-powered spanker.” Meow! â€" Jennifer Johnson

[Lovers Package, 7002 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma, 253.475.2271]

While Broadway, the hub of theatrical experiences in Tacoma, can be a great place to catch a show â€" or even buy tickets as a great gift idea â€" there’s more here than just theaters.  Shopping in the area is diverse and fun with long-standing and hidden treasures awaiting shoppers. Check out my story here. â€" Jessica Corey-Butler

It’s that time of year again, when Christmas music can drive you crazy. It’s on the radio, in the stores, and blaring at countless parties. Nothing makes me want to climb a tower with a rifle quicker than premature holiday music. When I heard the first set of yuletide yahoos on WARM 106.9 FM back in October (it seems) I aimed my crosshairs at my radio set to blow it apart like a bowl full of jelly. All Christmas, 24 hours a day? Are you kidding me?

Thankfully, urbanXchange hosts a free Christmas show I can get behind Sunday. Trans Union, Ghosts & Liars and Garage Voice will fill Tacoma’s hippest resale fashion store with perfect pop while cookies and candy canes dance in my stomach.

Trans Union’s passionate ’80s post-punk is wrapped in tight, melancholy ballads sporting a name tag that says Interpol’s Turn on the Bright Lights and drawings of Santa Morrissey plastered on the present.

Pull the draw string on Ghost & Liars and listen to some of the most well thought out pop music you’ve ever heard. Honey sweet melodies, radiator-warm cello line and candy canes are their trademarks.

Garage Voice heads down the chimney with emotionally significant, jazz-inspired rock loaded with pretty piano work.

It's free, too. Thank owner Julie Bennett for the early present. â€" Suzy Stump

Last Saturday I joined a group of fellow gussied-up folks for an evening called Inspired Elegance, a fashion show fundraiser for Tacoma Art Place, which took place at Stadium Bistro.

This night consisted of five amazing courses of fine food and wine (the Angus beef and sauce was absolutely delectable) and elegant fashions designed by students from the Tacoma School of the Arts and other local women.

The eight aspiring fashion designers and general artists worked with established local designers in Daniel Blue of Loyalty Conglomerate and Lisa Fruichantie of Transcendence Design during a 24-hour time span to create wearable art.

The fruits of their labor were indeed inspiring and they were a word that kept getting dropped throughout the course of the night: Empowering.

During and in between the five scrumptious courses, a parade of designs flowed before the 25-plus attendees and included a Kimono-inspired tube dress with faux suede shawl wrap, a poofy and youthful leopard cocktail dress; a drape garment inspired by the Greek fabric pattern that was married with a goddess robe; a black dress with a halter top finish, ribbon bows in the back and an elegant single-slit skirt; a sweet and simple baby doll dress inspired by Norway; and an Elizabethan corset with a gold wrap.

Each design was worn by the aspiring fashion designer or artist herself: Brenda Groboski, Camille Kelsey, Sinead Dennis (SOTA student), Andrea Trenbeath Lowen, Anastasia Nelson (SOTA student), Adriane Tate, Chelsea Ballinger and Kierra Miller.

What made the event even better was learning that all of the aforementioned women would receive the gift of an annual membership to Tacoma Art Place, which is a non-profit that provides affordable access to art equipment and training.

All of these inspiring designs will be on display at Tacoma Art Place, located at 1116 S. 11th, throughout the end of the week.

For more information about this cool nonprofit (the Weekly Volcano LOVES founder Linda Danforth), visit the Tacoma Art Place Web site, and add them to your MySpace. â€" Natasha Gorbachev

Photography by Dave Poole.

Second Photo: Tacoma jewelry artist Andrea Trenbeath Lowen designed, constructed and modeled a goddess robe fantasy dress for the Inspired Elegance fashion show benefiting Tacoma Art Place.

Third Photo: Kierra Miller is wearing a no sew, black tube dress accented by a leather belt she made with the help of professional fashion designer Daniel Blue.

Fourth Photo: Adrianne Tate stands tall in the Elizabethan stylized dress she designed. Her father taught her to sew by mending socks at age 5. 

FASHION
Holiday Inspiration
Tonight’s Rocky & Coco’s Holiday Inspiration fashion show party will showcase feminine dresses and tops by designer Diane Von Furstenberg, whose motto is “Feel like a woman. Wear a dress.”  Watch for hot new denim for men and women by 7, Joes Jeans and True Religion. Rocky & Coco will be completely rearranged to allow for a runway stage down the shop’s center. An emcee will explain each outfit as the models strut their stuff to the music of DJ dAb in coats by Liquid and Mike & Chris, shoes by Report Signature and tops by Sweeties and James Perse. Male models will show tops by Robert Graham, Tackle and James Perse. Seattle stylist Susie Bradley will be handling models tresses.

The first 100 guests will receive goody bags and gift certificates for local Tacoma hot spots Sweets, Treats & Designs and Urban Tanning. Pacific Grill chefs will also whip up tasty little treats for attendees to nibble while oooohing and aaaaahing at designs. Naturally, champagne will flow.

A $10 suggested donation will go directly to Toys for Tots. There will be an after party at Pacific Grill with prize drawings, decadent desserts, more bubbly, cocktails and DJ dAb. â€" Jennifer Johnson

[Rocky & Coco’s, Thursday, Nov. 15, 7-10 p.m., 750 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.0606]

MORE SHOPPING: In The Bag.

PSYCHOBILLY
Boneyard Crawlers
The Boneyard Crawlers are the newest members to join the Northwest’s rockabilly club. Formed just six months ago, they only have a 13 song set list, but it’s all original material. The quartet combines old-school punk with surf and good ol’ fashion rock ’n’ roll. â€" Tony Engelhart

[McCabe’s American Music Café, with Triple Nickel and Gryphon, 8 p.m., $5, 2611 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.5403]

AFROBEAT
Albino
The San Francisco-based Albino is most definitely a show not to be missed if you’re a fan of fat horns, multi-percussion and pulsating beats. Rooted in the West Africa tradition of music and dance, they play an authentic brand of “Afrobeat” and adorned in outrageous tribal attire, they are as visually loud as the music they play. But it’s not all fun and games.

Honoring the legacy of Nigerian musical revolutionary, Fela Kuti, the band is also extremely politically aware and socially conscious as they try and inspire thought, activism and change through their lyrics. The multi-racial troupe believes, as Kuti did, that music can achieve a positive revolution and are dedicated to doing their part to try and raise awareness to various issues.

The award-winning group just released their full-length debut, Rhino, this past year. As expected, the disc is chock-full of funky grooves, tight horn arrangements, intoxicating rhythms and motivating lyrics. â€" TE

[Eastside Tavern, 9 p.m., $5, 410 Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.357.9985]

MORE MUSIC: In the clubs tonight.

Tomorrow night’s Rocky & Coco’s Holiday Inspiration fashion show party will showcase feminine dresses and tops by designer Diane Von Furstenberg, whose motto is “Feel like a woman. Wear a dress.”  Watch for hot new denim for men and women by 7, Joes Jeans and True Religion. Rocky & Coco will be completely rearranged to allow for a runway stage down the shop’s center. An emcee will explain each outfit as the models strut their stuff to the music of DJ dAb in coats by Liquid and Mike & Chris, shoes by Report Signature and tops by Sweeties and James Perse. Male models will show tops by Robert Graham, Tackle and James Perse. Seattle stylist Susie Bradley will be handling models tresses.

A $10 suggested donation will go directly to Toys for Tots.

There will be an after party at Pacific Grill with prize drawings, decadent desserts, more bubbly, cocktails and DJ dAb. â€" Jennifer Johnson

[Rocky & Coco’s, Thursday, Nov. 15, 7-10 p.m., 750 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.0606]