Press Room
Enjoy guilt-free holiday shopping at Gilt - NW Source
By Natalie Bow NWsource shopping columnist Bellevue resident Jennifer Corry, who remembers Bellevue Square [0] "when it was not much more than a strip mall," now has a hand in the shopping center's growth with the opening of her new accessories shop, Gilt [0], which is located on the mall's first level across from Sephora [0]. Corry stocks her boutique with affordable accessories like newsboy caps, clutches and cashmere scarves, and she's neatly arranged interesting jewelry collections throughout the narrow space. Most notable among them is Danish jewelry line Pilgrim [1], known in the fashion industry for their unique marketing efforts -- including freezing jewelry in a large block of ice in downtown Oslo this past fall. Gilt is the only boutique in Washington to carry the brand, which features handmade, affordable ($40-$125) statement pieces that incorporate copper alloy, enamel plating, Swarovski crystals and other materials. Through Dec. 31, shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on one item by donating jewelry and accessories. Gilt will give the donated items to the YWCA's Working Wardrobe program, which outfits low-income women with clothing and accessories for interviews and new jobs. Gilt is at Bellevue Square, 100 Bellevue Way N.E.; 425-468-4458.
Small Extravagances Adorn Bellevue Square
Look-Your-Best.com New Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Boutique Gilt opens in time for Holidays BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Spice up your holidays at Gilt, a new Bellevue Square boutique featuring unique and inspiring collections of high-quality and affordable fashion jewelry and accessories. Be one of the first to preview these guilty pleasures at Gilt's grand opening get together from 6-9:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19th. Whether you're looking for a little color to bring new life to that little black party dress, need to give yourself a lift or find the perfect gift for any female on your list, Gilt is the place for all your fashion jewelry and accessory needs. Located just across from Sephora on level one, Gilt will offer a range of unique styles and colors at competitive prices. Gilt will be the first in the area to carry the hot new line of PILGRIM jewelry from Denmark, as worn by Liv Tyler, and Amici bags as featured in "O" Magazine. Get your "Gilt Fix" with accessories from the Gal Pal that lifts and removes white deodorant marks, dirt, crusted food and lint from most fabrics in seconds to coverage tape. PILGRIM jewelry is designed for those who dare show personality, some of the signature pieces that Gilt will carry include: * Autumns Finest -- combines the flower with oval glass beads, achieving an effect that is elegant yet pronounced * Rose -- a symbol of love, femininity, elegance and glory, the rose is combined with sparkling Swarovski crystals to convey sensuality and elegance * Ball with a Twist -- gothic ornamentation creates a unique look * Fairy Wings -- precious and refined, these designs reveal a woman's femininity through subtle glimpses Beginning at the opening party, customers who donate lightly used fashion jewelry/accessories at Gilt will receive 10% off one item now through the end of the year. Gilt will be donating these items to the YWCA's Working Wardrobe program which provides homeless and low-income job seekers clothing and accessories for interviews and new jobs.
Seattle Picks, Life + Style to you: Every Friday
November 23rd, 2007
Hip Happenings:
#1 Plead Gilt-y
Accessories have been our wardrobe saviors during the hectic holidays. And now that Gilt has opened, we'll be set for the season (and beyond!). Gilt carries unique and affordable accessories great for gifts (and yourself!). Donate your own gently used fashion jewelry, and get 10 percent off one item at Gilt. Donations will go to YWCA's Working Wardrobe program.
What: Gilt now open
Where: Bellevue Square Mall, 475 100th Ave. NE, Bellevue
Call: 425.468-4458
Bellevue Reporter
December 26, 2007
Sometimes with shopping you need a little 'gilt'
By Lindsay Larin
Staff Writer
You say you're feeling guilty from all your Christmas shopping. A new store at Bellevue Square is there to help. The store, "gilt," carries fashion jewelry and accessories in a boutique-style shop on the mall's first level directly across from Sephora.
The new shop carries primarily Pilgrim, a handcrafted Denmark jewelry line that is huge in Europe and has only recently begun to gather attention in the states. Pilgrim employs several different artists to design the jewelry by hand, giving the unique collections a certain level of exclusivity and uniqueness.
Owner Jenny Corry envisioned opening a shop that offered a fresh take on fashion jewelry and accessories. "I wanted to offer high quality jewelry at a reasonable price. Over in Europe you can't walk down the street without seeing several cute little shops like this. You just don't see that around here. The mall has Claire's that is on the low end and fine jewelry stores but nothing that balances the two. That's where gilt comes in," explained Corry.
The ex-Microsoft employee decided to start her own business more than a year ago and began the long process of turning her dream into a reality. The first step was finding the right product.
"I discovered Pilgrim jewelry by chance. My sister-in-law from Ireland game me Pilgrim as a gift and I fell in love with it," said Corry. "I couldn't believe the amount of detail the artist put into creating the jewelry. When I decided to move forward with opening my own shop, Pilgrim jewelry was a must. It was a no brainer."
The next step was to locate a prime spot. Corry met with representatives from Bellevue Square but didn't think much would come of it. "I knew it was a long shot because Bellevue Square is the cream of the crop. I was pleasantly surprised at how gracious they were and they truly made the process so smooth. The doors just kept opening and we kept moving forward."
Knowing how crucial the first few months are to any new business, Corry set her sights on opening prior to the holiday season. Last minute finishing touches were made and the grand opening was held Nov 19. An impressive turnout of shoppers enjoyed appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks while browning the sparkling merchandise.
Large vertical glass cases line the center of the shop featuring exclusive Pilgrim pieces. Different collections of jewelry hang on the walls to allow easy viewing. The jewelry is arranged by collections, color schemes, patterns and occasion. Ranging in price from $18 for cute pair of earrings to $200 for a flagship piece, the jewelry bridges everything from everyday wear to special occasions. "The great part about Pilgrim jewelry is that it comes in so many different collections yet blends beautifully together," Corry said. "You can take a necklace from one artist and match it with a pair of earrings from another and they compliment each other." The idea behind carrying all one brand came from years of frustration over trying to find matching sets of jewelry without going to several different department stores.
"Gilt is really about the ease of shopping. Ladies these days are so busy they don't have time to run between department stores looking for a matching set. Gilt offers all the variety without pounding your feet," Corry said. Corry wants to continue to make small changes to the shop.
"The hats and scarves we carry have been flying off the shelves. We plan to carry an assortment of brands and styles of accessories, but it all really depends on the customers. What's popular with them is what I will order." One corner of the shop that has already gained attention is the gilt-fix section. Knowing the struggle of trying to find all the necessary extras needed to make that special night worry free, Corry set aside a section of wall in her store for easy one-stop shopping. The section offers a wide selection of products form the popular Gal Pal brand for those potentially embarrassing emergencies including two-sided tape, inserts and deodorant remover.
To give back to the community, gilt teamed up with the YWCA to contribute to the working woman's wardrobe. The YWCA helps underprivileged women get back on their feet by setting them up with housing, food, supplies, clothing and accessories for job interviews. Corry wanted to do her part to help. Customers who bring in lightly used clothing, jewelry and accessories for YWCA donations will receive 10 percent off their purchase.
Now that Corry has opened her new store to Bellevue shoppers, she is excited about what the future holds. "Pilgrim jewelry is just beginning to be introduced to the states and I'm so thrilled to have a part in it," she said. "The best part about he jewelry line is that each individual piece will eventually be discontinued, making your necklace or bracelet and exclusive piece."
For an added incentive, customers who purchase two regular priced items will receive 25 percent off the second item. "I want people to know that Pilgrim jewelry is quality jewelry, but affordable and well worth the investment," Corry said.
With all the stress of the holiday season a little gilt-free shopping could be just what the doctor ordered.