Tons of Panties Stolen from Victoria's Secret at Bellevue Square

According to reports, over $10,000 worth of panties were stolen from Bellevue Square's Victoria's Secret store on May 30th, between 2:30pm - 5:00pm. About 650 pairs are reported missing.

No surveillance cameras picked up on any possible suspects during the theft.

Is there an underground black market for panties in Downtown Bellevue? It's hard to imagine making good money selling panties for half the price. I think most residents in the area are doing well enough to purchase panties without buying them off the underground market!

The Bellevue Collection Launches New Website

Recently, the Bellevue Collection has re-launched its Website, and it is now one condensed site for Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place.

The site has a clean feel and reflects the current brand, as well as the remodels that are taking place at the Bellevue Collection. The "Collection Map" is one of the most innovative features on the site, allowing you to view the different buildings and view specific stores within the floors.

In an attempt to attract luxury retail to the Bellevue Collection, there is a separate section and site dedicated to "Luxury Comes to the Collection" at luxurybellevue.com. It is a sexy site, with tons of attractive images and intriguing facts about Bellevue and the Bellevue Collection.

The new Website is a great update, with well-organized information, allowing users to easily search for desired content.

Sex And The City Premiere Raises $25,840 for Hopelink!

Over 240 people (mostly women) poured into Lincoln Square for the 9:30am showing of the movie premiere of "Sex and the City," this last Friday morning. It was a huge success raising $25,840 benefiting Hopelink, a social services agency helping low-income families and children in need.

Grand Openings Galore at Bellevue Square

This week the Lacoste store unveiled it's exterior, implying that it is getting ever so close to opening, which was originally promised for May. Next door, to the left of the Lacoste store where Gap Kids previously was located, is now showing signs that Burberry will occupy the space.

The Victoria's Secret store has been in the midst of a major remodel over the last couple of months and now appears to be opening this weekend with a brand new look!

Also remodeling these last few months, and expanding into larger spaces, are Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, and Banana Republic. Pottery Barn and William Sonoma have signs notifying customers of their opening this weekend. Banana Republic will have their grand re-opening this fall.

The Bellevue Square interior remodel, as mentioned before, is moving along at a steady pace. The most recent addition to the mall has been couches, chairs, and tables, giving customers a nicer place to sit down and relax. Where most malls might allow sales kiosks throughout the mall, it is nice to see that Kemper Development Co. is not following suit with this trend.

Palomino Opens in Downtown Bellevue!

Palomino celebrates it's grand opening in Downtown Bellevue today! The restaurant, which opened its first location in Seattle in 1989, now spans over 9 locations, with the latest hitting Downtown Bellevue.

Restaurants Unlimited Inc. acquired Manzana, and within the last couple of weeks transitioned the Lincoln Square space into a Palomino. A representative for Palimino communicated their choice of Downtown Bellevue because they look for "Hip, urban, downtown communities with growth and development."

Haven't tried Palomino in Seattle? Some of the suggested items off the menu are Grill Asparagus and Prosciutto Brushetta as an appetizer, Asiago-Almon Crusted Sea Scallops & Braised Lamb Shank as an entrée, then topping off your meal (if you have room) with Chocolate Tiramisu. They aren't like some other swanky restaurants that give you small portions, and leave you hungry. Palomino gives fair sized portions. The biggest compliment, after the first trip to Palomino in their new location would be the abundance of friendly employees on staff. We left with three new friends!

Okay, so the question that everybody has been waiting for.... "Do they have a happy hour?" Yes, they absolutely do, and it runs daily from 3-6pm and then again from 9pm-close. They offer 1/2 off all appetizers, $5 pizzas, and $4 on all draft beer, select wines, and cocktails.

In addition, the Bellevue Palomino is currently offering a "First Seating" special. For $25 you can enjoy a 3-course meal as long as you arrive within the time frame of 4:30 - 6:00pm.

Congratulations, and good luck to Palomino's!

"Sex and the City" Movie Premiere to Benefit Hopelink

Over 300 people will have the opportunity to support the local social services organization, Hopeline, by attending a special premiere screening of "Sex and the City" on Friday May 30th at 9:30am at Bellevue's Lincoln Square Cinemas.

A local Bellevue mother Heija Nunn decided to put this event together after watching The Oprah Winfrey show with the movie's star, Sarah Jessica Parker. Sarah said on the show that she wished she could arrange babysitters so all moms could have the chance to see the Sex and the City movie.

Guests of the event will get entry into the movie, a "glam goodie bag," a continental breakfast, a drawing for stylish door prizes, and a special appearance by local author Jane Porter. The event will be free with a $25 suggested donation.

Donations from the event will support Hopelink's efforts this summer to help families and children in need.

The event is be sponsored by Bellevue's Palomino, Bellevue's Nordstrom, Tully's Coffee, Alki Bakery, and Lincoln Square Cinemas.

To RSVP send an email to breakfastwiththegirls@yahoo.com or call 425-869-6022.

Culinary & Wine Showcase @ Bellevue Collection Begins Monday

The Bellevue Collection's Culinary & Wine Showcase kicks off this Monday, May 26th, on Memorial Day. There are over 30 events taking place in one week's time, from May 26th - June 1st, all centered around food and/or wine!

The many events range from free to over $100. We think the best value is the Bite and Flight for $25. You'll get a "passport," which you can bring to a selection of seven restaurants within the Bellevue Collection, that will allow you to sample a food item and glass of wine. The Bite and Flight starts this Saturday, May 24th, a couple days earlier than the official start date of the event and runs through June 8th. Pick up your "passport" at Bellevue Square Guest Services.

Here are a few of the headlining events:

Tasting Lounge
May 28th - 30th @ Bellevue Sq Center Court (see site for times)
Five Tastes for $5

Cooking Demos
May 28th - June 1st @ Bellevue Sq Center Court (see site for times)
Free

The Showcase: A Night of Perfect Pairings
Thursday, May 29th 7pm @ The Westin
$50

Women Wine and Shopping: Dishing with Kathy Casey
Saturday, May 31st 7pm @ The Westin
$35

$40 Million Bellevue Square Face-Lift, Uncovered By PI

Yesterday, featured in the Seattle P-I, was an article reaffirming all the new upgrades Bellevue Square is and will be doing in the coming months.

The Seattle newspaper quoted Kemper Freeman explaining that, "Shopping centers, as a rule of thumb, need to be remodeled every 10 years." The last major remodel was the transformation in the 1980's that turned Bellevue Square from an outdoor mall to an indoor mall, making this current remodel long overdue. The story also uncovered an interesting fact, that Kemper Development Co. owns about 10% of Downtown Bellevue.

One change to Bellevue Square, not yet reported by the Downtown Bellevue Network, is that the center court clock tower will be moved to the corner of NE 6th street and Bellevue Way NE. (The renderings show that it will have a stylish upgrade to it as well).

Although a large part of the country is currently in a downswing, Bellevue (and many parts of the Puget Sound) continue to bring positive financial results and outlook for the future. Within a 10-minute drive of the Downtown Bellevue shopping areas, there is 102% of the population that Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills has, and 98% of the household income.

The article confirmed that all upgrades should be complete by this coming holiday season, which is a year later than originally planed.

Bellevue Square Update

Bellevue Square, as we all know by now, is in the midst of some major construction upgrades. Many sections in the mall are now in the process of being re-floored, from the prehistoric brown tile to the new cream colored marble.

In the past week there have been a couple of new things that attracted our attention in the mall. First, it looks like we've caught a glimpse of the new stylish silver trash bins that replace the dated concrete looking containers. Secondly, the sky bridge, which takes people from the garage to the mall, is going through some structural and aesthetic upgrades as well.


Aside from the construction and mall upgrades, some new stores have opened, some old stores have closed, and others are coming soon.

New Stores- Gap Kids has recently moved into a larger location, leaving their old spot next to the Apple store, and moving into what used to be Limited (which recently closed).

Coming Soon- Across the way from Gap Kids is Aldo, the shoe store. From the looks of it, unless they plan to have two stores next to each other, they will open a new store with a new look, one store down. Eileen Fisher, which is currently located in Redmond Town Center, will relocate to a Bellevue Square location on the second floor next to Tully's.

Closed Stores- New York Cupcakes next to McDonalds and Limited, as mentioned above, have both closed.

Blue C Sushi and Boom Noodle Bring Affordable Asian Cusine to Downtown Bellevue

At Bellevue Square on Bellevue Way next to PF Changs, where JZ Rose occupied the first floor, will now be filled with two restaurants that have a lot of contemporary energy and Asian cuisine.

The first is Blue C Sushi, which many might be familiar with, as they have locations in Fremont, University Village, and now Alderwood Mall. This is not your usual sushi joint. Blue C offers affordable sushi, with a conveyor belt style delivery method, big screen TV's, and a nice atmosphere with a clean design.

The second restaurant is Boom Noodle, a fairly new establishment, which currently has one location in Capitol Hill. Although Boom has no conveyor belt, it holds many of the same initial values of Blue C Sushi, offering affordable, authentic dishes in a stylish and hip atmosphere. The only difference is that they serve noodles rather than Sushi! Take a peak instead of the Capitol Hill location, and you'll immediately feel the environment of natural wood and green colors.

Both restaurants are locally owned by a group of three, which are "making our city's culinary scene more interesting," according to their Website. Blue C Sushi plans to open in September/October, followed by Boom Noodle in November/December. This fills a need for affordable, fun, and locally owned restaurant options to eat at, in and around the Bellevue Collection.


Images from Boom Noodle on Capitol Hill

Bellevue Style Beat; What to Be Seen In, Who to Wear

With the Summer months upon us, have you been wondering what to wear in Bellevue, and where to find that special something outfit? Have you been wondering what looks are "in" and would make you feel like a million bucks?

Well, here are few tips on choosing the right pieces to spark up your wardrobe. I spoke with my in-the-know fashion expert, Julie, at the new addition to Bellevue Square, Mercer. It is best described as: "The 'it' boutique for contemporary connoisseurs and discerning fashionistas. An institution for the best selection of contemporary jeans and collections in Seattle and now in Bellevue."

Julie says wider leg pants are very in, much like a sailor pant, and they carry all the designer jean brands you could desire: Seven, True Religion , Citizens for Humanity, Rock & Republic, and many more. She also says Nanette Lapore and Trina Turk are a couple of very desirable designers to be wearing.

Angela, owner of Posh on Main, tells me that she is selling lots of bright patent-colored sandals in yellow, orange, fuschia, and green by designers Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs. These colors add a nice pop to white linens and neutral colored ensembles. Add a bright colored oversized clutch or long linen scarf to tie in the shoes. Or, you can go with a dressy sandal from Badgley Mischka.

For the guys, Marques at Marqsmen in Bellevue Square has these suggestions:

1. Bomber Jacket (with subtle "sport" inspiration)- Perfect for layering during warmer summer months.
2. Casual Blazer- Pairs with denim or chinos, not suit pants. Can be worn "after hours."
3. Yachting Shorts - No cargos. Find inspiration in subtle plaid patterns, twill-tape detailing along the side seams, novelty lining along waistband, novelty buttons in unexpected places.
4. Trouser Inspired Denim - Denim material with standard "5 pocket jean" styling - But a clean trouser leg shape (no abrasion), and a slightly structured denim material that lends a "classy" look to denim.

For great ideas from a variety of stores in and around Bellevue, treat yourself to the Bellevue Collection Spring Runway show April 17th -20th.

Thinking "green?" Recycle, and benefit those less fortunate at the same time, by shopping at the very haute Overlake Service League Thrift Store in Bellevue Square. Believe it or not, I have found some amazing deals on designer clothing at this shop. Everything from Guess to Donna Karan, to BCBG and Betsey Johnson.

Don't be issued a fashion citation! Stimulate the economy and start shopping for some stylish pieces to make you feel your best. Whatever your taste and budget, there is something out there just for you in Downtown Bellevue.

Proposed Renderings Revealed: Lincoln Square II

Shown here are proposed images are of what Lincoln Square II, office tower and condominium tower, could look like. Also included in these images are what the retail shops (Shops on 5th) will look like from the outside at street level on Bellevue Way and NE 4th St.

If you pass the Safeway site on Bellevue Way, in the Avalon Meydenbauer building, you'll see a proposed project sign referencing the Lincoln Square II project. The business tower (the image with the orange on it) is currently listed as a 31-story office tower with over 500,000 sq ft. The condo tower, which will be right behind the Bellevue Arts Museum, is planned at 42 stories, 200 condos, and will have a hotel with 120 rooms at the base. The retail area will feature almost 400,000 sq ft of high end retail.

This project will be developed by Kemper Development Co. and could start as early as this summer.

Store Openings: Panera Bread, Vera Bradley

Panera Bread
Panera Bread, which on the east coast in some areas is as familiar a meeting place as Starbucks is to Seattle, has now added a location in Downtown Bellevue at Bellevue North shopping complex. The restaurant, which opened almost three weeks ago, is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They open at 6am and don't close until 9pm. With the long hours, and free wi fi, it makes for a great meeting spot.


Vera Bradley
This handbag and luggage specialty shop was built on the idea of it's founders that there wasn't enough "feminine-looking luggage." The store, when it opens, will occupy a spot in Bellevue Square on the second level where Mora Iced Creamery was previously located.

Diving Into the Bellevue Square Remodel

In a report put out by the Bellevue Reporter, a few details not already posted here on the Downtown Bellevue Network about the Bellevue Square remodel were uncovered:

• A Burberry retail store in the next several months will join Bellevue Square on the the first floor within the Nordstrom wing.

• The clock in Center Court will be removed. A new clock tower in its place will be positioned outside, between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square.

• A new 1,000 sq ft play area for children will be constructed on the third floor. The play area will consist of the famous tug boat, a new ferry boat, a ski boat, an Orca whale, and a giant light house. In addition to the play area, the third floor will also now include a coffee shop and "child-oriented retail shops."

The Bellevue Square remodel is on pace to be complete by the fall of 2008.

Bellevue Square Elevator Renovation

Bellevue Square's elevator, located in center court, is now closed and going through an entire renovation. As the current state of the project shows (see pictures below), they have completely gutted the current elevator and are starting over from scratch.

The new elevators promise to be "high speed" in nature. The old and sluggish elevator will be replaced by two elevators able to accommodate more people, more often.

Renderings of the final product reveal a very contemporary, glass-like shaft, wrapped with dark colored wood.

The new elevators are expected to be complete in early fall 2008.

Bellevue Square Store Openings and Boat Closure

Mercer - Store Opening

This small women's boutique opened it's 5th store in Bellevue Square. It has had local success for some years now at its University Village store. Mercer is located on the first floor next to Eddie Bauer and across the way from Movado.

Lacoste - Opening May
The clothing company most known for its famous polo shirts, will open its first store in the Pacific Northwest at Bellevue Square. The store has not yet opened, but the exterior of the first floor store across the way from Tiffany's is wrapped in Lacoste marketing posters announcing the future store opening.

"The Bellevue Square Boat" Closes
The legendary Bellevue Square Boat has been dismantled. The boat on the first floor will be permanently moved to the third floor, where Kemper Development Co.'s sign states they are "building a fabulous new play area."

The boat has been celebrated over many generations. This new play area will not be within the regular flow of customer traffic anymore and will turn into a planned destination for anybody to take advantage of it on the 3rd floor.

It is too early to fully criticize this move to remove the boat because the new play area is not yet finished. Having said that, the boat was always a very popular choice for parents and children alike. This new play area has quite a reputation to live up to, following the steps of the all-so-famous "Bellevue Square Boat."

Retail Roundup

First Sign up for Avalon Meydenbauer Retail
If you've been looking around this week when your on Bellevue Way, you would've noticed the first permanent sign is up at Avalon Meydenbauer for Desert Sun Tanning Salons. They will open up at the location in two weeks. So, for those looking for a great fake-in-bake in the core of Downtown Bellevue, wait no longer; they take care of you (especially to those of you who will live at Avalon Meydenbauer Apartments, your discount is 50% off!).


Bellevue Square - Victoria Secret Moved for Remodeling
Many men this last week while shopping for Valentine's day might've realized this already, but Victoria Secret has moved to a temporary location on the first floor next to Tiffany's.

Large "Entertainment Retail" space still available at Lincoln Square

As the Downtown core of Bellevue continues to flourish, so too does Kemper Development’s Bellevue Collection portfolio. As a high-end mixed use development you would be hard pressed to find a better environment as a consumer.

With the recent emergence of Luck Strike Lanes joining the likes of The Parlor, McCormick & Schmick’s, Lincoln Square Cinemas and many others, one large vacancy remains.

The vacancy is contiguous to Lucky Strike and adjacent to the sky bridge connecting to Bellevue Place. On the 2nd floor, the 29,415 square foot space, unoccupied nor leased is currently priced at $35 per square foot on an annual basis. As the most prime retail availability in the city it will be exciting to see which retailer will land there, hopefully enhancing the emerging nightlife scene in Bellevue.

Lucky Strike Unveils Exterior

Lucky Strike Lanes, Downtown Bellevue's soon to be new hip bowling alley has unveiled it's exterior over the weekend.

The venue will bring much more than just a traditional bowling alley to Lincoln Square. The location will play host to two bars, a DJ booth, and an upscale decor unheard of at most bowling alleys.

Lucky Strike Lanes on the second floor of Lincoln Square will open on December 30th, barely making promise on their "Holiday 2007" scheduled open date.

Hear Music Starbucks Bellevue Store with live music this weekend!

The "Starbucks Hear Music " store at The Lodge in Bellevue Square will now be featuring live music for the next couple of weeks. Deveraux, a local band who just recently played at the High Dive in Fremont will be playing following Snow Flake Lane on Saturday from 7:30pm-8:30pm, as well as the following Friday December 21st.

The Starbucks Hear Music Coffeehouses, if you are not familiar with them feature a great selection of CD's on hand to listen to or purchase, and you can even customize your own CD there. There are only four stores across the country in Miami, San Antonio, Santa Monica, and our very own Bellevue! Live music has been played very infrequently at these stores, but artists such as Paolo Nutini and Lilly Allen have had performed.

Hopefully this can become a happening spot for live music throughout the week. Seems like the entertainment in Downtown Bellevue is coming into it's own!