Women were chatting-it-up at the Ultimate Spring Fling Chat Party held at The Bellevue Harbor Club. With wine tasting, a DJ spinning, fashion flowing and fabulous gift-giving, this gathering was definitely not your daughter’s slumber party.
The Chat Party was hosted by Pam Gray and Rochelle Alhadeff, the voices and bubbly personalities behind the Chat with Women Live Talk Radio Show on KKNW 1150 AM. The radio show airs five days a week, bringing Pam and Rochelle’s own brand of funny, motivation, insightful tips and crafty wit.
“We wanted to have this party as a way to bring our audience together – to connect them and to serve them,” Gray said. “Most of the these women work a full time job, take care of children, clean the house and at the end of the day cook dinner for their husbands. This party is our way of giving our loyal listeners a break. We want them to relax and let us serve them for a night.”
The two baby boomers have created a forum on their radio talk show for women and the men who love them. The show touches on relationships, family, dieting, fitness, careers and topics that might make you blush.
“We want to be a place where women can grow, laugh, learn and reinvent themselves. We talk about what our listeners want to hear,” Alhadeff said.
“We cover every aspect of life from relationships to hormones to health. We don’t try to do politics unless Hilary wants to talk with us,” the two joked. “Our show is like having coffee with a friend.”
To bridge the gap between the listeners and the radio hosts, the pair welcomed their women listeners to indulge in an evening of primping, pampering and prizes.
Guests were treated to an array of vendors who were on hand to share their products, treatments, knowledge and samples. Women were free to roam various rooms that took up the entire 25th floor of the Symetra Financial Center Building in downtown Bellevue. The booths were lined along the perimeter and center of the two main rooms creating an easy path for guests to browse nearly 50 fun filled tables.
Hair stylists from 7 Salon in Bellevue were front and center to give exclusive tips to each woman on the perfect color and cut. To help take the years off, local spas, skin care and wellness centers were available for quick consultations and information on treatments. Free relaxation massages had many women lining up.
For the more adventurous, Chocolate Readings were performed by Sheila Lyon, the Chocolate Diva and Lip Readings by Jilly Eddy, a Lipsologist. Other vendors included jewelry designers, artwork from local artists, photography studios and independent businesses that are thriving in the Puget Sound area.
The Chat Party reflected Gray and Alhadeff’s vision to educate, entertain, inspire and empower women. Meet and greets included local book author, Dr. Leslie; Seattle Magazine’s Jamie Peha and Stacy Lill the owner of O Wines, a winery with a mission to fund scholarships for underprivileged young girls.
In the Venetion Room, entertaining and lifestyle expert Kelly L. Moore demonstrated quick and easy ways to make summer entertaining fun.
“It doesn’t take a ton of effort or money to throw a fabulous get-together,” Moore explained as she gave tips for seashore entertaining. “It’s all about inviting people into your home and building stronger relationships.”
Jumping from table linens to the runway, guests were treated to a taste of fashion from Joan Kelly of Fashion First. A casual fashion show kept the energy flowing throughout the party as Kelly announced the latest looks and trends for the coming summer months.
The models breezed across the runway wearing looks from Tatters, a boutique on Mercer Island and Le Ree Boutique in Bellevue.
In the spirit of giving back, the Spring Fling Chat Party benefited the 15th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure that takes place on June 21 at Qwest Field in Seattle. Guests were given the opportunity to sign up to win a TuTu timepiece, a gift certificate from The Bellevue Collection, assortment of wines and tickets to upcoming events. To ensure nobody walked home empty handed, each guest received a goody bag donated by the Bellevue Collection filled with goodies.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@reporternewspapers.com or 425-453-4602.
Tune in to KKNW 1150 AM Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or listen live online at www.chatwithwomen.com. For more information on Fashion First visit www.fashionfirstseattle.com.
