April is here, which means the Seamless in Seattle deadline is fast approaching with just 15 more days to get your applications in. If I may be so bold, I would really encourage all your emerging designers to enter, because this year, well this year we have a serious new development up our sleeve. Check back here Wednesday, April 6 for the big announcement. (Since I’m bursting, I’ll give you one hint: you’ll need to buy a ticket.)

Speaking of local designers, one of my faves, Tina Witherspoon of Glam.spoon will be going head to head against designer Sarah Yazmine in the next installment of Fashion Feud on April 13. The concept is simple, yet daunting: 2 designers, 2 models, 6 yards of fabric, and 1 hour to create a garment from scratch on stage in front of a crowd (not nerve-wracking at all, right?). The previous installments have yielded some impressive designs; mark your calendar.

My attempts at making jewelry are always a tad bit sad and pathetic, which is why I literally clapped my hands in excitement when I saw that local jeweler Amy Bixby is teaching a hands-on jewelry workshop this month. The metalsmith will be sharing her tips on how to hand-print designs on sterling silver, and each student will take home a pair of hand-crafted earrings at the end of the night. The first class is Monday, April 11, with another in May.

Maybe its because I’m headed there this weekend for a quick getaway, but I’ve got a serious Canadian obsession. I know we all wax and wan about Portlandia’s hip factor, but Vancouver produces some seriously awesome clothing. Case in point: Good Society organic denim men’s and women’s jean line, which just arrived at Juniper in Madrona yesterday. The super soft, fair trade denim is sourced from independent farmers in India and a quarter of all of Good Society’s profits go back to charity. Plus, the laid-back, hipster appeal of the collection ain’t too shabby either. Viva Canada!