Enjoy sips, music and fashion at The Bravern's opening weekend

Despite the challenging economy, this weekend marks the opening of The Bravern, a major luxury retail complex in Bellevue, complete with fanfare and festivities. This weekend provides an opportunity for all to indulge in the roving runway shows, food tastes and free live music.

Friday, Sept. 11 marks the grand opening of Neiman Marcus's 41st luxury department store. The celebration continues Saturday to welcome The Shops at the Bravern, including stylish staples such as Anthropologie, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sur La Table and Tory Burch. Debuting on the West Coast are DNA 2050, a shop specializing in premium denim and denim-inspired outfits, and Wolford, a store that focuses on seam-free craftsmanship.

After a full day of shopping, people can refuel at a variety of restaurant choices including Wild Ginger, The Artisanal Table Pizzeria Enoteca, John Howie Steak, Artisanal Brasserie & Winebar and Mariposa at Neiman Marcus. And don't forget to head over to Trophy Cupcakes for a mouthwatering dessert.

If you are simply in search of a place to unwind, look no further than The Bravern's Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. The more than 6,000 square foot state-of-the-art spa features nine treatment rooms, top-of-the-line manicure and pedicure stations, makeup artistry, and a full-service hair salon. Guests can choose from a full menu of treatments and indulge in the relaxation lounge or spa cafe before or after their treatments. The spa is also offering The Bravern Warm Welcome Package, which includes a signature facial or massage, warm cream manicure or shampoo, blow-dry and finish, and a makeup refresher for $120. (The value of this package is $141-$161 and the offer expires Nov. 15, 2009.)

As part of The Bravern's grand opening extravaganza, many of the shops will offer guests special treats to celebrate: Jimmy Choo will pass champagne, Trophy Cupcakes will offer samples of their tasty sweets, and Wild Ginger will have Pan-Asian bites to try. There will also be roving runways so shoppers can view the latest styles available at The Shops at the Bravern. The festivities will culminate with the Bravern Block Party and a free concert by Robert Cray on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

Neiman Marcus will be open Friday, Sept. 11 from 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m. Hours for the Bravern shops will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. For more details about the location, parking, and full list of stores, see The Bravern's Web site.

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