Bellevue’s new luxury shopping center called The Shops at The Bravern is set to open on September 12th. (Coincidentally the day before my birthday. I’m sure it was planned that way of course). The new shopping center brings the first Pacific Northwest Neiman Marcus store along side Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Tory Burch, Salvatore Ferragamo, Brooks Brothers Country Club and DNA 2050 have signed leases for The Shops according to Women’s Wear Daily.

The shopping center décor will be inspired by European Villages and sources confirm that the 300,000 square foot space will also house offices, condominiums and retail space. Additional luxury retailers include a series of restaurants, a David Barton gym and a Red Door spa.

Today’s world of high-speed internet connections, mobile phones, and budget airlines is truly much smaller than that of yesteryears. We have grown so used to being able to communicate with people so effortlessly, at any time and any place. So, are the cheap international calls that help to allow for easy and affordable communication worldwide a necessity? Or are they simply a luxury that we have become too accustomed to having around?

At core, humans are social creatures, no matter how it can appear otherwise at times. So for instance when a loved one is in Belgium for some work purpose, holiday, or anything really, it is exceedingly nice to have the option available to simply pick up the phone and call them without it costing an arm and a leg.