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Seattle Picks Website  
  SEATTLE PICKS
  life + style to you: every Friday
August 22nd, 2008

In between shopping all of the a-ma-zing summer sales, we have been glued to our television watching—you guessed it—the Olympics. It’s bad. We have been passing on invitations to fun parties and cocktails with the ladies at the latest hot spots, in favor of watching some silly competitions on the ol’ boob tube.

And, if we are completely honest, it’s not so much the Olympics we are watching as it is Mr. Michael Phelps. We are in complete awe of this kid; he is a total machine—not to mention, hotter than hot. (Uh, have you seen those abs and shoulders?) And being as we were glued to every last M.P. race, standing up and jumping on the couch screaming for his victory, we are quite sad to see his time at the Olympics come to a close. What’s more, it has inspired us to go after what we want in life, and give it everything we have. There may not be any gold medals involved for us, but as long as we see Phelps on every newsstand and talkshow for the next several months (which we assuredly will), we’ll be happy, eye-candied campers.

Forward this issue of Seattle Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@seattlepicks.com, and with a little hard work and determination of your own, you could win a $75 gift certificate to Mango Ink (www.mangoink.com).

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

From Start to Finnish

We have this girlfriend that we’ve known for years and we love her to death! But she’s so hard to shop for—birthday, Christmas, Ground Hogs Day, you name it—she’s got one (and sometimes two) of everything! So when her birthday popped up on our calendar this month, we scratched our heads, searching the shopping archives in our minds for a place to find something we knew she wouldn’t have.

Since we’re pretty sure she’s never been to Scandanavia, we decided to check out the summer stock at Tuuli, our favorite place for everything Finnish. We figured that since those crazy Europeans are always setting trends at least six months ahead of us, we’d be safe buying pretty much anything they carry. And we were right! We found the most adorable Merimekko clutch that’s got the perfect kick of color for a hot summer night out. Then we noticed there were some great wood beaded necklaces and bracelets that were must-have accompaniments to the clutch.

It was hard to restrain ourselves, so we took note of all the other “can’t-live-withouts” and put them on our birthday wish list!

Tuuli
1407 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.223.1112
www.tuuliseattle.com

       
  2

Spice Up Your Life

The other night, we flipped on the TV for some much needed R-and-R, and within minutes, we found ourselves mesmerized by a very enticing channel. No, nothing with sports or political banter, or even an MTV reality show, but something with flavor, zest, and baked goods: the ever-popular Food Network. After watching pro chefs sear, spice, and sauté to perfection, we are dying to once again pick up our spatulas and give the gourmet cooking thing another try.

Before we start in on our first taste sensation, we need to stock up on new kitchenware—of course—and what better place to go than Cookin’ in Madison Park? Cookin’ is a great stop for aspiring chefs or food fanatics with its colorful utensils, helpful gadgets, and table linens. Cookin’ always brings out the foodie in us and if we follow our recipes, with new culinary tools in hand, we know we can do it as well as any Iron Chef.

We also recently discovered recipes don’t always have to involve food. Pick up recipes and ingredients for refreshing summer drinks, which are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Cookin’
4224 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112
206.328.2665

       
  3

Get Romanced!

We love the classic look of Hollywood’s golden-age movie stars and the fashion styles of the 1920’s to the 1950’s. Hello? Princess Grace Kelly, Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Clara Bow—hotness! Sometimes we think we may have been born in the wrong era, our love for this look is so intense.

Thankfully, we have Isadora’s to bring us some original vintage glam. For 35 years, Isadora’s has specialized in procuring authentic antique American and European designer clothes and jewelry, including couture Dior, Valentino, Halston and even some more obscure pieces from Norman Norell, Mr. Black and Trigere, unique to the Hollywood big-screen era. With their vintage designer gloves, handkerchiefs, veils, tortoise shell hair clips, cufflinks, engagement rings, and tear drop diamond, ruby and sapphire earrings, plus so many other sparkly things, it felt like we were in a museum of glamour.

As if all of that wasn’t fab enough, they specialize in bridal gowns for the unconventional vintage queen. Using 100% silk, Isadora’s in house tailor reproduces 1930’s styled gowns—each inspired by pure romance.

Isadora’s
1915 First Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.441.7711
www.isadoras.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Secret Shopping

True confession: not only do we shop during our lunch hour and on weekends, but we also shop online—late at night after a few glasses of wine, and sometimes we get seriously carried away.

This week we’ll get carried away perusing the stylish steals at Meringue Boutique. Their semi-annual sale is online from Aug. 25–31, with savings of 25–80% off brands like Juicy Couture, Splendid, Twill 22, Twisted Heart and more. Plus, get free shipping when you enter PICKSFREE at checkout!

www.meringueboutique.com

       
  2

Teach Your Children Well

As doting Aunties, we plan on instilling the rules to great style in our little niece as soon as she is old enough to walk and talk—like how to match the right barrette to her new dress.

While perusing online kids’ store, Grasshopper, full of toys and books to ignite the imagination, we found these City Girls Magnet Dolls. With a whole collection of magnetic clothes and accessories, she will be putting together fierce outfits for herself, and her dolls, in no time at all.

www.grasshopperstore.com

       
  3

Express Yourself

We once had a boyfriend who insisted on getting a wooden sign displaying his last name for his front door—but he got it at the state fair and the letters were burned into a tacky piece of oak.

But wood signs can truly be a centerpiece for creativity, like these adorable creations from Barb’s Wood Signs. For kids’ rooms, sports fans, inspirational sayings—or your front door—these Northwest handcrafted beauties changed our minds about wood décor.

www.barbswoodsigns.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

It’s Your Birthday!

Tonight is Urban Fashion Network’s First Birthday and there will be, of course, a fab party to celebrate their success. There will be dancing, a signature pink drink, dessert and happy hour pricing all night. Plus, the first 50 ladies to arrive will receive a gift bag! It has all the makings for a perfect evening.

What: Urban Fashion Network’s First Birthday
When: Friday, August 22, 6–10 pm
Where: Karma Bistro and Lounge, 2318 2nd Ave.
Tickets: $20 at the door (cash only) or www.brownpapertickets.com,
price includes two drink tickets and dessert.
Call: 206.310.8437
Visit: www.urbanfashionnetwork.com

       
  2

A Gem of a Sale

Opal Boutique is having their Fall Kick-Off Sale today, where summer merchandise will be 25–70% off, and all fall merchandise will be 20% off. Adding to the madness, select denim brands (think: Joes, AG, and J Brand) will be buy one, get one 50% off. We may have to cut out of work early.

What: Opal’s Fall Kick-Off Sale
When: Friday, August 22, 10 am– 9 pm
Where: All three Opal locations: Redmond: 17887 Redmond Way, Suite 110; Seattle: 2121 Terry Ave., Suite 100; Mill Creek: 15117 Main St., Suite B102
Call: 425.882.0970, 206.621.8202, and 425.379.6315, respectively

       
  3

Nothing’s More Fun than a Sale!

When it comes to fabulously stylish casual wear, there is no better place to look than So Much Fun Sporty Chic. Don’t miss their sale this weekend where there will be 15% off all merchandise – including new fall items. Now open until 8 pm on weekdays, there is plenty of time to shop after work!

What: So Much Fun Sporty Chic Sale
When: Now through Sunday, August 24
Where: 1815 N 45th St., in the Wallingford Center
Call: 206.632.2742
Visit: www.smfsportychic.com

       
 

While you are out and about this summer, don’t forget to check out the places that spark your interest when reading the Picks. Since our ultimate mission is to support them, we’re counting on you to help us. So go! And tell them Seattle Picks sent you!

       
       
 

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