As You Like It

The best advice we’ve ever received is that life isn’t always about the destination but the journey. This makes us appreciate all the little things in life that maybe we would have missed had we not learned this valuable truth. Same goes for fashion. The end result is pretty important (duh), but when things are created with heart and passion it makes them all the more special.

Monica Gutweis in Belltown features hand-sewn blouses, corsets, knits, skirts and well, just about everything, including her line of handmade cuffs and vintage jewelry. Amidst the industrial sewing machines and sergers, Monica dyes her own silks and cottons and customizes her ready-to-wear clothing for clients in just minutes. Don’t like the color of that hot miniskirt on the rack but love the silhouette and design? No problem, you can pick your own fabric and order up—you’ve got your own custom threads.

Monica Gutweis is like having our own custom designer, minus the price tag. Now that’s service!

Monica Gutweis 
2405 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
206.956.4620
www.MGutweis.com

Surf’s Up

Some days we long to sip champagne in a pristine dining room with crisp white linens, nibble teensy portions on gilded plates and dabble in the provided finger bowls. Today was not one of those days. Today we were starving and longing for satisfaction.

So we rolled up to the Paseo lunch counter on Seaview and grabbed satisfaction by the horns. Paseo may be short on atmosphere, but it’s long on perfectly cooked pork mingling with thick-cut caramelized onions, jalapeños, cilantro and aioli on fresh, crunchy rolls. It’s all about drippy, gooey Caribbean goodness on a bun—ambiance be damned. In addition to pork, (seriously, try the pork) the fire grill offers chicken, seafood—even tofu—and it’s all delectable. If you just can’t wait to dig in, you could snag one of the stools outside or a picnic table off the parking lot—but why, when Golden Gardens is just down the street? So grab your order (conveniently wrapped for mobility) and head down the street to the beach.

Surf, sun and sandwiches… summer has begun!

Paseo
6226 Seaview Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.3100

Artful Discovery

While we spend a fair amount of our time—and our paychecks—stocking up on the latest fashion trends for each season (you should see the white summer dress we just picked up), we also have a cultural side. We love exotic food and French wine and can’t get enough of Italian gelato.

So when we were strolling along First Avenue in our new sandals and noticed the Seattle Art Museum’s Gift shop, we headed right in. Talk about style. This place can help you dress up your house with all sorts of artsy tidbits. Hand-blown glass vases, funky kitchen gadgets to wow guests, and designer originals you won’t find anywhere else. Plus they have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stocked with travel, food and—of course—art books. We couldn’t help but snatch up an adorable authentic writing kit for the next time we actually have someone to write a love-letter to.

Now we know where to go for all those wedding gifts we’re trying to budget for. Boring registry items, we think not! It seems our gladiator sandals have a great direction sense—we should trust them more often.

SAM Shop
1300 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.654.3120
www.seattleartmuseum.org

Feelin’ Fresh

We prefer for life to be “no muss, no fuss.” However, in our complicated twenty-something adult lives, that rarely happens. Things are often messy, complicated and inconvenient.

So we find convenience where we can—like with La Fresh biodegradable wipes. They have a towelette for everything – makeup remover, sunscreen, deodorant, shaving gel, insect repellent—even shoe shining. What an uncomplicated solution!

www.lafreshgroup.com

Love Around the World

A little romance in daily life is a must. However, our lives seem to have been severely lacking in the romance department lately…siiigh. So until we find Prince Charming to sweep us off our feet, we’ll surround ourselves with romantic scenes to buoy our hopes.

The screen prints of lovers under red umbrellas in different world cities (New York, Portland, Venice and of course, Paris) by Art Shark are ideal. They’re ridiculously cute—we just hope they add Seattle soon!

www.artsharkdesigns.etsy.com

Mmm… Baguettes 

We’re all about our big ol’ bags that hold everything but the kitchen sink, but occasionally our ensembles call for something a little more, well, little.   

Not wanting to look like we’re toting a sparkly prom accessory, we shop AO3 Designs. We love their entire line, but lately our hearts belong to their Baguette Clutches. Available in chic vintage floral prints and embellished with smooth patent leather, these beauties perfectly mix feminine with tough. We dare you to just buy one. 

www.ao3designs.com

Something’s Fishy

Dining outdoors during summer is one of our favorite pastimes, so naturally, we are totally pumped for the newly opened outdoor seafood bar at Salty’s Redondo Beach location. With a walk-up window, picnic tables with views of the Olympics and award-winning seafood chowder, it’s quintessential summer in Seattle.

What: New Seafood Bar at Salty’s Redondo Beach
When: Now through Labor Day
Where: 28201 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines
Call: 253.946.0636
Visit: www.saltys.com

Perfectly Posh

Posh on Main is one of those stores where we literally covet every single thing they sell, and lucky us, its time for their semi-annual sale again! With savings of up to 50% off of summer shoes and handbags from the likes of YSL, Tory Burch and Valentino, we are hardly able to contain our excitement!

What: Posh on Main Semi-Annual Sale
When: Now through Sunday, July 12
Where: 10245 Main St., Suite 103, Bellevue
Call: 425.454.2226
Visit: www.poshonmain.com

Just for the Ladies

The ladies in our lives are our family, and we’ve gotta have at least one night a month to do girly things and bond. This month, we’re attending Girls Night Out in Magnolia Village—checking out what’s happening in shops and restaurants including Dish It Up!, Vixen Day Spa & Boutique, Swirl Wine Bar and more!

What: Girls Night Out at Magnolia Village
When: Thursday, July 9, 6–9 pm
Where: 32nd Ave. West and West McGraw St.