Interstellar Design

We know you’ve seen Logan’s Run (the video, not the original, natch)   In the movie it’s the 23rd century, and the future is a perfect place filled with only pleasure, except for one thing,  buh...buh...buh....(ominous drumroll)...life must end at 30.   It’s kind of like that at the Galactic Boutique, without the bummer of the dying young thing.   Even grownups can dig it.

The Galactic is a clean, modern, design space filled with home accessories and fashions featuring fun shapes, bright colors, and a slight sense of humor, many created and designed by the owner and artist, Karl Fjellström.  You can feel the love, the fun, the future at the Galactic.  It feels good just to be in it, even if you’re 31.  

They have adorable, functional bags in summery colors, fun t-shirts that you won’t see on every hipster at the coffee shop, and check out the cool neon skirts on their website—so Units, circa 1983!   The past is the future and the future is now, and you’ll find it all at the Galactic Boutique.

Galactic Boutique
1213 Pine St.
Seattle, WA  98101
206.749.9167
www.galacticboutique.com

Spa Delightful
 
The season of bare begins.  Lucky for us, we know how to make a smooth transition. Our first stop: Spa Del Lago in Madison Park.   A tad challenging to find for the directionally faint, Spa Del Lago is next door to Italian favorite Sostanza Trattoria.  Once you are there, the welcoming entrance draws you into an abyss of tranquility, emphasized by the calming sound of trickling water.

Spa Del Lago is a full-service salon, catering to every need from hair cuts and color (co-owner Tom Walsh is renowned for his highlights), pedicures & manicures, massage, waxing (sugar too), and skin treatments, including airbrush tanning.
 
We opted for the decadent Spa Pedicure this time—a salon favorite for summertime.  Starting with a foot soak of hot rocks and water with lemons, sea salt and tea tree oil, Spa Del Lago doesn’t hold back.  The “kicker” was a foot massage that we wish would have lasted all day.   It’s a hot commodity when the sun is out; might as well make an advance appointment.
 
Spa Del Lago
1929 43rd Avenue East, Suite 100
Seattle, WA 98112
206.322.lago
www.spadellago.com

How Things Have Changed

When we were little,  dad would just toss us in the back of the Oldsmobile station wagon  and we would roll around hither and yon, and get a giggle out of it when we’d go over bumps and hit our head on the pleather ceiling.  Of course, that was before seat belts, car seats and, um, laws.

It's truly amazing how far we've come.  Everything from funky diaper bags to kids’ toys and furniture...it’s all so much cooler now.  Check out tottini: furniture for modern offspring, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.  Tottini provides everything for your little tot that, poor you, didn’t exist way back then, except maybe in Bladerunner.

From hip bedroom and play furniture for all ages to organic bath products and unique toys, tottini has your urban babe covered.  This store has everything for the astute tot, like the Like-a-bike, the cushy modern Fat Boy, the Kapsule Chair fit for any dreamy eyed little astronaut, bold Wall Candy, and fun gift sets and bath toys.  Truly, tottini has everything fit for a [mod] little king.

tottini : furnishings for modern offspring
259 Yale Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206.254.0400
www.tottini.com

Make Magic Happen

In our dream lives, we’d wake up with clear complexions, and go down the grand staircase to grab the newspaper from the long driveway, then we’d make an espresso and lounge on a chaise in the sunroom, living our life in Cinderella gowns and flip flops, and not just when we had the occasion.  We of course would have a jam-packed closet filled with girly girl frocks, so we’d have nary a care about the drycleaning bill.  

And we know just the place to procure our princess gowns.  The fabulous Elsie Katz Couture, designed by Donna Baxter, features elegant, feminine designs made of luxurious fabrics and vintage trims reminiscent of old-Hollywood glamour.  Donna named the collection after her grandmother, Elsie Katz, who believed in ballgowns and tiaras for every day.  (We’re birds of a feather!)

Any day now we’ll be fleeing the ball in a hurry, dropping a petite flip flop behind, and our prince will look all over Seattle trying to find the foot it belongs to....but (with our track record) we’d be out of luck.  Happily, we’d still have our gowns.

Elsie Katz Couture
1424 Fourth Ave., Suite 1004
Seattle, WA 98101
206.625.1200
www.elsiekatzcouture.com

International Chic

We admire Paul Allen’s vision for the South Lake Union neighborhood, especially the fact that it has opened the door to an area of Seattle now known for cool shops, classy restaurants and other haute spots.  We also admire individuals that take advantage of such vision to bring us a superchic boutiques—like illi—filled with gorgeous Italian garments and goods.  

illi is incredibly welcoming with its warm décor, light-filled room and super-high ceilings.  It caters to shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces with beautiful Italian designs by M Missoni, Moschino, Nolita De Nimes, and a sprinkle of France from Jean Paul Gaultier.  You’ll also find shoes from Pollini, couture handbags from Moschino and Sissi Rossi, jewelry by local artists Sophie Gardner and Roundtree and Richardson, and lingerie by Lucy B.

illi has a few other surprises like candles, swimsuits, belts, etc., and recently added a few sleek-looking men’s items from Dulce de Leche, Genetic Denim and Meltin Pot. Illi is not for the faint of wallet, but cheap will never last as long as your new Moschino top.

illi
2113 Westlake Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
206.973.3487
www.shopilli.com

What’s Your Sign?

We’re an Aries and the first thing anyone says when they find out our star sign is, “Oh, you’re stubborn.” And, yeah, we are…though we prefer to think of it as being “passionately persistent.”

There are others out there who see beauty in this inner strength of character, namely Northwest artist,  Melissa Stiles, the brains behind Stubborn jewelry. Stubborn’s designs are wholeheartedly modern and incredibly attractive. We’ll be stubborn until one ends up in our hot little hands!

www.stubbornworks.com

 Write On

There’s no greater lasting impression than receiving a hand-written note on lovely paper or a classic notecard.  It oozes tradition, implies a well-bred lady (or a good head-fake), and is an important rite we should pass on to our text-messaging young.

To set you apart there is Ballard-based Driscoll Designs, manufacturer of luxurious hand-sparkled greeting cards, boxed notes, invitations and more.  All the vintage-y illustrations are lovingly produced, to wow even the most discriminating.  Find them at www.anthropologie.com, Real Card Company, Trophy Cupcakes, Ballard Mail and Dispatch, and many others.

www.driscolldesign.com

What a Girl Wants
 
Coco Chanel said it best: "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."  Get noticed this summer with a Beijo bag.  You'll be stopped by strangers asking, "Where did you get your beautiful bag?"  Colorful with a beautiful pearlescent finish, Beijo bags are water-resistant—a must for Northwest gals!  And they’re affordable—prices don’t top $130.
 
Beijo Bags are only available through sales representatives; contact Micah Harkin of Beijo Bags Northwest for information. beijobagsnorthwest@yahoo.com, 503.708.9301.  She ships!
 
www.beijobags.com

Baby, You’re the Best

With diapers and strollers to buy, it’s a wonder anyone can afford peanut butter after having a baby!  But now we know about Sofia Bean—adorable baby clothes at prices that make everyone happy; plus, the quality is outstanding.

The $35 combo box comes with a onesie, pants, and a hat or bib, and makes the perfect shower gift. And you can build your own box—everything from pants and hats to blankies and burp cloths.  If only they made this stuff in our size…

www.sofiabean.com

Bathe Me, Baby

We love taking baths.  Frankly it’s the only time in the day we can lock the door and make it abundantly clear that this is not the time to bother Mommy.

That said, we just discovered Bathe Me, a Northwest-based company that makes the most delightful bath goodies.  From bath and body oils in scents like Grapefruit & Orange and Spearmint, to milk baths in Coconut and Vanilla, plus luxurious bath teas in Jasmine, Lavender and Chamomile Flower, we are ready to relax!

www.batheme.com

Mario’s Fabulous Women’s Designer Sale

Stock up on all your favorite frocks at Mario’s at up to 40% off!  Instead of counting sheep at night, we count shoes, handbags, belts, jewelry and designer duds.  The sale is not to be missed, as they clear the racks for the arrival of sassy summer pieces.

What:  Mario’s Seattle women’s designer sale
When:  June 7 until it’s gone
Where: 1513 6th Ave.
Call: 206.223.1461
Visit: www.marios.com/seattle.php

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Do You Feel Lucky?  Join Marqsmen and “Hit the Marq” for free prizes, from movie passes to gift cards.  Allow Marqsmen to help you find the perfect Father’s Day gift from cool leather goods to urban accessories, and walk away with a free prize just for stopping by.  It’s that easy.  And yes, we said free!

What: Free prizes and gift cards!
When: June 15 and 16
Where: Marqsmen, Bellevue Square
Visit: www.marqsmen.com

SNAP!PhotoArt Event

In only 30 minutes you can enjoy a complimentary photo session.  Photos are then paired with customizable photo-art product from Paper Locket—heirloom, gallery wrapped canvases or frame-able prints.  Art for your home has never been so beautifully personal.  Just in time for Father's Day gift giving!  Email or call for an appointment.

What: SNAP!PhotoArt event at Haley’s Cottage
When: Saturday, June 2
Where: 15021 Main St. #E, Mill Creek
Call: 425.357.8106
Visit: www.haleyscottage.com

Design your Bridal Fitness Trousseau

The Healthy Bride and lucy present: Design your Bridal Fitness Trousseau.  Bring mom, bridesmaids, friends, even wedding guests to this free event!  Stylist Darcey Howard shows you how to flatter your figure in lucy fitnesswear.  Plus, exercise and nutrition tips from The Healthy Brideʼs Christi Masi, hand massages, ring cleaning, and goodie bags!  Save 20% off all purchases!

What: Design Your Bridal Fitness Trousseau
When: June 6, 5-8 pm
Where: lucy Bellevue Square
Contact: 206.755.9683
Visit: www.healthy-bride.com 

Fashion First 2007

The must-have ticket of the season is now on sale!  The Fashion First 2007 boutique runway show features 15 of the area’s hottest and most influential stores, geared up to send the essential fall looks for men and women down the runway.  Proceeds help support the NW Sarcoma Foundation.

What: Fashion First boutique runway show
When: 8 pm Thursday, Aug. 2
Where: The Fenix, 1700 1st Avenue South
Tickets: $30-$500
Purchase: www.ticketswest.com and participating boutiques
Visit: www.fashionfirstseattle.com

Try Pole Dancing!

Divine Movement Pole Dancing Classes in Fremont is offering introductory classes on June 7, 8, 9 and 10th. Come and try it out. Reserve your spot today by calling ASAP! Class is an hour and 45 minutes long. Price for the class is $35.

What: Pole dancing classes at Divine Movement
When: 6:30 pm, June 8; 5 pm June 9; 12 pm & 6 pm June 10
Where: 816 N 38th St.
Call: 206.384.1440
Visit: www.divinemovementdance.com

“Animal Playground” Putumayo Concert Tour

Take a walk on the wild side with Putumayo Kids’ new CD, “Animal Playground.”  The concert tour features a multilingual collection of animal-themed songs from around the world—your kids will absolutely love this!  Be one of the first 5 people to RSVP and mention Seattle Picks, and get a free copy of the CD!

What: “Animal Playground” Putumayo Concert Tour
When: Sat., June 2, 10:30 am*; and Sat., June 2, 1 pm
Where: Land of Nod Store; and The Children’s Museum
RSVP: stephanie@putumayo.com