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SEATTLE PICKS™ |
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life + style to you:
every Friday
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July 27th, 2007
Two of our best friends just had babies, and we are feeling the squeeze—no pun intended—to come through with epic baby gifts. Since we’re Seattleites, and therefore, up on what’s hip and awesome just by association, we have been amassing a veritable hope chest of baby gear, all designed locally.
From sweet hand-knit sweaters to screen-printed onesies to artwork just for baby, we are practically in a position to open our own retail store! Let’s face it—everything looks so cute when it’s thees beeg. The only problem with our largesse? We’re not really willing to get rid of it, even to distribute among the new additions to our girlfriends’ families. Sheesh! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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Plum Lucky
We’ve grown into our love for shoes. It began at age six with our first pair of pink and gray tennis shoes and blossomed with our style into a vast collection based on seasons, color, heel height, laces, buckles, oh we could go on for days. You know you’ve got it bad when you are fawning over darling little children’s shoes and you don’t even have children! But who wouldn’t when they see the sweet, stylish collection of kid’s shoes in the window of Plum shoes.
The boutique children’s shoe store, located in Madison Valley, features a nice selection of high-quality shoes for both girls and boys. Designed by established European brands, you’ll find a variety of styles from classic to simple to fashionable to fun in a setting that pleases even the most discerning young shopper – toy area included.
If you’ve got an Imelda or Imeldo in the making, visit Plum and select from French-made Pom d’Api or Mod 8, or Italian designed Franco Romognoli, Daph Daph, and Stones and Bones. Plum also stocks Spanish-sent Campers for Kids, Umi, and Lelli Kelly. Plum offers a spectrum of price points to boot. Stop in today, and mention Seattle Picks for a 15% discount on any pair of regularly-priced shoes through August 31st.
Plum
2913 Madison Street
Seattle WA 98112
206.322.7011
www.plumshoes.com |


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Sweet as Blackbird Pie
It might be nice to dress our man-of-the-moment so we wouldn't be embarrassed by his appearance. (We love him for who he is, not what he wears ... but there's a limit.) Entertaining fantasies of shopping with him for a whole day—just for fun—means that we must scope out interesting terrain for both of us. Naturally, that rarely happens, so when we go shopping with a willing man in tow, it's usually with our BGF.
There may be some hope, however, in a shop called Blackbird, where urban hipster meets European charm. “Industrial” denim from Iron Army and Skull jeans can be paired with G-star sweaters or jackets. Jack Spade attire and bags add a citified note. And the good thing is, when we're feeling like cheeky chicas, we can always nab an accessory (a hat or a bag, even a belt if the size is right) for that androgynous add-on look.
If the prices are high (and they can be), head for the sale rack! And speaking of sales, Blackbird is in the middle of their Final Clearance Sale until July 27. You’ll find a 40% markdown off the last sale price. How sweet is that?
Blackbird: Men's Clothing and Effects
5410 22nd Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.547.2524
www.helloblackbird.blogspot.com |


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You're So Vain
Finding a great hair stylist is almost as difficult as finding a mate, especially in Seattle (on the mating side, at least). But come to think of it, a lot of the same traits we want in a mate are the same as we want in a stylist: great listener, really cares about our needs, wicked sense of humor. So we feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have found stylist Alexis at Vain downtown.
This woman is funny—we're talking laughing-so-hard-we-should-be-wearing-adult-diapers funny. And talented! She always makes us feel like the beautiful goddess we should. And she works in a totally hip, totally unpretentious salon, which we totally dig.
Plus, there's super-fun shopping to be had at Vain to boot! From do-it-yourself hair styling products and accessories to earrings, hats and bags, this place is your one-stop shop for anytime you need a treat for yourself—or for your self-esteem. Great boutique shopping and a fabulous salon all in one—if Vain was a song, we would definitely think it was all about us.
Vain
2018 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.3441
www.vain.com |


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Get Happy
When we were 10, Sarah Jessica Parker was the dweeby girl on Square Pegs, and we could relate to her. Now she’s the symbol of sexy singlehood and a childless existence—nothing at all like our lives.
But oh, did we feel grateful for our children the minute we walked into Happy Planet. When we took in the bright, vibrant space, we were transported back to our own childhood. We yearned to sit down and make some art, or play with the big rocket ship in the corner, or stare with fascination at the real live baby birds flying around the big former dairy case that serves as the aviary.
Ok, so we'll leave that stuff to the 10-year-olds. But we can do so in good conscience, since everything sold by Planet Happy is fairly traded, organic, socially responsible, green, or natural. From musical instruments for jamming out to adorable wooden fruits and veggies for a “pretend” healthy snack, Planet Happy really does care that the planet is happy! For every purchase made in the store or online, a tree is planted—5,500 of them so far. That’s some seriously fun stuff.
Planet Happy Showroom
2914 NE 55th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206.729.0154
www.iamplanethappy.com
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Can’t… Stop… Shopping
We just had two girlfriends in town who are professional shoppers. These girls can spot a Chloe bag from 50 paces, and can—by touch alone—distinguish Joe’s Jeans from 1921s. They can name supermodels in alphabetical or historical order, suss out a vintage pair of Justin boots in a thrift store, and make Forever 21 jewelry look like Marc Jacobs when they wear it. They’re like fashion savants.
It’s tough to impress them clothes-wise, and after taking them to every shoe store in town, we decided to switch from filling the closet to feathering the nest. Hence, a jaunt to George. We love their eclectic mix of… well… everything. From fabulous-smelling Bistro Candles to quirky jewelry (rings made of vintage buttons and chandelier earrings) to handbags, handmade greeting cards, metal-forged belt buckles and original paintings, George is the perfect place to find that “icing on the cake” item. It’s also genius for gifts!
Really, with all the fun and funky goodness, it’s tough to leave without at least one item…whether you need it or not. Honestly, George? You had us at hello.
George
5633 Airport Way South
Seattle, WA 98108
206.763.8100
www.georgeintown.com |


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Chick Picks: |
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The Untouchables
Ever have that feeling where you don’t want to unwrap a present because it’s just too pretty? Or that you don’t want to sully a handmade card with something as common as ink? When we found Satsuma Press, we ran into that very dilemma.
Each letterpress card glows with good taste and graceful beauty. Whether bedecked with a branch, bird or bud, each piece of stationary leaves you wondering whether a message really is necessary … or if the card can simply speak for itself.
www.satsumapress.com |
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Love… Exciting and New
We fell in love today…with a candle. We just bought three Bistro Candles, based on the delicious fragrances alone. Anyhoo, we were instantly love-struck upon opening the box. The scents—even un-lit—were absolutely decadent.
In fragrances like Nectarine Basil, Pomegranate Grapefruit, Indian Summer, Linen Breeze and Vanilla Cassis, combined with hip, bright packaging, these are the go-to hostess gift for 2007. (And be sure to pick up a few for yourself!) Available at George.
www.bistrocandles.com |
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Who’s Your Girl?
The details are the thing when it comes to event planning. We’ve had entire parties hinge on the availability of ice—not even ice-sculpture—and our own wedding was almost sidelined by a missing tray of spanakopita.
Which is where Go-2-Girl Event Planning & Design comes in. With incredible resources and fab ideas, they can make everything from corporate affairs to fabulous weddings to backyard BBQs the best time you (and your guests) have ever had. (And did we mention their affordable rates?)
www.go2girlevents.com |
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Star Quality
We love costume jewelry as much as the next girl, but ooh how we swoon for something just a little more upscale. Especially when it’s not only made with natural stones, but also sexy as all get-out.
Rock Star Jewelry fits our criteria, and we’re not alone in our adoration. (They had two mentions in Best of Seattle 2007.) There’s a 25% off sale on Rock Star Jewelry for the entire month of August at Around the Block boutique in Magnolia Village (206.284.2407). We suggest you pitch a tent on July 31…
www.rockstarjewelry.com |
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Sinfully Good
“Anything chocolate” is our motto. Seriously, we love chocolate—bars, cake, mousse, ice cream, flavored coffee, dipped pretzels if something’s enrobed in that dark rich sweet, we’re in heaven.
That’s why we were thrilled to find Sweet Beauty—an all-natural, preservative-free, organic line of chocolate-based spa treatments. Try Cherish, a chocolate-coconut sugar scrub that smoothes and softens while invoking thoughts about German Chocolate Cake. Who knew chocolate was so full of healthy benefits?
www.sweetbeautyspa.com |
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Cocktail of the Week! |
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 Coconut Martini
Courtesy of Luau Restaurant
We appreciate Seattle’s drizzles, except in the middle of a two-month-long summer. So when faced with a rainy, cool day in July, we found ourselves seeking a spot that would bring back the sun (at least in our minds). Luau is a local Polynesian favorite for its fun, authentic Hawaiian atmosphere, and cocktails that take you poolside. Whether sunny or cool, the Coconut Martini is delish. Fresh and light with a hint of sweet—it’s the perfect companion for an island getaway.
Coconut Martini
5 oz. Ketel One Vodka
½ oz. Malibu Rum
Lemon Twist
Combine vodka and rum in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and pour into a martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist (peel off a twist of lemon rind with the edge of a sharp knife or peeler).
Luau
2253 North 56th St.
Seattle 98103
206.633.LUAU
www.luaupolynesianlounge.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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Pig Out in Seattle
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Pike Place Market, the Hotel Monaco is offering a Centennial Rate through the end of 2007, with 10% off the best available rate any day of the week (not valid with other discounts). Want more? With the Centennial Rate, you’ll receive a basket of goodies to enhance your “Pigs on Parade” sightseeing!
What: Centennial Rate at the Hotel Monaco
When: now through 2007
Where: 1101 4th Ave.
Call: 800.715.6513
Visit: www.monaco-seattle.com |
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Crabcakes, Anyone?
Considering the thriving maritime industry and Scandinavian heritage, Ballard is a seafood-lover’s paradise. That’s why you should all join in the fun and sun (yes, it’s actually supposed to shine!) for the 32nd Annual Ballard SeafoodFest. Enjoy live music, alder-smoked salmon BBQ, a lutefisk eating contest, and plenty more!
What: Ballard SeafoodFest
When: July 28, 11-8 pm; July 29, 11-7 pm
Where: 2208 NW Market St.
Info: www.seafoodfest.org |
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Ooh, this is genius! We have to share this with you: Lipstick, Powder n Paint. It’s a blog where they review makeup! No more shopping and regretting, ladies—this is the real skinny on the latest beauty trends, the hottest looks, the must-have products, and where to get them. Can we say “genius” again? Oh wait, we just did. |
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