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September 14th, 2007
We have a confession to make. We tried to watch the VMAs on MTV, just to see Britney. Oh yeah, we did! Come on … admit it … weren’t you just a wee bit interested? We vacillated between wanting the best for her (go girl, make that comeback!) and hoping it would be a fiesta of train-wreckery … and we have to say, we were a wee bit disappointed when it was the latter. Brit wore a modest bikini that was firmly in place, one that had none of the “will it or won’t it fall off” magic of yesteryear. Her large retinue of dancers did most of the dancing, as she walked from one point on the stage to another. And yes—she lip-synched. No surprise there, but really, she could have at least tried to sing since she was barely moving. Honestly, we really wanted her to come back strong and vindicate her K-Feddery and walking barefoot in gas-station bathrooms and dropping her babies, but alas, it was not to be. All we can say is thank goodness for the Foo Fighters. They put the “music” back in the VMAs. |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | The Results Are In Fremont continues to take shape—transforming itself from bohemian to posh to business to par-tay. It’s like the center of the universe—a girl can find whatever she desires in this growing community. And now, making your way from suit to suited for a fun night out has gotten easier, thanks to Bliss’s dynamism for disco and denim. Owner Neil Silverman contrasts the classic style of his other shop in Fremont, Dream, to make Bliss a destination for casual weekend-wear that effortlessly takes you from day to night. Bliss strives to keep you on your toes with freshly revolving lines of men’s and women’s clothing from a vast variety of designers. Focused heavily on denim, you’ll find the traditional offerings from Seven and People’s Liberation, as well as more unique lines like Guido and Mary, and Fidelity, a.k.a. the butt bra—a Canadian line of women’s denim that sculpts your derrière—ooh la la. Check out the Evisu kimono cardigan and Bobi’s adorned t-shirts. They’re nicely priced—a rarity for this chi-chi boutique shopping spot. The verdict? Bliss is a hit for livening up your leisure to late-night wardrobe. Bliss |
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| 2 | The Local Kind When we travel, we love picking up hokey t-shirts from places we visit. From a restaurant in the Panhandle that serves “Ho-Made Pies” to a fruit stand on the Hana Highway, our memories are preserved on cotton. Which is why we fell in love with Desteenation, a t-shirt store whose mantra is “Real Shirts from Real Places.” As the ultimate cheerleaders for mom-and-pop spots, Desteenation finds the coolest vintage tees from small businesses around the western U.S. and Hawaii. You can even track their “perpetual road trip” on their blog as they find new partners. So if you’re anxiously waiting for a tee from the Erotic Bakery, stay tuned. The goal is not only to look retro-casual (since you can never be underdressed in Seattle), but also to preserve the local culture provided by these establishments. Plus, the Bad JuJu Lounge needs a little PR from their favorite peeps just as much as Home Depot needs a million-dollar ad campaign. And of course, now you have a reason to flaunt the words “I Got Hammered at Hardwicks” (a hardware store, natch) across your chest. Desteenation |
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| 3 | You Drive Me Crazy |
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| 4 | Hip Kids “No, mom, it’s going to be a while.” Sound familiar? Our mothers are fascinated with the idea of grandchildren. Yes, we’re feeling the pressure, but we’re not quite ready to baby-proof our stilettos and sectionals. In the meantime, we know plenty of hip mommas looking for diaper bags and “active play” toys for their urbanettes, and we’re buying gifts aplenty at Queen Anne’s new Urban Kids Play. Urban Kids Play is not just a toy store. It’s the anti-Barney: a treasure trove of smart, stylish and conscientious toys, books, clothes, furniture and accessories for tots and parents alike. Housed in a remodeled Craftsman on Queen Anne Avenue, Urban Kids Play encourages unplugged, active imagination with specialty, European and earth-friendly products. We fell in love with the colorful wooden toys, tiny Wellies and Fleurville’s not-so-diaper bags. Everything in the store reassures us that when the time comes, we won’t have to lay our urban Seattle selves to rest at the hands of Evenflo and Baby Einstein. Urban Kids Play |
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| 5 | Have Some Class Finding classy dining in Bellevue was difficult for a while. Sometimes we like being pampered … what can we say? So last November, when we heard about the Twisted Cork wine bar, we didn’t realize it was connected to the 0/8 Seafood Grill, a bastion of class. Upon visiting, we found that their reputation is well deserved. We love the dimly lit restaurant area and the champagne lounge, which hosts live entertainment. No doubt about it—this is the place to be seen in Bellevue. Want a private nook? Booth 606, tucked in a corner of the restaurant, is intimate without being isolated. Over a tasting menu one night, we sat down with Chef Dan and listened to his story. He told us about his journey from eastern-Washington farm boy to renowned chef and new restauranteur. We were smitten with his presentation of Sashimi Scallops and the Dungeness Crab Cake—seriously our best crab cake experience since moving West—and a cowboy style New York steak with blue cheese mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. If you’re feeling boffo, spring for an $80 champagne flight—one of Twisted Cork and 0/8’s fantastic partnerships. And when you go, tell them Seattle Picks sent you! 0/8 Seafood Grill |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Find Your Soul Mate Shopping for jeans is like finding your soul mate. They must appreciate your curves, respect your independence, understand your disproportions, and acknowledge your attention to detail. And we think we found our match in Amy Stephenson’s debut collection of Stephenson denim. She employs European cottons, oilcloths and Japanese narrow-loom denims, and her fits are slimming without trapping you like a Barbie doll. Stephenson is available at Nordstrom downtown Seattle, The Finerie and HorseShoe. Go, ladies … go find your meant-to-be jeans. |
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| 2 | Matriculate in Style School's back in session and now is the perfect time to outfit the little ones in some adorable duds that have none of the tackiness of (we're just guessing) your childhood getups. We suggest turning to Little Lark. With fresh designs and modern flair, Little Lark brings more than a little fun and creativity to any kid's closet. We especially like the grass-green fiddlehead fern t-shirt with cozy-looking brown pants. Moms and dads can appreciate all of the details—they’re 100% cotton, sweatshop-free, and individually silk-screened. |
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| 3 | Scrabble Style We love Scrabble—it’s a game we’re actually good at. Twelve-letter words? No problem. So when we found Littleput Pendants we were smitten—they’re made from reclaimed Scrabble tiles and fine papers, so we can coordinate our smarts with our outfits. They’re perfect for gifts, too, and each comes with a complimentary slide-top box and a pretty organza ribbon, so the wrapping is done. Get the Seattle Picks exclusive $1 shipping rate on your pendant order by typing SEA in the message box at checkout! |
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| 4 | Not Your Ordinary Blankie Another friend just had a baby and again we were on the hunt for something special. This friend has a jones for anything retro-inspired, so we wanted to bestow a gift that she and her sure-to-be-hip little baby would love. Found: Bergie Blankies. Handmade by a mother/daughter team, they started making flannel blankets and burpies for their family before going online. They use retro fabrics with chenille backing for baby-soft, uber-cute designs that will certainly become keepsakes. (Ask about custom blankets!) |
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| 5 | Join the Club Whether it was Marx or Wilde, we never forget the quote about not being part of a club that would have us as a member … with one exception. We simply love Bottlenotes, a wine club that customizes each shipment to your own personal taste. Explorers receive wines from around the world, while connoisseurs get the best of the best. But our favorite is naturally the Little Black Dress Club, perfect for livening up a night with the gals. Monthly, quarterly or by the case, we’re certain that membership has its privileges! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Bouncing Wall’s First Anniversary Party Help celebrate Bouncing Wall’s first anniversary! With four musical acts, early bird gift bags, and anniversary prize pool giveaways for gift certificates and items, you should come early and stay late. Email shop@bouncingwall.com with the subject line “Enter Me into the BW Anniversary Gift Prize!” or make a purchase at Bouncing Wall to enter the prize pool. What: Bouncing Wall’s First Anniversary |
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Celebrate Swee Swee Paperie’s 1st Birthday! Feel like stocking up on clever, couture paper products? Swee swee paperie is celebrating their 1st birthday, so now’s the time! For two days, everything in the store is 10-20% off including Russell + Hazel and Whimsy Press. Enjoy special discounts and demonstrations, nibbles, bubbly, and gifts for purchases over $100. Plus, a sneak preview and 10% discount on holiday cards! What: swee swee paperie’s first birthday sale |
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| 3 | Pamper Yourself Even Later at Banya 5 |
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| 4 | Cooks and Books The Cooks and Books Visiting Chef Series welcomes David Pasternack of New York’s famed seafood restaurant, Esca, to Union for a night of delicious fish dishes. You’ll have a chance to meet this “king of the sea,” get a personally signed copy of his book, and enjoy a fabulous fish-focused dinner prepared by Chef Ethan Stowell. |
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| 5 | Ya, It’s Time for Oktoberfest! Admit it…summer is over. See, that was cathartic. Now let’s toast Oktoberfest on the equinox of the first day of fall. Sample more than 70 handcrafted beers while observing a Texas chainsaw pumpkin carving contest and other activities for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds will help support local schools, art groups, and community events. Bottoms up! What: Oktoberfest |
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Okay girls … are you ready to do some power shopping? When you visit Pretty Parlor and spend $100 or more, mention Seattle Picks to get $20 off on their frilly delights from local designers and re-worked vintage designs. (Click here for our review of this adorable store.) |
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