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  life + style to you: every Friday
October 5th, 2007

We love watching makeover shows, but sometimes we feel like they’re just a bit off base.  For instance, this one show in particular came up with a dog-walking outfit for a gal that dressed way too casual for totally non-casual situations like her 9-to-5 office job.  However, when it came to her normal dog-walking ensemble—yoga pants, a T-shirt and sneakers—we thought it sounded pretty much like our dog-walking digs.  So then we got to the “after” moment in the show, and our made-over gal came strutting out in her new pooper-scooper threads: a seersucker halter dress with metallic kitten heels.  What dog are you walking in that outfit?

Our dogs have pulled us down in the grass, splashed us with mud (and other substances) at the dog park, and always shed and shake hair all over us.  And it’s not like we have paparazzi following our every move, snapping photos of us in—gasp!—sweatpants while we try to stop our dog from humping a fence post.  So we say fashion must be sacrificed for the love of dogs … and for our dry-cleaning bill. 

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Velocity = Distance Over Time

We loved physics in high school.  It explained the interaction between matter and energy and unraveled the mysteries of the universe for us.  We geeked out on things like “terminal velocity” and marveled at how Newton figured out that a feather falls at the same rate as a steel ball.

Velocity Art and Design, reopening today in its new South Lake Union space, gives us the same giddy feeling we got while studying physics, except now we geek out on shopping for modern furniture, accessories and art instead of the laws of gravity.  We got a sneak peak at the new store across the street from REI and drooled over old favorites like the retro art of Matte Stephens and sleek white ceramics by Perch.  New to the store (and to us) is eco-friendly furniture from Iannone, which uses reclaimed and sustainable materials to create incredibly cool furniture, and the decadent high-end sofas from Moroso, an Italian company making living rooms chic since 1952.

If you liked the Belltown location, you’ll love Velocity’s new spot—it’s light, bright and full of great design.  Stop in, and tell them Seattle Picks sent you!

Velocity Art and Design
251 Yale Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98121
206.781.9494
www.velocityartanddesign.com

       
  2

Sweet as Pie

We are addicted to “America’s Next Top Model;” and while we realize it doesn’t exactly put the reality in reality TV, we were totally shocked at the dose of reality the show seemed to need last time we tuned in: The judges deemed a gal who couldn’t be more than a size six to be a plus-sized model.  Wha?!?  Thankfully, not everyone in the fashion industry shares their sentiment, including local boutique Lemon Meringue.

Owners Amy White and Carrie Cook pride themselves on carrying tops, bottoms and lingerie for every body type.  With sizes 0 to 20, Lemon Meringue’s got you covered.  Have issues finding jeans?  Athletic thighs?  Thinner legs, thicker waist?  With brands like Paper Denim & Cloth, AG Jeans and Tag+, they can help you find a great fit while avoiding the dreaded muffin top.

And mommies and mommies-to-be can stock their closets for nine months and beyond, since this one-stop shop has maternity and nursing wear in brands like Bella Materna and Lait.  It’s the icing on the cake!

Lemon Meringue
7720 Greenwood Ave. N., Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98103
206.297.6071
www.lemonmeringue.us

       
  3

What a Workout!

While we don't always "enjoy" going to the gym, we do appreciate that it's there.  For one thing, there's no room in our apartment for an elliptical machine.  For another, we like having a place to burn off steam (and calories) in the company of others.  We find ourselves wishing there were places like that for the other parts of our lives that need a workout.  So when our inner artist discovered Eastlake's Open Door Studios, our heart rate increased immediately.

Located just blocks from the water, this recent addition to Eastlake Avenue offers artists of all ages a place to flex their creative muscles.  The concept is just like a gym.  A monthly membership (or a day pass for those of us who can't commit) gets you unlimited use of equipment: easels, pottery wheels, photo enlargers and more.  Need guidance on your path to artistic fitness?  Register for one of the studio classes.

If you'd rather buy art than make it, check out the onsite gallery featuring works by members and local artists.  You may find yourself inspired to try spinning (on the pottery wheel) after all.

Open Door Studios
2731 Eastlake Ave. E.
Seattle, WA 98102
206.329.5471
www.opendoorstudios.net

       
  4

Boo! 

We’re consummate planners when it comes to our social calendars, but Halloween sneaks up on us every year.  Despite our best intentions, it’s the same story: The day of the huge costume party, which we’ve known about all month, we find ourselves among the masses looking for that perfect costume—preferably already made, since there’s also certainly no time for craftiness.   

This year, we’re set on breaking the “bad Halloween planning” cycle, and thanks to a plethora of costumes already in stock at Broadway Boutique (a fave for such shopping), success seems to be with the candy in the bag.  We’re talking rows of pre-made costumes that come with everything—except shoes, which you’ll find there too—and they’re cheap.  Be a nurse, pirate, Charlie’s angel, school girl, cowgirl, flapper, officer, princess and more, with the caveat that you’ll likely not scare a soul in one of these get-ups.  At this point though, that’s not really the idea.   

Shop Broadway Boutique and mention Seattle Picks to get 15% off your entire purchase this month, ending October 31. 

Broadway Boutique
113 Broadway Ave E
Seattle, WA 98102
206.325.0430 

       
  5

Simple Pleasures

When we were 16, we promenaded through Paris and became fascinated by French food and fashion.  Having never before had as much as a croque monsieur, we were amazed at how delicious the cuisine could be.  We became slightly obsessed over the years, and now French is a regular part of our dining repertoire.  On a mission downtown, we stumbled upon Entre Nous, and after several visits we were hooked.

Entre Nous (meaning “between us”) is just six months old, headed by chef and owner Stephen Ohayon, who grew up in Nice.  His tapas creations and fondue are delicious dinner fare, and lunch sandwiches and salads are equally tasty.  While the menus are accompanied by a “dining guide” of French etiquette, the atmosphere is relaxed and our American ways are more than tolerated graciously.  Overall, the restaurant is quite unpretentious—another charm for us.  

In our urban jungle, it’s a pleasure to find gentility at Entre Nous.  Stop in for a bite, say bonjour to Stephen, and naturally, tell them Seattle Picks sent you.

Entre Nous
216 Stewart St
Seattle, WA 98101
206.905.1633
www.entrenousseattle.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Room for (Home) Improvement

We were constantly rearranging our dorm room in college.  Milk crates against one wall, R.E.M. poster above the desk—then we’d rotate it all again.  Now that we have a whole house to decorate, we need help.  JanKeira Knox Interior Design to the rescue!

This eco-fabulous company can help us rework the furnishings we have and create a look that fits our style (and budget).  JanKeira can also create design plans for the DIY gals.  Bonus: free consultations!  Let the redecorating begin. 

www.interiordesign.jankeiraknox.com

       
  2

All That Glitters is Gold

We're very particular when it comes to jewelry—give us gold!  There's something so decadent about it, and it looks great with our skin tone.  So when we spied this gorgeous piece by Seattle jewelry designer Keri D'Angelo, it knocked our socks off.

Three delicate golden chains on one side connect to a single chain by a trio of yellow sapphires at the base of the neck, and then languidly drapes downward.   So sexy!

www.kdangelo.com

       
  3

Style is in Bloom

It’s possible to argue that September is still summer, but when October arrives, it’s definitely fall.  We’re glad, as this gives us the opportunity to buy a whole new wardrobe—for clothes and jewelry alike.

When it comes to the latter, we turn to Urban Bloom, where limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces are an important part of the retail mix.  We love the sterling silver leaves, honeycomb bracelet and the Boerum necklace, all a bargain at $30 or less!

www.urbanbloomnyc.com

       
  4

How Sweet It Is

We are obsessed with scented products, and we’re always looking for that certain je ne sais quoi when it comes to yummy fragrances.  So color us tickled pink when we discovered Antica Farmacista.  The perfumes smell divine and are made with more essential oils than most fragrances.  And the scents for our house like champagne and amber make us feel like we’re on a permanent spa getaway.

Mention Seattle Picks when you spend $75 on the site through Oct. 12 to score a 100 ml. Fig diffuser for free!

www.anticafarmacista.com

       
  5

What a Treat!

Diet Coke.  Splenda.  Hand lotion.  Confused?  So were we.  Normally we hate things without sugar with a passion, but the new Sugar Free Therapy hand butter from Treat made us reconsider our reservations.

Even without all the fillers (the lotion is fragrance, lanolin and paraben free), the mixture is ultra rich, providing relief to even the driest of skin.  What’s more, it leaves your hands smooth, not greasy, proving once and for all that you don’t need sugar to be pretty darn sweet.

www.treatbeauty.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Traveling Beer Fest

We used to think the Oscar Mayer weiner-mobile was pretty cool until we saw a giant beer barrel on wheels. The Deschutes Brewery’s Neighborhood Hops Traveling Beer Festival is rolling through Seattle, already having made pit stops at Fremont’s Oktoberfest and the Redbull Soapbox Derby.  Coming soon and bringing brews, food and music to a ’hood near you!

What: Neighborhood Hops Traveling Beer Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 1-6 pm
Where: Havanna parking lot, Capitol Hill
Visit: www.deschutesbrewery.com

       
  2

Photography Session & Holiday Card Package

It’s time to start thinking about holiday cards!  Register for a mini-photography session at CAPERS, and Paper Locket will transform your pics of you, your mom or your cats into a unique card that will totally show up your aunt’s fruitcake she sends every year.

What: Photo session for holiday cards at CAPERS
When: Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 am-2 pm
Where: 4521 California Ave. SW
Call: 206.228.0664
Visit: www.paperlocket.com

       
  3 The Wax Bar Grand Opening

We enjoy most of our beauty rituals, but one that's not so fun?  Waxing.  But now The Wax Bar is here to quell our anxieties with deft hair removal expertise and its very own liquor license!  TWB also offers a menu of facials, including a bikini facial to prevent ingrown hairs.  Pop a bottle of Peroni and enjoy!

What: The Wax Bar's grand opening
When: now open!
Where: 5915 15th Ave. NW
Call: 206.789.2963
Visit: www.thewaxbarseattle.com

       
 

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