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October 12th, 2007
The rainy season has rolled in, and it’s really got us thinking about the one thing we really need this year fashion-wise: raincoats for our dogs. Yeah, we know it sounds kind of frou-frou, and our dogs are really anything but. However, we see the silver (waterproof) lining: dry dogs. We’re all about the natural look in many cases: We often prefer lip balm to lipstick and would opt for natural waves over laboriously flat-ironing our hair into perfectly straight locks. But the idea of not having our casa smell like wet dogs after every walk is pretty appealing. Plus, frou-frou-ness be damned—we think our pups would look pretty cute in hoodies. Don’t worry, though, we promise to stop short of making them wear pants. Oh, and before we forget, it's time for more goodies! Forward Seattle Picks to 5 friends and cc picks@seattlepicks.com and you could win tickets to the Oct. 19 screening of the movie "Lars and the Real Girl" starring uber-dreamy Ryan Gosling. (He's also a fine actor, but did we mention that he's cute?) For more about the flick, visit www.larsandtherealgirl-themovie.com! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Parisian Sense The thought of a non-stop flight to Paris has us wishing we didn’t blow our vacation time on the trip to Maui with our beau; so when our cranky boss won’t give us an extra week off, we’ve got to get a little creative. That’s why we were thrilled to reconnect with an oldie but goodie in Lavender Heart. From the moment you walk in, you’ll be transported by the narrow aisles, wonderful scents and treasures to be spotted everywhere you look. We adore the recycled tire baskets by French designer Tadé, which come in a variety of sizes to hold everything from magazines to pet toys to a few luxurious home products by Caldrea, available here, too. Stop to admire the hand-blown glass chandeliers, Diptyque candles and amazing Olivina products. You’ll also enjoy holiday-themed finds like dried gourds, birch-bark Christmas trees and wreaths to fit many styles. Spend that next rainy Sunday afternoon—hot cappuccino in hand—being swept away by Paris, all while shopping in your own backyard. Lavender Heart |
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| 2 | She’s Crafty We love cute, cozy fall fashion; and when the weather forces us indoors in these darker months, our crafty side comes out in full force. And one of our favorite curl-up-under-a-blanket-and-watch-“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” crafty activities? Knitting! Adorable hats, scarves, wraps, sweaters—all of which would normally cost us at least half a paycheck if we paid retail—are at our nimble fingertips with the aid of knitting needles, a pattern, and soft, luxurious yarn. And one of our favorite places to shop for skeins is Hilltop Yarn in Queen Anne. The old Craftsman mansion turned yarn shop is paradise for those who knit as well as those who just want to learn how. Wool, cotton, linen. Magenta, eggplant, teal. The options are endless. The store also stocks great Decidedly Hilltop patterns for the must-have styles of every season—not just fall and winter. If you’re a novice or have never even picked up a pair of needles, but want to get in touch with your domestic goddess, Hilltop offers classes at every level. So get your knit on! Hilltop Yarn |
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| 3 | Gimme Some Sugar The Emerald City (and its socks-with-sandal clad inhabitants) holds a very special place in our hearts. But every once in awhile we find ourselves the teensiest bit jealous when our friends in New York or LA tell us about a new beauty trend that has yet to hit the streets of Seattle en masse. So we're glad to see that sugaring (the revival of an ancient hair-removal technique) is now sprinkling itself throughout our fair city. To try this trend first-hand, we visited Sugar Sugar, a cozy skincare studio offering an extensive menu of sugaring services as well as a delicious variety of body treatments and organic facials. We had our eyebrows tended to with TLC by co-owner Eva, and were already planning our next visit before we left the warm comforts of the treatment room. Whether you are new to sugaring, a devotee or just looking for a new sweet spot to indulge your senses, you'll find something to love at Sugar Sugar. There's even a selection of organic skincare products by Kimberly Sayer of London available for purchase for busy gals on the go. No matter how long your visit lasts, you'll leave feeling smooth, and delightfully chic. Sugar Sugar |
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| 4 | Forget the Fanny Packs We love staying in hotels, but since we're locals, we don’t always get to check out the digs in our own neighborhood. Downtown Kirkland’s new Heathman Hotel recently opened with luxurious guest rooms and suites that just might give us enough reason to throw a camera around our neck and pretend to be tourists. Instead of an Ian Schrager-esque blend of stark minimalism and neon escalators, local designer Betty Blount blends a variety of modernized textures, earthy colors, and natural elements. With organic bath products, an in-room recycling program and special energy efficient heat sensors in every suite, The Heathman is a good, green corporate citizen. But don't worry, princesses: The hotel’s Art of Sleep program pampers guests by allowing you to choose from a menu of mattresses and pillows prior to check-in. The in-house Panterra Spa offers services from manis to facials, and the Trellis restaurant brings market fresh cuisine from farm to table. And all guests have a personal concierge to cater to your every need. Um … could you bring us a bottle of Patron and a ticket to Ride the Ducks? The Heathman |
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| 5 | Have Supper Will Travel Right after college graduation, we spent a hedonistic sun-filled summer in Italy. While we enjoyed the wine and cute boys of that country, we weren't quite the foodies we are now and missed out on some of the great cuisine Italy offers. A subsequent trip to Tuscany a good decade later remedied that travesty, and a true love of Italian cuisine was born. Last weekend, we had the opportunity to experience a true Tuscan delight—Cinghale (wild boar). Through a lucky turn of events, we found ourselves in the tiny hamlet of Waitsburg, 18 miles from Walla Walla, to attend a 10-course Festivita del Cingale put on by Seattle-based Big Night Supper Club. This traveling supper club specializes in pairing local, seasonal produce and delicious wine with rustic Italian fare. The combined effect results in a Bacchanalian feast and a Big Night not soon forgotten. Big Night Supper Club will come to you and 11 of your foodie companions, or you can sign up at their website to hear about what feast is coming up next. It's La Dolce Vita, Seattle-style. Big Night Supper Club |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Sack it To Me We love being green—after all, we’re Seattleites. That’s why we're so excited about our new favorite shopping-enhancement products—Envirosacks. Envirosacks are durable, reusable bags that come in stylish patterns, in designs from floral to mod. They're lightweight, waterproof and affordable (buy them individually or in a set of 5 for gift-giving). We were the belles of the grocery store when we pulled out the Amazonia print—not to mention we got a 25-cent refund for bringing our own bag! |
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| 2 | Look Like a Million ... (Bucks, Not Years!) We’ve been using anti-aging products since we were 25, always looking for the best products out there. And we may have found it in a fabulous line of Swiss-formulated, botanically based products from Arbonne that “feed” our skin as they reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Mineral oil-free and PH balanced, the self-adjusting formula delivers the ultimate in moisture and antioxidants. Mention Seattle Picks and receive a 20% discount on your first purchase. Refer a friend and receive the anti-aging body set ($94 value) absolutely free! |
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| 3 | We're Riding with Lady Luck |
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| 4 | Dear Diary… Today, Chris wore the same thing he wears every Tuesday: a Vision Street Wear T-shirt with jams and his red and white checkered Vans. In science class, he told me I better move my paper away from the bunsen burners, or I might set fire to our school. Sigh. If only he knew how much I love him. I would let him skateboard every day if he asked me to be his girlfriend. Don’t make the same mistakes you made in junior high. Keep all your secrets safe and fashionable in these awesome handmade journals by Ex Libris Anonymous, made from recycled textbooks and old library books. |
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| 5 | Happily Handmade Gifts We have a weakness for handmade gifts. Sadly, we are also entirely uncrafty, meaning we must rely on others who are more capable with needles, glue and googly-eyes. Thank goodness for Rosie Ro., whose handbags are 100% handmade and 100% adorable. Made with felt, vinyl and vibrant cottons, we particularly love the red bird with the little heart-shaped wing. It’s perfect for a girlfriend who has absolutely everything … but could always use just one more handbag! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Herb Day 2007 Celebrate Herb Day this Saturday at The Herbalist in Ravenna. Enjoy herbal “mocktails,” pick up a gift bag full of samples and sign up for a mini Iridology appointment—it turns out that the eyes aren’t just the windows to the soul, but also the key to good health! What: Herb Day at The Herbalist |
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| 2 | Columbia City Cabaret Burlesque has been around since the 19th century; but the way the gals (and guys) perform at the Columbia City Cabaret, you’d swear they’d invented it themselves. We went to the Cabaret and were totally blown away by the unbelievable talent, including aerial acts, tap dancing and body painting. This week’s show boasts the return of the Titillation Twins. Woohoo! What: Columbia City Cabaret |
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| 3 | Art Auction to Benefit RIVET Magazine What could be better than paying just 10 bucks for an evening of wine, apps and a chance to bid on some amazing local art? Oh yeah, the fact that all the money goes to local indie ‘zine RIVET. The magazine hosts its third annual art auction, featuring outstanding talent like Whiting Tennis and Anne Mathern. What: RIVET’s Third Annual Art Auction |
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| 4 | Steel Toe Studios Fall Trunk Show Everyone needs to keep their pants up, but you can opt to do it with style by attending Steel Toe Studios’ fall trunk show. The local design and metal-smithing company produces stellar, handmade buckles and leather belts with so many style options that you’ll never want to go beltless again. What: Steel Toe Studios Fall Trunk Show |
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Did you happen upon a sweet new shop or spot in your neighborhood? Tell us about it! Email picks@seattlepicks.com and give us the skinny. We love hearing from you. |
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