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December 7th, 2007

Ah, the holiday season—that time of year where you have too much eggnog, get in passive-aggressive fights with family members you only see once a year and, oh yeah, buy presents for all those folks too.  OK, OK, we’re really not all that cynical, but we’ve just returned from a particularly grueling shopping session.  And let us tell you, it’s a madhouse out there.  To prevent you from going through the same insanity of visiting store after store with little luck in the gift-finding department, we bring you the first ever Seattle Picks Holiday Gift Guide.  We’ve pounded the pavement, surfed the ’net and mainlined lattes to find some of the best and brightest options for shopping for everyone on your list this year.

Want to also pick up a little something for yourself?  Forward this email to five friends who don’t know about Seattle Picks and cc picks@seattlepicks.com, and you could win one of five $20 gift certificates to Clementine to get your shoe-shopping on before the holiday festivities begin! 

1. Around the Block
2. Attainable Luxury
3. TuTu Time
4. Carmilia’s
5. Canopy Blue
6. Queen Anne Dispatch
7. Rock Star Jewelry
8. Synapse206
9. Ella Mon boutique
10. Urchin
11. Petaline
12. Closet Fly
       
 

Seattle Picks Holiday Gift Guide:

 
  1

Not-so Empty Nest

The holidays can be stressful, so we like to make our home a warm, inviting sanctuary.  And Around the Block has just the kind of inspired designs and décor we’re looking for to keep our nest beautifully feathered.  With antique furniture, lovely lamps and pillows, this shop transfers its own enchanting ambiance to our abode.

Around the Block
3308 W McGraw St.
Seattle, WA 98199
206.284.2407

       
  2

Idle Hands

We are surrounded by kids during the holidays.  And thanks to TJ Ravnsborg, we don’t have to worry about sacrificing a delicate necklace because of little hands that love to tug.  Ravnsborg’s Attainable Luxury imports beautiful and incredibly durable brass and copper jewelry handmade by artisans in South Africa.  Now if only we could do something about them pulling our hair …

Attainable Luxury
www.attainableluxury.com

       
  3

Time Is on Our Side

Our time is stretched right now, between shopping, parties and family get-togethers, and it’s hard to be fashionable wearing a clunky watch to remind us we’re late.  But TuTu Time has the ideal solution with timepieces that can be worn on handbags, belts or necklaces.  It’s super-discreet, but you’ll want it to get noticed.  As featured in December’s InStyle!

TuTu Time
Available at Derek Andrew, Posh on Main, Frenchy’s, Zovo, Mario’s and Jeri Rice
206.322.5780
www.tututime.com

       
  4

BFFs Forever

Our ideal place to shop would be in a fashionable friend’s closet—no pressure, cute clothes and lots of personal (and personable) assistance.  And we think we’ve found our new best friend, Carmilia’s.  The boutique carries some of our favorite lines like Ella Moss and Velvet, and the staff is so sweet and helpful.  A true friend, indeed!

Carmilia’s
4528 California Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206.935.1329
www.carmilias.com

       
  5

The Princess and the Canopy

We’re no princesses, but sometimes our inner tiara longs to be released.  And Canopy Blue is the perfect place to let Her Royal Highness out to browse brands like Milly and Vince and sip Pellegrino under beautiful chandeliers.  You can even use the shop’s Wish List service to send a list of your must-haves to all your royal subjects.

Canopy Blue
3121 E. Madison St., Ste. 103
Seattle, WA 98112
206.323.1115
www.canopyblue.com

       
  6

Shop, Ship and Save Time

Our loved ones live all over, so shopping, wrapping and shipping can be quite an endeavor.  But Queen Anne Dispatch is a one-stop shop for all of the above.  We can get some Cosabella undies for our BFF, a messenger bag for our brother and a pair of shoes for ourselves—then send the gifts—all without running ourselves ragged. Click here for a coupon!

Queen Anne Dispatch
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98109
206.286.1024
www.queenannedispatch.com

       
  7

Super Stars

We want to be a rock star—too bad we have no musical talent.  But jewelry designer Martha Driver believes that every rock is a star—in the form of semi-precious gems, that is.  We think every woman can be too, especially when you’re sparkling in a piece from Rock Star Jewelry.  We love the beautiful tone-on-tone designs.  Rock on!

Rock Star Jewelry
Available at Around the Block, JZ Rose, La Ree, SAM Shop (February 2008)
www.rockstarjewelry.com

       
  8

Clothes in Different Area Codes

We’ve lived all over, and in Seattle, it seems the best way to blend in is to, well, stand out.  And one of the best places we’ve found to express one’s individual style is Synapse206.  The shop offers an outlet for emerging designers like Neodandi and M. Gutweis, while making unique designs accessible to everyone with their amazing array of products.

Synapse206
206 1st Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98104
206.447.7731
www.synapse206.com

       
  9

Hips Don’t Lie

We tried on a dress last week that made us look like a sack of potatoes—lumpy ones.  The sales gal said we looked FABulous.  Well, we’re super-stoked that won't happen at Ella Mon, where we can actually get an honest opinion from the helpful staff.   Plus, the cozy Ballard shop stocks an amazing selection of party dresses along with pieces for your everyday stylish self.

Ella Mon Boutique
5404 22nd Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.297.2800
www.ellamon.com

       
  10

Design of the Times

Our design taste used to revolve around R.E.M. posters and milk crates.  Though our palate has matured, that doesn’t mean our house looks like a page from the Pottery Barn catalog.  With our eclectic style, we fell head over heels for Urchin.  We love the funky lamps, scented candles and stellar home accessories, not to mention the jewelry, bags and even umbrellas—something for everyone on your list!

Urchin
1922 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.448.5800
www.urchinseattle.com

       
  11

Shop Local from Your Sofa

All of the shopping, wrapping and decorating can be a bit exhausting.  But we can point, click and shop independent without leaving home by making our holiday purchases at Petaline.net.  Find clothing from Suzabelle, chic handbags by Jamie Irene and gorgeous jewelry from Regina Chang among many other Pacific Northwest artists and designers.  Free shipping on orders over $150!  Enter PICKS at checkout.

Petaline
www.petaline.net   

       
  12

What’s in Your Closet?

Even though we like to consider ourselves pretty style savvy, we’ve always wanted to be on TLC’s “What Not to Wear.”  Lucky for us, we have a local option minus all of Stacy and Clinton’s snarkiness—Mayna Sgaramella of Closet Fly.  She can help you work with the clothes you¹ve already got in your own home, and help you shop so you can look fabulous for the holidays and beyond.

Closet Fly
425.922.0876
www.closetfly.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Get Your ACT Together

There’s still time to catch ACT Theatre’s production of “The Women”!  Clare Boothe Luce’s 1930s ladies may have been bound by societal rules that we’ve (mostly) overcome today, but they knew how to dress for success (we’re talking more than 100 costumes).  These catty ladies will gossip, back-stab and (occasionally) comfort each other about marriage, divorce and friendship.

What: The Women at ACT Theatre
When: Now through Dec. 16
Where: ACT Theatre, Kreielsheimer Place, 700 Union St.
Visit: www.acttheatre.org

       
  2 Open Your Presents at the Alexis

If you haven't gotten a tree already, just face it: You're not going to.  So why not pamper yourself and haul your cookies (and your presents) to the Alexis Hotel?  Open your presents in style in one of their glamorous new suites.  They'll even bring you complimentary coffee, tea or cider service when you're unwrapping your, ahem,  gifts!

What: Alexis Hotel Holiday Package
When: Now through the holidays
Where: 1007 First Ave.
Call for VIP reservations: 206.516.5097
Visit: www.alexishotel.com
       
  3

 
       
  4

Cintli Celebrates Posadas

Come to Cintli to celebrate Posadas, the nine-day Mexican Christmas celebration.  Enjoy traditional Mexican holiday treats and take advantage of the free gift-wrapping offered with purchase.  And even more reason to fiesta?  How about saving 10-70 percent off selected items?  Mucho gusto!

What: Posadas Celebration
When: Dec. 16-24
Where:
1501 Pike Place, Suite 328
Call: 206.262.0794
Visit: www.cintli.com

       
 

Et voila!  We’ll be back with your regular edition of Seattle Picks next week.  And if you want to give the gift that keeps on giving, forward Seattle Picks to all your friends.  They’ll think of you every Friday when they open their email!

       
 

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