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February 22nd, 2008
Other than the obvious—spring clothes, sunshine, longer days—you know what we’re really looking forward to about the warmer weather on the horizon? Iced espresso beverages. Yeah, we know it seems like a small, insignificant thing, but the thought of walking to work in sandals, sipping a skinny iced latte just makes our spring fever soar. We tried to make the leap from hot to cold a little early, though, and it, um, didn’t quite match up to our vision. We got an iced mocha, and all was going swimmingly until we stepped out of the coffee shop into the sunny yet bitingly cold weather. We couldn’t really hold the beverage with one bare hand for too long, so we had to keep shifting our bags from one arm to the other to accommodate the mocha shift from right to left. Once we caught our bus, we thought things would get better. No such luck. The condensation from the drink started dripping in large splats onto our jeans, making the soon-to-follow half-mile walk from the bus stop to our building an extra frigid one for our damp legs. Sigh. Until we meet again, iced espresso beverage … |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | A Girl’s Gotta Have It We have a small, um, fixation with footwear. We try to sneak talk of Louboutins into casual conversation and sometimes it can get awkward—but we still try, dammit. So you know we’d fall hard for a hidden gem of a shoe store where shoes in every style and price range cover nearly every available surface from wall to wall. Gotta Have Shoes is the shoe addict’s dream come true. Focusing on lines that the competition doesn’t carry, there are tons of one-of-a-kind options. Christian Lacroix stilettos, bright pops of color from Pucci and whimsical creations from Givenchy are right at your fingertips. Or perhaps we should say your toe tips? We also love the vegan shoe collection from Mink, handmade in Italy—so luxurious. And fret not—for those of you who may have maxed out the Amex on your last shoe-shopping extravaganza, this shop carries plenty of affordable labels from the likes of Oh Deer and BCBG Girls. Whatever your taste or price range you are guaranteed to find shoes aplenty here! Gotta Have Shoes |
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| 2 | Clear Your Head Since the Grammys, we've had that "umbrella-ella-ella" ditty stuck in our noggens. We haven’t been this bothered since we spent a week with Manilow’s “Weekend in New England” on constant brain rotation. All we know is that we'd rather be shopping. And what better way to clear one’s head than by taking the time to ogle gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces from Festivities Fine Gifts? It’s the kind of place where girls on our budget can buy something small but dream big. (Someday we’ll breeze in with a bottomless checking account, but that’s for another day.) Their distinctive offerings include custom furniture, lighting, accent furnishings, bedding, fine gifts, locally made art, ceramics, Asian antiques and even garden accoutrements. If you’re a world-traveler, or just wish you were, you’re going to feel at home at Festivities. Their fabulous array is enhanced by the personalized attention you’ll receive from their friendly staff. Spend an afternoon here the next time you get something catchy stuck in your head. We guarantee that Festivities’ fabulous finds will have you humming a different tune, tout suite! Festivities Fine Gifts |
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| 3 | The Ties That Bind Grandpa was in town, the family was hungry, and we wanted a trendy place to eat that would please everyone. So we headed to Quinn’s, a new gastropub in Capitol Hill that seriously elevates traditional pub fare (think braised oxtails and wild boar sloppy joes). Teetotaling? It also features 14 beers on tap and plenty of bottled beers, whiskeys and tasty wines. At our table in the polished mezzanine, Grandpa devoured a tender Wagyu beef burger topped with cheddar and juicy strips of bacon; Sis played copycat and did the same. (She’s a sucker for the fries that accompanied it.) Mom had an enormous house-made sausage served with lentils and kale, and Stepdad sampled the flaky, beer-battered fish and chips piled atop a mountain of hand-cut fries. We admired the meat-driven menu but ordered a light grilled romaine salad and a glass of wine … and then we happily sampled from everyone else’s plates. Just don’t make the mistake of trying to split the crème brulée—it’s one dish that shouldn’t be shared—even with family. Quinn’s |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Bring the Outside In During the darkest days of winter, our thoughts often turned to spring’s flowering trees, chirping birds, and bright, beautiful sunshine. Since it's still a ways away, we’re glad to have the lovely work of Portland artist Hadley Hutton, who is now showing at Velocity Art and Design (251 Yale Ave. N). Just one look at her softly romantic, spring-like images transports us into the future. Featuring swoon-worthy pastels, each piece brings a breath of fresh air (and more than a few birdies!) right into your space, no matter how cold the air is outside. |
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| 2 | Five for Fighting When we were in high school, being "socially conscious" meant having a cool pair of black pants and dating a hottie with frosted tips. Nowadays, we know the real def of being socially conscious. And we love eco-friendly choices and altruistic-style shopping. Enter Five Accessories and their internationally imported goodies. With each handbag sold, $5 is donated to underprivileged children. Plus, 15 percent of all other sales go to each artisan's local cause. Chic and generous? Gift yourself! And in turn, gift to others. |
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| 3 | Flavor Flav and the Funky Bunch We don't know what we love more—the Kishu Ume toothpaste our friend overnighted us, or the fact that an Indian-curry flavored toothpaste actually exists. We were a little scared to try it, but we're so glad we did. Breath Palette’s flavored toothpastes make brushing fun in a grown-up sort of way. We want to try every single flavor, especially “l'espresso,” so we can say, "Don't mind the coffee breath—we just finished brushing our teeth." |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
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Gather the wedding party and make a beeline for Portland’s Pearl District! Enjoy the Perfectly Pearl Modern Bridal Event, to benefit Central Portland Families. See the specialty goods, services and offerings that make the Pearl District the perfect wedding (and wedding planning) destination. LEED-certified venues, invitations printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks, locally grown floral designs and more… plus designer gowns, dazzling jewelry, and the latest trends. Nibble on hors d’oeuvres! Bid in a silent auction! (btw: This may be more fun than getting married!) What: Perfectly Pearl Modern Bridal Event |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Gettin’ Twiggy With It Hipster parents rejoice: Kids’ denim is on sale at Twig through the end of February. Go score some jeans for your favorite fashion-forward youngster, and feel good about using your dollars at the local Greenwood Avenue establishment that touts organic, locally made threads. What: Kids’ Denim Sale at Twig |
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When Size Doesn’t Matter Even when clothing shopping days go awry because it seems like nothing fits and we just can’t deal with those dressing-room mirrors, there’s always home décor shopping to be had. Check out Simplicity Décor’s Second Anniversary Sale, and enjoy 20 percent to 50 percent off throughout the store. What: Simplicity Décor’s Second Anniversary Sale |
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| 3 | SHOP/08: A Conference for Independents |
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Who’s started their spring shopping?! Yep, that’s us waving our hand spastically in the air like that kid in fourth grade who always knew the answer to every question the teacher asked (oh wait, that was us too). Where are you scoring your warm-weather duds? Let us know at picks@seattlepicks.com ! |
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