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March 14th, 2008
While there are many signs out there that spring has indeed arrived—budding trees, people (and puppies) falling in love, sunny skies and balmy 55-degree weather—there seem to be just as many signs that it has yet to arrive. The pouring rain, frost on our cars in the morning, and perhaps most obvious—the amount of time between days when we think spring is actually here. So we have decided to add a season between spring and winter here in Seattle. The “Season of In-Between.” We need it to answer so many questions: Do we keep the berry red winter nail polish or is it time yet for something light and pink? It’s time to get our hair done again—do we keep the chocolaty brown or go blonder for summer? We’re going to an outdoor Art Walk in Pioneer Square—can we tolerate the cold nipping at our toes, or should we keep the boots on? See our dilemma, dear readers? Look closely, and we are quite sure you will find the same dilemmas in your own lives. Bring on the Season of In-Between! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Bloom and Grow Maybe it’s us, but this winter has seemed like the coldest—and darkest—ever. So when Seattle got some sun for a few days, we ignored the icy temperatures and swore that spring had arrived. And when the rain returned—a certainty in our fair city—we decided we were going to need a new way to brighten up our lives. Willow & Bloom is the spring treat we have been craving. Less than a month old, this flower and gift boutique is the perfect addition to the Fremont shopping scene. Drawing from European and Asian influences to create unique arrangements in beautiful specialty containers, and with services that range from small herb gardens to themed event arrangements, you are bound to find your perfect floral match. Beyond buds, the shop is stocked with great gifts like Christa Hope jewelry and baby hats by local knitters. So whether we are shopping for an upcoming birthday or helping our guy friends pick out gifts for their ladies, Willow & Bloom will be on our minds as an oasis of springtime in Seattle. Willow & Bloom |
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| 2 | Naughty and Nice We are proud of what our mamas gave us, but admittedly, we are no Angelina Jolie or Jennifer Garner. Now and then we need a little help smoothing things out, ensuring that some other things are lifted properly, and making sure there is no VPL (that’s visible panty line, ladies). Not to mention we don’t always want to wear girdle-like underwear—we like to feel sexy and confident as well as comfortable. Luckily for us, Jennifer Carroll, the owner of Belle Fleur Lingerie, knows this. Her shop is wisely stocked with the perfect combinations of daring and comfy. And although the sizes on the floor tend to run between A and D cups, be sure to ask if you need something larger. Yes! They’ve got items for those of us who are well-endowed! Even better, the larger sizes are still pretty, lacy things so you don’t have to give up fit for fashion. So if you’re dressing to wow that certain someone or just to have a little secret for yourself, you’ll find all the lacy underpinnings here. Belle Fleur Lingerie Boutique |
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| 3 | Workin’ It Out Spring is almost here, with summer not far behind. So we wonder about breaking out those spring threads; can we pull it off? That wardrobe question isn’t only about fashion; it’s about logistics. A bottle of self-tanner will take care of that Seattleite skin tone, but the flab isn’t so easily disguised. X-Gym to the rescue! With locations in Belltown, West Seattle and Kirkland, it’s more of a “personal training studio” than a “gym.” While our goal may be toning up for swimsuit season, X-Gym’s holistic approach to health extends to working with clients who have a range of goals—from recovering from surgery to moms building strength during pregnancy. Owners PJ and Sharmon’s program of slow, focused exercises is like nothing we’ve ever experienced. We seriously felt the burn during our first session, but with the encouragement of the trainers and innovative methodology, even gym drop-outs like us are ready to believe. Our New Year’s resolution may have slipped, but with warmer weather around the corner, X-Gym is our new inspiration to work it! X-Gym |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Colorful Correspondence Don’t get us wrong—we love the instant gratification of email, but now and then it’s nice to pamper those we love with good-old fashioned correspondence—à la Jane Austen. And while we await the real, fragrant blossoms of spring (not due in Seattle for at least a few more months), we’ll indulge in the line of fresh, colorful, blossom stationery and greeting card kits from eleven56, to drop a note that brighten our best gal pals’ days. |
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| 2 | To Thine Own Self Be True We believe in love. And we believe in loving one’s self. Sometimes that means a nice little pedi to soothe our winter toes. Other times, it's as simple as a little retail therapy. So we loved WaterMeWell's intention to "focus on the self within; to acknowledge, to connect to, and to honor the Self for its inherent beauty and peace and its endless potential to love and be loved." That's deep, man. It makes us feel warm, fuzzy and well-dressed in organic cotton, bamboo fiber and, well-decorated in hand-blown glass! |
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| 3 | For Keeps We have been known to fall in love quickly—sometimes for less-than-worthy guys. But this time, this time we know it’s for real. So, while poking around our favorite online accessories boutique, we found the perfect thing to celebrate our newly found love. This handcrafted, sterling silver bracelet by artist Heather Lecy was just the thing. With a textured matte finish and a unique construction, it simply states, “It’s love.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. |
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| Designer of the Week! | |||
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Local designers are where it’s at these days, and one in particular makes our hearts go pitter-patter. Solis was started in 2003 by Caroline Moir and her mama, who share the design duties. Made with specialty yarns, their pieces run the gamut from edgy to ladylike. Arm-warmers, fab butterfly sleeve cardigans and more are available at Velouria, Frock Shop, Sugartown Vintage and soon, on etsy. Until then, anything you want can be special-ordered at solis.handknits@hotmail.com. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Double the Fun Spice up your workout routine with Double Dutch rope jumping classes offered by Northwest Double Dutch. Jumping rope burns 100 calories in 10 minutes, and at only $5.95 per drop-in session, this is a great way to get in shape! Head over to the Ravenna location tonight for a ladies-only session from 7:30–8:30 pm. What: Northwest Double Dutch rope jumping classes available |
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| 2 | Luck o’ the Irish Dance a jig down to Kell’s Irish pub to celebrate their 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival with live Irish music, dancing, and traditional foods like corned beef and soda bread—not to mention an appearance by Liam Gallagher (from Oasis). Admission is $20 at the door and includes a festival tee, natch! What: Kell’s 25th Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival |
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| 3 | A Very Fashionable Birthday One of our favorite boutiques, Violette, is turning two and having a big bash to celebrate. All clothing is 25% off for the day and there will be champagne and cupcakes (of course!) Stop by to wish them a very Happy Birthday and shop for Velvet tees, Union denim and Belabumbum lingerie while you’re there. What: Violette’s Second Birthday Party |
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| 4 | Don't Miss Girl Power Hour Social circles collide at Girl Power Hour! Network with entrepreneurial/like-minded women, have a cocktail, or just hang out! Get tips on spring fashion from Closetfly, getting in shape from Sassy Fit, and decluttering your life/home from A Logical Mess. Donate to the Dress for Success clothing drive. Enjoy free appetizers, cocktail & food specials, and swag bags for the first 50 girls! What: Girl Power Hour |
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