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August 15th, 2008
Even though we’re sad that summer is almost over, the timing enables us to check out the fall fashion lines and plan our purchases for the coming season. Last week we attended Fashion First, which is now in its fifth year. Not only is it a great show, supporting an even greater cause—The Starlight Starbright Foundation—but it got our imagination flowing with all the possibilities for our own wardrobe! Models paraded down the runway in fab ensembles from some of our favorite boutiques: The Finerie, Opal, Clutch and more. We were drooling over the barrage of bright reds, mustards and plums that will surely be found in Seattle boutiques come fall. (Those rich, yummy colors will go perfectly with the new Frye boots we’ve been meaning to order!) And we’re working up the nerve to find a fantasy piece like the poof sleeve trench we saw from Seamless in Seattle—and then actually wear it out somewhere. All this fashion has us drunk on fabrics, and redefining TGIF: Thank God it’s Fall! (Well, almost!) |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Just My Size We love that feeling of having to go buy new clothes, because the jeans we have are too loose. Unfortunately, this past week we realized we needed to buy clothes for the other reason… the jeans are too tight! To lessen the blow, we decided to go out and buy the sassiest jeans we can afford. And you know what happens when we start sympathy shopping—we get carried away. But there’s no better place to get caught up in the fabulousness of it all than Bossi & Ich Ky. We went for jeans, and left wishing the boutique was actually our annexed closet. Once we started sifting through the racks and stacks of treasure upon treasure, we totally forgot why we had to shop in the first place and gave in to the lovely experience. In addition to jeans, we found a couple things to take us through the rest of the summer, like flattering A-line frocks, and a silhouette-skimming top by eco-friendly Panda Snack. Of course, we’ll have to go back a few more times to keep forgetting why we need to shop! Bossi & Ich Ky |
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| 2 | Better than Butter It’s Saturday morning and we have nothing left in the fridge besides a bottle of ketchup, wilted lettuce, something mysterious in Tupperware, and a stick of butter ... butter! We know just what to do: promptly close the fridge and head on down to Cafe Besalu in Ballard for a buttery croissant, brioche, caramelized onion and gruyere pastry, or the best (buttery) quiche this side of the Rue Clare. This cozy storefront in Ballard dishes up some of the best pastries in town (check the case for the changing selection of delectable fruit Danishes and croissant confections). So good in fact, that if no one is looking, we lick the plate to get every last flaky crumb. Recently, we sampled a heavenly raspberry Danish along with a perfectly pulled double-shot latte. We also picked up some lovely shortbread cookies for friends we were visiting later in the day, and a couple of ginger biscuits for a midnight snack in case the fridge stays bare. Be ready to stand in line (oh-so-worth-it). Nobody does buttery-goodness better than Cafe Besalu. Cafe Besalu |
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| 3 | Walk Tall After reading countless articles in fashion magazines, where starlets like Madonna and Gwyneth heartily proclaim the merits of Pilates, we finally caved to the trend. However, we still aren’t convinced that it’s all they do to look that good. So, gussied up in our best spandex and wearing just enough makeup to make us look good but not enough to look like we tried, we headed to our first official Pilates class. Standing outside of Body Center Studios, we closed our eyes, took a deep breath and prepared to become women who are inwardly calm at all times, and super-bendy. We were greeted by our instructor, who immediately made us feel at ease, and led us into the bright and inviting studio. The class moved at a steady pace, and luckily, each move was explained to enlighten us newbies. We left feeling refreshed, energized, and, dare we say… a teensy bit taller. We can’t wait to move up to the private sessions also offered at the studio… once we are a bit more Paltrow. Body Center Studios126 NW Canal St., Suite #320 Seattle, WA 98107 206.633.4800 www.bodycenterstudios.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | A Tropical Tryst To make ourselves feel better about the fact that we aren’t going anywhere tropical soon (staycation is the word of the season), we have decided to throw an all-out, over-the-top, South Pacific themed party—complete with tiki torches and fruity drinks with umbrellas—in our own backyard. And while Bali Hai may not be calling, these earrings from Tryst Jewelry certainly are. Handmade with tiger ebony wood and a certain vintage charm, they’re the perfect accessory for our shindig. |
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| 2 | Everything Old is New Again As little girls, we loved to play dress up in our grandmother’s closet (she was, of course, impossibly stylish). This early tradition led to a particular taste for vintage clothing and accessories as adults. Occasionally though, we fall hard for something brand-new that has a fab vintage vibe to it—like this bowler handbag from Agnes and Hoss. We love the Italian-leather trim and suede lining—and the fabrics look like something we would have snagged from Grandma’s closet. |
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| 3 | A Romantic Notion As die-hard romantics, we often envision ourselves waltzing at a ball, in a dress with layers of petticoats while Colin Firth declares his undying love for us. Petticoats and country balls may be a thing of the past, but we still indulge our love for old-fashioned romance by papering our drawers with scented drawer liners from Soap and Paper Factory. In beautiful patterns and scents like orange blossom and rosewood, getting dressed in the morning is a thoroughly delightful experience. www.soapandpaperfactory.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Summer Smooth Make sure your legs stay in silky soft shape for the summer season with a special offer from Julep Nail Parlor. Get a pedicure and receive 50% off a leg waxing. You can relax into a featherbed and let Julep smooth your cares away—leaving you ready for shorts and sandals… as long as the weather holds out! What: Leg Waxing and Pedicures at Julep |
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Happy Birthday Baby! Urban Fashion Network is one year old, and they’re throwing a party to celebrate their success. There will be dancing, a signature pink drink, dessert and happy hour pricing all night. Plus, the first 50 ladies to arrive will receive a gift bag! It has all the makings of a perfect evening. What: Urban Fashion Network’s First Birthday |
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| 3 | Shrek Comes to Seattle The Hotel Vintage Park is offering a special package for the world-premiere of Shrek the Musical at the 5th Avenue—right down the street from the hotel. Including overnight accommodations and valet, and two drinks (including the Green Monster made with fruity vodka, Midori, peach schnapps and Amaretto) or two desserts at Tulio, it’s the perfect in-town getaway. What: Shrek Special Package at the Hotel Vintage Park |
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Here’s some juicy gossip—Daily Candy was just sold to Comcast for $125 million! We are slightly jealous… who wouldn’t want a big chunk of change like that? … but mostly it makes us proud to be the ONLY truly independent local source of fashion, fun and lifestyle in Seattle. So congrats, Daily C, but let’s hear it for Seattle Picks! |
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