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November 7th, 2008
Our boyfriend has been talking about buying us a BeDazzler for the holidays this year. He thinks we are in desperate need of one because every time we come home from a shopping trip, we have at least one new item that is “embellished.” Last week, we came home with the cutest T-shirt from Young, Fabulous and Broke—which, by the way, may be the best name for a clothing line ever. Anyhow, it has a scoop neck and these fabulous jeweled clusters on it with pearls, beads, sequins and gemstones. (Why doesn’t that sound as cute as—we swear—it is?) The BF took one look and declared that we could have done that ourselves with the BeDazzler. While we seriously doubt we could pull it off without making it look like the jean jacket that we did BeDazzle in elementary school, we are up for the challenge. Perhaps we will discover a hidden talent and a retro-cool new hobby. p.s. They aren’t BeDazzled, but Crystalyn Kae bags are still fabulous. Forward this issue of Seattle Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@seattlepicks.com, and you could win a $75 gift certificate to use on one of her bags! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Textile Treasures We often wish we could be as talented at designing clothes as the Project Runway contestants. Knitting, sewing, designing—you name it, we love it! It kinda takes us back to third-grade sleepover parties when we’d make our own scrunchies and gemstone T-shirts with our Jazzy Jewelry kits and… the BeDazzler! Puffy paint was great twenty years ago, but now we’re on the search for quality fabrics and materials that make just as big as a statement as those sassy, sparkled outfits. (Cringe!) Earthues in Ballard helps us DIY girls bring imagination to life with their newly opened storefront. As a fair-trade and eco-friendly natural-dye wholesaler to designers across the country, they now feature an art and textile-focused retail section for the rest of us to enjoy. Even if you’re not crafty, you can still shop for ready to wear accessories—plush scarves, chunky bracelets, and decorative hairpieces—each one created by hand. From hand-carved African buttons to vintage metal threads from Paris, Earthues is a kaleidoscope of color and wonder from across the globe. Earthues |
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| 2 | Green with Envy We know that some people are born with certain gifts, and others, well, they have aptitudes in other areas. We are the latter. We definitely put a red sock in our whites at least once, and we can’t keep a houseplant alive to save our life. But in our defense, we are really good at sniffing out a sale, we have great taste, and we can list the top couture houses in our sleep. For the problem areas, we turn to the experts at Envy, the most precious nursery on the planet. We wanted a little green indoors, since all the leaves outside said ‘peace’ till next spring. They literally have a plant for every personality. We picked a bright green and purple Jade plant. It says, “I’m sturdy, and hard to kill,” without saying, “I’m lazy, so only water me once a week.” We also grabbed a swanky birdhouse for that tiny guy we see around our yard, and were mesmerized by their great art and unique cards. We can’t wait to see what awaits us next spring! Envy |
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| 3 | Confection Perfection If there’s one thing that makes dentists cringe, it’s a sweet tooth. We all have one and regardless of the time of day or the diet we are trying to follow, it is very hard to ignore. From chocolate to pastries and whipped-cream topped beverages, we are connoisseurs of all things sweet. Recently we discovered the all too well-kept international secret of the Tokara Japanese Confectionary. The sweets, known as wagashi, are handcrafted works of art designed to reflect the seasons and are like no dessert we have ever experienced. Each box is an adventure of varied tastes, colors, and textures previously uncharted by the average American candy lover. These delectable bites are hot commodities—Tokara is only available to the public on the 10th of every month. Skip the standard sugar fix of choice and head to Tokara. Upon arrival, pass through the flowing curtains, take in the tranquil rock garden, and even stay for a sip of tea. But don’t forget to place your order for next month! Tokara Japanese Confectionary |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | She’s Got Legs (She Knows How to Use Them) The wardrobe item that we are going completely crazy for this fall? Tights. We are totally obsessed—colored tights, wool tights, tights with patterns, tights with mini-dresses, tights all day, every day. Our favorite way to wear them is with our new Calvin Klein black booties—so rocker chic. Especially when we pair the booties with our new favorite tights by Shibori. They are fabulous—colorful, hand-dyed, and each pair is totally unique. It’s like wearable art. |
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| 2 | Baby, It’s Cold Outside Are we the only ones who go bananas trying to use our iPhone when we are wearing gloves during the chilly Seattle winters? Every time we want to use the darn thing, we have to take off our gloves and submit them to the biting temperatures. When we complained to a friend, she recommended Dots gloves. They are completely brillie. Simple black gloves with smooth (no scratching!) metal dots on the fingertips so you can use your iPhone or iPod without ever taking them off. Glorious! |
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| 3 | A Glass of Wine a Day…Keeps the Doctor Away Last week we met some gal-pals at our neighborhood wine bar and tasted our way through a few bottles of wine. As usual, more than a few of us were left with tell-tale red wine stains on our teeth. Knowing that cute guys would run the other way if they saw our purple grills, we whipped out our Wine Wipes compact, filled with 20 orange-blossom flavored wipes for your teeth, and checked the handy mirror in the lid. Needless to say, the ladies were grateful. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Welcome, Lizzie! One of our favorite independent designers, Lizzie Parker, is opening her very own eco-atelier inside Tweed boutique. Join them for the big launch party—and try on designs from her new, exclusive Pieces of 8 collection. Great clothes, wine, food—there isn’t much more we could ask for. What: Lizzie Parker Eco-Atelier Launch Party |
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| 2 | Bee There or Bee Square Laura Bee Designs is celebrating their sixth anniversary with an open house event to top all others. Featuring a trunk show for their new Glam for Good Collection—a special, one-of-a-kind, line of bags using vintage fabrics—plus door prizes, treats and special promotions, there is no way we won’t be there to wish them a very happy anniversary! What: Laura Bee Designs 6th Anniversary Open House |
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| 3 | Suit Up! Hilary Clinton has taught us women the importance of owning at least one good power suit. So do your patriotic duty and catch the sale at Butch Blum this weekend to save on selected women’s and men’s suits and sport coats. Get one suit or jacket at 30% off and get a second for 40% off. We are going to look so professional. What: Butch Blum Sale |
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| 4 | Tonight’s the Night for Shoes! Don’t make any plans for tonight – and if you have, cancel them! Shoefly is hosting a Girls’ Night Out—with food, cocktails and 30% off all purchases! Receive a free Shoefly tote bag with any purchase over $100, and save on your favorite brands and styles. (We are totally calling dibs on the Bridget boots by Miss Sixty… race you there!) |
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| 5 | Skin Solutions |
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If you ask us, besides a BeDazzler, a great gift to get someone for the holidays this year is to tell them about Seattle Picks. It’s the gift that just keeps on giving! Help us spread the word—more good things will come your way! And sign your Guy Friends up for www.SeattlePicksforMen.com – just visit the website to get them a much-coveted free subscription. They’ll be the most in-the-know dudes in the Jet City… and who doesn’t want that edge? |
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