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  life + style to you: every Friday
November 14th, 2008

Last weekend we attended a bachelorette party to send one of our dearest friends off into married life with a good old-fashioned sleepover—complete with dancing in our socks in the living room, and plenty of fruity cocktails.

In the midst of it all, we found ourselves marveling at how lately, every bachelorette party we attend seems to up the creativity ante a little bit more than the last tequila-fueled blow out. This time around, we had to bring a gift for the bride that was something we or our man thought was sexy. Being a professional editrix and lover of words, we happen to find reading sexy (does that make us lame?) and passed along a few of our favorite reads to the bride. It made for much more interesting gifts than the standard bra and panties set.

You heard it here first, readers, these days bachelorette parties are going beyond pink boas, novelty veils, and Chip and Dale dancers. The gifts and themes are getting more creative, and dare we say it, they seem to be bringing the class back to the single gal’s last hurrah.

p.s. Another great way to bond with the gals is over chocolate and wine. Forward this issue of Seattle Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@seattlepicks.com,
and you could win two passes to a Parlour Night at Oh! Chocolate! (See below for more info.)

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Upgrade U

Even though we despise the rainy season here in Seattle that comprises three quarters of the year, we do celebrate the opportunity to wear cute hats and mittens, and warm, fuzzy sweaters. So the other day, when we were looking through family pictures from last year’s holiday season, we were appalled to see we were wearing the same sweater at Thanksgiving dinner that we just sent off last week to be cleaned for this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. And what might be even worse is the dress shirt, jeans, and running shoe combo our boyfriend had on… it’s def time for an upgrade.

We headed over to Jaxx Boutik after work, and found timeless options for us and our boyfriend that are versatile enough to go from Thanksgiving dinner with family to Friday night dinner with friends, out on the town. We decided to splurge a little on some new True Religion jeans for ourselves, and almost resisted the urge to buy ourselves a new clutch, but not quite.

This year, the turkey will have some competition!

Jaxx Boutique
2345 Eastlake Ave. E, Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98102
206.325.8882

       
  2

Old Timey Goodness

Once upon a time, life was simple. Or at least we imagine it was. In our modern, hectic days of traffic, technical difficulties, and social engagements, we long for an hour to while away. And though we can’t stop the clock, head to the right part of town and as if by magic, the big box stores disappear and the wide sidewalks make way for leisurely strolls down the avenue.

You’ll find it in Madison Park. In fact, take just one step past the door of the Madison Park Bakery and the sweet aroma will carry you back to a less frazzled, more Norman Rockwell-y place. From pies to cakes, fresh bread and doughnuts to cinnamon rolls and more, everything is delicious, the staff is smiling, and children can’t help but to nearly drool on the glass of the cookie case.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Madison Park Bakery will be whipping up their famous roasted-turkey shaped cakes. Garnished with greenery and paper leg frills, this is one dessert that is as hilarious is it is tasty.

Madison Park Bakery
4214 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112
206.322.3238
www.madisonparkbakery.com

       
  3

Our Lucky Charm

We caught the shopping bug at a young age. We would spend hours with our mom at Frederick and Nelsons (we miss you, old friend), and finish off every trip with a hot Frango sundae and ogling the dolls on the famed toy floor. We hope to create these same sweet memories for our niece, but now with a more boutiquey flair.

In an attempt to win the “favorite auntie” title, we look forward to taking her to the Ballard Farmer’s Market on Sundays. We always buy her a treat at one of the stalls and then wait for her to drag us into Clover. This boutique toy store is a treat for kids of all ages. Our niece goes wild, playing with a petite kitchen set, hugging a basket full of Kerana Knitter Critters from Kenya and ogling pretty pink tutus made by Pamela. We have a blast too, fighting back our jealousy that the Giesswein dragon booties don’t come in our size.

While we aren’t ready for kids of our own yet, we love the chance to share our passion for shopping with our niece. Looks like she is catching the boutique-ing bug early, too…

Clover
5335 Ballard Ave NW
Seattle WA 98107
206.782.0715
www.clovertoys.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

What a Treat!

The last vestiges of our summer glow are fading (we know, we know, tanning isn’t good for you, but sometimes we just can’t resist). We can’t help it—we just feel prettier with a little bit of a tan. That means it’s the time of year to turn once again to our friend Bronzer.

One of the best we’ve tried is the Sun kind-a Wonderful Mineral Airbrush Bronzing Powder by Treat. It gives us that sun-kissed, just returned from St. Barth’s glow all winter long.

www.treatbeauty.com

       
  2

The Best Investment
 

When you have a handbag fetish as profound as ours, not every handbag will do. We seek hotness, glamour, and small designers—we want to be unique, and also politically and fashionably correct.
 
So hello, Hello Betty! This online shop that carries handcrafted and made-to-order bags that are T.D.F. Whether you have a "sexy bag/going glamorous places life" (stylish clutches!) or a "giant handbag/fart around town life" (gorgeous totes), you can enter the Code SEAPICK and save 20% off your purchase!
 
www.hellobettyshop.com

       
  3 You Can Take It with You
 
Did you know that the U.S. produces more than 380 billion plastic bags, sacks and wraps each year? So not cool! We are determined to do our part to reduce that number—one home-made lunch at a time.
 
Check out the adorable, eco-friendly lunch and travel snack bags from Plum Creek Mercantile. Made of organic cotton, they’re adorable, easy to use and secure—show them off at the office, then pop them in the washer! Stylish and sustainable? What a great gift idea! Use discount code SP20 for 20% off fabric products, issued as a PayPal refund.
 
www.plumcreekmercantile.com
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Wine and Chocolate—A Gal’s Best Friends

As our readers know, we here at Seattle Picks love our chocolate. One of our local favorites, Oh! Chocolate, has instituted a Parlour Night at the Madison Park shop, where they serve small plates, wine and chocolate in courses—and all perfectly paired. Our dreams coming true ladies!

What: Parlour Night at Oh! Chocolate
When: Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: 3131 E. Madison St.
Call: 206.434.6728 for times and info
Visit: www.ohchocolate.com

       
  2

A Stylish Way to Say Thanks!

This is the month to remember what we are thankful for, and in that spirit, the nail gurus at Julep have put together their Thank-it-Forward promotion. Stop in with your best gal-pal and she’ll get 50% off her treatment—all thanks to you! What better way to show her you care?

What: Thank-it-Forward at Julep Nail Parlor
When: Now through Thanksgiving
Where: 1427 5th Ave, Suite 104 and 5001 25th Ave NE
Call: 877.585.3707
Visit: www.myjulep.com

       
  3

A Sale in the Nick of Time

Just in time for the onslaught of holiday parties and get-togethers, Alhambra, one of Seattle’s local landmark boutiques, is putting on a sale! With 30–50% off of selected shoes and clothing, we can stock up on outfits for every party possibility from their selection of modern clothes that possess just a hint of old-world charm.

What: Alhambra November Sale
When: Now through Nov. 30
Where: 101 Pine St.
Call: 206.621.9571
Visit: www.alhambranet.com

       
  4

Belle of the Ball

Don’t forget to save the date for the 6th Annual Beauty Ball at High Maintenance Skincare Studio. Get an advanced skincare analysis, an express glow facial, a fruit peel, and of course, no ball would be complete without flawless makeup applied by the professionals. Plus, there are drinks, food and gift bags—need we say more?

What: 6th Annual Beauty Ball at High Maintenance
Skincare Studio
When: Friday, Nov. 21, 10 am–7 pm
Where: 1706 Bellevue Ave.
Call: 206.322.6939
Cost: $30 with a reservation (recommended), $50 without
Visit: www.highmaintenanceskin.com

       
 

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