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January 30th, 2009
Don’t get us wrong, we can’t live without our cell phone. When we don’t have it, we feel completely disconnected from the world, and even though we didn’t get our first cell phone until we were freshman in college, what life was like before we had one is quite hazy. What was that like? However, with that said, we also believe there is a proper time and place for using it—as well as conversations that should remain private. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should talk about anything and everything, like the weird rash you went to the doctor for, while riding the metro bus downtown. Seriously, yesterday while we were shopping, a girl browsing near us was talking loudly into her cell phone about how she wasn’t looking forward to breaking up with her boyfriend that night and how he was going to be so sad, and so devastated and would probably cry, and ugh, she just didn’t even want to deal with it. We couldn’t help looking at her with a mixture of disgust and amazement that she had the guts (or was it something else?) to walk around announcing this to the world. Plus, we felt bad for the guy who obvs had no idea what was coming his way—when the rest of the store did. There is a time and place for everything, ladies, and a Seattle Picks girl must always keep it classy. |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Under My Umbrella, Ella, Ella… We’ve heard it said that “real” Seattleites don’t use umbrellas. Well, we’re lifelong PNW residents, and we own three—one for home, one for the car, and one for the office. Honestly, does the rest of the country think we enjoy getting poured on without doing anything about it? Ha! We think they make a stylish addition to our ensemble, and they keep our hair from looking a hot mess. We’re glad that Seattle’s own Bella Umbrella hearts the cover-all accessory as much as we do. The newly opened brick-and-mortar shop is home to hundreds of stylish (and functional) bumbershoots, including vintage ‘brellas from the 1930’s–50’s, and the “Signature Bella”—a stylish pagoda style ’shoot with interchangeable handles and optional rhinestone additions. Swoon. The bread-and-butter of Bella’s business is rentals —mostly weddings and events—but they also offer many umbrellas for individual sale. Pop in and peruse the beautiful collection of parasols, pagodas, and canopies—in rich colors and unique prints. They’ll make you wish for a rainy day. Bella Umbrella |
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| 2 | All That Glitters is Gold We recently had this fabulous dream where our closet had magically expanded to the size of our living room, and even better, it had been filled to the brim with sassy couture treats, all painstakingly organized by season, color and fabric. We were so refreshed walking into our closet that all our sorrows were instantly washed away, and we no longer possessed the “I have nothing to wear” gene. Imagine our horror when we awoke, face down in a pile of dirty laundry, after crying ourselves to sleep over not being able to find our ‘go-to’ Citizens. As we glumly tromped the streets of downtown, we stumbled into the real life version of our dream—it was called Totokaelo (pronounced TOH-toh-KYE-oh).The minimalist, urban chic suite is lined with perfect Seattle standards, from knee-high APC leather boots to the clutch you need for Sunday brunch. We drooled over the weekender tote from United Bamboo, and we’re totally going back for the supple and rustic calfskin bomber jacket for our next girls’ night out. And someday… someday… that closet dream might just become reality. Totokaelo |
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| 3 | Lover’s Hideaway After spending the past few Friday evenings in pajamas (due to a total burn-out from the holiday season and mid-winter blues) watching “The Soup” re-runs with our guy, we realized it was time to rekindle the flame and ditch the sweatpants for a night. Obviously overdue for some romance, we packed our bags and headed out for an in-town getaway at the Edgewater Hotel. Perched atop Pier 67 on the Seattle waterfront, with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay, we were just in time to indulge in one of their romance packages lined up for the month of February and Valentine’s Day. The Snuggle and Smooch package was just what the doctor ordered with chocolate-dipped strawberries in the room, chocolate body frosting (yowza!) and massage lotion, and the river rock fireplace and hand-crafted knotty pine furniture made us feel like we were holed up in our own little cabin love-nest. We watched the ferries come and go from our claw-foot bathtub, and the rest… well, we’ll leave that to your imagination! The Edgewater Hotel |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | With This Ring… When one of our best friends got engaged this winter, we immediately jumped into scouting for cute-stuff-for-the-wedding-mode. While we have yet to tie our own knot, we think we have a good eye for what makes a wedding special, including the ring bearer dish from Paloma’s Nest. This hand-crafted porcelain dish, hand stamped with “to have and to hold,” is a sweet touch that can be kept as a reminder of their special day—and our great taste. |
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| 2 | Love Conquers All Every once in a while, we all need to be reminded of just how good love is. Sure it can be messy, and comes with its own set of (sometimes alarmingly large) complications, but in the end, it is what makes the world go ‘round. With the holiday of love on the horizon, we plan to wear our heart on our sleeve with this Love Wins tee by Elefint Designs. So simple, but so true. |
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| 3 | Be Your Own Valentine If you don’t happen to have a Valentine this year, don’t fret—just treat yourself to something pretty and know that we love you! Who needs a guy to send them a dozen red roses when you can pick up Red Roses cologne by Jo Malone, made up of seven different types of roses from around the world? Spritz on the romantic scent, hit the town with your girlfriends for the evening and enjoy! |
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| Cocktail of the Week! | |||
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When the weather outside is frightful, put something in your drink to make it more delightful. In the midst of this chilly and damp Northwest winter, we love a warm cup of hot chocolate, but when we heard about the Her Hot Chocolate from the Bookstore Bar in the Alexis Hotel, we knew we never wanted to go back to plain old hot chocolate. This is just too fun. Her Hot Chocolate 1 oz. 151 Bacardi Rum Fill the rest of the glass with homemade hot chocolate. Add a large marshmallow. Light the rum on fire to toast the marshmallow on the glass. Enjoy! The Bookstore Bar (inside the Alexis Hotel) |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | An Afternoon in the Tropics We’re pretty sure everyone in Seattle is spending their free time daydreaming about a tropical getaway right about now. It’s not in the cards for us, but the Julep Staycation Special certainly is. Indulge in an hour-long tropical mani-pedi, accompanied by an umbrella drink for only $52. Who knew a staycation could be so sweet? What: Julep Staycation |
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| 2 | Beauty on a Budget We know we are in the middle of a difficult economic time, but one thing we just cannot sacrifice, even during the toughest of times, is spa time. So, we are thanking our lucky stars for Ambrosia Beauty, offering new pampering services for $25 each, like mini-facials and the Beautiful Eyes treatment—to de-puff, hydrate and soothe. Recessionista chic! What: Ambrosia Beauty Pampering on a Budget |
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| 3 | Game On! While the men in your life are glued to the television, drooling over the biggest football game of the year, sneak out for Mario’s Super Bowl Sale. Take an additional 50% off previously marked down women’s sale items from designers like Louboutin, Choo, de la Renta and more. Play nice, ladies! What: Mario’s Super Bowl Sale |
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| 4 | Viva La Vida So you don't have a man in your life this year to celebrate the month of love with—who needs 'em? This is where our amazing girlfriends come in. Grab your best gal pal and head to the luxurious Vida Spa and save 50% on both your treatments from their expansive menu. Sounds love-ly to us! What: Bring a Friend to Vida Spa and Save 50% |
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| 5 | Mon Dieu! Every once in a blue moon, a sale comes along that is so good, we can't think about anything else—and we end up going back multiple times. The semi-annual sale at Ella Mon is one of those sales, with storewide savings of 30-70% and even some new arrivals offered at a significant discount. Jackpot! What: Ella Mon Semi-Annual Sale |
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