Seattle Picks Website  
  SEATTLE PICKS
  life + style to you: every Friday
March 27th, 2009

We’ve been dreaming about sandals. Gladiator sandals. Platform sandals. Wedges with studded straps. When we wake up, we are disappointed to realize that the hothot snakeskin pair from our reveries will not be in our closet. Sigh. Some might consider it shallow, but we’re the first to admit that a shoe daydream does the trick when we need to escape the realities of daily life. We’ve even been known to escape to our bedroom to try on our favorite shoes when the going gets tough.

So yes, we shop! And we encourage you to do the same. After all, the last thing we need on our “Guilt List” is a feeling that we didn’t do enough to support our local businesses. So go forth, you beautiful, savvy, shoe-lovin’ ladies, and forget your troubles. Shoes make everything better!

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

On the Road Again

We don’t know about you, but we fell off the resolution wagon long ago. That’s right—we’ve stopped the exercise routine and started couch-surfing full-time. The only workout routines in our life these days are the ones we are watching on “The Biggest Loser.”

Luckily, Market Street Athlete is here for an intervention. On a recent visit we spied a huge selection of MBT Physiological footwear. The rocker bottom purports to improve posture and—get this—tone and shape the body by challenging your muscles to engage more while simply walking. Hmmm, getting a workout while shopping? Sign us up! With free weekly clinics to inspire (try “Simple Steps to Build a Healthier Body” with Sherry Jacqua), plus a sweet 25% off bonus for attendees—not to mention scads of great shoes that will look great off-road and in the gym—we are ready to get back on track, baby!

We’re even ready to take it clear through to swimsuit season. That’s right—itsy bitsy, teeny weenie, with yellow polka dots. Here we come.

Market Street Athlete
2232 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA 98107
206.789.1265
www.marketstreetathlete.com

       
  2

Going Coastal

You know what happens in the spring—that’s right—Spring Break! And while the days of tequila-guzzling and dancing on table tops in Mexico may be long gone, we still crave a getaway to relax and re-boot when March rolls around. So while we wish we were headed to a hot and sunny, tropical locale, we will settle for any beach with sand and surf this time of year.

Established in 2004, Seabrook is Washington’s newest beach town, but it has all the idyllic charm of old New England. Most of Seabrook’s cozy coastal cottages are available as vacation rentals, and they’re furnished with everything you need for the perfect getaway: cookware, entertainment (like flat-screen TVs and Wii), and even community bicycles for cruising around town. It’s pretty much the cutest place we have ever seen.

With rentals starting at $99 per night, it’s the perfect locale for our new, more “grown-up” spring break—and we will get the sand, surf and hopefully, a little sun, without breaking the bank.

Seabrook
4275 State Route 109
Pacific Beach, WA
360.276.0099
www.seabrookwa.com

       
  3

The Vixen Within

Frankly, it’s been a rough month for us so far, and we have been in need of a little pick-me-up. Everyone knows the best remedy is retail (and spa) therapy. Undecided about a spa treatment, a new pair of jeans or a sexy little dress, we remembered a boutique and spa a friend told us about.

Vixen has it all. The clothes in the windows remind us of runway styles we would actually wear—think Katie Holmes on her way to an audition. Once inside we found bright tunics, designer jeans, tweed newsboy hats, and soft cashmere sweaters, plus lacy—and a little racy—lingerie, handbags, and wallets. Then there was makeup, fragrant body lotions, perfumes, and a spa that offered manis, pedis, brow shaping, massages and facials. When we finally broke ourselves away from the handcrafted jewelry and accessories, the manager told us about Ladies Night—where they serve wine and put all the goods on sale every few months.  

Did someone say "wine” and “sale" in the same breath? Seriously, they have everything. We feel better already.
            
Vixen Day Spa & Boutique
3209 W. McGraw
Seattle, WA 98199
206.281.9399
www.vixendayspa.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

I Spy with My Little Eye

Spring is supposed to be bright and colorful, with blooming flowers and blue skies. In Seattle, however, we usually have to wait until July for that. Feeling the need for color, we had to have the knit Marigold dress from the brand new line House of Spy. With its sweet, vintage-y feel and a pair of platform sandals, it’ll be perfect for work.

Enter the code “loveseattle” and receive 20% off all regularly priced items on their site for the next week!

www.houseofspy.com

       
  2

Beverly Hills Hair

We’ve spent a considerable amount of time and money trying to get that perfect Jennifer Aniston coif. No, not the infamous cut—we’re talking about the perfectly honey blond, sun-kissed tresses.

Having finally achieved our goal, we must maintain it—and what better way than with Neil George’s Intense Repair Mask. Stars like Reese, Julia and Renee trust him with their hair, so you know it’s gonna be good. Since we started using it, we’ve had shampoo-commercial hair every day. Priceless.

www.neilgeorgesalon.com

       
  3

Sweeter than Honey

Typically, our taste in jewelry is extremely simple—like our sterling silver Tiffany Bean necklace—classic and elegant. Lately though, we’ve been dying to try something new that will really jazz up our outfits.

When we stumbled on the natural agate necklaces from Stone and Honey, we knew our search was over. Rough but pretty, eye-catching and brightly colored, these ethereal necklaces are all one of a kind, and definitely kick our look up a notch. A girl’s gotta keep it original, after all!

www.stoneandhoney.com

       
  Cocktail of the Week!
 

You know what’s great? When someone puts a new spin on an old classic. Like when they turned Jane Austen’s “Emma” into the movie “Clueless.” Totes brilliant. The old version is great, and the new version is pretty awesome, too. This also applies to cocktails—and we love the new twist that Urbane at the new Hyatt at Olive 8 has put on the typical Screwdriver. Check it out!

Urbane “Screwdriver Infusion” 
1½ oz. Absolut Vodka
½ oz. OJ
½ oz. pineapple juice
¼ oz. Vanilla Syrup
¼ oz. Tangerine Syrup
www.olive8.hyatt.com

 
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Home Shopping

Usually we just shop for ourselves, but we recently realized how neglected our house must be feeling. She probably wants some pretty new things of her own, too. Naturally, we have to oblige, and are planning to stock up this weekend at the Tableau sale—dishes, textiles, soaps and candles will be 40% off. We’re so thoughtful.

What: Tableau Sale
When: Now through Tuesday, March 31
Where: 2220 NW Market St.
Call: 206.782.5846
Visit: www.tableaugifts.com

       
  2

Sometimes It Pays to be Unemployed

This may be the most brilliant recessionista-chic idea we have heard since this whole mess started: Paule Attar Salon and Spa in Bellevue is offering a 25% discount on all spa and salon services to those of us that may find ourselves unemployed. Just tell them you are “a new job seeker” and watch the savings roll in. Hallelujah!

What: Unemployment Benefits at Paule Attar Salon and Spa
When: Now through December 2009
Where: 10223 NE 10th St., Bellevue
Call: 425.453.3288
Visit: www.pauleattar.com

       
  3

Swimsuit Season is Coming!

We detest working out, so when we find a way to lose those extra pounds with less sweat and tears, we go all in. Radiant MedSpa provides a physician-supervised, four-phase weight loss program without expensive meal plans or regimented exercise routines. Sign us up! Seattle Picks readers: save 20% on your first two months of service.

What: Save 25% on weight loss at Radiant MedSpa
When: Call now!
Where: 2106 N. 45th St.
Call: 206-402-3063
Visit: www.radiantmedspa.net

       
 

Economy e-shmonomy! Help us support local businesses—sign up a friend at www.SeattlePicks.com and we’ll keep them in the loop about what’s happening in the Jet City!

       
       
 

Be sure to visit www.seattlepicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.seattlepicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address.

If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@seattlepicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Seattle Picks!

Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com.