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  life + style to you: every Friday
July 24th, 2009

Has anyone else noticed that everyone (and their dog) has a blog these days? Literally. And we would know because we read one “written” by a pug named Shelby.

Not long ago, we jumped on the blog bandwagon and started one, too. We spent hours tweaking images, fonts and colors until it looked just right. The first entry was easy – an introduction. A year later, and we have yet to write another entry. FAIL. Turns out, we didn’t have anything to say after all – at least not anything interesting anyway. But the more blogs we read, the more we realize that most of these people don’t have anything interesting going on in their lives, either – a good blogger just manages to make the mundane seem fascinating.

We’re considering giving it another go. The world really doesn’t need yet another blog, but we just can’t live with the disappointment of our initial failure. Now... all we need is something to write about...

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Southern Belle Bombshell

We just got back from the magical city of New Orleans, and we fell head over high-heels in love with the grandeur of the French Quarter and the Garden District. Strolling down the notoriously elegant Royal Street, we became smitten with old-school Southern fashion—no one there is scared to wear Kentucky Derby-styled brim hats or frilly dresses!

So we love that Diva Dollz is here to bring a little old-world NOLA charm to Seattle. Owned by two New Orleaneans, Diva Dollz in Pioneer Square features vintage-inspired everything. Think lacy gloves, lavish jewelry, full skirts and fitted halter dresses. And don’t forget the hats. Lots of hats that are handmade, often with vintage trims and other sassy embellishments.  Diva Dollz even features their own label, Diva Dollz, with custom corsets, parasols, hair pieces, flower pins, berets, couture, and purses harkening back from the 1890’s to the 1960’s.

And true to the art, Diva Dollz does it old-school, with every stitch made by the hand of the seamstress. The only machine you’ll see on site is playing old-school tunes.

Diva Dollz
624 First Ave.  
Seattle, WA 98104
206.652.2299
www.thedivadollz.com

       
  2

Hair Emergency

No one likes going to the doctor... what with the needles and the poking and prodding. Not so much. But what if there were such a thing as a hair doctor? Totally brilliant, right? We do a lot of not-so nice things to our hair: flat iron, curl, blow dry, bleach (shhh! Don’t tell!), not to mention what all those nasty chemicals and fumes do to the planet and our own health! We’re noticing that maybe it’s time to get a hair check-up and give some TLC to our ’do.

Salon Azur in South Lake Union is a lot like an MD for hair, and we’re not really surprised since they’re an Aveda concept salon featuring organic products and even color treatments that are 92% natural. They feature essential-oil scalp massage and conditioning treatments famous for restoring your hair back to 70% of its original state. Even the essential oils come in cute little syringe thingies (minus the needles, duh). So adorably medicinal! Needless to say, our hair was feeling much healthier when we left.

If only going to the real doctor was this enjoyable!

Salon Azur
900 Lenora St, 2200 Complex (above Whole Foods) 
Seattle, WA 98121
206.623.1469

       
  3

The Great Escape

Since we don’t have a lot planned in the vacay department this summer, we have spent our quiet moments dreaming about our next vacation. There are a lot of options—Mexico, Bali, Italy—but we’ve finally settled on Greece. Sunshine, crystal-blue water and cute strappy leather sandals.

So until next summer—or maybe the summer after that—we’re seeking solace at Lola where we can get Grandma Dot’s Greek Spaghetti (cheesy comfort on a plate), kebabs to share and amazing spreads (like minted feta or roasted red pepper) with pita pieces. The food hints of sunnier climes and the vibrant colors warm our hearts. Even the chandeliers in the bar are neon flames. It’s as if they know we’re seeking an exotic escape.

Drop in sometime—you’re likely to find us munching on juicy prawn kebabs with a chaser of warm, house-made Loukoumathes (think melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts) while dreaming of our dream Greek vacation.

Lola
2000 4th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
206.441.1430
www.tomdouglas.com

  Chick Picks:  
  1

Little Miss Fashionista

In general, we love to shop—obviously. Our favorite season to shop for is fall, and this year, we’re planning a total wardrobe revamp—edgier, bolder and more fashion-forward. Naturally, this means checking out the latest at our favorite new high-style website, 80s Purple.

From moderately-priced lines to high-end designers, rebellious street fashion and comfortable casual wear, it’s our new Mecca. Our favorites are the jumpers and dresses from Fremont and the rocker-chic necklaces from Hello Drama. Lovin’ it!

www.80spurple.com

       
  2

Couture Cosmetics

One of our pet peeves is when the wind blows our hair right across our face after applying lip gloss, where it gets stuck. This makes wearing lip gloss to the beach somewhat of a trial—we could go bare, but we don’t really want to.

The solution is Double Agent Lip Tint from Bella Il Fiore. These lip stains come in cute Magic Marker packaging with a felt tip applicator and give you a subtly dramatic, stay-put lip stain. We’ll be kissin’ pretty all summer long.

www.bellabeauty.net

       
  3

Not Just For Your Wall

We happen to have a weird new obsession with all things silhouette. There is just something so cute and retro about them—we love them everywhere—from our stationery to our walls. And now we can even have them on our tables.

We’re in love with the handmade silhouetted wood coasters from Pepper Sprouts. Perfectly unique, they spruce up our table and are much better than the cardboard beer coasters our boyfriend is always trying to sneak into the house.

www.peppersprouts.etsy.com 

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Gift Extravaganza

No event makes us wish we were in retail more than the Seattle Gift Show. This industry-only event for retail buyers and sellers has thousands of gift, home and lifestyle products and you can find everything you could possibly need for your store. Connect with other suppliers while checking out the latest trends and next big sellers. Can we come?

What: Seattle Gift Show
When: Saturday, Aug. 22–Tuesday, Aug. 25
Where: Washington State Convention and Trade Center, 800 Convention Place
Call: 800.272.SHOW
Visit: Register or apply online at www.seattlegift.com

       
  2

Yee-Haw

We’re pretty sure that “Das Barbecü” at ACT is the most entertaining show to hit the Seattle stage so far this year. This fast-paced comedic musical combines German myth and Texas twang (don’t forget the big hair and big hats) for showstoppers like an ode to guacamole and a song entitled “Hog Tie Your Man.” Guten Tag indeed!

What: “Das Barbecü” at ACT Theatre
When: Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: 700 Union St.
Call: 206.292.7676
Visit: www.acttheatre.org

       
  3

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Bikini

One of the nice things about the late arrival of warm weather in the Northwest is that when the summer sales start, we can still wear our finds instead of waiting till next year. We’re getting a new bikini this week at Tininha’s sale. All spring and summer merchandise is 20–50% off—including swimwear from Orla Kiely!

What: Tininha’s Summer Sale
When: Now through Sunday, Aug. 2
Where: 617 NE 35th Ave.
Call: 206.985.6772
Visit: www.tininhasboutique.com

       
 

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