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September 18th, 2009
We’ve been feeling a serious lack of inspiration recently. Maybe it’s the changing seasons—transitioning from summer to fall is always a traumatic experience for us—but whatever the case, we are thinking it’s time to seriously shake things up. When we daydream about doing something adventurous and new, we automatically see ourselves leaving on a jet plane, on a whim, headed for the rolling green hills of Tuscany. We see ourselves writing in our journal, painting and sketching, savoring good food and wine and just drinking in the life and culture of another place—and let’s not forget shopping for fabulous leather goods. What better way to get your groove back? But then, reality kicks in and we realize our bank account can barely get us a bus ticket to Portland. Sigh. So we’re going to have to get creative. Maybe we’ll brush up our Italian-language skills in an evening class (after all, we will get there eventually), take that pole-dancing workout we keep talking about, or join a photography workshop. Maybe all of the above—it’s time for something fresh, to learn something new, to change it up and try to find that inspiration that’s been eluding us lately. Any recommendations? |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Forever Young Let’s just get this out of the way: There have been a few times in our lives when we’ve passed a stroller occupied by a well-dressed little one, and selfishly thought, “I wonder if there’s a charcoal sweater like that in my size?” Some babies just have the gift for fashion already! That same thought can (and will) cross your mind at Kate Quinn Organics in Kirkland, but luckily there’s something for us, too. It’s hard not to coo at the grassy green tunics for tots, the tiny navy blue crawlers, and the snuggle sacks (even the name evokes an awww) when you linger over the racks of soft, organic-cotton clothing for children and women, as well as baby bedding. The environmentally conscious line is also proving that a recession can’t keep a good retail store down—women’s clothes hit the shelves earlier this year, and a maternity line debuts in late fall. Kate Quinn makes it easy to be the best dressed duo in town! Kate Quinn Organics |
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| 2 | Lofty Aspirations It’s barely fall and already we have been conned into watching a few football games. We say “conned” because we thought we were going out for dinner and drinks in Ballard. Though we had to watch a game we don’t understand, we gave it the old college try, left our tailgating memories behind us, and made it a classier affair at the Ballard Loft. Ballard Loft is an old machine-shop garage turned into a sports bar with a hipster feel that’s appropriate for guys and gals alike. Open the menu and you’ll see a variety of specialty sliders and at least ten different hot dog varietals. (We thought we could only get hot dogs at ballgames and at 2 a.m. after the bars close.) This isn’t your average street meat, though. They take the classic Seattle dog up a notch by adding grilled apples and onions to the cream cheese wiener. The best time to visit the Ballard Loft is for happy hour (Monday through Friday, 4-6 pm) for $3 wells and any appetizer for $5.50. This bar actually makes us wish for more fall football days. The Ballard Loft |
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| 3 | Sit and Sip Its baby shower time again. Normally, we’d serve mimosas so all the non-baby mamas could have a little tipsy fun (makes it easier to exclaim over the billionth onesie) but this time eighty percent of the guests are also preggo. We needed something to make this gourmet food spread (that we killed ourselves making) shine! And sherbet punch was not an option. So we decided to visit the Dry Soda Co. tasting room—a modern take on the soda fountains of the past. These are not your mama’s sodas. Nothing to make your teeth hurt here. We’re talking sophisticated flavors that pair wonderfully with food. They even have handy little tasting notes to help the uninitiated. For our buffet we chose Lavender (floral tones, low acidity) and Cucumber (cool and delicious). They’re all-natural (no high fructose to be found) so the little buns in the oven need not worry. And though the mamas may not worry about their waistlines—we do—and with 45–70 calories per bottle we’re in dry soda heaven, and ready to ooh and ahh with the best of them. Dry Soda Co. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Heya, Pork Chop Is it weird to be totally jealy of a product for children? 'Cause these baby thigh-highs are positively adorable. And get this—they're made for kids from six months to eight years old. No more lost socks, and much easier diaper changing! The Pork Chop is warm on their toesies, and makes each and every baby runway ready. Since we can’t have our own, we will just have to dress up our fashionable little niece! |
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| 2 | Head Gear Mock us if you want, but we have always wanted to be a bridesmaid—so when we were tapped for big-day duties we were stoked! We began searching for a signature piece that would make us stand out, and we hit the style lottery with Bethany Lorelle. This ultra-talented gal handcrafts gorgeous headbands, hair clips, and barrettes, adorning them with things like brilliant feather plumes and silk organza blossoms that exude an ethereal, romantic vibe. |
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| 3 | What’s Old Is New We harbor a mini-obsession with Marilyn Monroe. The platinum hair, the curvy figure, the bevy of men at her beck and call… what’s not to love? Alas, we’re brunettes, and the men are mysteriously absent, but luckily our curves can rock similar threads thanks to Posh Girl Vintage. This expansive vintage site is loaded with high-quality apparel and accessories including stunning period wedding and cocktail dresses, tough leather motorcycle jackets, and even lingerie to help us channel our inner pinup. |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
| Girl Power!
Girl Power Hour is celebrating their 2-year anniversary this week with a blow-out “Lounge Luxe” party. A stylish red-carpet experience celebrating charity, empowerment, good vibes and life, in scene-setting style—there’ll be a fashion show from the Finerie, a beauty bar by Gene Jaurez, swag, door prizes, and of course, a VIP lounge. Book your tix now—and keep in mind, boys are allowed—just this once! What: Girl Power Hour 2-Year Anniversary Party |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Runt of the Litter If you have a hard time compromising with your guy on date night, we have a solution. Catch the latest show, “Runt of the Litter,” at ACT. Bo Eason, former NFL player (and total cutie) stars in this play about modern gladiators, obsession, testosterone, and revenge (an older brother whose eclipses his successes). Sounds juicy—you can thank us later! What: “Runt of the Litter” at ACT |
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Sweet Deal We’re used to sales on shoes, bags and clothes. But, a sale on chocolates and pastries—where do we sign up? Suess Chocolates is having a sale where kids can make already sweet treats even sweeter with free chocolate-dipping, and we grown-ups can indulge in 10% off purchases of six truffles. Sweet! What: Suess Chocolates and Pastries September Sale |
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| 3 | Something Blue If you just recently became en-fiancéd, then it’s time to start the planning, lady! Something Blue is the premier Eastside wedding boutique experience with the most sophisticated and elegant wedding vendors in the biz. Don’t miss the chance to start gathering ideas for your big day—we know you’ve only been planning it since you were six. What: Something Blue – Premiere Eastside Wedding Event |
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Don’t let your friends and family miss a stylish beat: |
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