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October 23rd, 2009
We’ve often wondered, can exes really be friends after all the drama is over and the broken hearts have (hopefully) healed? In the past when this question came up, we always thought, no way, no how – at least for us, it always seemed impossible. Then, not so long ago, an ex popped up and to our surprise, we proved ourselves wrong. As we chatted and caught up on the past five years, we found ourselves truly enjoying the conversation and – this one floored us – even feeling okay hearing all about his new relationship. We didn’t have the urge to roll our eyes, make gagging noises or simply hate her for being with him after us. We laughed about old times and put down the phone with a sense of wonderment. We honestly felt like just friends with him. We love him to death, but are totally okay not being his girl ever again. So, we say, yes – exes can really be friends. The key, we have determined, is simply lots and lots (and lots) of time. Could this mean that we have reached a new level of maturity and adulthood? Nahhh – not likely. |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Wanderlust We just took a weekend trip to Portland for some fun—and some non sales-taxed shopping—and decided to go green and take the train. Loved the fall foliage and loved the fully-stocked dining cart! Nothing’s more scenic than watching the driftwood bobble in the waves of the Puget Sound as you speed along on the train—very “old-world.” Driftwood, Belltown’s newest consignment shop, is almost as artistic as the scenery and as eco-friendly as public transportation. (Almost.) This, their second storefront (the other location is in Madrona) is simple and modern, featuring women’s shoes, skirts, tops, jackets and jewelry, set in what feels like a hole-in-the-wall art gallery. In this tiny shop, we spied shoes from Louboutin and Prada, and Chloe, Chanel and Gucci are regulars as well! When we’re struttin’ the streets of Seattle, we’re pretty sure we won’t get to see deer darting across the countryside, but we will definitely see something almost as scenic to our eyes… designer duds that we got for a steal at Driftwood. Driftwood Consignment Gallery |
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| 2 | Something for Everyone We don’t know about the rest of you, but we have had many a quibble on ladies’ night out, over which region of Asian fare we can agree upon for a meal. Vietnamese? Thai? Japanese? There are days when we wish that we could just hit one place, and leave with all palates satisfied. Ah-ha! Chao Bistro and Bar is the new dig in Capitol Hill that remedies what could easily become a dinner debacle. The friendly staff and modern atmosphere are the first things that attracted us to the new haunt, but it’s the surprising food spanning the Pacific Rim that will keep us coming back again and again. Our sushi-fiending friends had a myriad of choices, the rabbits enjoyed their Chao signature salads served with an incredible Lychee vinaigrette, and the Halibut burgers (please try one) preceded by thick strips of steak Calamari happily satisfied what was left of our entourage of diners. This place is still working through the we’re-a-brand-new-restaurant kinks, so we can’t wait to go back and see what else they’ve come up with—we’re sure it will satisfy one and all! Chao Bistro + Bar |
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| 3 | Pilates Party We believe that exercise should be fun, but lately it seems that the iPod ear buds jammed in our ears are blocking out the feel-good factor. Honestly, what is fun about pounding it out on the treadmill by yourself for 30 minutes? Even with Lady Gaga by your side to keep you pumped. We showed up at Young Pilates and Fitness in Queen Anne on a mission: to enjoy a good workout! The small studio setting, equipped with the latest Pilates machines, feels like a cozy private home gym that’s just big enough to host a group of friends. They even offer choices for your workout regime: individual sessions focus on the fundamentals of the moves, duets allow you to invite a friend and split the cost, and group classes can be created to fit special occasions, from birthdays to new mommies getting back in shape. We’ve done the Pilates DVDs on our living-room floor, but this was a whole new experience and we loved it! If only the trapeze station—using straps to stretch out legs and arms while you’re suspended in mid-air—fit in our apartment. It’s pure ballerina bliss! Young Pilates & Fitness |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Feeling Knotty Every fall we inevitably crave cozy sweaters, cool boots, and jaunty strolls through brightly hued woody havens, and this wood nymph vibe spills over into our jewelry choices, too. It was no surprise when we found ourselves completely smitten with a sweet and simple pendant from Shi. Emblazoned with wood-grain detailing and adorned with an eye-catching smoky quartz gemstone, this little beauty is chic, au naturale perfection without being “outdoorsy.” After all, we’re ladies, not lumberjacks. |
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| 2 | Little Luxuries We complain a lot about the gray, drizzly fall weather, but truthfully, some days we just love it—it gives us the chance to make a fire, grab a cozy blanket and curl up with “Vogue” and mug of tea. One of our secret ingredients for making the perfect cozy day is a candle from Velas Candle Co. The hand-poured candles come in luxurious, unique scents like Cashmere, Black Silk (vanilla bean and leather—to...die…for…) and Champagne. Maybe we do love fall—just a little. |
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| 3 | Naughty Girl We can’t help it—October and the arrival of Halloween brings out our inner bad-girl. Something about it makes us want to go out, get a little wild and maybe get into a little trouble. The perfume oils from Villainess Soaps fit our I.B.G. perfectly. The concentrated fragrances come in gorgeous vintage glass bottles with names like Friction (woodsmoke and crème), Blood (spiced merlot, dry fig and berries) and Asphyxiate. Dab it on and redefine what it means to be bad to the bone. www.villainess.net |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Event of the Week! Ladies, this is it—the one event you won’t want to miss this fall. Seattle Picks is partnering with Mario’s to bring you Girlfriend Night with champagne, sweets, swag bags, mini-makeovers from Bocz Salon, a Vince trunk show, and if you can believe it, even more! We promise it will be the best event you’ve attended all year—don’t miss it! What: Girlfriend Night with Seattle Picks and Mario’s |
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Happy Anniversary! One of Seattle’s most amazing boutiques, Ella Mon, is turning two—and it’s going to be the kind of celebration you’ll be talking about for weeks. There will be discounts store-wide, plus drawings at the register for more discounts, and a special Saturday reception with food, drinks, and a musical performance by Abi Grace. Happy Anniversary, indeed! What: Ella Mon’s 2nd Anniversary Celebrations |
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| 3 | Treasure Hunt An event where we can shop for designer goods at discount prices and help those in need—is there anything better? Check out the Closet Treasures Sale hosted by the YWCA this weekend. Chanel, Donna Karan, Jimmy Choo—they’re all there (new and gently used) at consignment prices, and all proceeds go to Dress for Success. It’s guilt-free shopping! What: 7th Annual Closet Treasure Sale |
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Help us spread the shop local message—forward this issue to all of your savvy, stylish, chic and Seattle-lovin’ friends, or sign them up for a free subscription at www.SeattlePicks.com. |
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