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  life + style to you: every Friday
March 26th, 2010

Ok, so we happen to love 90210Beverly Hills 90210, the original class, that is. We catch the reruns nearly every day on the SOAP network, where we can indulge in the guilty pleasure and pure delight that is David and Donna, Kelly and Dylan, Brandon and Andrea, and Brenda and Steve. We love the episodes where David is still geeky and shows off his mad dancing skills, or when Brenda and Donna go to Paris for a summer and Kelly and Dylan hook up. Scandal!

However, while shopping last weekend, we noticed that the fashions on the rack this spring are decidedly 90210-inspired. Tons of Donna Martin crop tops, Kelly Taylor slip dresses and boxy, oversize jackets, and Brenda Walsh button-downs. And as much as we love vintage 90210, we tend to laugh at the fashions—not wish they would make a return. So, please, let’s keep 90210 where it belongs—on our DVR—not in our closets. 

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

By Way of the Lake

We live and work in the city and have a tendency to hole ourselves up inside of this bubble—we rarely venture out to breathe clean air and take in a new scene. So last weekend we took a trip to the Eastside to explore some uncharted territory. Slight exaggeration, of course; it’s quite a bustling area and a far cry from uninhabited. That being said, we so rarely make the trip across the lake that it feels like a far-off land, but one worthy of a voyage. 

We quickly discovered a darling boutique in Kirkland called Via Lago. Set up to make you feel like you are in a fashion lover’s dream boudoir, after just a peek inside, we found lounges, chandeliers, shiny objects and oh, such beautiful garments. This is the type of place where it would only be fitting to sip a little bubbly while you peruse the racks, shopping favorites like Trina Turk, Splendid, Joe’s Jeans, and Bailey 44.   

If you have a hard time leaving the city, it’s time to cross that lake! Go see the splendors of eastside shopping at Via Lago.

Via Lago
129 Lake Street South
Kirkland, WA 98033
425.893.9191
www.vialago.com

       
  2

I Don’t Wanna Grow Up  
 
When we were teeny tiny, growing up sounded so exciting. Now that we’re here, with the responsibilities to prove it, sometimes we just want to go back. Back to the land of story books, games, stuffed animals, and handmade toys. So when our nephews came up for a visit, we were faced with the reality that we don’t have any fun kid stuff to offer them in our “grown-up” apartment.  

We piled everyone into car seats and headed to the toy shop. And to where else? Planet Happy. And it is just that—happy. You’re immediately greeted by the cooing of birds who have made their love nest in the shop, and the brightly colored books, games, and toys make you want to sit down, right where you are, and play—as if nothing else in the world mattered. Plus there’s a section for making your own lotions, bath salts, and perfume, as well as gifts/necessities like delightful bamboo booties, adorable onesies, and puppets that put any sock to shame.  

No deadlines. No bills to pay. Just lots and lots of happy time.  
 
Planet Happy Toys
 
2914 Northeast 55th St.
Seattle, WA 98105 
206.729.0154 
www.planethappytoys.com

       
  3

Clever As Ever 

It seems that everything we like—waaay before other people, btw—becomes the next big deal. We started the whole Uggs trend about 12 years ago (they were a “bad” Christmas gift from Grandma). And the whole 80’s leg-warmer thing? That was totally us too. Same goes for Seattle hot spots. Okay so maybe it’s not just our patronage that makes a place the next “it” hangout—even if we’d like to think so. Perhaps it’s also the chic décor, tasty tapas and whimsical cocktail menu, for instance.  

And for Clever Bottle, that is definitely the case! Clever Bottle is the newest wine and tapas bar in Belltown, right on the 2nd Avenue strip. Featuring clevercocktail concoctions and tasty treats, it’s well on its way to becoming the next hot spot. Think minimalist—walls adorned with only a glass bottle motif, candlelit cocktail tables, and low-hanging light bulbs… perfect for first dates or casual drinks with the BFFs. 

Sometimes it’s tough seeing your personal taste become popular, but when it comes to places like Clever Bottle, we’re more than okay with sharing. 

Clever Bottle
2222 2nd Ave. Ste.100
Seattle, WA 98121
206.915.2220
www.cleverbottle.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Shop Around the Clock

We love shopping. Okay—that's a gross understatement. But wading through the throngs can be downright deflating. 

This is why we frequent Bernadette’s online boutique. Bernadette’s offers an ever-changing, carefully edited collection of footwear, jewelry—even pet couture! From discontinued Louis Vuitton to vintage Halston, there are many squeals of joy to be had 24/7. There is only one of each item, though, so once it’s gone, it’s not restocked. In other words, it’s shopping time. 

www.bernadettes.com

       
  2

Whimsical Walls 

We devour design shows like a fat kid consumes cake, but looking around our digs, three sad words come to mind: blah, boring, and bleck. We simply don’t have the skills for stenciling, stamping or painting needed to primp our pad. 

Finally we’ve found a fetching peel-and-stick solution. Surface Flik offers fab art that you can simply slap up above the sofa. Best of all, more time for Home & Garden TV. 

www.surfaceflik.com

       
  3

Eye've Had Enough  

We have insanely sensitive eyes. Between 18 hours in contacts, dreadfully dry weather, and preservative-packed mascara, our weepy peepers leave us whimpering. But if there’s one thing we refuse to go without, it’s a good beauty product. 

While we can't do much about the weather and we look ghastly in glasses, we can ditch the goop-tube. Tarte Lash Hugger Eco-Friendly Natural Mascara lets lashes breathe and comes in a recycled aluminum tube. It gets a wink and a nod from us!  

www.tartecosmetics.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Portland, We Love You.

Cheryl VanClacken, host of the fictional morning show “Perk Up Portland!” is back with a new, er, “interviewee.”  The lady loves to sniff out a bargain, and is including a special $50 cash offer when you book a two-night stay by April 25 for travel through May 9. One note: While Portlanders do enjoy saving money, few of them are quite as…enthusiastic…as Cheryl. 

What: Portland Perks Package from Travel Portland
When: Book by April 25, travel by May 9
Where: Portland, see link for valid hotels
Visit: www.travelportland.com

       
  2

Smart Girls Know Where to Shop 

Smartie Pants, the original in-home clothing swap, is hosting its first public event, so get excited! Calling all fashionistas and recessionistas—you can go and consign your gently-used designer clothes and accessories, or just shop (and save!) till you drop … like we plan on doing. 

What: Smartie Pants Consignment Event
When: Saturday, March 27, 9–5 pm
Where: McHugh Building, 1725 Westlake Ave. N, Suite 105
Visit: www.smartiepantsevents.blogspot.com

       
  3

Warm Up Your Voices! 

There is nothing like a good public karaoke session to lift your spirits and complete the perfect weekend. Whether you just want to listen or belt out some Journey with the best of them, check out the karaoke nights at Rickshaw Lounge. It’s our personal fave for a wonderfully tacky night out! 

What: Karaoke Nights
When: Daily, 9 pm–2 am
Where: Rickshaw Lounge, 322 N. 105th St.
Call: 206.789.0120
Visit: www.therickshaw.net

       
 

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