Seattle Picks Website  
  SEATTLE PICKS
  life + style to you: every Friday
May 21, 2010

We did something this week that might initially terrify some of you, but we promise, its all going to be okay. We bought… wait for it… a fanny pack! Yes, you heard us right—that notorious waist pouch from the 90s is back—and we are totally on board. Before you think we have totally lost it and our keen sense of style and fashion has gone out the window, listen up.  

First, it’s from Lululemon—so that instantly makes it cool. Second, it’s for working out. We have always struggled with where to put our lip gloss, phone, keys, and let’s face it, snacks, when we go for long walks with the Pug. Pockets just won’t hold it all. (Note: it’s still not acceptable to wear one all the time with all outfits… or jean shorts… or socks with sandals.) Finally, it’s an updated version—it has a fresh, and yes, stylish spin on it, and we are proud to rock it. Doubters beware—the fanny pack is back, and you’re going to want one too! 
       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Flirting with Desire 

Cupcakes had their heyday 10 years ago, but they’re still around. And are we complaining? Heavens to frosting, no! We can never pass up these adorable little desserts. A few days ago, our sugar jones was coming on strong—round about 3 pm—and turning everything we saw into sweet treats. 

Off to Wink Cupcakes in Queen Anne we went! We stopped to admire the patio tables topped with fresh flowers, but moved on quickly—nothing gets between us and our favorite creamy peanut butter cupcakes. Except for the red velvet cupcake. And maybe the coconut cream. Hey, a cupcake a day keeps the doctor away right? All of Wink’s cupcakes are made with pure, fresh ingredients, even the Guinness and champagne flavors! We’ll cheers to that. Speaking of luscious libations, Wink recently experimented with a Mimosa cupcake, featuring champagne cake and orange buttercream frosting.
Yum! We couldn’t think of a better way to start a Sunday.  

We think it’s time to master the art of Winking. 

Wink Cupcakes
1817 Queen Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206.856.1600
www.winkcupcakes.com 

       
  2

Reading is Sexy 

Ok, we’ll admit it. Some days we kind of miss college. Sure, we don’t miss the multiple-choice tests, tough professors, or required classes, but we do miss the atmosphere. Friends hanging out all hours of the day and night. Going to coffee shops to “study.” And really, we miss reading. There’s just something about that setting that made us feel so smart and sophisticated.  

And we’re ready to reclaim that part of ourselves! That’s why we’re so delighted we went to check out Ravenna Third Place Books. Of course, it’s a bookstore, with both used and new books and a great selection you won’t find in any old book shop, but it’s also so much more. With a café serving up coffee and authentic Greek food tucked in the corner and a pub downstairs, you could seriously spend hours enjoying good reads, frothy lattes, and some tasty souvlaki and hummus before popping downstairs to sip on a pint with friends.  

We’ve now got a pile of books on our nightstand that is at least fifteen deep. We’ve been bitten by the reading bug and we couldn’t be happier. 

Ravenna Third Place Books & Vios Café
6504 20th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA 98115
206.525.2347
www.ravenna.thirdplacebooks.com

       
  3

A Bite of the Big Apple 

We just recently returned from a trip in New York City, and we toured all the necessary sites: the Chrysler Building, Little Italy and China Town, Rockefeller Center, and just about every clothing boutique in a 20-mile radius. We’re usually pretty excited to return home after a good vacay, but coming back to Seattle was a little, well, anti-climatic.  

That is until we went to a fancy-pants dinner with a panoramic view of Elliot Bay. It was the real deal… lobster, waiters in tuxedos, ladies in fur coats, pianists, an extra special dessert and pure dining-out divinity. We even sat in one of those grandiose semi-circle booths—just like in the movies—without the movie-star budget. It was the Seattle version of old New York—with seafood to die for. The Spicy Crab Bisque rocked our world, and the Pancetta Wrapped Prawns were like nothing else we’ve ever tasted. 

We’re thinking we are going to have to do a New York-style dinner with Seattle flair more often. It’s certainly cheaper than a Manhattan hotel.
 
Waterfront Seafood Grill
Pier 70, 2801 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98121 
206.956.9171
www.waterfrontpier70.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Adorable Distractions

On a recent trip, we bought a ton of goodies and promptly left the bag in the taxi. Color us furious. One of the cab casualties? A cute collapsible tote, perfect for marketing. 
But out of the ashes…  a watermelon?

To lift our spirits, Mom picked up a teensy slice of juicy goodness that unfolds into a shopping bag. Not a melon fan? ModCloth has a strawberry version as well. Now that we’re feeling fruity, we’ve almost forgotten about the taxi debacle. Almost. 

www.modcloth.com

       
  2

Cast a Smile My Way 

You know it’s bad when even the tooth fairy feels the effects of the economy. After years of trading dollar bills for dinky bones, perhaps it was time to get crafty with her collection of pearly whites.  

Tooth fairy-esque artist, Kim Kovel of Le Knockout, began casting teeth after her son's first fallen tooth. All Lil’ Jon jokes aside, we think mothers will go gaga over these adorable little gold and pavé charms.  

www.leknockout.com

       
  3

Writers of the Lost Art

The other day someone asked if handwritten thank-you notes were still acceptable. Wha?!? Anything handwritten is not just acceptable, but necessary!

Puddle Jumpin Cards embraces the handwritten note, and more.  Practical, whimsical, unexpected, personal—you’ll find note cards, invitations, and even children’s stationery on their website (because it’s never too early to instill good thank-you manners into your kids).  Everything comes packaged in a box with a ribbon—gift-ready—and shipping is free!

www.puddlejumpincards.etsy.com
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Your Lucky Horseshoe 

If you haven’t checked out Horseshoe boutique yet, now is your chance, and truly, it’s the perfect opportunity. Their Stock Room Sale is this weekend—with ridiculous deals on past-season clothes. Really, we can’t imagine the treasures there are to be found. Don’t miss it! Cash only, and use the stockroom entrance, down driveway past Ballard Home Comforts.

What: Horseshoe Stock Room Sale
When: Sunday, May 23, 10 am–3 pm
Where: 5344 Ballard Ave. NW
Call: 206.547.9639
Visit: www.horseshoeseattle.blogspot.com

       
  2

Spring into New Styles 

There is one instance in which we don’t mind how late spring is in getting to Seattle every year. That instance is when the boutiques start having their spring sales… right as spring really starts for us, which is summer everywhere else in the country. We’ll be heading to Re-soul this weekend to enjoy 25% off spring styles of adorable shoes! Score. 

What: Spring Sale at Re-soul
When: Now through Tuesday, June 15
Where: 5319 Ballard Ave NW
Call: 206.789.7312
Visit: www.resoul.com

       
  3

Everyone Loves a Fashion Show

Fab local designer Vian Hunter is showcasing her spring collection tonight at her Madison Valley shop—and she picked this date because it’s Audrey Hepburn’s birthday month. Obviously the woman knows her fashion. Go down and check it out, then come home with a dress or two… or four… that’s what we plan on doing! 

What: Vian Hunter Spring Runway Fashion Show
When: Friday, May 21, 6–8 pm
Where: 2814 E Madison St
Call: 206.860.5030
Visit: www.vianhunter.com

       
 

Follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook

       
       
 

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 Picks@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.