Convergence Zone
The stylish spa is situated among the rapidly developing condos on Capitol Hill, toward the east end of the Pike-Pine corridor. Though it's on the small side, the spa’s clever design and architectural details create a feeling of spaciousness. An outdoor private patio is perfect for parties or drying painted toenails on nice days. The decor features energetic shades of aqua, white, red, and dark brown wood. Circular patterns show up in fabrics, chairs and bubble lights. There are two treatment rooms, five side-by-side manicure stations and four adjacent pedicure chairs, providing opportunities for chatting and meeting others. It reflects the shift from punky, partying neighborhood to sophisticated in-city living around this part of the Hill.
August 23, 2006
Convergence Zone
One of my favorite pastimes while doing shopping "research" is bakery-hopping. I'm always looking for the best of my favorites - poppy seed cake, brownies, Russian teacakes, chocolate chip cookies, breads, cinnamon rolls, croissants … well, you get the picture.
August 18, 2006
Convergence Zone
Grosso brings a different kind of style to downtown and people have noticed, coming from as far away as Vancouver. "The response has been overwhelming," she says. The mix of furniture, lighting and home accents is well-edited, resulting in pieces that create a simple but sophisticated style. Natural elements such as larges pieces of coral, sea shells, mazanita branches and dried-reed bamboo add to the refined aesthetic here.
August 16, 2006
Convergence Zone
There's more than natural beauty on Bainbridge Island. Island resident Suzanne Miller opened Ambrosia Beauty, an enticing new beauty spot, on July 25. The well-stocked, bright and airy shop is sure to draw Island residents, saving them a trip to Seattle to buy fancy perfumes and cosmetics. But it's also worth the ferry trip for Seattleites.
August 11, 2006
Convergence Zone
In business since 1992, Bihn just moved his design and manufacturing operations and opened his first retail outlet. Previously, his well-made bags were only available online. It's becoming a rarity to actually manufacture a product right before your eyes, but Bihn does and he encourages gawking. Step into the adjacent production room, where sewing machines hum and skillful workers busily whip up Imagos and Brian Cells. Keeping the operation within sight is a way to ensure quality bags (and job opportunities). Most bags are made from sturdy, water resistant Cordura or Ballistic nylon with convenient pockets for electronic gadgets.
August 9, 2006
Convergence Zone
The duo started their company over a glass of wine in December 2005. Thiele bought a pair of tasseled pasties but never wore them. She wanted something more beautiful, alluring, and playful; something that conjured up images of the sexy – but tasteful – fan dancers of the 1940s. Armed with scissors, glue guns and materials, the pair created flirtatious feathered pasties, floral pasties and butterfly pasties. "We laughed so hard while trying different things," says Thiele.
August 4, 2006
Convergence Zone
Baker's influence for this collection reflects the duality of the human condition: Sweetness and innocence are placed in direct juxtaposition with symbols of violence and darkness. There is no clearer example than her "Lolita" dangling charm earrings. The pair is distinctly different–one earring features a heart, cherry blossom, swallow and bunny. The other has a grenade, gun, Maltese cross, "brass" knuckles and dagger.
August 2, 2006
Convergence Zone
Kiss your old matte lipstick or gloss goodbye. Try Nouba Millebaci long-lasting lip color and you'll be a convert. These amazing beauty aids from Italy glide on and stay on, without drying the lips or leaving them sticky. Millebaci means 1,000 kisses in Italian, so pucker up: You can kiss for hours and it won't rub off. Forgo air kissing and lay a big smooch on your friend's cheek without leaving a trace.
July 25, 2006
Convergence Zone
No, this is not referring to your girlfriend or any girls you know. "High Maintenance Bitch" ($14.95, Sasquatch, 2006) is a new book about girl's best friend written by sister and brother Lori Pacchiano and Ryan Pacchiano.
July 21, 2006
Convergence Zone
I am not a cyclist, but my curiosity got the best of me when I saw 2020 Cycle open recently in the Central District. The shop wasn't fancy – it seemed fun. So I stopped to look around.
July 19, 2006
