Former Olivine owner Julie Merriman Wray has picked a winner with her new Fremont store, Show Pony, delivering up a delightful selection of jewelry, handbags, hats, shoes, cards, art and more.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 22, 2008
For some of us, a houseplant is like another member of the family, worthy of love, attention and TLC. Jay Longtin, a former sales representative, is one of those green-thumbed Seattleites who appreciate the fresh oxygen and soothing green that houseplants provide. A lover of exotic and tropical houseplants, Longtin has parlayed this passion into Envy, his month-old plant and patio store in the Central District.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 19, 2008
Passion, enthusiasm and expertise are perfect words to describe the husband-and-wife team behind the body care line Cory Michael Enterprises. Cory Michael and Jesseca Clark have been manufacturing their line since the late 1990s, and until recently operated two boutiques and spas in Dallas that showcased their products. The couple moved to Seattle a year and a half ago, and just a week ago opened a spa in South Lake Union. A large loft functions as their home, their manufacturing facility and an appointment-only spa, allowing the Clarks to pursue their passion for natural body care at all hours.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 18, 2008
I've loved and admired downtown women's boutique Alhambra for years. Owners Shakir and Serpil Kaymaz have refined taste and fill their 18-year-old store with exotic and alluring jewelry, clothing and accessories. For the past three years, the couple has been designing a clothing line called A to Z. Shakir manages the business end of things, and his wife Serpil is the designer, creating an impressive 50 styles per collection and managing the entire design process -- from A to Z, if you will -- including fabric production and garment manufacturing by the small factories that she contracts with in Turkey.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 17, 2008
If you're a "Project Runway" fan, then you already know the catchphrase "Make it work." That's what Joey Shearer-Harvey does at her West Seattle sewing studio, Make It Workshop. Open since this past May in the former Gatewood Baptist school building (recently converted to artist studios), Make It Workshop offers classes for those of us long on creative inspiration but short on sewing skills.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 16, 2008
Wearable art for me used to consist of neon-colored puff paint on a hair bow, or an airbrushed T-shirt with my name on it, accompanied by the words, "Panama City Beach, Summer of '87." But new Ballard boutique Monster Art & Clothing lets those days fade to a distant memory.
By Jen Harper | September 12, 2008
Looking for a perfect fall wrap? How about one that's cozy but not bulky, made from natural, sustainable fibers, drapes well on a variety of body shapes, comes in several great styles and colors, and is affordable? You'll find it at Cristina Dioguardi's new retail shop, Beyond Threads.
By Kathy Schultz | September 10, 2008
Cowboy boots give me a special kind of sass. I slip on a pair and all of a sudden I'm transformed into a classic country queen, a la Patsy Cline. Wear 'em with the right outfit, and I turn feisty-yet-lovelorn like Tammy Wynette. They make me want to kick up my heels, dance the night away and ride off into the sunset. I recently visited two stores in Seattle that sell cowboy boots, Insurrection in Greenwood and Horseshoe in Fremont. While the stores attract a different type of cowboy-boot wearer, they both exhibit a reverence and love of this uniquely American footwear.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 9, 2008
Though it hasn't officially ended, the passing of Labor Day seems to have heralded the end of summer. It's time to put away your sundresses, flip-flops and tank tops and see what holes need filling in your fall wardrobe.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 8, 2008
I've got my favorite mascara and my signature scent, but I'm always looking for easy-to-wear lip color that adds just the perfect amount of color to revive my tired and often frazzled visage. Fortunately, I was recently turned on to glossLuxe, a new line of lip gloss formulated by local makeup artist Suresh, who spent three years developing his collection, which debuted just this week.
By Alison Brownrigg | September 5, 2008
