Jewelry designer Sophie Gardner has always been inspired by lucky and protective symbols, incorporating them into her silver and gold jewelry. But it was Oprah who inspired Gardner's new charms for your furry best friend. "After I heard that Oprah's dog choked on a ball, I figured that dogs need a little good luck too," says Gardner.
By Kathy Schultz | August 18, 2008
Ballard Avenue continues its rise as the hippest neighborhood in Seattle with the addition of skateboarding store Trickwood. Sandwiched between King's Hardware and Rudy's barbershop are the stairs that lead up to the established Kirkland boutique's new westside satellite, which shares the second floor with "active lifestyle" store Triple.
By Scout Colmant | August 18, 2008
I hate goodbyes, but alas, it's time to say farewell to yet another favorite boutique -- downtown's La Rousse, which will close its doors Sept. 30. Thankfully, shoppers will be forced to bid adieu only to the brick-and-mortar shop, as owner Amanda Rosenthal plans to move her three-year-old store online.
By Jen Harper | August 15, 2008
It isn't often that you come across bedding that is conscious of both style and the environment. Plover Organic linens are made from 100-percent organic cotton, colored with low-impact, heavy-metal-free dyes and hand-blocked in India under fair trade practices by a company that donates a portion of its proceeds to an endangered species -- the plover shorebird. What's more, the linens are chic and beautiful, with none of the hippy-dippyness of some organic products.
By Kathy Schultz | August 14, 2008
Owned by former model Saki Takeuchi, Shaula is stocked with affordable clothing from Japanese designers. The store's concept revolves around girly, feminine styles that appeal to women of all ages. You won't find much casual wear at Shaula, and I'm not sure you'll really find clothing that appeals to women of all ages, but you will find pretty dresses, skinny denim, fun tops and trendy accessories at great prices.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 13, 2008
In the course of my work, I visit a lot of shops, and I'm often tempted by what I see in them, especially during sales. But it's rare that I walk into a boutique, love what I see and -- most importantly -- can afford almost everything in it. Pink Ginger on Queen Anne is one of those rare shops.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 12, 2008
Though shopping online from the comfort of your couch will save you from hauter-than-thou boutique employees, covert charging does have its drawbacks. That's where online retailer and NWsource shopping columnist Alison Brownrigg comes to the rescue, with her newly opened, by-appointment showroom, the brick-and-mortar complement to her shopping site, Petaline.
By Aja Pecknold | August 11, 2008
Wearing your bicycle helmet might be the law, but it can also be a fashion disaster. Not anymore, thanks to Michael Morrow, the founder of Portland-based Nutcase Helmets. The company's bright helmets come in a spectrum of patterns, colors and cool graphics that make wearing your helmet -- dare we say it -- cool.
By Anna Roth | August 8, 2008
Seattle artist and Bluebottle Gallery co-owner Matthew Porter doesn't just monkey around when it comes to painting adorable, wide-eyed animals. In his first book, "ABC," he painted an owl, a penguin and a zebra, among others. But in his new book, he gets serious about monkeys. So serious, in fact, he's created an entire "Monkey World" of illustrations from A to Z.
By Kathy Schultz | August 7, 2008
Handmade, one-of-a-kind leather handbags for $150? Yes Virginia, they do exist. On a recent trip to Ballard, I found them at Velouria. They're called Revamped, and while you won't mistake them for bags by Balenciaga, you also won't go broke buying one.
By Kathy Schultz | August 6, 2008
