In Seattle, vintage pieces often play an invaluable role in relevant, urban outfits, so well-stocked vintage stores are a necessary local resource. That's why I've been unnerved by the clearance signs at Atlas Clothing, the hip, youthful vintage store on Broadway. Luckily, I can relax; the store isn't closing, it's just moving to a new Capitol Hill location on 10th Avenue.
By Michelle LaFrance | February 4, 2009
I tend to pay close attention to chocolate, as it's one of my favorite things to eat. I've been seduced by bars laced with bacon and dusted with crispy bread crumbs; intrigued by a range of percentages of cacao; and conducted taste tests to find out the difference between chocolates from Madagascar, Argentina and Ghana. But I have never seen or eaten more gorgeous, refined or seductively subtle chocolates as those made by local chocolatier Janet Shimada for her line, Cadeaux Chocolates.
By Alison Brownrigg | January 30, 2009
Since she was a little girl, Seattle jewelry artist Rachel Burklund has loved making things, starting with embroidery thread bracelets in elementary school to macramé necklaces and intricately woven beaded designs in her teenage years. That passion for creativity and discipline has paid off for the 30-something designer as her ardor for adornment is embraced by some of Seattle's most exclusive retailers and a growing coterie of devoted customers.
By Sheryl Wiser | January 30, 2009
If your monthly budget for pampering has shrunk along with your monthly
budget for, well, everything, you may be wondering how to get the
biggest bang for your beauty buck. Massage? Facial? Body scrub? After a
recent visit to Woodinville's soothing Oasis Spa & Salon, my money's on the facial.
By Monica Fischer | January 30, 2009
They say that love is both patient and kind. As I balance my accounts, I hope that it is also frugal and doesn't require expensive gifts for Valentine's Day. Luckily, local stores can help you make a variety of do-it-yourself gifts that will impress your loved ones without landing you an impressive credit card bill.
By Michelle LaFrance | January 29, 2009
My birthday falls very close to Valentine's Day and I'm always so glad for it, since it extends my birthday week and compounds the romance in my life. I can always count on my husband to come through with a little box filled with something sparkly or a gift certificate for something luxurious. Based on this roundup of Valentine's Day spa specials and treatments, maybe this year I'll drop some hints for a Valentine's/birthday present that we can enjoy together. Here's a roundup of Valentine's Day spa specials and treatments.
By Alison Brownrigg | January 27, 2009
For many people, pie is one of the most evocative foods -- invoking
sensory memories of Mom, a specific season or a holiday. Food writer
M.F.K. Fisher says of people and their favorite pie, "They can taste it
on their mind's tongue..." and it's true. And what goes better with pie than coffee? It's a classic combination. That's the premise behind Fuel Coffee
shop owner Dani Cone's newest venture, High 5 Pie, launched on Dec. 15,
2008. Cone describes her pies as "classics that never go out of style,"
and adds that "in tough times people want to simplify and go back to
basics." Pies allow for that, adding daily by-the-slice sweetness for
not a lot of dough when the going gets rough.
By Alison Brownrigg | January 27, 2009
If you're a fan of Free People's boho-flavored clothing and accessories, but prefer to shop in cozy boutiques rather than big department stores, you'll be thrilled to learn that the South Carolina-based apparel company has opened a pretty boutique at the corner ofFirst and Stewart near Pike Place Market.
By Monica Fischer | January 26, 2009
I aspire to do many things: repaint my kitchen, wallpaper my bathroom
and reupholster some immense wingback chairs that are currently
catching dust in my attic. While I have the best of intentions to get
all those tasks accomplished, they keep getting pushed lower and lower
on my to-do list as things like parenting, working and sleeping take
precedence. When I do get around to reupholstering those chairs, though, the fabric will most definitely be coming from Bainbridge Blues, a Bainbridge Island-based textile company run by friends and business partners Liz Le Dorze, Mudge Mair and Frances Nunes.
By Alison Brownrigg | January 23, 2009
Whether you're keeping up appearances or just want a little pampering without too much guilt, Karri Patton is ready to help. Patton, founder and sole operator of Studio Karri L, a boutique nail spa located in the heart of Madison Park, recently lowered prices on her popular ("Evening Magazine" 2008
Best of Western Washington) manicure and pedicure treatments. Now, a
60-minute pedicure is $40 (previously $60), and a 30-minute manicure
costs $20 (previously $40).
By Sheryl Wiser | January 21, 2009
