Every once in a while you find something that meets the criteria of the perfect gift: It comes in different styles for everyone on your list, it's something that will make the recipient smile and think of you each time they use it, and it's amazingly affordable. The miracle gift? Pocket mirrors from My Favorite Mirror.
By Kathy Schultz | December 20, 2006
Sparkly makeup for fancy parties and evenings out can make you feel so glamorous -- unless it doesn't adhere to your lips, lids or cheeks and you end up looking like a 7-year-old who went nuts with glitter and a glue gun. That's why I was excited to find out that Salon Dewi has the complete Girlactik Beauty line, which includes, among other things, a signature sparkle eyeliner/shadow set, shimmering highlighters, eye shadows, lip glosses and body powders.
By Kathy Schultz | December 27, 2006
Dim the lights and set the mood for your New Year's Eve celebration with versatile candleholders made by local artists. These luminescent creations also make great hostess gifts.
By Kathy Schultz | December 28, 2006
Owner Dana Smith, a former registered nurse, decided to take a break from health care and follow her passion for fashion. Because of her late-in-the-year opening, the shop is a work in progress and hints at things to come. Smith emphasizes the quality in her selection of clothing and accessories. "I'm looking for new labels for Seattle," says Smith, who is targeting women in their 20s to early 50s who want progressive pieces.
By Kathy Schultz | January 3, 2007
Disappointed by the news that her favorite Queen Anne spa was closing, Suzanne Buchanan did what any spa-loving general contractor would do -- she opened her own spa, named it after her favorite aesthetician Elin Blix, and hired her.
By Kathy Schultz | January 4, 2007
Details, details. Wedding planning is full of them. Have you thought about your bridal handbag? What about gifts for your bridesmaids? You'll want something special, of course, but multifunctional is even better. How about a purse that turns into a necklace? Under her JW Couture label, Seattle jewelry designer Jody Warwick makes elegant evening bags with detachable handles that double as bracelets and necklaces.
By Kathy Schultz | January 5, 2007
The first hint that you're in for a treat is the amazing steel shoe sculpture on the storefront of this West Seattle shoe salon. The bow-tied pilgrim pump is the work of local artist Rachel Alber, who makes some progressive metal jewelry as well, available inside the cozy shop.
By Kathy Schultz | January 8, 2007
Leilani Norman-Young is the founder and principal designer of this Seattle company that creates contemporary hardware The worst thing about the line is that you have to make a decision. There are eight types of pulls and door handles and up to 10 shapes in some categories from small round knobs to large rectangular pulls. Custom metal finishes are available in nickel, bronze, chrome and others. The hardest part is choosing from dozens of contemporary colors with lots of vivid shades along with neutral hues and natural materials.
By Kathy Schultz | January 9, 2007
Originally, Tran painted dresses from her own collection, but now she conjures up imaginary frocks. She's even painted dresses she wanted but couldn't afford, like a red strapless taffeta number with giant white polka dots. "After I sold the painting, I bought the dress," says a victorious Tran.
By Kathy Schultz | January 10, 2007
The shop will continue to carry the tough, edgy styles in muted colors that it’s known for but the selection will evolve in its new location. You'll see some higher-priced lines such as the fashion-forward designs of Helmut Lang, a hard-to-find brand in Seattle, as well as affordable offerings from Penguin and Modern Amusement.
By Kathy Schultz | January 11, 2007
