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.
By Kathy Schultz | August 9, 2006
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.
By Kathy Schultz | August 4, 2006
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.
By Kathy Schultz | August 2, 2006
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.
By Kathy Schultz | July 25, 2006
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.
By Kathy Schultz | July 21, 2006
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.
By Kathy Schultz | July 19, 2006
Pillows can instantly change the look of a room. They're an easy way to take your decor from winter to summer, quicker (and less work-intensive) than a coat of paint, and far more inexpensive than a new couch. My current favorites are pillows made by local designer Diane Kappa. Her fresh, bright, hand-painted silk pillows will excite a dull couch or wake up a boring bed.
By Kathy Schultz | July 14, 2006
I came upon this little waxing spot by word of mouth. Melissa Avila, an aesthetician with 13 years experience at posh salons, opened up her intimate studio two years ago. Located in a funky little duplex in the Roosevelt District, Avila has a full menu of waxing services. The digs are simple but comfortable. The studio is known for the variety of waxing options offered and its friendly neighborhood vibe (her waiting room is stocked with cookies, candies, and snacks).
By Kathy Schultz | July 12, 2006
This tiny gift shop is perfectly located in the heart of Madrona, right next to Verité -- the original home of Cupcake Royale, makers of those liberally frosted mini-cakes gaily topped with sprinkles. The charming storefront is just as enticing as the cupcakes, painted celadon green and festooned with flowers.
By Kathy Schultz | July 7, 2006
One of the best things about summer in Seattle is going to the farmers markets. I love the lively hustle and bustle of some of the larger, older markets, but one of my favorite newcomers is the Mad Cap Hill Farmers Market (a.k.a. the Madison Valley Market) on Madison Street and 20th Avenue. Mad Cap Hill (presumably so named due to the nebulous neighborhood boundaries between Madison Valley and Capitol Hill) is now in its second year and continues to grow. Every week I go, I find something new. The Friday afternoon market runs from 3 p.m. to 7p.m., which is perfect for choosing from the bounty of the Northwest for weekend meals.
By Kathy Schultz | July 5, 2006
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