If you're like me, each holiday-party invitation that finds its way into my e-mail inbox or mail box triggers a shopping trip (or two). It's not that my closet lacks festive attire, it's just that, well, what's a holiday party without something new? I'll be honest, I don't have a bank account of steel, so I've taken to mixing lovely one-of-a-kind pieces with, shall we say, bargain-basement finds. Now that this season's holiday invitations are starting to filter in, I decided it was time to search the city for the best in holiday glitz and glam. And unlike my mother's Christmas-cookie recipes, I'm not keeping my discoveries under lock and key.
DRESSES
Just ask anyone in the fashion industry: If you're going to splurge on something, better do it on a dress. Though some call it the "center of the universe," Fremont is also a pretty decent place to go dress shopping. I recently poked my head into Dream [0], and I couldn't take my eyes off a (spendy) gold Rose and Lulu silk dress [0] ($285). If you happen to drop in when store owner Neil Silverman is minding the shop, get ready for a memorable experience. Flamboyant and friendly, he'll custom select holiday pieces for you and dress you in the season's finest.
At Olivine Atelier [0], an upscale women's boutique in Ballard, I also found several stunning dresses, including a pink satin number by Corey Lynn Calter [0] ($202).
Not into spending a quarter of your rent payment on a slinky strapless? Here's my secret weapon: T.J. Maxx [0]. Sometimes you have to dig a little, but this discount chain store is worth a visit. On a recent trip, I found a variety of dresses ranging from metallic silver to black sequin — and for as low as $39. Even Santa can't do better than that!
TOPS
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The next best thing to a glitzy dress is a sparkly top layered with a wrap or shrug. Olivine Atelier [0] carries several pricey numbers, but I was drawn to the burgundy-colored Westin Wear tank with rhinestone spaghetti straps [0] ($92). In the Ravenna neighborhood, just around the corner from Whole Foods Market, is Shirazi [0], a women's clothing store that's filled with reasonably priced dresses, separates, and accessories with exotic flair. For just $39, you can pick up an olive-green halter with beads and other embellishments [0] (perfect for that New Year's soirée). The discount store Marshalls [0], just a short drive up Aurora Avenue North, is also packed with festive camisoles [0] that start at $9.99.
WRAPS
Though Les Amis [0] is known for racks of snazzy dresses and tops from designers such as Dosa, Wyeth and Raze Nichols, you'll also find fun crinkled wraps by Knits and Leather [0] ($52) in colors ranging from reds and pinks to purples and blues, all of which work well draped over your shoulders. The black sequined Nanette Lepore shrug [0] ($148) looks great over a dress or sparkly top, but here's a note to bargain shoppers: You can pick up an equally cute silver variety [0] at T.J. Maxx [0] for $16.99 — just without the fancy label.
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BLING
One of the things I love about the holidays is all the extra excuses to wear lavish rhinestone necklaces and earrings. I'm a sucker for jewelry with an antique flair, and the eclectic Fremont boutique Enexile [0] has plenty to choose from, such as rhinestone necklaces with glass pearls (ranging from $30 to more than $200), like the gorgeous one by Sweet Romance [0] ($132).
Consignment stores are also excellent places to find jewelry. I paid a visit to Labels [0] in Phinney Ridge, where I found a surprisingly ample selection of used jewelry [0] — everything from gaudy costume pieces to some pretty fantastic sterling-silver finds — all priced below $10.95. And for some reason, I can't seem to read a fashion magazine this season without spotting models adorned in long gold chains. You can pay upwards of $500 to get the look with Dream's [0] Cousin Claudine chains [0], or find something comparable at Undies and Outies [0], where one will set you back only $55.
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HANDBAGS
Now's the time to reach for bags with a little personality — glitter, beads and sparkle. You can find some lovely one-of-a-kind varieties at Ballard's handmade-only boutique, Velouria [0]. The store carries a line by Rikarika made from vintage kimono silk [0] ($99-150). Shirazi [0] also has several bead-and-sequin-clad handbags [0] that are equally gorgeous, but for half the price at $42-$49.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
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