Daily Find
Feminine styles of previous decades reign at Diva Dollz, a vintage-inspired shop in Pioneer Square. The light-filled shop looks like it has occupied the corner location on First and Cherry, well, for decades. The store's 18-foot high ceilings with crown molding, honeycomb-design flooring and massive chandelier set the stage. An intricately carved wood display case occupies the bulk of one wall and glass display cases are filled with vintage and new jewelry. Ladylike pairs of gloves from the '30s with leather as thin as paper lay casually on the countertop. Red-lipped mannequins swathed in fur pieces peek out beneath wide-brimmed chapeaus.
By Kathy Schultz | February 22, 2007
Daily Find
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
Seattle Style File
The trio of owners has transformed the petite boutique for fall. A pair of antlers hangs outside the shop. The exterior and interior walls are now a deep plum color, an oversized gilt framed mirror gives the illusion of spaciousness, a faux raven sits atop a pair of stag horns adorned with necklaces, and a black "crystal" chandelier is squarely centered on the ceiling. While it doesn't replicate the intensity of Norman Bates' taxidermy decor, it certainly gives a nod in that direction with an emphasis on organic and entomologically influenced accessories.
By Kathy Schultz | September 15, 2006
Seattle Style File
It's a busy season for shops in Seattle. Stores are opening, closing and expanding. Here are some notable happenings.
By Kathy Schultz | September 6, 2006
Seattle Style File
This utterly fabulous drawstring tote is for girls on the go who need bottomless bags that can effortlessly accommodate everything needed for work and play. Local designer Crystalyn Kokorowski makes this very chic, pleated handbag with glazed fabric.
By Kathy Schultz | September 1, 2006
Convergence Zone
If you're the type to carry everything but the kitchen sink in your handbag/tote/weekender, these bags are for you. Hardware handbags and accessories, by local designer Lori Naon, feature hardware-grade handles made from materials such as flexible stainless steel, braided vinyl, and hex nuts. They have industrial snaps, grommets and bodies made from nylon canvas (the same fabric as backpacks). These tough materials take a beating and seem to fend off every offense from rain to travel abuse.
By Kathy Schultz | June 30, 2006
Convergence Zone
These cheery totes are practical for almost any outing, whether it's a day picnic with the kids or hauling work projects. Hedy Anderson, an on-the-go woman and mother, has road-tested and fine-tuned her bags, designing a perfect, washable go-anywhere tote that also scores high in the cute category. She...
By Kathy Schultz | May 12, 2006
Seattle Style File
It's not that my closet lacks festive attire, it's just that, well, what's a holiday party without something new?
By Sarah Jio | December 14, 2005
Seattle Style File
Old favorites are expanding, and new boutiques are adding hip designer jeans, unique handbags, recycled clothing, handmade cards and more to the shopping scene.
By Kathy Schultz | December 7, 2005
Seattle Style File
If you have a minute and you want to find something really lovely and one of a kind for the lady on your list, here are some top picks that won't break the bank.
By Sarah Jio | November 30, 2005