Laurie Barokas and Nancy Cirillo are busy moms who need
their wardrobe to keep up with their athletic yet stylish lifestyle. So what's
a pair of creative women to do if they can't find what they need in the
marketplace? Design and launch NaLa, a collection of
functional yet fashionable activewear, that's what. NaLa takes a different approach to performance wear: The
line is pretty, fun and easy to live in, perfect for the woman who wants to be
able to transition from the gym to the street without having to orchestrate a
major outfit change.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 9, 2009
Steve
Winston and Sharon Baden, owners of Pike Place's popular Spanish Table gourmet shop, have opened a companion storefront with a focus on all things French. Paris Grocery opened Downtown in late September and is sure to become a hit with both the culinarily curious and seasoned gourmands, offering up a tempting selection of cheeses, affordable wines, sauces and more from France and across Europe.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 6, 2009
Whether you're looking for a functional and stylish raincoat (you can find both elements in one garment if you know where to look) or simply a fashionable new jacket to carry you through the fall and winter, we've rounded up an array of pleasing options.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 5, 2009
Sarah Stine developed a lifelong crush on the fabric arts in her schooldays Home Economics class. Fast-forward to a few years ago when, after
having kids and leaving the world of technical recruiting, she started selling fabric online. Stine has now joined the brick-and-mortar scene with Fabric Crush, her
cheerful and modern fabric and notions shop in Magnolia Village. The store is stocked with
a rainbow of quilting- and interior design-weight cottons from a variety of hip designers, at prices the same as you'd find at larger chains.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 4, 2009
There should be a
support group for people who are addicted to collecting ribbon, paper and other decorative
doodads used for wrapping gifts. Instead there is
the annual Midori Holiday Heaven Sale, a once-a-year extravaganza at the Midori
outlet in Queen Anne, happening on the weekend of Nov. 21 and 22 from 10
a.m. to 4 p.m.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 3, 2009
Local designer Wendy Feller has made it easier for young girls to play hard without having to worry about ripped tights or skinned knees. Züpers
leggings are cute but strong, made with durable material, UV protection, heart-shaped neoprene knee pads and a secret treasure pocket for stashing fun finds.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 1, 2009
Patagonia has remained passionate about the environment throughout the thirty-eight years
they've been creating outdoor apparel. Last month that passion meant giving a
facelift to The Footprint Chronicles,
their interactive
and educational Web site about product manufacturing and the environment.
By Michelle LaFrance | October 30, 2009
I think it's safe to say that the fall of 2009 is shaping up
to be the season of the boot. No rules apply. Recently I've seen women wearing
short and tall boots of every heel height despite the fashion forecast calling
for ankle boots. Retailers are following suit, stocking their shops with a
nice variety, following both form and function.
By Alison Brownrigg | October 29, 2009
While shops in this area are committed to supporting new
smaller designers with less name recognition, many have begun to introduce (or
reintroduce) classic lines to their inventory. Well-known heritage brands such as Minnetonka Moccasins, Saint
James and Tretorn, which have been around for more than 50 to 100 years, portray a
sense of quality and staying power that shoppers are responding to these days.
By Alison Brownrigg | October 28, 2009
Since 1998, Flora and
Henri owner Jane Hedreen has been designing exquisite clothing for kids ages
newborn through 10 that elicit murmurs of "If only they made this in my size"
from the grown-ups who shop there. While the clothes are still pint-sized, Hedreen has added a collection of small indulgences for adults, including cosmetics, soaps and chocolates. The boutique reopened earlier this month in Capitol Hill's newly renovated Oddfellows
Building on East Pine Street.
By Alison Brownrigg | October 27, 2009
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