Wear What When

Just Landed: Nicole Bridger

You’re in love, and a B.C. fashion designer is intent on reminding you

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 13, 2010 at 08:00AM 1 Comments

Slideshow: Nicole Bridger’s soft, sustainability built line is available at Horseshoe in Ballard

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Slideshow: Nicole Bridger’s soft, sustainability built line is available at Horseshoe in Ballard

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Nicole Bridger’s Strength dress

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The Goddess skirt (who knew it was so easy?) by Nicole Bridger, available at Horseshoe in Ballard

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The Presence top by Nicole Bridger

Where: Horseshoe

What: Mindfully built organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, and modal skirts, shirts, and dresses by Vancouver, B.C.‘s Nicole Bridger. The nearby designer, who worked with both Vivienne Westwood and Lululemon (how’s that for well-rounded?), sews a tag that reads “I am love” into each of her pieces as a way of passing on a good vibration or two each time you pull on an electric-teal jumper or a fantastically neutral, perfectly draped top.

When: Now. Preview the styles here then head to Ballard to see them for yourself.

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Tags: Ballard, New for Fall

Sale: Blackbird

Markdowns for men, and a few women’s items, too

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jul 02, 2010 at 04:00PM 0 Comments

This Robert Geller summer parka was $679 at Blackbird. It’s $407.99 as of right now; next week it’ll be even less — if it’s still there — but we’ll let you do the math

Where: Blackbird

What: Semi-Annual sale means spring and summer goods are 20 percent off; designer pieces are 40 percent off.

When: Through July 16; second markdowns to 30 percent off go into effect on July 9, final markdown to 40 percent off happens on July 16

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Tags: Ballard, Spring/Summer sale 2010

Sale of the Week: Velouria

Tes de Luna’s indie enterprise turns sweet six, celebrates from July 5-11

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jul 02, 2010 at 09:30AM 0 Comments

Tes de Luna is celebrating six years and two locations of Velouria by extending a 20 percent savings to you

When folks ask, as they do, about defining Seattle style, someone usually brings up Velouria. First in her Ballard location and then, not six months ago on Capitol Hill, Tes de Luna created a place for local and otherwise independent designers to connect with shoppers looking for small batch style.

Let’s examine that word “first” up there. Before tattooed chefs were hip-ifying seasonal and local, before a farmers market in every neighborhood gave Seattleites a weekly opportunity to reflect on the virtues of small, close, and sustainable – six years ago this month in 2004 de Luna put her all into the notion that this is a city that values the maker, the craftperson, the artisan, the needle and the thread.

In honor of her sixth anniversary, and the fact that yes, Seattle does shop local and small – even in a recession – you can take 20 percent off any regularly priced item in the store between July 5 and July 11.

A couple of trunkshows are also in the mix: Brooklyn, NY jewelry designer Jene Despain will debut her summer jewelry line on Thursday July 8 from 5-8 during the Capitol Hill Artwalk. She’ll pop up out in Ballard on Saturday July 10 from 3-7.

Also, local Seattle menswear designer, Michael Cepress shows off his summer clothing line on Thursday July 8, 5-8, also during the Capitol Hill artwalk.

You’ll also catch Capitol Hill artist Elizabeth Soule’s polaroid portraits of animals and sealife and Seattleite Birgida Swanson’s Victorian-era inspired art prints.

Something tells me there might be Eastern Washington wine and Cascade Mountain raspberries – or something literally close enough – around, too.

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Tags: Locally Made, Capitol Hill, Ballard, Melrose Market, Spring/Summer sale 2010

Working it for the Weekend

Where, when, what, and how to see, shop, and learn this weekend

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 09, 2010 at 09:15AM 0 Comments

This piece by Dixie Darling is included in the show Accumulation at Fancy

See what I mean about that soft-sculpture accessories trend? A new show at Fancy in Belltown opens tonight; in it, hard and soft non-trad mixed-media pieces by local artists Rachel Rader, Sarah Loertscher, and Dixie Darling, whose work we featured here.

Nice people like you are welcome at the opening reception from 6-9p tonight, April 9. The pieces will be up through May 7.

In other stylish-goings-on-around-town, Field House announced the April schedule for those great (and *free*) DIY, live well, expand your mind, get stuff done, Sunday afternoon classes and events that began in March.

Check it out:

Sunday April 11 at 3p
Matinee Movie: ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS
From the Field House folks: Come celebrate the life of Dick Proenneke, as The Field House shows the first of more-to-come movies! Dick Proenneke retired at age 50 in 1967 and decided to build his own cabin on the shore of Twin Lakes. The first summer he scouted for the best cabin site, and cut and peeled the logs he would need for his cabin. Dick Proenneke returned the next summer to finish the cabin where he lived for over 30 years. Dick filmed his adventures, and Bob Swerer later turned the film into a video so we can all watch this amazing man build his cabin by hand.

Sunday April 18th at 3p
Get Your Spring/Summer Garden Going
Urban Pantry author Amy Pennington dispenses gardening tips so you can grow your own.

Sunday April 25 at 3p
Matinee Movie: YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU
Best picture winner from 1938, a “quirky story of love vs social class and property.” Oughtta be apropos of something.

The Field House folk want you to drop them a line at thefieldhouse (@) blackbirdballard.com to RSVP

So, that’s Friday and Sunday … what about Saturday you ask? Don’t forget, you’ve got a date with the new “It” bag.

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Tags: Openings, Belltown, Locally Made, Locally Designed, Ballard

Shop Class

The Field House presents free Sunday workshops

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 04, 2010 at 10:30AM 5 Comments

A felting class led by upcoming Blackbird instructress Ashley Halvey

While on a Sunday afternoon expedition aimed at procuring vintage flannels, American-made loafers, and rustic/now-wave housewares at Field House in Ballard, you might find yourself getting schooled.

Field House/Blackbird proprietress Nicole Miller is accepting students for four one-day workshops in the month of March.

Here’s a quick pass at what’s being offered; all courses are FREE and begin at 3p.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7
Wine of Piedmont, Italy: Culture and Tasting with Michael Teer of Pike and Western Wine Shop and western/

SUNDAY, MARCH 14
Bike Maintenance and Preparation with model employee Tyler Johnson

SUNDAY, MARCH 21
Age-Old Wet Felting Techniques with Ashley Halvey.

Here’s where (as far as I’m concerned, things really get good.) I met Halvey, a recent transplant from LA and SF who basically defines the nexus of art and style, via Totokaelo where her simple, elegant, of-the-earth necklaces are now sold.

Felted wall hanging by Seattle artist Ashley Helvey

Her line of sustainable, all-natural, traditionally produced felted rugs is called Danken. With these pieces, and with collaborations with ubercool Iko Iko in LA and Creatures of the Wind, Halvey’s craft goes beyond beauty to include global perspectives on history, culture, and the environment.

And then you gotta love the opportunity to sit around with some of Seattle’s sharpest style minds and apply elbow patches and tidy up old sweaters. Check out the last class in the March line-up:

SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Mend & Measure: Save money, save your favorite garment, consume less with Blackbird’s owner and resident needle-wielders Lauren Wang and Sue Weibler

As Miller points out, “in the old U.S. Navy, sailors had one day a month called ‘Mend & Measure’ where they were excused from their duties to launder and repair their clothes.” Let’s see Petraeus bring that one back.

Blackbird’s owner, who learned the art and craft of darning and repair work from her Grandmother, suggests you bring anything from* tattered socks to jeans and buttonless shirts.* The Blackbird team can help you figure out the best way to approach each repair job because really, the motivation and fuel for task completion is often found inside the group effort and community vibe. Attendees can bring mending supplies or share ones brought by the instructors.

Email info (at) blackbird.com for more information, or call 206-297-6093

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Tags: Locally Made, how to, Heritage Brands, Ballard, Workshops

Let’s Get RE Sourceful

Free workshop at RE Store helps brides and grooms get crafty

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 03, 2010 at 07:20AM 4 Comments

Slideshow: Create cake platters, candlestick centerpieces, ring boxes, name card displays, and more at RE Store’s Salvage Bride workshop on March 13

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Slideshow: Create cake platters, candlestick centerpieces, ring boxes, name card displays, and more at RE Store’s Salvage Bride workshop on March 13

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Bair and her husband-to-be aren’t interested in a ring pillow per se, but a vintage coffee can and some hat pins could do the trick. She also thinks a group of these would make a charming presentation of escort cards and table numbers.

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Bair used discarded cabinet doors and chalkboard paint to create some sample signs. Speaking of paint: Recycled and DIY projects can be tricky if you’re not well-versed in safety matters. Bair and her associates know all about staying clear of lead-free paint and other potential downers. It’s that kind of expertise that makes this workshop especially appealing.

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Chandelier pieces and light fixture parts make great candlesticks and votive holders.

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Rachel Bair and outreach and marketing manager Sarah Krueger in RE Store’s classroom. The store hosts many workshops in this inspiring and motivating space, but I believe the March 13 course is the only one that includes tea and cake.

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Downstairs in RE Store’s salvage shop, you’ll find all manner of inspiring materials. As Bair puts it, “There is so much material here, the only problem is staying focused on one project.”

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What could you do with dozens and dozens of doorknobs?

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Or a collection of hooks? Bring your ideas, dreams, and tool belt to RE Store to sound out projects and get to work.

Got crafty designs on your wedding day decor but feeling unsure about sourcing materials, operating a screwdriver, and/or achieving an Amy Atlas-like ultraperfect atmosphere?

First, drop the notion of ultraperfect. It’s just not useful, or fun. Second, RSVP for Salvage Bride, a workshop led by the expert recycling-crazy repurposers at RE Store on Saturday March 13 from 10a – 2p.

Leading the day o’ DIY is Rachel Bair, RE Store’s shop manager and a June bride. She’s also the unofficial Project Lady. People come to her with “what if this?” and “how would I do that?,” so as she began plotting the decor projects that would lend personality and memorable details to her own big day, she figured she should use her employer’s light-filled second-floor classroom space to share resources and ideas with other engaged folk and party people.

Salvage Bride is intended to help you find and transform previously used materials into cake stands, candelabras, cool signage, name card displays, and really, anything your ceremony or reception requires.

Check the slideshow here for some projects that Bair was elbow deep in on the day I met up with her, and then email sarahk (at) re-store.org to reserve your spot on the 13th.

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Tags: Design, Weddings, Receptions, Locally Made, vintage, how to, experts, Ballard, Workshops

Field of American Dreams

Blackbird celebrates in-country style with a new Ballard pop-up shop

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Nov 02, 2009 at 07:00AM 6 Comments

Slideshow: The new Field House in Ballard

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Slideshow: The new Field House in Ballard

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Think of it as an extension of Blackbird and Brigitta — and the Sunday farmers market

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Mens heritage brands, some local, are given new, super stylish life

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Not all brands are American; some, like Australia’s Karen Walker (check the camel-colored pea coats) in the womens collection, just feel homegrown.

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The selection of vintage plaid, woolen, and denim shirts can be seen as unisex

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For men, there are Red Wing boots (many a muck-shucking farm hand has no idea how fashionable he is right about now…) as well as Alden loafers and ankle boots, and I love that shoe care kits are offered, too. Along with an appreciation for these brands — and our hard earned dollars — comes an appreciation and respect for taking good care of what we have.

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I need to go back for this lavender chambray pocket square …

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Get inside this Navajo-inspired 80s revamp Ralph Lauren jacket

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Field House isn’t just about fashion, it’s about housewares, necessities, and niceties for homesteaders; no wonder older folks from the nearby retirement homes like the shop as much as the hipsters do

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I bought a couple of these soaps from Port Townsend – the “woods of Washington” bar will make it into someone’s holiday gift

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Has Stanley always made a flask? They do now. Kinda genius.

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Caramel sauce, old-time candies, gorgeous candles … You do sort of expect Nellie Olsen to pop up from behind the counter.

Almost a year to the day after the New York Times ran this piece about finding sartorial bliss while shopping heritage brands and the hardware store, the team behind Blackbird continues its Ballard domination by opening Field House, where the country store (nuts, bolts, provisions) meets Americana style (mens, womens, and home).

“This store has all the Americana, where Blackbird and Brigitta have the Euro-cana, and Japan-acana,” quipped the shopkeep on duty when I visited on Friday. Field House also has the Seattle-acana: Great thermoses and flasks by the locally based Stanley company (they make so much sense and are so perfectly positioned for a comeback — and holiday gift-giving); quietly chic and extremely sensible jackets, shirts, bags, and accessories by SoDo’s CC Filson Co.; and, along with local and organic produce, soaps, and food stuffs, Pendleton shirts and blankets.

(I only wish the Pendleton collection at Field House included pieces from the Opening Ceremony tie-in - alas, not yet.)

For now, the shop, which is directly behind Blackbird on Leary Way next to the chai joint, is a pop-up, meaning it’s temporary … but something tells me the homegrown specialties are here to stay. With American soul records played on a turntable, rough concrete floors, and rustic skylights, there’s an authenticity at Field House, and its team was smart enough to open at a time when there is an authentic need for the goods (rain boots, wool shirts) carried here.

‘Course, Field House doesn’t just carry Northwest Brands. Even back when great-great-grandfather the stylingest dude at the hitching post, goods were shipped and received from around the territories. I was psyched to see, for example, an old nearly rusty iron bedframe laid out with Ralph Lauren gear; I absolutely love the denim-and-dust-bowl look of the spring 2010 line and hope we’ll see more of it at Field House come February or so.

See also: Woolrich. That iconic black-and-red buffalo plaid has been hanging on the backs of the best dressed for some time now, and recently, the heirloom Pennsylvania brand hired Daiki Suzuki, founder of Engineered Garments, to recut their barn coats and really take the look from heritage to haute couture.

It’s great to see the zeitgeist return to quality, well-made American brands, and it’s great Blackbird, long an arbiter of men’s style in this town, leading the way.

Check the slideshow here, start positioning guys like Carthartt-clad Ruben Toledo as your new style go-to’s, bookmark the PacNW blog Archival Clothing for further inspiration, and then get to Field House to put it all into action.

^{^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^}^^

What else is new? River Song in Madison Valley.

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Tags: Heritage Brands, Ballard