Wear What When

Just Landed: MiH Jeans at Margaret O’Leary

Once called Made in Heaven, these jeans are actually made in London, and they just got to Seattle.

Posted by: Katie Ormsby on Jun 23, 2011 at 10:45AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: It’s still all about the 70s-esque flare with MiH, a British denim line that recently landed in Seattle. Here, their It-jean, Marrakesh.

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SLIDESHOW: It’s still all about the 70s-esque flare with MiH, a British denim line that recently landed in Seattle. Here, their It-jean, Marrakesh.

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The flare in a lighter wash.

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MiH, new at Margaret O’Leary, also offers classic, simple silhouettes.

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Still feeling that wide-leg flare thing? Check out the just-opened Margaret O’Leary shop in U Village for the new shipment of MiH jeans.

The UK’s Look mag calls the longtime London brand’s Marrakesh flare the new it-jean, but things were pretty good for the brand in the ’70s, too. Here are Claudia Schiffer and Gwyneth Paltrow working the current shape, and, for the sake of comparison, Jane Birkin and Farah Fawcett from back in the day.

Click through the slideshow to preview a few of the new-to-Seattle styles available at both Margaret O’Leary locations.

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Tags: Belltown, Coming Soon, Just Landed, Jeans, Denim, U Village

Meet the Shopkeeper: Kuhlman

Being Belltown: men’s and women’s classic, contemporary, urban vibology.

Posted by: Malika Ritchie on Mar 28, 2011 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Kuhlman assistant manager Erika Phipps

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Kuhlman assistant manager Erika Phipps

Scott Kuhlman’s eponymous store sits on one of the most Seattle-feeling stretches of Belltown. El Gaucho, the Ace Hotel, Cyclops restaurant are contemporary icons; nearby, Local 360 seems poised to become the same. The boutique itself can outfit them all. For women, there’s usually an urban-edged unkempt boho thing happening; for men there’s a classic, vaguely British, buttoned-up but rule-free vibe. Brands like Penguin are all about carrying on in traditional style—in the best way. In that same vein: hats. If head coverings make a comeback, we’ll credit Kate Middleton and Kuhlman. Key to the shop’s success: on-site tailoring. Kuhlman and company have made the service a priority even in their small quarters. Here, three minutes with assistant manager Erika Phipps.

WWW: What song is playing on your store’s sound system right now?
Phipps: What we play depends on who is at the store; it could be jazz or 80s rock, but right now we are loving Mumford & Sons, and Adele.

What was your first job in retail? What did you love or hate about it and how does it compare to what you do now?
My first job in retail was at a women’s boutique in Ellensburg. I loved having regular clientele that I can help, and my least favorite part of the job was on those slow days when only a handful of customers would come in. At Kuhlman, I have a lot more responsibilities with my job which I absolutely love, everything from helping customers to dealing with sales reps and shopping for new merchandise for the store, receiving the new merch and setting up our fabulous visual displays.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
For women, I love all of the new spring/summer dresses we are getting in from various vendors, the Skunkfunk line is by far one of my favorites because their pieces are the biggest and brightest for women! For men it’s all about the button down shirt, whether it’s to go with a suit or just to wear around town. All of our men’s lines have definitely brought their A-game when it comes to these shirts. Our bow ties are a close second, we have a lot of fun colors and prints in those too!

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
The weirdest thing that I know of that’s happened at Kuhlman would be when a man came in for alterations and dropped trou in the middle of the store, he didn’t even go into the fitting room! Guess some people don’t have any problem with public nudity.

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Tags: Belltown, Meet the Shopkeeper

Meet the Shopkeeper: Alchemy Collections

The angle on the modern furniture at this Belltown shop is wordly and zen-spirational.

Posted by: Malika Ritchie on Mar 07, 2011 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Don’t take Alchemy Collections’ shop manager Danielle Mount’s taste in dark ’80s pop too seriously.

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Don’t take Alchemy Collections’ shop manager Danielle Mount’s taste in dark ’80s pop too seriously.

When you walk past Buddha at a reflection pond upon entering, take that as your first clue that there’s an East-meets-West vibe at this particular modern-angled furniture shop. Opened in 2004 at the base of the Cristalla condominiums in Belltown, Alchemy Collections presents sushi plates, sectional sofas, and contemporary floor coverings that would work in Craftsman homes and condos. Here, store manager Danielle Mount takes us inside.

WWW: What song is playing on your store’s sound system right now?
Mount: New Order, “Leave Me Alone”

What was your first job in retail? What did you love or hate about it and how does it compare to what you do now?
My first real retail job was for a beauty store in the mall. It was a great place to start and something to get me through college, and it also showed me that working for a small and local company is where I should be. Alchemy Collections is just that: small and local, too. I can’t see myself working for anyone else.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
I would be purchasing these Solis lamps we have on display if only I had a spot for them. They are simple yet striking and I haven’t seen anything else out there in the market like them.

Great Jones Home. They have a beautiful mix of vintage with a modern twist. Extremely different than what we have to offer, so I don’t feel like I am cheating.

What specific store or type of store do you feel is missing from Seattle’s shopping scene?
I feel that [there was a void] a few years back here in Seattle, but [we have filled it.] Prior to Alchemy opening, I feel that Seattle had only two types of furniture stores: one being well-made and expensive and two being cheap yet poorly crafted. I honestly think that Alchemy filled the void.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
Not much out of the ordinary happens here at the store, but we do see quite an eclectic mix of customers which can prove quite interesting on a day to day basis. Seattle has a wide array of people and we seem to get them all.

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Tags: Belltown, Home Decor, Meet the Shopkeeper

Sale Edition! Meet the Shopkeeper: Endless Knot

This is Anne Gavzer; this is Anne Gavzer’s yearly sale.

Posted by: Malika Ritchie on Nov 02, 2010 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Endless Knot owner, Anne Gavzer: Endlessly searching for a good pastrami on rye.

Each year around this time, the shopkeepers at Endless Knot in Belltown pack up their off-season and past-year coats, dresses, jewelry and more and head to a way-below-wholesale warehouse sale in the neighborhoods for the annual warehouse sale. (A word about that jewelry: Remember when Roberta Armani was in town? When I complimented her on a delicate, yellow-y gold necklace she was wearing, she said she had bought it the day before … at Endless Knot.) This year’s sale starts on Thursday November 4 and runs through Sunday November 7. You’ll find the sale in Crown Hill at 9250 14th Ave NW in the Small Faces/ ARC Gym between Holman Rd and NW 95 Street. Hours are: Thurs 1-9; Fri & Sat 10-9; Sun 10-4. Here’s owner Anne Gavzer.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
Gavzer: Each person has their own unique style of visiting a shop and we strive to be available to them as much or as little as they prefer. Some people really appreciate a lot of attention, and some just want to be left to meander on their own.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
Usually I would say dresses, because we always carry a beautiful selection. But right now, as the weather starts to creep colder, I have to say it’s our coats. We have a fabulous collection in all sorts of styles and colors and prices such as ones from Prairie Underground and Tulle. Our winter accessories — especially the animal hats — are always a fave this time of year.

Where do you shop when you’re not at your store?
Honestly, I’m not much of a shopper. I go to PCC several times a week. And Couch on Western is my new favorite for the cozy sofa of my dreams.

What specific store or type of store do you feel is missing from Seattle’s shopping scene?
I’m not really sure what is missing. Is anything missing? I have everything I need. Except a decent pastrami on rye.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
We are on the corner of First and Bell. Weird is how we roll. We are right in the center of the most diverse neighborhood in Seattle. Our neighbors run the gamut from high-end restaurants to low-rent nightclubs, we have fancy condos and homeless shelters right next door, and access to every sort of mind-altering substance is just a stones throw from a yoga studio. So just opening the door can get weird. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Tags: Belltown, sale, Meet the Shopkeeper, Prairie Underground

Meet the Shopkeeper: Karan Dannenberg

A shop for mothers-of-the-brides and candidates for Mr. Gay Washington State.

Posted by: Malika Ritchie on Sep 01, 2010 at 08:00AM 7 Comments

Karan Dannenberg loves leopard print, Joan Rivers, and onion bagels. She also loves her customers.

Karan Dannenberg’s eponymous Belltown shop isn’t a mother-of-the-bride shop per se. Neither is it a shop for cross-dressing beauty queens — per se. But anyone looking to get dressed up and paint the town with leopard prints and rhinestones would do well to stop by. And because it isn’t only the bride-to-be who spends months looking for just the right gown we selected Karan Dannenberg Clothier and its special occasion-loving proprietor for a very special Wedding Wednesday edition of Meet the Shopkeeper.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
Dannenberg: Well, we don’t just ask that question — we ask what is the need of each customer. Is she traveling to Europe? Is she the mother of the bride or groom? What is the date of the event? What colors do you like to wear? Do you like long or short? What color are the others wearing? What color tablecloths and flowers are you doing? What is the climate and time of the event? Do you want to take one suitcase? These are the in-depth conversations we have with each and every customer that stops to shop with us.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
We are very excited about all of our jewelry lines — they fly out of the store. The Frangos collection from Greece is like none other. The new Yoana Baraschi knits are stunning, a great new line for us. It shows how versatile knits are. An Ren jackets are always a huge hit. The transition weight for work or travel is amazing. Another must have is LEOPARD…see the An Ren metallic leopard trench on our blog.

Where do you shop when you’re not at your store?
Nordstrom shoes, DSW and for fun, Chico’s. I actually bought my birthday outfit there. My sales staff was amazed that I was buying something there for my birthday. I like to mix it up. Just bought a gorgeous Philip Stein watch in Juno, Alaska, and yes, just getting in my Joan Rivers QVC fun necklaces. I love her things.

What specific store or type of store do you feel is missing from Seattle’s shopping scene?
Definitely shoe shops. [Hm, well, we know where plenty of those are":/style-and-shopping/find-a-shop/#/search:business_listing.name=shoe&shoes=1/ -Editor] We miss a lot of the independent little boutique stores. I’d love a real NY bagel shop. Give me my twice toasted onion bagel with lox, capers, onion, tomatoes and chive cream cheese. No, I am not Jewish…Irish Catholic Ukrainian. I love and miss the east coast food.

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in your store?
A few years back a tall, handsome black man in a baseball cap came in to ask me about this backless black boucle gown I had in my dressy area. He asked if he could try it. I was a bit skeptical and a little nervous but I said OK. Next thing I know, the curtain slides open and there he was looking hot as hell the gown, hat off and totally bald. He looked at me and said “What do you think? I am running for Mr. Gay Washington State.” I responded by saying,“What are you doing to do with your hair?”

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Tags: Weddings, Belltown, Seattle Wedding Details, Meet the Shopkeeper

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: Seattle Restaurant Openings, Belltown, Locally Made, Locally Designed, Ballard

More Fun in the New World

Brand new Damaged Goods carries good, old music and fashion, and some new stuff that’s “actually good”

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jan 18, 2010 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Slideshow: Alt-psych songwriter/mid-90s Big Deal Mark Pickerel opens Damaged Goods in Belltown

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Slideshow: Alt-psych songwriter/mid-90s Big Deal Mark Pickerel opens Damaged Goods in Belltown

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Looking for a broken-in 70s-era Levi jacket, something to spin at your go-go themed dinner party, and a Motown biography to read over the weekend? I know just the spot.

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I expect there’ll be tie-ins, promotions, and good shelf space for products from local labels like Sub Pop and Light in the Attic.

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Pickerel got hooked on selling vintage clothing in Ellensburg, where he ran Rodeo Records and became the hero of countless Central Washington University Japanese foreign exchange students as they discovered Americana via Lee Hazelwood and deadstock Lee jeans.

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Mark Pickerel

Outsiders think they’ve spotted a grunge comeback when Marc Jacobs puts short pants over leggings on the runway and a new generation of 15-year-olds discovers Doc Martens, but Seattleites will note a familiar and distinctly 90s refrain when they pass by the brand spanking new Damaged Goods on Second Avenue next store to Roq La Rue.

They ought to also recognize shop owner Mark Pickerel as the original drummer of the Screaming Trees, and the guy who has played with the likes of Kurt Cobain and Neko Case — but from here on out, he’ll be the their source for vintage psych rock vinyl, Vampire Weekend LPs, art-pop box sets cutely packaged in lunch pails, handpicked noir DVDs and paperback jazz memoirs, oversize art books, and salvaged moto jackets and snap-front cowboy shirts.

Pretty gutsy move, opening what is more or less a record store as even Pandora-plugged-in 63-year-olds begin to settle into the fact that they can probably get away with never paying for music again. But Pickerel figures he’ll buy new releases with an ear for the feverish, culty, collectible indie and outre stuff that tends to be needed – the “recent stuff that’s actually good” (check the slideshow image of the vinyl bins for new ways to classify genres; “rock,” “pop,” “punk,” and “folk” are out) and curate the kinds of essential odd-ball stuff collections that just can’t be downloaded or otherwise digitally transmitted. And, in this town and a few others, vinyl will never go out of style - especially not the kind of stuff that Pickerel saves from backwoods thrift shops and down home estate sales.

And speaking of curating; Pickerel plans to party with his art gallery neighbors on second-Friday art walks beginning February 11. With a few tweaks and updates here and there, he’ll reinvent his inventory to reflect and spin themes and concepts from the show next door. Pickerel will also, of course, show art distinct from the gallery’s exhibitions; upcoming this spring, portraits by alt-rock/country hero Jon Langford.

The music business isn’t the only thing alive and well on Second Ave as of last Friday.

Damaged Goods collaborator Jan Dikkers published, edited, and art directed one of the art world’s fav fashion, music, and culture rags, Issue. Now locally based and currently reimagining the fashion initiatives of a certain online retailer, Dikkers plans to relaunch his magazine.

So take that, New York. Spinning discs are not dead yet, and neither is print.

Damaged Goods, where 80s LA rockers X soundtrack the random discoveries of dusted-off ephemera and shrink-wrapped reissues, puts me in the mind of Spencer Moody’s Anne Bonny - though the former Murder City Devil doesn’t focus on music the way Pickerel does. There’s just something about a strong personality – an already trusted point of view and a reverence for the things that used to matter (not to mention a sort of comeback kid/nostalgic Belltown vibe)- that makes arguments about consumer habits and downward spirals feel downright null, void, boring, and mute.

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Tags: music, Belltown, new, Seattle Vintage, Grunge