Wear What When

Sale: River Song

Here’s when you should go to Madison Valley, and why.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 27, 2011 at 08:00AM 1 Comments

The world comes to Seattle at River Song where owner River Burke is frequently found handcrafting delicate New World accessories with ancient-feeling amulets and rubies and black chalcedony.

-When you might not want to visit the business district of Madison Valley: Monday September 26 through Friday, September 30.

-Why: A massive reroute of traffic due to a closure at MLK Drive is likely to make the area a total zoo.

-When to absolutely head to Madison Valley shops: Tuesday, October 4 through Saturday Oct 8

-Why: The gals at River Song are going to reinvent their already gorgeous little world- and locally sourced shop during the construction, and then have their first ever big sale to welcome you back afterward.

Spring and summer River Song jewelry—think: meaningful, handpicked gems on delicate silk linen threads, narrative amulets from mystical places, small batch/small silhouette earrings, and lovely bracelets—will be 40 percent off; fun rugs, bags, decor items, and more—the textural, handmade, fairly traded treasures that owner River Burke brings home from her travels and makes us all insanely jealous of her job and lifestyle—will be 25 percent off.

Of course, Burke and the area’s other business owners want you to know that they will be open during the road closure—they say there will be parking on side streets and we know that, for example, Lavender Heart and Vian Hunter will be serving champagne and offering ten percent off—but just be sure you’ve got some time and patience on your hands if you’re planning to brave the traffic tangle.

Whether you steer clear of the construction zone or not, be sure to visit afterwards. Sales like this one don’t happen often, and River Song’s mostly one-of-a-kind offerings are already rare opportunities.

A map of the Madison Valley detour (Monday September 26 through Friday, September 30).

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Tags: Locally Made, Jewelry, Locally Designed, Madison Valley, Seattle Designer

Meet the Shopkeeper: Canopy Blue

It’s a boho summer on Madison Street

Posted by: Kelly Robinson on Jul 23, 2010 at 08:00AM 0 Comments

Canopy Blue’s Kieran Malone will keep your secrets for you, but she can’t keep your husband from strolling by her storefront and figuring them out on his own

Just this side of the lakeside beach at Madison Park, Canopy Blue makes Seattle feel like San Diego. Meet owner Kieran Malone and her favorite fashion flip-flops.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
Malone: I rarely seem to ask this question. I am not a fan of a pushy salesperson. Our first priority is building a relationship with the customer.

What’s is your favorite thing in the store right now?
I love the Trove Tkee sandals, they are the most comfortable sandal. They come in adorable colors, are well priced ($44-48), and can be worn casually or dressed up. I love the bohemian chic look for summer, so Sogoli braided chain bracelets are a must for the season. Can’t keep them in stock -again very versatile.

Where do you shop when you’re not at Canopy Blue?
I enjoy interior design so my two favorite home furnishing stores would be Great Jones Home and Revival Home. I have two little ones, so I shop for them at Flora and Henri and Crewcuts. And I always find something at La Ree in Bellevue.

What specific store or type of store do you think is missing in Seattle?
I adore ABC Carpet and Home in New York. It would be great to see a multi-collection store with gifts, home furnishings, and decor and clothing for both big and small.

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened in your store?
A customer of ours has been shopping with us over the last four years and about a year ago she shared with me that her husband finally discovered her little secret when he walked by the store one day. He immediately made the connection that the charges he had been seeing on their statements from Canopy Blue were not from an actual home gardening store, but a clothing boutique that has been fulfilling their closet for years.

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Tags: Madison Valley, Madison Park, Meet the Shopkeeper