Wear What When

SLIDESHOW: Five top sweater shops. Here, Ketch, where you might land one of these Wildfox Couture cardigans.

The flip side of Wildfox’s “Cabin Girl” sweater at Ketch. It’s safe to say you could fit some serious layers underneath there, and have fun doing it.

Find exotic luxury at Alhambra, where the mix of bohemian ease and urban polish is a paradise inspired by owner Serpil Kaymaz’s Turkish roots.

This Gary Graham alpaca knit convertible sweater could see you through a number of holiday season family gatherings.

At Les Amis, the simplicity and striking color of an Inhabit cardigan offers an easy punch for outfits that just aren’t quite there.

Inspired by traditional knits, this Ulla Johnson sweater has mid-length sleeves; layer it with a long sleeved tee-shirt or do some pattern mixing with a button-down plaid.

Margaret O’Leary has you covered with classic and timeless knits, many in the perfect lightweight cashmere that’s adaptable to four seasons of Seattle cool. Pictured here is the herringbone cardigan layered over the crew cardigan. Go ahead, wear a sweater over a sweater.

Another sweater-over-sweater look; Margaret O’Leary’s “Diva Wrap” over the stretch cashmere scrunch sweater. Turtlenecks are the thing these days, have you heard? Or maybe you’ve seen?

SLIDESHOW: Where to shop for engagement rings this holiday giving season. Here, Essenza where both local and national designers are displayed inside waist-high glass cases amid gorgeous scents, luxury cosmetics, and a French boho vibe.

Essenza’s Wendy Fink, and a trusty friend. The Fremont shop stocks Seattle favorites Francesca Lacagnina, Shamila Jiwa, and Jamie Joseph, all of whom craft modern gemstone stunners full of color, weight, and bright ideas.

Fremont Jewelry Design owner Lisa Magetteri can help you create a custom ring to fit your personal style.

For ring shoppers who have always imagined themselves designers—or for those who want to riff on a family heirloom—custom work can be really rewarding. Then again, if you haven’t an idea in your noggin and just want to give a local artisan free reign to create a one-of-a-kind piece, that works, too.

Isadora’s, just inside the Pike Place Market boundaries on First Ave, specializes in exquisite antique jewelry.

They love the symbolism of the old days at Isadora’s, and are happy to tell you about how intertwined snakes allude to together-foreverness and what the Victorians wore to sum up luck and a happy future. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for the sparkle of a 1920s diamond-and-amythest pairing (owner Laura Dalesandro likes to say stones were cut to shine in candlelight back then), there’s still plenty of meaning to impart.

Twist, in the Pacific Place mall, offers modern works of art for your ring finger.

Launched in Eugene, Oregon by jewelers for jewelers, Twist brings exciting modern jewelry together with glass, ceramics, and lifestyle decor. Shop precious and semi-precious collections, fashion jewelry, and what the two-store family calls “cheap chic.” From intricate geometric designs to minimalist, low-key modern diamonds, the “ceremony” department has many offbeat options.

Alexandria Rossoff Jewels and Rare Finds is a treasure trove of yesteryear’s finery.

Inspired by a certain royal bride? Colored stone engagement rings are definitely hot, and Alexandria Rossoff herself can tell you all about the antique varieties in her Fourth Ave shop. (Conveniently located across the street from Luly Yang Couture.)