Wear What When

Sale: Designer Discounts

Score good deals, and feel good about them

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 02, 2010 at 07:15AM 0 Comments

Karen Mayers Gamoran contemplates a vintage Ungaro two-piece at her West Edge vintage and designer boutique.

Where: Karen’s Vintage Couture and Alexandra’s Consignment

What: Feel good and take up to 70 percent off at West Edge’s nonprofit-fueling house of vintage Ungaro. Fashion-savvy fundraising pro Karen Mayers Gamoran shares revenue from her donated designer and exclusive goods with organizations such as the Humane Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Seattle Guild, Eastside Domestic Violence Program, and University of Washington Foundation for the benefit of breast cancer research.

And/or, save an additional 50 percent on already marked down spring and summer consigned designer and premium label apparel at Alexandra’s. Gently used top-dollar fall clothing is 10 percent off.

When: Both sales begin Thursday Aug 5; Karen’s runs through August 7, Alexandra’s continues through August 14.

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Tags: vintage, Consignment, End of Summer Discounts

Meet the Shopkeeper: Moksha

No vintage hats, but plenty of other good stuff on the Ave

Posted by: Kelly Robinson on Jul 01, 2010 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

That’s not a possum, it’s a cat. Aleph Geddis of Moksha

Google searches reveal that the Sanskrit word “Moksha” is often used as a name for yoga studios, but on the Ave, the idea of freeing oneself from one’s love/hate relationship with samsara is applied to a room full of vintage finds, Boho dresses evoking high Thai style, locally designed accessories, tee-shirts for the skate park, and a couple of ten dollar bargain bins regarded by some as pots at the end of a rainbow. We’ll let this Moksha’s Aleph Geddis tell you more.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
When someone walks into the shop, we greet them with a hello and a
smile. If they seem more receptive to dialogue, we go on. You can read people’s needs by observing their body language and sometimes people want to be left alone to browse.

What’s your favorite thing in the store right now?
This season we received some really cute reworked, vintage dresses. I am excited about supporting the reuse of old items and bringing new life to them. Each dress is unique in print, pattern, and cut, making them one-of-a-kind rarities.

Where do you shop when you’re not at Moksha?
The Seattle Antiques Market on Western across from the Aquarium is enormous with myriad affordable antiques. I also like the shoe store, Five Doors Up and Lucky Vintage which are both located on the Ave.

What specific store or type of store do you think is missing in Seattle?
I would love to have a good vintage hat shop in Seattle. The only place I can find a good vintage hat seems to be in the Bay Area.

What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened in your store?
There was a time when I returned from traveling only to be welcomed with the rumor of a possum in the store. Customers had been asking us if we had a new pet because they had seen a possum in the window after hours and I thought that there was no way this could be possible. So, I sat in the office and watched quietly. Sure enough, a cute little possum poked his nose out a like a little cartoon character.

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Tags: vintage, University District, Locally Designed, Meet the Shopkeeper, moksha

Meet the Shopkeeper: Cairo

Visit Capitol Hill’s coziest, coolest vintage shop on Tuesdays if you like to see people defy gravity

Posted by: Kelly Robinson on Jun 25, 2010 at 07:30AM 0 Comments

Photo: Kelly Robinson

The owners of Cairo on Capitol Hill can read your mind

It’s an underground art-punk venue … it’s a rogue art gallery … it’s a vintage shop! Cairo is as Cairo does, and they do do a mean vintage trade. Meet owners Aimee Butterworth and Joel Leshefka.

WWW: What’s your personal spin on the ubiquitous “How can I help you?” question?
Butterworth/Leshefka: We’re actually both psychic, so we don’t really have to worry too much about that. j/k! Our shop is really small and intentional, it’s designed for people to get in and out, having tried on/bought items in 15 minutes or less. Because it’s small, we are always around, and able to help folks out, but like to allow a little space for personal exploration. We do have a secret treasure chest of women’s shoes and boots though, so interested parties should inquire (wink wink).

What is your favorite thing in the store right now?
Oh geez, there is a lot to love, but if we had to pick one thing we are super psyched on, I think we’ve both been loving local designer Meghann Sommer’s incredible jewelry line &c. Her line is gorgeous, and it compliment the vintage dresses and silk tank tops we’re currently selling.

What are your favorite Seattle stores?
Well between Cairo and 20twenty, we are both really stocked on clothing….so, some non-clothing stores we absolutely love are: Wall of Sound Records, The Anne Bonny, Sonic Boom always has a great selection, and to eat we are currently obsessed with the Pike Street Fish Fry, Senor Moose (sooooo good), and the amazing array of farmer’s markets that happen daily all over this city.

What specific store or type of store do you think is missing in Seattle?
We both really enjoy the way Portland is set up, retail wise. Tons of little shops in tucked-away neighborhoods, carrying a wide variety of items, catering to the specific neighborhood they are located in. Not that this doesn’t exist already in some ways in Seattle, but the more small businesses the better is basically our sentiment. It keeps it fresh.

What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened in your store?
On Tuesdays, Aimee actually levitates between 3:45 and 4 pm. I mean, I guess that’s ongoing, so not sure if that works as a “weirdest thing.”

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Tags: vintage, Capitol Hill, Meet the Shopkeeper, Cairo

Keep on Trunkin’

Trunk shows and meet-and-greets for vintage-lovin’ brides-to-be: March 6, March 11, March 13, March 20th

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 03, 2010 at 02:00PM 1 Comments

Join vintage-inspired vendors at Gossamer Collective on March 20 for a day of collaboration, inspiration, and champagne

WHEN Thursday March 11 5p-8p
WHERE Velouria on the Hill
WHY It’s an Art Walk celebration; join Portland photographer Misha Ashton and Jen Carrigan of Violet Magpie as she unveils (literally!) her new-for-spring hair pieces, all fashioned with feathers, headbands, and vintage delights.
COST FREE; treats and refreshments served

WHEN Saturday March 13 6p-9p
WHERE Velouria Ballard
WHY: Same as above; Tes at Velouria is hosting one Violet Magpie trunk show at her Ballard store and one at her shop on Melrose Ave.

Photo: Rosemary Photography

One of the new spring pieces by Violet Magpie

WHEN Saturday, March 20 12p-6p
WHERE Gossamer Collective
WHY So you can mix and mingle with like-minded and self-professed budget friendly wedding industry pros (lovers of vintage style, retro romancers, crafty can-do types). Maybe you’ll meet a partner-in-collaboration, maybe you’ll book a couple of vendors, maybe you’ll leave feeling fully inspired.
COST $8 (Special Gift with entry) Champagne will be served.
WHO Vendors include: Rosemary Photography, Orange Twist Cards, Jennifer Witsil Creative, Jenny Bowker, Pretty Little Photos, Rebekah J Designs, Stylus Seattle: Hair and Nails,

ALSO: The next Last Waltz vintage sale is THIS SATURDAY MARCH 6, also, as always, at Gossamer Collective (the old Last Waltz space). Look for pretty dresses and more for rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon, and, you know, married life.

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Tags: Weddings, Locally Made, Accessories, vintage, Locally Designed, vendors, Trunk Show, Party

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

New, Used, Open, and Closed

Retail changes, and changes and changes

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jan 28, 2010 at 08:00AM 2 Comments

This Lanvin pump is 40% on Posh on Main’s website

I want to pass on word of a couple retail changes, but since we all hate bad news, let’s start with some details from the brighter side.

Alexandra’s, Downtown’s biggest designer consignment shop, hits its fall/winter sale today. All past season pieces (think chunky knits, wrap sweaters, wool slacks) are 50% off their lowest price, and spring merchandise is 10% off.

While you’re in the neighborhood, with new-to-you bargains on your mind, you should check Driftwood Consignment as well. As mentioned in this post about a heavy linen batwing dress/tunic from A Small Collection that I scored there, Natalie Anderson and Adam Peart’s two shops (there’s one in Madrona, too) buy and sell to and from the kind of girl who shops small, neighborhood boutiques and scores up and coming, small batch designers.

Consignment shopping does require patience and the hunter/gatherer spirit. Driftwood is small enough to navigate without much of a strategy, but at Alexandra’s, where pieces are well-organized by color and style but the sheer volume can be overwhelming, you’ll do well to enter with a target or focus, even if that means just concentrating on a color, or patterns versus solids. The shop gets bonus points for using those little triangularly round size indicators on the top of their hangers that make browsing that much easier.

And now, for the bummers.

+Some changes on Main Street in Bellevue: Posh on Main’s storefront has been shuttered; the remaining inventory is online. Having made big markdowns, owner Angela Self plans to sell through her stock of Valentino flats and Miu Miu booties before taking down her site.

Christi’s on Main, just down the way, is also on its way out. A closeout sale is in full effect.

+In the world of plants and greenery: UrbanWeeds in Fremont is selling its remaining botanicals and accessories for 90% off; the store will close at the end of the month.

When one door shuts … another often opens. You might try the brand new Midnight Blossom in Ballard if you’re need of an organic, in-house oxygen generator, and see our Diggable Plants from last spring for more shops that’ll grow on you.

+Speaking of growing: Plum Children’s Shoes in Madison Valley is closing; check their site for great deals on European kids’ kicks, and on Queen Anne, Urban Kids Play has reconsidered their format. They’ll continue offering safe, smart toys online, but the retail location is transitioning to a drop-in childcare center.

+Cartier at Pacific Place? Gone. Across the street and down a block: Coldwater Creek is hanging it up as well.

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Tags: Weddings, new, vintage, sale, Fall/Winter Sale, Eastside, Consignment, floral, closing

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 1 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, vintage