Best of the City 2008
You're about to see your city in a whole new way.
Edited by Jessica VoelkerWith contribution from Christopher Werner, Ben Schock, Kathryn Robinson, Rachelle Robinett, Erin Pursell, Laura Peach, Kelly Huffman, Leah Finn, James Ross Gardner, Lee Fehrenbacher, Stefan Durham, Wilson Diehl, Laura Cassidy, Roger Brooks, Sarah Anderson, and Steve Wiecking
Poster Art
No, not that iconic image of Farrah Fawcett in a red bathing suit, or any of the great screen-printed rock-concert art for which Seattle designers and collectors are known. At Michael Maslan’s eponymous, nationally regarded shop, ethnographic photos, frail antique correspondence, and old picture postcards surround tables stacked high with gorgeous vintage travel, war, and advertising poster art—all highly suitable for framing. Michael Maslan, 109 University St, Downtown, 206-587-0187
Lingerie
Jennifer Carroll didn’t know what she was getting into when she splurged on her first hundred-dollar-pair of Parisian panties. Today she fills her Fremont boutique, Bellefleur, with the objects of her obsessions: the frilliest, sweet pink tutu thongs are paired with embroidered brassieres, while coral silk nightgowns slip over cream Simone Perle sets. Ooh la la, indeed. Bellefleur, 720 N 35th St, Fremont, 206-545-0222; www.bellefleurlingerie.com
Dress Shoes
You cruise Columbia City in cream heels with frou-frou detailing and swing dance through Fremont in chunky Chie Miharas, but you always look like you’re walking on air. Your secret: West Seattle’s Clementine, where owner Linda Walsh looks for sexy-yet-sturdy styles with lightweight wedges, cushy sole padding, or sculpted toe stoppers that look modern and chic but wear easy. Clementine, 4447 California Ave SW, West Seattle, 206-935-9400; www.clementines.com
Street Shoes
Sometimes you want to make a statement, and sometimes you just want to skate. At Goods street-wear shop, pink patchwork Pumas and brown “Bambi” Nikes—topped with faux fur—rest on glass shelves next to classic Adidas shell tops. Limited-edition sneaks by the likes of Air Jordan mastermind Tinker Hatfield could easily be considered works of art. Goods, 1112 Pike St, Capitol Hill, 206-622-0459; www.needgoods.com
Neckties
There’s a time and place (Monday morning, a life-zapping conference room in a Belltown high-rise) for plain navy neckties. But come Friday night—or what the hell, Wednesday afternoon—a certain kind of fellow wants to have a little more fun with what is essentially the only accessory available to him. Enter Rag, where co-owner Apryl McCarthy stocks playful silk ties designed by Duncan Quinn, emblazoned with roaring lions and giant fleurs de lis. Rag, 10500 NE Eighth St, Ste 115, Bellevue, 425-637-3979; www.ragmensstyle.com
Men’s Fashions
Time was when a Seattle guy with a flair for fashion was pretty much out of luck, but no more. Blackbird began as a prototypical jeans and tees men’s shop, but in the last year owner and buyer Nicole Miller introduced drapey sleeveless shirts by Diet Butcher Slim Skin and softly metallic white denim by Raf Simmons. Now there’s no more excuses for local guys to look slouchy. Blackbird, 5410 22nd Ave NW, Ballard, 206-547-2524; www.blackbirdballard.com
Luggage
A lifetime of travel (pops was a Pan-American pilot) prompted one Seattle jet-setter to design and manufacture luggage for every lifestyle. At the Tom Bihn Seattle Factory Showroom, messenger bags have ultrasuede-lined pockets for iPods, laptop cases are expandable and attractive, and compact-yet-roomy travel duffels let even pack rats look like they travel light. Tom Bihn Seattle Factory Showroom, 2203 First Ave S, Ste 200, SoDo, 206-652-4123; www.tombihn.com
Handbags
Seattle’s full of great shoe stores, but very few shops specialize in that other female obsession: the handbag. Sisters-in-law Kimberly and Carrie Arrington found their niche with Clutch, where, in turn, plenty of Seattle shoppers satisfy their hobo, calfskin, and patent-leather obsessions. Kimberly always knows the scoop on the most buzzed about bags—Botkier’s woven—leather tote, Seril’s “Knockout” clutch—and tries them in her shop (though it’s tricky keeping them in stock). Clutch, 1212 Fourth Ave, Downtown, 206-624-2362; www.clutchseattle.com
Costume Jewelry
At Vu, decadent, gorgeous designer goods from times gone by are the main attraction and, fittingly, the accessory case holds some wonderfully oversize faux-gemstone rings. But in addition to combing the estate collections of Seattle’s best dressed, shop owner Han Vu also travels to Asia and returns with lovely new items. Check out the ring featuring the sweet white critter with a pale pink nose (Is he a bear? A rabbit?) and the jewel-encrusted owl piece by the same Taiwanese designer. Vu, 313 E Pine St, Capitol Hill, 206-621-0388
Rent-a-Bauble
Diamonds, smoky quartz, and black onyx are a girl’s best friends, but you don’t necessarily need to own your intimates. Seattle designers (Maile) Roundtree and (Nicole) Richardson make wonderfully chunky yet elegant pieces available for one-night stands—say, the SAM gala or a wedding at the Sculpture Park—so even though you might pay $1,200 for their ornate, organic-looking hand-wired turquoise and 24-karat gold necklaces at a jewelry shop, it’s yours for the evening for $300. Roundtree and Richardson, www.roundtreeandrichardson.com
Published: July 2008
