Where to Find It: Soho in Seattle
Slideshow: Karen’s Vintage, where your vintage and designer habits fund a better world
Supporters of Karen’s causes donate their well-cared for vintage, retro, and, in some cases, relatively new designer pieces like this Halston dress, YSL fur, and Gucci bag.
… and then you come along to score this absolutely amazing Ungaro mini. By the way, if you needed some ideas for interpreting these looks for the current century, you’d have a lovely time chatting with Ben, Karen’s in-house stylist. A former Nordstrom designer and all-around thoughtful, stylish guy, he knows his way around the old-to-new aesthetic.
Proceeds are funneled to social services and environmental non-profits.
Karen is passionate about not just the non-profits, but the tax credits for patrons and great deals on bold, timeless prints and silhouettes like that of this Ungaro two-piece.
Personally, I’m drawn to relics from the Studio 54 era, but lawyers, prim traditionalists, and lovers of classic designer cuts will find the most scores. (I loved that on my way out of the store, a gentleman came in asking for "Yohji and Miyake," and Karen mentioned a friend whose Marni stocks she needs to raid … bring it on!)
This velvet batwing Escada jacket is so NYE 2010. Ouch. It hurt to leave it behind.
And check out the print on this great Lanvin shirtdress.
Hmm.. the Chanel Mary Janes or the Valentino leopard print? Probably both; because sometimes you feel like an angel, and sometimes you don’t.
Some of the furnishings in the lounge area outside the dressing rooms are from LIMN, the gorgeous home and lifestyle shop that would have been just a few doors down if it hadn’t gone out of business a few months ago.
Another of Karen’s passions: Resurrecting the West Edge neighborhood with a high-end, industrial-chic fashion- and nightlife-angled vibe. So far, so good.
