Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's symbolic icons and most locals
recognize that it houses some of the city's freshest produce. But, as
one market seller told me recently, "A lot of people identify the
market with cheap tourist goods, but what some don't realize is that
there are a lot of fine artists here with quality craftsmanship." With
that in mind, I perused the market on a recent summer day for items
that locals might want to seek out for their homes and wardrobes.
By Alexis Constantine | August 23, 2009
Everyone has a uniform. A default, go-to outfit that is
quintessentially you and makes you feel comfortable and secure. This concept of a closet filled with your favorite things is the driving force behind Ruthie's Uniform. Seattle-based designer Ruthie Nicklaus uses vintage and new fabric to
create impeccably constructed and surprisingly affordable jackets,
dresses, skirts and tops in heavier fabrics, such as denim and corduroy, that are well suited to Seattle's fickle climate.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 21, 2009
Have you ever wondered where all the tangled necklaces, single earrings
and discarded costume jewelry end up? It turns out that someone
collects it all into ten-pound lots and sells it on eBay for someone
like Lika Schindler to buy for Delectably Refashioned, her collection of necklaces made from repurposed jewelry.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 20, 2009
Even though I don't
have a car, I get around pretty well. Still there are few things which pose a
problem, like buying a 30-pound bag of dog food and schlepping it on the bus. Luckily, Zak &
Zoe, Phinney Ridge's brick-and-mortar "modern dog mercantile," offers up a
"Fetch Delivery" service, which not only saves me an impossible trip, but gives
me relief to be able to cross another errand off the list and keep the dog in
the kibble he craves. Any product on the shop's Web site can be delivered as long as a $20 minimum order is met, with no
additional delivery fee.
By Sheryl Wiser | August 19, 2009
Tim Koffler, director of
fitness at the Seattle Athletic Club, knows that it can be difficult to make it
to the gym every day. That's why he created That's why he created Exercise-to-Go: Travel Workout Cards -- the fitness regimen that goes where you go.
By Alexis Constantine | August 18, 2009
As we enter into fall, children and germs will converge at schools and
day cares across the city, bringing home all sorts of ugly colds and
flus. We know that vigilant hand-washing goes a long way to reduce the
frequency of illness, so there's no time like the present to get kids
excited about washing their hands. Cute and sweet-smelling, Wett Giggles scented soap bars may be just the thing to do it.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 16, 2009
Lemon Drop
owner Jodi Obde named her Wallingford boutique after Lemon Drop candies
because, just like the well-loved sour treats, she feels her shop is
"old-fashioned and refreshing." Obde is fulfilling a lifelong dream of
creating an eclectic boutique that offers shoppers a treasure chest of both vintage
and new clothing, jewelry, furniture, housewares and one-of-a-kind
gifts.
By Michelle LaFrance | August 14, 2009
In the cupcake world, where frosting is king, Bella Cupcake Couture
brings the focus down to the wrapper itself. Made with durable,
heavy-stock recycled linen paper and soy-based inks, the stylish wrappers
gussy up cupcakes and mask the standard cups that they are usually
baked in.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 13, 2009
Finding snacks that satisfy the craving for sweets but that also have
some redeeming nutritional value is a constant struggle in the battle
of the bulge. We found three local companies who have created delicious
healthy snacks.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 12, 2009
Lucky Sprout is a positive-messaging company whose "Be a Good Seed" message is communicated though children's T-shirts. Considering the plethora of ways that we receive information today, a positive message on the tummy of a little kid is one of the sweetest.
By Alison Brownrigg | August 11, 2009
