What you'll find: Everything from hair rollers to handbags. Tons of tiny ceramics. For the table there are dozens of styles of sushi dishes, rice bowls, soup and noodle bowls, and sake sets. Kitchen gadgets galore. Japanese snack crackers. Cleaning gear. Plastic containers and strainers. Pet and children's toys. Lots of knick knacks and figurines from soldiers to Southern belles. A whole wall of plastic bags to cover everything from video tapes to clothing.
By Kathy Schultz | January 16, 2007
Business has been good. "I feel like Seattle is giving me a big hug," says Means. But it's obvious her taste for classic children's clothing and accessories is luring parents in search of quality not kitsch. For the most part, Means selected mid to high-end clothing and European lines. Some items look like miniaturized adult clothing, but often there is a touch of sweetness in the details, or a playful color.
By Kathy Schultz | January 17, 2007
Jan. 15-31 is the shopping dead zone. Shelves are picked clean, racks are sparsely filled. Retailers are focused on taking inventory and waiting on spring arrivals. Sure, there are plenty of sales out there, but if you're looking for something new, fresh and spring-y, where do you go?
By Kathy Schultz | January 18, 2007
Almost all items in the store are designed by High Maintenance Bitch, the doggie emporium created by locals Lori and Ryan Pacchiano. The creative duo has made everything from fancy feathered boas to magnetic rhinestone ear studs. Your little princess will beg for the fashionable coats, collars, "Cosmutics," accessories, carriers, toys and premium food.
By Kathy Schultz | January 22, 2007
Nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like sterling silver skulls. If you're tired of chocolates, hearts and flowers, check out this edgy collection of jewelry by local designer Tina Negri. It's a little bit goth and a little bit punk and the perfect gift for your valentine.
By Kathy Schultz | January 23, 2007
In the middle of fashion no-man's-land you'll find Olive, a convenient and friendly boutique that opened at the end of December. The fashion haven is sandwiched between a Starbucks and Quizno's Subs in the Redmond Ridge QFC/Trilogy Shopping Centers where owners Michele Fox and Kerrie Lynn Wilton hope to attract suburban Eastsiders from cities such as Duvall, Woodinville and Carnation. The interior is more urban than suburban with finished concrete floors, an open ceiling with an exposed HVAC system painted charcoal gray, sage green walls and prominent iron chandeliers.
By Kathy Schultz | January 24, 2007
At the Tsu Chong Company in the Chinatown/International District you can special order fortune cookies with sage sayings or predictions. Just write your own inserts and cut them according to the specifications. A 1-pound bag costs $5.50 and yields 60-65 cookies. Or, order the same custom message for each cookie and Tsu Chong will cut and stuff 'em for you. Those are $8.50 a pound. For individually wrapped cookies, add $3.50 a pound. There is a 1 pound minimum order. Turn around time is two days.
By Kathy Schultz | January 26, 2007
Owner Marques Warren hit upon a much needed niche when he opened his Bellevue Square shop filled with upscale men's accessories this past October. If you're ever in a quandary about gift-giving for your man, this is the spot to visit. The shop evokes a masculine, drawing-room vibe filled with objects and accessories he'd be happy to own.
By Kathy Schultz | January 30, 2007
In my living room is a gigantic blank wall. It's been that way for eight years. I suffer from a deep seated phobia of selecting original art. However, I think I'm ready to take the plunge since discovering Jamie Pflughoeft's Decopaw Design art at the Urban Beast pet store.
What could be better than having a giant size mug of my pug on the wall or my French bulldog's adorable little countenance looking down on social gatherings? (This way when I put the ill-behaved little devils in their crates while entertaining, it will be like they're right there with us.)
By Kathy Schultz | January 31, 2007
Want to get away for Valentine's Day? It might be too late -- and too expensive -- to book a trip to Paris (unless, that is, you have deep pockets and a private jet), but a romantic night spent downtown is always an inviting possibility.
By Kathy Schultz | February 2, 2007
