Girls (and women) of summer, take note: Those in search of the perfect two-piece for working on a golden glow at Golden Gardens will find a rack of brilliant options at Cheka-Looka Surf Shop. The veteran shop, which recently relocated to Fremont from Eastlake, stocks an array of surf-brand swimsuits, almost all of them under $100.
By Marika McElroy | July 11, 2007
One of the hottest Southeast Asian treats in Fremont has nothing to do with pad kee mao or larb gai -- or food at all, for that matter. But the Koko Company’s Indian-made woven beach mats at Burnt Sugar will nonetheless infuse your next picnic on the beach with a hint of the exotic.
By Marika McElroy | July 13, 2007
Seattle jewelry maker Kimberly Baker draws inspiration for her gold and silver designs from the life of her seafaring fiancé (a fisherman), and her new collection is no exception.
By Marika McElroy | July 25, 2007
While Christmas lights in August can add a certain je ne sais quois to a backyard gathering, they might also subtly say: “I never got around to taking these down in January.” Instead, bring some intention -- and recycled style -- to a summer-evening fete with Design Ideas’ Reclectic Lanterns.
By Marika McElroy | August 2, 2007
There is a science experiment underway at the Palm Room in Ballard and it's far more pleasing to the eye than those concoctions you made as a kid. Among the plant store's usual assortment of easy-to-grow greenery, mini-landscapes flourish inside cast-off chem-lab bottles and beakers. The Lilliputian gardens are masterminded by Palm Room employee and botanical wiz Lisa Haglund.
By Marika McElroy | August 8, 2007
This Wednesday, Theo Chocolate adds a touch of pampering to an already indulgent event. A two-hour, three-part evening combines tastings of wine and chocolate with a lesson in creating chocolate-based beauty products.
By Marika McElroy | August 16, 2007
Built on the premise that the youngest among us deserve the finer things in life, Bellevue-based Spoiled Rotten Baby caters to the silver-spoon set with over-the-top yet tasteful gifts.
By Marika McElroy | August 27, 2007
Seattle Art Museum's expanded gift shop stocks a well-curated selection from near and far By Marika McElroy --> Special...
By Marika McElroy | August 28, 2007
Fashion-savvy Japanese-born attorney Masako Kanazawa had trouble finding clothes she liked when she moved to Seattle, so she stocked up on her favorite brands every time she visited home. Soon, envious friends were sending her to Japan with their personal shopping lists, and the next logical step was the creation of the Tokyo-centric downtown store she just opened with partner Jay Doughten.
By Marika McElroy | August 29, 2007
Any woman who has ached for relief from heels midway through the day, or who has yearned for the glam injection that comes with a few extra inches of height, should check out Camileon Heels. Available locally only at downtown boutique the Finerie, the shoes have ingenious convertible heels that go from 1 1/2 inches to 3 1/4 inches with the flick of a wrist.
By Marika McElroy | September 4, 2007
