New South Lake Union women's boutique Opal [0] adds a bit of grit to the glitz found at its sister shop in Redmond. At the newest addition to the 2200 [0] complex, which opened in mid-January, distressed canvas skull cadet hats from Broke Down ($62) are the perfect accessory to a dozen different brands of fit-like-a-dream jeans found here, including J Brand, True Religion and Theory ($160-$320).
Peel off bunny-soft cashmere wraps to reveal iridescent Michael Stars T's and tanks, waffle knits adorned with stars of their own, or the only tie-dyed T you'd ever pay money for, a $94 Gypsy Henley that might actually make you reconsider the mistaken aesthetic of your hippie days. You can dress yourself all the way up to a sequined evening gown, then accessorize it with owner Shannen Wyman's own line of light-catching jewelry designs.
Her Kazia Digo [1] necklaces, bracelets and earrings ($20-$218) use Swarovski glass crystals, known for their vivid colors and brilliant light refraction (a rather large one has topped the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York for the last few years). Wyman's more demure versions, combined with sterling silver, semiprecious stones, white gold and freshwater pearls, have been adorning the limbs of Redmondites since she opened her first shop more than a year ago, and so far they've been a heavy hit with the condo residents above the Westlake store, who like to pop in for a quick shop.
The exposed pipes and raw cement ceilings that many of the new South Lake Union businesses have left uncovered are visible here, too, and the industrial look bolsters the edgier slant of the new store. Wyman's husband, former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Dave Wyman, lent a hand on a lot of the design work: bright track lighting and eggplant-colored walls that warm things up to make the space welcoming and comfortable. Thanks to some extra-homey touches, the rear dressing area even feels almost like a normal bedroom -- but without the normal clothing crisis.
Opal is at 2121 Terry Ave., Suite 100; 206-621-8202.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
