When I recently walked into shimmering new boutique Dolce Vita [0], which opened last month in Ballard, I was overwhelmed with the sense that I had somehow been transported to L.A. -- or more specifically, West Hollywood, where local actress Josie Bissett ran fictional "Melrose Place [1]" boutique Jane Mancini Designs.
Of course, that reference not only dates me, it may tempt you not to take my advice about women's fashion. But take my word for it -- this place is truly chic.
The Seattle outpost of Dolce Vita is the store's fifth. There are also two in New York City, one in Los Angeles and one in Santa Monica.
There's no sign outside the store's elegant Ballard entrance, which is Dolce Vita's trademark anti-trademark. But with its stunning Italian hand-blown glass chandelier, and chocolate-brown and exposed-brick walls highlighted with striking original print work, the shop doesn't need a sign to garner attention -- there are few Seattle boutiques like this one.
I chatted with store manager Georgia Pashalidis, who recently moved back home to Seattle from Los Angeles. "If you're looking for the kinds of things you can find in L.A., you should give us a try," she says, explaining that they carry their own designs, as well as selected lines you can't easily find in Seattle, like Filippa K, United Bamboo, Vince and Clione.
While I looked around at the pretty frocks, Cat Power's melodic and brooding "Covers" album filled the soaring space. It was the perfect compliment to Dolce Vita's lovely collection of contrasts, which is both trendy and nostalgic, fashionable but deep.
Clothing is pricier than shoes and accessories. A giraffe-print, lined silk "Dorothy" halter dress that floats to the knee with a delicately ruched bubble skirt is $260; the "Audrey" dress, a ruffled concoction of red and pink tiers that is equal parts sweet and sexy, is $232. A coterie of floppy -- and supremely un-sloppy -- canvas sunhats by Hat Attack Buji Baja, have a touch of old Hollywood glamour, and are affordable at $44 each.
Shoe fanatics take note: Dolce Vita's collection of decorative summer flats is probably the most abundant this far north of Los Angeles' fashionable Robertson Boulevard. Particularly fun are the gold lame´ butterflies or seahorses ($69 each). You'll treasure the stacked kitten-heel thongs, covered in antiqued gold French coins ($115), and there are gads (though not quite "300") of this season's popular gladiator sandals.
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
