Ballard's Merge boutique stocks chic styles from New York and Los Angeles

Ballard's selection of boutiques keeps growing. The newest shop on the block is Merge, a sophisticated collection of clothing for women. Housed in one of the historic buildings, the shop has exposed brick walls, soft lighting and racks filled with rich, neutral go-anywhere colors. Owner Patricia Wolfkill's previous experience in the fashion world with DKNY, BCBG, Three Dots and her own apparel company merged (so to speak), reflecting the savvy pieces she's chosen for her boutique.

"I sometimes think the Northwest is neglected by designers," says Wolfkill, a Los Angeles transplant. "Women here want to be chic." Her vision is to bring simple luxury by way of modern classics from New York, Los Angeles and Italy. She's done that with a carefully edited boutique for women who want chic, rather than girlie.

Personally, I saw several pieces I wanted to snatch up. A brown leather jacket from Nicholas K with a button-up funnel neck collar ($670) caught my eye. A chic black tunic top in silk from Embe ($190) would go with everything, and a chunky merino wool bolero-style jacket from Chaiken ($370) was distinctive. You'll also find lots of cozy cashmere, well-cut layering T's by LA Made ($30), Ernest Sewn and Habitual denim, and designs from Ya-Ya, Black Halo and MK2K. Soon to arrive: lots of holiday dresses and Johnny Farah handbags.

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