Kick back and save at La Rousse's happy hour

Thanks to the well-honed party-planning skills of its owner, Amanda Rosenthal, downtown boutique La Rousse is recognized as much for its Friday-evening social and shopping events as it is for its fashion-forward women's apparel.

Visit the shop March 21 during La Rousse's happy hour, where you'll be treated to a glass of wine and your first taste of spring. Shoppers will get 15 percent off of any garment that isn't gray, black or white. This includes new styles from eco-friendly designer Lara Miller; Australian designer Natalie Wood's Something collection; silks from sister-run company Sretsis; and my pick for spring: the Rylkeil shirt from Elliot Mann ($114), a flirty white blouse with a minty green print.

In April, Rosenthal's Friday happy hours will change from weekly to monthly affairs while she packs La Rousse's social calendar with trunk shows featuring the likes of Del Forte (April 4) and Melissa (April 18).

The Del Forte show will highlight sustainability and include tastings of organic wine from Way of the Vine. The first five attendees to purchase a pair of Del Forte organic jeans will receive a tank top at no charge. Donations will also be accepted for Chaya Seattle, a nonprofit focused on domestic violence issues in South Asian communities. All events take place Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.

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