Show some leg in styles from the French-inspired Rue boutique

A new boutique without denim? Mon dieu! This French/Soho/street/vintage-inspired shop in downtown Seattle makes new inroads among the influx of boutiques in town. Rue, French for street, references the decor of the shop from the graffiti-covered door to the oversized aerial photo of the Flatiron District in New York where proprietress Michelle Kim previously resided. Crystal chandeliers, French-style wallpaper with a raised black velveteen design, and black and white photographs of Paris set the stage for this sophisticated newcomer.

Dresses are the focus here, from sweet to chic. "I love dresses and wanted cute cocktail dresses for the women in Seattle," says Kim, who is originally from the area. On the sweet side is a silk Yana K dress with feminine ruffles and bows dubbed "My Heart Belongs to Daddy." I hope Daddy is buying it for $382. There are also affordable sheer baby doll dresses and tops from Free People for $80 that make for nice layering pieces. On the chic end of the spectrum is a strapless dress in a classic glen plaid with a red patent leather belt from Cory Lynn Calter for $223. There are also funky vintage styles from Karen Zambos and sophisticated dresses by Amanda Uprichard. Soho designer Yumi Kim is also well-represented. The basic T's from Bobi and Flex Nouveau are, well, basic. You'll also find adorable cami tops for spring and some edgier street wear in the back of the shop.

Upstairs in the loft there's a selection of hand-picked vintage dresses and tops. "It's designed to look like a girl's closet," says Kim of the intimate space with pink splashed walls and a casually placed chaise lounge. I spied a range of items from Gap sundresses to gold lamé cocktail wear. Kim also carries some finishing touches for your selection including sequined and beaded evening clutches (around $40) and jewelry from decades past as well as the present ($20-$459).

There's no reason after shopping here to go to dinner in your tired pant ensemble. It's almost spring – show your legs.

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