Seattle Picks Website  
  SEATTLE PICKS
  life + style to you: every Friday
June 6th, 2008

It’s not easy being chic and ladylike, and making it all look totally effortless at the same time. And to tell the truth, most of the time, we don’t pull it off very well. We will put together a fabulously fashionable outfit, and on the way down the street, we step in dog poo. We will find a gorgeous vintage cocktail dress for an evening soiree, and spill champagne down the front. We will even get invited to a red-carpet event, wear a long gown, and shut it in the car door, ripping half of it off as we walk away.

Last weekend however, we rose above our average. We were lucky enough to attend the Luly Yang Tea Collection fashion show (complete with High Tea service) in the Georgian Room at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The dresses were to die for in silk taffetas and satins, and the event itself was so elegant—from the glittering glass chandeliers to the tiny crustless sandwiches and china teacups. We felt like the epitome of ladylike behavior. And we didn’t spill a thing!

p.s. Just in case your pooch needs to learn some ladylike behavior, we have a fabulous treat for you. Forward this issue of Seattle Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@seattlepicks.com. You could win a $25 gift certificate to Ahimsa Dog Training!

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

So Much Good Stuff, So Little Time

Whenever we hear about a store that has something for everyone, we get excited. The thought of being able to shop in one place and find something for our 3-year-old niece, our 19-year-old sister and our grandmother is just too thrilling. Sadly, we usually end up leaving without anything for anyone—except every once in a while, ourselves.

Stuhlbergs in Queen Anne doesn’t make the “something for everyone” claim, which is a shame, because it should. Whether your style is classic or whimsical—pick a room, any room—you will find something that is, quite simply, the perfect home accessory. But wait, there’s more. Upstairs is an impressive selection of stationery—both informal and formal invitations. Call ahead for an appointment and the staff will help you design the ideal invite for any gathering. And finally, the back room offers the toys and clothing we dreamed of as little girls.

Thanks to Stuhlbergs, we finally did it. We found something for everyone—and a little something for ourselves, too. (Of course!)

Stuhlbergs
1801 Queen Anne Ave. N
Queen Anne, Seattle 98109
1.888.520.SHOP
www.stuhlbergs.com

 

       
  2

Cuckoo for Cocoa

Our favorite book as a kid was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Something about having unlimited access to Never-Ending Gobstoppers and Wonka Bars sounded very appealing. We can’t tell you how many chocolate bars we ripped open as kids, looking for that Golden Ticket. Unfortunately for our waistline, the fantasy never died down—it just took on new meaning with the addition of Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.Yum.

It also doesn’t help our waistline (or thigh circumference, for that matter) that Seattle is home to one of the best chocolate factories around—Theo Chocolate. Proponents of fair trade, Theo’s is the only roaster of organic cocoa beans. They also feature a wide selection of unique flavor combinations. We love their saffron-caramel confections and the bread-and-chocolate bar that crackles with buttery breadcrumbs.

And lucky for us, they also give tours—no golden ticket required! Now if only someone could get them to hire Johnny Depp to show us around…

Theo Chocolate
3400 Phinney Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
206.632.5100
www.theochocolate.com

 

       
  3

A Precious Gem

We recently opened our prized Olivia the Pig at the Circus musical jewelry box, and found the antique treasures our Grandma Dot bestowed on us. We remember ogling the jewelry as a girl, and decided it was high time to take it for a spin. But of course, we had to pair the pieces with something fresh, and take them somewhere fabulous to be seen.
 
Since we were already in the mood to put a new flair on something classic, off we went to Opal. The cuisine and décor of this swanky eatery at the top of Queen Anne was a perfect pairing for vintage baubles and new clutch.
 
We devoured the baby brioche with pepper butter while sipping the House's famous Lavender Martini (with a precious pansy garnish). The aromas of fresh trout and marinated beef onglet reminded us of family dinner at Grandma's, while ancho aioli and polenta fries gave these classics the upgrade we were in search of. We're determined to make Grandma proud by recreating these dishes at home—or at least having a Lavender Martini in her name!

Opal
2 Boston St.
Seattle, WA 98109
206.282.0142
www.opalseattle.com

 

       
  Designer of the Week:
   


Designer of the Week:
Luly Yang Couture

You know her dresses—the ones in the windows of her store in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel that you can’t help but stop and gawk at as you walk past. We covet them every time we go by. Well, get ready to drool some more—this year brings us Luly’s limited edition 2009 High Tea Collection, inspired by the flavors and essence of tea. With beautiful 40’s and 50’s style designs in stunning silk taffetas and satins and vibrant hues, we must have one of every style and color. Don’t dawdle—these lookers won’t last forever!

Luly Yang Couture
1218 4th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.623.8200
www.lulyyang.com

 
       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Your Arsenal

We're easy. Put some Morrissey on a mix tape and give us a gift certificate and you'll discover we're the most charming, easy-going gals in town. One of our favorite pastimes is checking out of reality, putting Viva Hate on repeat and drooling over the latest finds at Bona Drag, an awesome online boutique.

Happiness is achievable, and it comes in spontaneous purchases like studded ballet slippers, knee-length gladiator sandals and a week's worth of jumpers and skirts that send us back to 1992.

www.bonadrag.com

       
  2

Stop and Smell the Flowers

We love flowers. So much so that we would still wear daisy chains if we could. Since that might look a little silly at our age, we wear these photo pendant necklaces—a collaboration between artists flandersfield and Eli N Opus. Flanderfield’s breathtaking flower photos are put on Eli N Opus’ clay pendants, creating a bright, cheery accessory.

And if flowers aren’t your thing, choose any other image from flanderfields shop, instead. Maybe flowers are a girl’s best friend.

www.flandersfield.etsy.comor www.EliNOpus.etsy.com

       
  3

The Celebrity Glow

We often find ourselves overwhelmed by the myriad of choices in skincare. So we pick things from different cosmetics lines that are endorsed by our favorite celebs in US Weekly. But when we found Arcona (another celebrity favorite!), we were impressed.

The “Basic Five” is customized to address specific skincare needs (ours needs moisture—who knew?) It’s all natural and covers all the bases, so we don’t have to substitute from other lines anymore. Not to mention, we are absolutely glowing.

Available exclusively at Gene Juarez Salon and Spa
www.genejuarez.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Drink Up!

The first-annual Cocktails for Charity event is the perfect excuse to get out and throw a few back. Sponsored by Occasions Wedding and Event Planning, it benefits Dress for Success. With five tiers of differently priced cocktails and drinks, all sales go to support a great cause, and every sip counts!

What: Cocktails for Charity fundraiser
When: Thursday, June 12, 7 pm
Where: Pravda Studios, 1406 10th Ave.
Call: 425.587.1507
RSVP: info@occasionsllc.com
Visit: www.dressforsuccess.org

       
  2

It’s All About the Ladies

Thursday nights at Ibiza are all new, and all about the ladies. Every Thursday night from this week forward is Ladies Night—with Sex and the City-themed inspiration. Sip Cosmos, watch fashion shows, and of course, get your boogie on. Ladies are free before 11, but boys are welcome in this club too!

What: Ladies Night at Ibiza
When: Every Thursday night, 10 pm–2 am
Where: Ibiza Dinner Club, 528 2nd Ave.
Call: 206.381.9090
Visit: www.ibizadinnerclub.com

       
  3

Summer Lovin’

La Familia Gallery in Pioneer Square has put together an ingenious dating program called H’Art Dating, where art-loving singles are matched up according to their tastes in art. The next big matchup is June 28, just in time to help you find that special someone for sunset walks on the beach this summer.

What: H’Art Dating
When: Saturday, June 28, 7-10 pm
Where: La Familia Gallery, 117 Prefontaine Place S.
Call: 206.903.0627
RSVP: Sign up before June 22 to get in on the lovin’
Visit: www.hartdating.org

       
 

We love Seattle and we love you, dear readers. You are some seriously stylish and savvy shoppers! Tell every other stylish shopper you meet about Seattle Picks, and keep the stellar suggestions coming!

ps: Look us up on MySpace if you have some time to fritter away. Subscribe to our blog and you can get even more goods on the stuff we don’t have the room to include here!

       
       
 

Log onto www.Seattlepicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.Seattlepicks.com and become a free subscriber.

If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@SeattlePicks.com
Please share your favorite picks, announce a sample sale, refer a friend, subscribe, or let us know what you think.

Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com

Help or Report problems