May 13, 2015

Stylish Getaway Guide: Downtown Seattle

Those of us lucky enough to call Seattle home know we've got a good thing going on. There's plenty of fresh air, lots of open spaces, amazing places to eat, great local boutiques, a thriving art scene and so many incredible places to experience there's hardly time to see and do it all. Here's our style guide to the best summer staycation in the city. 


Since a staycation in the city means you won't have to pay for airfare, splurge on your accomodations instead and book a room at Four Seasons. You'll be in the lap of luxury as you overlook the Puget Sound and take in sweeping views of the waterfront. In addition to the spa which serves as a "sanctuary in the city", guests staying at the hotel this summer will also enjoy Ethan Stowell's latest restaurant concept, Goldfinch Tavern, scheduled to open in June. 

The Seattle Art Museum is a great place to visit while on a staycation in the city and is conveniently located across the street from the hotel. Now through May 17th check out masterworks of American Indian Art at the Indigenous Beauty exhibit. 



The Pike Place Market is great for those wanting a culture fix in the city. Plus, in addition to stocking up on seasonal fruit and fresh vegetables, visitors can shop nearby boutiques and shops including Zebra Club (1901 First Ave), Maggie's Shoes (1927 First Ave), The Powder Room (1528 First Ave), Fini (86 Pine St.), The Finerie (1215 First Ave) and Bella Umbrella (1535 First Ave).

The Seattle Center is always a fun day in the city. Take a trip up to the Observation deck and look out over the city on a sunny day. While on site, check out the Chihuly Garden & Glass, sit by the fountain and read a book, pop in to the Science Center, or visit the Star Wars exhibit at EMP.

 
You really can't go wrong with the restaurant scene in downtown Seattle so it will really come down to what you're in the mood for. For those that want to stay close to home, check out Goldfinch Tavern (in the hotel) scheduled to open in June. Or, a quick walk across the street will take you to the Seattle Art Museum TASTE restaurant where you can grab a glass of wine and sample local cheeses, indulge in polenta fries with pepper aioli or snack on the ling cod ceviche.

Photo Credit: Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

My absolute favorite restaurant downtown is Purple Cafe & Wine Bar, partially for the ambiance, but mostly for the food. At Purple you'll find gorgonzola dates, Maine lobster mac and cheese, steak frites and of course, an endless wine list to wash it all down. Other best bets include Palomino, RN74, Lola, Dahlia Lounge, Umi Sake House and Il Fornaio. For brunch, don't miss the Icon Grill (1933 Fifth Ave) for fresh seasonal fritters, fried chicken and biscuits, or one of the signature breakfast hashes. 


For shopping in the city, Pacific Place is a good place to start. Located at 600 Pine street, you'll find Barney's New York,  BCBG Max Azria, J. Crew, Michael Kors, 8telier, Ann Taylor and a sky bridge to Nordstrom. Nearby there's also a Zara, H&M, All Saints and American Apparel. For those that want to explore the local boutique scene, downtown is home to several gems including Mario's (1513 Sixth Ave), Butch Blum (1332 Sixth Ave), Baby & Co. (1936 First Ave), Karan Dannenberg Clothier (2232 First Ave) and Ian (1913 Second Ave).

I hate packing hair products when I travel which is why I rely on nearby salons to help keep my hair in check. For girls who love a good wash and blow dry, you've got several options downtown including locally-owned Swink Style Bar located at 611 Stewart Street, or Sassoon salon, located at 1405 Fifth Avenue. Both are great options! Services at Swink Style Bar starts at $40 and Sassoon starts at $45. This is a great service to schedule post-spa when your hair is a mess and you'd rather not deal with it before a night on the town. 


Now, speaking of spas... The Spa at Four Seasons is a great place to relax and unwind in the city. I did a staycation + spa day there earlier this year and it was pure bliss. In addition to great massages and skin care services like anti-aging facials, the spa also offers great body treatments including detoxifying mud wraps and Northwest body scrubs. 

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Zara is heading to Bellevue


Guess what Seattle fashion fans? Zara is heading to The Bellevue Collection! Taking over a portion of the former JC Penney location, the new store will feature merchandise for men, women and children. The new store opening is part of Zara's initiative to open additional stores in 2015 including locations in San Diego, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas. Zara joins fellow fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo in announcing a new store opening planned for later this fall at The Bellevue Collection. Stay tuned for official store opening dates and events!
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Glamour & Giving event to benefit St. Jude


Fashion and philanthropy will come together for a great cause on Thursday, June 4th at the St. Jude Glamour & Giving event in Bellevue. Hosted by Desiree Hartsock of ABC's The Bachelorette (Season 9) and husband Chris Siegfried, the evening will bring out the biggest names in fashion as they come together at Neiman Marcus to support a worthy cause. The event will include a runway show, live and silent auction, private shopping for guests, hors d'oeuvres by John Howie Steakhouse and an opportunity to meet local St. Jude patients and families. One of the biggest silent auction items available at the event is a trip to New York Fashion Week in September, complete with access to exclusive fashion week parties and more. Local brands and businesses including Paychi Guh, JJ Caprices and Glittersweet have also donated items to the silent auction in an effort to help raise funds for St. Jude. Tickets are on sale now and start at $100 for general admission. All event proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

What: St. Jude Glamour & Giving Seattle

When: Thursday, June 4th, 2015

Where: Neiman Marcus Bellevue (The Shops at the Bravern) 11111 NE 8th St. Bellevue, WA

Time: 5:30-8:30pm

Tickets: $100 for General Admission | $150 for VIP available via St. Jude


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May 6, 2015

Seattle Shopping Guide: Queen Anne


The Queen Anne neighborhood shopping guide is here!

Queen Anne is one of my favorite neighborhoods of all time. Never mind that I live and work here on the hill, that in itself makes me only slightly partial, but it's the amazing business owners that work hard to curate the best mix of products in order to create a unique shopping experience on the hill that I absolutely love. Seattleites are lucky to have so many independent boutiques to shop from and we know how important it is to shop local in order to help these businesses thrive. Whether you're a native, or just visiting the Emerald City on a quick trip, we hope you enjoy this round-up of Queen Anne boutiques to check out on your next shopping adventure.


Queen Anne Dispatch
2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
www.queenannedispatch.com
Queen Anne Dispatch has been a staple on the hill since it was founded in 1987 by Jan Paolini. The shop is now run by Jan's daughters, Tara and Sabrina and continues to stock a great mix of merchandise including apparel, accessories, jewelry, gifts, toys and more from brands like French Connection, BB Dakota, Jack, Mavi, Hanky Panky, Olivine Atelier and Vince Camuto. They even gift wrap, pack and ship, making any gift giving occasion a breeze. The staff is well-versed on product knowledge and always eager to help you find what you need. 



Three Birds Home 
2107 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
www.threebirdshome.com
Three Birds Home has quickly become one of the best places on the hill to find decorative home accents and gifts including dishes, table linens, candles, soaps, picture frames, wall art and more. Owner Robin Johnson shops markets in New York, San Fran and LA to fill her store with the perfect mix of products that combine innovative designs with inspirational colors. You'll find this little shop nestled next to Umbrella Tree and Key Bank on Queen Anne Avenue. Be on the look out for sidewalk sales in the summer time. 



Meadow
1959 6th Ave. W. Seattle, WA 98118
www.meadowseattle.com
Tucked along sixth avenue west on Queen Anne, Meadow boutique carries apparel, accessories, shoes and home decor at prices that won't break the bank. (We're talking dresses under $30 and kitchen items like blank recipe cards as low as $6.) Owner Shelley Hall regularly stocks local favorites including Sweet Petula Soaps, Woo + Co. Candles, Leah Pastrama jewelry and more. This boutique may be off the beaten path, but it's certainly worth the adventure and there's plenty of free street parking nearby. 



Once Upon a Time 
1622 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98004
www.onceuponatimetoys.net
If you're expecting a new arrival this summer, or know someone who is, don't miss Once Upon a Time on Queen Anne hill. This boutique has been a recipient of the Red Tricycle "Most Awesome Baby Boutique" award and carries everything you can possibly imagine for babies and kids including toys, strollers, cloth diapers + accessories, books, clothing, shoes, keepsakes and more. Once Upon a Time even stocks a huge selection of European toys from Moulin Roty, Sevi, Haba, Kathe Kruse, and Holztiger. 


Stuhlbergs
1801 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
www.stuhlbergs.com
Located at the top of Queen Anne, Stuhlberg's has been one the city's favorite independently-owned home accessory stores since 2002. Owner and co-founder Megan Stuhlberg works along side her mother Ann to carefully select the best assortment of products to perfectly curate your home from brands like Jonathan Adler, Juliska, Simon Pearce, Votivo and more. At Stuhlbergs you'll find great gifts like soaps and candles for the home, toys, books and stuffed animals for kids and everything in between. This is a must-visit boutique on Queen Anne! 


Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa
1629 Queen Anne Ave. N. #103 Seattle, WA 98109
www.bellafioremedspa.com
Although this isn't technically a boutique you can certainly shop here for beauty products when you visit Queen Anne. Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa stocks several local lines including Gallipot Skin Care which is handcrafted using all-natural, anti-aging ingredients.


Queen Anne Books
1811 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
www.qabookco.com
There's something magical about wandering into a neighborhood book store and escaping into a world of literary insight and adventure. Queen Anne Books has great books for kids, travelers, culinary enthusiasts and even has a small fashion section. You'll frequently find local authors doing book signings in the store so be sure to check the website for a current line-up of events.


Peridot
2135 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109
www.peridotboutique.wordpress.com
Peridot is now located on Upper Queen Anne just next door to Starbucks. This adorable boutique stocks budget-friendly women's fashion from a variety of brands. In the store you'll also find jewelry, lingerie, loungewear and gifts including scented candles from Voluspa. 
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May 4, 2015

Fashion Calendar: Queen Anne Dispatch F&F sale

The Queen Anne Dispatch Friends & Family sale is back

I love this neighborhood boutique on Queen Anne and I think you will too! If you haven't had the chance to check out this little gem, now is the time, because during the Friends & Family event you'll save 20% on all the brands you love including Cosabella, Mavi, Butter London, Kensie, Kersch, Volupsa, Compendium, Olivine Atelier, Subtle Luxury and more! Come celebrate this amazing Seattle boutique, meet owners (and sisters) Tara and Sabrina, snack on light bites, enjoy sweet sips and kick the weekend off right!

Dr. Christine Schaffner of Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa will be on-site doing complimentary B12 shots from 6-7pm to give guests a quick boost of energy as they kick off the weekend. Limited qty. available. First come, first serve. Get there early!

What: Queen Anne Dispatch Friends & Family event

When: Friday, May 15th, 2015

Where: Queen Anne Dispatch 2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109

Time: The party is from 6-10pm but the discount is valid all day long, so get ready to shop!

Why: Because shopping local is the best way to protect the neighborhood shops you love. Oh, and also because DJ Mullet will be there. We know you love a good mullet.


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