With the economy struggling we are looking for ways to support local businesses. We are fortunate in Seattle to be surrounded by talented designers that are creating quality products for economical prices. In an ode to Seattle's rainy days and modish nights I want to celebrate our local designers this week! Under numerous parts of our city's cloudy skies wonderful things are happening. From bags and blouses to boots and buckles, Seattle really has it all!
Hand Constructed Bags
Jamie Irene hand constructs what she calls "timeless pieces". To call her creations classic would be nothing short of an understatement. Her bags have a contemporary feel with a vintage sensibility. She currently works in the medium of felt woo, and adorns her bags with hardware that is reminiscent of a time that has gone by. Most of her bags are not only great looking on the outside but have a fabulous graphic print fabric on the inside. Her "Julia Orange Leather Clutch" is a must have and can add a pop of color to any wardrobe.
Shopping List:
"Julia" orange leather clutch- designed by Jamie Irene, $125 from Bouncing Wall (2225 Queen Anne Ave N; 206.285.9255; bouncingwall.com <http://bouncingwall.com>)
A Custom Bag Made For You
Based in Ballard, Laura Bee Designs specializes in customized accessories. From fanciful fabrics to vintage buttons you have the ability to put a bit of your personal flair in any of these pieces. Her "Laura Bee Clutch" is adorable and I especially love the one-of a-kind button!
Shopping List:
Laura Bee clutch- designed by Laura Bee, $28 from Laura Bee Designs (6418 20th Ave NW; 206.789.4044; laurabeedesigns.com)
Tote It
M&eacute;tier means "profession" in French, this tote bag will fit perfectly into your life. This may be called a work tote, but from its stylish looks you would never know it. Wear it square or snap in the sides. It can expand to carry a laptop, or transform in to a stylish tote. My choice would be the Ale Brown, in case anyone is inquiring.
Shopping list:
M&eacute;tier Work Tote, $149, from Queen Anne Dispatch- designed Crystalyn Kae (2212 Queen Anne Ave N; 206.286.1024; undiesandouties.com)
Prairie Underground
Made from organic cotton this "Long Cloak Hoodie" combines fashion forward with your occasional desire for a "comfy day". I have two of these myself, and wear them with textured tights and boots, or with skinny jeans or leggings. This is the only sweatshirt that I have seen with a fashion forward hood. I can't own enough of these!
Long Cloak Hoodie, $268 from Show Pony- designed by Prairie Underground (702 N. 35th St; 206.706.4188; loveshowpony.com)
Destee Nation
Sport some gear that features your favorite Seattle businesses including the Cheka Looka Surf Shop, High Dive Music Venue, and the Tractor Tavern! This company finds local hot spots along the west coast and Hawaii that have brands that have become local icons. The profits are shared with the local business so go out and buy your favorite tee now and support our local economy!
Shopping List:
"High Dive" "Tractor" and "Cheka Looka" T Shirts, $25 each from Destee Nation (3412 Evanston Ave N Fremont; 1.888.332.6437; desteenation.com <http://desteenation.com>)
Steel Toe Studios
These belts are the perfect example of "rugged chic." I love the "Hammer Ring White", "Pebble" and "Leather Belt" designs. These are only a few of the many amazing buckles available. Choose from designs for both "grown-ups" and "munchkins". The buckles are easy to interchange, so if you are a fickle dresser you will have plenty of options.
Shopping list:
"Hammer Ring White" belt buckle- designed by Steel Toe Studios, $70 from Fancy (1914 Second Ave; 206.956.2945; steeltoestudios.com <http://steeltoestudios.com>)"Pebbles" belt buckle- designed by Steel Toe Studios, $140 from Fancy (1914 Second Ave; 206.956.2945; steeltoestudios.com <http://steeltoestudios.com>) Leather Belt- designed by Steel Toe Studios, $140 from Fancy (1914 Second Ave; 206.956.2945; steeltoestudios.com <http://steeltoestudios.com>)
Double Duty:
I am always looking for items that have a dual purpose. These candles, created by Jen Loewen, are the perfect example and are actually triple duty. They fill the room with wonderful scents, add a bit of romance to any environment, and once they are lit blow the flame out and you'll find that you have a luxurious massage oil that has been created.
Shopping list:
Greenfire Massage Candles- Created by Jen Loewen, $6.99-$13.99 from Amazon.com (Amazon.com)
Urban Forms Design Center
The Pacific Northwest is steeped in an amazing talent pool of glass blowers. But you don't have to be a professional to create a piece of glass art. At Urban Forms Design Center you can create your own beautiful glass art or accessories. This makes a great gift or is a fun activity to do with your partner.
Shopping list:
Glassblowing classes, $575 for 4 beginning classes, $615 for 4 intermediate, $630 for 4 advanced, from Urban Forms Design Center (23818 Bothell-Everett Highway Bothell; 425.806.3855, urbanforms.net <http://urbanforms.net>)
CP Jewelry
These cuffs are so beautiful and totally unique so they are sure to please even the most talented indie designers. The artist is inspired by natural forms and believes in "beauty for the sake of beauty". Mission accomplished! I adore how there is a mix of vintage watches with the wide cuff of leather. Each piece seems to tell a story. It is the perfect mix of vintage and contemporary which creates more than a piece of jewelry but it becomes a conversation piece.
Shopping list:
"Steampunk Cuffs" Wristlet, $128- designed by CP jewelry (2225 Queen Anne Ave N; 206.285.9255; bouncingwall.com <http://bouncingwall.com>)
Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
Of course most people know the celebrity chef Mario Batai. But do you know his father? Armandino Batali is a master of cured meats. I don't know of a party I have had that I have not served a variety of his cured meats with cheeses. The Mole is my favorite! The Stranger describes these delicious cured meats as a "carnal kaleidoscope". Decide for yourself with a taste test. If you plan to visit at lunchtime beware a you may find a line out of the door. They are said to have the best sandwiches in town.
Shopping list:
Salumi, all meats range in price, from Salumi Artisan Cured Meats (309 3rd Ave S; 206.223.0817; salumicuredmeats.com)
Organic Tabletop
Dinah Coops is a Seattle-based designer creating modern, artful products inspired by nature and minimalism, and I was glad to find her work. I am always on the look out for creative ways to make a table beautiful and when I find something that is designed with the environment in mind and it is pretty on the eyes - well it is a win win. These tablemats are a modern and renewable version of a traditional European slate tablemat. Made from locally produced stone-like material out of 100% recycled paper they are hand silk screened and coated with water based polyurethane and silicone for protection. They are resistant to water and heat up to 350 degrees! Place these down a center of a table or at each place setting to create a contemporary tabletop.
Shopping list:
Slate Coaster- designed by Dinah Coops, $12 from Inside Out (115 Avenue Snohomish; 360.563.0767; einsideout.com)
Set of 2 Napkins- designed by Dinah Coops, $32 from Inside Out (115 Avenue Snohomish; 360.563.0767; einsideout.com <http://einsideout.com>)
Slate table mat- designed by Dinah Coops, $35 from Inside Out (115 Avenue Snohomish; 360.563.0767; einsideout.com <http://einsideout.com>)
