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Unique Boutiques
by Lei Ann Shiramizu

There’s a lot of browsing to be done in our burgeoning shopping city. Barney’s New York recently unveiled a mega-store in Pacific Place, a luxury mall anchored by Neiman Marcus is on the horizon in Bellevue, and a number of chic boutiques are popping up around town every year. The limelight often shines upon these glamorous attention-getters, the celebrities of shopping.

Yet far from the clamoring crowds are secret shops that are favorites with the neighborhood and customers they serve. Some have been around for years with a devoted following who might prefer to keep the word hush, others are off the beaten path, and yet others are too new to be widely known. All of them are independent, interesting stores with a unique (sometimes quirky) personality established by women who follow their own vision. Here we pick a dozen destinations worth exploring for fashion inspiration.

ANDALUZ
4908 Rainier Ave S in Columbia City
206-760-1900
www.andaluzseattle.com

Andaluz is an exotic destination in a distant land — at least that’s what some people think of Columbia City, the home of Karla Esquivel’s something-for-everyone boutique. “I’m kind of hidden,” she says of her nearly two-year-old south-end shop named in honor of her Basque roots. “Once people discover me, they tell their friends.” Affordable and eclectic, the mercantile-inspired assortment is a prime spot for gift hunting and self-adornment for the diverse population of families, hipsters and old-timers who live in the gentrifying neighborhood.

A former journalist for arts publications, Esquivel is attracted to cool and quirky objects, books and clothing, as well as the works of independent artists. Amidst the chartreuse and cranberry accented walls and friendly clutter of key chains, belt buckles, watches, pens, cards and locally made jewelry (including creations from Regina Chang, designer and occasional shop girl, ($38 – $198), you’ll find paintings by Cody Blomberg and pinup girls by Brenda Dunn. There are cute-as-a-bug skirts from Stella Luna of San Francisco, each with vintage flair and insect screen-prints ($66-ish), dresses and skirts from seamstress girl-next-door, Kimmi, who creates with found fabrics ($38 – $88) and the wallets and tees of Poketo, a San Francisco-based company which showcases the works of international artists.

BETTY LIN (formerly Betty Blue)
608 Second Ave on the West Edge
206-442-6888
www.shopbettylin.com

John Galliano. Junya Watanabe. Moschino. Valentino. Prada. The roster reads like the lineup from an international runway show, spotlighting the hottest high-fashion designers from Italy, France, Japan and the U.S. But we’re not in Paris; we’re on the outskirts of Pioneer Square. Thanks to Betty Lin, owner of the eponymous boutique, lofty style is available in Seattle at down-to-earth prices. “Everything is at least 60 percent off,” says Lin of her couture collection for women and men. “We all love fashion, but very few can afford to pay full-price … we provide hard-to-find designer labels at accessible prices.”

In the airy white space, reminiscent of a store you might find in New York or San Francisco, racks of impeccable clothing line the walls. In the middle are tables with neatly folded tops, fine cashmere and wool sweaters, and stacks of cotton tees. In back, across from the spacious dressing rooms, are handbags and shoes to please the pickiest accessories aficionado. At any one time, at least 100 top clothing designers and an equal number of shoe designers are represented in a selection that’s always changing. How’s business in this casual city of Seattle? Betty Lin is three years old and doing fine. “We’re a secret that’s slowly building one client at a time,” says Lin. “And they’re telling their friends.”

FROCK SHOP
6500 Phinney Ave N on Phinney Ridge
206-297-1638
www.shopfrockshop.com

It’s 10:50 a.m. and two young women wait outside Suzy Fairchild’s Frock Shop for the doors to open. Fairchild arrives and gets busy wheeling a rack of pretty dresses to the sidewalk. Meanwhile, the shoppers are already in the dressing room, trying on the clothing this corner store has become popular for. “It’s like this every day,” Fairchild says of her frankly feminine store, inspired by the allure of old-fashioned beauty. The former Nordstrom clothing designer loves vintage style, yet understands that not everyone has the time to troll through second-hand stores or, for that matter, cares to wear used clothing. She’s translated her passion into fashion that’s charming and inexpensive — most everything in her shop is under $200.

“I spend a lot of time looking for new things that look like that cool dress from the ’70s … that fit and are affordable,” she says. Fairchild focuses primarily on dresses and skirts that work for a variety of body types and sizes, like Loco Lindo jersey dresses (about $88) flattering sizes 2 to 16, Seattle’s T-Spoon mixed fabric skirts created in small quantities (exclusive to Frock Shop, $128 – $148), and the separates of local designer Suzabelle ($48 – $200). Fairchild also sews her own hats and handbags from reclaimed or recycled fabrics ($48 – $150), selling them alongside the creations of other local designers of jewelry, cards and textile art.

HORSESHOE BOUTIQUE
720 N 35th St in Fremont
206-547-9639
www.horseshoeseattle.blogspot.com

It may sound like a bad Donny and Marie tune, but at Horseshoe, you’ll find a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. “Country is the practical girl … the rock ‘n’ roller wants to have an edge, be a little bit sensual and have her own style,” says Jill Andersen, owner of the cowgirl couture boutique in Fremont. Look out for pitchforks as you navigate the wearable, washable and feminine clothing like Porridge tops and jackets ($78 – $198), trouser-style jeans to flatter your rear view from The Stephenson Denim Finery ($190 and up), and an assortment of soft, comfortable basic tees, dresses, skirts and more.

The sunny shop is also a showroom for the creations of Jill Renae, Andersen’s alter ego line of jewelry. The handcrafted collection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets in organic shapes is cast in sterling silver, occasionally accented with gold rivets. She also creates a medallion series of antique button rings, each selling for about $78 – $138. Horseshoe’s goal is to remain plainspoken with pieces you’ll love. “You don’t want to look like you tried too hard,” Andersen says. “We never want to be overstated.”

JUNIPER
3314 E Spring St in Madrona
206-838-7496
juniperinmadrona.com

Lisa Clinton believes in keeping things simple. A peaceful neighborhood, a few well-chosen pieces of clothing, a smattering of adorable accessories and one cute kitty, available for adoption. That’s pretty much what you’ll find in her spare, chic boutique tucked around a corner in her Madrona neighborhood. “I wanted to create a store that’s really comfortable, easy to look around and offers a smaller, thoughtful selection,” she says. Her philosophy is to cherish everything you own. “You don’t need 10 T-shirts if you have a few you love.”

Clinton combs the markets for designers who work with sustainable practices and fabrics, or individual, small crafters who make their goods by hand. Anna Cohen of Portland is one such person. This fall, Juniper carries her cozy pullover made of leftover organic cotton sweatshirt fleece ($92), along with an organic wool coat from New York’s Loyale ($380). Clinton unearths gems from around the world, too, like Dominique Picquier’s French shopping bags ($206) and the hand-finished resin bangle bracelets, necklaces and rings of Dinosaur Designs from Australia ($44 – $300). And if you fall in love with Clinton’s pet cause (she volunteers at an animal shelter), you’re welcome to take the cat home, too, free of charge.

MERGE
5000 20th Ave N in Ballard
206-782-5335
www.mergeboutique.com

This brand-new Ballard store is appropriately named. Within the cool hush of its loft-like brick walls, classic and contemporary come together in clothing that’s urbane, understated and elegant. Owner Patricia Wolfkill combines years of experience as a clothing designer, executive for Donna Karan and BCBG, and owner of an apparel company to open her boutique, aiming to bring sophisticated New York style to a generation of Seattle women who currently have nothing to wear. “Women 30 – 50 don’t want to dress like they’re 22, or like their mothers, but there are no choices out there,” says Wolfkill.

Merge seeks to provide the foundation of an intelligent working wardrobe with modern clothing that’s not overtly trendy, yet is sophisticated, wearable, luxurious and realistically priced. To this goal, Wolfkill hunts for clothing that fits well and drapes beautifully. This fall, look for the upcoming L.A. designer Julie Kwon’s label Rhys Dwfen, vintage-inspired dresses in silk and cashmere (about $350 – $450) and Habitual ‘Virtuoso’ trouser jeans ($198), perfect with the edgy leather jackets from New York’s Nicholas K (up to $700).

MISSI LU
2909A E Madison St in Madison Valley
206-860-2037
www.missilu.com

It’s a small world, says Bridgette Johnson, when one of her customers reveals that she, too, was a former flight attendant for United Airlines. For years Johnson flew around the world, filling her suitcase with rare finds to bring back to friends who were always eager to shop her home parties. Now she happily buys for a living, putting her jet-setting skills to work stocking her tiny Madison Valley boutique with clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories from global and local creators. “I have an eye for different, hard-to-find, unusual things ... and I’m willing to travel anywhere to get it,” Johnson says with a twinkle.

“Any woman, no matter what size or age, can come in and find something unique,” she offers of her store, just off the main shopping street and opened since February 2006. Among her close-to-home goods are the locally made, butter-soft bucket bags of Lan Ding ($280), recycled cashmere sweaters, scarves and hats from Seattle’s Vintage Creations, and styles from Portland’s flirty and feminine Sofada. Further afield, Johnson gathers clothing from various trend shows, including wearable sweaters from Vermanie Collection ($78 – $180), narrow-leg, dark-wash jeans from Henry Generation ($180) and fancy separates from Beyonce’s House of Dereon ($150 – $300). When asked about a rack of colorful beaded skirts she replies, “Oh those? I picked them up on a recent trip to India.” For Johnson, it certainly is a small world.

PRETTY PARLOR
119 Summit Ave E on Capitol Hill
206-405-CUTE (2883)
www.prettyparlor.com

Anna Lange, owner of Pretty Parlor, once worked as a corporate graphic designer by day, throwing fabulous fashion fêtes at night. Back then, she swore she would open her own chic little boutique that reflected her spunky attitude. Now, six years later, Pretty Parlor is a veteran of vintage, mixing it up with mod, new styles from independent designers. Lange runs her Capitol Hill shop with Kitty Vince, arranging her assortment of hand-dyed slips from local girl Gunlis ($25 – $95), refreshed classics from House of Pretty Parlor ($20 – $250), men’s ties by Greenwood’s Angel Eyes ($30), and resurrected couture from Seattle’s Suzabelle ($39 – $300), along with other new and gently used clothing, accessories and shoes for both women and men.

Lange’s mission is to sell only secondhand or locally produced items. A staunch supporter of the arts, last year she paid over half a million dollars to Northwest craftspeople. Her particular selection process leaves her with an attachment to every piece in the store. “Everything is handpicked and touched by these,” she says, waving her scarlet red nails. “Each garment receives love.” A multifaceted artist herself, when Lange’s not reviving retro clothing, you may find her swinging as Nana Bão and her Bossa Boys, performing with Tap Explosion, or participating in a video set against the spun sugar pink walls of her shop. “Pretty Parlor is a lifestyle for me,” says Lange, the place where all her passions — music, art and fashion — come together. “It’s fun, flirty, frivolous,” says Lange, “and one of the friendliest places on earth.”

SWEETIE
4508 California Ave SW in West Seattle
206-923-3533
www.sweetieboutique.com

This West Seattle boutique has seen a natural evolution since its doors opened four years ago. Back then, the clothing bore a bit of edge — call it rocker chic — with graphic fitted tees, jeans, and flirty skirts and dresses. Today, Joeanna Purdie’s store still possesses a sassy attitude, but softened with a sensible side. Partial credit for this shift may be attributed to the arrival of Louela Rose, Purdie’s daughter and first child, six months old and already a seasoned shopper.

Many of Sweetie’s customers are moms, too — women who are active with their kids and community while managing full-time careers. Fit and stylish, Purdie seeks clothes that suit her lifestyle — classics with a touch of trend that will transcend passing fad. She provides with the likes of brilliant, wearable and perfect-for-travel jersey sweetheart dresses by Rachel Pally (around $200); Trina Turk wide-leg pants, an alternative to jeans (about $200); and super-soft Splendid and Saint Grace tees ($30 and up). “We’re for the girl who wants style and fashion, maybe a little bit of trend, but something she can wear next year,” Purdie says. Armed with the knowledge that her customer is a woman who is totally on the ball, Purdie looks for a good fit, along with fabric and construction that withstands the rigors of juggling work, family and an occasional cocktail.

SYNAPSE 206
206 First Ave S in Pioneer Square
206-447-7731
www.synapse206.com

“I opened a store because I wanted new clothes to wear,” says Tina Bueche, owner of Synapse 206, “and now I’ve got a great wardrobe and a lot of loyal customers from all over the world.” The brick-walled boutique in Pioneer Square, housed in an infill building (erected between two structures) is overflowing with creative clothing and accessories from more than 28 independent designers, both local and international. Bueche’s fashion mission is two-fold: To provide a springboard for emerging artists and to satisfy her need to express her personal style without having to mortgage her home.

In its fifth year, Synapse 206 attracts adventuresome shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind garb such as Seattle’s Neodandi ($200 and up), couture treasures from New York’s Selma Karaca ($200 – $1,000), and the luxurious leather handbags of Helena de Natalio of Buenos Aires ($100 – $150). Stylists also head to Bueche’s shop when they need inspired costuming for photo shoots and videos (look for her clothing to be showcased in the upcoming David Bowie remix dance video). However, you may never see Synapse 206 featured in a mainstream fashion show — like the darkened dance clubs in her Pioneer Square neighborhood, Bueche prefers to remain underground, at a quiet destination for ‘dangerous’ shopping and the thrill of discovery.

TATTERS
7605 SE 27th St, #105, Mercer Island
206-232-805
www.tattersmi.com

Mention Mercer Island, and cutting-edge international fashion isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, seek out this unassuming storefront in the busy commercial district and you’ll be rewarded with savvy style to rival any continental boutique. When asked to characterize her typical shopper, Tatters' owner Michele Tesler muses that even when she opened, she wasn’t sure who she would see walk through her doors. Today, in her second year, she still can’t categorize her customer, saying, “it’s not about age, it’s about attitude ... women love my clothes because they can feel hip and comfortable without dressing like their kids.”

Tesler carefully considers form and flattery with intriguing cuts, daring color and touchable texture. In her gallery of wearable art, you’ll find Aimee G of New York — architectural jackets and skirts, priced from $150 up to $500. For the sweater set, check out Reset, an Italian line of knitwear that touts the mantra, Resist Settling Down ($150 – $600). And nowhere else will you find the styles of Berlin designer Anett Roestel ($200 – $700), a fabulous find for the lovers of diaphanous femininity. Not everything is so aspirational in price: Tesler also makes sure she has casual, affordable and equally interesting tops, pants, skirts and jackets, along with a well-honed selection of handbags, hats, jewelry, scarves and other artistic accessories to complement her worldly wardrobe.

TRIA MODA
129 Park Lane in Kirkland
425-739-9660
120 Fifth Ave S in Edmonds
425-771-9266

In this sophisticated boutique located on a tree-lined lane in Kirkland, two girlfriends browse through the store, one obviously enthusiastic, the other a reluctant shopper. After brief cajoling, the hesitant one tries on a top and a beautiful skirt by Israeli designer Rina Zin ($120 – $640), and happily walks out with an ensemble that she’ll wear for years. That’s how it happens at Tria Moda: Customers fall in love with the fabric, colors and intriguing cuts handpicked by owner Victoria Philipek — and it’s an affair that can last a lifetime. Women, young and not-so, find her selections comfortable, flattering, incredibly chic, and ideal for busy lives that often include travel.

How to describe her clothing? “We’ve called it knockout drop-dead gorgeous … and then there was funky, fun and functional,” Philipek laughs. “What we really do is appeal to a well-heeled customer age 35 and up with clothing that is edgy but not trendy.” For more than 12 years, Philipek has walked the line, bringing in the likes of sculptural sweaters from Italy’s Sarah Pacini ($180 – $380), pleated wonders from Babette of San Francisco ($110 – $320) and softly constructed wool blend separates from Annette Görtz of Germany ($120 – $640). In Philipek’s two locations, you’ll also find everyday tees to lavish winter shearling coats, along with a smattering of accessories such as Sandy Duftler belts ($120 – $580) and Johnny Farah handcrafted leather satchels and totes ($280 – $580).

Lei Ann Shiramizu is a freelance fashion and marketing writer embarking on a second act of opening her very own boutique for body and abode. Look for Momo, opening Fall 2007 in Seattle’s International District.

©2007 Caliope Publishing Company