Food & Drink
October 2010: Shopping Around
Our top shopping finds for the month
By Kate Calamusa December 31, 1969
This article originally appeared in the October 2010 issue of Seattle magazine.
WHAT A FLEURT
It’s easy to be seduced by Fleurt, longtime Westside resident Sam Crowley’s perky new flower and gift stop. Freshly cut hydrangea blooms, peonies and dahlias sit in bud vases ready to be plucked for an arrangement ($8), vintage window frames accent the chartreuse walls, and cheerful repurposed tables are piled with ever-changing gift ideas, such as Seed Bomb bags packed with Northwest wildflower seeds ($7.50). Crowley, who carries her own line of Petal soy candles ($30/13 oz.), also picks up jewelry finds on her global travels (most selling for swoon-worthy prices of $10–$25). Our favorites: her teeny terrarium necklaces ($10). The main attraction, though, is Fleurt’s floral artistry. Crowley’s arrangements ($40–$100) are organically grouped in vintage milk bottles, steel buckets or other found-object containers. Sourcing blooms from area farmers, she delivers for $10 in Seattle, or free to those lucky enough to live in West Seattle. (West Seattle, 4461 California Ave SW; 206.937.1103; fleurtstudio.bigcartel.com).
THE WUNDERKIND
Some design by the book, but emerging women’s couture designer Isaiah Whitmore, 20, is more along the lines of a mad scientist, concocting gravity-defying necklines and silhouettes out of faux python leather and voluminous tulle. This off-the-wall style is beginning to pay dividends for Whitmore, a sophomore at the Art Institute of Seattle: Last May, he competed against 100 other local student designers to win his own set at Seattle Fashion Week. Futuristic and edgy, his new fall women’s wear collection broods in moody gray and black hues with dramatic wraparound head scarves and overaccentuated hiplines. Tough, streamlined jackets, a “python” leather dress and leather collar work capture his sassy, citified vibe, leaving one to wonder how long before the scheming apprentice graduates into design genius. Custom work available by contacting [email protected].
PLAID PAD
After dropping half a grand on your long-awaited iPad, do your future self a favor by snapping up Kirkland-based Plaid Doctrine’s chic carrying case. Sewn with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, the water-resistant, foam-padded sleeve will keep your precious cargo safe from crazy-making slips and spills. $79 at plaiddoctrine.com.
MUST-SEE RUNWAY SHOW:
Design maven Luly Yang debuts her latest wave of fashion on October 8 at her annual fall show. Sponsored in part by Seattle magazine, Yang’s show will use the Seattle Aquarium to showcase her new line’s oceanic theme, which incorporates elegant, free-flowing gowns in aquatic blues and greens. Proceeds from the always fabulous fête benefit Seattle Children’s. Check website for time. Prices vary. Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way; 206.623.8200; lulyyang.com
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