Local Designers

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 wool, 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” leather clutch is a must have and can add a pop of color to any wardrobe.







“Julia” leather clutch- designed by Jamie Irene, $125 from Bouncing Wall (2225 Queen Anne Ave N; 206.285.9255; 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 ribbon accent!







Laura Bee clutch- designed by Laura Bee, $28 from Laura Bee Designs (6418 20th Ave NW; 206.789.4044; laurabeedesigns.com)



Tote It



This tote bag will fit perfectly into your life. Métier means “profession” in French. 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.







Métier 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!







“High Dive” “Tractor” and “Cheka Looka” T Shirts, $25 each from Destee Nation (3412 Evanston Ave N Fremont; 1.888.332.6437; 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.







“Hammer Ring White” belt buckle $70; “Pebbles” belt buckle $140; Leather Belt $140; All from Fancy (1914 Second Ave; 206.956.2945; 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.







Greenfire Massage Candles- Created by Jen Loewen, $6.99-$13.99 from Amazon



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.



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)



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.







Leather Cuffs, $128- designed by CP jewelry (2225 Queen Anne Ave N; 206.285.9255; 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.







Salumi, all meats range in price, from Salumi Artisan Cured Meats (309 3rd Ave S; 206.223.0817; salumicuredmeats.com)

Leave a Reply