Food & Drink
Fashion Friday: Last-minute Gift Ideas and Sales
A local jeweler opens up shop, a cheeky piece of bling and the question of the week: Do you Rue?
By Kate Calamusa December 16, 2010

Christmas approach-eth! Whether that statement throws you into fits of glee or sheer panic, we’re barreling down the home stretch towards gift-giving, family gatherings and rockin’ New Year’s parties. As you head out for the last-minute touches this weekend, take note of the new shops and sales: In this month’s issue, I had a minor gush-session over Regina Chang’s earthy, organic inspired jewels. I had a major freak out once I received news from Chang this week: She is now the proud proprietor of Vintage Goods in Columbia City, a sweet little gift boutique where she will also sell her jewels. Chang describes Vintage Goods’ wares as “mid century retro,” including home décor and gifts, including glassware, ceramics, kitchen wares and sweet linens. For info on the shop, which will be open sparotically during the holidays, click here.
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but this flamingo pink blingy ring is like that sister soul-mate friend you split a BFF necklace with and promise to always, always tell your secrets. The fun and cheeky solitaire is crafted by local designer/architect/engineer wonder woman Shirley Chiu, and would add a very Carrie Bradshaw-like flair to any ensemble, don’t you think? (That is a big whopping hint to any desperate dudes reading.)
As if you needed a reason to visit Francine Park’s darling little Kirkland boutique Promesse, here’s a big giant kick in the pants to get you across the 520 bridge: Everything in the shop, from chic women’s wear to precious pint-sized baby garments, is 20 percent off today and tomorrow. Pop in at the right moment and receive a top-secret holiday gift or a glass of champagne from the helpful staff.
There is a certain high reserved for scoring a super deal (a cross between two glasses of wine euphoria and sweet puppy kisses, to be precise) and Seattleites have been riding a high this week, welcoming high-end deal site Rue La La to our fair city. Based in Boston, Seattle is only the second city to score local deals via Rue, during their debut week offering up deals at the luxe Four Seasons ($100 off spa treatments!) and Seattle Chocolates, as well as national luxury brands like DKNY, Seiko and even vacation deals to the Caribbean and beyond. Sign up on the free membership site to receive daily emails on current deals, but don’t procrastinate, sales are offered for a limited time (check the running clock on each deal for the time frame, it’s a race against yourself).