NEW SHOPS:

This is getting slightly ridiculous: As if South Lake Union wasn’t cool enough (Hot pretzels at Brave Horse Tavern! Some Serious Pie! Amazon HQ! A neighborhood SLUT!), SLU shepherd Vulcan announced this week that several new retailers will call the nabe home come the fall. In addition to Mio Sushi eatery and another Capelli’s Gentlemen’s Barbershop locale, a 16,000 square foot West Elm home and furniture store will open on the ground floor of the 2200 building.

But apparently, this whole barefoot running is here to stay because Born to Run, a 2,000-square-foot shop mecca for all shoes VivoBarefoot and Vibram, will open across from REI come fall too.

SALE ALERT:

Regardless of where you side on the whole barefoot running debate (as in, good for your feet, but not quite what you’d call cute), your sporty side will be doing laps at this weekend’s annual Sportswise warehouse sale at the Canal Building in Fremont. Women’s wear from sports lines like Karma, Vertical Girl and hometown fave Oiselle will be offered up at 30-80% off.  The sale is on now, and runs through Sunday. (Warning: it is indeed that special weekend when funky Fremont celebrates the Solstice, so expect crowds on Saturday!) 

THE GOODS:

These Little Shirley vases never fail to make me smile. Crafted by Queen Anne’s Lauren Burman of Material Good, the sweet little pots debuted in 2009 and come in a variety of vibrant colors for summer. Snag them and an accompanying bud at Marigold & Mint, and brighten someone else’s day as well.