Entering the Melrose Market—a multipurpose indoor space on Melrose Avenue that houses Rain Shadow Meats, The Calf & Kid cheese shop and floral boutique Marigold and Mint—is like stepping into the beating heart of what defines Northwest refinement right now. Those who want to take a piece of it home ascend the small stairway between…

Stroll south down Western Avenue below Pike Place Market; once you hit University Street, you’ll find the first gold mine, (1) Liave, stocked with carefully chosen European home décor. Owner Cornelia Veit scouts Parisian trade shows, bringing back finds like German-made lamb’s wool blankets ($150-$300) or Ahmaddy print scarves that come in asymmetrical shapes ($80-$120)….

Start at Main Street and Sixth and walk down to Jackson Street for two of the most stimulating spots in Japantown: (1) Kobo at Higo, a former Japanese variety store turned artisan gallery that spotlights Japanese and Northwest design. Its jewelry selection is particularly well curated, with elegant gold-filled wire leaf earrings by local artist…

Start on Fremont Place North and Lenin (that would be the statue, not a street) and head southeast a block to embrace your saucy side at (1) Bellefleur, Jennifer Manuel Carroll’s charming lingerie boutique. Carroll is an expert at fitting and knows her merchandise thoroughly—which includes flirty panties and push-up bras ($18–$120). (Psst: Bellefleur also…

Starting at the east end of the strip, at Ballard Avenue and 20th, first pop into (1) Monster Art and Clothing, a trove for quirky oddities, such as a bronze meat-cleaver necklace, spirited toe socks or a hand-printed octopus shirt. With a stock emphasizing Northwest designs (owner Tara Smith herself runs organic clothing line Revival…

Thirty-two local emerging designers submitted their portfolios this summer to be considered for our annual fashion designer competition. After several intensive rounds of judging and deliberation, five winners (and two runners-up) have emerged (read all about them here). We were inspired by their bold concepts (“I want to give women something beyond clothing; I want…

The line: “I focus on using bold prints, colors and design details to bring a fun twist to dresses that have classic silhouettes,” says the Seattle Central graduate, who adds playful touches with darling bustier tops accented with vintage coral buttons, dainty peplum designs and demure open back accents. Creative spark: The 22-year-old Kirkland designer…

The line: The Capitol Hill-based designer’s line is synonymous with tomboy chic, focused on relaxed separates that pair sand-washed silk charmeuse tops with silk/wool twill bottoms. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, the line’s renegade attitude harks to a historical moment in women’s wear. “Pants at one point were liberating,” Kelly says. “They were about…

The line: Formerly a women’s wear and accessories designer at Nordstrom before opening her Frock Shop boutique in 2006, Fairchild lets both the pattern and originating era of the fabric breathe life into her exceedingly wearable skirts and girly yet refined day dresses (often offered for less than $125). “I love the silhouettes and styles…

The line: Czerwiec unconventionally combines print, color and texture to create a strong sense of personality and promote a lifestyle anchored in creativity. “I want to…push the boundaries of using basic materials in an interesting way—like the use of strips and remnants of knit jersey to create braided medallions as appliqués for coats and outerwear,”…

The line: The Central District-based designer (who works for a Ballard biking pannier company by day) describes her line as “urban cycling clothing for the professional woman,” as seen in garments like a violet pencil skirt that unzips on the sides to give more leg room to pedal. Other thoughtful details: reflective satin fabric on…

The line: The Ballard-based designer, who also holds a master’s degree in urban planning, uses one word to sum up her debut line, “edited.” It’s a well-chosen adjective: Roby’s jackets contain simple yet strong details such as cowl pockets or shoulders, leather collar work to accent her copper wool duster and the dramatically flared tuxedo…

The line: “I want my line to be timeless, but almost separate from ‘fashion’ per se, which can tend to revolve around trends and seasons,” says Chaney of her creatively crafted scarf frocks with sly peekaboo panels and asymmetrical hemming, cozy crochet sweaters and avant-garde coats made from army surplus wool blankets. “I want to…