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…

Consignment hounds, this designer enclave is well worth the S.R. 520 bridge toll: Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Ragamoffynn’s still reigns as the Eastside queen of consignment; owner Gisela Manning’s shrewd eye keeps the high-end couture stock flush with elite designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Prada and Chanel (boots!). If your wallet is…

Begin on Main Street, the historical pocket of downtown just south of Bellevue Square, which harks back to the area’s days as a sleepy Seattle suburb, where an independent spirit lives on along a pleasant promenade of unique boutiques and restaurants. Begin at (1) Jarbo, the source of Sharon Roth’s exquisite clothing line, which she…

Sure, in days gone by, Queen Anne had more bustle (see: departures of the Teacup, Oslo’s and Skookum), but this petite charmer still has appeal. There’s nothing quite beats linking arms and strolling Queen Anne Avenue, peeking into an intimate spot like 2-year-old (1) Charley + May Co., located at the northernmost end of the…