It is time to come to grips with the inevitable: saying goodbye to that ratty “Frankie Says Relax” T-shirt you wear when running errands and hello to designer Amanda Boyd’s stylish Sandmaiden line of lounge wear. A former career-wear designer from Vancouver, British Columbia, Boyd first started sewing wrap cardigans and warm woolen leggings almost…

For die-hard thrifters, finding a vintage dress that seems tailored for your 1940s alter ego is a thrill in itself, but sometimes the real thrill is finding the shop it’s hanging in, especially when there’s little more than a handwritten sign to mark its stealthy locale. Such is In Commune (Capitol Hill, 1510 12th Ave.;…

As the team at Luly Yang Couture approaches the month-to-show mark next week, the fabulous social media manager Andrew Hoge sent me a quick recap of their week complete with a juicy peek at some fabric being used in the April 27 couture show. But first up, Luly and team booked their models, holding a…

Tomorrow morning, at 9 a.m. sharp, the downtown Nordstrom Rack completes its move from Second Ave to Westlake Center with a grand opening celebration. Last night, I got a sneak peek at roomy new space, and let me say: It is glorious. Walking into the doors located at the corner of 5th and Pine, the…

Do you worry that your kiddos are more familiar with Angry Birds than with their multiplication times tables? Chances are you’re just like us—guilty of throwing your kids in front of the iPod or iPad just so you can secure a few minutes to finish up that nagging work project or make a couple of…

If you’re a Project Runway fan, you’ll love Seamless in Seattle. We’re combing the city for the best up-and-coming fashion designers hungry to change the face of local fashion. This year, we’re offering the winners big prizes, such as the chance to launch their line at a premier fashion event. Find complete details on the…

HAUTE WHEELSA blend of couture and bike messenger gear paves the way for a new look, sans Lycra bodysuit, but with the same fierce attitude. Jil Sander sleeveless nylon vest with cashmere lining, $1,840, Neiman Marcus. Patagonia black pullover polyester nano-puff jacket, $159, REI, layered over Marni “Maglia Dolcevita” beaded turtleneck cashmere knit sweater with…

Forget Photoshop: If you can’t be there for family photos at the reunion this summer, send a head-size pillow with your face on it instead. Open since August and headquartered on Capitol Hill, PillowMob puts a high-res image of your lovely mug on a circular- or oval-shaped pillow ($25, includes shipping), sewn on-site. Creative pillow…

Go giddy piling on Ballard-based crafter (and former Seattle mag publisher) Melissa Vail Coffman’s “badminton bracelets,” a cheeky take on the classic gilded tennis design. Hand-beaded with glass, silver and colored crystals, the slinky wristlets are available in an array of bead finishes, which range from antique to a diamond-like shine (in case you can’t…

When Elizabeth Roberts, a former Microsoft recruiter, philanthropist and busy mom of three, added yet another accolade to her résumé with a fashion line late in 2011, she blamed it on her iPhone. “Our phones work harder than ever and do so many different things,” she explains. “I started to wonder why none of my…

Rosanna tableware fans, take a deep, cleansing breath: For years, Rosanna Bowles’ flash sales on her popular dishware sets have been the stuff of shopping legend. Legions of fans line up early to snag deals on glassware, mug gift sets and dinnerware—all while trying to avoid flying elbows. But we can shop sans shoving now…

Mark your calendars: Sweet West Seattle perfumery Knows is hosting not one, but two, Seattle designers this weekend in conjunction with their own sale. Owner Christen Cottman is marking down her wide array of candles, body care and perfume lines (which include ultra hot Penhaligons, Patch NYC and Sumbody) anywhere from 15 to 70 percent…