Capitol Hill’s allure as a boutique shopping destination was ratcheted up a notch on May 2 with the debut of Likelihood (1101 E Union St.; 206.226.0826; shoplikelihood.com), a fashion-driven men’s shoe and accessories shop located in the newly opened Viva building. Owned by first-time retailers Aaron DelGuzzo and Dan Carlson, the modern shop is smartly…

Forget the Birkin bag. In Seattle, the preferred status symbol is the homespun tote—especially when it’s a handmade version by Such Sweet Tierney (suchsweettierneyshop.com). Using hand-mixed, eco-friendly inks in a range of colors, from earthy to effervescent, husband-and-wife team London Tierney and Christian Perry silkscreen original geometric prints onto canvas bags at their Pioneer Square…

When Ballard-based Ryan Barrie’s restaurant gig in college left him longing for the perfect apron, he turned to brother Michael, whom he calls a true craftsman. “He’s always been able to fix or make just about anything,” Ryan says. To get the fit exactly right, Michael taught himself to sew on an industrial machine, hunted…

Haute Hibou sale event Seattle native Rachel Brown was inspired to open her boutique Haute Hibou when she realized that her style needs weren’t being met in her own city. Haute Hibou carries chic bohemian-inspired clothing and accessories—anything from dream catchers to kimonos, summer-inspired maxi dresses and rompers. And in honor of festival season, it’s…

When it comes to trendy footwear, Seattle is stepping it up with homegrown talent. Check out these local shoe manufacturers who are making that old “sandals and socks” joke sound as outdated as a pair of Buster Browns Report Footwear With its on-trend, everyday looks at accessible price points, Report and its more fashion-forward sister,…

Get ready to be dazzled: Luly Yang, the duchess of dresses and all things glam, is throwing one sublime fashion show on Sunday, April 12 at the W Hotel Grand Ballroom. And you’re all cordially invited. The event, appropriately titled The Butterfly Effect (Ms. Yang has an affinity for Monarch butterflies; remember this dress she…

I recently went on a four-day press trip to Vancouver Island, B.C. My non-adventurous, inappropriate footwear-wearing self was schlepping through forests, tagging along on a salmon-fishing excursion, touring hotels, tasting tea-infused cocktails and meeting and greeting with just about anyone who had a fascinating story to tell. It was grand. If you’ve never been on…

Usually I’m letting you know that Wear Wednesday at W Seattle is featuring some fabulous designer, but this time I’m letting you know that I’m participating in it. On Wednesday, March 18, the style editors of the region’s glossy mags and lifestyle websites will be showcasing our favorite trends for spring. We’ll each have a…

“Italians, both men and women, are thought to be the most fashionable and impeccable dressers in the world, but what I admire is the work and knowledge behind the beauty, ” says Issaquah-based accessories designer Mun Hui Yi. After spending 14 years in Florence, Italy, working for Valentino, Hugo Boss and Benetton, she returned to…

A good handbag is one of life’s small blessings. Find one that suits your style, holds all of your essentials and is made well, and you’re set for life. If supporting a local designer is also part of your agenda, Fremont-based Alice Noon (alicenoon.com) is the line for you. Handmade by self-taught designer and creative…

After 17 years spent dressing legions of tiny tykes in clothing so beautiful that adults coveted the same styles in their size, Flora & Henri’s Jane Hedreen is having some grown-up time. In addition to the kids’ clothes that put her on the map, Hedreen has launched Flora Femme, a small but growing women’s line….