!–paging_filter–pTo be honest, I’m kind of shocked by this news, because the store is so awesome and men’s wear is having a moment right now, but according to a message from a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com.239elwb01.blackmesh.com/blackbird-closed“Blackbird/a owner Nicole Miller on Facebook, she is closing her nine year-old brick and mortar store in Seattle on July 31 to focus…

From left: “Blossom” from Bellevue-based Adicora ($125, available at adicoraswimwear.com). “Kure” from Ballard’s Drifting Arrows, in lapis ($212, available at driftingarrows.com). A 1950s-style pin-up skirt one-piece and highwaisted bikini, both from Broadview-based Frankie Four, frankiefour.com (both $95, available at Velouria in Ballard, shopvelouria.com). Drifting Arrows’ “Traveler” sun hat ($110 each).Background, “Dots” beach blanket in gold/navy…

!–paging_filter–pSwing by downtown’s a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/sway-and-cake“Sway and Cake/a on the fourth for mini-margaritas and veggie dogs, a huge sale (20 to 70 percent off) and snap up a patriotic tee shirt to wear to the rest of the day’s activities while you’re there./ppFor the first time in the store’s 11 years, they’re releasing a limited edition…

!–paging_filter–pa href=”http://www.victoriassecret.com/” target=”_blank”Victoria’s Secret/a is launching their U.S. of Angels tour on July 10, where? Why, a href=”http://local.seattlemag.com/bellevue-collection“Bellevue Square/a, of course. Seattle was chosen as the first stop on this swim wear style tour based on the most social media interactions and votes during a campaign held earlier this year via Twitter and Instagram. We’re…

!–paging_filter–pNo matter how often I apply and reapply sunscreen, all that exposure to the blaring sun takes its toll on my skin, reddening it like a lobster. But it’s not like I’m going to stay inside on these beautiful days—a girl needs her vitamin D. The reps from my favorite luxe skin care line, a…

!–paging_filter–pIt’s summer sale time at these local retailers. Ditch work a day early and spend July 3 shopping!/ppa href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/veridis“Veridis/a: 30-70 perfect off spring merch.br /a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/horseshoe“Horseshoe/a: 50 percent off select Toms and sandalsbr /a href=”https://totokaeloman.com/” target=”_blank”Totokaelo Man/a: 30 percent off summer stylesbr /a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/sandylew-0“Sandylew/a: 10 percent off purchase if you show your Future Beauty ticket…

!–paging_filter–pIt’s looking like a heat wave this week, perfect timing for a a href=”http://local.seattlemag.com/drifting-arrows-swimwear-opens-online-mercan…“Drifting Arrows/a swimwear trunk show at a href=”http://local.seattlemag.com/madewell“Madewell/a! This locally designed bathing suit line, owned by a href=”http://driftingarrows.com/shop/category/swimwear/” target=”_blank”Leah Lawrence/a, is full of bandeaus and high-waisted bottoms, as well as one-pieces with dramatic (but not overly sexy) neck- and back-lines. Peruse a…

!–paging_filter–pDIY maven Laura Buzard, owner of Ballard’s a href=”http://local.seattlemag.com/laura-bee-designs“Laura Bee Designs/a, is cleaning out her craft closet on June 29 and 30 for the store’s third annual sidewalk sale. Expect back stock of craft supplies like fabric, zippers, buttons, glitter, beads, craft paper, ribbon, faux leather, faux suede and assorted treasures from both Buzard’s personal…

!–paging_filter–pEven though they moved into their a href=”http://www.pacificplaceseattle.com/” target=”_blank”Pacific Place/a digs just a few years ago (from their first location at City Centre), the Seattle a href=”http://www.barneys.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Home-Show” target=”_blank”Barneys/a has just undergone a refresh. A Barney’s spokesperson tells me that they’ve expanded the leather goods section by 100 percent and combined men’s and women’s ready-to-wear on…

!–paging_filter–pGet ready, Madrona, the a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/glassybaby“Glassybaby/a Seconds Sale is Saturday, June 29. Door open at 8 a.m., but legions of devotees and addicts begin lining up between 3 and 4 a.m. (some, we hear, go as far as sleeping in their car to get a primo spot in line) at 3406 E Union Street for…

!–paging_filter–pThis is one of those sales that shoe- and indie designer-loving shoppers wait for: a href=”http://local.seattlemag.com/lambs-ear-shoes-0“Lambs Ear/a summer sale. nbsp;Enjoy 30 percent off some amazing, unique, distinctive and comforable oxfords, sandals, ankle boots and even a moccasin from LD Tuttle, Isabel Marant, Hope and my personal current obsession, a href=”http://lambsearshoes.com/brazil-.html” target=”_blank”Beatrice Valenzuela/a./pp style=”text-align: center;”img src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/bgreen2.600.jpg”…

We may use e-mail and texts for day-to-day communiqués, but somehow a virtual thank-you note still falls flat, which is why it’s essential to have a stash of notecards at your disposal—like these from Green Lake’s Balue/Co. Created by graphic designer Lauren Wallace, who sells them (and her line of equally cool jewelry) online. The…

“One size fits all” is a tricky phrase, especially for those who don’t fit into that one size. But when it’s generous and versatile, a one-size garment is a miracle, which is what interior designer April Pride has created with her miracle dress, actually called The Dress, which serves as a first foray into fashion…