Origami artist Cindy Ng, who built her business, Finger Magic, on whimsical, three-dimensional forms made out of paper, has now upgraded from paper to fine metals with her new line, Origami Bijou. With deft and delicate fingers, Ng transforms thin sheets of silver into everything from frogs and bunnies to fortune cookies and castles.
By Natalie Bow | December 24, 2007
Sleeping beauties will love Essenza's new collection of pretty PJs. The eponymous line from the Fremont boutique was designed by owner Becky Buford and her sister, Wendy Fink. After selling luxury nightwear for years, the sisters knew what women wanted. "We've had so much feedback on sleepwear from our customers, and incorporated that into our designs," says Buford. "We paid particular attention to comfort, fit, length and the weight of fabric."
By Kathy Schultz | December 18, 2007
Before you buy another squeaking busy bee or hand-knit puppy vest, consider, for a moment, the other end of the leash. There stands a perfectly generous human, who regularly showers her pup with the best treats and toys money can buy. While she would not begrudge her furry sidekick a thing, the sight of his holiday payload -- plush bed, bakery-fresh cookies, couture luggage -- is apt to make her feel a little left out.
By Lisa Wogan | December 17, 2007
An astonishing number of new food-related books kindled my interest this year. I read — and reveled in — a stack that melded entertainment with enlightenment, offering an extra-big helping of history, geography and cookery. Among the highlights were the following giftables that delved into everything from food politics to food snobbery, kabocha squash to kumamotos.
By Nancy Leson | December 12, 2007
Ballard's latest and greatest concept in shopping is Pulp Lab, a small, gallerylike space that hosts limited-run shopping events. At any given time, Pulp Lab may showcase sale items from local boutiques, artwork, clothing and jewelry from independent designers, or any other cool consumable that strikes the proprietors' fancy.
By Marika McElroy Cain | December 11, 2007
The most celebratory of all beverages, champagne and sparkling wine shine during the holidays, whether they hail from France, Napa Valley or just across the bridge in Woodinville. We've compiled (and taste-tested) some of the best bubbly available locally, to serve at your next party, give to your favorite hostess or order at your preferred watering hole.
By Natalie Bow | December 7, 2007
Got fanatical foodies on your gift list? Here's what to get them.
By Nancy Leson | December 5, 2007
With shops such as Sony Style, Sephora and Sole Food, University Village is women-friendly every day, but on Dec. 4 and 5, the outdoor mall will crank things up a notch with its annual Holidate with the Girls shopping event from 5 to 9 p.m.
By Natalie Bow | December 3, 2007
Failing to present your sister's cat with a gift last Christmas left you sitting in the doghouse while everyone else watched adorable Freckles with her new toy mouse. Then, suspiciously, you were bumped to the kids' table at dinner.
By Britt Olson | December 3, 2007
If playing dress-up is your favorite part of the holidays, then this will be a particularly fun season for you. Boutiques, department stores and local outposts of national retailers are stocked with dresses that run the gamut from cute and casual to supremely elegant, making shopping for a party dress a much simpler task than in seasons past.
By Natalie Bow | November 30, 2007
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