DailyCandy Seattle

Doodle Bug

2009-11-06T14:15:00Z

Lisa Marie Norton's Pet Doodles

When you doodle, it’s usually something shameful like your name with boy-of-moment’s last name. You know, just to see how it will look when you fetch the mail after you two are married with kids.

Lisa Marie Norton’s doodles have real-life inspiration.

The Michigan-based graphic designer creates noncutesy five-by-seven portraits of your dog, cat, bird, bunny, iguana, turtle, or snake. You supply her with photos; she takes pen to paper and then colors it in digitally. The depictions are modern, cartoony, and a little Japanesey.

At just $50, they’re a perfect sentimental gift for yourself or others.

Even if they’re not destined to be significant ones.

Available online at lmnoprint.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Lisa Marie Norton

Oh, Blow Me

2009-11-06T11:30:00Z

Swink Style Bar Opens

If you leave work at five; take the express bus home; wet, dry, and style your hair; reapply your eyes; and then grab a cab, at what time and cost will you arrive to dinner?

If you answered less-than-fashionably late, drop in to Swink, downtown’s new blowout bar.

The airy loft space offers eight styles. Sport the pretty English Rose upsweep to the symphony. The G&T (Girly and Tousled) look on your date. Or the composed and sleek Fifth Avenue for a big job interview. Each costs 30 bucks and takes a half hour. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.

Makeup touch-ups and full applications with looks created by Suresh Seneviratne will also save you time when you don’t trust yourself or want to try something new.

So it’s not the same old story.

Swink Style Bar, 611 Stewart Street (206-682-7070 or swinkstylebar.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Swink Style Bar

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s Gordon Ramsay’s birthday on Sunday so have a f***ing good time.

SLEEP
FJS Pillows
What: Rest your head on beautiful, hand-sewn cushions inspired by the designer’s g-ma’s hankie collection, batik shirts Spitta wore in seventh grade, and his mom’s old hippie threads.
Why: You’re feelin’ groovy.
Where: Online at fjspillows.com.

REREAD
The Classics
What: Penguin’s jazzy ten-book collection of Coralie Bickford-Smith-designed hardcovers is finally available in the U.S. of A. Titles include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and Great Expectations.
Why: It’s a universally acknowledged fact that they’re awesome.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

SIGN UP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Introducing our new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our fave designers — all at up to 80 percent off. Beta site (and first sale) goes up Nov. 16.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get dibs (first 100 members get $100 gift cards).
Where: Online at swirl.com.

DONATE
Your Halloween Candy
What: Participating dentists will buy back your unopened treats and ship them to troops overseas.
Why: You’re sweet enough already.
Where: Online at halloweencandybuyback.com.

BE
A Fashion Designer
What: Stylish sketchbooks feature figure templates (that disappear when photocopied) and a notes section on every page.
Why: Unleash your inner Coco.
Where: Online at hokeycroquis.com.

BUY
The Working Proof
What: New site releases a print by an emerging artist every Tuesday. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
Why: The proof’s in the pudding.
Where: Online at theworkingproof.com.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of FJS

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-05T11:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Hang on to your hat.

PARTY
Stranger Circumstances Opening/Crawl Space Closing Party
What: Farewell shindig for the artist-run gallery featuring works by artists Massimo Guerrera, Alana Riley, and Ron Tran with interactive theater by PDL (Jason Puccinelli, Jed Dunkerly, and Greg Lundgren).
Why: Show your street-art smarts.
When: Sat. Party, 6-10 p.m.; performances every half hour, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Exhibit thru Nov. 29.
Where: Crawl Space Gallery, 504 E. Denny Way (206-201-2441).

SHOP
Swirl, Sample Sales by DailyCandy
What: Sign up for the new sample sale e-commerce site with clothing and accessories from our editors’ favorite designers at up to 80 percent off.
Why: DailyCandy subscribers get first dibs plus a chance to win $100 gift cards.
When: Beta site (and first sale) launches Nov. 16.
Where: Online at swirl.com.

SEE
Seattle International Cabaret Festival
What: Performances by The Tiger Lillies, Circus Contraption Band, Can Can Castaways, Orkestar Zirkonium, The Heavenly Spies, Vagabond Opera, Scarlet Room with DJs Darek Mazzone, I (Heart) Shiva, and more.
Why: Life is a cabaret, old chum.
When: Thru Nov. 15. Fri., 8 p.m.
Where: Various locations. Tickets and info online at cabaretfestival.com.

Diana Szeinblum’s Alaska
What: The Argentine choreographer makes her Seattle debut in a driving, humorous, and sensual dance piece exploring loneliness and memories.
Why: Hot and cold fronts collide.
When: Thurs.-Sun., 8 p.m.
Where: On the Boards, 100 W. Roy St. (206-217-9888). Tickets online at ontheboards.org.

HANG
SAM Remix
What: A celebration featuring the new exhibit from Hinrichs; Michelangelo-inspired temporary tats; music by Tigerbeat, DJ Riz, and Paul Rucker; and tours.
Why: Life imitates art.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 1300 First Ave. (206-344-5275). Tickets at 206-654-3121 or all SAM locations.

Or would you rather skip town this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Massimo Guerrera

Apiece Apart Clothing Fall 2009

2009-11-04T17:30:00Z

Hot Tomato

2009-11-04T17:00:00Z

Black Tomato Launches DailyCandy Travel Desk

Travel dream No. 1: India. Now, pick cities. (Jaipur? Udaipur?) Find driver. Arrange elephant ride. And sunrise mountain picnic. Mmmkay. Maybe you’ll just go to your mom’s.

Travel dream No. 2: It’s Wednesday. Your boss tore you a new one. Sure would be nice to call in sick from a beach in Mexico Friday morning.

If only? Impossible? Nope. We’re making it easier to get outta town: We just launched a partnership with Black Tomato, the travel company for the way we (that means you) travel — in totally customized trips.

Why do this? Well, someone needs to take you from A (you know where you want to go) to B (you can’t deal with the arrangements).

Why Black Tomato? You pretty much suggested it. When we published its Insider’s Guide to Indonesia last year, so many of you booked with BT — and kept booking — it’s a wonder you got any work done in 2009.

What’s in it for DailyCandy subscribers? A dedicated travel desk a call or e-mail away. Personalized service. Custom trips. And sweet extras like a free night at a hotel (or that sunrise picnic).

We’ll keep doing what we do here at DailyCandy Travel: hitting the road and reporting on the destinations we think you’ll love. Only now we’re making it easier for your getaways to happen.

Your wish, our command.

Available online at blacktomato.co.uk.

Apiece Out

2009-11-04T14:15:00Z

Apiece Apart Fall 2009 Collection

Deafening sirens, rowdy mob scenes, shrieking teenagers.

Sheesh. Can’t we get a little peace and quiet?

Actually, yes, thanks to Apiece Apart, a high-end line of sleek separates that harmonizes your wardrobe.

Designed by two NYC gals, the collection consists of everything you need (from skirts, trousers, tops, and jackets to carryalls, clutches, and belts) to look like a chic, put-together grown-up. (And really, it’s time.) Articles pair as well with each other as they do with those crazy impulse buys (hello, sequin leggings!) sitting in your closet.

The hefty price tags might feel like a problem.

But pristine cuts and luxurious fabrics make Apiece Apart of the solution.

Available online at satineboutique.com, mickmargo.com, and shopjumelle.com. To see styles, go to apieceapart.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Apiece Apart

The New Wave

2009-11-04T11:30:00Z

Surfin Seafood Home Delivery

Aw, a sand facial. Ouch, dude. That was a severely gnarly tube. It’s no wonder you look wiped out.

Maybe you’re not getting enough go-go juice. Let Surfin Seafood round out your diet with fresh seafood delivered to your door monthly.

Owners Tina Montgomery and Jennifer Hanseler offer a variety of flash-frozen fishies in every package. The possibilities include salmon and halibut, a bottom fish like sole or cod, an exotic fish such as marlin or mahimahi, and shellfish like Dungeness crab or Gulf White prawns. Substitutions are welcome, and portions measure three-quarters to one pound each.

Order size varies from those for a single person to a family. And the flash-freezing process preserves flavor and allows the catch to be kept for up to a year.

Creating a situation where you’ll want to eat it.

Surfin Seafood (425-821-1303 or surfinseafood.com).

Delightful Deals

2009-11-03T16:00:00Z

Aren’t we the cutest little e-mail you’ve ever seen?

Gifts for Nesters

2009-11-03T14:00:00Z

Where’s your piece of the hostessing pie? Try these gift picks, homeslice.

Immersion Course

2009-11-03T11:30:00Z

Pratt Fine Arts Center's Mini Art Classes

Before jumping off the deep end, you usually prefer to test shallow waters with a trepidatious toe, then tread out to sea strapped in swimmies and watched by a vigilant lifeguard.

Now your cautious self can carefully dabble in the art world. Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Fall into Art mini classes let you explore your creative inclinations in a professional studio.

Sparing precious time and dollars, the twenty-plus options whet your appetite for painting, drawing, printmaking, glassblowing, bead making, sculpting, metalworking, and ornament crafting.

Offered ten days only (November 15-25), the four-hour sessions cost $45-$130 and include course materials. Both beginners and seasoned artists are welcome.

So you won’t be out of your depth.

But you might make a splash.

For more information or to register, go to pratt.org.

Photo: Courtesy of David Lindes

Fine, Have It Your Way

2009-11-02T14:15:00Z

Omne Necklace by Gemma Redux

Help! Help!

Woman screams.

Deep in the heart of Pleasantville, there’s a damsel in distress. She’s worn the same boring jewelry every day since 2007 (hold back your tears, please).

Wait what’s that? It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s Super Necklace, a.k.a. the Omne by Gemma Redux.

It morphs from chunky choker to open chain necklace to bohemian hair accessory to dangly belt in the blink of an eye — all thanks to a really strong magnet. Don’t believe it? We caught it in the act in today’s video, shot in New York City, er, Gotham.

And here’s the part that really saves the day: It retails for just $98 and up.

You know, in case you wanna hire it for birthday parties.

Available online at gemmaredux.com.

Have a Field Day

2009-11-02T11:30:00Z

The Field House Mercantile Opens

How can I help you? I see. That’s quite the shopping list.

Fortunately here at The Field House, we’ve quite the selection. And oodles of old-fashioned charm to go with it. (Wink.)

Let’s see. Woolrich Woolen Mills jackets for men and women? Check. Alden and Red Wing boots? What size? Shirts from the Japanese phenom Cosmic Wonder? For a man or woman? How about a little something to treat yourself? Diptyque perfumes and Cire Trudon candles make perfect sense. Here you go.

On to edibles: Rococo chocolates; Island Trollers albacore; local produce like apples, potatoes, and pears; Bee Raw honey. There’s so much to stock up on.

Thanks for shopping and come back soon. There’ll be Christmas trees and lessons on lost skills, for instance lawnmower repair and how to debone a chicken.

Things that don’t always register in the modern age.

The Field House, 5465 Leary Avenue (206-297-6093).

Photo: Courtesy of The Field House

Content Fashion Exhibit at Portland's Ace Hotel

2009-10-30T19:00:00Z

The Portland fashion scene takes over 28 rooms at the boutique hotel.

Don't Be Yourself

2009-10-30T13:45:00Z

Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

You know what was truly a fright last Halloween? Seeing a sexy Sarah Palin on every block.

This year, opt for something a little more original and a little less hockey MILF (but perhaps equally as creepy). And no, Balloon Boy isn’t what we’re getting at.

In today’s video, we show you five easy DIY costumes that you can make in less than ten minutes: a cereal killer, little white lies, swine flu (sorry, couldn’t resist), a chick in a box, and — get this — a Kraft single (you know we’d never pass up a chance to be cheesy).

The best part: You won’t need to stand in line at a Halloween superstore (which can be a scary sight on its own) for any of the above.

You’re a maverick in disguise.

For more detailed descriptions on how to make each costume, check out our photo gallery.

Strap One On

2009-10-30T13:15:00Z

Pup to Go Dog Carrier

Hey, everybody. My name’s Precious Peanut McDoggle III. May I sniff your crotch?

[Can I have a treat?]

You may think it’s easy bein’ a dog, and all I need to be happy is a snack or two (apples, Pinkberry, bread, insect bits, etc.). Not true! Although I am famished.

[Can I have a treat?]

The truth is, when you leave, I go nuts. So might I suggest you buy a Pup to Go dog carrier? So I can come with you everywhere.

[Can I have a treat?]

Basically, it’s a durable, breathable backpack for your front with my head coming out the top and arm, leg, and tail holes on the sides. It’s machine washable, comfy for us both, and available in three sizes.

[Can I have a treat?]

Sure, people might mistake me for a big, furry human baby at first.

But wouldn’t that be a treat?

Available online at puptogo.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Pup to Go

Empty Nest Syndrome

2009-10-30T10:30:00Z

The Living Room Bar Opens

October’s cloud cover made you retreat to your abode like a squawking bird in a gold-toned cage (your digs might pass for gilded — if you’d dust).

Break out of captivity tomorrow night at The Living Room, Cap Hill’s latest late-night hangout. Brought to you by painter and installation artist Monika Proffitt and Clay Roach, and tended by beloved former Brasa bartender Mi Suk Ahn, the homey haunt welcomes the laid-back cocktail class with a champs- and brown-liquor-laden menu.

Sit in the lap of luxury beneath two giant skylights and frosted light fixtures on a blue deco sofa; upstairs, choose a black chaise or perch at the wood and resin bar.

Cardenal Mendoza brandy, fino sherry, and champagne cocktails (try bubbles mixed with sparkling cider, calvados, and fresh orange) appeal to a cultured palate, as do the DJ selections.

There’s no holds barred.

The Living Room, 1355 East Olive Way (206-708-6021 or thelivingroombar.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Chris Fronek

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T13:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Be who you wanna be.

COMMISERATE
Cassette from My Ex
What: Writers (Jancee Dunn, Rick Moody) and other creative types wax nostalgic about old flames through the music they compiled.
Why: Beach ’93 (a.k.a. V-card mix) will never die.
Where: Online at amazon.com.

WRITE
Penzu
What: Record your scandalous thoughts and upload pics in a handy online diary. Unlike blogs, it’s accessible by only you unless you decide otherwise.
Why: Secrets, secrets are so fun.
Where: Online at penzu.com.

READ
Poetry of Food
What: New online magazine contains recipes, restaurant reviews, foodie recollections, and pics that’ll make you hungry.
Why: Eat these words.
Where: Online at poetryoffood.com.

PACK
Old-Fashioned Luggage
What: Although the colorful, little suitcases aren’t big enough for a vacation (let’s be real, overpackers), they’re perfect for day trips or even organizing things around the house.
Why: Stuff it.
Where: Online at landofnod.com.

WEAR
Month-of-the-Year Undies
What: Hip Portland-based site just started making timely little skivvies with leftover scraps from other projects. November and December coming soon.
Why: Don’t wear them a month straight.
Where: Online at store.makoollovesyou.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cassette from My Ex

The Weekend Guide

2009-10-29T10:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Here’s your weekend horrorscope.

SEE
Degenerate Art Ensemble’s Sonic Tales and Halloween Party
What: Local performance art troupe presents an over-the-top theater/music/video event followed by a Halloween bash with music by Awesome and DJ Tamara.
Why: It’s ghoul’s night out.
When: Performances, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. Party, Sat., 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Where: The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave. (206-467-5510). Tickets online at stgpresents.org.

Beeswax
What: Comic mumblecore flick from director Andrew Bujalski features a sister dating her twin’s ex.
Why: Makes your dating indiscretions seem less witchy.
When: Thru Nov. 5. Opens Fri., 7 & 9 p.m.
Where: Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave. (206-329-2629).

PARTY
Halloween at Havana
What: A giant tent, three bars, and an art installation by House of Hands with a lineup that includes Truckasauraus, Tigerbeat, and Introcut.
Why: You love to boogie, man.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Havana Social Club, 1010 E. Pike St. (206-323-2822). Tickets online at brownpapertickets.com.

SHOP
Get Hitched Give Hope
What: A wedding planning event with donations from top vendors for raffle and auction to benefit stage IV breast cancer patients.
Why: Help those who’ve had a real scare.
When: Thurs., 5:30-9 p.m.
Where: Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Ave. (206-340-0340).

EAT
Halloween at La Spiga
What: Five-course Halloween-themed mystery dinner, wine pairing, spooky cocktails, and a generous gift certificate for best costume.
Why: Dress to kill or just to thrill.
When: Sat., 5 p.m.-midnight
Where: 1429 12th Ave. Reservations at 206-323-8881 or hello@laspiga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Degenerate Art Ensemble

Go Wilde

2009-10-28T16:00:00Z

DailyCandy Goes to Ireland

Ireland has a long history of rhyming (Wilde, Yeats, Joyce, Beckett). But there’s no East Coast-West Coast rivalry, which means you can hip-hop across the country from Dublin to Galway.

Dublin or Nothin’
Start by getting cozy. Check into Dylan (Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4; +353-1-660-3000), a colorful boutique hotel in a renovated Victorian building not far from St. Stephen’s Green. Then head off the beaten path to the serene Irish Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8; +353-1-612-9900) for outsider, Irish, and international art.

Now you’re ready for some Guinness. Grogans Castle Lounge (15 William Street South, Dublin 2; +353-1-677-9320) is a divey watering hole where local artists and writers will keep you entertained with stories and so-so artwork on the walls. Order another (and another) at Shebeen Chic (4 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-9667), a gastropub decorated in thrift shop finds and clotheslines.

Prevent a hangover with classic Irish fare like black pudding and smoked haddock at The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop (40 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1; +353-1-872-7320). How incredibly charming and cozy is this place? Well, there’s also a great selection of hard-to-find used books.

When you’re ready to shop, hit Design Centre (59 South William Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-679-5863) for Irish labels like Philip Treacy and Pauric Sweeney and Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2; +353-1-667-4215) for housewares, boho clothing, and affordable jewelry.

And get your green on strolling the River Liffey and the many parks around town.

Such Galway
It’s dramatically gray, right on the water, and authentically Oirish. And when you hang your hat at the glam Philip Treacy-designed The G (Dublin Road, Wellpark; +353-91-865-200), you’re front and center to everything.

Galway is an incredibly walkable town. Here’s your path: Stroll along the River Corrib, over to the Claddagh (yes, of those rings), and amble along the expansive Salthill beaches next to Galway Bay.

The annual Galway Oyster Festival makes for quite a show, but you can get your aquatic fill anytime at the down-to-earth and boisterous McDonagh’s Seafood House (22 Quay Street; +353-91-565-001), where no one notices how much you eat or drink. (It. will. be. lots.)

Pop into Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street; +353-91-564-540) for gems from Irish designers like Lainey Keogh and Mary Grant. Come weekend, hit the centuries-old farmers market (next to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Mainguard and Lombard Streets) for local crafts, woolens, and the biggest carrots you’ve ever seen. Saturdays are best for food; Sundays are all about crafts.

You’ve fallen in love with the town, now hit the road. Rent a car and drive to Cliffs of Moher for breathtakingly high views and then wind around through the rocky terrain of the Burren and breathe in the fresh air. So many sheep, cows, and horses. So many green hills and dramatic waters.

Aye, it’s enough to make you wax poetic.

While you’re down there:
+ DailyCandy Goes to Edinburgh

Photos: Jupiter Images; Courtesy of Grogans Castle Lounge; Courtesy of The Winding Stair Restaurant + Bookshop; Courtesy of Avoca; Courtesy of The G; Eoin Gardiner/Flickr; Courtesy of McDonagh’s Seafood House; Courtesy of Lainey Keogh; Courtesy of Cliffs of Moher