Back-to-school gear, sensitive-skin makeup, fall handbags and happy hour for shoppers

I thought I would be bored when I went in search of back-to-school gear, but instead, I found supplies, books and bags worth buying (and the best part is, you don't have to head back to the classroom to use and enjoy these finds). It was still hard work, so after one relentless day of scouting I stopped by Olivine's new Shopping Happy Hour for an attitude adjustment. It made me giddy, not inebriated, and I walked away (in a straight line) with a new cream blush at a discount.

GREAT GEAR FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

Supplies with Finnish style: Brightly colored graphic designs will help with back-to-school blues. Marimekko, the Finnish textiles and clothing company, makes pencil cases and tins, notebooks, files, mouse pads, backpacks and canvas book bags in their signature prints. Available at Tuuli. Prices range from $8-$80.

The Facecase: It's a toy, a tote, a backpack, a creative outlet. The Facecase by Little Packrats comes with electrostatic decals that affix to the colorful face design on the vinyl pack (think Colorforms). Kids can mix and match facial features, adjust the straps for use as a backpack, and stuff it full of school supplies. Plus, the slick vinyl wipes clean. For ages 3 and above. Available at Capers, $16.95

Tom Bihn bags: Offbeat local bag designer Tom Bihn has several styles to choose from, but I like the backpack that doesn't look like one. The Smart Alec backpack is sleek and modern without all those distracting zippers and cords. It's roomy and features two exterior pockets and comes in crimson, grape or charcoal. Available at Tom Bihn, $100.

DORM DÉCOR

These small table lamps with handmade shades by Mibo are the perfect size for cramped dorm rooms, but pack a very mod punch. I like the Pease Pottage, Bo'ness and Leith patterned lampshades. 18 inches high; available at Velocity Art and Design, $136.

With the Magnetic Strip Bulletin Board by local company Three by Three, you can post pictures and keepsakes without puncturing them. The 28-inch colorful metal strip comes with 12 powerful magnets to hold photos, class schedules, phone numbers, etc. Available at Velocity Art and Design, $12.

WHAT'S NEW

Stop by after work and treat yourself to a little shopping therapy at Olivine Atelier's new Happy Hour. Every weekday between 4-6 p.m., this Ballard boutique serves tea, cookies and shopping specials. Each day brings different specials - when I stopped by last week, everything in the store was 10 percent off. It was the perfect time to scoop up Bumble and Bumble products (which never go on sale) and cosmetics including Olivine's own line, Lulu Beauty. Watch for new fall merchandise in the coming weeks, including locally designed jackets by the Bella Sisters, leather belts by local handbag designer Aubrey Summers, Olivine logo T-shirts with vintage-style bluebirds, and cashmere by Juicy Couture. Happy Hour runs through the end of December.

COMING UP

Susan Posnick appearances: As soon as I saw Susan Posnick's mineral-based Colorflo foundation I wanted it. The clever retractable brush is pumped with a pigmented powder that glides easily over skin, especially sensitive skin. Celebrity makeup artist Posnick developed the natural formula after a bout with skin cancer. She also came up with Colorme, a sexy, shimmery blush for eyes and cheeks, and the Colorcorrect double-sided pencil that works like a charm on dark circles and blemishes. Meet Posnick and her makeup team at these shops on the following dates:

Friday, Sept. 10: 2-6 p.m. at Frenchy's; 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at Carmilia's

Saturday, Sept. 11: 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. at Vain

Crystalyn Kae Fall Launch Party: Local accessories designer Crystalyn Brennan will introduce her new fall line of accessories on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Crystalyn Kae Accessories. Shopping begins at noon and the party starts at 8 p.m. The ebullient Brennan is known for handbags, belts and makeup bags featuring wild and colorful vintage fabrics. Her new line is made with a glazed faux leather in rich fall colors with contrast top stitching. Save 20 percent off all new handbags that day, and enter to win a free handbag and wrist cuffs. Prices for accessories and handbags range from $40 to $260.

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