Barneys Co-op narrows the divide between you and high style

In a city where polar fleece often passes for cocktail wear, Barneys New York is a beacon of style in a sea of Dockers. The trouble is, even those who will gladly drop $250 on a pair of Rock & Republic jeans at Nordstrom find Barneys intimidating.

Fear not, Seattle shoppers: Barneys Co-op, the less expensive arm of Barneys New York, carries a selection of attainable, cutting-edge men's and women's fashion from an array of boldface designers. What's more, the staff forgoes pretense in favor of a knowledgeable, down-to-earth approach to helping customers.

Barneys Co-op is located on the second floor of Barneys' new Pacific Place digs. Men's Co-op occupies the strip of concrete on the west side of the floor, while Barneys New York for men takes up the wood floor. Women's Co-op fills out the rest of the second floor.

In addition to a slew of clothes by Vince, Trovata, Mike & Chris and DVF, the most noteworthy buys here are those pieces you won't find elsewhere in Seattle. Barneys contracts with a number of designers who make pieces exclusively for the store: Ella Moss, Daryl K and Marc by Marc Jacobs, among others (look for the "& Co-op" label).

This season's exclusives, which cost the same as the designers' regular pieces but are only sold at Barneys, include a women's camel trench by Theory ($555) and a Marc by Marc Jacobs women's wool coat in navy or bottle green with brass, military-style buttons ($598).

The store's own Co-op brand offers some downright deals, such as men's cashmere sweaters for $98 and Italian-made dress shirts for $165. Add to this a selection of denim more than 20 styles strong -- with prices ranging from $65 for Cheap Monday skinnies to $325 for The Proportion of Blu's gray waxed denim boot-cut jeans with platinum rivets -- and you've got a khaki-free experience.

Barney's Co-op is at Pacific Place, 600 Pine St.; 206-622-6300. Visit the store online at www.barneys.coop.com.