Craze is West Seattle's best-kept secret for affordable fashion

Though it hasn't officially ended, the passing of Labor Day seems to have heralded the end of summer. It's time to put away your sundresses, flip-flops and tank tops and see what holes need filling in your fall wardrobe.

If you're like me, you're looking to purchase a few key pieces to refresh what's already in your closet while keeping a tight hold on your purse strings. Always on the lookout for boutiques that focus on maximum cuteness for minimum cash, I've recently discovered Craze in West Seattle.

While Craze has been open for almost a year, it's flown under the radar on the Seattle shopping scene, waiting quietly to be discovered. Owners and sisters Capterin and DD Batubara, from Indonesia, have stocked their store with affordably priced pieces that look more expensive than they are.

Craze caters to the 30-something woman who wants up-to-the-minute work outfits and who likes a more gussied-up jeans and T-shirt look. I was hard-pressed to find anything that cost more than $100 -- even a thick houndstooth coat from Double Zero was only $89. A sexy, silky black-and-white dress with a bow on the sash, also from Double Zero, was a jaw-dropping $63.

Other standouts from my recent visit included a soft gray hoodie from Hellagent with cool pocket details ($69); denim trousers from Flying Tomatoes ($67) that would look adorable paired with a black-and-blue striped short-sleeved sweater from Double Zero ($45); and a navy blue dress with bold purple and pink flowers ($69) from Insight that is right in line with the winter floral trend all the fashion magazines are showing.

Craze carries accessories as well, with jewelry ranging from $15 to $50, and not a handbag over $90. At those prices, it's easy to do a little shopping without spending like craze-y.

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