Let Pioneer Square's Gems Sneakershop be your sole provider

Seattle is filled with creative 30- and 40-something guys who, while not obsessed with fashion, are capable of creating a signature look out of a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. And given Seattle's perpetual "casual Friday" work environment, that outfit can easily transition from the office to happy hour to the weekend.

Not content with run-of-the-mill chain stores like Foot Locker and not willing to spend the big bucks at Barneys, many of these guys (my husband included) are on the lookout for clothes and sneakers that are reasonably priced and office-appropriate, while still providing a little flair and flavor.

Boy, meet Gems, Seattle's newest sneaker shop. Located on Western Avenue in Pioneer Square, Gems is an innovative shoe boutique that caters to men (women's sneakers coming soon) who know the importance of a good shoe. It's owned by sneaker enthusiast John Mooney, a guy with 12 years in the sneaker business and a keen eye for style.

Mooney has filled his signature mirrored "cove wall" with exclusive and limited-run kicks from the likes of PF Flyers, Timberland, Clae, J.B. Classics and Not For Nothing by Gourmet. Shoes range in price from $40 for a pair of supercool yellow PF Flyer high tops to $300 for some ruggedly handsome leather Timberlands.

Mooney has also brought on Japanese-influenced toys, T-shirts and glow-in-the-dark hoodies from tokidoki, Kid Robot and Gwen Stefani's Harujuku Lovers, which range in price from $6.90 for small Dunny vinyl toys to $100 for a hoodie. Delectably colorful jewelry from Tarina Tarantino ($30-$190) rounds out the offerings.

Fully embracing their artsy Pioneer Square location, Gems will showcase a new artist each month for the First Thursday gallery walk. July features aerosol artist and tattooist Keet D'Arms.

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