What's new for October

Fashion comes to Greenwood, doggie couture, charming amulets, scenic handbags and pretty plates.

EVERYTHING LOOKS GOOD IN TWEED

Amid vintage furniture stores, secondhand shops and a sleepy retail core, Danielle Luartes, owner of the new boutique Tweed, has sparked a fashion frenzy in Greenwood. "I just opened a week ago and I already have to re-order things," says Luartes. The cozy shop has a vintage funky vibe with bead-board ceilings, an overstuffed baroque antique couch, hardwood floors, oversized gilt-edged mirrors, ornate chandeliers and a wood hutch filled with jewelry. The clothing, though new and trendy, has the same funky/vintage factor — orange plaid coats by Penguin have large pockets and retro-inspired details; teal and black fitted jackets by Industry have shimmery gold threads running through the fabric; and Brazilian high heels by Morenatom are covered in suede, leather and tweed.

Luartes plans to keep prices accessible. She has $19 slinky tops, $25 T-shirts, an edgy ski jacket for $120 and coats for up to $395. Among the latest labels in jeans, she's also carrying two lines that extend to sizes 34 (Indigo Palms) and 35 (Chalc) — almost unheard of in the world of diminutive derriere denim. Along with clothing lines such as Gsus, Beau Bois and Ben Sherman, you'll find Metal Pointus jewelry from Paris, a nice selection of knit hats and scarves, Maruca handbags, fun screen-print T's and tanks, and Lip Lingerie, a cutely packaged line of lip gloss with names like Frilly Thong. Added bonuses: Luartes offers a 30-day layaway plan if you see something you love but you're short on cash. She also has convenient parking on the premises.

CHARMING NEW JEWELRY BY SOPHIE GARDNER

Keep an eye on local jewelry designer Sophie Gardner and invest now in one of her pieces — she's sure to take off. I'm obsessed with her circular amulets; they're like secret personal charms with engraved images such as flying wings, horse shoes sprinkled with diamonds, fleur-de-lis and diamond-studded stars. But the best part is they're reversible, with a different image on each side, so it's like getting two necklaces for the price of one. The 14k gold charms hang on chains or hand-braided silk cords interwoven with tiny gold Balinese beads. Gardner will launch her new Web site this week with a feature to customize your own amulet, with choice of symbols, stones and yellow or white gold in 14k or 18k. Prices for double-sided amulets are $655-$685. She also offers lower-priced gold charms and pendants such as lovebirds nestled in a heart, four-leaf clovers, horseshoes and stars for $175-$485.

Along with mystical, lucky and nature-inspired symbols, Gardner has a full line of jewelry influenced by Spanish and Moorish architecture, art tiles, portals, arabesques, East Indian textiles and Byzantine medallions. The talented goldsmith makes intricate rings and earrings, necklaces with ornate pendants, and striking medallion-style cuffs. Many pieces are under $1,000 but go as high as $5,600. For more information, visit her Web site or call 206-234-8454.

DOGGY ACCOUTREMENTS

I have a new, baby French Bulldog that doesn't have a thing to wear — really. So I took Omar shopping at Fetch for a cool collar, snazzy little plaid harness and fresh baked cookies for being so damn cute.

I also went online to Cosmic Knits. Portland, Ore., designer Tahnee Swanton makes completely adorable color-coordinated stretchy knits for both pampered pet and pampered owner. Her new designs include an antique pink and black line with a doggy hoodie and reversible sweaters for Fido. For owners, there are coordinating scarves, hats, shrugs and bustiers. My favorite is the chocolate and aqua reversible line. I also like the soon-to-be-released Vintage line with green and chocolate pom pom scarf for me and matching reversible argyle sweater for Omar. Various items from Cosmic Knits will also be available at Fini, Bark, Railey's Leash and Treat, Laura Bee Designs, Three Dog Bakery and Presence.

RIAN HANDBAGS

These new totes and shoulder bags designed by locals Rian and Julie Berry feature cheery scenes of our favorite cites including New York, Chicago and Seattle in lemon, orange and red leather. Sturdy and durable, they have contrast stitching, side snaps for easy expansion, interior pockets, and illustrations on the inside and back of the bag. Available at Undies and Outies on Queen Anne or by calling 206-650-6616. The bags will be available for purchase online in the near future at www.rianhandbags.com.

DANGLE

Want to keep that pretty new purse off of filthy floors? Then you need Dangle, a portable handbag hanger that perches on the side of a table and holds up to 85 pounds. Designed by Seattleite Belinda Leung, the nifty accessory comes in brushed nickel, polished chrome and gold tone in its own pretty chocolate brown and pink leather box. Available online at dangle-it.com for $45. 

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