Petaline in Green Lake takes the gamble out of online shopping

Though shopping online from the comfort of your couch will save you from hauter-than-thou boutique employees, covert charging does have its drawbacks.

Though it's a champ at sending e-mail and IMs, your laptop can only communicate so much about the fit and feel of things. You could easily wind up with a shift dress that resembles a spandex sausage casing or a jersey cowl neck reminiscent of a burlap sack.

That's where online retailer and NWsource shopping columnist Alison Brownrigg comes to the rescue, with her newly opened, by-appointment showroom, the brick-and-mortar complement to her shopping site, Petaline.

"People want to touch, feel and try clothing and jewelry on, see art in person and try out a handbag," Brownrigg says. "I didn't want storefront; I just wanted a studio space where I could have customers over to try stuff on, but also use as my office for shipping and writing."

Tucked away in a cozy vine-covered stand-alone garage behind a home near Green Lake, the showroom is available for customers to come in and get a feel for the fit of a particular item before they buy. "I hope people will feel comfortable making an appointment to check out something that they've been eyeing on the site," Brownrigg says. "I only carry high-quality items, which is hard to express on the Internet. This way, people can come and check it out for themselves."

Brownrigg, who launched Petaline in 2006, focuses primarily on high-end Northwest designers. Clothing from Suzabelle, Alula and Prairie Underground, and paintings from Irene Wood are displayed on the site alongside sustainable Elroy Apparel from Vancouver, and handbags and wallets from Portland leather smith Sara Barner. Many of these items are now available in tangible form in Brownrigg's showroom.

The light-filled space, which also will host events such as trunk shows and art openings, exudes a relaxed, stay-awhile vibe. A bold, blue-striped wall meets an industrial painted concrete floor covered with Kilim rugs, and the other, off-white walls are lined with artwork for sale. The showroom opens onto a garden patio, which Brownrigg shares with a super-friendly (and super-sized) Great Dane named Canyon.

Another benefit of the studio is its proximity to one of Brownrigg's favorite designers, Victoria Simons, whose skirts, tops and dresses made from vintage fabrics are crafted just down the street. Simons' clothing will soon be available online and in the Petaline showroom.

The showroom is open by appointment only at 115 N.E. 65th St. For more information or to make an appointment, call 206-459-5926 or send an email to alison@petaline.net.

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