16. Blackbird
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 547-2524
Address: 5410 22nd Ave. NW (North)
Description: This high-end Ballard men’s clothing store was born because owner Nicole Miller struggled to find interesting styles in Seattle for her husband. Blackbird has since become extremely popular, offering men’s fashion that goes way beyond the typical: screen-print tees, vintage-inspired materials, French classics, and everything else from preppy to surfer looks. There’s also a great line of watches, shoes, belts, hats, and sunglasses. The space is urban and edgy, with concrete floors, airy loft ceilings, and a mobile metal staircase that displays shoes.
17. Ella Mon
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 297-2800
Address: 5404 22nd Ave. NW (North)
Description: This charming Ballard women’s boutique is decorated with a wealth of unexpected architectural elements, from the gorgeous chandeliers to the intricate ironwork racks and trellis that towers over the checkout counter. Another nice touch is the original artwork on a large gallery wall; a different local artist is on display each month or two. Ella Mon aims to bring contemporary fashion to urban professional women, with friendly service. The clothes are classic and sophisticated rather than trendy—but they’re anything but boring. Ella Mon caters to women over 35, and carries designer lines from Jenne Maag, James Jeans, and Isabel de Pedro, among others. Trunk shows and collection launches happen quite frequently.
18. David Lawrence
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 622-2544
Address: 1318 4th Ave. (Central)
Description: High-profile fashion is the look here, and at David Lawrence you’ll find men’s and women’s clothing that you probably saw at that trendy Belltown hotspot last night. Names such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and John Paul Gaultier line the racks, as well as denim from Rock & Republic, Genetic, and William Rast. As you may have already surmised, the price tags reflect the labels; this is not the place for bargain shopping, but if you want high fashion you have found your nirvana.
19. Encanto Barcelona
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 621-1941
Address: 1406 1st Ave. (Central)
Description: This stylish store is the place to shop for modern men’s and women’s European imports, in an affordable price range. Although they don’t run sales, there is always a rack of “seductively priced” merchandise. The selection is fluid and constantly changing, and there is also an assortment of accessories. The staff are very helpful and attentive, without being pushy. Check out the second location in Ballard.
20. Fresh
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 522-3774
Address: 7309 35th Ave. NE (North)
Description: The spring green color scheme and beautiful displays make this shop a delight to walk into. Partners Wendy Schwartz and Julia Marconi enjoy collecting a unique assortment of clothing and accessories that you won’t find in the department stores, including local designers. A fun selection of items outside the wearable fashion realm includes cards, housewares, baby items, candles, and a great gift selection.
21. Frock Shop
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 297-1638
Address: 6500 Phinney Ave. North (North)
Description: Owner Suzy Fairchild describes her boutique as “Audrey Hepburn’s closet,” and you certainly get that vibe. The vintage-inspired collection of dresses and separates are fun, unique, and beautiful. Fairchild’s background includes working as a designer for Nordstrom and in London, and it shows in both the aesthetic of the store and the eclectic styles available here. She also makes and sells her own hats and handbags that feature vintage leather belts for straps.
22. Industry
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 547-9961
Address: 1826 6th Ave. (Central)
Description: Industry’s Web site claims that it is fashion for the everyday rock star, and begs its customers to never settle for average. The hip, urban fashions found here are definitely different with a rock ’n’ roll edge. Jeans and designer T-shirts are the staples, but great jackets and accessories can also be found. Owners Angela Kantanto and Megan Stokke met in Paris, and their store is clearly styled with a French creativity and that distinctly Parisian shopping experience of finding hidden treasures tucked in small corners. For men who like comfortable, basic clothing—yet want a stylish look that’s different—you can’t do better than Industry.
23. Sandylew
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 903-0303
Address: 1408 1st Ave. (Central)
Description: Sandylew is a refreshing find in the downtown shopping scene. The owner, Sandy Lew, is a local jeweler and metal artist, and she turns that eye for dramatic visual art to her fashion collection. The sophisticated yet sometimes wacky array of international designers runs a wide range of prices, so there is something for everyone. You’ll find lots of custom-printed fabrics, Asian-inspired designs, and ruffles. Eco-friendly items and accessories are also available, and Lew’s own steel and mixed-media dress sculptures adorn the walls.
24. Arcane Comics & More
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 781-4875
Address: 5809 15th Ave. NW (North)
Description: Arcane carries a wide selection of new and back-issue comics, magazines, games, posters, videos, toys, collectibles, and apparel. New comics arrive every Wed and are on the shelves by noon. The Best Reads program offers customers the first volume of recommended series, at a 40 percent discount. In addition to this Ballard location, there is a second store on California Avenue in West Seattle.
25. Archie Mcphee
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 297-0240
Address: 1300 N. 45th St. (North)
Description: This Wallingford store is a one-stop location for gifts, party supplies, crafts, costumes, oddities, and the weirdest collection of toys and candy that you’ve ever seen. A mecca for connoisseurs of the strange, Archie’s is reminiscent of a carnival sideshow. If you find yourself in need of a rubber chicken, punching nun, 8-foot-tall gladiator, or pickle lip balm, this is the place to come. Most of the 10,000-plus items are priced at less than $15 and are sure to bring out the kid in everyone.
26. Gasoline Alley
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 524-1606
Address: 6501 20th Ave. NE (North)
Description: This is one toy store that appeals to adults much more than children. Gasoline Alley is filled with an incredible collection of thousands of vintage and collectible toys, including scale die-cast kits, out-of-production model kits, sports memorabilia and trading cards, and much more. The store stocks more than 120,000 items at any given time, including some very, very rare items.
27. Golden Age Collectables Ltd.
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 622-9799
Address: 1501 Pike Place Market #401 (Central)
Description: Located on the lower level of Pike Place Market, this store concentrates on classic collectibles and comic books. In business since 1971, the store has a vast collection that includes pop culture merchandise like movie scripts, autographs, Japanese toys, and vintage toys. Fairly regular special events occur as well, such as visits by superheroes.
28. Schmancy
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 728-8008
Address: 1932 2nd Ave. (Central)
Description: Schmancy is a pretty downtown store that carries a great selection of quirky toys, collectibles, and original artwork. The owner, Kristen Rask, loves plush toys so much that she founded an annual exhibit called Plush You! that showcases plush creations from around the globe. A gallery also showcases the whimsical art of various local artists.
29. Zanadu Comics
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (206) 443-1316
Address: 1923 3rd Ave. (Central)
Description: A diverse selection of comics including new and back issues, mainstream, alternative, adult comics, and graphic novels. There’s also a collection of T-shirts, models, videos, and more. Zanadu features regular appearances by artists and writers at both the downtown location and the second location in the University District.
30. Delaurenti Specialty Food & Wine
City: Seattle, WA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (800) 873-6685
Address: 1435 1st Ave. (Central)
Description: This downtown store pays homage to the food and wine of Italy, from a huge selection of olive oils and handmade pastas cut to order, to the excellent deli case and numerous varieties of imported prosciutto and cheese. Upstairs you’ll find racks holding more than 500 Italian wines, which could be overwhelming if it weren’t for the knowledgeable staff who are happy to make recommendations based on your likes or what you’re cooking. Don’t pass by the sweets; DeLaurenti has some incredibly tempting chocolates, cookies, and sorbet.