Boutique Shmoutique

It's a season of sales in Seattle's fabulous boutiques, making it a perfectly dreary, who-wants-to-be-outside-anyways month to break your assumption that boutiques are only for skinny, rich women. Deals are ready for the reaping, so grab your girls and head north of the Ship Canal, where some of our favorite boutiques reside. Here is a short selection of a few where you can find money-smart steals right now.

FREMONT

Dream (3427 Fremont)
This "dreamy" place on the main drag in Fremont is the little, and yet more popular, sister to "Bliss." Here you will find perfect jeans, simple-yet-well-cut sweaters and easy leather bags. With names like Kinski and Page neatly stacked on the shelves at prices ranging from $50 to $300, there is a piece for every pocket.

Horseshoe (720 N 35th)
There is a comfortable, western feel to this tiny shop, with plenty of distinctive, patterned pieces to mix and match with your favorite stand-bys. The owner and her recruited friends run the place, making the customer service you receive impeccable. (Disclaimer for the sake of transparent journalism – the charming gal working the day we went in gave me a Champaign cocktail, but we swear we cannot be swayed by alcohol… no no, not me…)

Impulse (3516 Fremont)
Tucked away in an underground mall and full of sophisticated clothes, this classy loft-esque space is stocked with the best of New York. Expensive, chic, and, well… simply beautiful clothes. (WARNING – their sales are stellar, but even their discounted prices will shock some of you. Doesn't mean you won't find something you have to have though, so please, enter at your own risk.)

Photo by Kristopher
After the jump, Ballard boutiques.