Why Seattle lacks style

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Seattle seemingly remains one of the largest cities to lack any style sensibilities. One could argue the land of Birkenstocks and North Face is stylish in its own sense, but I will attempt to unfold and understand why Seattle continues to rank poorly in the land of style.

Dolce & Gabbana doesn't make raingear

    Interestingly enough when one hears the word Seattle they instantly think about torrential downpours. Though our rainfall is no more significant than other areas of the world, we do still get enough to make many of us feel a preference for an amphibious lifestyle. With the sporadic and unpredictable weather we see here in the Emerald City one must be prepared for sunshine and snowstorms over the course of one day.    Sadly enough, Dolce & Gabbana really doesn’t design raingear but that is no reason for us to allow sloppy dressing for the sake of weather. Many of us are hardly even go outdoors on any given day truly braving the elements; I have yet to find an internet startup whose office is located on the lawn. Instead we have an easy alternative for dressing up and being prepared without ruining your brand new Gucci dress: it’s called an umbrella!
    Yes the answer may seem so completely ridiculous but it is absolutely true. Many Seattleites consider umbrellas only for the weak at heart, but when we spend some serious dough on our duds it’s important to keep it protected! Easily enough, get yourself to your local department store, sporting good store, heck, even your local drug store to pick up yourself an umbrella. Stash one in your car, in your bag, and even in your office so that you’ll never have to leave unprepared.

Seattle sidewalks are not stilleto-friendly

    Ladies, I can absolutely feel for you attempting to walk down the streets of Seattle in heels. It’s impossible! I have a hard enough time myself walking to work without tripping and falling on multiple occasions. No, I’m not clumsy (at least I don’t like to think so) but these sidewalks were clearly not made for walking. I give kudos to women trying to brave the streets in their 5 inch heels with the incredibly rocky sidewalks, broken cement, and absurd amount of grates and vents, walking one city block could be the hardest obstacle course you might ever come across.    A simple solution to protect your heels (and your health): pick a pair of walking shoes for your “commuting,” and switch out to your fabulous Louboutin’s when you reach the office.

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What inevitably happens while trying to maneuver Market Street in Manolo’s.

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The perfect Valentino Satchel. If worn 3 times a week for 3 years (this timeless bag will last you for years to come) the Cost per Wear is only $3.86 — about the same price as your morning latte!

REI is considered a department store

    Since when did an outdoor recreation store become such a considerable staple? REI should be frequented for your next kayaking trip or that exciting trip up to Whistler for the long weekend. REI should NOT be the place you go to get your next pair of shoes for work, nor should you buy anything for your work attire there for that matter (unless of course, your career is outdoor-oriented). Friends, this is why we have Nordstrom in our very own backyard. 

Dressing up is defined as "your cleanest shirt and nicest khakis"

    Nobody dresses up anymore, especially when it comes to a night out to dinner. Khakis and a dress shirt is not considered dress up, nor is your cleanest pair of denim. Our dress code in Seattle has become so relaxed that many of our attires would be simply laughed at if we were visiting another city.    Take the east coast for example: If we strolled into our dinner reservations in a pair of Levi’s and a North Face we would be asked to leave. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is not style. It is imperative everyone has at least ONE decent outfit suitable for a nice night out.

Most dress for extreme outdoor activities rather than a day at the office

    Why is it that most Seattleite’s have the urge to dress in preparation of a serious avalanche? Last time I checked, lunch time isn’t long enough for a quick 10K bike ride nor is it time for a little jaunt up the mountain to parlay in the fresh powder, so don’t dress like it is.

Style Destinations

 

Barney's and Mario's are still considered cartoon characters

    Simply put – the vast majority do not even know that Barney’s and Mario’s are commodities other than childhood cartoons. If this could be you I will surely look the other way, but please be sure to do some research: these two stores will become your best friends.

Barneys New York

600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Your shopping best friend #1

Your shopping best friend #1

Mario's of Seattle

1513 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Shopping best friend #2

Shopping best friend #2

Nordstrom

500 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Shopping best friend #3

Shopping best friend #3

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if you have the guts to walk down our sidewalks in these, I applaud you!

Spending more on a pair of shoes or a handbag than ones rent payment seems blasphemous to many

        Last year I bought my first Gucci Bag. It was a messenger bag, and at the time i was able to snag it for just under $500 which is not bad for a fabric bag, especially since designer prices continue to escalate each year. Many of you have probably already gawked at the fact that I spent such a high amount on a simple messenger bag, but many of you have failed to remember a key element we use in designer to ease the nerves: Cost-per-wear (CPW).
        Having purchased that bag one year ago I can honestly say that I’ve used that bag every day for work over the past year and will continue to do so this year and who knows, maybe even a few years more. For the sake of simplicity while equating the CPW we’ll say I only wore it for a year. SO:

        52 weeks X 5 days a week = 260. At the cost of $500 (rounded up for simplicity) we divide the two and get $1.92. The CPW for my Gucci bag is $1.92 per wear which doesn’t make that price tag look so bag after all.
        One thing one must really remember when buying luxury (and I’ll make sure to cover this later) is the staying power of a luxury piece. Yes, the cost up front my seem unbearable but the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces will stand the test of time. So in perspective, spending the equivalent to a rent payment for a bag or a pair of shoes (I’m not saying you need to splurge every month) doesn’t seem so bad after all.

Many believe the grunge movement is still going strong

    Sorry guys, grunge died with Cobain. I appreciate if you re-interpret it for your own stylistic purposes – but if your closet has more plaid than you know what to do with, it’s time for an upgrade.

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it’s time to say goodbye to plaid.

Seattleites are EXTREMELY conservative with their money

    We’re home to 10 of the most richest zip codes in the country, yet the majority of our neighbors don’t know what Fendi is. Instead of spending money on our wardrobe from time to time the typical Northwesterner has become obsessed with tightening the wallet, and only splurging on the latest essential electronic OR outdoor equipment. Many people underestimate the power of spending money on style, the compliments the head turns, and the overall attention garnered by a put together outfit is far more accentuating to the self esteem than the newest iPhone attachment.

Seattleites spend more time in front of their computer than anywhere else, so why dress up?

    It is so true, Seattle is considerably one of the most passive-aggressive cities in the country claiming home to the internet startup boom. The vast majority of us have a job in the tech sector so it comes as no surprise that our laptops are a stronger staple in our lives than the morning paper. When we get so used to sitting in front of our computer for the majority of the day, why do we need to get dressed up?    Wrong answer: just because your work involves your laptop does not give you an excuse to wear sweats all day. Get dressed, it’s good for you.

Reason #11: It's hilly, and we don't have great public transit

I can totally see being stylish in New York City, because New York is pretty flat. I know, I used to live there (I wasn’t stylish then, either). But being stylish AND mobile in Seattle can be pretty tough. I’m sure I could cut a statuesque figure in a pair of Louboutins (no, I couldn’t), but then I’ve have to make it from the Public Market to Nordstrom in those things?

added by Andrea D 03/30/2009
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Discussions

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The sock and Birkenstock look is probably the worst thing in the world. I cry for anyone who does this!

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how about those hiking pants that can zip off and become shorts??

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Reason 6: REI is considered a department store Reason 9: Most dress for extreme outdoor activities rather than a day at the office I think the outdoors is sexy!