Food & Drink

Three Shopping Finds for May

Cameron Levin's sassy frocks, Amy Bixby's cocktail rings, and Regina Chang's new Colubmia City shop.

By Seattle Mag April 18, 2011

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This article originally appeared in the May 2011 issue of Seattle magazine.

Style Pick

Designer Cameron Levin is a style maven by profession. The managing editor of Seattlepicks.com (she’s the quirky, charming voice behind the weekly lifestyle e-newsletter), Levin advises on all things shopping and fashion, and now that style cred extends to her Cameron Levin clothing line. Much like her writing style, the 28-year-old Belltown resident’s clothes drip with personality. After crafting custom wear for the past two years, Levin has introduced the ready-to-wear “Chelsea” collection dedicated to sassy frocks ranging from hand-draped cocktail wear to charcoal shifts with feminine splashes of pink ($75–$400). Inspired by contrasting urban spectacles (that is, both New York City and elegant ballet costuming), Levin’s designs also incorporate funky touches such as raw edging, silk hemp belts and her favorite accessory, dramatic feather plumes accenting hems and necklines. “I want a Cameron Levin to be worn on great occasions in a woman’s life, to be memorable to everyone who sees it.” Available at Spun Collective (Capitol Hill, 1515 14th Ave.; 206.328.2102; spuncollective.blogspot.com or at LoveCameron.com).

 

Put a Ring on It
New Zealand native Amy Bixby brings a laid-back Kiwi attitude to her statement cocktail rings laced with hand-forged metals that echo her mountainous homeland. The elegant rings are custom made by Ballard-based Bixby, whose affinity for the organic is woven into each design, from rugged-cut tanzanite to bold orange sapphires. From left to right: Round sterling silver ring with flower cut-out and orange sapphire, $160; rutilated quartz ring set in 18K gold with oxidized sterling silver band and granulated 18K gold band, $395; 22K granulated gold ring with sterling silver balls and flush set tanzanite stone, $640, all at amybixby.com.

 

Bounty Hunter
Some possess a bloodhound-like talent for sniffing out treasure buried in salvage warehouses and junk piles. Jeweler Regina Chang is one such champion. Luckily for the thrift-shopping inept, she now sells affordable, midcentury mod home décor finds at her new shop, VINTAGE GOODS (by appointment only; Columbia City, 4429 39th Ave. S; 206.931.5428; reginachang.com). “I love the hunt,” says the Columbia City resident. “Last year, I drove to Sun Valley and back, piling my car with pieces. I had too much for myself, so I set up shop as my own effort to recycle and pay forward great finds.” Chang’s love of beautifully grained woods and natural materials permeates the charming studio, seen in the clean lines of a Hans Wegner-esque rope chair knockoff ($125) or an authentic Franco Albini woven rattan ottoman ($400) beautifully set off by colorful pottery vases ($24–$68, sold in groupings for quick, easy décor). In addition to quirky wood bookends, candlesticks and one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces, Vintage Goods is also home to Chang’s beloved jewelry line, which celebrates the same simple, natural vibe with rough-cut agates, salvaged driftwood and hammered-metal details ($38–$348). K.C.

 

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