Yesterday the Fisher Pavillion at Seattle Center was transformed into a pop-up shop hosted by Thread. Dozens of local, eco-friendly vendors set up booths and displayed their wares. Cheryl invited me to the event after she got a Daily Candy coupon in her inbox. We bought discounted VIP tickets so we could get in early, peruse the goods, and of course, get a free cocktail. We have priorities!
There was a lot to see and buy. Thread had a manicure bar, hair style lounge, art, and a DJ. Let’s start with him:
The music was a fun mix of 80s and chill out. Lots of beats to get people in the mood to shop. And shop we did!
Cheryl and I checked out all the vendors first and then went back a second time to buy a few things, I bought earrings from Sosie Designs. She specializes in sterling silver jewelry. It was a tough decision. She has gorgeous necklaces too. Fortunately, she has her goods in stores all over the country (and beyond). Check our her site to find a store near you.
Cheryl and I each picked up knitted caps from DeCe. They are a micro enterprise (part of the not for profit organization, Sperantsa). Sperantsa is an organization started by college students here in Washington. The DeCe hats are handmade my Romanian women. I love how, through a network or women working out of their homes, Sperantsa avoids factories and enables women to be with their kids while they work. Plus, the hats rock. Get one online for each of the cool kids on your Christmas list.
I bought more earrings, this time from Amy Bengtson. I’d seen her work at Velouria in Ballard but couldn’t decide what to get. Today, I figured it out. As you can see, it’s hard to decide. She has a lot of beautiful, lightweight wooden earrings and necklaces. She has an online store too. No excuses!
Lauren Harkness had amazingly tempting bauble rings made with twisted wire. I had to decide between them and her hammered metal cuffs. It wasn’t easy. Ultimately, I chose the cuff, but I might take advantage of her site’s $5 flat-rate shipping offer and order a ring soon. Check out her Facebook page for up-to-the-minute happenings.
I bought a denim pencil skirt from Sofada, a line of clothing by Alice Dobson. I rummaged through her sale bin and picked up a couple of cool shirts too. I adored the wrap dresses, lacy tunics, and tweed skirts she was selling. I think I’ll create an outfit made entirely of items I bought today. If I can swing that, I’ll post it soon. The pencil skirt will be in that look.
Finally, Cheryl and I each bought a t-shirt and scarf from Wildlife Works. They make graphic tees for people who don’t wear graphic tees. They are subtle, sophisticated, and can be dressed up with jewelry. Look how Wildlife Works’ creative director wears hers:
I also snapped a photo of her associate wearing an organic cotton scarf. Cheryl literally bought that scarf off her neck. It was the last one in that color.
Wildlife Works is an amazing win-win situation. Workers in their carbon-neutral factory in Kenya use organic fabrics to make amazing clothes. By being gainfully employed in textiles, the people don’t have to survive by killing wildlife or working in industries responsible for deforestation. Wildlife works has established sanctuaries for endangered animals, and has helped reduce poaching. They’ve created schools, funded healthcare, and helped improve agriculture practices.
After spending all our money and saving the world, we grabbed a coffee and wandered home. I’m not sure what Cheryl did, but I had a nap and dreamt about all the ways I’m going to wear my new finds.
jeanofalltrades 
What a cool post! Sounds like a great day!
xo
Sarah
Get Up & Go