Turf: Urban LivingDiscovery

Despite its stunning views, awesome beaches, and close proximity to those fantastic taco wagons in White Center, West Seattle isn't known as a hotbed of urban chic. In fact, it's practically devoid of anything glossy, sharp, or fashionable. (Although it remains a reliable source of fine-smelling soap, decently priced antiques, quality kitchen wares, and organic pet supplies.) This is why it was a surprise last May to see the sleek, airy, and fashionable boutique SWEETIE open just up the street from a lazy little thrift store that benefits an old folks' home. Sweetie owner Joeanna Purdie mixes established designers like Diane von Furstenburg and Autumn Cashmere with newer, funkier lines by Paper Denim & Cloth and Citizens of Humanity.

What this means to all you clotheshorses and accessory fiends is that you can take a quick drive out to the relatively calm, sleepy hood known as the Junction and enjoy an hour or two of shopping and sampling and trying stuff on without the stuffy pretensions of Belltown or Cap Hill. It also means that those of us who live out there (without the stuffy pretensions) don't have to contribute to the crumbling of the Alaskan Way Viaduct when we want to look for a snappy little skirt or a strong metal bracelet. Since she mixes the more traditional lines with the strappy, distressed Michael Jackson-meets-the Sex Pistols stuff of brand-new designers, Purdie offers a real range of styles and prices for the stylish. (My only question: With a name like Purdie, why didn't she just name the store after herself?)Laura Cassidy 4508 California Ave. S.W., 206-923-3533.

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