Pendleton apparel exists in a cozy place in our city's cultural zeitgeist. It's as versatile as our weather is unpredictable. Twelve months a year, you can see its presence on Seattle streets, either authentically or in the form of a fawning imitator. It's a tad more fashionable than the indestructible Filson, and not as expensive. It is criminally mistaken for flannel far too often, and is a favorite find at thrift stores. Pendleton keeps Seattle warm. Yet I'd venture to guess that many Pendleton faithful among the under-30 set have yet to purchase a piece new. It's time to live the experience. The ladies at downtown's Northwest Pendleton are just as warm as a pair of the brand's winter socks, and pack all the charm of your grandma or favorite aunt. On one memorable visit I informed the kind woman behind the counter that I was in fact wearing a vintage Pendleton sweater at that moment. She reached out and petted my chest, examining the sweater. "That's nice," she said. It sure was. ?Chris Kornelis 1313 Fourth Ave., 682-4430