Ahh Belltown. How I’ve missed you so.

After living and working in this neighborhood for over five years, I must say it holds a special place in my heart.

The buzzing of people — locals sitting at their favorite coffee shops, tourists spilling out from the market peeping in and out of shops. There’s just so much flavor.

On one extra sunny [and special] day in Seattle, Smalls and I decided to hop on the bus and head downtown to do some wandering. It’s literally one of my favorite things to do on the weekends when I have no plans. Since it has been sooo rainy, both of us were in need of some vitamin D on the face and a walk that led us to wherever we pleased (write-up on this coming soon).

As we were walking along 1st Ave, I saw the sign for Sell Your Sole Consignment Boutique — a shop I used to pop in and out of every now and then several years ago. I remembered it had an amazing curated collection of designer items and the sweetest owner.

In perfect wandering fashion, Smalls and I opened the door to the shop and led our way into the space where we were greeted by Natalia and her sweet mother who were both happily working the store. You have to adore that.

They immediately grew giddy when they saw Smalls and he did just the same. Loves attention. Natalia has two frenchies of her own — Daisy and Laser — and so it was fate a Frenchie walked in to brighten her day!

Natalia opened the boutique five years ago (can you say #girlboss?!) and has been loving every minute of owning her own business. She shared with me the excitement she gets every time something new comes into her shop — makes me shiver with excitement as well just thinking about it! I mean, her shop is filled with luxury items that all have a story.

Sell Your Sole Consignment is in the coolest space, tucked away in an industrial like building in between vibrant Belltown shops Cherry Street Coffee and Tune Hi Fi. When you walk through the door there’s a long hallway that takes you to a back space that once you walk in, you grow pleasantly surprised.

The boutique consists of two stories with brick walls, wood floors and just the right amount of modern eclectic decor. The items are arranged not by size, rather by style — which I absolutely love. You’ll see clothing ranging from tops, sweaters, pants, skirts, dresses, jackets… to handbags of all sizes covering the walls and shelves. You’ll recognize brands spanning from Vince to The Kooples to Alexander Wang to Valentino.

Take the stairs to the loft area above the checkout counter and you’ll find shoes galore! I was drooling over a pair of sparkling Tom Ford pumps that kept catching my eye every step I took. Styles spanning from new to old — strappy sandals to over the knee boots.

I took some time to browse the shop to see if I could stumble upon any treasures. It took no time at all for me to spot the most beautiful crossbody screaming my name from the shelf. Burgundy and red, croc-stamped patent leather, stamped logo at handle, this Opening Ceremony Lynx Crossbody was marked down to less than $300 and was oh. so. good.

I gasped, I put on, I died (and caved). 

It’s the perfect size for a night out or even day-use. I’m obsessed with the subtle hints of red and love the metal hardware detailing on the strap (which can be removed).

I have to thank Natalia for reinforcing that I must not leave without this item (and an incredible gorgeous Helmut Lang blazer with he softest leather detail which I so sadly passed on to try and be good). This baby is going to get lots and lots of use.

Opening Ceremony is such a cool brand. Two friends from UC Berkeley founded it back in 2002 and is now a global community with outposts in NYC and LA, a department store in Tokyp, a wholesale showroom, an in-house clothing line and an online site where you can shop and get inspo from their blog.

I visited the NYC store last Fall and the space was SO cool. Many rooms with the most unique product. I recognized brands like Mansur Gavriel and Acne alongside the in-house creations. The style is forward and fun.

Needless to say I’m stoked on my purchase. If you’re interested in being twins and own a Lynx Crossbody, don’t worry — there’s one on eBay here and here.

In the case you’re interested in browsing other Opening Ceremony items (from their brand and shop)… I’ve pulled a few faves on sale here:

For those of you who live in Seattle or are hoping to visit soon, you must visit Sell Your Sole. They’re open every day but Sunday (girls gotta take a break from every day hustling!), have a new selection of items every day and provide the best customer service you can ask for. And if you’re looking for a place to sell some of your items (or just have a great conversation) — come see Natalia.

And want to see more of what Seattle has to offer? Get excited — I’ll be posting more in the Seattle Edit section of my blog.

// cb ✌????