Patch Picks: Fun, Funky, Stylish Women's Clothes Right Here In Renton

1.C’est la Vie—at The Landing, is a fun and funky place to shop for unique gifts, jewelry and designer clothing for women. “We offer fun, affordable, fashionable and edgy clothing,” said Colleen Bowman, president of C’est la Vie. “We are the place to come when you want to update your wardrobe, without having to buy a whole new outfit,” she said.

C’est la Vie has a great selection of jeans, including brands “Cut” and “Mavi” that fit a lot of body types, according to Megan Storey, store manager. Scarves and handbags are also very popular. And, who doesn’t like a cute pair of  boots? They have some that will make you stand out from the crowd—in a good way—by Matisse. Designer brands include Michael Stars, Kersh, Bailey 44 and Mystery.

Gifts for men also have a place in C’est la Vie.

“Men just gravitate to that spot in the store,” Bowman said.

Bowman tells me that like to carry items that have a story, because “everyone has a story to tell.” A purchase of Relief Beads for Darfur (pretty!) will help to combat child malnutrition. And, Zulu beads will allow you to tell the story of the African women who made them. Coming soon to the store is TOMS Shoes—TOMS was founded on the premise that for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair of shoes will go to a child in need. Nice.

C’est la Vie is planning a fashion show for May. Patch will have more details as the even draws near. Proceeds from the show will go to a local charity benefitting women. Call for advance reservations.

2. —in downtown Renton is always a great source of everything cool in Renton. Including I heart Renton T-shirts. If you have the original one in white, you’ll want to stop in and get the ones.  Happy delusions is always the source of great handmade items—including some cute skirts handmade locally. They also carry neat screenprinted T-shirts, made right here in Renton, cashmere skirts for kids, and scarves, hats, and arm-warmers.

3. —is also in downtown Renton, at the southwest corner of S. 3rd St. and Wells Ave. The store opened twelve weeks ago. It's still still building their inventory, but already has a great eclectic selection of clothing and accessories that you won’t find elsewhere. These are not clothes that you would see at the run-of-the mill mall stores. The owners shop in New York and Atlanta and other large cities for unique and stylish clothing. They have darling purses and accessories and will also carry gift items, like soaps and journals. And, if you are like me, and attend some of Renton’s dressy (reminder, the Renton Rotary auction, is March 19), you have a really great selection of dressy-dresses that are just beautiful. Ginger's Klosett is definitely worth frequent return trips as they continue to build the inventory.

4. Look no further than the Savvy Traveler for super-cute, and stylish travel clothes. You should never again wear a baggy pair of sweatpants on an airplane, when you can look super-slick and stylish in these travel clothes. Easy to pack, wash, and wear clothes in great colors and styles—and that includes black for those of you who prefer it. Pick up a stylish new suitcase while you are there for your next trip out of town.

5. If you haven’t been into Renton Western Wear for a while, you might pop in again.  They have a large selection of reasonably priced jeans, shirts, tanks, and yes, cowboy hats. My girlfriends picked up cowboy hats before a trip to Vegas last year, and they were the hit of every nightclub! I picked up a pair of red cowboy boots before I went to the Willie Nelson concert at the Puyallup Fair, and they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned, and super-cute-to-boot! (excuse the pun)