Best of Shopping 2008 Womens

Momo never fails to cheer with its array of perfectly edited fashions, gifts for the body and clever objets for the home. Lei Ann Shiramizu, Seattle magazine’s resident shopping writer, named her shop after the Japanese word for peach (a good luck symbol), and the apparel collection balances flirty French dressing from Cop.Copine ($100–$300) with European-cut shirts from NewMan (about $100)—yes, men can shop here, too. Finish the look with a hammered bronze bangle from local designer Lisa Kinoshita. How do you say “ooh-la-la” in Japanese?

Best Boutique for Desperate Housewives
Opal
South Lake Union, 2121 Terry Ave., Suite 100; 206.621.8202 // Redmond, 17887 Redmond Way; 425.882.0970 // Mill Creek, 15117 Main St., Suite B102; 425.379.6315
Tight jeans, tiny tees, curvaceous dresses and Juicy sweats: Sound like a closet on the set of Desperate Housewives? Maybe, but that’s what you’ll find at Opal, outfitting the well-toned woman of an indiscernible age. In her seductive purple SLU store, the offerings of owner Shannen Wyman gravitate toward the tastes of housewife Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria), choosing Michael Stars tees (average $50), William Rast denim (about $200), Trina Turk dresses (about $200–$300) and her own sparkling crystal jewelry.

Best Boutique for Bona Fide Designer Discounts
Betty Lin
Pioneer Square, 608 Second Ave.; 206.442.6888
The artist, er, store formerly known as Betty Blue is now Betty Lin, but other than a name tweak, the concept of the 3-and-a-half-year-old store is unchanged: designer clothing and shoes up to 60 percent off, served up in a swanky setting. Try Valentino for men, Jil Sander for women, shoes from Prada, handbags from Sondra Roberts and drool-worthy jewelry. The latest additions are white cotton women’s shirts from Alara (around $225) and Thor, the adorable German Shepherd shop pup.
  
Best Boutique for Grown-Up Mother/Daughter Shoppers
Carmilia’s
West Seattle, 4528 California Ave. SW; 206.935.1329
Now that you’re over the legal drinking age, you both wear the same jeans—plus she’ll spring for that gorgeous top you can timeshare. Where to take mom-as-friend shopping? Try the all-girl shop Carmilia’s, where owner Linda Sabee specializes in a range of prices and attitudes. Mom picks a dress from Ella Moss ($162), while daughter gets a look-alike from Tulle ($36). You’ll also find Sweet Pea mesh ($80–$108), Nanette Lepore ($200 and up), Pine IV denim ($190) and multigenerational hot mama Juicy Couture ($88–$188).