Happy New Year!

Graffiti Art Shirts

Now available at urbanXchange

Indie Designs by Pretty Trashy

Now in a great collection of original art screened onto unique vintage finds for men and women! Pretty Trashy out of Cali is one of our top selling indie designers, come check it out for the best selection!

Christmas specials @ UXC

Holiday in store special: All sunglasses only $3 now through January 1st!
PS/ 253 heart stickers make great stocking stuffers and everyone loves UXC gift certicates!

There's a new brew in town.

FYI: if you can't get enough of fine coffee in Tacoma, the old Temple of the Bean location, on Division near right park (above Super Nova Tattoo)has been transformed into Satellite Coffee serving fair trade, organic, ect. ect. everything you want in a cup of coffee. There's lots more to this story but you can read it elsewhere. This is a blog not a newspaper. Just go.


Caught Miss Jennifer J in there reading, big surprise! The Weekly Volcano. I'm reporting on the reporters now.

Tacoma plays (music).

T town was bustling last weekend with the (so I heard) highly successful "Beautiful Angle" holiday fundraiser at Blackwater Cafe and I got pics at a great coffee shop music series at Origin 23 (6th & Union) featuring Alan Boothe & Co., Oh Voices and another artist that opened for them before I arrived.










Oh Voices bass player Shannon was rockin' a Ben Paris original T. Maybe someday he will make them available to the public. Until that time you'll just have to shmooze him and hope he takes to you enough to make you one.

There was a great turn out for this cozy space.















Sunday night urbanXchange hosted a show featuring The simple and pure sounds of Garage Voice, local fav Ghosts and Liars and those darn art school kids,(we love 'em!) Transunion along with Tacoma newcomer Dan Mckeown. There was a great crowd, lots of Christmas cookies were consumed and we thank every one for coming and all the bands for sharing the music (Garage Voice: that was the best rendition of Silent Night ever!).

















Dressing rooms / green room.

Pure Tacoma vintage.

The shop "Pure" has to be Tacoma's most vintage, "vintage" store. I shopped there in the 80's and it's still opening it's doors every Saturday from 12-5. A small shop that's bursting with unusual vintage. They do most of their business with celebs down at the L.A. Rosebowl and international collectors from NY to Tokyo, but these locals keep the store front open to support Tacoma style.












I spotted another local blogger on the street near Pure sporting some "keep warm" style. a charming vintage hat, pair of shoes, bright buttons and suave pocket scarf gave him a bit of Tacoma grit. 15 seconds of fame - Drop us a comment if you stop by!

Go big or go home.

Typically going "big" is a good thing but when it comes to shopping, big isn't better. Large retailers are sapping the life blood out of the culture and economy of local communities. Spend some of your holiday dollars at "home", with local entrepeneurs who are working to reinvigorate Tacoma culture and community.
On 6th Ave. you'll find a place where this is happening. Three good size local shops that are WAY more interesting than any "mall" store can be found within a block or two.
Urban Gourmet
Posh Home
& Red Line clothing.
These great stores will have late night shopping (till 9pm)every Thursday night till Christmas. You'll be pampered with yummy holiday drinks, treats, event specials and complimentary gift wrapping! Dec. 13th and 20th.
I stopped by Posh Home to give you a sneak preview and found amazing and luxurious Voluspa candles in "Crisp Champagne", hipster Christmas CD's and decadent hand lotion to take home for myself.
I was impressed with not only their furnishings but the selection of elegant gift items like purses by Hobo International and celebrity style hats and jewelery. Lots of personal care items and even pajamas mean unique ideas for any female on your list.
Tell them urbanXchange sent you and ask for their "postcard" special, I can't promise anything, but my peep Christine might hook you up with a special discount.

scarf up some fashion...

Tis the season to accessorize with scarves! Scarves have never been a bigger trend and one that can be adapted, for men and women, to any style as there are so many options. Unlike years past when a certain type of scarf was a trend, this time it's just scarves in general. Add a splash of color or texture with last years still warm long chunky knit scarf. So practical for cold days.
Pashmina fringe scarves a huge trend 4 years ago just won't go away. Maybe it's because they are so cozy or let you grab the look of a french actress on coffee break, or film student in Prague. Another huge trend we are seeing are bohemian scarves with fringe. When I spot one and ask where they got it, half the time I'm told they came from europe- but have no fear! We often get them in the store where they are always a bargain and have heard they also can be found at Cost plus world imports. We love them with exotic persian designs.









See more scarf looks at The Wardrobe Remix