We're so excited that Seattle Magazine included a piece on "merge" in the February issue. Check it out (on page 36). Thanks again Seattle for all you support!

Johnny Farah Handbags

I've been anticipating the arrival of these INCREDIBLE bags since the store opening. The delivery was running 3-4 months late! But now, here they are. Clean, edgy, urban and impeccably crafted....truly an investment piece that will work with your wardrobe for years to come.

Large brown "hobo" satchel $1200 (It's much darker than the picture shows, more chocolate than whiskey colored....and it's really big. Perfect for travel/work/shopping)

Brown "Antwerp" doctors bag $465 (Again, much darker in real life. A chocolate brown) SOLD OUT!

Black "tyrol" satchel $590 Only 1 left, now on sale for $469!

Mon Bijou Jewelry

Mon Bijou jewelry was launch by a group of fashion industry insiders. Profits from the sales of this line are going to help build and sustain a center for orphan street kids in LA. Fashion giving back to a segment of our society that really needs the help. Nice.

Echo stretch bracelet $160
Nany stretch cuff $229
Piece bracelet $110



Koral K Necklace $165
Zala Necklace $175

The new Hyde belts are here.....

Gold circle brown belt $118
Brass skull and crossbones brown belt $110


Blue stone and pearl encrusted brown belt $85
Grey ceramic, silver, and chrystal belt $135

New Shipment.......Not Rational Handbags

Argentinean Designer Fabiana Trosman, began designing Not Rational handbags in 2000. The bags are made with the softest, buttery, washed italian leathers available. The styles/colors incorporate into any modern wardrobe transitioning easily between work,evening, and play.

Mini "Sub Pocket" $385 (cognac). Large "Parker" bag $570 (cognac) NOW ON SALE!

Grey "Amy" bag $570 SOLD OUT!

Black Patent "Fab" bag $510 SOLD OUT!

New Arrivals- Tiffany Alana

The amazingly popular Tiffany Alana Skull Scarves just arrived yesterday. A headband. A scarf. A belt. Style them any number of ways......at $48 a pop, its easy to add a little fun to your wardrobe. Oh yeah, occasionally I DO give in to a trendy item....if it's cute and has a sense of humor about it ;-)

Spring Preview

A sampling of Ports 1961 coming to merge this spring. Tia Cibani, Ports' Creative Director, designed the line with a sense of poetry and romance. "Old world charm for a post-modern lifestyle, where elegance must meet everyday needs." This is pure, modern luxury with a global feel

From Olga K. Dresses (tunics?) for the big city girl in black chiffon print or red silk/linen blend. Due in store by 2/28/07.

Some pics of Nicholas K for Spring '07. Casual, modern, urban, neutral. In store by 2/28/07.

Here are some shots of a couple pieces I selected from Tony Cohen's Spring collection. From Amsterdam, the line launched in the USA (already available in Europe) for the Spring '07 season. Feminine without being overly girly, lots of detail work. These styles, and others, are due in sometime between 1/31 and 2/28!

The Second Act......

Well... I've finally done it! After 20 or so years working in New York and Los Angeles in the wholesale fashion biz, I've jumped ship and gone "retail." A lot of people have been asking me why I decided to open up a retail boutique after working so many years behind the scenes. Hmm, the first answer is that my husband and I moved up to Seattle about 6 months ago, and, well, there really isn't a wide range of "7th Ave." fashion houses in the area. I found myself at a crossroads. Do I start designing and manufacturing again? No way! Do I try and secure an executive positon at Nordstrom? Union jeans? Columbia clothing? Nope. Can't really see myself jumping back into the corporate scene. What I do know is that I love clothes. Everything about them. The fabrics, the fit, the styles, and construction. From Rick Owens to The Gap, from Jeffrey's in NY to the corner Target. I get a rush out of it all.

I love discovering new designers that understand what the modern woman wants to wear. I hate trendy, over priced, poorly constructed garments by so called "hot" labels. You know the drill, by the time the clothes hit the stores they're already passe' and it's onto the "next big thing." I love the look of effortless sophistication. Classics with a modern edge. So I decided to do what I love. Shop and fill a store with, quite simply, beautiful clothing. And I hoped that the women of Seattle would welcome it. After winning the Best of Citysearch (BOC) Audience Choice award for "women's clothing", I think I may be on the right track.

Merge has been open for about 3 months now and I couldn't be more pleased with how well everything is going. I'd like to thank all of you who have supported me in this endeavor including friends, family, my new neighbors on Ballard Ave., and all the women (and men) who have been shopping at the store.

I've decided to start this blog so that I can keep everyone up to date on the latest Merge happenings like new merchandise arrivals, sales, special events etc... I've never done this blog thing before, so bear with me while I get the hang of it! - Pat Wolfkill