On the cobble stone streets of old Ballard Avenue is a boutique by the name of Dolce Vita (Italian for “sweet life”). There’s no signage, only a brightly lit shop with stylish mannequins in the display windows.

It is the perfect addition to the growing shopping scene in Ballard.

Dolce Vita, a trendy brand known for its shoes, opened its Seattle outpost more than a year ago, with boutiques already existing in New York, Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

But the brand hits close to home by way of the brains behind Dolce Vita, Nick Lucio. He is co-owner of the label and Ballard resident of 15 years.

Meet store manager Georgia Pashalidis, also a Ballard resident, who formerly managed beloved but departed Ballard boutique Olivine.

“This is a great place for Seattle because of our simple aesthetic and basic staples, such as cashmere, cardigans, and Dolce Vita shoes,” says Pashalidis.

The boutique carries not only the Dolce Vita label, but other names that fall under the category of a modern, contemporary style aesthetic.

Seattle women favor Filippa K coats in the fall, cashmere sweaters by Bravo, the popular torn boyfriend jeans by Current Elliott, and Portland-based lily + jae. Other well-known brands include comfy tees by Vince, lovely tops by Dolan, Steven Alan, and pretty 12th Street dresses by Cynthia Vincent.

Nick designs all the shoes. And with Dolce Vita’s shoe selection of adorable flats, sexy heels, boots, and sandals for springtime, there’s a style everyone can choose from.

Spring brings in cute trench coats, jumper dresses, and colors of bright poppy and yellow. Or for the perfect accessory, the boutique carries totes by Un Après-Midi de Chien, colorful scarves by Sunshine & Shadow and vintage sunglasses.

Speaking of vintage, even though the labels and ambiance might be modern, the shop keeps the antiquated feel of a Ballard shop. On the sides are exposed brick walls adorned with rotating artwork, the sunglasses are atop an old drafting table purchased in Georgetown, and frilly lingerie rest atop a vintage chest purchased at Ballard’s Souvenir.

Walk on over to the register, which really looks more like a jewelry display at Barney’s or a chic New York boutique. You can choose delicately crafted gold rings from Japanese designer Kaoru, leather wrap bracelets by Chan Luu, and quirky jewelry (the mustache necklace is a must-have) by Brooklyn-based Digby & Iona. And floating above the jewelry display case is a grand, marvelous Italian hand-blown glass chandelier, perched like the grand centerpiece of a fine dining table.

For some springtime shopping enjoyment, hit up Dolce Vita for great modern basics, trendy pieces, and a great selection of shoes. You’ll be the talk of the town for your seriously sweet style.

What:
Dolce Vita

Where:
5323 Ballard Ave. N.W.
www.shopdolcevita.com
206-783-4177

When:
Hours: Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.