A collector of horseshoes since her teenage years, Jill Andersen brings her Nebraska roots to Horseshoe - an eclectic Western-inspired feminine boutique in Ballard with much more than country flair. Welcome to the 'hood, Horseshoe!

Besides the great merchandise (to follow), Horseshoe's appeal is its cute antique western d/cor. Andersen uses old farmhouse antiques such as old sewing machines, barn and stable doors. Her husband even builds jewelry cases using antique iron bases.

Once in Fremont, Horseshoe has moved to the former Olivine space. Owner Jill Andersen explains, "Horseshoe is still casual contemporary apparel (as it was in Fremont), just in a new space. My business was growing and I needed more square footage."

With over 20 years of women's retail experience under her belt, she is no stranger to the ins and outs of the biz. Andersen knows what women want and what looks good.

Take jeans for instance. Women can get obsessive about jeans - the latest "it" jeans, trendy jeans, premium denim - but the most difficult task is finding jeans that fit well and look good. A self-proclaimed jean connoisseur, Andersen highly recommends the denim line Stephenson, known for the ways it contours to a women's body. "A woman will try on 10 pairs of sale jeans, and end up walking away with regular priced Stephenson's because of the way it flatters her body."

Some other denim lines available at Horseshoe include Stitch's, Agave Nectar (great attention to detail from its stretch herringbone denim), and Raven, known for its great fitting trouser jeans. The only mainstream premium denim brand is Citizen of Humanity, also known for great fit. (There's a theme here: great fitting jeans).

Andersen also loves promoting local artists, and with her new space she has room to carry more local jewelers. She is not only a shop owner but also a metal smith. Her own jewelry line, Jill Renae, is silver and gold jewelry known for its organic shapes and delicate detail using such items as vintage lace for casts.

Other Seattle artisan focus includes Kimberly Baker, Schwa, and Leilani Jensen for her colorful glass jewelry that looks like huge gemstones. Andersen is excited about Tia Kramer, who makes jewelry out of her own dyes and handmade paper from banana leaves.

Apparel lines include loved local brand Prairie Underground, the country-meets-feminine line Porridge, adorable raincoats from Lily + Jae (a Seattle must-have) and cute cashmere sweaters from Emma & Posh. Horseshoe also carries a couple "green" lines, such as organic tees from Raw Earth Wild Sky. Andersen wants to maintain some of Olivine's classic sellers, such as t-shirt lines from Michael Stars, Velvet, and Ella Moss, but she is also adding Language and Ogle to the mix.

In addition Horseshoe will carry Olivine's tradition of beauty lines by Bumble and Bumble, Kai, and will add the fabulous nail line Butter London, which uses natural ingredients in its products.

Horseshoe's new line of handbags is from San Francisco's 49 SQ. MI. They are artisan styling wallets and bags of beautiful, supple Italian leather, raw stitching detail, simple silhouettes and no extraneous attachments or bling bling. "I'm kind of a bag snob. I have to be really into it. When I saw this I immediately fell in love," says Anderson. Well I fell in love, too. It'll be my fall must-have purchase, an extravagant birthday gift to myself.

My favorite part about Horseshoe is the collection of vintage cowboy boots. Ladies, get in line because there's a waiting list. (I have to get my hands on more cowboy boots to add to my ever-growing boot collection. One can never have too many boots.)

So if you're up for a game of 'shoes (or jeans, or handbags), check out Ballard's latest addition to the growing boutique scene. As if you needed an excuse to explore unique jewelry, vintage boots, cute, feminine clothing and denim staples. The grand opening will be held the day of Artwalk, Oct. 11.

What:

Horseshoe

Where:

5344 Ballard Ave NW

www.horseshoeseattle.com

547-9639

When:

Hours are Mon 12-6 p.m., Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m.,

Sun 12-5 p.m.