urbanXchange

As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs. Merchants take advantage of this to move out older stock at lesser prices to make room for the incoming fashions. Rebecca Dashow, owner of Dame Lola, knows how to accomplish this in the best way possible — she throws a party! Recently, Dashow teamed up with fellow boutique owners of Tiki Lounge and Calla Lily to host an Evening of Decadence. The shops held simultaneous buying parties with discounts and tasty spreads of appetizers and luscious libations. Look for more fall fashions to hit the shops in early October. Word on the street is that fabulous jewelry by Sydney England soon may be available at Calla Lily. 

The upcoming Grand Re-Opening party at urbanXchange on Saturday, Oct. 4, celebrates owner Julie Bennett’s endless hard work to stay on the cutting edge of all things indie. Bennett has moved urbanXchange into the space next door to the one occupied since the original store opening. 
 

“There’s going to be models, makeup artists, DJs, and really cool trip-hop music by Anomie Belle from Seattle and The Nextdoor Neighbors,” Bennett says. 
 

The Nextdoor Neighbors have taken vocal styling similar to the sweetness of Regina Specter and mind-melded it to the electronic sequenced sounds of dreamscapes. Fantastic. The entertainment portion of the evening begins at 7 p.m., but the shop will have drawings and prizes throughout the day.
 

Bennett is obviously excited about the new space even if weary from the move. There’s nothing tired about the new space though. A new look, plenty of dressing rooms and a more spacious, energetic feel are amplified by the gigantic mirror dominating the back left wall. Though the majority of the clothing offerings are still for the ladies, men’s fashions are prominently displayed.

New T-shirts emblazoned with graphic designs by local artists, magnets, and jewelry are sold alongside used designer jeans (embroidered True Religion jeans for $49!), an endless supply of sunglasses, dainty and chunky heels, metallic ballet flats to dusky green motorcycle boots and, of course, racks full of vintage dresses. urbanXchange continues to operate in the same manner; trade in clothes for store credit or cash. Yeah.

[urbanXchange, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280, www.urbanxchangeonline.com]

[Dame Lola, 8 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4140]