It rains in Seattle, but in Simple Life it rains scarves. We just got another large beautiful shipment of scarves of all sizes, fabrics, textures and categories — casual, formal-elegannce, winter ready. We’ve got you covered. Within this shipment we also received hats from Asian Eye as well to keep your ears and head warm for the upcoming uncomfortable weather. Stop in, pick one up for yourself or as a special gift for someone else.

If you have been in the store, then you know exactly what these are. For those of you who aren’t familiar with what Bandhani, please, allow me to inform you:

Bandhani (pronounced bon’ duh nee), one of the world’s oldest textile decoration techniques, is still crafted in remote villages of the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Bandhani was discovered by the West in the 18th and early 19th centuries thru demand for exports of Indian-made silk handkerchiefs which have come to be known as bandannas.

Bandhani, whose name is derived from the Hindi word for tying up, is an ancient form of tie and dye. A skilled craftswoman, with the aid of a long-grown finger-nail or a spiked finger ring, pushes the silk upwards from below to form a tiny peak. She then deftly wraps the tip with a fine cotton thread to create a dot the size of a pin’s head. One at a time, dot by dot, a precise and intricate pattern materializes.

Once the tying is done, the silk is handed over to the dye artisan, who gently dips the piece into a vat of color. The untied areas accept the dye, while the tightly bound dots retain the original color. The process may be repeated several times, with subsequent courses of tied dots, then dye dips. Finally, once dry, the threads are unraveled to liberate the design and display the distinctive dimpled, elastic texture of Bandhani. The triumph of expert craftsmanship is revealed! Small wonder it is considered auspicious to wear a piece of Bandhani. A limited selection of Bandhani masterpieces, all created on pure silk, is available from the private collection of Asian Eye.

Very interested, there’s something so magical about these that I am in love with.  These make a perfect gift! Colorful, elegant and one of a kind!

What I personally love about this Asian Eye scarf is that despite the summer we are having here in Seattle, I feel like this particular scarf  exudes just that. Summer. The red flowers remind me of Hibiscus flowers on tropical islands such as Samoa, Hawai’i and Tahiti.  Oh, just let a girl can dream of some heat, will ya?  Oh, ok I’ll snap out of it and get back to business. This lovely Asian Eye scarf is set at a very reasonable price which would be perfect as a gift, or a keeper for yourself. $28 for a soft viscose scarf is a treat for anyone.  I hope you enjoyed my favorite item of the week! Come by and pick one up while they last.

We just received a large and lovely shipment of Asian Eye scarves! I know it is a little difficult to think ahead when our Seattle summer has just begun, however, Asian Eye is pleased to present their Fall/Winter 2011/2012 collection.  Indulge yourself in the warmth of wools, the shimmer of silks — we know you will appreciate their unique vision of affordable luxury!

Don’t wait too long, these beauties are already flying off the racks!

While the weather in Seattle is as fickle as the Mariners’ records, next week marks the official start of summer on the calendar. This can mean challenges in the wardrobe department as you may find your clothes are more geared toward the colder winter months. Fear not, you can “summerize” your wardrobe without having to spend a fortune. Stock up on a few wardrobe staples and get creative with your bright colors and lighter fabrics.

First, get out those white and cream-colored items in your wardrobe. While the old rule about wearing white after Labor Day no longer applies, summer is still the perfect time for white. Of course, you’ll want to coordinate white-colored items with colored accessories to spice up your ensemble.

This stylish tunic from the Bryn Walker collection is perfectly paired with lightweight blue Bryn Walker casbah pants and a beautiful Asian Eye scarf.

Of course, summer is also all about bright colors. There’s nothing like a coral or pink top to compliment a summer tan.

This scoop neck top from Cut Loose is made from lightweight linen so you’ll stay cool in the heat. It’s shown here with a handcrafted petite scarf from Asian Eye, a perfect summer accessory.

Beige and nude-colored clothes were all over the runway this spring and are most flattering on medium and olive skin tones. Beige clothing is a great way to showcase bright jewelry or for those who don’t care for bolder colors.

This wheat-colored tunic from Citron Bleu is lightweight and looks great with a signature Asian Eye scarf.

The word “shorts” can strike fear into the heart of any woman. It’s nearly impossible to find just the right pair. Too short won’t do, but too long or too baggy isn’t flattering on anyone. The trick is to choose a simple pair of shorts with sleek lines, ideally cut slightly above the knee, which will make you appear tall and thin. A shipment of Pacificotton walk shorts will be arriving at Simple Life this month.

And when the time comes for that much-anticipated vacation, you’ll want to pack the swimsuit coverup for those sunny afternoons lounging by the pool sipping fruity drinks and reading your favorite book. If only summer could last all year…

Fashion trends come and go, but one thing is clear: scarves are here to stay. At Simple Life, our largest supplier comes from Asian Eye. Asian Eye scarves are handcrafted masterpieces and their designs and styles are diverse. Each scarf is a versatile investment for your wardrobe.

Many years ago the founders of Asian Eye, who always loved the arts of Asia, met a wise older woman who had spent her life working to re-establish and revitalize traditional Indian textile arts. They learned that enabling the artisans who earn a living through their art preserves the cultural traditions and helps to sustain them. They meet directly with the artisans and suppliers to personally design and select each piece. The result is a collection of beautiful handmade scarves available at retailers such as Simple Life.

There are as many ways to wear these scarves as there are outfits in your closet. Here is one tying technique:

First, to get a basic fold: fold the scarf in half diagonally, then fold it in half again. Fold it in half one last time until you have an oblong shape.

From there, try a french twist:

1). Place the middle of the scarf at the back of your neck; let ends hang down in the front.

2). Wrap the ends around each other once loosely.

3). Then loop over each other again loosely.

4). Still holding the ends, bring them to back of the neck and tie in a tiny knot.

Too complicated? Try an Asian Eye Petite scarf. This handcrafted beauty can be worn as a necklace and is an easy accessory to your outfit.

With new shipments arriving every two weeks, we’ve always got a large collection of beautiful scarves waiting to add some color to your wardrobe.

Fabulous hand crafted shawls just arrived from Asian Eye.  Over 20 unique one of a kind scarves…just arrived today.  Hurry in for the best selection.

The scarf pictured- 100% silk, meticulous details-  28″ x 80″ and priced at $398…extremely unique and one only.

All of the cashmink are on sale for $19.99 or 2 for $29.99.  Tremendous assortment of prints and stripes to choose from.  

Asian Eye fall scarves are on SALE starting tomorrow for 30% OFF, again there are still plenty to choose from and this is a once a year event to clean out fall by the end of January!   These go fast, so make your way to the store to take advantage.

Pictures of the Asian Eye scarves will be online by Friday, and we will try and let you buy online starting this weekend.  

Check out the website HERE!  or give us a call and share your color preferences and let our fabulous staff make the choice for you!

Exquisite textile ART, one-of-a-kind hand crafted scarves not available through conventional channels.  A blend of tradional artistry and contemporary elegance.  Natural fibers of silk, cotton and fine quality wool.  Asian Eye scarves and shawls are hand-woven, hand-painted, hand-tied, hand-embroidered and hand-block printed.