A shopping plaza in University Place might hold two of the best things about the small city: Trader Joe’s and Cake, a hip boutique sandwiched between a Rite Aid and a Starbucks. What does this boutique have that sets it apart from others? Hardware. Yes, indeed, the kind for improving the general appearance of things around the house. Assorted knobs in the most delicious fashion — those that imitate diamonds, rubies and sapphires. These cut glass, functional baubles ($5 each) might be the sweetest thing to catch the eye in quite some time. With Mother’s Day coming this Sunday, updating the dresser drawer knobs is the quickest way to spice up a piece of furniture for your mom (or wife), and only a screwdriver is required. Antiqued metal address numbers in cream, sea foam and ivory are also a hit. Looking to dress up more than the house? Cake offers the usual designer  label jeans, mini sweaters, overly long tank tops that are perfect for layering, purses, dresses, jewelry and saucy, wedge high-heeled shoes. Check out the book section by the front door; there are plenty of good and humorous quick reads for busy moms. We especially like the shiny sea horse and ribbon bookmarks, small book on famed actress Katherine Hepburn as well as the sweet book on why mothers are great ($20).



[Cake, 3838 Bridgeport Way W., University Place 253.564.2253]