Amalee (909 N Beech, Suite A) sent us some photos of their fall arrivals, looks from Orion London, Kersh, Virginia Castaway, and Shine, to name a few. Take a peek, but these things are usually better in real life:

As I’ve mentioned previously, Liza Rietz and John Blasioli have opened a store together, and the grand opening is coming up: Friday, August 31st, 5-8 pm, at 2305 NW Savier. John just sent me some photos of his latest work on his menswear line, a broken spoke—I love them! I had to post them all up here to show everyone. This is exactly what I think menswear should be, interesting design with looking ridiculous or effeminate (although I also love effeminate menswear looks on certain types, it’s clear why so many men feel like men’s fashion is emasculating). But here’s my dilemma: I need to pick one of these to print in the paper and I can’t decide. What do you think?

It’s turning into a busy Friday, between the Olio United opening and Cement Mixer. Concocted out of a collaboration between Foundation Garments (2712 NE Alberta) and the Portland SweatFree Campaign, the project asked designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces under the theme “Foundation Garments.” Sales of these one-offs will in part benefit the campaign, as well as sales throughout the store during the event, which is this Friday, 6-9 pm—plus! Complimentary New Deal Vodka drinks! Here are some of the designers’ creations:

(PaperDoll)

(Layers Squared)

(Mizu Desierto

Weekend plans shaping up nicely? If you still have room on your Friday calendar, keep in mind that Olio United (1028 SE Water) is having their grand opening from 5 pm-late. Considering their a-bit-off-the-grid location, you may not have been down to this store. You can read about it here, but basically it’s a store that specializes in ethically produced goods (environmentally friendly and/or non-sweatshop), without feeling preachy or dorky—it’s clear that ethics are not the only criteria for the curation of the store. With clothing for men, women and children, paper products, kids’ toys, and a bit of home decor, it’s got something for just about everyone, and during Friday’s bash everything is discounted by 20 percent!! I’ll be there checking out their selection of TOMS Shoes—you can read up on the company’s program in which they donate a pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair that you buy in the site. They’re inspired by traditional Argentine shoes, but they remind me of the little flats I’d buy in SF Chinatown to schlep to and from ballet class, but sturdier and in better colors.

Those of you who saw the Mercury’s most recent fashion show surely remember Safe Sax, the line of condom bags. They are a kind of love them or hate them-type item, although it’s notable that one of their biggest fans is Planned Parenthood. Recently, they added some new colors for their tote bags (I have the classic tote, which is the perfect size for hauling around my iBook), and are now giving customers the option of putting objects other than condoms in their bags, for those who aren’t so into the rubbers. They’ve also redone their web site with some really adorable photos taken by Tim Gunther (who also shot the photos for the Merc’s last fashion issue).

Aren’t they cute?

Just in case you, like me, are a compulsive planner who is as reliant on her day planner as she is on oxygen, bust it out to mark this year’s (Doug) Fir Fest on September 22. In addition to the musical shenanigans of Derby, Boy Eats Drum Machine, and the Sort Ofs, there will be a fashion show with locals Sameunderneath, Johnny Sole, and Crafty Wonderland.

(A Blackstone boot currently for sale at Johnny Sole)

Lush (803 NW 23rd), is gearing up for a Get Naked Party this Saturday. But wait, keep your britches on. The deal is that to draw attention to their “naked” products, as in those that come in bulk and don’t involve a lot of wasteful packaging, this Saturday, from 1-5 pm, the employees in the store will be naked (probably wearing underwear), and hosting games, trivia, a catwalk, and more. Visitors and shoppers can win prizes by playing the games, and everyone gets a free bath bomb with a purchase over $40. My experiences with Lush have been hit-or-miss: I’m not fond of the soaps, but I love the bath bombs, especially the ones that come in cool colors—my favorite made the whole bath a really striking bright pink. I also keep a tub of their Helping Hands hand lotion at my desk, and I’m a fan of the Veganese lemon-scented conditioner. On the other hand, shower jellies? Not too sure about that one. But a naked sales staff is just as good a reason as any to check out the store and the products and find out what your own Lush preferences are—worth doing to support a line of products that doesn’t do any animal testing, emphasizes natural ingredients, and—lo and behold—doesn’t overpackage their product.