There’s a little shuffle in the works on the NW end of town: Le Train Bleu is moving it’s off-line boutique from current residence at 748 NW 11th a week from today, up to 1905 NW 26th, where they currently carry on their bustling on-line business. Expect them to re-open (party, please?) on the 17th of this month. Meanwhile, stepping in to fill the vacant space is Mabel & Zora, who are expanding off of the original location (1468 NE Alberta). In addition to longtime favorite lines (Porridge, Veronica M, Mixie) they’ll be “taking it up a notch” with additions like Trina Turk, Plenty by Tracy Reese, and more. Their projected opening of the new store is March 15—if not sooner! In the meantime, they are working with interior designer JJ DeSousa from Digs to develop a “1960s Palm Springs feel.”

(a look from Trina Turk Spring ‘08)

Don’t forget to get down to the Cleaners at the Ace Hotel (1022 SW Stark, from 11am-6pm) for the PDX Collective Blowout Sale tomorrow, featuring major steals from: Bubble, Moxie, Mimi and Lena, Nolita, Parts and Labour, Physical Element, Pin Me Apparel, Le Train Bleu, Sameunderneath, Shoefly, Zella’s Shoes, and The English Dept!

Personally, I like to stock up on sweaters and other wintry goods that the stores are trying to part with to make room for Spring merch, but anything’s good game. Come early for the best selection, and remember: be nice!

Oh Baby is getting ready for Valentine’s Day tonight by unveiling some new, exclusive British lines of lingerie: They’re not carried anywhere else in Portland, in in many cases, only a few stores in the country. Come see what they’ve cooked up across the pond, with lines from Ayten Gasson, Sexy Panties, Naughty Knickers, Madame V, Playful Promises, and Niki. (Hey British panty makers: Start thinking of better names!) Tonight, a fashion show, drinks, and art will all go down to celebrate the unveiling at Oh Baby’s Broadway location: 1811 NE Broadway, from 7-9 pm.

(Ayten Gasson)

I’m not usually one to gossip, but if it’s Gawker it must be true, right?

Anyhow, according to the ironclad fact checking machine that it is, Gawker is reporting a possible pants-pooping incident that supposedly befell Tyra Banks! And even worse, during FASHION WEEK! (BTW, have you been following the shows?) Oh shit! Here’s the scoop:

Mabel & Zora are throwing an event this Saturday from 5-9 pm, with chocolate, champagne, and 15% off all dresses and accessories!

Of the many love and marriage-oriented events happening on this end of the calendar, don’t overlook the Valentine’s event at Flutter happening Thursday Feb 14 from 5-9 pm. (Looking for a wedding dress is a romantic enough Valentine’s date, I suppose, but aren’t you supposed to do that without him? Oh, whatever.) Anyhow, look for models dressed as brides and check out the truly remarkable custom work that Frocky Jack Morgan designer Julia Barbee is capable of.

The first annual Shoot Cupid DIY Artisans Fair takes place this Saturday at Plan B from 2-8pm. Please note that alcohol will be sold at this event (woo-hoo!) so NO MINORS ALLOWED.

Toss those horrendous beads aside and replace them with something a bit more tasteful.

Clockwise from top:
1. Cute Elephant Necklace by Happy Cake. You can check out Happy Cake’s collection live at Crafty Wonderland this Sunday.
2. Customizable Wood and Resin Pendant from local artist, Modica Design. View their color sampler on-line to choose your own palette.
3. Felted Red Infinity Necklace by Art Mind.

I’m pretty excited for tomorrow’s Future Arts Festival at Holocene: Performances from Glass Candy, who, in addition to the glam Ida No singing:

have had two of their songs used in major runway shows, for Givenchy:

and Chloé:

They’ll be performing with Fleshtone, always a visual experience, in no small part to main matriarch and costumer Jayme Hansen.

As if the fashion onstage isn’t enough (not to mention dancing and visual art) there will also be fashion installations by Denwave, Luxury Jones, and Stand Up Comedy (you can read more about that in my column hitting the streets today/tomorrow).

If you’re looking for something to wear to the show tomorrow, hit up Denwave and Stand Up Comedy now! They’re in the same building (811 E Burnside) and both are having sales—Denwave is unloading merchandise for their impending closure, and SUC is making room for Spring arrivals, with pieces up to 65% off! Make like a tree, etc.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Crafty Wonderland returns this Sunday (Feb. 10) after a well-deserved break in January. The sale runs from 11am-4pm at the Doug Fir.

There’s a new blog in town: ShopVintagePortland.com is all about vintage clothing, decor, records, and more, all in Portland. So far the entries consist of short descriptions of familiar stores, from Rock ‘n’ Rose to Flutter, they promise interviews with local store owners, and vintage related classifieds. Behind the operation is Anne Weiland of LulusVintage.com.