Who: Jessie
Where: Nike World Headquarters
Photo by: AM

Grand Theft Auto is one of the few post-Super Mario Brothers 1 videogames that I have actually played, but it still took a little ‘splaining on the part of my colleague Erik Henriksen to convince me that Karl Lagerfeld’s involvement in the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 4 doesn’t mean you can play as the famously eccentric Chanel designer, running around smashing car windows and such (kind of a bummer, actually). Instead you can play the game to “DJ Karl“‘s soundtrack (he’s an avid music fan and collector), leaving the criminal acts to the game’s main protagonist. Still, it’s a testament to Grand Theft as more than mere video game that they cast such a wide net to diverse corners of the current culture, creating a kind of snapshot of the times. Look for Earnest “Nex” Cavalli’s review of the game in an upcoming issue of the Mercury.

LAGERFELD: not that I couldn’t picture him smashing car windows.

Whatcha got goin’ on tonight? Are you going to Say Say? Lille Boutique? Physical Element? My calendar got a little easier to manage when Physical Element’s Jo Carter invited me to last night pre-preview of the stores newly re-launched direction. Tonight is an open-to-the-public affair, and if you’ll go you’ll actually be able to see a stable of coats that didn’t ship in time to make it yesterday. As for what I did see, one line that stood out to me was the Danish Casch. It can be hard to focus on fall clothing while begging the skies for summer weather, but come October I can see myself getting some serious wear out of this dolman sleeved dress:

(Carter, a black clothing fan after my own heart, ordered this in black, too).

The line features a lot of other nice pieces that would suit women of various ages and tastes, including an adorable short sleeved knit jacket (that I want to wear as a dress) and a cute cape:

See them up close at 7 pm tonight at the store.

I’ve already given some coverage to Covet (429 SW 10th), the little boutique that opened its doors simultaneously (and quite conveniently for those already drawn to nearby shopping destinations like Odessa and The English Dept.) with Frances May around the corner. If you’ve yet to check it out, heres the perfect opportunity to: They have scheduled a grand opening on Saturday, May 3rd, 5-8 pm, with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and a chance to check out goods, like killer accessories from Calleen Cordero, collection pieces from smaller lines like Geren Ford, and easy everyday pieces from sly edits of lines like Splendid.

(Calleen Cordero clutches, both available now at Covet.)

Jess McClosky, hot off the runway of Sunday’s Merc Installations show, is having a trunk show tomorrow at Xtabay Vintage (7:30 pm, 2515 SE Clinton). Among other pieces on hand, this will also be the first opportunity to get your hands on the pieces she created for the show, so if something caught your particular attention, step on up.

My heart sank as I flipped through the four digital pages of Refinery29’s new “Wonder Bread” feature on wallets that “put the funny back in your money”; where was DB Clay? All my long conversations with the local company’s ambitious young founder, Garett Stenson, played through my head, and I started to think that maybe the respected indie fashion site was losing its grip, until I hit the last page.

Nice.

In addition to this and this, another thing to add to your list of Friday fashion fun is the spring fashion show at Say Say Boutique (8 pm, 1010 SW Morrison), “Fashionably Late” (at sending out press releases—ha!). Benefiting The Dreaming Zebra Foundation (a non-profit providing monetary support to young artists, it will feature looks from Skunkfunk, Sue Bradbury, Effie’s Heart, and Supreme Being.

(A look from Supreme Being.)

Earlier this year I was assigned to write a glowing review of The Bhaktishop, the owners of which had the winning bid on said review in the Mercury Christmas charity auction. I was prepared to swallow all critical pride in the name of a good cause, but I lucked out and didn’t even have to lie: Lisa and Diana, who run and teach the yoga studio, were awesome, and their approach to the practice is incredibly sincere and open. At the time, they were operating out of a tiny space on E Burnside, waiting for things to be readied at the “real” location, 2500 SE 26th at Division. The time has now come, and all are invited to the grand opening party on May 3rd, with music, food, and giveaways, and in typically good willed fashion, it’s a benefit for Street Yoga.

Well hello, Betty Jean Couture (3537 N Williams). Look what just landed in my inbox:

On Williams Avenue, in the urban and revitalizing end of north Portland, Betty Jean Couture is making history. Among Portland’s booming population of couture to eclectic independent fashion designers, Betty Jean Couture is doing something different: designing superior, classic, and elegant items for all shapes and sizes. At Betty Jean Couture, high quality and style does not end at a size 8. On May 24th, the team at Betty Jean Couture welcomes everyone into the design house for a private, intimate fashion show. Seating is very limited, with reserve seating and standing room only available. Please call 503-284-6711 for ticket information. Price is $10 per person.

Stay tuned for more photos, video, and info on our fashion show micro-site, plus the uh, you know, “paper” that we are currently scrambling on deadline for, but I just wanted to throw up a quick announcement/congratulations to Rio Wrenn of R.A.W., who won the most audience votes at Sunday’s Installations fashion show. Furthermore, congratulations go out to all of the designers, models, volunteers, and assistants who worked so hard to pull off this event.

If you’re anything like me, you’re SICK of freaking iPods! Not only does it constantly fall out of the pockets of my mini jeans shorts, but when I’m wearing my headphones, people act like I can’t hear them and then treat me like I have syphilis!

THERE MUST BE AN EASIER AND MORE FASHIONABLE WAY OF LISTENING TO MUSIC WHILE ENGAGING IN LIFESTYLE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WALKING, GOLFING OR BREAK DANCING!

Oh, there is? And it’s called “THE MUSIC VEST”? Wow! I’d like to learn more!

In honor of The English Dept.’s third birthday, they’re taking 30% off purchases from the 30th through May 3rd. Plus, make a note on your calendar for May 9th, when designer and store owner Elizabeth Dye will debut her Spring/Summer ‘08 collection.

If you’re looking to retire a pair of jeans, consider participating in the upcoming benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters being hosted by Nolita:

Beginning May 1st, customers can bring in their previously loved denim jeans to Nolita and we will give them 20% off a new pair. All previously loved jeans will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters - in turn they will be given new life on the buns of youngsters in the BBBS program. The last day to swap is May 14. (People can donate as much denim as they want, but one pair donated equals one pair at 20% off, up to 3 pairs per customer. Donated denim must be in good wearable condition. The offer applies to full-price denim only.) Big Brothers Big Sisters would love more volunteers. So, we’re throwing a Denim Swap launch party on May 1st (First Thursday) from 6-8pm to help them outreach to this area of town. BBBS will be here to answer any questions about the program, and Nolita will be busy ‘swapping denim’ throughout the evening. Of course, requisite food & beverages will be here to stave off hunger from trying on too many pairs of jeans.

Last night’s Mercury fashion show went off without a hitch, but after being on my feet for 15 hours running on caffeine and stress to keep me upright, it sounds cheesy but I need a goddamn spa day. Coincidentally, I see in my inbox a missive from Löyly, the wonderful big, beautiful Finnish-style SE sauna and steam retreat, announcing their new specials menu. Can I just go there now instead of work, please?

What: SITUATIONS, the new dance party with DJ Nightschool
Where: Dunes