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Accessories

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Forget Arm Parties—It’s All About the Ear Party

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Man Repeller may have coined the the term “arm party,” but this summer it’s all about ear cuffs, double ear piercings, and mixing and matching metals. From lust-worthy and opulent Swarovski crystal earcuffs by Ryan Storer to more affordable options and styles seen at Nasty Gal, the new looks in earrings are endless.

Diane Kruger in Repossi Ear Cuffs

Nasty Gal I Want Candy Ear Cuff
  • Nasty Gal
  • Nasty Gal "I Want Candy" Ear Cuff

RS.E.003 ROSE GOLD EAR CUFF
  • Ryan Storer
  • RS.E.003 ROSE GOLD EAR CUFF

Lara Bingle in Sarina Suriano

Friday, April 26, 2013

Cathedral Park Collection by Betsy & Iya

Posted by Toby Robboy on Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 1:48 PM

Time for some pretty lookbook pictures, this time featuring the latest jewelry collection by betsy & iya. The Cathedral Park collection was inspired by the namesake St. John's based park, and follows up on the line's Bridge collection (inspired by the St. John's bridge). The pieces are true to betsy & iya's signature aesthetic, which juxtaposes art deco-type geometry with earthy elements like raw leather and oxidized brass. The lookbook documents a road trip the b&i team took to the Columbia River Gorge with photographer Elizabeth Rudge, and features some beautiful scenery along with two models who make you super jealous you're not there. Check out some of the highlights below and view the full lookbook here.

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  • Elizabeth Rudge

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  • Elizabeth Rudge

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  • Elizabeth Rudge

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  • Elizabeth Rudge

Continue reading »

Friday, April 12, 2013

Sahlia Jewelry Moving Sale

Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 3:14 PM

Real quick: Sahlia Jewelry is having a sale today from 5-8PM in preparation for their relocation into neighboring boutique Rhapsody. All jewelry will be 25%-75% off, plus they will have treats and champagne.

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  • Sahlia Jewelry

PINO X Pattern People X PICA

Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 2:14 PM

Serial collaborator PINO has teamed up with Pattern People to produce limited edition printed silk bow ties, with proceeds benefiting PICA programs and artists. Only 100 of these were made, and with that stunning graphic print I can imagine these will sell pretty quickly. To purchase click here.

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Monday, April 8, 2013

Illuminations Collection S/S 2013

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Mon, Apr 8, 2013 at 9:59 AM

Anna Korte, the boho babe behind AK Vintage just dropped her latest collection, "Illuminations." Inspired by French poet Arthur Rimbaud, whose book of poems bring to life themes like creation, destruction, ecstasy, and metamorphosis, Illuminations is full of dreamy bodychains, statement necklaces, and dainty geometric bracelets ideal for your next arm party. With a cameo by Ms. Korte herself, the Illuminations lookbook is a true extension of her stunning signature style. Shop the entire collection here.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Psssst

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Apr 3, 2013 at 3:50 PM

A little secret for ya: Tomorrow Mabel & Zora is doing their first-ever flash sale, with 30% off Orla Kiely bags for 24 hours only. Pass it on.

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  • Mabel and Zora

Monday, April 1, 2013

Brookes Boswell

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 11:44 AM

As fiendish as I am about sun protection on virtually every other inch of my body, I'll admit to a relative delinquence when it comes to my scalp, and the weekend's amazing weather underscored the fact that this is the kind of thing that needs to be worked out sooner than we thought. The obvious solution to this is a frigging hat or two, yet for some reason it's hard to bite the bullet for silly reasons like the fear of hat head and the difficulty in finding a hat that's just right and committing to it. I don't like the idea of wearing the same hat for three months straight, so that means finding several hats that are just right, which I do all the time with stuff like jeans and shoes and coats and sunglasses and I don't know why I'm being a baby and hats are just harder for some reason.

The folks at Windowwall salon, which is hosting a trunk show for Brooklyn milliner Brookes Boswell this month, appear to feel my pain:

Buying a hat is often one of the hardest decisions. Thinking, "Is the shape right? Does it allow enough light? Can I hide well enough? Do I love the fabric?" And most importantly, "Does it fit well?"... It all begins with the fit and the design.

Which sounds like... you just gotta try on a lot of hats and go with the ones that don't make you feel silly and do make you feel better about yourself. Which is tricky! To get you started, and to prove that good hair and hats can coincide peacefully, swing by the salon on April 15, 4-7 pm, where Boswell will be taking orders for hand-blocked cocktail hats, felts, and Panama straws made to size, with plenty of hats on-hand to test, and complimentary bubbles to propel you through the process. Your poor scalp will thank you.

A good start: a universally flattering shape in universally appealing stripes.
  • Brookes Boswell
  • A good start: a universally flattering shape in universally appealing stripes.

And the Sock Winner is...

Posted by Rose Finn on Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 10:04 AM

After attending the Design-a-Sock contest party, and agonizing for way too long about my vote, I was curious to see who won. Here are the top 3 designs:

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  • Sock It to Me Facebook

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  • Sock It to Me Facebook

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  • Sock It to Me Facebook

Not only did their little shindig have free food, booze, and, of course, socks, but I got to find out more about this very creative local business. If you ever have any sock needs or know of any upcoming birthdays, then "Sock it To Me" is definitely worth checking out.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Autoctona '13: Significant Other

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 11:44 AM

You can hardly swing a soldering iron in this town without hitting a jewelry artist, but there aren't many people making the kind of high-concept, futuristically modern designs that Autoctona has become known for. The 2013 collection and lookbook, titled "Significant Other," has dropped:

According to the artist's statement (and that feels like the appropriate term to use in reference to designer Alessandria Murgia's work), the collection "investigates the concept of union and the interaction between diverse aesthetic elements... The concept of duality plays a key role in different aspects of the line, from material to design and concept creation."

Find Autoctona through their website or at Stand Up Comedy and Una. More images behind the cut.

Continue reading »

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Seaecho Presents "In The Valley Below"

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Tue, Mar 26, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Designer Sarah Vale Rapp just debuted her brand new spring collection, "In the Valley Below." Stepping out from the more traditional Pendleton fabrics she has become known for, Ms. Rapp infused this collection with pops of sequins and 3D floral rosettes in additional to some lush, springy Pendleton textiles. Showcasing range with a douse of familiarity, I’m starting to think my Seaecho Aggie Carryall bag needs a new friend! Shop the new collection here.

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  • Seaecho

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  • Seaecho

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  • Seaecho
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  • Seaecho

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  • Seaeco

Friday, March 22, 2013

Francis Klein

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 8:59 AM

"Glasses are like haircuts: we do not choose that from our neighbor but the one that suits us, changes us, the one we like or the one that gives us confidence... one that simply allows us to be ourselves in all circumstances."

Such is the founding principle of Francis Klein, a family-run Parisian eyeglass manufacturer paying a visit to Portland on Friday March 29 at the Reynolds Optical Co. downtown in the form of a trunk show (800 SW Alder, 12-6 pm).

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  • Francis Klein

It's a rare opportunity to see these highly stylized (uh, not for plain black and wire rim-types) pieces—which are interesting objects apart from their function—as a complete collection outside of France. A little brand history:

In the 1970s, Francis Klein, optician by profession, opened his shop in the seventh arrondissement of Paris. Fairly quickly disappointed by the lack of original products on the market, he decided to create his own models, assisted by his wife Michele, interior designer.
Marriage in life and in the glasses world of technical and artistic senses leads to a type of plastic frames quickly noticed and adopted by the fashion scene, fond of the originality of the product and an sensitivity in terms of colour work unknown until then.

On the wave of the flourishing success, Francis Klein glasses are also exposed in fashion shows (especially in the early days of First Class) and in optical shows, whether in Europe, United States or even in Japan, where they meet success, Francis Klein also being among the first French glasses designers to have crossed the threshold of the Asian market.

Subsequently, yet logically, the adventure goes further with the two daughters of the family, Betty and Dixie. Their training, one in styling and optics, the other in international trade, combine perfectly to continue the family saga, and in 2003 they opened the flagship store and the showroom in the Saint Germain des Prés district.

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  • Francis Klein

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  • Francis Klein

Go on and embrace your eccentricity, four-eyes!

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Fourth Annual Tasi Jewelry Trunk Show at Tilde

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 8:59 AM

If you're looking for some fresh new jewelry to festoon yourself for spring, there's an excellent opportunity to do so this weekend at Tilde, which is hosting the fourth annual Tasi Jewelry trunk show, with 20% off one-of-a-kind pieces in natural, un-dyed stone, sterling silver, and gold. Stop in from 12-3 pm this Saturday and Sunday to meet the designer and get up close and personal with the goodies.

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  • TasiDesigns

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Grayling Spring '13

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Mar 12, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Things are starting to bloom and we're being treated to occasional bursts of sunshine, which makes Spring more or less official. Get ready for the floral motifs to start appearing on the racks of clothing stores with increasing frequency (for men, too, at least the ones who have the balls). Portland jewelry superstars Grayling have taken a bit of a harder approach with their spring collection, stepping away from the colorful gemstones that frequently appear in their designs in favor of a concentration on metals—a nice counterpoint to tradition.

pyrite disc earrings

infinity earrings: smoky/gun

vagabond earring

pyrite disc necklace

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Obsession of the week: Leather Snapbacks

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Sat, Feb 23, 2013 at 8:59 AM

If you buy one accessory this season, let it be a leather snapback cap. Sporty, chic, and it totally transcends the seasons. I just recently got this one as a birthday gift, but you can find them pretty easily online. Look to the babes below for styling inspo:

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  • Lydia Hudgens

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  • thefancy.com

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  • http://www.theyallhateus.com/

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Handbags and Dominos

Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Thu, Feb 21, 2013 at 2:59 PM

This Thursday diversion comes courtesy of Anya Hindmarch's presentation straight from London Fashion Week. Taking 7,559 hours of prep time, this display is crazy awesome. I am not sure what is up with the Benny Hill type music though (I guess it's a Brit thing?)

Via NY Mag

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

"Rocked" to the Nines

Posted by Rose Finn on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 10:59 AM

On Sunday I attended "Rocked: a Couture Bridal Event" at the Nines Hotel, in their grand ballroom. Although there was nearly six times more cake than couture, I still got a glimpse at what this season's (wealthy-ish) brides are wearing; ranging from "meh," all the way to "fuck yeah, that's red!"

Alongside vacation packages, limo rentals, and boundless booze, local designers sat perched and ready to sell.

Holly Stalder
  • Katie Swezey
  • Holly Stalder

Holly Stalder was the first designer I encountered, and I'd say the most interesting and "Portland-y" of any of the designers there. Though her designs still carried frills, lace, and flowers, the shapes and textures were more creative. Her waist and hemlines flowed elegantly, making the dresses appear more fitted and comfortable than the stiff wedding cakes we're usually expected to don as a bride. Her dresses would more likely be seen on a pouting ex-lover in a Shins video, rather than on Bristol Palin's wedding day.

One of my favorite dresses was from Divine Designs:

Divine Designs
  • Katie Swezey
  • Divine Designs

Though it seems simple and classic, there are complicated mesh layers that create a beautiful, flattering pattern; it even has a bit of a pinkish tint to it. I had to stop myself from walking out with the mannequin.

Sun Jin Lee
  • Katie Swezey
  • Sun Jin Lee

Sun Jin Lee caught my attention not with gaudy lace or voluminous poofs, but with flattering, classic lines. Her pieces were a nice range of sophisticated with innovative touches, all the way to dresses that you could wear in the picnic scene of a Fellini film. Their pricing caught my attention as being somewhat more accommodating, as well.

There was also jewelry...

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  • Katie Swezey

Continue reading »

Ellington Handbags Spring 2013 Launch Party

Posted by Rose Finn on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 8:59 AM

If you're at all like me, you've been carrying around some pseudo-garbage bag strung around your shoulder for months, with all the edges fraying and shit falling out of it. That's why this upcoming Ellington Handbags Spring 2013 Collection Launch Party will be right up your alley!

Eva Satchel
  • ellingtonhandbags.com
  • Eva Satchel

Sadie Vintage Hobo
  • ellingtonhandbags.com
  • Sadie Vintage Hobo

Eva Mini Saddle Bag
  • ellingtonhandbags.com
  • Eva Mini Saddle Bag

This Spring collection launch will be this Thursday, the 21st, from 5-7pm at their store on NW 23rd. The soiree will be providing food and drinks, a raffle, a free gift with purchase, and a chance to meet your purse's designer. Enjoying cocktails with your new purse and its creator sounds like a pretty hot Thursday night to me. Menage-a-purse, anyone?

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Betsy & Iya Month of Love Short Story Contest

Posted by Toby Robboy on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 3:54 PM

In honor of Valentine's Day, betsy & iya just announced the most awesome contest idea ever! The jewelry label, which always has the most poetic product descriptions on their website, decided to reverse the creative process by giving fans a chance to submit a 40-word story that "will capture a quintessential betsy & iya moment," and designer Betsy Cross will make an original piece of jewelry inspired by the winner's story. The winner will receive the piece of jewelry once it is made, as well as a $400 gift certificate. The second and third runners-up will receive $100 and $50 gift certificates respectively. All contest entrants will be eligible to receive a 20% discount on an online purchase between today and April 3.

Entries, which must be submitted by March 7 to betsy & iya's Facebook page, will be put up for vote by FB users from March 8—March 14 to determine the finalists. The top three entries will be chosen by a panel that includes author Nancy Rommelmann (Transportation: Stories, The Queens of Montague Street), Kevin Sampsell (author of A Common Pornography, founder of Future Tense Publishing), B Frayn Masters (host/executive producer of Back Fence PDX), Courtenay Hameister (host of Live Wire!) and Nathalie Weinstein (editor of PDX Pipeline). The winner will be announce March 31.

Betsy & iya is always finding creative ways to connect to their customers, and this contest was conceived as a way to allow them to reflect the line means to them. As Cross explains, "We have such an engaged following online. We wanted to hear from them about what stories, dreams and fantasies come to mind through the lens of a betsy & iya piece." Get all the contest details here.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Tilde Super Sale

Posted by Rose Finn on Fri, Feb 8, 2013 at 4:49 PM

Tilde in Sellwood is having a last-minute Valentine's sale this weekend, with 20% off everything!

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  • tildeshop.com

With local trinkets, jewelry, clothing, and just about anything women like, there's no excuse for you to forget her Valentine's gift this year.

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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Reif Turban Giveaway

Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Thu, Feb 7, 2013 at 11:59 AM

Always wanted a Reif turban but have not been able to shell out the (very affordable) $28 because you are super broke or because you're just a cheap asshole? Well, now here's your chance to win a Reif turban AND a Reif headband. Click here, follow the instructions, and enter to win. Pretty easy, and if you win you'll look super pretty!!!

This Reif turban can be yours!!!!
  • This Reif turban can be yours!!!!

This one too!!!!
  • This one too!!!!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

New from Demimonde

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Have you guys checked out Demimonde on NE Broadway? If not, you totes should get yourself over to the shop: Absolutely gorgeous jewelry paired with a collection of vintage and new items that are lovely to fill your closet or living space with. “Exploring the illicit affairs we have with the objects we adorn ourselves with” couldn’t be a more fitting mantra for their perfect little shop. Demimonde is located at 2428 NE Broadway.

ceremonial native american arrows
  • demimonde
  • ceremonial native american arrows

Redesigned the earrings & made a necklace to match
  • demimonde
  • Redesigned the earrings & made a necklace to match

scrimshaw deer bracelet

Vintage brass rings

Vintage studio pottery vase

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

It's National Hat Day!

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 12:02 PM

Just thought you should know.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I’ve Got Hose

Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Tue, Jan 8, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Ladies, listen up, it's officially winter time here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest (durrr). Tights are absolutely essential for the months of November-March, and the past couple of times I’ve gone out I've been quite shocked to see so many bare legs [I'm still totally rocking bare legs—Ed.]. Lille boutique makes it effortlessly easy to stock up on gorgeous tights that are not only practical, but more importantly, pretty. Click below to shop the looks, and check out Lille’s complete hosiery collection here.

Paris By Night Stay Ups
  • Lille
  • Paris By Night Stay Ups

Sensitive Stockings

Paradoxale Anklet Socks
  • Lille
  • Paradoxale Anklet Socks

Friday, January 4, 2013

Tailly: Taking Cat Ladies to the Next Level

Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 11:14 AM

This may be a manifestation of taxoplasmosis (JK), but it also brings up a couple thoughts:

1) In my experience, cats usually wag their tails when they're pissed/want to kill things more so than "excited."

2) This seems like a good way to get cats to attack you from behind.

3) Crepes aren't that exciting.

4) I want one.

Friday, December 14, 2012

The LiV Collection by BD503

Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, Dec 14, 2012 at 2:40 PM

On Wednesday I attended the launch of The LiV Collection by BD503, a small affair that celebrated the release of a new handbag collection designed by singer/ songwriter LiV Warfield (a rising star who got her big break singing backup for Prince) and local handbag maker BD503. Warfield and BD503 designer Bianca Pettinari met this year at FashioNXT, where BD503 had a booth and Warfield sang to kick of the week's events. She spotted a bag, claimed she was, "Not leaving without it," and struck up a friendship with Pettinari, which led to the collaboration. "The LiV Collection by BD503 includes shoulder bags and clutches with signature details and exotics inspired by LiV’s passion for life, music and fashion."

BD503, a newcomer to the Portland design scene, boasts Pettinari's 20 years of experience working in Italy for the likes of John Galliano, Costume National, and Theory; individuality (each bag is made one at time and is one-of-a-kind); re-purposed leather sourced from vintage garments and top-quality excess leather from traditional Italian manufacturing; and each bag is handmade in their Portland studio. Following are a few shots of the clutches that caught my eye. You can check out the entire collection here.

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