This Week in the Mercury
Shop
Monday, May 20, 2013
Shop Stand Up Comedy’s Spring 2 by Catalog
Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Ah, what a refreshing change from the usual run of the mill e-mail blast: Stand Up Comedy used the failsafe combination of everyone’s favorite font Comic Sans, and gifs to create a seriously awesome spring catalog. A couple of my top picks include the latest shipment of Strathcona socks, which will make your little hooves look like a feast for the eyes. These hand printed socks are made in small runs, vary by season, and are inspired by photographs, quirky prints and patterns, and the artists own illustrations. Also a delight to my screen is the Danish line Baserange. Comprised of organic cottons and bamboo, made with non-toxic dyes and woven together with a modern minimalist aesthetic, I especially took a liking to their selection of underpinnings. Scope out more of the latest from Stand Up Comedy here.
- Stand Up Comedy
- a screen shot from Stand Up's latest Newsletter
- Stand Up Comedy
- Strathcona "A Mary Jane" Sock
- Stand Up Comedy
- Baserange "E Lady Body" bodysuit
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Shop / Event Shop the Block: May Edition
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Wed, May 15, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Before heading over to Open Season tonight, be sure to check out the May edition of Shop the Block, the shopping event that happens every two months and features six boutiques in Beaumont Village, including Amenity Shoes, Shop Adorn, Gazelle, Full Circle, Silhouette, and The Arrangement. For those who need a reminder guests who visit all participating boutiques will receive a rewards "Shop Card", which is valid for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at each of the participating boutiques.
This time around Shop the Block is partnering with The Pixie Project and Green Dog Pet Supply. The Pixie Project will be accepting donations, and requested items include fleece blankets, dog or cat toys, and pet food, preferably without by-products. As a thank you Green Dog Pet Supply will provide a $5 off coupon for purchases of $25 or more at their store for those who donate.
Home / Shop Narrative
Posted by Toby Robboy on Wed, May 15, 2013 at 8:59 AM
I recently got a chance to check out Narrative, a recently opened vintage furniture and home goods store on 13th & Alberta. While this city has no shortage of home goods, affordable offerings are not always a strong point, and finding interesting, unique vintage pieces usually requires an intensive scavenge through large, crammed spaces like House of Vintage or William Temple—a fun adventure when you're in the right mood, but kind of exhausting when you're just trying to decorate your home. Narrative, which is located in a tiny old house that serves as the perfect setting for the merchandise, fills a void as a cute, well curated boutique that carries all kinds of quirky, unusual finds, with a strong focus on affordability. In fact, as owner Clara Soister points out, the small entryway to the shop limits the size of the furnishings the store can carry, making it an ideal destination for those looking to decorate small apartment spaces.
The store has sort of a charming flea market feel, with merchandise ranging from serious furniture pieces like coffee tables and shelving, to more decorative pieces like statuettes and pottery, along with the odd typewriter, adding calculator and rotary phone thrown in to set the nostalgic tone. Soister, who has a background in set design, repaints many of the furniture pieces in unexpected color palates, like a French desk that is pale blue and grey with touches of metallic gold and silver. She also adds a touch of whimsy to some of the pieces by attaching notecards with brief imagined backstories. For example, 1950's ceramic teddy bear with a bizarrely surly looking facial expression comes with the explanation "Teddy stayed a little too long at the race tracks...".
Soister says she was inspired to open the store "after I sat down one day and made a list of things that make me happy," and seeking out unusual treasures at flea markets and estate sales was the first thing on that list. As she puts it, the store is "an outlet for my personal addiction."
Check out some of the goods:
Friday, May 10, 2013
Shop / Event Mother's Day Happenings
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Don't have plans for Mother's Day Weekend? Well fear not, because seemingly every boutique in Portland has some sort of event going on celebrating the woman who pushed you out of her vagina. Here's the roundup:
Queen Bee Book Drive + Sale
Queen Bee headquarters will host a Mother's Day Sale and book drive on Friday May 10th from 5-8PM. You can participate in a raffle to benefit the local Children's Book Bank by bringing in new and used children's books, and for every book donated get entered to win prizes including an Edie tote, RP Throw Pillow, Penelope, Snippet, Coin or Justin Case and more. This is part of a bigger event happening on N. Williams and includes ink & peat, Lark Press, Yoga Shala, myoptic, and Lodekka. Each place, including Queen Bee, will be offering drinks and snacks plus 20% off all merchandise.
Mabel & Zora Trunk Show + Sale
Mabel & Zora will be hosting a trunk show for chloe + isabel jewelry on Saturday May 11th from 2-5PM. Moms can enjoy flowers and mimosas, while everyone can enjoy 15% off all dresses.
Mink Annual Jewelry Sale
Mink is hosting it's annual Mother's Day jewelry sale happening now until May 12th. Take 15% off all jewelry, and while you are there browse their new clothing arrivals.
Tilde Sale
Tilde is hosting a sale from now until May 12th, with 20% off almost everything in the store and online. They even have a handy gift guide if you are having trouble finding the perfect gift for Mom.
Citrine Anniversary Sale
While technically not a Mother's Day event, this event can still be included. Citrine is celebrating it's two year anniversary on Friday May 10th from 6-9PM. Enjoy mango mimosas and 20% off everything. (To take advantage of to buy your Mom a gift obviously.)
AND all this stuff on the West End:
Radish Underground
At Radish Underground Moms get an extra putt on Mother's Day for the Mini Golf May plus a buy one get one free handmade ice cream sandwich coupon (good only on Mothers Day) at Ruby Jewel.
Woonwinkle
It's Woonwinkel's second birthday, help them celebrate on Saturday, May 11th with bubbly, treats, and 20% off.
Tender Loving Empire
Tender Loving Empire is having a sale from now to May 12th and you will receive 10% off one item with the purchase of a Mother's Day card.
Flora
Flora is celebrating it's pop up shop with jewelry and art from five local artisans May 10-12th, opening night festivities from 5-8PM will have treats and prizes.
Advertisement
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Fashion / Shop / News No More R.A.W. Lingerie
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Tue, May 7, 2013 at 2:22 PM
Sad news: R.A.W. Textiles, a longtimer in the Portland design scene, will no longer be producing lingerie. Things aren't all bad, though. R.A.W. will continue to produce hand-dyed textiles, the focus of this being on custom yardage and accessories and creating patterns for sale and licensing. R.A.W. will also continue to release collections, with the upcoming Fall/Winter collection featuring scarves and two styles of shawls.
And of course the silver lining in all of this is a huge sale to clear out inventory hosted at the R.A.W. Textiles showroom May 9-11 from noon-5 pm. There will be deep price cuts on their one-of-a-kind pieces and samples from the 2009-2012 collections. For those who can’t wait until May 9 there is an online preview sale starting today where you can save on specially selected items in their e-store.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Shop / Event Blackbox Block Party
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, May 3, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Just a quick reminder about the Blackbox Block Party going down tomorrow from 2-6 pm. I was at the last one in July, and it was super fun, and with the weather being in the 80s it will feel like July. Score 15% off merchandise from all of the Blackbox retailers during the event (Solestruck, Yo Vintage!, Reveille, Tanner Goods, and Poler) and enjoy complimentary gifts, drinks, music, and more. The only thing that would make this any better is if someone busts open a fire hydrant.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Shop / Event First Thursday Happenings
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Thu, May 2, 2013 at 9:42 AM
First Thursday is upon us again, and the weather is supposed to be gorgeous if you needed another reason to go out and hobnob with the fashion set while scoring deals. Here are just two of the many things happening around PDX tomorrow:
Frances May 5 Year Anniversary Party
Frances May is turning 5 years old (yay!) and they are celebrating with a sale and a party at Dig A Pony. The party is from 9PM to 2AM and will feature a DJ and probably a very well-dressed bunch of people. The sale goes from May 4th-5th and offers a 25% discount store wide. If you just can't wait for the store to open you can use the code FMTURNS5 online starting May 3rd at midnight.
Radish Underground 5th Annual Mini Golf May
Radish Underground will be installing a brand new, custom mini golf hole in their window where friends and customers can putt-putt for a discount all month long. The kick off party to celebrate is on Thursday from 5-9PM and will feature treats from local favorites New Deal Vodka & St. Cupcake Galore as well as exclusive new arrivals from Jennifer Glasgow, UNA, Dagg & Stacey, Selector, and the Portland themed photographic etchings of Beth Kerschen. Any Hole-in-One wins 25% OFF!! Sounds like fun to me.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Shop / Event Alder & Co. Grand Re-opening
Posted by Toby Robboy on Wed, May 1, 2013 at 9:59 AM
Quick Reminder: Alder & Co. is celebrating their move to 616 SW 12th Ave. tonight with champagne and an art show featuring work by Tracy Schlapp of Cumbersome Multiples and Tracy Wilkinson of TW Workshop. The event will also serve as an introduction of Hillary Horvath Flowers as a permanent addition to the store. Party starts at 5.
- alder&coshop.com
Shop / Event Lowell and Nationale Store Swap
Posted by Toby Robboy on Wed, May 1, 2013 at 8:59 AM
With their Merchants in Residence series, Nationale has been inviting artists and craftspeople into their space for years, but this time they set their sights on another of the city's most unique and innovative stores. For the months of May and June, vintage store Lowell will be setting up shop at Nationale AND Nationale will be presenting their own small selection in Lowell's North Russell space. The swap starts May 5 (11am-1pm), with Lowell unveiling their selection at Nationale, and continues at Lowell May 09 (6-9pm), with Nationale presenting their selection. Get full event details and RSVP here.
- nationale.us
Advertisement
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Inspiration / Shop / News Sword + Fern Is Back: New Curtains, News, and Projects
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 11:59 AM
So maybe my excitement led me to get a little out of hand with the subject tags of this post, but that's only because Sword + Fern—the gem of a shop helmed by Emily Baker, who makes jewelry but also stocks local apothecary, art, clothing, vintage nicknacks, books, and more—just keeps becoming a better and more rounded nexus of all these things.
After closing for a few months for renovations, Sword + Fern will be back in the First Friday swing of it this week, debuting the first in their new series of curatorial collaborations/art installations, "DISCOVERe'verer," with Plane/Air, to be followed by a roster of participants that includes Claudia Meza, Anna Korte, Helmy Membreno, Valentine Freeman, and more. Plus they've just announced that S+F will be the pickup spot for produce from Thistle Top Farm, and a forthcoming clothing line collaboration with Portland Garment Factory(!!). Swing by this Friday from 6-9 for a look at the reconfigured space and a high five for Baker's expanded venture.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Misc. / Shop / Fitness Chicest Bikes on Craigslist
Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Riding my adorable purple Schwinn Collegiate (tanker) of a bicycle home and getting passed like Bowser in Mario Kart makes me giggle, but saving tons of money of gas and parking downtown is no laughing matter, not to mention good for the ol’ gams. Now that the weather is starting to shape up, it’s the perfect time to find the bike of your dreams. I’ve just combed Craigslist for the most stylish bikes I can find, so without further adieu:
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Shop / Event West End Weekend Pop-Up Shop at Flora
Posted by Toby Robboy on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 8:59 AM
On the weekend of May 10-12, West End boutique Flora will be devoting their store space to five local artisans, with a pop-up shop featuring jewelry by Beach Bones, Lauren Harkness, Deluxe Delovely and Jennifer Finn (whose pieces were made specially for Flora), as well as paintings by Finn and Flora Bowley. Naturally there will be an opening party, that Friday from 5-8pm, with champagne, house blended teas and snacks, as well as specially made Flora products that come free with any pop-up purchase. There will also be a raffle of products by each of the vendors, which you have to be present to win (so don't be one of those assholes who gets a raffle ticket and then leaves).
- florapdx.com
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Shop Claire La Faye Bridal Trunk Show and Sample Sale
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Wedding planning season is in full swing, and if you are one of the many brides-to-be that have yet to choose that perfect dress, an upcoming event may help you solve that problem. Claire La Faye will be hosting a bridal trunk show and sample sale on Saturday April 27th from 10AM-3PM at Haunt. Faye will be showing her Spring 2013 line "Love in My Religion" along with samples from her complete collection, and Austie Eckley will be bringing a special selection of higher end bridal hair accessories and veils, including truly one of kind pieces. Both designers will be present to meet and consult with. For more information and VIP discounts RSVP here.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Shop / Event Alder & Co. Grand Re-opening
Posted by Toby Robboy on Sat, Apr 13, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Alder & Co. has a new location at 616 SW 12th Ave, and they're celebrating on May 1 with a party and art show, featuring work by Tracy Schlapp of Cumbersome Multiples and Tracy Wilkinson of TW Workshop. In addition to the move, the event will serve as the introduction of Hilary Horvath Flowers as a permanent addition to the store. The party starts at 5, and yes, there will be champagne.
- alder&coshop.com
Advertisement
Friday, April 12, 2013
Shop / Accessories / Event 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.
- Sahlia Jewelry
Shop New Spring Arrivals from Yo Vintage!
Posted by Elizabeth Mollo on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 1:12 PM
I don't know about you, but viewing the new Spring offerings from Yo Vintage! makes me feel like I am high fiving a million angels surrounded by flowers and rainbows. If I wasn't so broke from having to pay "the man" all of my money on the 15th I think I would buy everything for myself (particularly the jumpsuits.) With an emphasis on stripes, lady-like florals, and graphic heavy black and white, these pieces will be an easy add to your wardrobe. Check out the entire new Spring selection here.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Shop / News Bridge & Burn (Finally) Set to Open in Downtwon This Week
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Apr 10, 2013 at 10:14 AM
After months—months!—of teasing, that charmed swath of SW Portland that even people who call it by its new name usually use air quotes, the West End, has gotten another get. Bridge & Burn is finally ready for the big reveal of its first brick 'n' mortar store at 1122 SW Morrison, throwing a party this Friday from 6-10 pm, going so far as to have their own beer brewed for the occasion: Deschutes Brewery's “Bridge Burner IPA.” They'll also be debuting the spring '13 line, offering 10% off retail sales and DJ Hostile Tapeover will be on the tape decks, too. Plus 10% of purchases at the shop on Friday and Saturday will go to The Right Brain Initiative.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Shop / Event Vintalier Grand Opening Tonight!
Posted by Toby Robboy on Thu, Apr 4, 2013 at 2:49 PM
As is generally the case with First Thursday in April, there are about a thousand things going on tonight, but if you love beautiful, unique vintage clothing, don't forget to swing by Vintalier, for their grand opening party from 6-9 pm. While there's certainly no shortage of great vintage stores around town, Vintalier, which originated as a blog in 2009, distinguishes itself with a well curated selection of high-fashion pieces, both true vintage (20 years old or more) and pre-worn modern. At the party there will be Aveda Institute students giving free makeovers, as well as 10% discounts on the first item you purchase, or 15% if you bring a friend. In the meantime, check out their lookbook—seriously, this place is legit!
- vintalier.com
Monday, April 1, 2013
Fashion / Shop Desert Warrior Lookbook by Yo Vintage!
Posted by Toby Robboy on Mon, Apr 1, 2013 at 3:14 PM
I swear it seems like every time I check my inbox Yo Vintage! has a new lookbook to show us, and yet each one lives up to the super-polished, high-fashion editorial quality we've come to expect from them. For the latest one, owner Sarah Radcliffe set her sights on the deserts of Arizona to capture their new assortment, which combines classic Americana with Portland-style quirkiness. As is generally the case with Yo, the pieces are as versatile and wearable as they are eclectic, ranging from breezy '70s-style dresses and jumpsuits to more structured pants and voluminous skirts. And the collection's sun-bleached color palate feels perfectly timed to strangely summery weather we've been having lately. Check it out below, and shop the looks here (more pieces to arrive Friday).
Advertisement
Shop / Accessories 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:
- Sock It to Me Facebook
- Sock It to Me Facebook
- 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
Shop Amelia Grand Opening
Posted by Toby Robboy on Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 12:44 PM
One of my favorite things about Portland's retail scene is the seemingly endless demand for well curated boutiques that carry unique, limited quantity lines. The newest such store in town is Amelia, which just opened on Alberta, and is throwing a launch party tomorrow night 5-9 pm. There will be drinks, snacks and a raffle with prizes from some of the local designers they carry.
The store carries domestically made clothing, jewelry, body products and home goods with a feminine, vintage sensibility. In addition to an eponymous house-line, the designer mix includes some local treasures like Clair Vintage Inspired, Carolyn Hart and MOSS Handmade, as well as some lesser known independent lines from around the country. Owner Amelia Blakeman chooses products that she believes expemplify "the creativity, craftsmanship and nostalgic style of America."
- helloamelia.com
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Shop Vintalier
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Mar 26, 2013 at 10:59 AM
Back in the '90s Portland only really had one thing going for it if you didn't have money to throw at clothes but didn't want to shop at Ross or Target: tons and tons of amazing vintage. Since then there's been a massive surge in personally curated, lovely boutiques, but vintage continues to proliferate, even if competition is fierce and the vintage crowd often puts as much back into creating lookbooks and online shopping as anyone else. It's not only one of the most cost effective ways to dress, it's one of the least impactful, and if the fashion industry's efforts to reform its toxic ways is going to stick, that's a quality that should be glamorized.
Doing its part is Vintalier Vintage, opening next week at NW 13th & Flanders.
- Vintalier Vintage
- Pretty lookbook photos? Check!
In addition to a closely selected collection of true vintage, Vintalier also offers pre-loved modern pieces, and keeps the entire stock to high standard of quality and condition. As owner Ellen Hsu puts it, "Vintalier is creating a new category of vintage, one that bridges the gap between the thrifty hipster and the
early to mid-century loyalist.” Actually started as a blog in 2009, the new brick 'n' mortar has been a long time coming. On Thursday, April 4 (6-9 pm), they're inviting all comers to check them out at a party with Aveda Institute students offering free makeovers and 10% off (15% if you bring a buddy).
Monday, March 25, 2013
Shop Step Into Spring with Lille
Posted by Kayla Rekofke on Mon, Mar 25, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Spring is the perfect time to rummage through you closet and purge out anything that is old, unflattering, or that you haven’t worn in the last year. This especially applies to your underthings drawer! Lille is here to help, offering 50% off their current sale items (what a mega steal!)—see the entire selection here. Lille is also undergoing some remodeling and will be shut at both locations for a few days at the end of the month, so I’d pop by early this week to see the latest Spring '13 shipments from Stella McCartney, Cheap Monday, Samantha Chang, and many more. Lille is slated for a grand re-opening in celebration of their 6th anniversary for First Friday in April, so stay tuned on more deets to follow!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Shop Xtabay Weekend Sale
Posted by Rose Finn on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 10:59 AM
There's no dress as unique or well-made as a vintage dress. Though sometimes, the best vintage dresses can be surprisingly expensive. That's why it might be time to check out Xtabay's awesome sale happening this weekend (the 23rd and 24th)!
- Xtabay
All their vintage items will be marked down 25%! It's about time you feel like a spring chicken again.
Men's / Shop Woodlands SS13 Arrivals
Posted by Toby Robboy on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 9:59 AM
- woodlandsshop.com
Menswear boutique Woodlands just released a mini-look book of their new Spring/Summer arrivals from Creep, Norse Projects, Penfield, Reigning Champ, Tellason and Yuketen. Having has carved out a niche for themselves as one of the few menswear shops in town known for carrying cool, laid-back streetwear, they've stuck to their winning formula with this selection of camo and khaki worker pants, leather mocs and wesley style shirts.
Check out the goods:
- woodlandsshop.com
- Tellason Coverall Jacket, Penfield Wesley, Cassady Worker Pants
- woodlandsshop.com
- Yuketen Sami Moc
- woodlandsshop.com
- Norse Projects Embroidered Cap, Niels Moulinex, Penfield Wesley
- woodlandsshop.com
- Tellason Ladbroke Grove Twill, Yuketen Western Moc
Our Friends
Our Enemies
RSSGoing to Seattle?
