The first wave of invites to people who'd signed up first on Wildfang's site—a new Portland-based e-commerce site dedicated to the "tomboy" look—came out on Friday. As someone who is probably somewhere in the middle of the pack, and anxious for the unveiling of a shop that has been the recipient of a remarkable amount of hype, I have been going back to check daily for the launched site. And while my invite must have gotten lost in the mail (ahem), lo and behold this morning my email address unlocked the site.

Wildfang warrants a little extra attention because they've stormed the retail scene with guns blazing and eyes on the prize. Founded by a coterie of former Nike employees and enough resourcing to enlist over 20 people in various forms of employment, this is a smart, careful, and formidably savvy crew out to become a major player—in my interview with them they made comparisons between themselves and Urban Outfitters more than once. If and when they get there, assumed they remain in Portland, as they've stated they want to, this could well be where your future teenager jocks her first reg.

• Wildfang

Yeah yeah, but what about the goods. For their first time out, the selection is relatively small: Fewer than 25 options for tops, less than 10 pairs of pants, and 11 pairs of shoes. I expect that will certainly change as they grow, along with a lower proportion of vintage items compared to new. One of the things that piques my curiosity about Wildfang's approach is that they are more or less doing away with the convention of keeping a relatively steady price point. Instead they are betting that customers will seek them out primarily for their aesthetic, shopping within its range of pricing.

I personally think that's a more interesting way to shop casually, and more reflective of the ubiquitous high/low combinations that people actually wear, though maybe a disadvantage at those times when you are shopping for something specific and have an idea of what you want to spend. Is the internet big enough for both styles? Especially considering the growing number of search aggregates, I think that's a resounding yes.

Nothing says "Spring" like "denim." To celebrate Mink's 6th anniversary, they're having a major denim-splosion this Saturday, the 23rd; 15% off all denim, a denim raffle, and a free gift with purchase.

• blog.shopmink.com

These ain't no nasty denims, neither: Joe's, Paige, and Citizens of Humanity are just some of their current brands. Just so you get really sucked in, they also have new arrivals:

• blog.shopmink.com

Shop the Block is an evening of shopping fun presented by six boutiques in Beaumont Village between NE 41st and 42nd on Fremont. Participating boutiques include Amenity Shoes, Shop Adorn, Gazelle, Full Circle, Silhouette, and The Arrangement.

In addition to evening-only discounts and events, guests who visit all participating boutiques will receive a rewards "Shop Card". The Shop Card is valid for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at each of the participating boutiques. This is happening tomorrow evening from 4-8PM and the next dates for the Shop the Block are May 15th, July 17th, and September 25th. For more information on each of the store's offerings for the night visit the Facebook event page here.

Every time a small local business reaches its five-year anniversary, and angel gets its wings. Somewhat more verifiably, there is also usually a party, like the one that very excited, soon-to-be-five Folly owner Sarah Bibb is planning for—so excited that they've announced the May 2 event well ahead! It's going to be a blowout that includes tours of the newly expanded Factory, joining the small-but-noble number of places dedicated to local apparel manufacturing, plus a photobooth and New Deal cocktails. Calendar: updated.

MACHUS, which has established itself over the years as a local staple for stylish men, just announced their expansion into womenswear. The selection, which is now available in the store and online, includes an exclusive collection by Black Crane, as well as some dark, edgy pieces by OAK NYC. After browsing the goods online, it's clear that they're applying the fashion-forward yet unfussy aesthetic that has always defined the store to their womenswear choices. Also, this weekend men can take advantage of their flash denim sale on jeans by Nudie, Raleigh Denim, Naked and Famous and THVM Atelier. The sale has already started and will continue through Sunday.

• machusonline.com

The year-old NE Alberta boutique Backtalk (full disclosure: it's half-owned by Mercury contributor Elissa Hall) has already moved up and out of its original location, finding new, bigger digs on N Mississippi. The grand soft re-opening is scheduled for Saturday, featuring a photography show and a newly minted in-house designer.
MOD for the full agenda.

The new space features an expanded vintage collection and debut designs from Courtshop Denim, REIF, Foxtail Jewelry, and Wintercheck Factory alongside Backtalk staples like PDX Black Lipstick Co., Soaprocks, and Julia Barbee fragrance. Also, perhaps most exciting, Backtalk welcomes Alexa Stark as the store's new in-house designer.

Additionally, Lavenda Memory has produced a portrait series featuring Backtalk clothing which will also be making its debut, along with complimentary champagne and music—as always. Stop in from 4-7 pm this Saturday to see what there is to see.

Frances May is clearing out the old and bringing in the new. Starting tomorrow selected merchandise for both men and women will be 65% off. While you're there scoping out the sale scene be sure to check out new spring arrivals from Mara Hoffman, Base Range, Patrik Ervell, Suno, Wood Wood, Samuji, Rachel Comey, Gitman, Hentsch Man, A.P.C., Robert Geller, and more.

In this week's Sold Out, I wrote about an ambitious new (for now) online retailer, Wildfang. Never mind that the store has yet to actually go live—the founders, who cut their teeth working successful jobs at Nike—have already roped in celebrity ambassadors and a relatively huge social network following. They're a start-up, but one with more teeth than your average one-or-two-man fledgling operation. They already have employees, they're determined, and they just all around have their shit together. That's got a lot to do with their savvy and experience, as well as the fact that they've keyed in on a hole in the market for a retailer dedicated to the tomboy look. They're shooting high and appear to have the support to back up their goals. Remember that name: Wildfang (it's German for "tomboy"). I'd be very surprised if it's the last time you'll hear it. I mean just look at this video—if you're not among the 45,000+ people who've already viewed it on YouTube—which earned them spots on BuzzFeed, Vice, Cool Hunting, and about a billion style blogs. Did I mention they haven't even sold anything yet?

On a quest for hanging plants to make my house more “home-y” a good friend suggested I look at an adorable little shop on East Burnside called Appetite. Stocking incredible (still mad for) succulent planters, hanging plants, little bits and bobs, housewares and more this shop has everything you need to make your space cozy and alive. Hanging plants range from $10+, I purchased three and have really enjoyed having them in my windowsill. Located next to Luce, this is a must-stop shop for the perfect housewarming gift or something fun for you!

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

You know I'm always crowing about how good Portland is for shopping; similar to the quality of our restaurant scene, Portland's indie retail is ridiculously diverse and cultured for a city of this size (and tax free, bitches). And just as we can't all eat out every night, it can be difficult to afford to patronize these sophisticated, brilliantly curated places as often as we might like.

What they call the "mid-price point" in boutique shopping—cheaper than designer, not as cheap as the Kirkland brand sweater set from Costco—has been something of a weak spot in Portland of late. SE Hawthorne's Communion identified this when it opened last year, stocking brands like Cheap Monday and Bridge & Burn, which are cool, thoughtful, on-point brands, but they won't kill your budget. Happily Portland just acquired another store targeting the same comfort level: Victory just reopened on the booming strip of inner E Burnside with a stock of womenswear (sorry guys, but menswear is still down the road for this one) designed around many of the same qualities that people prize at spendier shops: small, independent lines, domestic production, and a good eye. In this week's Sold Out column I interviewed owner Nicole Funke. Check it out if you're in the market for a new shopping destination; she and I are both pretty sure you're gonna like it.

• Bri Wills
• Fact: The name "Nicole" is of Greek origin and means "people of victory."

EEE get ready MOD babes! Reminder that the ever lust-worthy Pendleton Portland Collection will be on sale for up to 70% off this Saturday. Do not miss your chance for a coveted piece of the amazing 2012 collection. 10am-4pm, the goods won’t last long, so pop by early for best selection. Eating top ramen for the rest of the month would be worth it just to get my mitts on the poncho I’ve been eyeing all season long. All sales final, 224 N.W. Broadway at The Pendleton Building. See ya there!

The hunt for amazing and affordable vintage in this town can sometimes feel like the never-ending quest for the perfect Sunday brunch. Pop by Bristlecone Vintage located at 4932 NE 30th to see what I’m all abuzz about! This store stocks it all, featuring men’s, women’s, and vintage accessories. Vintage Pendleton, super rad band tees, and lush fur collars were some of my favorite finds. The space is warm and inviting, tucked away at the quiet corner of on NE 30th and Alberta, and worth a trip any day.

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

• Kayla Rekofke

Continue reading »

Do you love to ski? Do you love locally made, handcrafted goods? Of course you do, you’re reading the Mercury! That’s why you need to know about ON3P Skis, a locally run, independently owned ski company operating right here. ON3P is the only company in Portland that is physically hand making each set of skis—most ski/snowboards are made in China or Europe, but this small business is punching a pack with their 100% bamboo core skis. ONP3 uses a bamboo core to “give the ski strength where it needs it, resisting bending and breaking better, plus bamboo is a quick growing, environmentally friendly grass.” The team is comprised of five really rad guys who work up to 12 hours a day simply because they love the mountain, and they love what they do. Check out the snaps below to check out how they do it, and click here to swoop up a pair for yourself!

• ON3P

• ON3P

• ON3P

• ON3P

• ON3P

Gal-entine’s for your besties:

• Maya Dahlgreen

• Backtalk Pdx
• pdx black lipstick in Purple Cloud

• ecard

Bro’in out: For your dude:

• Pinterest

• Pinterest

For your four legged babe:

• Kayla Rekofke