Shopping Guide: MOD, Portland Mercury

West End Memorial Day Weekend Block Par-tay

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:14:00 -0700

The outlook on this holiday weekend's weather doesn't exactly scream "block party" in the sense of flippin' burgers in the street with your neighbor Roy. The businesses in the West End of downtown are doing one anyway, but luckily every single one of them has a roof.

Oooh, and be sure to spy on the progress at Union Way while you're in the neighborhood!

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Mabel & Zora

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:59:00 -0700

All the long weekend (tomorrow the 24th-Monday the 27th), Mabel & Zora is going to be marking down all sale items 30-75%, bringing them into "highway robbery" territory. Go on girls, get nuts on it.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Union Way

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:59:00 -0700

I was a little bummed when Red Cap—the queer bar across the street from the Ace/Clyde Common—went out of business, and I didn't blink an eye when Aura slipped permanently into my well of unconsciousness. Now that both are gone, it's been officially revealed (-ish) what will be taking its place: Union Way is set to be a compound of shopping, eating and drinking that will either certify the West End of downtown's crushing dominance or be the breaking point at which it becomes clear that this city can't support our own grand ambition. Either way, this description is pretty exciting:

Portland calls for a new kind of shopping experience. Its climate and culture lead us to an urban indoor/outdoor space for eating, drinking, and shopping. Union Way finds its origins in the streets and alleyways of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and serves as a counterpoint to the typical urban retail block or the suburban festival marketplace. The public promenade draws people through the building, which is bookended by Powell’s Books, a major retail destination and The Ace Hotel, an iconic contemporary hotel. Union Way houses a collection of carefully curated shops and restaurants providing an authentic and unique shopping experience while adding energy and momentum to the West End neighborhood. Since the Alley is a private walkway through the block, new types of ways to eat, drink and shop will emerge and end in an exciting symbiosis between merchants and their customers.

The photos published in the Daily Journal of Commerce help paint a picture of what the finalized space will look like and at least one of the restaurants involved, Micah Camden's Boxer Ramen, has been confirmed. As for retail, the unconfirmed rumor has it that Steven Alan is coming to town, but I'll believe it when I see it (or when they respond to my emails, which they so far have not). Another clue: Steven Alan is one of only 11 things that Union Way "likes" on Facebook. Yep. If that indicates what I think it does you might also want to keep an eye on Bridgeport vegan restaurant Morso and San Francisco clothing store Self Edge, since everything else on their "like" list already exists in the surrounding neighborhood.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Memorial Day Week(end) Wish List

Elizabeth Mollo — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:29:00 -0700

Starting tomorrow I will be spending six glorious, sun-filled days in Palm Desert, thus expanding Memorial Day weekend into a full week-long vacation. While in actuality I am kind of broke due to the fact that I am trying to pay down my credit cards, I thought it would be fun to put together a wish list of things I would like to bring on my trip. While money was no object (because it is a wish list after all) the only criteria was that all items had to be from a Portland retailer. If you are lucky enough to be able to get to somewhere sunny in the next week, hopefully some of these items will make their way into your suitcase. (BTW, the theme of my wishlist is "Desert-Gyspsy-Disco-Queen," because why not?) Click on the pictures to buy what you see.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

West End Weekend

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:14:00 -0700

With or without your approval, they are going with the whole "West End" re-brand of that 10th Ave-centric stretch of downtown, and thus this weekend's events are dubbed the "West End Weekend." In preparation for Mother's Day, summer weddings, and any other occasion for shopping local artisanal goods, Flora is giving over there shop space to five different local artists for a series of vignettes:

Featuring local jewelers Beach Bones, with architectural brass pieces, Lauren Harkness’ luxurious and delicate jewelry, and bringing in some summery pops of color is Deluxe Delovely. Jennifer Finn will be presenting both her paintings and avant garde fiber jewelry (made just for Flora!), while local painter Flora Bowley will be displaying new paintings.

This Friday from 5-8 there will be an opening party with tea, champagne, and snacks, and the installation will be up through Sunday at 5 for those who like to keep their shopping and partying separate.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Psssst

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:50:00 -0700

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.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Welcome to Portland: We Make Stuff

Elizabeth Mollo — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:59:00 -0700

As part of Travel Portland's off-season winter campaign they worked with Wieden+Kennedy on a series of over 25 videos highlighting the aspects of Portland that make it so great—everything from beer and bikes to restaurants and happy hours. There is even one aptly titled "Welcome to Portland—It's Sunny!" Their newest one is right up MOD's alley, featuring products from the likes of Pendleton, Poler, Moonwoods, Draught Dry Goods, and more. The awesome thing about this video is that you can click on any product that you see and you will be taken to the corresponding website for said product. Pretty fucking cool right? I am certain that this is the wave of the future, and pretty soon every YouTube video will have some sort of component similar to this. Just another way the powers that be are making it easier for us all to buy more shit.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Spring into Shopping

Rose Finn — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 08:59:00 -0700

The first week of April can feel very bi-polar; pouring down rain one minute, then brimming with sunshine the next. That's why shopping can be a perfect activity: walk around outside while it's nice, duck into a shop while it shits all over outside. "Spring Into Color," a downtown shopping event during the first week of April, will be the perfect prescription for your spring shopping needs.

More than 25 downtown retailers will participate in trunk shows, parties, and deals. Also, some bars and restaurants will offer special happy hour cocktails, for when you get tired of spending money on clothes.

Here are some of the special events:

April 1st to the 7th: Ringside Fish House offers "Spring Reign" specialty cocktail
April 4th- Radish Underground will take 5% off purchases to give to Dress for Success
April 4th- Pendleton Trunk Show, showcasing Thomas Kay Designs
April 6th- Bettie Page Clothing Grand Opening Party

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Palace Winter Sale On Now!

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:09:00 -0700

Simple as that.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Yo Vintage 3 Day 30% Off Sale

Elizabeth Mollo — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:59:00 -0700

Yo Vintage is making room for their new arrivals by having a flash sale starting today and ending at midnight on Wednesday. You can receive 30% off of your purchase by entering code SPRING at checkout. Act now, as the thing you want most is probably about to get snagged!!!

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Fourth Annual Tasi Jewelry Trunk Show at Tilde

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:59:00 -0700

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.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Flairwalk

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 10:04:00 -0800

New store alert: Flairwalk has popped up in the Pearl at 1019 NW 11th, a new womenswear shop that promises "classic style with a little va voom." Translation: Corey Lynn Calter, Ellington, Trina Turk, and more. They're already an online retailer too, so you can preview the shop before putting your boots on.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The Pendleton 2012 Portland Collection Closeout Sale

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:14:10 -0800

Woohoo! Just as the Portland Collection is preparing to unleash 2013, now's your chance to score pieces from the still-very-handsome-indeed 2012 collection at prices just about as low as they'll ever go:

These clothes may be hot right now, but they are also Pendleton through and through, meaning they definitely hold up to the standards of quality and durability that the brand has made its name on, and especially at a deep discount like this, it's a solid investment... which is why you can bet your sweet ass there will be a crowd. Plan accordingly!

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Jet: Feel the Love

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:24:02 -0800

It only happens twice a year, but Jet's 20% off store-wide sale is currently on, making it the perfect time to stock up on locally made everyday essentials like their famously cozy leggings and street-to-yoga pants, LBDs, skirts, tunics, and so much more. Sales goes until the 18th, so don't dilly dally for the best selection.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

In My Shoes with Anna Branch

Kayla Rekofke — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:59:00 -0800

Solestruck recently started a blog series called In My Shoes, which chronicles staff members and their favorite spots around town. With such national and international outreach, I love the fact that they feature small local independent shops and business here in Portland. Most recently Ms. Anna Branch, the Creative Lead (and one of my besties!) at Solestruck took us on a tour of her favorite vintage spots in town. Topping the list is Eden, Rock N’ Rose, Yo Vintage!, and Julia Barbee’s 811 E. Burnside storefront. Check out the super cute photos below, and stay tuned for more In My Shoes on Solestruck’s blog.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Yo Vintage!: A California Collection

Marjorie Skinner — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 08:59:00 -0800

Sarah Radcliffe travels far and wide to source her collection for Yo Vintage!, and the latest haul comes from California. For this month's First Thursday, they're debuting the collection of over 100 premium pieces, with past seasons marked down a whopping 40%, and "sunshine cocktails" for sippin'.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

A Preview of A Permanent Bridge & Burn

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 13:14:00 -0800

Another point in favor of the downtown "West End" retail district: Bridge & Burn has been plotting the opening of their own physical shop space for months now, poised to announce that they're operational at 1122 SW Morrison any minute now. In the meantime you can grab an eyeful of the new space at an end-of-season/sample sale they're hosting there this Saturday, double bird killing your knowledge of the city's business developments and your need for smart, Pacific Northwest-appropriate basics.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

OKO's Robbery Recovery

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 11:14:00 -0800

You are missing out if you have never visited the Northwest Portland gem that is OKO. The tiny storefront sells a nicely picked selection of handmade local products along with international antiques and jewelry, and beyond that lie the studios of some of Portland's finest (Hazel Cox, Liza Rietz). Tragically, the front window of the shop was broken on the 19th, and the intruders made off with a haul of the merchandise:

With owner/curator Lisa Mangum trying to get OKO back on its feet, some of the residents of the OKO studios and other friends have banded together for a fundraising event/re-opening party scheduled for Friday, Feb 8 (5-10 pm), with specialty food/drinks and a silent auction of goods from people and businesses including Cox and Rietz, BOET, Emily Katz, Palace, OLO, and more, so if you want to see this unique little business succeed now's a good time to step in. Score for you, score for them.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Sale's on at Una

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 09:44:43 -0800

Now's the time to visit the quiet little haven of beauty and cool that is Una: All clothing is now 40% off (including already reduced sale merchandise). Select accessories are 30% off (scarves, belts, hats, and collars), and select jewelry is 30-50% off.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

The PDX Collective Sale is Back

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:34:50 -0800

You know the drill: Eleven boutiques unload end-of-season merch at rock bottom prices over two days. You show up early. You play nice. You score. The end.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

White Lights at Table of Contents

Elissa Hall — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 10:30:50 -0800

Exceptionally well-curated boutique TOC is squeezing one final shopping event in before the holidays and, with lines like Commes de Garcons and Henrik Vibskov in the house, this discount frenzy is worth a visit. It happens this evening so get a drink, a snack and this Uncommon Matters Porcelain Collar while you're at it.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Last Chances for Stragglers

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:14:00 -0800

Everyone has those "oh shit" moments when you realize you forgot to get your _______ a gift, and you're running out of opportunities to take advantage of rad deals on locally made gifts. However, bringing up the rear are this evening's trio of holiday sales events, so you can still bring home some of that Portland magic without paying panic prices—you know, when you dump your budget out the window because there's just no time for anything else (retailers love the panic). Perhaps because of its proximity to the End of the World, today appears to be the last day for this sort of thing, so we rounded 'em up on Sold Out
this week. However, here on MOD we're adding pretty pictures to boot.

—Jet has an event geared toward men (who need to finish their shopping for women). The Men's Shopping Event will involve throwing darts, drinking beers, and throwing empty peanut shells on the floor as well as gift wrapping. Seriously. Jet, 3753 N Mississippi, 4-8 pm

The last of Radish Underground's Thursday events in December features the Harlow Holiday Trunk Show, with 30 percent off pieces from the collection and designer Ruthie Crawford on hand. Radish Underground, 414 SW 10th, 5-8 pm

Two fantastic local lines, Seaworthy (jewelry) and She-She (apparel) are teaming up for a last-minute holiday sale with discounts up to 60 percent off. Seaworthy, 333 NE Hancock, #5, 4-8 pm

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Producers Portland: Last Minute Savior

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:59:00 -0800

Most of the big, local-focused shopping fairs have come and gone, so if you're still struggling to finish your last-minute shopping (or looking for some special dranks for the big day(s)), here's one of your very last chances, for real this time.

Producers Portland is a small clutch of micro producers trafficking in wine, booze, coffee, and textiles. All under one roof, the group includes Marigold Coffee, Nell & Mary, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Make It Good, Alchemy Wine Productions, and Precision Craft. On Friday they'll open their doors at 3315 SE 19th from 4-10 pm, perfectly timed to propel your after-work momentum into getting that gift shit done.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Like So Many Logs on the Fire, the Holiday Shopping Season Burns On and On

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:44:00 -0800

Not one, not two, but three additions to our weekly roundup of notable shopping events:

1) Palace is having their first annual December shopping event this Sunday, with DJ MSG, Sweedeedee pies, bubbly, and special guests Red Clouds Collective, OLO Fragrance, and Wolf Honey. Plus, past season merch (Karen Walker, Baggu, Cheap Monday, Butter London, Malin + Goetz, Osborn, Tretorn, Fjallraven...) marked down by up to 60%. Sunday, 11 am-7 pm

2) The super-cool NW gallery/shop OKO is going to be ground zero for new work from local greats like Hazel Cox, Liza Rietz, BOET, and more. Saturday, OKO, 2774 NW Thurman, 11 am-6 pm

3) Beginning on Monday (Dec 17), Frances May will be offering 25% off all inventory from Pendleton's The Portland Collection, good through Friday December 21. Monday-Friday, Frances May, 1013 SW Washington

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]

Extend-o Shopping Events

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:44:00 -0800

We're almost through it, people, but the annual onslaught of holiday-themed shopping festivities is at full pitch (to be immediately followed by by a frenzy of price slashing), and there are simply too may noteworthy items on the calendar to leave room for my coverage of the lingerie scene. So, once again this week, we carved out a special place on the internet for quick hits of some of the week's best bet, like the building-encompassing party happening Saturday at 811 E Burnside, where shops like Haunt will host "a Winter Solstice and St.Lucia Day inspired fashion installation," plus discounts, refreshments, and steals among the hive of address-sharing shops.

[ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]