Easter is over, and the population of baby animals are unusually prevalent—which means spring's arrival is no longer arguable. Another telltale sign of the season are new businesses springing up, hoping to gain the favor of Portland shoppers who are tired of browsing online, and are preparing to pound the sunny pavement, looking for the next great shopping discovery.

Down on SE Hawthorne, the action is continuing to spread east past SE 39th, where another boutique has recently sprung up to accompany its neighbor, Garment (4136 SE Hawthorne). Just opened last weekend, Mink (4314 SE Hawthorne) carries cute dresses at an accessible price point, a smattering of jewelry and handbags, and a collection of deliciously scented candles and lotions. Check them out at their upcoming grand opening this Saturday, April 14, from 10 am-6 pm, or seek an earlier peek now, and get first dibs on the early arrivals. My personal favorite is Soda Blu, a line from New York that boasts hip designs at much lower prices than you'd expect (I am especially enamored with the smock dresses and tunics).

Meanwhile, the development on E Burnside continues unabated with the opening of Rock 'n' Rose (616 E Burnside), a vintage store that's cozied up next to newish hipster bar rontoms. Down the street Lille Boutique (1007 E Burnside), after a pre-opening party last week, is having their grand opening this Saturday, April 14, from 6-9 pm, with even more fine lingerie available to peruse. In the meantime, set up a private appointment if you just can't wait!

Also, a fashion show featuring Gypsy Chic (3966 N Mississippi), a store founded by an ex-Peace Corps volunteer who focuses on fair trade relationships with the tailors she works with in Thailand to produce her longstanding Gypsy line, as well as the new, higher-end GCB. Stop by the store, or check out the show, thrown in conjunction with Yoga Shala, and featuring a number of vendors selling accessories and beauty products (Yoga Shala, 3808 N Williams, Fri April 14, 6 pm).

What the season has in store: marjorie@portlandmercury.com