Despite efforts to the contrary, it’s becoming apparent that even a
grand recession like this can’t prevent the cyclical necessities of
shopping. It happens: sunglasses get sat upon and umbrellas get lost.
When you find yourself digging your one black skirt (which is actually
a repurposed tube top) out of the laundry only to notice it’s developed
three holes in it, certain truths become apparent: You legitimately
need to go shopping. Otherwise you’ll develop crow’s feet, and
drive to work every time it rains. And frankly everyone should probably
have at least one good black skirt.
Such realizations can be intensely freeing, giving the guilt-ridden
shopper license. You can buy a pair of shades with the same righteous
entitlement with which you flick your Visa card at the
supermarket—everyone needs to eat, too. So with the stars and
society all aligned approvingly in your favor, you have the luxury of
choice. There are two obvious roads to choose from: high and low. With
this in mind I took a trip up to NW 23rd recently to seek out two new
store locations: Sweet Jayne (826 NW 23rd) and IDOM (827
NW 23rd).
Sweet Jayne opened its first location back in March [“Booked!” Sold
Out, March 12], at 1914 NE Broadway. Its hook is a frequently updated
trove of designer samples, overstock, and factory closeout refugees,
and nothing is priced over $18. Patience, motivation, and an
indifference to manufacturing origin will yield wearable throwaways
like a flouncy white dress that you won’t care about getting picnic
watermelon on, for instance. And if you can look past the cheesily
ass-bedazzled selection of denim you’ll find a few “normal” pairs of
jeans, though I won’t vouch for the fit. (Alternatively, I actually
think ass-bedazzled jeans would be excellent candidates for some
irreverent summer cut-offs).
Across the road is the bigger, brighter new location of IDOM, one of
Portland’s most likeable stores. Filled with juicy colors on dresses
and separates, punchy handbags, and big funky jewelry, IDOM is long on
charm. Proprietress Modi Soondarotok designs the in-house line, whose
production is done in her native Thailand by 10 women Soondarotok knows
personally, employed basically as rescues from the sweatshop system.
The diversity of color and silhouette reflect a well-traveled
sensibility and the sizing allows for a forgiving range of
figures—you will, however, be hard pressed to find much for
$18.
I’ll leave it up to you whether to take the IDOM high road or to
lowball it at Sweet Jayne. It’s just nice to know that, despite it all,
we still have the luxury of options.