For the boutique shopper, it’s all about efficiency in
numbers. Though determinedly different from the mall shopper, both
types know the value of only needing to find one parking space. And so
areas like NW 23rd have thrived like outdoor malls, with nary a Lane
Bryant in sight. Pleasingly, Portland is developing stronger retail
strips like this, among them E Burnside, Hawthorne, Mississippi, and
Alberta.
For the second consecutive year, business owners on Alberta are
coming together for Fashion by Flashlight, an evening of trunk
shows, sales, snacks, and cocktails up and down the street’s lighted
shops. An excellent way to make a night of it with fall shopping and
early holiday gift buying, it’s also the perfect opportunity to see
what’s shaking on one of Portland’s ever-evolving main drags.
Imp (1422 NE Alberta) is first on the map working
west-to-east. Browse the selection of luxury soaps and candles, artful
wrapping paper, and greeting cards on your way to the expanding
clothing selection, where you’ll find a stash of the simple and great
LAMade line, which has won the hearts of many a layer-happy
Portland girl. Having moved beyond simple tanks and Ts, Imp boasts
several of the brand’s smart little jackets (think Carhartt gone
femme, in a good way). The store also has an extensive jewelry section,
including work from local Lily Lambert, who is also known for
her perfumes (the complete line is also carried here). A gift idea or
way to keep warm in the coming months are the beautiful quilts made in
Austria by David Fussenegger—the longer you linger in this
store, the more you discover, so try to save some of your energy for
the rest of the beat.
Across the street is Frock (1439 NE Alberta), rife with
clothing, accessories, and jewelry from local designers and artisans,
plus heaps of selected vintage clothing that are always worth a snoop.
Mabel & Zora (1468 NE Alberta) are hosting a trunk show for
local Torie Nguyen‘s Totinette Jewelry Designs, and
offering 15 percent off all sweaters, including styles from 525
America, Tulle, French Connection, Kersh,
Veronica M, and more.
Garnish (1524 NE Alberta) is offering 25 percent off on
jewelry (all of which is in-house) and bath products (Huilerie &
Savonnerie, Durance), and IDOM (1600 NE Alberta) is
having 10 percent off storewide. In addition to the IDOM line
created by owner Modi Soondarotok, you’ll find new looks from
Dolce Vita (whose shoes you may already be familiar with),
Iro, as well as amazing international jewelry and a selection of
handbags and other accessories.
Hit Donna & Toots (1627 NE Alberta) and Tumbleweed (1812 NE Alberta) for a range of womenswear, Digs Inside &
Out (1829 NE Alberta) for gardening goodies, Office (2204 NE
Alberta) for design-oriented office supplies, and Bolt (2136 NE
Alberta) for fabrics in wonderful prints and textures to create your
own rainy-day projects—during the event, they’ll be awarding $85
to the best project constructed out of $15 spent at Bolt, so you have
plenty of time to brainstorm for next year’s competition. On a related
crafty note, neighbor Close Knit (2140 NE Alberta) is giving 10
percent off the entire store of floor-to-ceiling yarn and knitting
supplies.
PedX (2230 NE Alberta) is hosting a trunk show of local
jewelry, plus beefing up the merch in their sale section, with 30 to 40
percent off footwear by Biviel, Cydwoq, Camper,
Kenneth Cole Reaction, Tsubo, Giraudon, and more,
plus bags and other accessories. More trunk shows down the road at
Ella’s (2529 NE Alberta) and Foundation Garments (2712 NE
Alberta), where Summer Pinnick’s Layers Squared line will be featured
among merchandise from hits Erhart, DB Clay wallets,
Kitchen Orange, Leanimal, and much more.
Lastly, don’t skip a peek into relative newcomer It Girl (2734 NE Alberta) where the owners work their connections to bring in
overstock merchandise that includes designer denim at insider prices
mixed with a smattering of used clothing. A live model will help
channel the store’s vintage Hollywood theme showing off looks for the
store while perched in the front window. (Fashion by Flashlight,
Thurs Oct 11, 6-9 pm)
Meanwhile, on the south side, Olio United (1028 SE Water) is
hosting Awesome Caboose denim night, with wine and free hemming on
denim from eco- and ethical-minded lines Loomstate,
Sling&Stones, Del Forte, and Good Society.
(Awesome Caboose, Thurs Oct 11, 6-9 pm)
On the Westside, say hello to Portland’s latest treasure trove of
vintage finds: Fringe Vintage (1700 NW Marshall). Just opened by
Erin Stout (along with her mother), the bright store features
boots and shoes for men and women, clothing, furniture, accessories,
and kitsch—scope it out before all the good stuff gets taken. And
finally, Rio Wrenn and Cara Fujishige are presenting a
fashion exhibition featuring fabrics that have been rusted and
shibori-dyed in the vein of “Victorian Tart/European Chic.” (Rake
Art Gallery, 325 NW 6th, Sat Oct 13, 7-10 pm)