Just as the trees are starting to bloom, 2008 is also being ushered
in by the blossoming green tips of new boutiques poking through
the ground—again! Last year saw so many openings that it bordered
on worrisome; exactly how many independently owned dress shops can this
town handle? And yet, they rarely seem to close… onward,
then:
Gossamer Designs is an Eastside showroom with a specific
bent, “cowgirl high style meets bohemian chic.” Opened by Beth Olson
and Vicki Wooten, the two design the in-house line of clothing, which
repurposes vintage materials into one-of-a-kind dresses and tops that
do in fact look like the collision of rodeo queen and gypsy styles, all
ruffles, ribbons, and lace in vibrant colors to be paired with—of
course—cowgirl boots. There are also choker necklaces dripping
with costume chains and bangles festooned with vintage charms. The
studio is open by appointment only, but this Friday they’re hosting a
premiere trunk show, so you can stop by for a peek. In addition
to the Gossamer Designs merchandise, Kathy Brock will be on hand with
an international collection of tribal jewelry, She She will offer its
simple range of T-shirts, tanks, and hoodies printed with trees, rain
clouds, and logos, plus pinup artist Brenda Dunn’s renderings of
vivacious and scantily dressed ladies. (Gossamer Designs, 8600 SE
Stark, Suite A, Fri March 21, 7-10 pm)
Meanwhile, another boutique by the name of Covet has taken
over the 429 SW 10th address, in close proximity to Odessa and the
English Dept. That area of downtown is starting to give the shopping
hubs on NW 23rd, E Burnside, Hawthorne, Alberta, and Mississippi a run
for their money.
In the Pearl District, a brand-new location of Mabel &
Zora has opened its doors at 748 NW 11th. (Northeast-dwelling
shoppers need not fear; its original location at 1468 NE Alberta
remains intact.) In keeping with the upscale vibe of the new
neighborhood, the new Mabel & Zora is a bit more posh, and is
filled with items from Voom, Dittos Jeans, Kersh, Plenty, Mixie, Trina
Turk, Veronica M, Sofada, and more, plus gift-y goods like candles and
soaps from lines like Lafco and Voluspa. It’s definitely worth a visit
to check out all the things they’re doing right, and it’s good to see
their success at a time when so many small businesses are struggling
just to get by.
Some good news for the guys: Flutter (3948 N Mississippi) is
venturing into men’s clothing with the debut of Frocky Jack Morgan
designer Julia Barbee’s new men’s line, plus European men’s toiletries.
Score, dudes.