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Sitting in chaises beside the pool, all the talk has been of the Very Longest Winter Ever. Sure, we can laugh about it now. Now that we have a freckle. All agree that that extended dance remix winter was colder, longer, grimmer, AND we didn’t even get to use our red plastic tobaggon on the 36th hill. We’ll speak no more about it.
Wear this Rainfall Necklace by Curly Girl Glass as a secret badge of honor. Undefeated by a drop or three, a dark grey sky, we rise again.

Oh, and we really love these dandelion earrings by Curly Girl at Presents of Mind on SE Hawthorne (3633 SE Hawthorne): Scandinavian mod, crisp, light, perfection.

Posted on June 26, 2008 | Filed under designer | Permalink

Le Train Bleu House Warming Sale

In the pantheon of those who have nudged Portland fashion along in the last several years, we can be grateful to visionary (and hardworking) designers, shopkeepers stocking better local designers, boosters, buyers, and retailers like Stand Up Comedy, Una, and Le Train Bleu, whose proprietresses reach beyond the expected to seek out small, distinctive, modern lines from all over. What’s more, they’ve each staked out a highly individual vision for which our fashion landscape is that much richer.

Bria Phillips’ launched Le Train Bleu five years ago as an online shop with smaller lines you didn’t see anywhere else like Erotokritos, Vena Cava, and BiLaLi (at the time, pretty much every line she carried was nowhere else in Portland). Since then, she’s expanded greatly to include lines like Karen Walker, Eskell, Development, Rudsak, and regional lines like Dayna Pinkham’s hats and Seattle’s Suzabelle. Phillips finally opened a real live shop in Portland, moved it to the Pearl and recently moved again. But her major impact has been beyond PDX; not only have her non-PDX sales always far outstripped local sales, but LTB is recognized as a top online shop by British Vogue, InStyle, Lucky, the Washington Post, etceteras. Point is, we’re lucky we can both walk through the door of the NW 26th Le Train Bleu AND shop online at midnight.

Phillips relocated Le Train Bleu (1905 NW 26th) from the Pearl to NW 26th some months ago. Tomorrow from 11-8 she hosts a House Warming Party and Sale with goods from 40-80% off, “DJ Matt spinning old-timey 78’s, Saint Cupcake towers, and cheap wine. “

Posted on June 20, 2008 | Filed under event | Permalink

Emily Ryan At Seaplane

Dear Emily,

When I lose faith in the possibility that fashion can surprise, can confound expectation, you make something that in vision and craft extends the garment’s reach from apparel to art. That you’ve chosen to make your textile sculptures to clothe the body is fashion’s gain. May this one-of-a-kind dress find a worthy wearer.

Thanks.

Lisa

P.S. Emily Ryan’s work can be found at Seaplane (827 NW 23rd).

Posted on June 16, 2008 | Filed under designer | Permalink

Nolita’s Fourth Anniversary

Friday the 13th is nothing but good luck for one shop in the Pearl District. Nolita (923 NW 10th) is having a party to celebrate the shop’s 4th anniversary this Friday, June 13 from 5-8 PM. During the party, get 15% off any purchase and a gift with purchase of $200+.

Posted on June 10, 2008 | Filed under event | Permalink

Michelle DeCourcy Bids The Pearl Adieu

Michelle DeCourcy, whose unabashedly girly looks have been Westside faves for years, bids farewell to her Pearl boutique (916 NW Flanders) with a closeout sale that features discounts of up to 90% off all merchandise including samples and her latest collection. In an email, DeCourcy notes her ongoing health issues as she closes this chapter of her designing life. ultra wishes her the very best.

Posted on June 2, 2008 | Filed under designer | Permalink