Summer Sale at Covet

Covet, located in the West End, an area I also referenced in my previous post, is having a 75% off summer sale! While I didn't find anything I couldn't live without (clearly I was exhibiting an unusual and rare act of restraint), however, I did love this display done by Space Design. The woman behind these arrangements does amazing work with succulents. You can also see her terrariums at the Ace Hotel. www.spacedesignonline.com. Once things cool down I may go back to Covet for one of the new long sleeve Velvet tees that arrived for fall, a rich chocolate brown or deep navy, can't decide which one yet.

Frances May

Frances May is a carefully curated boutique blending modern silhouettes with nostalgic charm. This is my new favorite boutique in the area that has recently been coined the West End. They carry local independent designers like Church + State as well as NY labels and favorites like Vena Cava, Clu, Alexander Wang and more. The retail space is elegantly simple - open and airy, the shopgirls are friendly and of course fashionable, and to top it off - they even have a men's line! I'm always excited to find a new boutique that carries unique and stylish gear for my man!

Rock 'n' Rose

The 600 block of Burnside has been going off! The most recent addition to join the ranks of Burnside Proper, B Side and RonTom is Rock 'n' Rose (616 E Burnside) a welcome new, vintage clothing store. Now at first you might think - does Portland need another vintage store? Well, I can assure you that after you visit Rock 'n' Rose you'll agree with me that this one stands apart from all the old faves. The space is amazing! Designed and built by the owners themselves, they have created a stylish and well-designed space that nicely complements their quality clothing. They definitely have a eye for good stuff and choose their clothing with care.

I can't say enough good things about this place. I was excited to check it out today for the first time, and went in hoping to score my latest obsession - a members only jacket, size s for women (a tough find, if you've tried looking). Not only one did they have one, but two! Prices are great and the staff, aka owners, well... they Rock! I will definitely be frequenting this place.

Lille Boutique - Making E Burnside Sexier

You can’t blink these days without a fabulous, new, locally owned boutique or restaurant opening up in this stretch of lower East Burnside. This week it was Lille Boutique (1007 E Burnside), a French country themed boutique, specializing in high-end lingerie made of natural materials, and showcasing hard-to-find designer labels such as Dessous and Araks. You’ll also find French brands like Eres and Princesse Tam Tam and British label Ciel.

Anna Cohen Bikini

I always get excited when I tear through the New York Times Sunday Styles and see a shout out to a Portland designer. This week featured Anna Cohen’s string bikini, made of scrap fabric from Olympic speed skater uniforms.

Anna Cohen is not only an accomplished designer - she spent several years in NY and Italy studying and working with MaxMara and Guess - but her work embraces a sustainable design model. Her lines are manufactured domestically and are created from organic cotton, sustainable bamboo and surplus mill-end fabrics. If you’re like me, who tends to equate organic and earth friendly fashion with Patagonia-like garb, think again - Anna Cohen has taken eco-conscious-wear to a sexy new level!

You can find her locally at Le Train Bleu (748 NW 11th Ave)

STRUT Runway Fashion Show - May 11th 2007

Because last year was such a success, they're gonna do it again. The second annual Strut fashion show benefits Basic Rights Oregon and will be held at the Wonder Ballroom.

If you read the previous post, you'll be excited to know that Rachel Mara will be among some of the other great Portland designers showcasing their spring collections - including Portland faves Jonny Shultz Designs, Magali Corzo, Makool, Leanimal, WeMa, and Sameunderneath. What better way to support a great cause, and get your fashion fix on?!

To Mold, Shape or Form - Portland Welcomes Moulé

This refreshingly new, ultra chic boutique from Winnipeg is located on NW Everett between 12th & 13th streets in the Pearl. Although the Pearl is becoming over-run with ultra clean, fancy pants places, this store has indie roots. Owned by Beverly Gorenstein, mother of Rachel Gorenstein, who is not only a buyer for the store, but also has her own fabulous clothing line Rachel Mara http://www.rachelmara.com. Rachel got her start here in P-town and first debuted her line in Spring of 02. Five years later she is going strong. If you aren't familiar with Rachel Mara, get ready! Her Spring 07 collection is femine and sexy with a edge. Fundamentally her style is classic, but her designs riff off of some of the fun, retro trends in fashion right now - including a must have pants suit a la Charlie's Angel's. Hot stuff!

Moulé carries clothing for men and women, as well as some household items, books, candles and more. You'll find well known labels like Velvet, Vince, Citizens for Humanity, as well as Eurythmic, Rachel Mara, Victory and more. Drop by and check it out. Be sure to ask questions - the women working there are not only warm and friendly, but also very knowlegeable.