Portland Shopping Requests
Thursday, Nov 03, 2011 26 Comments I'm headed to Portland (I think) this weekend for some blog stuff, shopping for clients, meetings and some good old market research PLUS (and here's the real excuse) i get to see family, friends and some new babies. I love me some new babies, with their small toes and little noses and miniature faces. There is something just so relaxing about Portland, it actually makes me anxious to go.
So, I've never done a Portland Guide, and i'm really, really, really hoping this is going to be the weekend where i finally catalogue all my favorite stores - vintage and new, fashion and home, big and small. And of course blog about them. Which reminds me of something....
I remember when i did the LA guide and i got some feedback from some Interior Designers that i had 'spilt their secrets' and they were pissed. At first that made me feel TERRIBLE, and then 2 minutes later i was all, 'really?' REALLY?' And then i made a list of why what i wrote was good and not bad:
1. We live in interweb times - you can google 'vintage stores los angeles' and find almost all of the same stores that i highlighted. So first of all, there are very few secrets, anybody that wants to find them, can with or without me.
2. if a designer with a trained eye is that threatened by regular nice homeowners with good taste who want to shop for themselves, then maybe they need to check themselves and their 'eye'. Sure we all love some of the same stuff, but i know that i can walk into Hernandez brothers in LA and pick out the good stuff from behind the good stuff even if there are 50 people in there. It's like trained writers being threatened by bloggers - just do a better job, make yourself worth your salary.
3. Most of these stores will ONLY buy more vintage when they sell more vintage - they can't turn over if they don't have the space or dough, so as soon as they sell something they buy something new - its the only way to keep the inventory fresh. They won't run out, they'll just spend more and turn over more. I asked them before i posted about them. AND
4. Its a recession for god sakes, people with good taste in the design industry need to make money.
BUT there is something to be said for keeping some sources a secret because they will 'run out'. My upholsterer, for instance, is too busy already to keep up with my demand so as soon as he expands and gets another assistant i'll leak his name and info but until then, it would actually hurt my business.
OR Estate Sales - the good stuff goes fast to the savviest shoppers, the more that come the more competition, yadda yadda. And lastly, the really good middle of the valley thrift stores. Thrift store and estate sales really are just good luck and they do have a finite amount of good stuff, so the more people that go the less likely there is going to be good stuff. So I understand keeping them a secret.
There. If that doesn't make sense to you then i don't know what does.
I'm looking for really good stores in Portland that i might not be able to google. For instance, The Good Mod was something i just found randomly and its awesome. Can you guys list more? Where should i shop? I know the general areas, The Pearl, Northwest, Hawthorne, Hollywood, Sellwood, but am i missing anything new or amazing? And especially stores that sell on-line, too, so actual products can be featured on the blog.
Speaking of a great store having a huge sale, one of my favorite stores in LA, 45 Three Modern Vintage is having a massive sale this saturday that you should go to.
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Nov. 4th 5th
10 to 5 pm
1051 1/2 South Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 932-0832
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Tell Staci i sent ya. She's got really awesome stuff.
AND IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE HOLIDAY GUIDE YET, CHECK IT OUT - THE LINK IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BLOG, UP THERE. IT'S 238 PAGES OF GIFTS AND PICTURES. YES, I AM SHOUTING BECAUSE IT IS VERY EXCITING! TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND LOVERS. ALTHOUGH PROBABLY NOT WHILE MAKING LOVE TO THEM, THAT WOULD BE WEIRD.
Reader Comments (26)
My cousin in Portland makes lots of "reclaimed" goods that sell all over the Northwest. Check out her website: imugwump.com
oh you're hilarious! lol
I don't know of a lot of great stores in Portland (I live two hours south)... but I want to be your shadow! I'm sure you'll find great things! I've had pretty good luck where I live. There are a lot of thrift stores and antique stores here :-)
Oh how I miss living in Portland! When I go back I spend all my time with family and friends shopping around and consuming as much good coffee as I can!
SHOPS
-Sloan Boutique
- Ink and Peat
- Canoe (of course)
- Alder and Co
- Lounge Lizard (great vintage)
- 3 Monkey's
- Zelda's shoe bar
- Candy Bus on Hawthorne (who doesn't want to buy candy in a school bus?)
- Old Portland Hardware (really beautifully curated)
- House of Vintage- I get lost for HOURS (loads of Pendelton too)
FOOD
- Food Carts
- Waffle Window
- Tasty N Sons
- Gruner
- Pine State Biscuits. (wait in line- it is worth it)
I am excited to hear your Portland guide! I love Portland!
Have you ever shopped the north side of Portland? Mississippi or Alberta?
Have a good weekend!
I recently ran into a hip place called The Rebuilding Center. The website is here http://rebuildingcenter.org/
They didn't have furniture but doors, windows, cabinets, sinks, that had been salvaged. Pretty awesome stuff. The place is huge. Also, if you go there you need to stop by Por Que No across the street for chips and salsa.
Sorry....and Loddekah!
Emily,
Thanks for sticking with your gut instincts and sharing some of your sources. I've always thought it was interesting how many designers want to keep all their ideas or sources to themselves - it's as if they think they will have a better chance of success by keeping others down. And while that might be true, I don't think anyone is built up by keeping another down. I believe that sharing knowledge, ideas, and resources with those who are new to the industry makes every designer (and the design community as a whole) better and stronger. I'm an interior designer who's new to LA, and I really appreciate any advice or knowledge that experienced professionals can provide.
And to Melissa, who commented on the original LA guide and was unhappy with her "secret" sources being shared - I do appreciate your point of view, especially as a designer who's trying to make it in this tough industry. I hope that you're able to not only keep your business running successfully, but that you're also able to use your experience and expertise to encourage others and help them grow. In my experience, transparency and being willing to share your knowledge doesn't make you weak - it makes you authentic, genuine, and strong. Good luck girl!
xo Lesley
To add to Sarah's great list, I would also say
Hawthorne Vintage (my favorite vintage store in the city)
The Good Mod (SE off Holgate)
Crafty Wonderland (downtown)
The Pendleton Woolen Mill Store (on SE McLoughlin - a total wonderland)
Xtabay for vintage clothes
Bolt and Cool Cottons for fabric...
Restaurants + coffee - Screen Door, Savoy, Stumptown, Little T, Clyde Common, and too many food carts to even mention! If you're going to be in any of the neighborhoods with good pods (downtown, Mississippi, Division, Hawthorne...), there you go.
It's one thing if you start sending everyone to the same chain stores and then everyone has the same stuff in their homes (although you only have to live in your own home so I wouldn't really care), but the nature of vintage and thrift stores is that everything is unique, and if not one-of-a-kind, then at least few-of-a-kind. So it's not like people are going to buy the same stuff up! And agreed that in this crappy economy, we all benefit from keeping these types of places in business.
NOW, WHERE IS SECRETS FROM A STYLIST AND WHEN WILL IT BE BACK?? HGTV is not listing anything new upcoming and I'm pretty sure the second season didn't finish, so you're making me nervous. If Dina and Donna are staying on the air, then you sure as hell should be!!!
yeah pretty much what everyone else said...all the obvious vintage shops on Hawthorne, Canoe, Alder & Co., there are a ton of awesome shops on Mississippi and also Alberta. Best coffee in town now is Coava and while you are there go around the block to Bernadette Breu...totally awesome curated vintage randomness. Eat at Tasty 'n Sons, Broder and Salt & Straw for amazing ice cream.
have fun on your trip! and good for your for stickin' up for yourself! i'm sure the shop owners you recommended appreciated it, and so will the ones you mention in the future!
hey emily! i always stop by Cargo in the pearl district when i am visiting from seattle. fun funky store!
I've been hoping you would come up with some sort of Portland guide. Of course I'd rather win the lottery and have you HGTV my place in Vancouver, WA, but that's not going to happen so I'll settle for your taste in stores here, thanks! I love your aesthetics; your way of blending old and new and staying away from matchy-matchy. I hope your show comes back! Hope you get a little sunshine, today there are beautiful blue skies!
Here's a website, Shop Vintage Portland, that has a lot of info in one place: http://www.shopvintageportland.com/my_weblog/
Have a great time! BTW - favorite antique malls are Monticello, Stars & Splendid. -amy
I'm not really up on the best shopping, but we honeymooned in Portland and ate at the Vegetarian House at 4th and Burnside twice that week. Ahhhhmazing! And I'm not even a vegetarian!
I appreciate you sharing, especially the online shops when being local isn't an option. And I say good for you for going with your gut. There is enough room on the internet and in design for everyone to share and I bet you those shops and your readers don't mind one little bit! Enjoy your weekend! Sounds like a dream trip - family, babies AND shopping! Doesn't get much better!
Thank you thank you! I look forward to reading your post! I have moved into a new apartment in the Mississippi neighborhood, N Portland and have absolutely no furniture! We are basically camping in our new place. I know I should go down Hawthorne for some nice vintage furniture, but am excited to hear what else you come up with :)
-Megan
Excited to see your Portland Guide! In fact, if you need a shopping buddy I would be happy to join, haha!
Old Portland Hardware is nice, and so is Salvage Works, which is pretty small, but can have some cool stuff from time to time. Plus, the owners are super nice and helpful, and can evencreate pieces for you with their supply of salvage wood and items.
Mabel & Zora in the Pearl is an amazing women's clothing store that also sells online & I don't just love them because they carry my jewelry line. The owners here are also amazing and helpful. Best place for holiday dresses in the city!
You probably already know about Vintage Pink on Hawthorne and their sister location, Modern Pink, but I will mention them just in case. Great home items and apparel too.
If I think of more goodies I will post again! Hope you have fun here in PDX!
Emily. Portland lived here for 11 years and a local designer! It is definitely becoming a designer destination. Lots of new stores to check out and lots of design inspiration.
Newish stores: Tanner Goods, Woonwinkle. Paxton Gate, http://www.paxtongate.com/
Oregon Leather - 2 floors of leather
Estate sales: http://estatesale-finder.com/
Pigeon Toe Ceramics
Vintage clothing: Rock and Rose
Food: The Bent Brick, my new favorite restaurant, Little Bird. Ice Cream: Ruby Jewel on Mississippi and Salt and Straw on Alberta
Have a great time. I hope I get to meet you one day!
I'm pretty sure you can google this, but Xtabay has GORGEOUS vintage clothing at amazing prices. Really. Liz is great. I'm in Texas and I order from her whenever I can.
Also, great vintage store:
Seek the Unique
931 SE 6th
Portland OR 97215
EMILY!
First off, love your blog. You are hilarious. Secondly, when in Portland you cannot miss Vintage Pink on Hawthorne! It's a veritable Barbie Dream House of vintage fashion, furniture and decor. You walk in there and it's like Nancy Sinatra overdrive. AMAZING. Also check out Hawthorne Vintage just down the street--I recently scored a vintage Eames Dax chair there for $85 (!)
I recently did my own vintage shopper's guide to Portland, check it out if you'd like some more tips! http://fistcityvintage.com/post/11556430298/a-vintage-shoppers-guide-to-portland
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