MOD, Portland Mercury

Poster of the Week

Courtney Ferguson — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:44:28 -0700

With art by James Hance, this Princess Leia Tank Girl is one badass blaster-wielder. Thanks to Scott Starkiller for submitting it (and laying out the flyer). Be like Scott—submit next week's Poster of the Week here. Pew pew pew!

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The Portland Fashion & Style Awards 2.0

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:44:00 -0700

The past year in the local fashion event industry has been playing out like a game of musical chairs, and not to be left out, the Portland Fashion & Style Awards—which I criticized at length for being awesomely out of touch when it debuted last year—has also fallen into new hands. Steve and Anne Akre and producer Jaileene Eubanks have declared their commitment to "bringing in qualified fashion industry judges... and a qualified fashion industry advisory board team."

But the new web site still gives me major sads:

I consulted informally with the Akres earlier this year, and tried to be very honest about what I saw as fatal flaws of the original event. In short, the awards are completely meaningless gaudy paperweights if they don't represent an informed recognition of the individuals and businesses who are truly putting Portland on the fashion and style map. What's more, I'm not convinced there's a particular need for an awards ceremony at all, and what would be more valuable than physical awards at this point—and might actually get people to care—would be monetary or otherwise useful prizes, like credits to a good fabric store for designers, for example.

I'm not sure at this point whether that will happen, but a few things we do know as of now: The event is moving from earlier in the month to the evening of October 26 at the Ainsworth Event Center (also known as The Scottish Rite). Newly minted Project Runway winner Michelle Lesniak Franklin has signed up as a presenter. Last year's unwieldy list of categories has been whittled down to a more reasonable length and the nomination process is also now open. Unlike last year this crowd sourcing of nominees is supposed to only generate one finalist in each category, with the ultimate winner being determined solely by the judges. So, that's an improvement.

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Sasquatch Must-Haves

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:28:00 -0700

As I sit here typing this, I must admit I’m wearing one of my Sassy must-haves: the ultra comfy and warm Poler Napsack! Absolutely obsessed, and it’s been in my possession for less than 24 hours. So anyway, if you’re hitting up this year’s Sasquatch you probably already know what you’re going to take with, but just in case, here’s a couple of things you might need to bring along. PS: I will be covering fashion, fashion, fashion at Sasquatch all weekend long! I’m shooting on film (old school, none of that iPhone bullshit!). Stay tuned for backstage snaps, glam Sassy goers, and lots of shenanigans.

What’s not to love about AK’s amazing Indigo Straight bodychain? I have one from a few collections ago, and I can’t tell you how many times I get stopped with the “OMG where’d you get that!?” Look no further than the Anna Korte boho goddess for all your festival needs. Pair with a basic bodysuit, or layer on over a simple tee and you’re all set!

MAC Liquid Last Eyeliner is no joke. Bring cat-eye realness to the Gorge with this seemingly permanent liner. With showers (not of the rain variety) on the scarce side, best to play it safe with waterproof. Swoop some here.

You can scope the weather forecast here, but with highs in the 70s and sun, you mustn't forget SPF, my darlings! Lately I’m super into Supergoop! Protect your little mug, and keep that skin looking Portland pale. Check it out here.

I can’t get enough of my thrifted camo jacket. It makes the best layering piece because it’s lightweight, can easily be tied around your waist, and has serious pocket space! Grab yours from Goodwill, or really any vintage shop. Stash it in your rucksack for evening shows and layer up with fur or leather.

OK, so here’s the skinny on the Napsack. I may be late to the party but these things ROCK! Super warm, easy access to your hands and legs, and you are basically a really cool glowworm. Get yours here.

Don’t forget your Jambox or music player! What’s better than listening to your fave bands after hearing your fave bands live? I have a feeling “Thrift Shop” will be on heavy rotation at the campsite. Don’t drop yours in a hot-tub like my brother, and grab one here.

Brits really do it best, try out Boots cosmetics. Especially their make-up remover wipes. Super affordable and easy on the skin, wipes are must-have for three nights of camping.

Because nothing is better than a drunk warm soup belly.

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20 Somethings, 30 Somethings: Watch This TED Talk

Kayla Rekofke — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:21:00 -0700

Dr. Meg Jay’s recent TED Talk has my little friend group all abuzz (shout-out to Solestruck babe Melissa LaChance for sending this vid my way). Anyone who is in their 20s definitely needs to watch this. You know that old cliche? “30 is the new 20.” Well, it’s not. Mind blowing shit! Watch for your daily dose of inspiration.

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Union Way

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:59:00 -0700

I was a little bummed when Red Cap—the queer bar across the street from the Ace/Clyde Common—went out of business, and I didn't blink an eye when Aura slipped permanently into my well of unconsciousness. Now that both are gone, it's been officially revealed (-ish) what will be taking its place: Union Way is set to be a compound of shopping, eating and drinking that will either certify the West End of downtown's crushing dominance or be the breaking point at which it becomes clear that this city can't support our own grand ambition. Either way, this description is pretty exciting:

Portland calls for a new kind of shopping experience. Its climate and culture lead us to an urban indoor/outdoor space for eating, drinking, and shopping. Union Way finds its origins in the streets and alleyways of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and serves as a counterpoint to the typical urban retail block or the suburban festival marketplace. The public promenade draws people through the building, which is bookended by Powell’s Books, a major retail destination and The Ace Hotel, an iconic contemporary hotel. Union Way houses a collection of carefully curated shops and restaurants providing an authentic and unique shopping experience while adding energy and momentum to the West End neighborhood. Since the Alley is a private walkway through the block, new types of ways to eat, drink and shop will emerge and end in an exciting symbiosis between merchants and their customers.

The photos published in the Daily Journal of Commerce help paint a picture of what the finalized space will look like and at least one of the restaurants involved, Micah Camden's Boxer Ramen, has been confirmed. As for retail, the unconfirmed rumor has it that Steven Alan is coming to town, but I'll believe it when I see it (or when they respond to my emails, which they so far have not). Another clue: Steven Alan is one of only 11 things that Union Way "likes" on Facebook. Yep. If that indicates what I think it does you might also want to keep an eye on Bridgeport vegan restaurant Morso and San Francisco clothing store Self Edge, since everything else on their "like" list already exists in the surrounding neighborhood.

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Forget Arm Parties—It’s All About the Ear Party

Kayla Rekofke — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:59:00 -0700

Man Repeller may have coined the the term “arm party,” but this summer it’s all about ear cuffs, double ear piercings, and mixing and matching metals. From lust-worthy and opulent Swarovski crystal earcuffs by Ryan Storer to more affordable options and styles seen at Nasty Gal, the new looks in earrings are endless.

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The Secret Garden: Summerland Spring/Summer 2013 Lookbook

Elizabeth Mollo — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:29:00 -0700

While rain is inevitably making its way back to Portland, you can transport yourself to a sunnier time with Summerland's lookbook for Spring/ Summer 2013, The Secret Garden. This stunning lookbook, shot by Anja Verdugo, features easy breezy summer dresses and lots of florals and prints. I am particularly fond of the strawberry print blouse. Check out the whole lookbook here.

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Memorial Day Week(end) Wish List

Elizabeth Mollo — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:29:00 -0700

Starting tomorrow I will be spending six glorious, sun-filled days in Palm Desert, thus expanding Memorial Day weekend into a full week-long vacation. While in actuality I am kind of broke due to the fact that I am trying to pay down my credit cards, I thought it would be fun to put together a wish list of things I would like to bring on my trip. While money was no object (because it is a wish list after all) the only criteria was that all items had to be from a Portland retailer. If you are lucky enough to be able to get to somewhere sunny in the next week, hopefully some of these items will make their way into your suitcase. (BTW, the theme of my wishlist is "Desert-Gyspsy-Disco-Queen," because why not?) Click on the pictures to buy what you see.

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Audreality Does Open Season: "Fashion Passion"

Marjorie Skinner — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:29:00 -0700

The big bummer about working on Open Season shows is how jealous I am of everyone who can simply enjoy them without having to deal with language-garbling headsets and endless rolls of utility tape. Audrey Goldfarb is a serial attendee of local fashion events, as well as a documentarian of sorts—she once made a truly amazing film about herself that topped two hours and included copious party crashing and Pabst consumption as well as some rather surprising family dynamics. She makes shorter episodes of various things on her blog, including this freshly edited diary of her experience of last week's shows. Vicarious!

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Stand Up Comedy’s Spring 2 by Catalog

Kayla Rekofke — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:29:00 -0700

Ah, what a refreshing change from the usual run of the mill e-mail blast: Stand Up Comedy used the failsafe combination of everyone’s favorite font Comic Sans, and gifs to create a seriously awesome spring catalog. A couple of my top picks include the latest shipment of Strathcona socks, which will make your little hooves look like a feast for the eyes. These hand printed socks are made in small runs, vary by season, and are inspired by photographs, quirky prints and patterns, and the artists own illustrations. Also a delight to my screen is the Danish line Baserange. Comprised of organic cottons and bamboo, made with non-toxic dyes and woven together with a modern minimalist aesthetic, I especially took a liking to their selection of underpinnings. Scope out more of the latest from Stand Up Comedy here.

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Tanner Goods for The Woodlands

Kayla Rekofke — Mon, 20 May 2013 09:25:00 -0700

Tanner Goods just dropped their latest collaboration with The Woodlands, and just in time for your upcoming summer trips! This small luggage collection features all the of bags you’d need whether your camping out at Sasquatch, hitting up the Coast, or just playing tourist in Seattle. Check out more deets below, and pick up your very own at The Woodlands before they’re gone.

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Open Season Day 4: Immaculate Martin

Marissa Sullivan — Sat, 18 May 2013 18:22:00 -0700

Wow, what a fun way to end 2013's Open Season! And talk about good luck: The one show with an all-indoor runway just so happened to be on the day this week it really started to rain. Inside Portland's über hip bar Dig A Pony was a collaboration between two of Portland's finest: Elizabeth Dye and Adam Arnold. God, it's hard not to play favorites, but this line—while a little all over the place, like the show itself - Adam was in fishing waders and there was a man in a black onesie and mask jumping and dancing around like some sort of rhythm gymnast... Well, there wasn't one thing I wouldn't wear. What we saw were well-tailored trousers and maxi dresses. Brightly colored rompers and color-blocked minis.

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RE: Open Season. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:14:00 -0700

Those of us who took the whole ride through this year's four-night series of Open Season fashion shows are probably still convalescing—I know I am, and so is Marissa Sullivan, whose last recap of each night of shows over on MOD is a tiiiny bit delayed. But while it's still top of mind I wanted to get in a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came, selling out every single night (holy crap)!

It takes a village to accomplish these shows, and most of the people who busted their asses to make this happen did so as volunteers. It literally would not have happened without them, and it really would not have happened without the (mostly) local businesses who stepped in as sponsors: Eastside Distilling, Bishops Barbershops, Gilt, Imelda's & Louie's, Viso, Crossroads Trading Company, and 220 Salon all deserve huge props for pitching in, not to mention the venues, designers, models, hair and makeup stylists, co-producers, rope light/pipe 'n' drape/riser installers, flag makers, musicians and DJs, ticket takers, dressers... you get the idea.

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Blush Beauty Bar Beautypalooza 9

Elizabeth Mollo — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:57:00 -0700

Need a little perk in your beauty routine? Well you are in luck, because Blush Beauty Bar is celebrating it's 9th birthday this weekend with Beautypalooza 9. Today through Sunday Blush will be offering a gift with every purchase, special deals and discounts, and $5, $10, and $15 beauty bins. Plus the staff is always super friendly and helpful so you'll be looking fabulous in no time, all without breaking the bank.

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Odessa S/S '13

Marjorie Skinner — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:18:00 -0700

It tends to keep a low profile, but never forget: Odessa is—and has been for longer than most—one of the most sophisticated boutiques in the city. They recently put together a lookbook for the spring season featuring stunning new pieces from Tsumori Chisato and Isabel Marant, modeled by their own Bree Goertzen.

And I must have this sweater:

Check out the whole thing on their tumblr.

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Portland's Pretty In Pendleton

Marissa Sullivan — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:59:00 -0700

People who wore Pendleton to Pendleton's The Portland Collection show at Rontoms:

Nancy Hales!

A Lover.

More wool and such after the jump...

TPC babe.

Another Lover.

Local designer Emily Katz and her bf!

This guy!

TPC designer Nathaniel Crissman

For more stylish attendees check out Portland's Pretty.

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Open Season Finale!: Immaculate Martin and the Chamber of Secrets

Marjorie Skinner — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:59:00 -0700

Yes, I just combined a fashion show with a Harry Potter reference. This is how you know I am tired.

But fuck tired! Tonight we're capping of Open Season's successful run of happy hour fashion shows with a secret new collaboration between two heavy hitters on the local scene, called Immaculate Martin. Even I don't know exactly what to expect, but I'm vibing that it's going to be a little irreverent, a little non-traditional, and in the spirit of fun. Clearly others are feeling the same way (or just can't resist their curiosity), because online tickets sold out this morning. But don't freak out! There will be a limited amount of tickets being sold for $7 at the door, and we'll do our best to get as many people in as the fire marshal allows.

That said, doors open at 6 at tonight's venue, Dig A Pony, and while the show won't start until 7, you'll want to get there early to nab a good spot and ticket if you waited too long! Also, stick around for a set from the awesome DJ Cooky Parker and live that "Thursday is the new Friday" dream. We'll sleep when we're dead.

Meow.

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Open Season Day 3: Pendleton's The Portland Collection

Marissa Sullivan — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:10:00 -0700

While I might not have been as excited for The Pendleton Open Season fashion show (I mean, I've already thumbed through the catalog and yes, I love it, but had already seen it), I can say that it was, from what I could tell, the crowds' favorite thus far. Starting with a line out the door and a sold out show, I knew this night was going to be well received. The show was set to live music by The Lovers, who were all decked out in Pendleton. In attendance: none other than the Mayor, Charlie Hales, and his wife Nancy, who was also decked out in Pendleton's The Portland Collection. The looks were stunning, and the models were top notch. I did what I could to get photos (hung out by the garbage), so peep 'em below.

Lil' cutie.

My god.

Work.

Twerk.

Babe.

Oh hai!

Syders!

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Poster of the Week

Courtney Ferguson — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:14:34 -0700

I'm a big fan of DKNG's posters (look how cool they are!), so it's kind of a no-duh that this poster should be the pick o' the week.

Send your posters, if you got 'em! I love the recommendations.

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Shop the Block: May Edition

Elizabeth Mollo — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:53:00 -0700

Before heading over to Open Season tonight, be sure to check out the May edition of Shop the Block, the shopping event that happens every two months and features six boutiques in Beaumont Village, including Amenity Shoes, Shop Adorn, Gazelle, Full Circle, Silhouette, and The Arrangement. For those who need a reminder guests who visit all participating boutiques will receive a rewards "Shop Card", which is valid for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at each of the participating boutiques.

This time around Shop the Block is partnering with The Pixie Project and Green Dog Pet Supply. The Pixie Project will be accepting donations, and requested items include fleece blankets, dog or cat toys, and pet food, preferably without by-products. As a thank you Green Dog Pet Supply will provide a $5 off coupon for purchases of $25 or more at their store for those who donate.

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Brady Lange & Reif: Open Season, Day 2

Marissa Sullivan — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:51:48 -0700

I had a really good feeling about the Open Season show last night and it did NOT disappoint. Brady Lange—I'm looking at you. What I know about this PYT is that he had a blog, then interned at Adam Arnold and now he's showing a line for men and women that's bright, fun, and immaculately tailored. As for Reif, most people might know her best for her awesome turbans which have saved me on many a bad hair day. But last night she showed a killer conducive collection of trousers & cutout dresses. I was especially a big fan of the black pleather jumper. Check out the pics below to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

Reif after the jump...

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Open Season, Day Three: Pendleton's The Portland Collection

Marjorie Skinner — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:29:00 -0700

We've had two successful nights of Open Season fashion shows, so why stop now? Nope, not gonna!

Tonight features some of the city's heaviest hitters in Pendleton's The Portland Collection, designed by Rachel Turk, Nathaniel Crissman, and John Blasioli. In case you've been living under a fashionless rock, when Pendleton tapped these local designers—riding the crest of a resurgence in popularity and projects with everyone from Opening Ceremony to Adidas—to translate the historic company's aesthetic for the Rachel Comey and A.P.C. set, it... went really well. Their first collection was hotly anticipated and received with international adoration. Now on their third, I feel like they're getting better and better, and we are so stoked to be hosting the fall collection debut.

Continuing our venue roving, tonight we'll be set up at Rontoms (21+, doors at 6, show at 7 or so—word to the wise: come on the earlier side to get a good spot/drink/ticket. Pre-sale is sold out but there will be a limited number of tickets being sold at the door.) This is also the only show for which there will be live music—in the form of the beloved Lovers! And, the show will be immediately followed by a set from DJ Flash Gordon. And another pair of drink specials using Eastside Distilling's Portland Potato Vodka and Burnside Bourbon. Says Ron of the 'toms, "We will be doing a Moscow Mule with the vodka (muddled lime & ginger, vodka and ginger beer) and a Sour Cherry Old Fashioned with the whiskey (whiskey, kirsch, sugar, and sour cherry garnish)." So there you go.

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Narrative

Toby Robboy — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:59:00 -0700

I recently got a chance to check out Narrative, a recently opened vintage furniture and home goods store on 13th & Alberta. While this city has no shortage of home goods, affordable offerings are not always a strong point, and finding interesting, unique vintage pieces usually requires an intensive scavenge through large, crammed spaces like House of Vintage or William Temple—a fun adventure when you're in the right mood, but kind of exhausting when you're just trying to decorate your home. Narrative, which is located in a tiny old house that serves as the perfect setting for the merchandise, fills a void as a cute, well curated boutique that carries all kinds of quirky, unusual finds, with a strong focus on affordability. In fact, as owner Clara Soister points out, the small entryway to the shop limits the size of the furnishings the store can carry, making it an ideal destination for those looking to decorate small apartment spaces.

The store has sort of a charming flea market feel, with merchandise ranging from serious furniture pieces like coffee tables and shelving, to more decorative pieces like statuettes and pottery, along with the odd typewriter, adding calculator and rotary phone thrown in to set the nostalgic tone. Soister, who has a background in set design, repaints many of the furniture pieces in unexpected color palates, like a French desk that is pale blue and grey with touches of metallic gold and silver. She also adds a touch of whimsy to some of the pieces by attaching notecards with brief imagined backstories. For example, 1950's ceramic teddy bear with a bizarrely surly looking facial expression comes with the explanation "Teddy stayed a little too long at the race tracks...".

Soister says she was inspired to open the store "after I sat down one day and made a list of things that make me happy," and seeking out unusual treasures at flea markets and estate sales was the first thing on that list. As she puts it, the store is "an outlet for my personal addiction."

Check out some of the goods:

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Open Season Day One: Who's The Prettiest?

Marissa Sullivan — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:44:00 -0700

Hey y'all!!! Without making this be a complete plug for my street style blog, Portland's Pretty, I'd like to share with you what I found to be the greatest hits of the night, street style-wise, in what was the kick off to a four-day fashion fest brought to you by The Mercury.

To see the rest of the pretty patrons click here to my blog Portland's Pretty...maybe you made the cut.

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Open Season, Day Two: Reif and Brady Lange

Marjorie Skinner — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:29:00 -0700

Last night's kick-off of the Open Season series of fashion shows was epic—check out Marissa's recap. But pick yourself back up, because we are just getting started!

This evening at Produce Row (21+, doors at 6, show at 7-ish, with plenty of time to get your weeknight beauty rest—or not) we are presenting two up-and-comers on the scene: Lindsey Reif is nipping at the heels of longer-established designers in town, and quickly becoming one of the savviest design talents in the city. Joining her is Brady Lange, who's been haunting the design community for years, but only last summer launched the first of his bright, versatile, sassy collections. This one's going to be fun.

Oh! And there are fashionable drink specials going as well: 1) Fierce Voodoo: Portland Potato Vodka, mango juice, fresh mint, lime, sugar and soda, served on the rocks in a pint. 2) New Fashioned: Burnside Bourbon, St Germain, Amaretto, Dandelion Bitters and Lemon Peel, served on the rocks in a bucket. Now you know!

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