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May 25, 2012

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SHOP TALK - February 2012

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Happenings

Amy Sacks & Sword + Fern Design Collaboration

Need some new glasses? We know where you should go.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 29, 2012 at 04:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Eyecu5

Photo: Emily Baker

View Slideshow »

Good news for those of us in town with bad eyesight. Local jewelry designer Emily Baker of Sword + Fern teamed up with eyewear company Amy Sacks to give you some sweet 4-eyed options. Sacks provides the elegant frames and Baker created a series of eyeglass chains to keep them in check.

The chains reflect classic Sword + Fern components incorporating materials like gemstones, chunky vintage chain, leather, and adding vintage recycled Sari rope into the mix to create one-of-a-kind eyeglass wear that make a big statement.

The limited edition eyeglass chain design along with a selection of Amy Sacks hand polished Italian acetate frames debut this Friday (3/2) at Sword+Fern’s studio. If that’s not enough to get you excited, you should also know a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to local animal rescue, Pixie Project. Sold!

What: Sword+Fern x Amy Sacks Eyewear Design Collaboration, First Friday event-proceeds to benefit The Pixie Project
When: First Friday, March 2 6-10 pm
Where: 811 E. Burnside #114
Sword+Fern
Amy Sacks Eyewear
Pixie Project

Eyecu7

Photo: Emily Baker

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Tags: Accessories, Accessories, Happenings, Happenings, Sword+Fern

Trend Watch

Trend Watch: Sports Authority

Sports are now in sportswear this Spring, so let the games begin!

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 29, 2012 at 10:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

House_of_lolo

Photo: Store/Designer Site

Stella & Jamie Milan Cashmere Striped Sweater
$215.00
Available at: House of Lolo

View Slideshow »

Here’s a trend for the non-girly-girls out there. Top designers like Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and Nicole Miller have taken some of the signature details of activewear and incorporated it into every day gear that doesn’t look like you’re heading to the gym. Keep your eyes peeled for piping and clean style lines, neon trims, paneled color blocking and even Rugby stripes to kick off this spring look.

With all the major activewear brands here in Portland what could be more appropriate?

1. House of Lolo
2. ASOS
3. Modcloth
4. ALC at Barney’s
5. Anthropologie
6. SKB Studio at Radish Underground
7. Net-A-Porter
8. Solestruck
9. Rag & Bone at Nordstrom
10. Piperlime

Sports_authority

Guide assembled by Barrie Chan

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Tags: Trend Watch

Style Spotlight

Fashionable Paintings

Local artist Sam Roloff uses fashion to inspire his canvas.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 28, 2012 at 03:00PM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Eden Dawn

Roloff in his studio.

View Slideshow »

Sam Roloff isn’t your typical player in Portland’s fashion scene. He’s not a designer, a shop owner or even a clotheshorse, but his dreamy fashion paintings just plopped him onto the style radar all the same.

Roloff (whose name might sound familiar with his brother Matt Roloff’s show Little People, Big World) was raised in the Bay area and studied fine art at the San Francisco Art Institute in the early 90s. After that, his life reads a little like a Kerouac novel. He lived in the “seedy” part of Haight Street while watching the rise of the Mission School art movement before taking off to hitchhike through Mexico and Guatemala, seeking out adventures. In 1994, Roloff moved to Prague in the Czech Republic, where he and a partner ran a small art gallery. During that time he focused on a series entitled “Women in Prague”, which would be the beginning seed for his Portland painting career.

A year later, he returned to the US where he married and began a family before eventually making his way to Portland in 2002. A recent divorce triggered the artistic energy in Roloff and the result was textured oil images of local fashionistas (for a “Women of Portland” series), paintings of sky-high heels and images of pretty clothing. The pieces began popping up in places like Isaac Hers boutique and local fashion show producer Jillian Rabe’s public space slowly establishing a following.

Qewfde

Photo: Eden Dawn

Roloff believes his expressionistic paintings are different than his contemporaries because he paints holding his brush vertically instead of horizontally leaving a different brush stroke than usual. Regardless of the reason the recent success of his fashion related prints means the prices of his wish-I-had-one-in-my-living-room oil paintings can run between $1,500-$2,000 with commissioned pieces reaching up to the $6,000 mark.

While some might let the increased success go to their head, Roloff has been busy planning ways to give back to the community. Growing up with health problems frequently left him in the hospital and he knows the boredom and isolation that comes along with that territory. His solution is an in-hospital art program he hopes to get off the ground including instruction and displaying the finished pieces on site for patients to leave their mark.

Up next for the unlikely fashion hit? In between tasks for getting the hospital art program rolling, Roloff’s currently masterminding the next incarnation of the “Women of Portland” series. This time around, people can submit names of (stylish) ladies to be painting subjects and the public can vote on the final 12. Who wants to be Mona Lisa-ed?

To see more paintings view the slide show and SamRoloff.com

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Tags: Art, Art, Portland Art, Fashion

Red Carpet

Oscar Flaunts & Flubs

The end of awards season gives giggles and gaffes

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 27, 2012 at 09:00PM Speech Bubble 10 Comments

Angie

Photo: Courtesy Getty Images

Hey leg!! Get back in that dress where you belong, you weren’t invited to the Oscars she was.

P.S You look ridiculous

View Slideshow »

Sunday night was abuzz in Tinsel Town. Borat dumped fake ashes on Ryan Seacrest (while half of the world secretly cheered), Billy Crystal returned to the stage for some lukewarm entertainment and I realized I made a massive mistake in skipping Hugo since it won half the awards.

On the red carpet we saw some really good things (thanks Mila Jovavich) and some really bad (Nancy O’Dell do you need some attention?). But most importantly, we were introduced to the It Girl of the night, Angelina’s Jolie’s leg. That sucker managed to poke out of her dress at very possible opportunity and even opened itself a Twitter account. It also gave us one more reason to see Angelina, think she’s beautiful and then find something that irks us.

Sigh… Sometimes consistency feels good.

View the slideshow for all the fun

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Tags: Red Carpet

Brand Spankin' New

Ellington’s New Arrivals

Don’t you need a new bag?

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 23, 2012 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

3210pa_main-lg

Photo: Store/Designer Site

CHARLIE HOBO: PAPRIKA

Price: $249.00

View Slideshow »

While some women change up their purse daily to match their outfit, those of us with various lipstick tubes, crumpled receipts and random inexplicable crumbs find that a little too tasking to keep up with. However, I am a firm believer in at least switching up my everyday carryall seasonally. It both forces me to finally come to terms with the 80 empty gum wrappers swimming about and is a mental prep for the new season.

Local company Ellington Leather debuts their new spring collection this week with colors like Paprika and Red to throw over your shoulder for sunnier weather. Bonus point: Currently the new arrivals online all come with free shipping. See the slide show for purse potential.

EllingtonHandbags.com

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Fashion News

Marni for H&M

See the pics for H&M’s new designer collaboration.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 22, 2012 at 12:00PM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Store/Designer Site

View Slideshow »

H&M’s series of designer collaborations keeps hitting one homerun after another. This time it’s European line Marni with creative director Consuelo Castiglioni giving the fast fashion consumers exactly what they want.

Available in stores beginning March 8 the long awaited collaboration has finally released a series of images. The silky tops with bold prints coupled with tailored but feminine pieces mean this is one of those collections that will be gone in the blink of an eye. If you’re a fan of Marni (and of saving money – it’s nearly all under $100) get yourself in line for this one.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion News, Marni

We Heart Video

Two Girls, Two Shirts

Portlandia tickles our fashion funny bone.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 22, 2012 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 5 Comments

You’ve got to give it up for Portlandia. When they hit the nail on the head, they really pound it hard. This skit (filmed at Stand Up Comedy in the 811 E Burnside building) brings attention to a fact most of us have noticed at one point or another. Why do some stores have so few items? The answer: Blame it on New York.

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Bridal Bliss

Rocked at the Nines

This Sunday an epic bridal bash goes down at the Nines.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 21, 2012 at 10:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Rocked

This Sunday Portland Bride & Groom is putting together a bridal blitz unlike any other. If you’re getting hitched, know anyone who’s about to, or, hey, you just feel like the time might be close, get yourself down to the Nines this weekend. In one fun afternoon you can check out around 90 local vendors that cover every aspect of the big event and then head off to an Oscar party for a full day of pretty party time.

You’ll get the chance to check out the Nines as the venue for a wedding reception, guest accommodations, a rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and whatever else you can possibly think of. Three top bridal consultants have combined efforts to present three different styles of weddings: a traditional champagne formal wedding, an urban extravaganza with vibrant colors, and one over-the-top Lady Gaga–themed day with rich colors and extravagance galore. Each of the areas will have florists, photographers, cakes, wine/spirits, catering, and fashion for you to inspect.

The fun won’t stop there. There’s a “Groom’s Room,” boutique vendors for before, during, and after the big day (hello, honeymoon!), spas, fitness folks, accessories, and hair and makeup experts. And the cost to get in on all this action? Zilch, zero, nada. Just register to come, bring your gaggle of girls and enjoy the party.

Not a shabby way to spend a Sunday afternoon, eh?

Rocked at the Nines
525 SW Morrison
Portland, OR 97204
Sunday, February 26
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendor list:

Beer
Ninkasi – Widmer – Brideport Brewing

Cakes / Sweets
AK Cake Design – One Divine Party – The Nines – Le Cookie Monkey – Petunia’s Pies & Pastries – Moonstruck Chocolate

Catering
the Nines
_
Destination
Black Butte Ranch – Brasada Ranch – Sunriver Resort_

DJ / Live Music
Event Team Entertainment – High Fidelity – Mobile Music – Puddletown Studio – Pro DJs Oregon – Hit Machine

Fashion
Love & Sass – Oh Baby – Xtabay – Lille Boutique – English Dept – Popina Swimwear – Mabel and Zora – Duchess – Mapel – Divine Designs – Anna’s Bridal Boutique – Joy’s Uptown – Kash Ross Creations – Este’s

Floral
Fleur:ology – Fieldwork – Zest – Blüm – Geranium Lake – Rosemary Stafford – Old Town Florist

Gifts
Nambé – Kitchen Kaboodle – The Wedding Cottage – PDX Cigars – Sorella Luna

Health / Beauty
Stick a Fork in It – Fit Bride NW – Essential Nutrition for You – Portland Spa & Boutique – Austie Eckley – Oregon Athletic Clubs – Pointe Spa – Fada – Event Cosmetics – Hair M and Y Chrome – Urban Waxx

Fragrance
Jo Malone – House of Fragonard

Jewelry
Packouz Jewelers – Stella and Dot – Lucia Fine Jewelers

Photobooth
Limelight – Paparazzi Tonight

Photography
Powers Studios – Aralani – Jessica Hill – Jos Photographers – Erin Grace – Peekaboo Portland

Rentals
West Coast Events – Barclay Event – Champagne Vintage – The Party Place

Stationery / Paper
Oblation Papers & Press – New and Blue – Alesia Zorn Calligraphy

Transportation
Portland Pedicabs – Konect Aviation

Venue
the Nines

Videographer
Hybrid Moon – Black Label Films

Wedding Consultants
Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination – Bridal Bliss – Encore Events

Wedding Services
Portland Bride & Groom – The Wedding Lounge – Marriage Team – The Groom’s List
Team Casino Parties & Music – Bravo Publications

Wine / Spirits
Argyle – Torii Mor – Methven Family Vineyards – Cathedral Ridge – Wine by Joe – Diageo’s Master of Whisky – Pearl Wedding Cake Vodka

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, Bridal

Trend Watch

Trend Watch: Sun-Kissed Skin

Look like you’ve spent a day at the beach without the sandy mess

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 20, 2012 at 01:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Origins

Photo: Store/Designer Site

Sunny Disposition
$21.00
Available at: Origins

View Slideshow »

Looking like a sun kissed goddess that just strode in from a beach day on a Greek island will probably never go out of style. But right now, it’s just downright necessary. The vibrancy and glow of this need-it-now trend lifts the face to make it look fresher and younger.

Unfortunately, (unless you’ve got a lot of airline miles to burn) that can be a little difficult to achieve naturally ‘round these parts. We’ve gathered up a group of beauty treats to fake the sunny look until we can all (hopefully) make it.

Sun_kissed

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Fashion Framed

Nymphs of Change

Eerily interesting fashion imagery.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 16, 2012 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

007

Dress by Aryn K
Headpiece by Frocky Jack Morgan
Bracelets by Rill Rill
Shoes by Ms. Wood

View Slideshow »

Wardrobe stylist Samantha Lemieux claims that she wanted to get together with her talented friends and shoot a fashion editorial “just for fun.” Looks like they had a pretty amazing time with the enchanting photos (full of local designers) that came out of it.

The concept: “Radically passionate and bursting with energy, with life-force, with manifestation. The light spirit seeks to favor her dark counterparts attention, to lure her fury into the world of the light.”

Whoa.

Photgrapher: Daniel Ellis
Hair & MUA: Blaine Provancha was on MUAH
Stylists: Samantha Lemieux and Holly Coombes

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Fashion News

Queen Bee and Spooltown’s Big Change

There’s a new factory in town.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 16, 2012 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Chances are, at some point, everyone in Portland has laid eyes on a Queen Bee bag. With their signature stitch lines and quality construction, it’s an easy game to pick out how many you see at any given coffee shop. But now the times, well, they are a changing.

Nine years after coming to Portland founder Rebecca Pearcy has restructured her Queen Been business in order to more fully focus on design work (read: somebody else needs to make the bags). The reorganization left room for the former production manager Sara Tunstall, to start a new small-run factory called Spooltown, housed within the same building on North Williams Avenue. Spooltown will manufacture Queen Bee’s signature line of eco-friendly handbags and wallets, as well as work with other clients to develop and produce Portland-made goods.

Tunstall says, “Working with Rebecca for the last 5 years reinforced what I already believed; there is something incredibly valuable about manufacturing goods in the US. Spooltown is there for emerging and established design businesses to have small runs of products made locally.”

A lot of the Spooltown crew is former Queen Bee production employees, so they are well equipped to handle finicky fabrics, like leather and faux-leather. “There was a gap in Portland between making one item at a time at home and sending work overseas or out of state for large scale production runs. Spooltown will fill that gap. We aim to have very close relationships with our clients, build rapport, connection and history.”

While there are other small run production places in town (like Portland Garment Factory), it still is a relatively open market for how many designers reside here. And with Spooltown’s experience in the bag world, it will be interesting to see if they end up with a clientele in that area or across the board. Regardless, it’s one more way we can keep the production line from thought to finished product all inside our city and we all know that makes Portlanders happy.

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Brand Spankin' New

Gretchen Jones F/W ’12

Our former Pdx-er shows her fall stuff in NYC.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 15, 2012 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Gretchen-21

Photo: Courtesy of Billy Farrell Agency/Refinery 29

View Slideshow »

After her Project Runway win Gretchen Jones left Portland for the bustle of New York City, but it’s very clear she took a little detour to the Southwest along the way. Her fall pieces debuted this week in an exhibition style event for NYFW and showed richly imbued earth tone fabrics, patterned prints and jewelry galore. Even the models nails had crackles reminiscent of actual turquoise. Gotta love those details….

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We Heart Video

Spring Fashion Campaigns

Fashionable advertisements that’ll suck you in.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 15, 2012 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Want to easily lose 15 minutes of your day and get to see all kinds of pretty clothing? Take a gander at our video round up of all the spring/summer ad campaigns that’ll surely scratch that fashion itch.

Prada

Zara

Lanvin

Valentino

Chanel

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, video

Red Carpet

Grammy’s Garish Gowns

Which outfits sung and which were just tone deaf.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 13, 2012 at 09:00PM Speech Bubble 6 Comments

Erfwefwer

Photo: Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/MCT

Oh no…No, no, no, no, no. Super hero cape and platform work boots? I’m going to close my eyes and try to wish it away.

View Slideshow »

Last night’s display of the Grammy’s gave me ample reason to sneer skeptically (looking at you Chris Brown) and a few to actually nod in approval in thanks to a musician who can (gasp) actually sing winning most of the awards. Cheers for the freshly made over Adele.

Plus, there was a moment to get genuinely choked up at Jennifer Hudson’s emotional tribute to Saturday’s passing of Whitney Houston who might have slipped to the darker side in the last few years, but will be remembered for her decade as pop music personified.

It also gave us oh-so many opportunities to wonder what the hell is going on in these people’s minds. I’m not complaining per se since my red carpet reviews keep me rolling in the proverbial dough, but I just really want to wrap my brain around the motivation behind wearing a gun strapped to your gown.

Anyone?

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Fashion News

A Glimpse at Pendleton’s Next Portland Collection!

We’ve got a little peek into fall’s TPC collection.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 13, 2012 at 06:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

11_1219_tpc_fa12_mns20_1075

Photo: Chris Hornbecker

View Slideshow »

After the massive success of Pendleton’s Portland Collection debut last fall it is with no surprise that another one is on the way. We have a three image sneak peek at the upcoming group set to hit stores in fall 2012. Rumor on the street is this time around the line is much larger and includes “lifestyle products.”

Hmmmm, Pendleton paper towels anyone? (I’d use them)

Hit the slide show for your preview peek.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, Pendleton, Fashion News

Style Spotlight

Questionable Taste

Who are we eyeing this week?

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 09, 2012 at 08:30AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Kelly

Photo: Courtesy Getty Images

I’m trying to think of what kind of emergency requires someone to leave a spa before they could finish taking their mud mask off and then head straight to a red carpet event.

I can’t think of one.

View Slideshow »

Question: What do a referee, The Joker and Fraggle Rock all have in common?

Answer: See the slide show.

Add a Comment »

Tags: Fashion, Fashion, Fashion, Red Carpet

Style Spotlight

Sharing Spree

Get a discount deal while also doing some good.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 09, 2012 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 4 Comments

The invention of Groupon (and all the discounts that followed) has inspired a plethora of copycats. And all with the same intention….S-A-V-I-N-G-S!

But the question is, how do you choose which one to sign up for? Going with all of them results in an email overdose so great one can’t click “delete” enough to keep up. Would it make a difference if you knew one of these companies dedicates itself to cutting consumers deals, while also supporting local non-profits? Oh, it totally does? Read on.

Launched in June 2010, Sharing Spree embraces the idea of ‘buying, giving and living locally’ by offering one daily deal with discounts up to 90% on restaurants, bars, spas, comedy clubs, sporting events, theaters, classes, retailers, hotels, salons and more. Sounds like some other companies we know? But on Sharing Spree when you go to buy your daily deal, you’ll also see the non-profit your purchase is going to help support. Currently their running tally of support for NP’s is running just shy of a quarter of a million dollars.

One note of caution: Getting screaming deals, plus knowing you’re helping out a good cause will make you want to buy every single thing they offer up. You have been warned.

SharingSpree.com

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Tags: Sale, Shopping, Shopping, charity

We Heart Video

Marilyn Monroe’s Makeup

Want to know the insider beauty tricks for the great Miss Monroe? We got ’em.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 08, 2012 at 10:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

While there’s little doubt in anyone’s mind that Marilyn Monroe is one of history’s great beauties, little was known about her actual beauty regimen. We can guess via detective skills that she’s not naturally peroxide blonde, and most have heard tale of the plastic surgeries, but this in depth video with makeup artist Lisa Eldridge gets down to nitty gritty details.

Her effortless looking beauty always seemed to appear with just a great mascara and swipe of signature red lipstick, but this step-by-step remake shows you how Monroe’s look was incredibly calculated and time consuming.

I’m not sure if that makes me feel better or worse about myself…

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Tags: video, Beauty

Happenings

Fade to Light Fashion Show

Get your fashion fix this coming Leap Day.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 08, 2012 at 07:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Fade_to_light_poster

Over the holidays the fashion show circuit around here went into winter hibernation mode. Thankfully for those of us whom need a fix, we now have one on the horizon to look forward to. Producer Elizabeth Mollo, who has helped put together Portland Fashion Week and The Doom Town/Sweet F.A. Rock and Roll shows, has carefully curated a group of designers to shake us out of our heavy sleep.

On February 29th (Leap Day), the pushing-the-boundaries fashion show where designers are going outside the box regarding their runway presentation will kick off at The Crystal Ballroom. According to Mollo, Fade to Light “aims to not just be a fashion show, but to be an experience that leaves the viewer with a solid understanding of each designer and the collections being shown.”

So who are we going to see? Expect new designs from Solestruck in collaboration with Australian brand Black Milk, Studio SKB by Project Runway alum Bryce Black, Chicago Harper by Joshua Buck, Ms. Wood, and Clair Vintage Inspired. Topping of this night of great fashion will be a live performance by local dream pop band Blouse, who will be fresh off of their European Tour. DJ Gregarious will provide music and visuals.

Tickets are available now. Runway seating is limited.
Fade to Light: A Multidimensional Fashion Event
The Crystal Ballroom:
1332 West Burnside St.
Wednesday, February 29th
$10 General Admission, $15 Limited Runway Seating
Doors 7PM | Fashion Show 8PM | Music 9PM
All Ages Ticket Link

Sponsored by Salon Capelli, New Deal Vodka, and Oni Press.

Add a Comment »

Fashion Framed

Prints Charming

Yo Vintage’s newest lookbook pays homage to all things printed.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 07, 2012 at 10:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Press5

Photo: Charise Marie

View Slideshow »

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to be in love with our vintage scene, Yo Vintage owner Sarah Radcliffe just keeps giving us more. This time it’s the adorable new lookbook entitled Prints Charming featuring chic, printed retro apparel teamed up with some (hey why not?) imaginary furry friends.

See something you love in the slide show? All the pieces from the book are up for grabs on the web site as of Thursday. (Adorable giraffes are not for sale)

ShopYoVintage.com

Lookbook Credits
Model: Marlene Avelino
Stylist: Nova Dando + Sarah Radcliffe
Photography: Charise Marie
Hair + Makeup: Sam Denecke

Add a Comment »

Tags: Vintage, Yo Vintage, Fashion Framed

Trend Watch

Trend Watch: Funny Sunnies

The sun is out, and so are the glasses.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 06, 2012 at 10:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Funny_sunnies

View Slideshow »

Despite Punxsutawney Phil’s attempt to force us into 6 more weeks of winter, Portland has been bathed in sunlight for several days straight.

Enough sunshine to, in fact, necessitate breaking out sunglasses. This year’s shades go way beyond your regular aviators with frames getting bigger, brighter, and bolder. Think a little quirky and definitely think color.

Take a tour of our gallery of sunny goods to find the perfect pair for your face.

1. Shwood
2. J. Crew
3. ASOS
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs
5. Anthropologie
6. Karen Walker
7. Alexander Wang
8. Piperlime
9. Ray-Ban
10. Prada

Add a Comment »

beauty beat

A Spa Day at Venus Allure

A review of the spa services at this Belmont business.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 02, 2012 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Venus2

Ample salon space.

If you walk into Venus Allure Salon & Day Spa to indulge in some spa services ala massages or facials, you’ll probably do a double take when you enter. The two-story space has hair stations and products galore, but I didn’t actually see anywhere for the one-hour massage and following facial I’d booked.

Owner Ann Akre and her manager were kind enough to give me a tour of the facilities and the salon part had some impressive points. The multiple hair stations meant they could handle big groups for bridal parties, the back area had a pedicure station with waterfall style foots baths and they informed me all customers post manicure get to keep the nail polish they chose for touch ups later.

After touring both floors and even seeing a steaming and drying bar where you can flip channels on the flat screen television while your highlights process, I still didn’t know where this massage was supposed to go down. Then we stepped through a door to a tiny, quiet dark room with two more doors; one for massages and one for facials. This little area felt so shut off and calm from the salon part of the space I finally started to shift into the spa mindset and by the time my LMT Lana told me in her enchanting Ukrainian accent to “relax,” I did. The massage itself was one of the best I’ve ever had with Lana digging into my knotted blame-it-on-the-computer shoulders until those cursed knots shook free. By the time my hour was up, I am quite certain I left at least two inches taller.

Venus

The facial room.

Once I was done Lana gave me a fluffy white robe and slippers and I shuffled next door to meet Laura for my facial and put my happy feet into a warm foot bath while we talked about my skin. Then into the hospital like bed I went for an hour while she gently scruffed and buffed. And after putting a facemask on, each hand and foot got another rub down before being wrapped up and put into little warming booties (while I snoozed like a cat lying in the sun). My one and only critique is that somewhere in the head massage part of the facial I actually felt more like a pushing-on-my-head massage, but I was too blissed out to react so that’s my issue.

All in all, I successfully left Venus Allure feeling taller, calmer and well moisturized. Is it the type of place I would go if I wanted my gaggle of girls to have a full spa day with everyone running around in robes from stations to station? Nope, it’s not that kind of place. But, if I’m looking for some alone quiet time in my neighborhood to get my inner beauty queen on it’s an easy yes.

My shoulders are already missing Lana….

Venus Allure Spa and Salon
811 SE Belmont
For Appointments: 503.841.6368

Add a Comment »

Reali-TV

Seattle Designer on NBC’s Fashion Star

A familiar face hits fashion primetime.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 01, 2012 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 3 Comments

Fashion-star_3201

Well the reality television train just keeps on chugging. This time NBC wants in on the game with a competition hosted by supermodel Elle Macpherson and celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos.

The series premieres Tuesday, March 13, at 9:30pm with a 90-minute episode and we’ll see a familiar face. Seattle designer Lizzie Parker (who has made multiple appearances at Portland Fashion Week over the years) commandeered a spot on the list of 14 contestants. Set your TiVo’s now if you’re dying to catch the knitwear designer show her stuff.

Or if you support my theory that Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie will get into a huge catfight at one point. I’m already siding with Richie….

Add a Comment »

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