Tag Archives: moule

this just in: portland & san francisco, meet boutiika

Portland and San Francisco friends (well, Austin and Seattle too), brace yourselves: you are about to love me. (Wait. You didn’t already?) Not that the rest of you should tune out…this brainstorm is sure to sweep the nation.

Am I right that the most annoying, let-down quality of online shopping is delayed gratification? You spend two hours a few minutes scrolling through Shopbop, buy a couple of things, and then you have to wait three whole days (first-world problems, I know) for that beautiful brown box to grace your doorstep. And if you went with Nordstrom or one of my other standbys, it’ll be even longer. (Don’t even get me started on how long it takes Banana Republic to deliver a box. Are they using carrier pigeons?)

Plus, in your heart, online shopping wasn’t even what you wanted. What you wanted was to pop out to a few boutiques in town – shopping local is always nice, of course, and you get to take your goodies home right then. But…ugh. Parking, conspicuously leaving work (and returning with shopping bags), all that driving around…and, of course, there’s the let-down when you’re on a spending spree and you walk out of a store empty-handed. (Damn it, I cam here to spend!)

But, can you see the clouds parting? Can you see that sunbeam shooting down? It’s Boutiika – a new site that just launched in Portland, and is already a hit in San Francisco. Read on

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friday finds (and important information!)

Happy Friday, friends! Though, for me, this won’t be much of a weekend, but rather Phase One of the big move. And to clean out all my piles celebrate, I’m selling off a few excellent pieces on eBay that might be of interest. Feel free to take a look – I’d so love for them to go to a good home!

And speaking of sales, there are some killer ones happening this weekend, both in Portland and farther afield.

* Mabel & Zora, one of my favorite girly Portland boutiques with the sweetest owners you’ll ever meet, is celebrating its 6th anniversary today with a flash sale on their website! Save 20% off all separates (which I think means anything but shoes, jewelry and dresses) from 6 pm to midnight tonight only (4.13) with code 6YEAR.

* My beloved Moulé is having an anniversary too! To celebrate a quarter century in business, you can take 30% off the entire store (that means their amazing jewelry and home collections too, neither of which ever go on sale!). The only catch is that you have to be in PDX – the sale’s in-store only. But if you’re here, it’s not to be missed.

* And on a slightly larger scale, Kate Spade‘s multi-annual friends & family event is going on this weekend. Take 25% off nearly everything (except home, stationery and watches) today and tomorrow with code FFSPR12.

And after all that, phew! We need some pretty pictures, don’t we?

These earrings came across my path as a “Best Bet” on NYMag’s blog a couple of weeks ago, and I’m still thinking about them. Quite possibly the perfect studs, don’t you think? Especially for under $100.

Do you know Hermione de Paula? I didn’t either…but now I’m completely in love. She manages to marry old-school tropical prints with mod digitized formats, and the result is, well, the best Hawaiian shirt you’ll ever find.

I am in a world of trouble. Rachel Comey has finally (finally!) opened an online store. Which means no more obsessive hunting through dozens of online mini-boutiques when I’m desperate for a new pair of ankle boots (hers are the very, very best). They even have my size! It spells danger, my friends…but oh, what lovely danger! Those tan perforated Hitch boots (right) are next on my list.

And speaking of newcomers to the online world, Club Monaco’s online store is finally here! Think Topshop, but a little easier to wear – hems are a little longer, styles are a bit more grown up, and looks aren’t all ripped from some other designer’s atelier. I’m so looking forward to taking advantage – particularly since they’re offering free shipping and free returns through the end of April!

And last but not least, my favorite Pin of the week! What can I say…I have bag storage on the brain. But can you blame me, now that this beauty has come to live with me?

{via design*sponge}

Phew! Okay, that’s it, friends. Have a fantastic weekend…pop by my place if you’re in Portland…and I’ll see you back here next week

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get gifting: all that glitters

Really, who isn’t a jewelry guide for? Anything sparkly is the perfect gift for moms, sisters, friends – and, of course, feel free to send a link to your significant other, as he’s almost certainly in the market for hints this time of year.

  1. These pretty druzy crystals would be the perfect go-to pairing with denim – if I don’t snag them first. Druzy earrings (and similar), Iris Jewelry Designs, $82 (take 10% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY10)
  2. If you can’t buy her the Crown Jewels, this might be the next best thing – she can ogle to her heart’s content. Boucheron: The Secret Archives, by Vincent Meylan, $60
  3. A locket always feels like a special gift to me. This one packs all the sentimental punch but with a style that’s not so precious. Ball locket necklace, Hayden-Harnett, $55
  4. Those pale rectangles of recycled glass give you a hint of bold color that’s still completely wearable. Mountains necklace, Sword+Fern, $72
  5. It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Grayling, but I love that these earrings are statement-worthy but still wearable for everyday. Tail Arc earrings, Grayling Jewelry, $88
  6. Call me old-school, but there’s nothing I love quite as much as a classic cameo. Cameo necklace, Kessler, $165
  7. I am forever setting my rings down in ill-advised locations (above the kitchen sink, for example), but I like to think this little squirrel would save me from yet another near-disastrous misplacing. Squirrel ring box, Jonathan Adler, $125
  8. Remember all that arm party fun I’ve been having? This gives you all the style, with absolutely none of the carefully-orchestrated effort. Pearl & disc bracelet, Gerard Yosca, $60
  9. Simple and classic, these are the perfect studs, but with a stylish update. Etoile pavé studs, Kira Kira, $250
  10. If there’s a mom on your list, look no further. Use this kit to send off a fingerprint from her darling munchkin, and she’ll get a sterling charm as one-of-a-kind as her little one. Custom fingerprint charm, Priceless Prints, $65
  11. I’m such a fan of Tiffany & Co.’s new Locks collection, and this bangle is at the top of my list. Besides, what’s a jewelry gift guide without a splurge or two? Vintage lock bangle, Tiffany & Co., $1,850
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welcome, sponsor! moulé

I am oh, oh, oh-so-excited to show off our latest sponsor, friends. Not just because I’m thrilled to have them on board, but because they’re one of my very favorite stores in Portland (though the store is actually Canadian by birth – Portland is their only US outpost). And they’ve finally (finally!) launched their e-commerce site! Now I can show you all of my favorites there without feeling badly that you can’t rush right in and indulge.

When I’m describing Moulé to friends that are visiting, I tend to call it a “baby Barneys” (but with much less scary price points). It has that cool, downtown vibe, but with a gift for picking special pieces that never fail to become the standout staples in my closet. Every single piece I find at Moulé (and believe me, I’ve found a few) ends up being a favorite. You’ll find brands you know like Joe’s Jeans and Majestic tees, but you’ll also find brand new names to love, like Liebenskind handbags and Les Petites knits. And don’t even get me started on the jewelry.

One thing Moulé has that (almost) no one else does: a full range of owner Rachel Mara‘s stylish designs. You might remember Rachel from some of my magazine work here in town – she’s a fashion icon for me in a big way. While her fall collection has sold out fast, you’ll want to keep an eye on the site for the first sign of resort. Rachel is famous for the most beautiful silk prints, and it’s easy to become an obsessed collector.

Didn’t I tell you? Head on over to Moulé and show them some SMC reader love, won’t you?

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