Back in high school where teachers like to make 12th graders feel like they need an exact career choice by the time they’re throwing those graduation caps in the air, I remember flipping through the Occupational Outlook Handbook and spotting the only career for me: a buyer for a store -- aka, shopping for a living. Of course, a few years later in college I changed my mind and chose a career in writing, which I love. However, there are still certain stores where I find myself instantly envious of the person who calls it his or her job to buy its merchandise.

Despite the fact that I tend to spend more time (and more money) in clothing stores, the shops that make me feel this way tend to be boutiques where there’s a mix of lots of great stuff like Cheeky B in the Pearl or, my latest discovery, Bella Lulu’s in Northeast. These stores are so fun that despite their boutique size, an hour of browsing could literally go by in a flash.

In a nutshell, Bella Lulu’s pretty much has a little bit of everything I want -- and more importantly for this time of year, things that people on my Christmas shopping list might want as well. From the minute you enter the shop, it’s easy to see that their selection has been well thought out, from their chic home essentials like amazing accent pillows and lovely bed linens to their clever pet toys or their great stationery products ranging from the pretty to witty. They also have some adorable children’s and baby gear in the back of the store.

So if you know any little girl who might love a fuzzy pink bathrobe and slippers this holiday season or a certain pampered pooch who could use a few more toys, than you’ll want to check out Bella Lulu’s at on 43rd & NE Fremont Street. Or, if you’re like me and nearly always stumped on what to get someone, it’s a great place to stumble upon that unexpected perfect gift.

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Sometimes I can’t help but be in awe when I come across someone’s blog that seems to know every possible thing going on or coming up in their city. Since many of these cities are much, much larger than Portland and I have to ask myself -- how do they do it? And how, when every one of my freelance writing jobs has to do with upcoming Portland happenings, do some things still manage to slip by me anyway?

I think the key is to have lot of friends who keep their eyes and ears open for you. This week my shopping news comes from a friend of mine who informed me over lunch last week about a new store coming to her neighborhood on NW 23rd Ave.

The store: Free People, which sells women’s apparel, accessories and shoes. The style is a bit difficult to pin down, but perhaps that’s just part of its charm. The looks they sell cover a wide range, from rocker chick to bohemian chic or Ralph Lauren Americana-esque to Seattle Grunge circa 1992. Overall, the store has somewhat of an Urban Outfitters feel, a mish-mash of a lot of looks that somehow still seem cohesive. Was that confusing? If so, just check out their website and decide for yourself.

I haven’t been able to find much press about the new store other than it will be on NW 23rd Ave between Kearney & Johnson Streets, but I’ll keep digging and let you know when I find the grand opening date.

Other retail news: The Ann Sacks showroom on NW 9th Ave & Flanders Street has opened. The bright and beautiful store showcases her luxury tiles, stone and bathroom fixtures.

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THE SHOW | Amai Unmei, Strung Out by Peniche, Salvationware, Idom, Sofada by Alice Dobson, Elroy Apparel

As the last show of the week, I’d say PFW saved the best for last. It was brave of them to throw Portland’s most well-known designers into a Sunday, considering last year’s Sunday show suffered such a low turnout. Unfortunately, the star lineup didn’t reverse the Sunday plague, and some seats sat empty.

But as I said, it was a great show. Allison Covington’s Amai Unmei came out strong, with a number of high-occasion silk dresses and dress coats (below right) in a pretty palette of periwinkle, pear green and deep, fern green. We’ve seen so many pinks, that it was a welcoming change. Covington’s styles were consistent with prior collections, but seemed to mature beyond the bias-cuts and coats of past. Even a few pieces extended beyond the normal silk styles and revealed a rich eyelet fabric (below left) and perfectly pleated satin hemlines.





























Other local favorite, Idom, rocked the runway, as well. Following last season’s formless sea-inspired pieces, Designer Modi Soondarotok came out with a spring collection revived with flattery. Amazingly, this did not mean nixing her signature style, marked with stiff, architectural design. I loved her full, pocketed high-waisted skirt and her dresses styled with attractive draping (pictured below). But I also liked the unique additions to the Idom class, including a couple of girly lace varieties and a belted short-sleeved frock with layers of simple, un-pleated ruffles, top-to-bottom.





























I’d heard a thing or two about the evolution of Sofada’s style, to be seen in the Spring collection. But, dare I say it, we saw a lot of the same. Which isn’t to be taken as a bad thing. We just expected something... different. Without a doubt, designer Alice Dobson has a very pretty look, captured in feminine blouses and polka-dot patterns. If anything, they were a bit more sophisticated than last spring’s line. I especially adored the cream pencil skirt fit rib-high, matched with a tucked, off the shoulder blouse. And compared to the Brazilian bikinis presented by Strung Out by Peniche, I much preferred the suit by Dobson — a chrome, cowl neck one-piece with a low-scoop back (pictured below). It was classy and sexy, and by no means cutesy, like I’d label Sofada’s suit collection last year. 





























In fact, I wanted to shout, "See, that’s how you do it!" Because Strung Out’s collection was simply uncomfortable. That’s what happens when an LA name comes to Portland. Leopard print, all-over sequins and barely-there coverage (pictured below)? It was like a sex show. And that’s all I have to say about that.





























I was also a bit skeptical of Seattle label Salvationware, who apparently won Seattle Magazine’s “Seamless in Seattle” design competition. Maybe because they started with a camo dress. And then more camo. With lots of cargos and zippers. And I just don’t dig the army/navy look. But, I must say the latter half of jme’s line matured into something almost likeable. Almost.

Vancouver, BC-based Elroy Apparel, meanwhile, held place as headliner, and designer Leanne McElroy started it off with bloomers and a long, open vest — which resembled the looks put out by our other Leanne, of Leanimal (see below for more on this new fashion celeb). This Leanne was new on my radar, and I’m hoping to see more from this Canadian designer (who sells at local boutiques Greenloop and Foundation Garments). Her designs are unique and playful, yet mature and easy on the eyes, with lots of brown, cream and gray tones (pictured below). Very chic, very wearable, very Portland.





























But back to the other Leanne, Leanne Marshall... I would have loved to see Leanimal’s Spring collection on the runway (which, by the way, was made from 100% recycled plastic bottles). But I suppose the Portland designer is busy cultivating her fame garnered from the still-on-air fifth season of Project Runway. We have yet to learn whether Marshall has won (tune in this Wednesday, October 15!), but her latest turquoise and cream collection was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. Whether or not she wins, Portland’s got itself a fashion icon.

Thanks to her, and the largest fashion week in the Pacific NW, we’re on the fashion fast track!

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THE SHOW | Saffrona Classics, Collier, Lizzie Parker, Lucia, Christopher Bevans

Despite my inclination, I cannot recount the evening in chronological order. Because there was one gem of the evening that outshone the others: Mr. Christopher Bevans. The man has talent. And flippin' stud style. I mean, really: His following includes hip music celebs like Kanye West, Jay-Z and John Legend. And after this show, it's easy to see why.

While he has experimented with a bit of casual color, Bevans is traditionally known for his handsome suits. His Spring collection, however, took on a whole new element, with a range of preppy sweaters, track jackets and slacks in bright, bright colors. We're talking hot pink pants (something we've seen like four times this week!) matched with a kelly green and white check sweater (pictured), or dark denim with five-inch cuffs and sweaters over turquoise button-ups and tucked ties. I can't get enough of this preppy-cool-guy look.





























That isn't to say we didn't see some suits in the mix. In fact, there were many. Classically man-chic ensembles including 3-pieces, pin-stripes and jackets with boxy back panels. And then, as if the collection couldn't vary further, a troupe of gangsta guys came out in black and white (or black and cream) patterned hoodies and hooded wool sweaters. Luckily Mr. Bevans has started selling at Mario's 3.10, because I'm ready to get these styles on our streets.

Second to Bevans, in my eyes, was Portland's own Lucia (pictured below). It was another very eclectic collection, with lots of patterns. Several were neautrals, with browns, oranges and creams, but there were a few in differing red, black and white color combos, as well (surely, polar opposites!). But the element that held them all together was fit. They were incredibly flattering. I’d even wear them. Plus, they are designed (by the lovely Sarah Wallace) and handmade right here in P-Town. And that goes beyond flattery.





























Lizzie Parker, from Seattle, had an interesting collection of '80s-ish styles, including lots of fuchsia in oversized, drapey cottons (and some, teeny-tiny, like the one pictured here). Besides this, Parker put out several simple black dresses, which is another trend we've seen a lot.





























Like in Saffrona's collection, including every style imaginable: A-frame with a v-neck; long, wrap-front halter; short and strapless with a five-layer ruffle. There was even a mermaid style in the bunch. All black. The first half of her collection, however, displayed a colorful palette of springtime hues, including periwinkle, canary yellow, coral and light blue. I found them pretty uninteresting, in general. Then again, Portlanders like their simple, no-frills style.

Menswear line Collier came to the scene with a very dapper collection of 3-piece suits (pictured below), some with just a vest that differed from pant and jacket, some completely unmatching (but coordinated well). I wouldn’t normally okay a grey and white striped shirt with cream pin pants and a dark pin vest. Too many stripes. But, for some reason, it worked. As did Collier’s streetwear styles, with plaid shorts and hoodies or open collars mixed with metro scarves (or were those loosely slung silk ties?). Either way, it was daring, and Collier pulled it off.





























With one very bright night left to go, I am already feeling a case of the fashion flu. BUT, Sunday’s show should be the best of the week. And if you haven’t yet been—go!

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The Show | Dimitri, Nike Considered, Alula (Seattle), May Tee, Sameunderneath

Friday’s show had a huge turnout, and the fashion vixens were back — this time with men. Not because they suckered 'em into a Friday night date, but because three of the five designers had collections for men. So the crowd was mixed. And let me tell you, these men looked good, with their sharp jackets and chic ties, their dark designer denim and fancy sneaks.

Like the night prior, they unrolled the plastic from the runway in a dramatic unveiling of the black carpet fashion strip, unlike last year’s bamboo flooring. The evening began with Portland label, Killing Beverly by Tony Dimitri, a men’s line sold at our local Lizard Lounge in the Pearl. Let’s just get this out of the way: the male models were hot. Maybe they had a bit too much makeup on, but still. Hot. Dimitri’s street collection was a bit offensive, but overall pretty average. The models came out wearing screenprinted tees and jeans, a bit of black eyeliner and low-hanging bullet belts with matching man bracelets. They looked tough, especially as a loud, rockier version of “Tainted Love” blasted from the speakers, followed by N.E.R.D.’s slightly pissed-off “Rock Star.” While it definitely set the mood for the evening, it seemed a bit casual of a start. I wondered if the ladies in the crowd knew they’d signed up for such a show.

Nike Considered (pictured below) followed, with its women’s collection first. More tees and hoodies, jeans and sneaks. The girls pulled off a very classic PSU student look — a mixed preppy/sporty style accomplished through layering and vivid colors, like turquoise, yellow and fuchsia. The men’s collection was pretty similar, style-wise. Jeans were paired with track jackets, hoodies or collared zip-ups in colorful hues like purple, turquoise and dayglow yellow. Of course, it wouldn’t be Nike if the sneakers didn’t stand out. Fortunately, there were some sporty streetstyle kicks mixed in with the big-tongued, brightly laced 80’s rocker styles. Because I, personally, do not understand why we must relive this fad.





























Seattle-based Alula was one of my favorite underdogs last year. The three-girl design team has a flair for interpreting NW style. To them, the more our sky is grey, the more the wardrobe needs color. I concur (though must admit, have always been a huge fan of color). Their Spring collection featured a lot of sundresses in sunny brights, petite stripes or pretty patterns. They also put out very simple pieces, like cotton shorts (pictured below) and cotton hoodies in contrasting solids. Above all, there was a wearability about the styles that excited the crowd. And once again, I was impressed by designers Katrina Thomson, Beth O’Leary and Chelsey Burton.





























Poor MayTee had to follow such a strong lead. Her pieces, though fit with sharp tailoring and simple elegance, seemed a tad drab. But knowing they are sold at Mario’s, I have to reserve my criticisms, because they are clearly well-made (I say this simply because selling at Mario’s is harder than selling Obama socks at the National Republican Convention). Several dresses featured asymmetrical necklines and the relaxed suits had sash-belts tied high-waist. Most of MayTee’s items were solid black, white or creamy off-white, which could explain why the line seemed to lack luster (again, compared to Alula’s colorful show).

But Sameunderneath pulled it all together, with another original show (last year, they set it up like a classroom). So this time, two models ran up the runway, with suitcases in hand, then turned around and ran back. We all sat there, wondering what just happened. But it was pretty clear designer Ryan Christensen was fixed to take us on journey.





























And that he did. Outfit after outfit, the looks were spot-on with Portland style. On the men: relaxed Kelly green slacks matched with tees and white blazers; polos with trousers, sweaters with buttons, and navy tees with sections of screenprinted green diamond-print plaid. The women had a far more varied look, ranging from Kelly green Bermudas and soft cotton tees to lots of bohemian styles, including minidresses made from all-over crochet and a floor-skimming number in bright tie-dye with a wide, hot pink waistband. It was seemingly random, and yet, oddly consistent.

Whatever it was, Portland loved it. After the last dress stole around the corner, Christensen came out, gripping his wife’s hand, ready to take a bow. But the crowd rose from their seats, clapping and cheering. And the man grinned from ear to ear, touched by such a sincere sign of approval.

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