Portland’s Independent Spirit

I totally need to move to Portland, or at least the Pacific Northwest; all of my favorite boutiques and eco-friendly designers are there. That location just has the small problem of being FAR away from all of my family, and it’s rainy – I’m not good with rain. But being far away from family could have it’s benefits…

Then again, this is one of my favorite things about shopping online – you have access to wonderful independent designers you wouldn’t have otherwise, and the opportunity to shop from boutiques all over the world. So, maybe I don’t need to move to Portland…but I do think that there is something about the aesthetic and the design world there that resonates with me.

Take these fabulous pieces from Olio United, for example. I love each of them for their stories and their unique-ness; and all of them are by local Portland designers.

1. Feel Design Cork Forest Bag
2. Amy Bengston Necklace
3. Paperdoll Argyle Woven Sweatshirt
4. Katie Kulper Handkerchiefs
5. Kiki and Polly Walking the Dog (print)
6. Paperdoll “anti-theft” leggings

I should qualify here, not all of these items are made from eco-friendly fabrics, but all are made to be as environmentally friendly as possible in Portland by independent designers in small quantities. Paperdoll uses recycled fabrics and bamboo in some pieces, the Feel Design bag is made from 100% wool and leather that has never been treated, and how cute are the Katie Kulper handkerchiefs? They’re almost too cute to use, but if you do, they’ll save boxes and boxes of tissues during flu season!!

What do you think? Do you know of any other Portland designers? please share your favorites!!!

Tagged as: bamboo, Boutique, Environmentally friendly, Pacific Northwest, Portland Oregon, shopping