Portland's (non) Fashion

Can a picture tell a story?  YES.  #KeepPortlandPretty 

I was just as shocked as you when I googled Portland Fashion and Portland Fashion Week popped up. Let's just sit on that for awhile.....   

(Maybe Crocs sponsors the week?)   

Among the many things I miss about NYC....the fashion is what I seem to be craving lately. Now don't get me wrong, I love a plaid and sport moment....but at times you want to wear a heel, a red lip and a fresh blowout.  It's like you have landed from Mars....  I long for those days/nights of people watching to be inspired for my next outfit.  GOD the style in New York is so good.  Girls just get it and so do Men.  I will admit...I'm drawn to the men's fashion here more so then the women.  I can count on one hand the amount of women I have seen that have good style and the majority of those women are at work. 

For those of you that haven't made the trip out to Portland, let me walk you through the fashion here (or lack there of). Let's break this down:

Function vs Fashion: 

Portlanders have the function part figured out.  I have seen more Birkenstocks with socks, Crocs and Clogs then one can see in a lifetime.  It hurts my eyes.  Their staple coat always has a hood. Again....let's think about that.  Everyone has choices and they choose to go for the coat with a hood because functionally it makes sense.  It always rains here.  BUT there are things like umbrellas....one could choose to be fashionable AND bring an umbrella. Who would have thought? 

Exhibit A

Exhibit A

New Yorkers are all about the fashion.  OV.  I've seen woman walking up and down the subway stairs in Louboutins like they are slippers.  Whether it's raining or -10 degrees, you will always find fashionably dressed people killing it.  Fashion week in the middle of winter is exceptional.  No one complains or shows weakness from the weather.  Now granted...multiple people have drivers....but these are all details. 

Weird vs Eclectic: 

I believe that Portlanders may think they are being stylish, but its just plain weird. Put a bird on it.  I find myself constantly saying "Huh...didn't realize that worked together" OR "Really?".  

There were numerous times I would walk down the streets of New York and wish I could pull off what some women can.  I'm just not that cool.  Some were friends of mine.  The confidence that these women have to put outfits together is admirable. 

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Frumpy vs Chic: 

Now there may be some Portlanders that believe that frumpy is stylish because that seems to be the overall style of choice. I just have to question their thoughts as they are looking in the mirror in the AM... "I could be frumpier, lets put on another layer".  One could also ask...Is it even considered "style"? 

Portland Librarian?

Portland Librarian?

Being a New Yorker you walk A LOT, so you have to take that into consideration as you plan out your outfits.  I was constantly struggling with comfort and fashion.  The ladies of Manhattan have this mastered. 

With all of the above said; Style is determined by the individual.  I just so happen to believe that there is no style here, but you may talk to someone else that believes there is. You can imagine who wins here from my perspective between Portlanders and New Yorkers...

Point for New York.  

After (Main Room)

My little home in Portland is coming together.  I wanted to share the first room that is almost done!  Minor things left to do, but my Mom keeps asking me to "send pictures" so she can see everything. (Even though we FaceTime daily and I can't make any decision without her. I think my Dad is over it) 

Since I know nothing about interior decorating and this was my first time taking a stab at it...no judgment.  I tried to stick to my Pinterest posts and stay focused....but LET ME TELL YOU...this stuff is hard.  I spent the majority of my weekends at Ikea, Target and Home Goods.  I'm super popular and have a ton of friends. (sarcasm)  I actually do have friends. Don't worry Mom.

For those who are interested in where I purchased things; I have listed them below.

  • WEST ELM: Couch, coffee table, bar cart, floor lamp, marble side table, fur pillow, table lamp. 
  • ONE KINGS LANE: Leather chairs.
  • IKEA: TV stand/shelving unit, wall shelves, sisal rug, cowhide, succulents, frames. 
  • HOME GOODS: Wood side table, knick knacks.
  • The poufs I got in Morocco...deeply discounted...thanks to my little bro 'the negotiator'

Rooms left to show; Bedroom, Kitchen, Office area, Guest Bedroom, Bathroom, and Entryway.

Looking forward to sharing the rest of my home!  

 

Creating Your Space (Before)

When moving to a new city or into a new apt, it's a great time to purge and re-think your decor. Since I moved across country, I took the opportunity to start over with my apt.  (Let's be honest...I lived in a 400 sq ft apt for 6 years...I didn't have much) Below is my approach and some tips on revamping your apt life.  

BEFORE

BEFORE

Create an inspiration board: Pinterest is your friend. (I'm sure the majority of you already know this) I could "pin" for hours on end, which I actually accomplished. Yes, I have a life.  Make sure you are sticking to similar color themes and textures, so it's easy to focus when picking out furniture. Below are just a few examples of what I chose.   

Focus on big items first: Couch, accent chairs, media center and coffee table.  Once those pieces are chosen the details seem to fall into place.  I started cutting and pasting pieces to see how everything would sit together.  It's important to reference your inspiration boards while shopping.  It's extremely easy to loose focus, so the boards keep you on track! 

Mix and Match:  I have a bit of an eclectic taste, so I like to shop all over.  I stuck to sites like West Elm, One Kings Lane, Overstock, CB2 and Target.  And don't be afraid of IKEA.  It's easy to make pieces look expensive once they have been mixed in.  

I can't wait to show my AFTER pics!  The space is coming along, but will take some time.

Stay tuned.