five, no, FIFTEEN things I like: Portland Edition

Hey Folks,

I didn't blog from Portland as I'd intended because I was way too busy having a blast. (I'd apologize, but it wouldn't be sincere ;) To make it up to you, this week I'm listing not five but fifteen things I like about my beloved Portland, Oregon:

People's Food Co-Op

This amazing grocery store features an extensive bulk section in addition to local produce. They also sell palo santo and my favorite brand of essential oils, Snow Lotus.

Wolf Balm

Made with beeswax, lanolin and honey, Wolf Balm is a thick and dreamy lip treatment. Due to its matte, waxy consistency, this balm works great layered under lipsticks.

Powells City of Books

There are so many books in this multi-level store that they provide maps! In addition to books and periodicals, Powells sells locally-made gifts, blank journals and japanese stationary. This store also contains an art gallery and coffee-shop.

Cargo

Although pricey, Cargo is a colorful and exciting import shop specializing in foreign antiques, jewelry and home decor. Their bead selection makes me drool!

Busses

It is so easy to get around Portland by bus. Because this is such a popular method of transport, it's also a great opportunity to people-watch.

The Gold Door

This store has an incredible selection of jewelry and religious items from around the world. I've gotten two gorgeous pairs of silver hoops here in the past.

Moss

It's everywhere in (western) Oregon! In the woods, the moss makes the trees look like furry, green muppets.

William Temple House Thrift Store

This is a great place to score quality boots, coats and books. My favorite recent score is a sheer, long 90s dress in a camouflage print.

New Rennaissance Bookstore

This bookshop has a vast selection of religious, spiritual and new age books and items, including the stunning piece of jet I'm holding in the photo above.

Stumptown Coffee

A Portland institution, this coffee chain makes delicious lattes. The location at the Ace Hotel also contains a photo-booth.

Front Yards/Sidewalks

Portlanders go all out with their lush front yards and sidewalks. It takes me extra long to walk anywhere as a result.

Love via Crepes

Love via Crepes is delectable to your visual and dietary palette.The sweet crepes are wrapped up like ice-cream cones filled with stuff like fruit, Reeses peanut-butter, chocolate and yes, ice-cream! (They make savory crepes, too.) The decor features realistic replicas of various crepes.

Atlas Tattoo

Home to some of the most talented hands in Portland, this is where I've gotten most of my work done.

Pecularium

This strange gallery and shop is perfect for those of us who are perpetual adolescents/goofballs.

You can get bug toppings for your ice-cream or hotdog here.

General Vintage Shopping

Portland is home to so many amazing vintage shops like the Red Light, Rad Summer and Xtabay.

How many of you have been to (or live in) Portland? What are your favorite aspects of this vibrant yet laid-back city? You can see more photos from my trip to Portland here.

heart,
--m

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Two New Dresses and a Trip to Portland

Howdy y'all! I'm about to fly out west to beautiful Portland, Oregon but first I wanted to share two dresses I was recently gifted. 

This dress is in such incredible condition it is hard to believe this is an authentic vintage piece from the late 40s/early 50s.

The lace has held up so well! If I didn't find the tell-tale metal zipper by Talon, I would not believe this dress is over 50s years old.

Next up is this sassy 60s button-up dress. How cute are the sleeves?

Aw, thanks for thinking of me Matthew!

Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I'll be blogging from Portland for the next week.
heart,
--m

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the Zodiac Dresser: Aquarius

Welcome to another installment of my Zodiac Dresser series in which I explore astrology through outfits. This post  celebrates the sign Aquarius, ruled by the planet Uranus. (Photos by Charles O'Donovan.)

90s dress: thrifted * shoes: Holding Horses

Although symbolized by the water-bearer, Aquarius is not a water sign but an air sign. Aquarius's association with two elements is astrologically unique and helps form this sign's free-spirited, avant-garde and non-conformist character. Aquarians are known to be friendly, idealistic, intellectual and humanitarian. I wanted my outfit to exude those hippie-dippy, groovy vibes, maaaan.

(Is it gross that I thrifted these tights? I washed them like a dozen times before wearing them and they appeared unworn.)

I chose to wear these ankle boots because the body parts ruled by Aquarius include the ankles and shins.

The color associated with Aquarius is electric blue, hence my choice of Nars "Rated R" on my lids. My necklace features an amethyst, this sign's special stone.

by the Jasmine Gallery

Despite being so progressive and friendly, this sign also tends to be obstinate and emotionally detached/cold.

peace out!

Aquarians of note include: Oprah * Paul Newman * FDR * Edouard Manet * Philip Glass * Clark Gable * Jackson Pollak * Mikhail Baryshnikov * Langston Hughes * Zane Grey * Babe Ruth * my friend Sally who has been waiting on this post for nearly a year!

heart,
--m

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Favorite Flicks: Rome

The miniseries Rome captivates me through both its plot and stunning visuals. Rome takes place during and just after the reign of Caesar with particular focus on the lives of two plebian friends, Lucius Verenus and Titus Pullo. Even if you are not into history, the plot is very engrossing and steamy. 

Verenus

There are some seriously foxy men and women in this show!

swoon-worthy and virile Pullo

One major aspect of the show I greatly appreciate is the attention to the many ethnic groups under the Roman empire and ensuing cultural conflicts. 

Defeated Gallic hero and hottie Vercingetorix 

Gallic men, unlike Romans, wore long hair, beards and tattoos

The depictions of Cleopatra and ancient Egypt are maybe my favorite part of the series.

awesome ankh pendant

Amazing wigs:

Rome features an abundance of beautiful hair, jewelry and clothes. 

A madame with blue hair and too much rouge

Pullo's favorite gal, Ireni, is an adorable, petite Gaul with beautiful ringlets. 

I love the vertical components of her necklace and want to create an inspired piece. 

How gorgeous are these sleeves? 

this necklace is so masculine and yet glamorous 

I want this pendant! 

Verenus's gorgeous wife

Scenes of daily life in ancient Rome come alive thanks to the cinematography. 

the Capitoline 

I especially love to see what the interiors might have looked like in their prime. 

inside a Sauna

a vanity complete with roman cosmetics 

such a lush interior

what a view! 

mobile shrine

ancient skull motifs 

how nifty-looking are ancient roman razors?

Have any of you seen Rome? What are your thoughts? 

heart,

--m