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  • Writer's picturestefana sardo

Advancing local businesses

Updated: May 8, 2022

From pandemic to protests, all small businesses in Portland, Oregon faced disruptions, but many are managing to survive, and even thrive! Below, is a list of Che Figata! 2021 partners. We encourage you to support them if you can.






Local Women’s network group

  • Women to Women Network

“We are a community of women in business dedicated to building strong connections, referral partners and friendships. Through a variety of events and social media, Women to Women Network provides a forum for collaboration, mentoring and sharing of ideas, resources and inspiration.


If you are a woman in business — whether you work for a company or you’re doing your own thing — we invite you to join us.”


Website: https://www.wtownetwork.com/ Contact information: Liz Hatcher, Executive Director

Email: liz@wtownetwork.com

Che Figata! review: gatherings are held predominantly in south Washington County but it is worth the trip if you live in outline areas, this group feels like a community of friends and neighbors supporting each other. Liz creates community.


Resale boutiques

  • Consign Couture

Since 2011, a well-curated consignment shop for women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories located in Multnomah Village.


Unique feature: CLOSET EDITING: they send a professional organizer and stylist to help you decide what to keep, what to get rid of (and sell), and what you may still need to pull it all together


Location: 7871 SW Capital Highway


Che Figata! review: Location, store interior, and clothing organization is great. Carefully curated selection of resale apparel. They even have a loft of luxury apparel!


  • Plato’s Closet Beaverton

“At Plato's Closet, we buy and sell gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories for guys and girls in their teens and twenties. We have all the name brands and styles you love at up to 70% less than regular retail prices. We look for brands such as American Eagle, Free People, Nike, Urban Outfitters, Adidas and many many more...”


Location: 3831 SW 117th Ave, Suite A Beaverton, OR 97005


Che Figata! review: Platos Closet Beaverton may focus on teens and people in their twenties but they have a huge selection of active wear! In fact, active wear is organized by brand.

  • Second Edition Resale

"Second Edition Resale is a quality secondhand shop featuring men's women's and children's clothing as well as household items. Your purchases and material donations support the Cedar Mill and Bethany Community Libraries.""


Location: 1050 NW Saltzman Road, Portland, OR 97229


Che Figata! review: prices, quality stock-and condition, and the volunteers make this resale shop worthwhile. Plus, proceeds support the local libraries!


  • Simply Posh

"We are a local consignment store with great deals on pre-owned, high end designed items. Everything from clothing, handbags and shoes to fine jewelry for both men and women. Some of our top selling brands are Nike, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, CHANEL, and many more!"


Location: 101 A Ave, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Website: https://simplyposhconsign.com/


Che Figata! review: if you want quality, high-end fashion, unique clothes and/or accessories this is the place to go. Prices are reasonable too.


Independent Fashion Designers and specialty


  • Garnish

“Garnish features fashion-forward women's clothing and accessories designed in house by Erica Lurie. Each item is limited edition and our apparel and accessories are hand produced right here in Portland. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff understands and embraces all women's body types and will offer our sincere guidance to help you highlight your best features. We offer Personal Stylist Appointments and Private Shopping Parties for unique shopping experiences. Dedicated to figure-flattering, versatile styles in sizes 0-20, Garnish aims to take your wardrobe to the next level.”

Location: 404 NW 12th Ave. (Pearl District)


Che Figata! remarks: Garnish is one of a handful of independent designers who has a storefront. All locally made, owner demonstrates great passion for design and style, plus customer service. Every apparel piece is unique, will add personality to your existing wardrobe!

  • Joyce Kelly Designs

“As usual, the unusual. One-of-a-kind handcrafted Handbags and Accessories for the discriminant! I have collected an assortment of fabrics and trims ranging from silk to vintage home décor and just about everything in between to create my pieces & I use antique purse frames on a series of bags.”


Contact information: joycekellydesigns@gmail.com


Che Figata! Remarks: Beautiful one-of-a-kind accessories and apparel.


  • Oya Elegant Gemstone Jewelry

Custom Jewelry as Unique as You Are

We never repeat a design


"Located in Lake Oswego, Oregon, the mother-daughter duo behind this carefully curated collection work from their home studios, creating gemstone jewelry with an international flavor! Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, the creative pair began their jewelry-making journey in Portland in 2005.


Thoughtfully crafted custom pieces are what set Oya apart! Each piece is hand-designed with a unique sparkle and shine using hand-picked genuine gemstones, 24K gold vermeil, and silver - no two designs alike! Oya and Idil believe that every client is unique and never repeat a style. Their creations run the gamut of passionate, elegant, colorful, bold, stylish, and classic.


If you are looking for a luxurious, affordable one-of-a-kind gift, a family heirloom to pass down for generations, or a statement piece of your own, call to set up a consultation today."


Contact information: 503-616-8601


Che Figata! remarks: beautiful jewelry pieces at very reasonable prices. It is fun to collaborate on design of a custom-made necklace or a pair of ear rings!


  • African Fashion Show Apparel by Rukshana Triem

Clothes are part of an African Fashion Show & Gala to raise money for the Firmina Foundation to build schools in 3 different African countries.


About the fashion: "The fabric designs are vibrant with highly colorful patterns. These colors have strong cultural and societal connection with the people of Africa."


Contact Information: 503-498-8430

Fashion show, November 13, 2021 both in-person and virtual link: https://africanfashionshowpdx.com/

brought to you by Rukshana Triem, Women's Lifestyle Coaching


Che Figata! remarks: let’s add cultural diversity to our own personal style! Styles can be worn with your existing wardrobe or stand alone.


  • Creative Wearables by Lynn Deal

An affinity group of the Columbia Fiber Arts Guild

"Designing garments and fine textile art, writing about domestic history, researching and exhibiting domestic textiles (i.e. quilts, linens, clothing) are my endeavors. All revolve around the creative and collaborative processes that illuminate aspects of individual and societal constructs. I like to define the past and present while hinting at the future. All of my work, from designs to exhibits to writing, relate to ideas and experiences on several levels. I combine custom sewing techniques and embellishments (quilting, embroidery, hand spinning and hand dyed fibers) to illustrate an abstract feeling or idea with hints of realism. "


Contact information: Interdisciplinary Artist

Quilted Chronicles LLC, 503-388-5341


Che Figata! remarks: Lynn Deal is so passionate about what she does, the attention to detail, all her garments are wearable art that you’ll want to keep as heirloom pieces.


Women owned fashion boutiques

  • Coco and Toulouse

"Shopping destination for gifts and unique wearable clothing, including seasonal décor, candles and home fragrance, paper goods, bath and body and handbags and wallets. Located in the heart of Sellwood neighborhood."


Location: 7015 SE Milwaukie


Che Figata! remarks: bright, fun, bold statement apparel and accessories! Styles and fit work for all body types. Another plus, presence of staff over age 60.

  • Foundation

"Philanthropy and fashion-100% of profits go to non-profit organizations. Curated collection of high-quality, modern, easy pieces. Solid neutral colors with a few items in a pop of color. Located in the Pearl district."


Location:919 NW 23rd avenue


Che Figata! remarks: savvy business concept, high-quality sleek apparel design.


  • The Difference

“The Difference is a clothing boutique offering personal styling services. We have two locations – one in Lake Oswego and one in Vancouver, Wash. - our brand is built around helping women look and feel their best every day, regardless of lifestyle, age, or style preference. Through our personal meaningful approach, we help clients on the outward expression of their personal style through clothing, makeup and accessories.”


Location: 17750 Lower Boones Ferry Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Website: www.thedifferencepdx.com


Che Figata! remarks: all staff pay attention to detail, and the age of staff are diverse.





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