According to a recent article in the Washington Post*, more than 100,000 small businesses closed forever. For those that are still in operation their struggle will continue even as they reopen-new policies to protect customers and staff from COVID-19 will cause more financial pain. They need our support, so when you are considering elevating your wardrobe from house robes and sweats to something dressier consider shopping local.
Note: the new normal of business looks different for each business. Some businesses schedule shopping appointments and curbside pickups, others require facemasks, limited hours, and still others provide extensive online shopping experience. Please check websites for most current information.
Apparel
Amelia https://www.helloamelia.com/
Amelia is a neighborhood dress boutique that showcases independent designers and artists from across the country. Vintage inspired with a modern twist, style is feminine without being fussy - equal parts fashion and function. Stocking sizes XS - 3X and offering complimentary tailoring, Amelia firmly believes that clothes should fit you, not the other way around. Location: NE Portland
Brave Collective https://www.shopbrave.com/
The name is to honor and remind every woman that they belong, they have a voice and they matter. New shipments represent forward fashion. Local artisans are showcased offering jewelry and uniquely crafted gift items. Two locations: Cedar Mill and Lake Oswego.
A Portland institution of international and local artisan goods, has opened its doors to several hand-selected businesses to be a permanent part of the Cargo family and create one of the most vibrant maker’s scenes in Portland! Some of the new permanent pop-up shops you will see nestled within The Cargo Emporium, including independent fashion designer, Parker + Simonne, a line of easy to wear tunics and tops of African Indigos and Malian mudclothes. Location: SE Portland
Coco & Toulouse https://www.cocoandtoulouse.com/
In the heart of Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, there’s a place where a cat is a woman’s best shopping companion, Abba anthems abound, and you leave feeling lighter than you did walking in. The latter is JoEllen (owner) philosophy when it comes to her shop. Location: SE Portland.
Have you seen the Dazzle horse? A longtime presence on the trendy northwest 23rd. Unique, one-of-a-kind fashion and accessory pieces. Location: NW Portland.
Garnish https://www.garnishapparel.com/
Boutique offers modern women's fashions & contemporary jewelry designed in-house & made locally. Location: NW Portland
Gazelle, another longtime boutique, focuses on natural fiber clothing, specializing in eco friendly clothing. Location: NE Portland.
Judy Moonbeam http://judeemoonbeam.com/fibreart/
Wearable art. Motifs, design and color into functional from. Judy Moonbeam has apparel and accessory items placed in specialty shops throughout the greater Portland area, local fairs, and online. Another specialty, custom design. Location: online or by appointment
Gifts, cards, jewelry, scarves, hats, and a fun collection of unique clothing. Location: Lake Oswego.
Mimis Fresh Tees https://www.mimisfreshteespdx.com/
Wear your truth tee shirts. Be empowered, wear a statement tee shirt. Location: online
Pig’ments https://www.pigmentsboutique.com/
Described as a unique boutique for women, here you will find both structured and loosely fitted clothing. Bright colors, styles with big personality fill the racks. Location: Lake Oswego
Switch https://www.switch-shoes.com
Shoes and apparel designed all over the world. Vibrant styles, colors, and quality fabrics and materials. Location: Multnomah Village.
The Difference https://www.thedifferencepdx.com/
Rotating, curated selection of clothing. Carry a wide variety of top, premium brands in a range of prices, styles and sizes 00 to 3x. Not sure what looks good on you? They have expert personal stylists on hand and by appointment. Location: Lake Oswego
Wildfang https://www.wildfang.com/portland
A unique shop with an attitude. “a womxn has the right to wear whatever the hell she wants and be whoever the hell she wants”. Structured tops and bottoms, and ‘wildfeminist’ shirts. Location: downtown Portland
2dye4clothing https://2dye4clothing.com/
Denim boutique that recreates new and vintage denim finds into one of a kind garments, for one of a kind women. They offer sizes 2 to 16 in women's. Each denim garment is recreated by adding special embellishments or bold statements to compliment the personality of the woman wearing them. Location: online and by appointment
Shoes & Accessories
Amaree & Reese https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmareeandReese
Bright orange carnelian pendants, dangling brass rainbow earrings, and beautiful silver hoops: Find all these pretty baubles and more by accessory designer Risa Regory. Location: online
A small boutique shoe store that caters to both women and men. Prides itself on find like-minded brands to share space with us in the shop. It means finding unique shoes and accessories that are crafted with care. Location: St. Johns University area
Stylish emporium showcasing a variety of brand-name women's shoes, jewelry, handbags & accessories. Location: NE Portland
PieFOOTWEAR http://www.piefootwear.net/
Shoe merchant with an inventory of eco-friendly & vegan brand name styles for both men & women. Location: NE Portland
The Baked Clay Studio https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBakedClayStudio
Released in small batches through her Etsy site, accessory designer Kristin Pruitt makes pieces that are equal parts jewelry and art, like colorful clay chunks embedded into a big hunk and sliced into circles and squares.
Location: online
All listings are women owned