The Pearl, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts & Missisippi Ave

The Pearl, Nob Hill, Alberta Arts & Missisippi Ave...

These are the hot spots in the Portland area especially for a crafter girl who needs inspiration! Even though I have visited them frequently I still find something new and delightful everytime I visit. Yesterday was my b-day so I treated myself to a day of boutique shopping and hit all of my favorite spots (and found a few new ones!). Some of the cute ones I discovered for vintage finds for the home were:

Porch Light: home of farmstyle vintage finds with great furniture pieces and vintage kitchen items

Flutter: a little cluttered and all over the place, but a great shop to browse. it has a very whimsical feel with French perfumes and embellishments...they even have a vintage bird cage with real birds that serenade you as you enter! Very fun.

Bolt: a very needed hip fabric shop with all of my favorites including Amy Butler & Nigela. they offer great classes that have a super long waiting list! (maybe next year)

Close Knit: a knitter's dream shop with cool displays and samples of everything. they also offer classes (mabye in the winter when I'm too freezing and need wool to keep me warm!)

what's up with the crocs?

When I first moved here I couldn't understand why everyone was wearing these funky shoes they called 'crocs'. But, now I know. I broke down and bought a pair to see what the hype was about and I absolutely love them! My parents quickly caught on and bought me a pair of these adorable red mary jane style crocs that I think are too cute...I already received compliments the 1st time I wore them. Thanks guys!

perfect Sunday afternoon

I spent the afternoon today at the quaint area of Nob Hill browsing boutique stores looking for inspiration. If you are ever in the Portland area, this delightful spot is worth visiting. More streets just like it are popping up everywhere here so it's easy for me to plan my weekends around an outdoor street fair or sidewalk sale...gosh, I love this city!

I picked up a few treasures and discovered a great new magazine for indie crafters like myself. It's called Adorn (www.adornmag.com) and I have a feeling it will become one of my new favorite craft resources. I'll share some cool finds as I get through the mag. Enjoy!

inspired by...

I found this great website today through dominomag.com that features the home decor style I've been looking for. I've been trying to think of the terms to describe my style and I guess I've landed on modern cottage. It's a mix between Pottery Barn, vintage heirlooms and West Elm (if that makes any sense!). Mostly it evolved from bargain hunting and trying to find a style to suit our budget.

The company is called Flamant and it's based in Belgium, but there is a US rep that sells some of their items: http://www.renebyflamant.com/default.asp?. Of course I can't afford any of these items, but it's great inspiration for those flea markets & garage sales I intend to hit this summer.

Happy hunting!