Are you an avid fashion connoisseur and already sick of the shopping in Eugene? Take a day trip to Portland and check out some of the local favorites.
Hawthorne Blvd. is filled with all kinds of unique and local stores. Whether your style is relaxed and casual, eco-friendly, or even ‘20s vintage, you’ll definitely find something you like, and usually at a fantastic price. For recycled fashion, check out Redlight Clothing Exchange at 3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd., or Buffalo Exchange on 37th, just off Hawthorne. The prices at these stores range depending on the item, but to give you an idea of how great of a deal you can get, prices for women’s and men’s tops usually start at about $5. In the same vicinity, you’ll find Naked City, a unique store with somewhat of a retro vibe. They have lots of cool clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women, starting in the $30 range. One of my personal favorites is their selection of vintage-style bathing suits. The list doesn’t end here; the street is lined with several other boutiques, vintage shops and local restaurants if you’re hungry.
Pioneer Courthouse Square is located in the heart of downtown Portland. The shopping mall, Pioneer Place, covers four city blocks and includes numerous high-end stores such as Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Nordstrom, Nike, Banana Republic, BCBG MAXAZRIA and more. The price range in these stores is high, with basic apparel starting at $50 and going deep into the 100s. However, there are less expensive stores as well selling quality clothing, shoes and accessories for both men and women, including H&M, Nordstrom Rack, and Forever 21. Prices at these stores average at about $15 for basic clothing.
The Alphabet District is located mainly on Northwest 23rd Avenue. This area includes many trendy clothing stores with a good variety in price. For women’s clothing, be sure to check out Free People. Their fashion can be described as “bohemian chic,” and is undoubtedly popular in the area. Their prices tend to run a little high. You probably won’t find much under $50. Another great place to check out is Urban Outfitters, which is owned by the same company as Free People. They have a lot of the same styles, but for both men and women and at a more affordable price. A women’s top that is not on sale will average at about $30. Some other recommended stores in the area include Sloan Boutique, 3 Monkeys and Francesca’s.
The Pearl District is known as one of the nicest parts of downtown Portland for its exceptional selection of delicious restaurants, hotels, bars and of course, shopping. The Brewery Blocks, located between Couch and Davis, and 10th and 13th in the Pearl District includes several shops, such as Anthropologie, Diesel, House of Lolo, The North Face and Lucy Activewear. These shops are a little high-end, starting in the $30 range and moving up into the 100s. Beyond the Brewery Blocks, there are several other boutiques and local shops selling various styles of clothing for men, women and children, including Hanna Andersson, Ecovibe Apparel, Lizard Lounge, Recycled Chic and more.