journey: portland gypsy style

We recently caravanned through Portland, Oregon and thought we'd share some of our favorite spots!  

Portland has a eclectic vibe and we especially enjoy scouring the antique and vintage shops and wandering through the Pearl District.

CARGO
380 NW 13th Avenue
website: www.cargoimportspdx.com


Cargo is deliciously gypsy with stacks of vintage finds from all over the world combined with new products and oddities.


Some of the types of things you'll find in the stacks and stacks of goodies are unique imported furniture pieces, retro toys, masks, scarves, gorgeous stationary, beads, statues, floor tiles, vintage posters, fab party decorations, paper lanters, tapestries, ephemera, artisan jewelry and a whole lot of other one-of-a-kind and collectible trinkets.


We couldn't stop taking photos to share!

cabinet of drawers filled with findings. (you could spend hours looking at these alone)
newspaper rolls from all over the world. (so cool)
old grocery store pricing stamps.

twine and threads on spools and huge spools of bakers twine.
the front of cargo is lined with sections of old fences.
the cash wrap area is filled with bins of flea market finds.  paper lanterns criss cross the ceiling and the counter has a gorgeous carved wood arch over it. (spectacular!)

huge metal letters merchandised with crates and wood cubbies.
these globes are sold as a set in an old globe salesman's case.  (how cool is that!)

colorful flags at the store enterance.
our loot.  (we couldn't resist purchasing a few bags full)
yes, you guessed it~ this red 7 sign made it in our stash!

FLUTTER

3948 N Mississippi Avenue

website: www.flutterclutter.com

they have a MUST SEE website!

Flutter has some of the most whimsical/whacky window displays and merchandising.  It's beyond cool.  They sell a unique mix of vintage pieces, ephemera, candy & clothing combined with must have books, decor & even have an extensive APOTHECARY area filled with perfumes, oils, soaps & yummy smelling stuff.  

We always seem to find something that we can't ever image we'll use, but can't resist buying anyway.  

Think: rad vintage leather gun holster for $.50??  

OBLATION

516 NW 12th Avenue

website: www.oblationpapers.com

Oblation is like chocolate for paper lovers.  It's an "urban paper mill" with a letterpress print shop and retail boutique.  Which basically equals heaven on earth.  The store has extensive offerings of cards, tags, stationary, wax seals, ribbons and more.  You can also WATCH as they run the letterpress, which in itself is worth the visit.  It will have you convinced that you're in an old print shop surrounded by the sounds and smells of a printing press.

Also in the area and highly recommended:

ANTHROPOLOGIE

This is a GOOD anthropologie 

(not that there are bad anthropologies, but for anthro addicts this is one of the must-visit-in-this-lifetime)

Brewery Block Location: 

1125 NW Couch Street

(in the pearl district)

website: www.anthropologie.com

ANDINA

sinfully yummy peruvian food.

secret: they serve small plates of their best appetizers during happy hour for CHEAP and it's right around the corner from CARGO.

1314 NW Glisan

website: www.andinarestaurant.com