You know how we at The Modo have an obsession with Tavi, the child-like fashionista?  The other day we were reading her blog and she mentioned this article in the Guardian by Tanya Gold about why she hates fashion.  Without the risk of getting it wrong, the gist was that Tanya thinks fashion makes women insecure, waste money to impress men, and is uncomfortable and often ugly.

Obviously Tavi, the 13 year-old wonder of the fashion community, disagrees - to her, fashion is art. It isn't frivolous, it is the way she expresses herself regardless of what other people think about her.

This discussion made me think about how I view fashion.  I have never been one of those girls who waits for the next issue of Vogue to come out.  Most fashion shows seem a bit over the top for my taste, although a few will move me. What I do know, is how good I feel when I wear certain things.  The way a silk dress feels against the skin, high heels make me feel powerful, or how my favorite pair of jeans instantly make me comfortable.

I have a motto: The worse I feel, the better I dress.  When I know I am going to have a crappy day (some mornings you can just tell, right?), I purposefully try to find something to wear that makes me happy.  I like dresses, because they make me feel put together and girly without requiring much effort or lack of comfort.  Does it change whatever momentary terrible thing that happened to me? No.  But, every time I walk by the mirror, I think, "Well, at least I look good." A tiny smile escapes and for a brief moment I forget what was making me feel bad and get to feel good.

Does that use of fashion make me more shallow than a Tanya Gold who doesn't use clothes to make her feel better? Or is it self-empowering to be able to do something so simple as wear a dress to improve your outlook.

If you there thinking of doing a little shopping this weekend - and needed somewhere to go besides Modo ;) - you have to go to the PDX Collective Sale at the Cleaners in the Ace Hotel.

PDX Collective Sale - January  23-24, 2010 from 11-5

Ace Hotel

1022 SW Stark St.
Portland, OR 97205

503.228.2277

It may be a rainy weekend in Portland, but the store is warm and bright.


And, if you are looking for clothes to match the weather, the grays, blacks, and earthy colors we are so drawn to this time of year, we have racks of them.


But, if you want to fight the gloom with an arsenal of brightly-colored tops and dresses - we can help you out there too.

A lot of people come into the store just looking for shoes. We have all types of styles, colors, and sizes. Especially, sizes. In fact, we seem to have an abundant of shoes in both small and large sizes.

For example, how cute are these Oh Deer heels in a size 11?


Or imagine the pop of green these shoes would add to your outfit by Nine West in a size 10?
Or these gorgeous Juicy Couture flats (COVET - if only my feet were that small).

Check out all the amazing shoes we have in the store and Online.

The only time I have been to London was over New Years in 2006.  Every woman I talked to was so excited that I was there for the January Sales.  Apparently, the stores are only allowed to put on sales once a year.  Because I was quite poor, I only bought one thing: a gray, Top Shop motorcycle jacket that I still wear frequently, in fact, I wore it yesterday.

Aren't you glad we don't live in London and have to wait until sales happen once a year? I seriously can't imagine...

The Modo is having our own Jan sale (which we do every month. Eat that, London!) and I wanted to highlight some of the awesome deals.  Remember that everything in the store sells for 20% off (online we price higher for eBay/shipping fees).

How about this Diane Von Furesenberg drop waist dress for $26 in store?


Come on in or search the online store to see what else we have on sale! You will be glad you don't live in London, too.