A Great Blog

vogel 10

2010-03-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

We've just discovered that Park Vogel, a long time favorite here at the Modo, has become vogel 10. Check it out, the 10 versatile pieces look promising!

February - I will miss you come May...

2010-02-20T13:31:00.000-08:00

With the afternoon sun shining in the store, I remember how great February has been the last few years. I thought it was a fluke, but after the last week I have decided... February is in the running with September for the best month of the year. And unlike September, which is sun-filled and warm, but lit with that golden, autumn glow, February comes after three months of rain.

Late January I was starting to wonder how I would make it to June... Now I remember - February!

And the thoughts of Anthropologie tiered dresses...

Spring!

2010-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

While most of the Northeast is covered in snow - we in the Northwest are enjoying spring-like weather. And, even though we love the snow, warm sunshine in February ain't bad at all...

It means we can wear things like this Charles Nolan dress.

And soon...

This darling Vain and Vapid dress.

Although, knowing Portland, April will be cold and rainy and I will wish I bought this James Perse Trench instead.

Wait - I still can!

Thoughts About Fashion

2010-02-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

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.

PDX Collective Sale

2010-01-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

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.

There are some great local shops representing including Popina Swimwear, Idom, Pin Me Apparel, Parts + Labour, Suite 6, Zella, Bubble, Radish Underground, Flora/Space Design, Emily Katz and Tumbleweed.

The sale runs 11-5 on Saturday and Sunday, the 23rd and 24th. We will be here from 12-4 on Saturday, so come by and tell us what's good!

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

Ace Hotel

1022 SW Stark St.
Portland, OR 97205

503.228.2277

Rainy Days...

2010-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

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.

And remember, soon enough, it will be spring. The flowers will bloom, the trees will stop being naked, and in true Portland fashion, we will forget the weeks of rain.

Shoes

2010-01-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

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?

And, if your feet are on the small side, we know it can be challenging to find shoes too! We have some beautiful Italian pumps by Raphael in a 5.5.

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.

Jan Sale!

2010-01-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

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?

Or this awesome dress for $24 from Graham and Spencer black dress. (It is new with tags - originally $285)

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.

Post Holiday Slump

2010-01-02T15:46:00.000-08:00

Criminy. I am worn out. The holidays seem never ending this year and I have never been so happy to see January 2nd hit. I can't wait to eat vegetables that are not swimming in butter, to clean up my holiday decorations (some of us are slow to take down our Christmas trees), and to hermit myself for a few weeks. Sorry if I told you we would hang out... I am busy.

I think this is the best time to put on one of our Acrobat cardigans and relax.

We got a big shipment in small, medium and large from a consignor and everyone who works here has them. We throw them on over a summery dress with a pair of tights, with jeans and a tee, or over our pajamas as soon as we get home from work.

Happy relaxing!

Who doesn't love Twilight?

2009-12-30T13:13:00.001-08:00

Some of us around here may have gotten a little into Twilight... There is something absolutely addicting about plot-driven books about teen love (and plenty o' angst) and the national teenage obsession that came with it.

Also, we liked this shirt when it was brought to us...

What we didn't know is it was worn by Bella Swan in the first Twilight movie...

And that people would be willing to spend over $250 for it. See it for sale on ebay.

Fans are even talking about it on coolspotters.com.

clipped from coolspotters.com
Fan 1

http://cgi.ebay.com/Splendid-Cute-Green-Hooded-Sweatshirt...
green splendid hoodie like she wore in the 1st movie at the cullens house
15 hours ago

Fan 2

omgosh look at the bidding price of the splendid hoodie XD WOW and its not even the exact one.. lol close looking though guess thats why everone wants it :) its really cute though. pity its not a xs or small oh well. lol i love how evryone is having luck with the spots recently its fun and exicting to see :) goodwork and goodluck eveyone.

8 hours ago

Fan 3

lol yea I bid on the splendid hoodie yesterday but stopped at $30. It's used after all! I couldn't believe when I woke up and it was $250 are you kidding?! lol

8 hours ago

Fan 2

yeah i couldnt believe it too.. people must really want it :)
23 minutes ago

Fan 4

Same here. I was bidding on it but after I was outbid at $110 I said forget it.
10 minutes ago

Even though we are far from our teens (and obviously unaware that clothes worn by the cast of Twilight are worth their weight in diamonds), being a part of teen fanaticism makes us feel a little hipper.

So, thanks, kids. We will watch those movies diligently and find you more!

P.S. Team Edward... The heart wants what the heart wants and no number of shirt-ripping-off, hot teen werewolves will influence Bella's feelings.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

The Modo is going to be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to spend some quality time with our fams. We hope the hustle-bustle of the season has passed and you are able to just enjoy the people who mean most to you.

That is exactly what we plan to do...

The store will open back up on Saturday, December 26th from 12-4, for all of your after-holiday-shopping needs (my personal favorite shopping day of the year).

Cardigans

2009-12-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

If you have been in the store much - you will notice that all of us who work here have a thing for cardigans. There is just something about putting on a cute shirt or dress and wrapping it in a giant sweater.

Not sure how to wear them? Come in the store and we will help you put together a perfect, cozy outfit.

What I want for Christmas

2009-12-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Every day, one of my generous friends or family members ask what I want for Christmas. Usually, I will tell them something I need: books, kitchen utensils, tights, or a chapstick that actually works.

And I do need those things.

But, when it comes to what I want, my list changes dramatically.

Practicality is totally overrated.

I want this Hartford Scarf for next spring:

And this Coal Alpaca Scarf for right now

And since this is just a wish list and I am not expecting anything this extravagant (but, if someone really, really wanted to express their love for me through monetary indulgence), I would love these boots by Chie Mihara

And this bag by Filippa Sweet

And some jewelry by Flossy, Betsy and Iya, Honey-Love, Nettie Kent, and Recycled Time.

Wow.

I went to far, didn't I?

Ok, but I NEED these earrings by Betsy and Iya

P.S. We hope to see you tomorrow from 4-7 at our Holiday Party!

Celebrate the Season with Modo

2009-12-12T14:48:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, the 17th, the Modo is hosting a holiday party! We will have treats, beverages, and 20% off purchases of 100 dollars or more.

A Christmas gift of jewelry from local designers Betsy and Iya, Honey-Love, Flossy, Recycled Time, and Nettie Kent will surely put a smile on a friend's face for Christmas.

Plus, while you are here, you might as well pick out something for yourself!

We hope to see you on Thursday.

Holiday Parties

2009-12-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

With the economy where it is, I didn't expect a bunch of invitations to holiday parties. But I knew I could escape a holiday season without at least one! This Saturday, I am going to brave the cold and wear a dress.

Now... should I wear the same thing I wore last year?

I have been a good girl and only buying Christmas presents, but nothing for myself. (Who am I kidding? It is only the 10th! I have only thought of shopping - I prefer to buy those the week of Christmas, like a true procrastinator. But, I haven't bought anything for myself; that part was true.)

Party time is a perfect excuse to get a new dress - at least new to me! Saving money and adding a little pizazz to my wardrobe. That is what I call the Christmas Spirit.

Now I just have to decide if I want this Cynthia Vincent dress or the Adam Arnold skirt and Tory Burch shirt.

Google is awesome

2009-12-09T16:02:00.001-08:00

In our mail today, we received a notice from Google saying we are "A Favorite Place on Google". Cool, right?

Want to know what is cooler? They sent this barcode for us to stick in the window.

Now, when people come to the store and we are closed or they just want to learn more about us - they can take a picture of the barcode image with their phone and send it to google. Google displays our hours, phone number, reviews, and other cool business stuff.

I love the future.

Portland Swimwear Boutique - Popina

2009-12-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

So... Thanksgiving, the Holiday of Gluttony, is over. Personally, I ate my weight in food over the holiday weekend and every bite was worth it. But, with more holiday parties, family events, and millions of excuses to eat and drink copious amounts, I find that I need a little extra motivation to get to the gym and eat well on the "off meals".

The store has lots of cute holiday dresses, but I know I can cover those up with sweaters and wraps - not cutting it. (Although, this dress from St. Vincent is darling!)

But, THEN! I found the most darling swimsuits ever at Portland swimwear designers, Popina. They carry the best selection of retro swimsuits and tankinis all with a focus on a fit that flatters a woman's body.

I love that they make their own suits, but I have a mad crush on the Jantzen Vamp suit.

Maybe even a big enough crush to eat a bite of salad in between my slices of pumpkin pie.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T17:33:00.001-08:00

We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Turkey Day! We will be closed on Thursday, but open Wednesday and Friday from 12-6 and Saturday from 12-4 as usual.

Have a wonderful holiday!

A few things I'm loving in the shop

2009-11-23T21:09:00.001-08:00

a few favorites by modoboutique on Polyvore.com

Items in this set:
Hurtowniabrokatu.pl
I ♥ AMERICAN RETRO...
Cydwoq Gorgeous Green Leather...
Nili Lotan Black Cashmere...

Kurms

2009-11-18T16:01:00.000-08:00

When my youngest sister was about three, she declared that she would only wear clothing with "kurms". Kurms, to her three-year-old brain, meant things with ruffles and curls. We had to search through her drawers to find her pair of socks adorned with curled ribbons, for pants with a ruffled trim and even underwear with a bit of kurms right there on the bum.

As an adult, her style is much more subdued - soft, draping fabrics in black, gray, and earthy colors - and I have never seen her wear anything with kurms. Maybe if she saw this awesome Jurgi Persoons top with a leather ruffle, she would revert back to her old ways?

Here's hoping! She may be beautiful now, but she was undeniably cute in head-to-floor ruffles.

Dream job

2009-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

Have you seen this show on the Sundance Channel? It features Keith Johnson, a buyer for Anthropologie, who spends his time traveling the world searching for unique homegoods and accessories. From scouring flea markets in Paris to being invited to obscure art studios in Turkey, this guy gets to go places (for his job!) that make us turn green with envy.

Speaking of Anthropologie... Have you seen this top we put on sale this month? Darling!

Consignment Overfloweth

2009-11-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

We have had so many new and return consignors bring stuff in lately, our new arrival rack is ready to fall down! Included in the crop are these two fun pieces from Mike & Chris - an awesome navy, high-wasted skirt with suspenders and an earthy-green cropped sweatshirt. These pieces are so great, we just had to put them in the window.

New Jewelry!

2009-11-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

As the days get increasingly darker, we find ourselves wrapped in taupe-colored sweaters, donning jeans and comfy boots, and throwing our hair in ponytails. Comfy as it is, we still want to feel pretty! Luckily, the store has received new jewelry from each of our consignors... Awesome earrings and chic necklaces are a heck of a lot easier than high heels.

We have too much to post here, but come in the store and check out the amazing pieces from Betsy and Iya, Flossy, Recycled Time, Honey-Love and more!

Kids today!

2009-11-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

We recently learned about Tavi the 13 year old, self- proclaimed dork
"who sits inside all day wearing awkward jackets and pretty hats." Her fashion blog, tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com BLEW US AWAY with amazing writing (light years beyond the skills our 13 year-old brains possessed), inspiring self portraits, and insightful fashion commentary.

Seriously, Tavi, can we be friends?

Sweater Time!

2009-11-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

With the late-fall weather upon us, we can't think of anything better than getting cozy by the fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate, wrapped in a cute sweater. Luckily, we have tons of them! Check out a few of our favorites...