By NEAT SHEET staff

Multitasking, while efficient, isn’t always pleasurable. Except when you’re talking about Girls’ Night Out at Bridgeport Village, our favorite recurring event at the local has-it-all fashion mecca. Shopping and hanging out with friends is a double duty we’re more than happy to take on, and take it on we will from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Thursday, May 17.

Bridgeport Village Girls’ Night Out offers an opportunity to indulge in a little retail therapy with pals, and to cash in on special deals and VIP treatments at tons of shops and restaurants located around the Bridgeport area. Boutiques including BCBG, J.Crew, Mario’s 3.10, White House|Black Market, Eileen Fisher and more will offer special discounts and extended happy hours for the evening, plus you’ll get a free gift with any $25 dollar purchase at the event.

Don’t forget to stop by guest services for a Passport to Style and an exclusive Girls’ Guide to Bridgeport Village. And visit the Paparazzi Tonight photo booth to have your pic snapped with your friends — for free!

Remember, a little extra girl time + spring shopping does a body and soul good. Real good.

Bridgeport Village Girls Night Out
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 17
7455 S.W. Bridgeport Rd., Tigard; 503-968-1704
www.bridgeport-village.com

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By NEAT SHEET staff

What goes best with turquoise? Champagne! That’s why you’re invited to stop by the Ms. Wood Spring/Summer 2012 Trunk Show and Sale to sip the bubbly stuff while shopping Ms. Wood’s splashy spring collection, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 19 at Siler Studios Gallery.

Live models will sport the clothes so you can see how they move, and select pieces will be marked down. You can also save on markdowns from the Ms. Wood Fall/Winter collection, all designed by Portland’s own Alicia Wood (winner of Portland Fashion Week’s 2012 Catapult Emerging Designer Competition).

Expect to see a lot of imaginative shapes in turquoise, tomato and white, including dresses, skirts and blouses, plus handbags and jewelry. Our favorites are the chic, slouchy turquoise top and bikini bottom (above), and a quirky off-the-shoulder dress in bold white with a big mod belt. See the entire Ms. Wood Spring/Summer 2012 Collection here.

By the way, if you can’t wait to shop the trunk show, you can find Ms. Wood pieces in Portland at Mabel and Zora (48 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503- 241-5696).

Ms. Wood Spring/Summer 2012 Trunk Show + Sale
Siler Studios Gallery, 1102 N.W. Marshall St.; 503-954-2271
Ms. Wood Trunk Show Facebook event page

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By NEAT SHEET staff

It’s once again open season on the PDX fashion landscape, thanks to The Portland Mercury’s 8th annual Open Season spring fashion show at Sandbox Studio, 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 12.

Each spring, The Mercury’s managing editor Marjorie Skinner (M.O.D. fashion editor extraordinaire) manages to round up much of the best design talent Portland has to offer. How this woman manages to run a newspaper while simultaneously producing such a fantastic and locally loved fashion show is truly impressive, and this year’s lineup is as exciting as ever.

For the 2012 runway show, you’ll see the latest from Portland-area talents Jesseca Anne, Julia Barbee, Sara Bergman, Haunt, Isaac Hers (above), Martine, Dawn Sharp, Shadow Sisters, Siljan, Poler, R.A.W., and Reif (right). Our Portland fashion talent is breeding at an alarmingly awesome rate, and Skinner promises pretty things will happen.

See a full designer preview with gorgeous pics in today’s Portland Mercury Ladies in Waiting fashion feature.

“Open Season” – The Mercury’s 8th Annual Fashion Show
7 p.m. Saturday, May 12
Sandbox Studio, 420 N.E. 9th Ave.; 503-501-5870
$18-$20; Tickets on sale here and now

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By NEAT SHEET staff

Elegant East Burnside lingerie boutique Lille will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a party at Holocene to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. Because Lille is a lingerie boutique, that makes so much sense!

If you’re in the market for something gorgeous to wear under your clothes, Lille is a must-visit. And if you’re in the market for a party, don’t miss this event. They’ll be raffling off $1,000 in gift certificates (you can score a free ticket if you show up wearing something from Lille). They’re also showing a behind-the-scenes video of the Stella McCartney photo shoot, and yes, lingerie will be modeled. Plus, enjoy drinks from House Spirits Distillery and tunes spun by DJ Hanukah Miracle to energize the dance floor.

Stop by Lille Boutique throughout May to enjoy cupcakes and champagne as part of the month-long birthday celebration, and to browse Spring 2012 lingerie styles. Find pretty things from Stella McCartney, Huit (above), Yasmine Eslami, Malia Mills, Only Hearts and many more, including hosiery, sleepwear, swimwear, body products, jewelry and accessories.

Lille Boutique Lingerie Party at Holocene
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 5
Holocene, 1001 S.E. Morrison St.

Lille Boutique
1007 E. Burnside; 503-232-0333
www.lilleboutique.com

Photos feature the organic cotton Huit Biotiful Collection, available at Lille Boutique. If you like what you see on The Neat Sheet, please consider becoming our Facebook Fan! We need your help to spread the word so we can keep it up!

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By NEAT SHEET staff

Spend First Friday in the adorable (and shoppable) Montavilla ‘hood, and be sure to stop by Union Rose for the Hubris Apparel Trunk Show from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, May 4.

Hubris is known for designing versatile pieces in seasonless fabrics, cut for movement and comfort (which we Portland women need, of course) without sacrificing style. Think printed cap-sleeve dresses and flattering V-neck tops with twist-front details.

Enjoy bevies and snacks as you pick up something cute for spring (sale Hubris is 20% off, too). The shop also has a sweet stash of silk cowl dress from Clair Vintage Inspired and reversible dresses from dress Varnish Clothing.

Say hello to the wonderful ladies behind Union Rose while you’re snatching up some of Portland’s finest handmade clothing and jewelry.

Hubris Trunk Show at Union Rose
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 4
7909 S.E. Stark St.; 503-287-4242
unionrosepdx.com

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By NEAT SHEET Staff

Tumbleweed Boutique on Northeast Alberta Street has been open for 12 years, which is a real feat here in Portland. Their secret to success has got to be the amazingly adorable, totally wearable, in-house “kara-line” dresses, created by Tumbleweed’s owner, Kara Larson.

This Sunday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., stop in to shop the new and current kara-line dress designs at 20% off, sip a bubbly drink and pick up something perfect for summer (we promise … it’s coming).

Tumbleweed owner and designer Larson has always been ahead of the local fashion game, and she was a pioneer of sorts when she first settled into her shop’s current location in spring of 2000. “I was the first fashion boutique on Alberta,” Larson says, “but I always felt like it was the right place for me. I was drawn by the diversity.”

We are, too! Let’s help celebrate!

Tumbleweed Boutique Birthday Party
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29
1804 N.E. Alberta St.; 503-335-3100
www.tumbleweedboutique.com

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By NEAT SHEET staff

We’re betting that Mimosas will be flowing at the big shindig to celebrate Shop Adorn’s re-opening party from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, May 4. After a devastating fire in December, the owners rebuilt, revamped and are ready to share it all with you — and great timing, because the shop is chock full of adorable new spring styles.

Shop, sip, snack and enter to win one of two pairs of Kut from the Kloth jeans (you can enter both in-store and online, so make sure you’re following them on Facebook, where if you leave a comment with your RSVP you’ll be entered to win). One winner will be chosen raffle-style the night of the party, the other will be chosen from the facebook event page. You don’t have to be at the party to win, but it would be way more fun if you were.

Shop Adorn Re-Opening Party
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 4
4120 N.E. Fremont St.; 503-505-7424
www.shopadornonline.com

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By Monique Balas, NEAT contributor

We lurrrrrv making our holiday wish-list, and tonight’s Total Package party at Oh Baby lingerie boutique promises naughty AND nice goods from a trifecta of neat local shops. Oh Baby’s Northwest Portland location will host Souchi and Zelda’s Shoe Bar for Total Package party, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m Friday, Nov. 19.

So what does the total package include? Basically, you can shop for everything we love this season. Find yummy, cozy cashmere and knits by Souchi’s Suzi Johnson; fabulous footwear from Zelda’s Shoe Bar; and Oh Baby’s ooh-la-la underthings, including sexy garters and stockings, teddies, bustiers and boudoir accessories from French CanCan, Mimi Holliday and Blush.

You’ll also enjoy champagne cocktails, a mini fashion show and a special drawing from each store.

That whole ‘good things come in small packages’ is way better when they come in ‘total packages,” right?

Oh Baby Total Package Party
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19
722 NW 23 Ave ; 503.274.4190
www.ohbabylingerieshops.com

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By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

Morse code may be a thing of the past, but this dot-dash-dot system of communication is having a serious resurgence in an unlikely form: customized jewelry! We mentioned our affinity for local line Besty & Iya’s morse code necklace not too long ago, and now we’ve got a new lady in town with a whole new take on the morse code trend.

Check out new jewelry line Coatt’s debut trunk show at Covet boutique in Southwest Portland from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 18, and get yourself a personalized morse code necklace handmade by designer Rebecca Coagan Scharlett. Scharlett’s necklace’s were just featured on the mega popular blog A Cup of Jo, and now you can nab one yourself!

Spell out your own or a friend’s name, or keep it short and sweet with a simple declaration like “peace” (right, $36) or “yes” ($36). Handcrafted from gold fill and silk cord, each piece is delicately unique and looks beautifully effortless on the neck.

This Thursday, stop by Covet for a chance to create your own custom gift starting at a mere $42! The trunk show will last through the weekend, ending on Sunday, Nov. 21.

Coatt Trunk Show
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18
Covet Boutique, 429 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503-222-6838
www.lovecovet.com

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By Anna Reed, NEAT contributor

Whether or not the moniker ‘betsy & iya’ rings a bell in print, you’ll recognize the bold and beautiful pieces from jewelry designer Betsy Cross as ones you’ve seen dangling from the necks, wrists and ears of Portland’s best accessorized ladies — her wares know no bounds when it comes to size, color and sass. For a company started somewhat on a whim, betsy & iya’s old-meets-new aesthetic has landed in Portland and hit the ground running, being featured in many of your favorite local boutiques, as well as in retailers across the country.

Much of this success can be attributed to the down-to-earth nature of the woman behind it all. Cross is humble, and genuinely flattered when consumers gush over her unique pieces, as they are often apt to do. Her willingness to collaborate and customize gives each design a spark of personality and ensures maximum satisfaction with every purchase.

NEAT People is proud to profile the designer as the grand opening of the newly expanded betsy & iya studio and showroom in Northwest Portland draws near. Cross invites one and all (that means YOU) to her store from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. this  Frday, Nov. 19th for a pre-holiday sale complete with drinks, discounts and a free copy of the event soundtrack, compiled specifically for the opening.

A dancer turned theater graduate student turned jewelry designer who also moonlights as a personal DJ?! Ladies and gentleman, the multi-talented Betsy Cross:

Congratulations on the new space! How did it all come together?
Thank you! I was operating for two years out of a much smaller unit in the same building. I caught wind that this space would be available in April and things just started to fall into place. We moved in that same month, but haven’t had the time to devote to a grand opening until now. The main goal of our event on Friday is to serve as a sort of “coming out,” a chance to say that we are here and open for business. I welcome the chance to meet and chat with people coming in to the shop, as it can sometimes get very reclusive when its just me working away in the studio.

How did you decide on the name ‘betsy & iya’?[ sound it out with me: ‘bet-see & eye-uh’]
The name comes from the idea of opposites coming together in a harmonious way. The unexpected combination of old and new, the beauty in the perpendicular. The ‘betsy’ part is obviously taken from me, but it also represents a name that is very traditional and old timey. Combine that with ‘iya’ which is new, exotic and foreign, and you have exactly the fusion that defines my work. I love mixing vintage with handmade and I wanted a name to reflect that. It is also an homage to my older sister, Ashlyn. I couldn’t quite pronounce her name when I was young, so I called her ‘iya.’ She has been a life-long source of comfort and motivation, always pushing me to do my best. We are also very, very different people, so again, the name is a combination of two separate worlds colliding to create a strong bond.

Tell us about your background and how you got involved in jewelry making. Did you come out of the womb with wire cutters and a sketch book?
No, thankfully for my mother’s sake! This whole venture came later in life. My original intent was to become a dancer. The dance program at my college was housed in the theater department, and I quickly shifted my focus to acting. My performance based background still helps me today and manifests itself in a sense of movement and fluidity that is hopefully conveyed in my pieces.
I moved to Portland in 2006 after finishing up my graduate degree in theater and I fell in love times two, with both Will and with the city, and saw so many opportunities for my artistry to grow.

What else inspires your designs?
I have always been inspired and intrigued by native American and African tribal cultures. Color, dance, narrative, all speak to me very strongly and breathe life into the ideas that can begin from a simple image or piece of art. As a part of my grad work, I taught in Mexico City and was extremely inspired by the Mayan culture, ruins, remains, and the idea of adornment that has been around for so long. And I do feel inspired by people, but there is not one specific designer that I aspire to emulate. Through my work, I just want to find out who I am and be different from what is already available out there.

How would you describe your design process?
Perhaps due to the fact that I do not have formal training, designing is freeing for me because I do not get hung up on a certain step-by-step protocol as being the correct or incorrect way to create. The design process is so organic and expansive. It often starts with an idea and then blossoms and grows, which cannot ever be forced, it just has to happen. I seem to get my best ideas when I have moments of calm and silence, when I do not have to be any place but where I am in that moment. Flights are very good times for this head space to occur because you cannot be anywhere but on the airplane. My Morse Code pieces (right) were inspired by the lines and circles created by crops and grain bins seen when I peered out the window on a flight. Conversely, the actual production process is more mindless and structured, so I often set manageable goals for myself in order to accomplish pieces efficiently. I’ll give myself till the end of a song to complete a certain task and that helps keep me focused.

Wow, SO much of your hard work is put into each piece, your website even describes the items as being “lovingly birthed.” Do you ever find it difficult to part with certain babies, er, pieces?
Yes, absolutely. A necklace that I recently crafted from an old apartment number (#3) just sold and that one was difficult to let go, although somewhat relieving because I am close friends with the buyer. It is those one-of-a-kind pieces that shock even me when I actually see them finished. And it is hard to let them go, especially if I haven’t taken the time to properly document the piece before it is sold. All that being said, the process is overwhelmingly positive. Just the fact that someone wants and is willing to pay for something I’ve created never ceases to amaze me. Making work that is accessible and that people feel a response to eases the separation anxiety.

Clearly, jewelry can be pretty personal stuff. What tips do you have for giving jewelry as a gift this holiday season?
It is important to be aware of who you are buying for, but I also think it is much more interesting if you put a part of yourself into what you’re purchasing. I would suggest narrowing it down to a few items that you are drawn to right away, and then edit down based on the recipient’s personal style and what you could actually see her wearing. An initial necklace is a great gift item that is both unique to the person and easy to wear. Just don’t over analyze; go with your gut and what you think is cool. If it is coming from a place of love, it is probably going to work out.

Let’s talk a bit about your own fashion sense. Describe your own style in three words or less:
A Victorian break-dancer.

Whoa dang! I think I just saw one of those on Burnside St. last night.

What can we most often find you wearing?
Boots. Neutral colored T-shirts. Cords. My personal style is comfortable with a masculine influence, especially when it comes to my shoes. I have three pairs of boots that I have in steady rotation. I got married in this pair of red cowboy boots that have been resoled countless times. I rarely wear heels. I do like to spice things up when it comes to my accessories, though. I’ll throw a belt from an estate sale around my waist to give my basic T-shirt some shape. Colored and patterned tights look great when paired with a simple dress and boots. Yes, big shock, I mention boots again!

Oh, you know we understand! Boots are in fact made for walking, and we definitely plan on strolling by your grand opening. What else should we know about the event?
It is truly meant to be a celebration of this new space and an invite for people to shop and mingle. We’re offering 10 percent off every purchase, as well as greater discounts on some discontinued items. There will be a raffle to win one of three gift certificates worth $25, $75 and $100, respectively, and the only way to enter is by showing up! Oh, and everyone gets a free CD featuring songs played at the event. And did I mention champagne yet?!

Sales, drinks, jewels…let’s all rejoice at the death of the “omg.what.am.I.gonna.do.on.Friday” question for this week at least. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat, Betsy. I believe there is a hammer calling your name, we’ll let you get back to all the opening preparations.

betsy & iya Grand Opening Party
3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19
1722 N.W. Raleigh St.; 503-227-5482
www.betsyandiya.com

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