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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By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

What if your skin was as smooooooth as this artful golden figure? We know how to make it happen: Upscale yet quirky and on-trend home design shop Saint Maine in Portland’s Sellwood district not only wants to make sure your house looks its best for the holidays, they want to help you look your best too. To that end, they are teaming up with Soleil Medical and Beauty Spa for a pre-holiday event designed to beautify your home + your face.

Stop by Saint Maine between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. this Thursday, Nov. 18 for a chance to score some amazing deals at the pre-holiday event. Everything in the entire store will be on sale, and there will be raffles going on all night, along with wine and treats to bolster your shopping mood.

During the event, you can also freshen up thanks to $10 botox courtesy of Dr. Kathleen Meyers, who will be on hand giving out big discounts on everyone’s favorite medical beauty treatment.

We all can find ourselves looking haggard once the cold starts storming in, so take advantage of this unique opportunity and get ready for the holidays in one fell swoop. Your party guests may have trouble telling you from your art.

St. Maine Pre-Holiday Beauty + Home Event
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18
Saint Maine, 7015 S.E. Milwaukie Ave.; 503-232-1880
www.saintmaine.com

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By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

For those of you who like to give as well as get during the holiday season, we want to make sure to let you know that Souchi, one of our fave Northwest 23rd Avenue shops, will be accepting donations of gently worn winter wear all throughout the month of November — with a nice little gift for you in return.

Suzi Johnson, local luxury knitwear designer and founder of Souchi, will be collecting donations to pass along to Grace House, a non-profit run by Johnson’s mother, in St. Joseph, Missouri. Souchi will also donate 10 percent of November’s earnings to the charity, which allows families down on their luck to “shop” for clothing.

While you’re in the Portland flagship location, make sure to take a moment and browse Souchi’s latest winter-friendly cashmere offerings. Those who donate save an extra 10 percent on their purchase. We are loving this all-white winter look with Souchi’s #77 white cotton hoodie, (right, $340).

Souchi
807 N.W. 23rd Ave.
503-525-0043
www.souchi.com

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By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

If you’re looking for hip presents to gift your hard-to-shop-for mom, girlfriend, niece or sister that are unique, gorgeous and affordable, you want to make sure to stop by the Betsy & Iya Holiday Preview Sale + Studio Grand Opening from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 19 in Northwest Portland.

Be among the first to see the new space, which will be simply chock full of new pieces of shopping goodness! Happy hour drinks, snacks and huge pre-holiday deals will be the focus (um, sounds awesome to us!) You’ll be able to meet the lady of the hour herself, designer Betsy Cross, and check out brand new designs, old favorites and bestsellers as well.

There will be a raffle for $150, $75, and $25 Betsy & Iya gift certificates and discounts up to 50 percent on select items, which means you can pick up a special piece for every lucky lady in your life without breaking your holiday budget to pieces.

This local cool girl jewelry line is handmade right here in Portland by the lovely and talented founder Ms. Betsy Cross. Cross collects vintage keys, old coins and precious stones and transforms them into one of a kind pieces that are heavy on heart and style. We love her Bus fare ($45, right) and Linger on Love Letter ($54) necklaces and we will be stocking up on her bigger-is-better hand forged earring sets, like these amazing brass Take a Ride in my Big Ol’ Ship earrings that are only $35! (top pic)

Betsy & Iya Studio Grand Opening and Holiday Preview Sale
3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19
1722 N.W. Raleigh St., Ste. 101
www.betsyandiya.com

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By Karen Vitt, NEAT editor in chief

Weather experts are predicting colder weather and heavy snows for Portland this winter, so local fashion experts — hey, that’s us! — are predicting more of a need for cute knit caps and furry boots. We’re pretty excited about this, so we’re racing to La Nina-proof our winter wardrobes at the joint Emu + Pistil Trunk Show at PedX Shoe Shangri-la, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 6.

Alberta Street’s PedX Shoes, a longtime Northeast Portland favorite for specialty shoes and bags, will dish up hot drinks and yummy snacks while you browse the latest winter collections from Australian shoe company EMU and Oregon knitwear label Pistil Designs. You’ll find discounts on both lines, drawings to win boots and hats from each label, and you can place special orders for items not currently in stock.

EMU (top) is best known for its cozy, ugg style sheepskin boots and slippers; and Hood River-based Pistil creates a perfectly Portland range of knit caps, beanies and fun furry styles like the cupcake bomber (right).

If you’re not quite ready to leap into Winter, we also advise browsing PedX for new fall finds, including modern Mary Janes and tall brown button-up boots from Miz Mooz, and our favorite combat-inspired “Molly” lace-up boots from Faryl Robin.

Ooooh la la Nina!

EMU + Pistil Trunk Show
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6
PedX Shoe Shangri-la, 2230 N.E. Alberta St.; 503-460-0760
www.pedxshoes.com

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By Erin Flesch, NEAT contributor

Wee ooh, can you even believe it’s already November, folks? The weather outside would suggest otherwise, but dang if we don’t feel the sparkly call of holiday dressing in our bones. It’s not here yet, but before you know it you’ll be RSVP’ing to Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, family gatherings and tons of other festive occasions that require a bit more glitz and glamour then casual clothes can provide.

Cue the lovely Mabel and Zora Holiday Preview Party, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12. Mabel and Zora, the Pearl District shop for ladies who do way more than lunch, will mark down the latest holiday collections by 15 percent, including designs from Milly, Trina Turk, Bailey 44 (top and right), Beth Bowley, Eva Franco, Max & Cleo and more.

Get your sparkle and shine ready to go while the weather is still nice enough that you actually feel like leaving the house, and save a nice chunk of holiday shopping change while you’re at it! We want this brand new super sexy crimson velvet Bailey 44 New York Dolls Dress (right). It’s the perfect blend of alluring and charming, with the right dash of holiday cheer that is not at all cheesy.

Along with the savings, Mabel and Zora will serve drinks and sweet treats all night; guests can enter to win a Catherine Manuel Luggage set worth more than $350; and live models wearing Mabel and Zora’s party looks will mingle during the festivities so you can purchase your favorites on the spot.

Mabel and Zora Holiday Preview Party
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12
Mabel and Zora, 748 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503-241-5696
www.mabelandzora.com

Images courtesy of Bailey 44. If you like what you see on The Neat Sheet, please consider becoming our Facebook Fan, following us on Twitter and/or linking to us from your website or blog. We need your help to spread the word so we can keep it up!

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By Karen Vitt, NEAT editor in chief

Popina Swimwear is all set to make a splash with its second location, opening in downtown Portland’s Pearl District tomorrow night. As we reported last month, Popina will celebrate the second addition to local swimwear designer Pamela Levenson’s retro-inspired swimwear empire with a Popina Swimwear Pearl District Grand Opening Party from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4 (First Thursday!).

Stop by the grand opening party for a swimwear fashion show produced by Back Fence PDX, drinks and treats, manicures and hand massages, plus you can enter to win two round-trip Alaska Airlines tickets to Hawaii (drawing will be December 31) if you sign up for Popina’s mailing list, Club Maillot.

The 1,800 square-foot space will be the largest women’s swimwear store in the Northwest, and in addition to the Popina Swimwear collection (top and right) you can shop for brands including Vitamin A, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren and Aerin Rose. And as if all that isn’t enticing enough….

Win a free Popina Swimming Suit! As part of the grand opening celebration, Popina Swimwear will gift one lucky Neat Sheet reader a Popina swimming suit of your choice! You’ll be able to choose any suit you like from Levenson’s new collection, and the Popina Swimwear experts will help ensure you find a flattering fit. To enter, just leave a comment on this post or send an email with the subject title “POPINA” to neatsheet@karenvitt.com. We’ll pick a random lucky winner on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Popina Swimwear Grand Opening Party in the Pearl
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4
318 N.W. 11th Ave.; 503-282-5159
www.popinaswimwear.com

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By Karen Vitt, NEAT editor in chief

‘Tis the season. Not just the holiday season per se, but the beginning of Portland’s seasonal pop-up shopping. The Flurry Pop-Up Shop, home to a host of local designers offering clothing, accessories, jewelry and gift items, will open its temporary holiday home in downtown Portland this Thursday, Nov. 4.

Back for its second year, Flurry will show and sell goods from a stellar lineup of local designers including Michelle DeCourcy (right), Betty Jean Couture, Lizzie Parker (of Seattle, as seen above at Portland Fashion Week), Christa Taylor, O’Pearl Jewelry, Brehan Todd Jewelry, The Opulent Project, Qunique Shoes, The Real McCoy Handbags and more.

In addition to offering a unique local holiday shopping experience, Flurry will hold stylish events every week, including trunk shows by many of the featured designers, shopping happy hours on Friday afternoons, and free parking at Smart Park garages on Thursdays in December if you enter between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Stay tuned to The Neat Sheet for deets on weekly Flurry events as they happen!

Flurry Pop-Up Shop
720 S.W. Yamhill St.; 503-267-5505
Mon.-Sat. 10-7; Sun. 12-7
Open Thursday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Dec. 31

Top image courtesy of Lizzie Parker. Michelle DeCourcy photo by Yi Yin. If you like what you see on The Neat Sheet, please consider becoming our Facebook Fan, following us on Twitter and/or linking to us from your website or blog. We need your help to spread the word so we can keep it up!

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