Portland is known for having great coffee shops (and strip clubs), for being absolutely beautiful and for having a bit of a rough around the edges attitude. But it isn’t exactly a shopping destination like New York, Los Angeles or Paris. And our writers keep submitting reviews that acknowledge that, followed by “but…” Turns out Portland has lots of interesting shops. So I thought I’d pull out my top five (uniquely Portland) venues for perusers and purchasers of fine goods.
Langlitz Leathers / 2443-A SE Division / langlitz.com / 503.235.0959
This was one of the first entries I saw when I started editing BRINKguide Portland, and I immediately began pinning for some leather from Langlitz’s. This family-owned business specializes in custom motorcycle jackets and they have been around since 1947. All their leather is premium quality and they offer a variety of styles (chaps, vests, boots, etc.). It is a bit pricy but well-worth it, whether you ride a motorcycle or you just love a solid, good-looking garment made locally.
Green Noise Records / 3840 SE Gladstone St. / greennoiserecords.com / 503.736.0909
A good record store has long been the sign of a good neighborhood, but they are getting harder and harder to come by. But Southeast Portland’s Green Noise Records is one of the best record stores left. They have a small but truly phenomenal selection of the best vintage and contemporary (new and used) punk, indie and rock vinyl imaginable. The store’s operated by a local record label owner with sublime taste in the hard stuff, and they also feature releases by some of the better Portland local scene bands.
Oblation Papers and Press / 516 NW 12th Ave / oblationpapers.com / 503.223.1093
This spot is a 19th century print shop where they design wedding invitations, baby shower announcements and anything you want printed on paper. And that paper will be exceptionally fine and the design will be perfectly simple. Our reviewer said “this place is truly incomparable to any other stationary,” and I back her 100%. And you can tour their urban paper mill and see them employing traditional techniques (they make sheets of cotton paper from recycled remnants of the garment industry). The already made goods they sell are far from disappointing also.
Goorin Bros. / 808 NW 23rd Ave. / goorin.com (Nob-Hill) / 503.227.5300
This isn’t a Portland one off, but it is the only Goorin Bros. in Oregon and inside the shop is wonderful. These stylish hats will cost you around one Benjamin Franklin, but they will last forever and are timeless. I’d gladly fork over a big bill for any hat in their ‘Heritage’ collection. In particular, “Pierre Renoir” (a boater), “Whiskey Pete” (a safari fedora), “Lady Lefty” (a cloche) and “Vinnie the Brain” (a porkpie) are impeccably-made classics.
Portland Design Collective902 SW Morrison St.
This list would be remiss if it didn’t include at least one of Portland’s great vintage shops. This is my favorite spot. Any shop that carries vintage is only as good as their curators, and this shop is obviously being run by some keen eyes. This boutique is styled perfectly, the merchandise is unique and there’s lots of variety. The inventory is constantly changing according to the season, so you are likely to find something completely unique for whatever occasion you have coming up.
If you think we are totally missing out on some great Portland venue, check out brinkguide.com to point out where we screwed up.
-Caroline Jackson
