By Jessica Burmaster
If you are like me, you have spent many a morning this new year staring listlessly at your closet. Or worse, spent an hour trying on twenty different outfits, none of which work, leaving you to feel empty and depressed. Even with these sunny days in the Pearl District, winter clothes now seem drab and dark. Nobody wants to fork over the cash for a whole new wardrobe at this point in the season, so accessories are sure to fit the bill for this mini make-over. Hats, scarves and handbags will be the way to look fresh without over-spending.
After doing some research, I discovered that honeysuckle is the color of 2011. And for those not in the know (myself included) honeysuckle is a shade between fuchsia and pink. To me, this sounds like exactly what the doctor ordered to spruce up our wardrobes for these remaining Oregon winter months.
Photo: Bonnet's Cashmere Cloche
Bonnet (412 NW 11th Ave.), the Pearl’s go-to for urban hats and accessories, has a large selection of colors and styles—including this rosy Luminata Cashmere Cloche for only $42. Made out of reclaimed cashmere sweaters by local designer Luminata, anyone who sports this chapeau is sure to break hearts all over town!
Physical Element's Knit Knot
Admittedly, honeysuckle fashions were difficult to spot elsewhere in the Pearl, but I always find plenty to admire at Physical Element (1124 NW Lovejoy). Owner Jo Carter suggests, “Accessories are the easiest way to brighten up any wardrobe, particularly with all of our dark coats. I have a good selection of hats and scarves in brighter colors for those mid-winter blues.”
EcoVibe Handbag and Wallet
EcoVibe (921 NW Everett Street) is an eco-conscious clothing boutique featuring loads of local designers. Portland’s Kevia Jeffrey-West of Kevia recently added handbags to her jewelry repertoire. Check out the Virginia ($170) and the Imogen ($45) shown above. Both feature a gorgeous bright design, good for this transitional period between winter and spring. EcoVibe also has a fantastic collection of cami’s that come in every color under the rainbow! What an easy, inexpensive ($23!) and fun way to add a pop of color.
Whatever you do, button up your overcoat to stay warm, but remember to throw on some color! Do you have a tried-and-true source of accessories to banish the winter blahs? If so, please let us know by posting a comment below!
