Fashion

ROADSIDE FLAIR

Over the river and through the woods, the tire knows when to blow. Make sure your threads don't need any roadside assistance by perusing our mini-fashion guide to the holiday season. Over the next few pages, check out clothing items that are sure to stop traffic.

—Elianna Bar-El

Zelicious

Z Brand men's denim ($92, Lit, 214 SW 8th Ave., 827-3300) hugs the junk in the all the right places. It's got just enough scruff with the "distressed" look, and stylish, leather-trimmed zippered back pockets add a tinge of funk. Slim fit is the way to go—don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Jersey Girl

The pristine, long-sleeved tunic Vee Top (right) ($84, Sameunderneath, 915 N Shaver St., 223-3592), by local grassroots apparel gurus Sameunderneath, does the trick when it comes to casual comfort. Made of 100 percent bamboo and cotton jersey, this versatile hoodie can be dressed up or down with minimal effort and maximum reward. For the gentleman, Sameunderneath designed a Harley-inspired Bomber ($176, Sameunderneath, 915 N Shaver St., 223-3592) made from bamboo and woven cotton, and just warm enough to keep out the evening holiday chill—with or without a hog.

Hood-Rat

Holden's latest line of jackets are so comfy-cozy you might just trade out your pillow for the Emily Down zip-up ($270, Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., 226-3948) in cement, featuring chocolate-accented cuffs and shoulders, plus a bomber-style waistband. This goose down-insulated cover-up also comes fully equipped for the elements in a mix of sweet complementary colors and a stylish, adjustable fur-trimmed hood.

My Bumbershoot Is Bigger Than Yours

Portlanders don't need umbrellas—all they need are Gore-Tex hoods. Well, not after catching a glimpse of these precious prints. Tray 6 puts a petit oiseau on your shoulder with its Perch Crimson umbrella ($52, Cheeky B, 906 NW 14th Ave., 274-0229). Not to mention reminding you that the grass is always greener—after a good old rainshower—with their strikingly big and bold silk-screened Grass version ($52, Cheeky B). Pare Umbrella is bringing cutesy back with their sweet ode to ice-cream parlors (above right) ($58, Coco Gets Dressed, 7007 SE Milwaukie Ave., 236-7777). White dots meet peachy-keen and turquoise stripes with their Mary Poppins take on a rainy afternoon.

CrazySexyCool

To all those with tough boy-toys to shop for, Crazy Coconut's Johnny Men's Tee ($30, crazycoconut.net) not only fits like a sexy glove, but it represents the 'hood. The chocolate/tangerine color combo lends the proper mix of beauty and style to the screenprinted image of P-town's St. Johns Bridge. Plus, Crazy Coconut also boasts a line of bright Johnny scarves (upper right) ($22, Frock, 2940 NE Alberta St., 595-0379) that pay tribute to the spireful suspension—the perfect accessory for your chick who owns everything under the sun.

Sharks and Jets vs. Travis Parker

Switchblades were all the rage in West Side Story. Channel the feeling of Bernardo and Riff into foldable snowboarding sunshades from Airblaster ($20, Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., 226-3948). Snap your fingers to the rhythm and pull a cork backside-9.

PUNCH DRUNK

Deck the fax with boughs of jolly. Make sure the only white elephant at your office party is in the gift exchange. Biznatch casual is de rigueur for cube clique chemistry. But if you really want to dress for success, you might want to pick out one ofthe following.

—Elianna Bar-El

Hitchin' a Ride

Local fashion gamine Kathryn Towers beckons you to the French countryside with her version of an Old World-style Riding Coat ($276, Seaplane, 827 NW 23rd Ave., 234-2409). But this exquisite creation shan't see the back of a galloping stallion. With its profound, ruffled Victorian collar; royal button closures; and dramatic cap sleeves descending into accentuated, fitted cuffs, this staggering design piece is best worn to show off—and what better way than the hordes of holiday dress-up affairs to attend?

No Sweat

Dressing up and comfort don't exactly go hand-in-hand. But ladies, take note: The Sorbonne Dress ($160, The English Dept., 724 NW 23rd Ave., 224-0724) melodically brings the two elements together and wraps them up in the flattering form of a candy-coated sweater dress. With a subtly provocative open neck, diamond-knit sleeves and bowed buttons lining the wrist and center, this bright, knee-length splash of color is as unexpected as it is welcome.

Original Gangsta

We're torn. See, there once was this relatively underground, kick-ass British graffiti artist named Banksy, but word of his talent got out on the street and someone started jacking his art and silkscreening replicas of them onto blazers ($92, Lit, 214 SW 8th Ave., 827-3300)—but what a mighty fine blazer it is. To buy or not to buy? We say buy. The thought-provoking stencil of a man hurling a bouquet of flowers silkscreened onto an olive corduroy blazer with a stylish fringed collar is classic, in a startling way—plus, it's a lot easier to get your hands on than the original.

Did You Get the Memo?

This Nick and Mo blazer ($80, Lit, 214 SW 8th Ave., 827-3300) is a vintage blend of recycled fabrics—from its black corduroy collar to cropped houndstooth cut and Gramps' old buttons—making it a fitted, funky original. Shall we call it office-party chic? It's the ideal add-on to bring it all together, whether or not you're glazed over from too much of the tricked-out office "punch."

A Lifetime of Collecting

Take a mix of Modern Amusement's color palette and Volcom's Californication and you've got the thoughtful flair of the Vancouver, B.C.,-based apparel company Lifetime Collective. Their bright-blue-and-chocolate-checkered Pacific Beach sweater vest (above) ($60, The Office, 2136 E Burnside St., 595-5298) will keep the lucky ladies swooning. (Apparently geek chic is making a major comeback.) The men's Paradise Point button-up ($50, The Office) is simple skater cool: teal with two breast pockets, one emblazoned with the cursive signature—Lifetime—just over the heart.

PARTY FOWL

What says "holiday" better than a bucket of wings? Drunk Uncle Finn holding court at the Thanksgiving feast! Keep your cool as you pass the cranberry can with these festive looks.

—Elianna Bar-El

Put a Lid on It

Bold caps add understated flair to any ensemble. Plaids, tweeds, pinstripes—the Goorin Brothers bring an old-time feel to the urban streetware set. Pop your top with their Guinness Driving Cap (above) ($49, Urban Outfitters, 2320 NW Westover Road, 248-0020), a mix of windowpane plaid and soft Italian leather. Or rock an updated classic, the Otis Fedora ($43, Urban Outfitters), in a sophisticated blend of yarn-dye pinstripes and wool tweed.

Stardust

Yes, Michael Stars is best known for its sparkly take on the regular old tee, but this holiday season it's added a bit of sweetness to the mix: lightweight jersey babydoll tunics (above) ($58, Anthropologie, 1125 NW Couch St., 274-0293). The neutral tones and flattering empire seam are perfect for topping a fitted shine elbow-sleeve turtleneck ($46, Anthropologie) with leggings. Comfort and cuteness all wrapped into one.

Stone Cold Fashion

With the chill moving in, it's time for your winter outerwear to make its seasonal appearance. But don't shudder just yet. The designers behind Volcom's 2006 holiday line make it easy to endure. Grab an On Deck double-breasted, herringbone peacoat ($76, Exit Real World, 206 NW 23rd Ave., 226-3948) for yourself and revel in the dainty three-quarter sleeves, slight front and back shearing and novelty grandpa buttons. And treat your little bro to the striped navy Reactor Sweater (above) (Exit Real World, call for availability). He'll dig the special stitch detailing and back twill pocket.

Charmed, I'm Sure

Local jewelry maven Anna Korte hits up estate sales and vintage-jewelry sellers to create her unique adornments. Solid-brass chains, colorful antique charms and vintage '50s Lucite all make up the framework of her striking creations. Add romantic layers to your look with skinny and chunky charm wrap necklaces ($70-$100, Seaplane, 827 NW 23rd Ave., 234-2409) and chic toggle bracelets ($70, Pin Me Apparel, 3705 N Mississippi Ave., 281-1572). Word to a savvy sista: Snag these limited-edition jewels while you can.

GIMME MORE

Puddle Jumping Finally, an alternative to galoshes! Now that the rain is here to stay, whip out these Tretorn Plask W rain boots ($130, Baddoll Shoes, 1639 NW Marshall St., 525-2202) and have absolutely no shame in rockin' them all day, every day—till the end of June. Stylish 2-inch wedge? Check. Knee-high rubber? Check. Choice of seal brown, cypress green and persimmon orange? Check, check and check!

UGG-LY Mischa Barton wore Uggs on The O.C. She wouldn't dare wear them now, and it has nothing to do with the killing off of her character. But she might wear Dearfoams Fur Boots ($49, dearfoams.com). Why? Each has a little velvet bow tied to the top—like mistletoe above Ryan's head.

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WWeek 2015