Skip to main contentAlthough Lake Oswego is only 15 minutes from downtown, a Gatsby-wide world of difference stands between civic-minded Oswegans and metropolitan-proud Portlanders.
City dwellers have excuses why they don't venture to O-town; the drive along on the river may be pretty, but it takes too long. But the biggest excuse is that this exclusive enclave, well, just might not want us urban types to come. Still, don't you wonder how the other 10 percent shops?
Truth is, L.O. is bejeweled with sweetly idiosyncratic boutiques, some new and brave, others vestiges of the town's legacy as a bedroom burg for the blue-hair set. Like Wonder Woman's Amazon island, it's a market center ruled by women (when I visit I see no men in any shops). Studded with public art and beautification planters, L.O.'s doll-sized city grid oozes quaint Anytown, U.S.A., from the pop '50s spire of Wizer's Foods to the half-zapped "Stationery" sign on the north wall of the old Hallmark. But one thing detracts from Mayberry coziness: Downtown L.O. is cruelly bisected by A Avenue. As a beeline to I-5, A Avenue (the A must stand for "At Your Own Risk") makes for treacherous foot crossings. But prowling the alleys of L.O. is a glamorous mini-field trip (you can exhaust the sights and still have time for lunch). And it's both more and less hoity-toity than you think. Here are my recommendations for must-see 'Swego delights:
BELLA TIERRA
This import goods store is co-owned by four Costa Rican sisters. They do their buying themselves, taking their nine children to India and South America to help with feeding the hungry while they negotiate fair-trade craft imports. Owner Giselle O'Connor says that although the store opened at a tough time (two days before Sept. 11), the local response has been welcoming. Oswego customers are fiercely loyal once you win 'em over: "People here like to be catered to," says O'Connor. Highlights include silk and satin bags from India ($15-$20), woven straw totes, glass bead bracelets ($6), cast glycerine soaps ($7) and self-adhesive bindi assortments for $3. (425 2nd St., Suite B, 697-5140)
GLASS BUTTERFLY
This former J.C. Penney has occupied its barnlike space for 26 years, but it still feels and smells a lot like a Penney's. GB is a vanguard small department store, with carousel racks stocking mid-range brands like Liz Claiborne and Jonathan Martin. Although I didn't spot any customers under 60, there's a thriving teen section, with Paul Frank T-shirts, DKNY sweaters (on sale for $29.99) and faux shearling jackets by Roxy and Billabong. If you want an old-fashioned department-store experience (vibe, lighting, selection) without the sprawl of the mall crowds, this is it.
(140 A Ave., 636-9043)
THE CLOTHES CLOSET: WOMEN'S UPSCALE RESALE
Nancy Leatherman's consignment shop has designer finds and hot vintage culled from lakeside old-money wardrobes. Scores were a '60s mod "Wippette" vinyl raincoat ($15), a spotless pink BCBG sweater ($24), leather skirts for $30 to $40, and a dish of free buttermints. The Closet is better for special items than thrift staples--a used Old Navy ringer tee was priced at $12.50, probably more than it cost new.
(252 B Ave., 636-5932)
LUCY PALMER'S BOUTIQUE
Owner Karen Ellingson named the store for her grandmother, and the place mixes old-time feminine accessories with sassy it-girl baubles. Besides makeup by Bloom and Rocket City and deco-styled bath products by Gilden Tree ($27.50 for a gift set), Lucy Palmer stocks a sackload of sterling charms for that dear ol' bracelet--wee loving cups, passports, blue jeans, dirigibles...no one can buy just one!
(460 5th St., 534-1435)
Fashion Group International's 2002 Preview
Take a peek at new and mindblowing trends for Spring 2002, as mediated by
a fashion retail panel with reps from Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Mario's.
Multnomah Athletic Club, 1849 SW Salmon St., 244-6910 for reservations. 11:30 am Thursday, Jan. 17. $15-25.
Seaplane First Anniversary Runway Show
Indie style shop Seaplane celebrates one year in the biz with a show featuring 20 Portland designers, foxy models and live music.
B-Complex, 320 SE 2nd Ave., 234-2409 for tix. 8 pm Sunday, Jan. 20. $6 ($8 door).
WWeek 2015