Across the River: East Meets West

When Flutter / Eden and Porch Light owners Cindy Rokoff and Keiran Best decided to split the space at 221 NW 11th Ave. (formerly Versailles Interiors) last spring to open two new shops, they had a good feeling about Portland's west side.  Friends and former Mississippi Avenue neighbors, Best and Rokoff turned out to be far from the only business owners to sense an opportunity across the river.  

There's currently an east-side exodus of shops, coffee houses and eateries moving or setting up second (or third) locations downtown, in the Pearl and in Portland's newly christened "West-End" neighborhood.  In case you're an east-sider who hasn't been downtown in awhile, or a west-sider who may not yet have gotten around to exploring new neighborhood businesses, we thought we'd shine a little spotlight on some of the new additions to the west side neighborhoods!

Stylistically speaking, Eden is undoubtedly a relative of Flutter - you can find perfume, art books, gifts, candles, vintage furniture and clothing and locally designed jewelry.  Eden differs from Flutter with a more refined, curated aesthetic (think less Flutter-Clutter,) taking note from London's swinging 70's, a love of nature, an exotic influence (imported textiles, jewelry and antiquities) and rock and roll 

Next door neighbor Porch Light presents a decidedly different look compared to the location it moved from; while the Mississippi shop courted a flea market aesthetic, Porch Light of the Pearl features a tightly curated range of products, new and old, neatly arranged on sunlight wooden shelves and adorning the tops of found barnhouse furniture.  

Halo Shoes, notable for their high-end and bespoke selection of mens and womens' footwear, moved from Irvington to the Pearl District in 2010.  Find brands including Costume National, Cydwoq, Dries Van Noten, Luciano Padovan, Grenson, Moma and Wolverine 1000 Mile.

Right down the street from Eden, Popina Swimwear Boutique set up a second shop just two years ago (their first is on NE 42nd Avenue,) offering a range of swimwear and swim accessories, including some of owner Pamela Levenson's designs.

In our building, eatery Oven & Shaker moved in just a few months ago.  A collaboration by Cathy Whims (of famed SE restaurant Nostrana,) ChefStable's Kurt Huffman, and Aviation gin's Ryan Magarian, this new restaurant serves up pizza, small plates and artisan cocktails.

Around the corner from Oven and Shaker, EAT Oyster Bar is currently building out the space directly next to Porch Light.  The new restaurant is going to be called Parish and we can't wait to see what they cook up!

Mississippi neighbors Mee Sen Thai just purchased Jinx Cocktail Lounge, bringing the East side head count in just our building up to five!

Fellow Mississippi vintage shop Animal Traffic has happily found a second home in the neighborhood as well, with a brand new location on SW 10th Avenue.  Expect to see slightly different products in the new store with the same western / heritage aesthetic that Animal Traffic has become known for!

A few months before Eden opened, Barbara Seipp moved and rebranded her clothing store (formerly Phlox) and opened Isaac Hers (also the name of the clothing line with Seipp designs) just south of Burnside on SW 13th Avenue.

New(ish) New York style pizzeria Sizzle Pie found such success on East Burnside that they opened a location on West Burnside just across the street from Powell's Books.  With vegan and vegetarian options, Sizzle Pie has quickly become a crowd pleaser on the west side as well.

Fellow East Burnside business Lille Boutique opened a second location last year called Lille Trousseau, which specializes in wedding and honeymoon lingerie (conveniently it's located right next to The English Department on SW Alder Street!)

And don't worry, there's coffee, too: east-side coffee shop The Fresh Pot opened a third location last year on SW Washington Street!

We're tremendously excited to be part of a movement of businesses re-energizing, re-innovating and re-imagining Portland's West Side.  We can't wait to see who joins us next!

Some Springtime Inspiration.

Good afternoon, Flutter friends! If you live here in Portland, you know that we're having a rather gloomy rainy day, as well as many ones ahead. But do not fear, spring is right around the corner, which means there is hope! And even with the grey skies right now, you can sit inside with a cup of tea and dream of the colorful warmth that is soon to come.

These images just might help. They are making me feel great inside the shop this March afternoon...












And if you feel like embracing these classic Portland days, step out into the rain and come say hi to us at Flutter. We have colorful vintage umbrellas and fabulous old coats so you can look mighty fine until the sunshine is finally here to stay. xoxo.

Getting Ready for Spring at Flutter.

Let me take you on a photo tour through Flutter, all colorful and ready for warmer weather...














...as shot once again with one of my beat-up, but trusty film cameras. And now come see the shop for yourself. Pet King. Treat your children to sugary confections. Sway to the music. And give your shopgirl a smile- she'll appreciate it, I swear.

Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts.

Why hello there, Flutter friends! I must apologize for the delay between posts- here at the shop we have been making the transition from winter to spring, which is now pretty much complete! Cindy closed the shop last Wednesday and filled the shelves, couches, and tables with plenty of new colorful products- new scents, new books, and plenty of new oddities.

In a couple of days I will be sharing a bunch of film photographs of the spring-ready shop, but for now, let us recognize that Valentine's Day has just about arrived! Have you picked out the perfect something for your sweetie? Your honey muffin? Your kitten kaboodle? If not, take a peek at some of my own favorite picks for this sweet holiday. And then stop in for your last-minute gifts!



1. Abstract Seahorse Pillow ($62), 2. Tokyo Milk Sugar Bomb No. 112 Mix and Match Perfume ($18.50), 3. Nouveau Locket Earrings ($40), 4. Silhouette: The Art of the Shadow ($65), 5. Voluspa Panjore Lychee Candle ($7.50), 6. Sibley Backyard Birding Flashcards: 100 Common Birds of Eastern and Western North America ($14.99), 7. Tokyo Milk Marine Sel No. 54 Hand Cream ($18.50), 8. Key Hook Pillow ($48), and 9. Peacock Ring ($30)

Enjoy Valentine's Day, whether it be romantically with your significant other or bitterly with a dear friend- see you all in a couple of days! xo, Summer

What's Your Sign?

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a splendid week of holidays with family, friends, and plenty of sweet things. I love it when the new year hits- in a way, it means a clean slate. I look forward to seeing how 2012 unfolds with each month for each person in my life...

And with that, here are some 2012 horoscopes. I wish our dear Flutter-lovers an exciting and ever-so lovely new year!



Look forward to a calm year ahead. 2012 will be a year of financial success (especially in the early months) and a booming and sincere social life. You will feel a sudden confidence that your life is going in the right direction, and you'll be right. This is a year of major personal growth. Getting back to the roots of family values, finding a more comfortable residence or adding to what you already have will all be areas of self expansion for you. It is the time to relax and enjoy your love life. After the never ending fights, you are sure to taste success.
(Famous Aries: Charlie Chaplin)



This is the year for the ones under the sign of Taurus to be happy with who they are. You may find yourself being more authentic and honest when you interact, which will bring people closer to you. You will feel a distinct increase in your creativity and sense of self-expression- it's as if your energy is expanding. Your love life is in for better stability this year after much humdrum of the yester-years. There are high chances of finding your dream person. Stay focused on changing while appreciating the abundance in each moment.
(Famous Taurean: Fred Astaire)



This is the year of activities of all kinds for the Gemini. There will be lot of new work and new projects for you throughout the year. If you put in little effort, all your hard work will be recognized. You will be more adaptable than ever. You can expect your values about work and the routines in your life to change- there will be a deeper sense of purpose and understanding to what you do. If you're thinking of bailing out of bad relationships now is the time, but for new people coming into your life, get ready for some absorbing intimacy. Exciting, grounding and liberating times are ahead in 2012.
(Famous Gemini: Marilyn Monroe)



New beginnings have indeed arrived in your favor with the onset of 2012, Cancer. Although the biggest changes in the love realm won't arrive until autumn, romance will return as a central theme for you in 2012- just when you'd started to give up hope of anything new ever returning to your life. The mask you show others is dissolving for all to see the really real you. It's highly likely that you will gain recognition for some sort of creative effort. Explore as many new avenues as you can, for in the coming years you will be turning these selected visions into concrete realities. Remember to pamper yourself through the newness and celebrate the changes a little every day this year.
(Famous Cancer: Frida Kahlo)



Renewed energy levels are predicted for you this year, Leo, which shall help you to achieve your long sought-after goals in life. Be ready to jump at any chances that come your way. Fast reactions will bring you there, closer to where you want to be. Much orientation would be seen in your career front this year. Though personal problems might drag your feet, you shall come out with good colors in the professional field for this period. Self-expansion via travel or an engrossing new subject should fire your enthusiasm over the second half of 2012. Take life as it comes by and live it simply in a positive sense.
(Famous Leo: Coco Chanel)



Big changes are afoot, if you haven't experienced them already. They'll appear in the areas of work or home- and if the two are inter-connected, then both. Make efforts to improve your lifestyle. Be optimistic this year and try to avoid all sorts of nervousness and negativity that might creep in now and then. Be patient and watch quietly whatever happens. This year will help you to understand and realize the importance of your loved ones, how important they are and how they care for you. Learning to balance the different aspects of home and family with work and the outside world will bring a sense of empowered peace. Hard won harmony really is an accomplishment.
(Famous Virgo: Sophia Loren)



Life should be much happier, contented and lighter for Libras this year of 2012. You are on a career high- opportunities are now available for you to advance in your profession. A shifting in your world view is happening. This dissolving process could leave you confused. You will cycle between inspired and plain old tired. Try and honor the need for rest as this is where much processing will occur. Avoid impatience of all sorts for this year. If already into a relationship, this year shall see a more matured you as far as relationships are concerned. This year you will find that you have all the tools you need to make things work out beautifully and peacefully.
(Famous Libra: F. Scott Fitzgerald)



With Neptune returning to your romance sector for the next several years, your love life is about to take a poetic turn. A deep, soulful connection becomes the prerequisite for meeting people from now on. This 2012 year will be pivotal for you, since change is happening in deeply needed ways. Be honest in your communications. This authenticity is what creates trust, and trust is something you can have if you open your heart this year. You'll find yourself able to take vital steps toward your true calling and accelerate all matters pertaining to status, career and where you want to be.
(Famous Scorpio: Vivien Leigh)



This year, you shall be loaded with much potential energy which would take you into the road for success in life. You will be feeling good about getting into partnerships of all kinds. They will support your greater good this 2012 year, help you be a more creative and productive individual. This would be a decisive period in your love life. There would be a total change in your visualization of love, romance and emotions. Your charm shall be able to attract new partners into your territory. Change this year is inevitable, but you can rest assured that you have luck on your side this time.
(Famous Sagittarian: Frank Sinatra)



This year would be generally a year of low profile for you. It helps you to enter a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Matters concerning money and finance will be well-balanced, with incomes equaling the expenditures. You're beginning to think more like a poet and a mystic, and with just a little practical application, this can easily translate into wondrous creations in the world. You will be connected in important ways to positive situations. Go with the flow and really appreciate all that is happening in your life.
(Famous Capricorn: Humphrey Bogart)



Aspirers are Aquarians and they never give up till they succeed. Horoscope 2012 indicates perfection, patience and planning as the key highlights for the year. Though occasional minor unhappiness are predicted for the first quarter, it will be a generally rosy year for you. Your romantic sector can expect plenty of planetary action in 2012, bringing an abundant supply of love and pleasure. You must awaken the inner child and play with life a little more than you've been used to. Out of that spontaneous approach will come inspiration and you'll find you are capable of much more than you thought.
(Famous Aquarian: Lana Turner)



Your search for spiritual values in life will keep you going places. It is only by the end of the year, you will be able to satisfy your quest for knowledge. Involve yourself whole heartedly into any task which you undertake and ensure it continues and ends on a positive note. Communication plays a vital role in your romantic life, especially during the first half of the year. If you let your words drip like honey, you'll be amazed at how many opportunities for love open up. A little discipline will bring great rewards in 2012- enjoy the strength you will gain from the effort you put forth.
(Famous Pisces: Anaïs Nin)

The Flutter Film

We're pleased to share the efforts from a collaboration between Flutter and Portland filmmaker Justin Kolezar: The Flutter Film!

Flutter from Justin Koleszar on Vimeo.

A few months ago, Justin approached the shop to discuss the possibility of working together, and after seeing some of his other work, we were very excited to agree!

A little more about Mr. Kolezar:

"I've been working in film for the last ten years. I studied History in college and during that time I wrote and directed two feature films. After graduation, I moved to Portland where I finished my third feature. I like doing commercial work and music videos because it's a quick turnaround in comparison to full length films. I try and seek out businesses like Flutter that have an interesting aesthetic; it makes the work fulfilling. I like garlic bagels, hockey, and Jerome, AZ.

Check out other films by Justin here.

A Flutter Film & Two Gift Guides.

First, I must tell you all to watch this lovely little Flutter video, shot by local filmmaker Justin Koleszar...



Doesn't it just capture the shop perfectly? And oh, our sweet silly King, he does well in his moment of fame.

And now, more gift guides! Christmas is only four shopping days away, so come stop in the store, drink some free champagne and finish shopping for the men and women in your life with unique objects!

For the men...


1. Japanese Cinema ($35), 2. Compass Keychain ($8.50), 3. Red Army Cavalry Hat ($32), 4. Beetle Hook Pillow ($65), 5. "LOOKING FOR TROUBLE" Scrimshaw Horn Box ($32), 6. Cast Iron Jose Skull Bottle opener ($10), 7. Blackish Cicada Paper Weight ($12), and 8. Outlaws!: Adventures of Pirates, Scoundrels, and Other Rebels ($45)

For the ladies...


1. God Save The Queen Pillow ($58), 2. West Third Brand: Jardin d’Amour ($32), 3. Jane Necklace ($22), 4. Paper Cutting ($27.50), 5. Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy Hand Creme ($18.50), 6. Magnifying Glass Necklace ($22), 7. Voluspa Winesap Apple Spice Candle ($7.50), 8. Nudie Purse Mirror from Peru ($6.50), and 9. I Will Never Forget You...: Frida Kahlo to Nickolas Muray ($24.95)

Have a lovely pre-holiday week- I shall check-in again before Christmas arrives! xoxo

The Portland Bazaar

Flutter and our sister store, Eden are participating this weekend in The Portland Bazaar!  The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday at The Sandbox Studio from 9 am - 6 pm.  There will be over 50 local vendors, food, craft classes, liquor tastings, book signings and plenty of shopping.  We're bringing down a lot of inventory from both shops as well as highlighting some local designers in our booth.  Here's a taste:

 Reconstructed vintage dresses from Ark Clothing.

 Chocolate truffles, wishbones, mustaches and lumps of coal from Neopolitan Chocolates.

 Terrariums and wreaths from our Mississippi neighbor Emerald Petals.

Brehan Todd Jewelry (the designer herself will help man our booth!)

Jesseca Anne Jewelry (the designer will also be at the booth with us both days!)

Pure Jewelry.

 Seaworthy Jewelry.

 Handmade leather wallets and pillows from Lees Lamar.

 Fur stoles with bright silk linings and bow-ties from Lees Lamar.

Pillows handmade from vintage Turkish suzanis.

 

...plus a few surprises we're keeping up our sleeve.  Stop by 

A Fabulous Event and Fabulous Gifting.

Good afternoon! First things first, I would like to let everyone know that both Flutter and Eden will be at The Portland Bazaar, an event I am extremely excited about. It will be held this Saturday and Sunday at Sandbox Studio and will feature DIY workshops, great local food carts, delicious spirits, and a huge selection of some of the best local and national shops/designers. It's going to be fabulous, I know it. See you there?

And now, a Flutter gift guide. These are my picks from our online shop (which are also available in the store.) Next week I'll share my gift picks available only in the brick & mortar shop, for all our lovely Portland locals.



1. The Art of Instruction: Vintage Educational Charts from the 19th and 20th Centuries ($35), 2. West Third brand Tonic: Tobacco 1812 ($26), 3. Café Noir Jar Candle ($30), 4. Hunt Club Trophy (resin) ($42), 5. Sail Away Pendant by Brehan Todd ($28), 6. Glass Glitter Letters Designed by Wendy Addison ($6.50), 7. 1800's Penny Toy Ferris Wheel ($6.50), 8. Russian Coat of Arms Flask ($42), 9. Pretty Things ($19.95), 10. Tokyo Milk Dark : Cherry Bourbon Lip Elixir ($7.50), and 11. Renaissance Cuff ($28)