Shop
When it comes to shopping in Portland you have to plan at least one day to shop on the NW 23rd Ave. strip. Imagine if Queen Anne Ave. extended for a few more blocks and was lined with a ton of apparel, accessory and footwear boutiques. That's exactly the vibe you get when shopping on 23rd, the shops are unique and the people are super friendly!
EXIT- This is always our first stop on NW 23rd Ave. when we shop in Portland, mostly because it’s on the end of the strip but don’t let that downplay this awesome little store that carries everything you need for snowboarding and skateboarding. I love the Insight swimwear, RVCA boardshorts and my fiancée liked the Red Vans high tops.
BLAKE- If you need a great pair of jeans in Portland, you have to stop by Blake. They carry brands like Joes, Sugar Cane, Hudson, Paige and G Star for both men and women.
GALORE DEPARTMENT STORE- Although not really a department store, Galore does have a multitude of brands and styles merchandised by concept so technically you could shop by “department” if you wanted to. They carry stylish dresses, skirts, blouses and a ton of accessories that make the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Galore is located at 823 NW 23rd Ave. (503) 279-8946.
SLOAN- I have never been in a store this fabulous that carries so many adorable dresses! Sloan carries everything from Kensie Girl and BCBG to BB Dakota. It’s quite an eclectic mix. If you're looking for a dress for a summer night or a special occasion you have to stop by and check it out!
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES- Portland isn’t exactly around the corner from Brooklyn but that didn’t stop Brooklyn Industries from opening their first West Coast location there. Brooklyn Industries is an artist-owned and operated clothing company that strives to collaborate with the community and has the constant desire to create.
BLAKE- If you need a great pair of jeans in Portland, you have to stop by Blake. They carry brands like Joes, Sugar Cane, Hudson, Paige and G Star for both men and women. 
GALORE DEPARTMENT STORE- Although not really a department store, Galore does have a multitude of brands and styles merchandised by concept so technically you could shop by “department” if you wanted to. They carry stylish dresses, skirts, blouses and a ton of accessories that make the perfect addition to any wardrobe. Galore is located at 823 NW 23rd Ave. (503) 279-8946.SLOAN- I have never been in a store this fabulous that carries so many adorable dresses! Sloan carries everything from Kensie Girl and BCBG to BB Dakota. It’s quite an eclectic mix. If you're looking for a dress for a summer night or a special occasion you have to stop by and check it out!
BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES- Portland isn’t exactly around the corner from Brooklyn but that didn’t stop Brooklyn Industries from opening their first West Coast location there. Brooklyn Industries is an artist-owned and operated clothing company that strives to collaborate with the community and has the constant desire to create.
BLUSH BEAUTY BAR- I fell in love with this little beauty bar on NW 23rd Avenue the first time I set foot in the store years ago. Owner Deborah Haynes worked for MAC Cosmetics for 14 years before opening up her own shop. “My goal was to fill the void for girls who wanted to buy beauty products but didn’t want the typical beauty counter experience,” says Deborah. Blush Beauty Bar provides a fun atmosphere mixed with quality products from brands like Nars, Lorac, Sidlab, Bare Minerals, Stila and more! When I was in their shop last weekend I picked up a Nars Multiple Stick, A Stila Eyeshadow and the Crave Portland book! 
SnackZUPANS- If you get hungry while shopping on 23rd stroll over to Zupans. This amazing grocery store is a blend of Metropolitan Market fused with Whole Foods. It has an amazing bakery that serves petit fours, yummy macaroons and adorable sugar cookies plus the wine selection is amazing! We tried the Polka Dot Riesling which is imported from Germany and it was delicious!
MASU- A trip to Portland would be incomplete without a visit to Masu, the best sushi restaurant in the city! The atmosphere reminds me of a swanky New York loft, the drinks are stiff and the sushi is fresh, it’s the perfect combination. My favorite roll on the menu is the Lotus roll which has tuna, crab and avocado. Pair that with the Ume Blossom cocktail and you’ll be in heaven! If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, be sure to make reservations because this place is so good it fills up quickly!
DOUG FIR- After a long weekend of shopping in Portland there’s nothing better than a Bloody Mary and a nice brunch at Doug Fir. Located in the lower Burnside neighborhood, Doug Fir has retro 1950’s décor mixed with original log cabin woodwork, these two elements set the perfect backdrop for seriously delish food like the Satyricon Scramble that’s made with three eggs, baby spinach, tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta cheese. For a hearty meal try the Logger breakfast which comes with two eggs, rosemary potatoes (which are to die for!), and your choice of bacon, pork, veggie sausage, chicken fried steak or pancakes. Doug Fir is located at 830 E. Burnside in Portland.
StayHands down, the best place to stay while you visit Portland is Hotel Monaco! The accommodations are exquisite and the location is central to all the Downtown shops! Hotel Monaco has a complimentary happy hour featuring beer, wine and cocktails everyday in the lobby from 5-6pm and when we were in town they also had live music by musicians from Rio de Janeiro. Hotel Monaco was also recently awarded the Green Seal for meeting Environmental Standards. My favorite part about staying at Hotel Monaco is that it’s pet-friendly which means that when my fiancée finally gives in and buys me a French bulldog puppy, I can bring him along too! If you already have a pet, visit the hotel website for a great map of pet-friendly places in Portland and if you are pet-free, Hotel Monaco will bring you a complimentary gold fish to keep with you during your stay.
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have a blast girlfriend!!!!
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