Balance Friday - Permission to think small

As we wandered around Oregon, we started to notice the predominance of small businesses.  Oregon seems to really appreciate and support the "mom and pop" (or in their case the "edgy youngster") type store.  Food carts dot the sidewalks in Portland.  Independent bookstores thrive.  Small coffee houses appear every 200 feet on the road out to the coast. 

There was one small bookstore that we visited twice.  We were drawn in because they were always doing something slightly strange - but intriguing.  One day, the bookstore employees were grilling on the sidewalk -

One day, they had a shark art exhibit -

My girls enjoyed reading their comic books, which we don't see often -

As an American, I have been trained to dream big and be successful.  Since my children will both be in school full time this year (whoohoo!), I am inclined to fill my time with great plans for my blog and a new business.  But I kind of already enjoy my life how it is (and have enough activites to easily fill whatever extra time I will have).  Oregon reminded me that we don't all have to be the biggest, flashiest store on the block.  We can just do our thing, and it's ok if that is something small.

Portland style - Part 5

Portland style - Part 4

The fun floral print on Irene's dress caught my eye.  It was perfect for a warm summer day in the city.  She was visiting from New York, which seemed to be reflected in her bold necklace.  I didn't see much jewelry on Portland residents.  I got the feeling that Portlanders want to look like they just rolled out of bed and threw on first things they saw but it all goes together because they are just cool like that.  So, do you prefer to make statements with your prints and accessories or do you want to look like you didn't try?

Portland style - Part 3

This maxi dress was perfect for the sunny, no-humidity day in Portland.  I love the diagonal stripes.  She pushed the outfit in a bohemian direction with the head scarf and hoop earrings.  This girl was wearing one of the brightest outfits I saw in Portland, but having previously lived there, she knew how to keep the relaxed vibe.

Portland style - Part 2

While the people of Portland dress fairly casually, they trend toward the edgy side of casual.  I saw a lot of tattoos - and usually not one isolated tattoo.  The body art appeared to be spreading.

Portland style

I love the style of Portland, Oregon.  It is very casual cool.  One person described it as "hipster".  It is a comfortable (yet put together) style of dressing. 

Jonathan

With all of the coolness that Portland has going on, I was a little apprehensive to approach people on the street.  However, everyone was very nice and seemed to enjoy talking about their city.  Jonathan (pictured above) described Portland as having a "small town vibe", which I thought was very fitting.

This trio (although not from Portland) show the more bohemian casual style that I also saw -

This girl looked ethereal walking down the street in her white lace dress.  I found out that she was on the way to her high school reunion.  I'm sure she made a great impression on her former classmates.

Damask

More style to come tomorrow...

Oregon

Sorry I have been M.I.A. for a few days.  I just returned from Oregon.  "It was the best of times.  It was the worst of times."  I had a blast.  I had a meltdown.  Staying in a house with 28 people and only 4 bathrooms was the ultimate test of my sanity...and I failed.  However, in order to keep this light and airy, I'll start with fashion from Portland on Monday.