On the hunt for new duds, gifts or gourmet treats? Head for Tualatin Valley, just west of Portland. Shopping the region’s independently owned boutiques and vintage stores is the perfect way to while away a wintry afternoon. Plus, it can inspire a deeper connection with the businesses that help make Tualatin Valley such a great place to visit. Finding a cool new ’fit and supporting small-business owners who make their communities a better place? That’s a real score. Here’s where to find stylish clothes, home goods and other unique treasures in the Tualatin Valley.
Update Your Wardrobe at One-of-a-Kind Boutiques
Parties coming up? Zhuzh up your wardrobe with something that makes you feel special. Head to Taryn x Philip in Beaverton to find classic and elevated women’s designer clothes, including a combination of chic and edgy styles. Pick up a cozy sweater for yourself, then peruse the selection of modern jewelry, bags and other accessories to snag a gift for your mom or bestie.
In Forest Grove, pick up a plaid jacket or a wide-brimmed hat at Penney Jaymes Boutique, known for stocking stylish clothing with a western flair. Find women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as tables brimming with cute home decor. In addition to adorable finds, the boutique makes you feel at home with personalized attention from its staff. Cupcake Couture in Sherwood specializes in hard-to-find clothing items, handbags and shoes from established brands and up-and-coming labels. From nostalgic ’90s T-shirts to leopard-print jumpsuits and trendy blouses, you’re sure to find something that will turn heads.
Hunt for Your Next Vintage Treasure
For truly special finds, sometimes the best place to look is the past. Tigard has plenty of shops selling antique, retro and vintage finds for you to scour. You’ll find more than 70 dealers at Curiosities Vintage Mall in Tigard, where collections include decades of styles and memorabilia. With so many shops and always changing inventory under one roof, each visit promises new delights.
The aptly named Forager Vintage makes the process of looking for your next prize truly joyful. In addition to vintage clothing from the ’70s to the ’90s, you’ll find locally made artisan crafts like jewelry, stickers, cards and knitwear. In the same vein as their recycled-style retail, the store also offers alterations and mending services, helping your old clothes last.
In downtown Beaverton, The Vault Vintage Clothing Boutique carries everything from high-end midcentury dresses to understated blouses from the ’60s. From sequins to lace, velvet to tulle, the rows of vintage gowns alone are worth ogling — but don’t forget to spend time browsing the gloves, hats and jewelry. Each item in the store is hand-selected by the mother-daughter owners, and their careful selections have found their way to fame through the television show “Mad Men.”
Find Gifts for Everyone in Your Life
Shopping for that hard-to-shop-for friend or family member? Head to White Birch Design Company in historic downtown Hillsboro. The expertly curated lifestyle boutique is packed with specialty home goods and gifts that hit the mark, no matter who you’re shopping for. You’ll find an impressive selection of home decor that activates all the senses, including typewriters, specialty pillows, stylish glassware and well-made candles. Be sure to check out their paper goods, clothing and other edible gifts, such as artisanal jams, seasonings and oils. Beaverton’s Kinder Home is also a good store to hunt for the perfect gift. With patterned throw blankets, sleek ceramic vases and eye-catching table decorations, you may end up taking home something for yourself, too.
For the eco-friendly types in your life, check out the zero-waste solutions at Mama & Hapa’s, a Portland-based shop with a store in Beaverton. Load up on sustainably produced goods including body-care, house-cleaning and other zero-waste products. Its plastic-reduction mantra means you can either bring your own container or purchase one of theirs to fill it with things like lotion, laundry detergent and soap bars.
Sherwood’s Mudpuddles Toys & Books is a magical store brimming with educational books, toys and games for children of all ages. Spark creativity, inspire learning or encourage activity for the kids in your life. If the aisles of Legos, puzzles, games, craft kits or science experiments aren’t inspiration enough, Mudpuddles’ helpful staff makes choosing the best option a delightful experience.
