What a joy it is to announce that spring has at last arrived in Portland, hallmarked by several days of 70°+ weather, sunshine and blue skies.  It’s also showing up all around Eden with all sorts of beautiful, brightly colored arrivals: vintage furnishings, gowns, lingerie and ephemera; cosmetics and fragrances, jewelry and more!

Above photos from our Instagram feed.  You can follow us at @edenpdx, and follow our sister shop Flutter at @flutterclutter!  If you don’t have Instagram, you can still check these photos out in our Facebook album or Pinterest board.

Scotch Naturals nail polish in “Leprechan Lynch,” “Queen of Scotts,” and “Seething Jealousy.”

Tocca Fragrances in “Stella,” “Florence,” and “Cleopatra.”

MOR Basil and Grape hand creme, Annick Goutal Petite Cherie perfume, Voluspa Soleil candle, Serge Lutens Fleurs d’oranger perfume, Brehan Todd earrings.

V&A Pattern Books: Garden Florals, Spitalfield Silks and Walter Crane (background images in above collages are from the excellent dvds from these three books, which feature all of the artwork included in digital versions as well!)

We’re so enjoying the beauty of the season and these wonderful items reminiscent of spring – come visit Eden soon to see what’s new!

For a little pre-Valentine’s Day shopping inspiration, owner Cindy and a few of our staff each compiled selections of Eden merchandise that we imagine would make dazzling, singular gifts to a beloved.  Two Eden jewelry designers, Jess of Jesseca Anne Jewelry and Brehan Todd of Brehan Todd Designs threw in their picks.  Next, we requested a little more input from multi-talented blogger, stylist and yogi Allison Jones of Allison Jones Design, who obliged us and rounded out the list to an even six.  Here they are:

-Cindy-

Eden’s owner Cindy chose this vintage toy soldier marionette ($150,) who could be gifted as a lovely symbolic gesture for hard-earned love and affection.  Jesseca Anne’s bangle bracelets ($45) feature delicate chain tassels which provide a feminine touch to a classic and versatile style.  Maison Bouche is an Oakland based chocolatier and these cat’s tongue chocolates ($14.50) are a sweet and sentimental gift for the cat lady (or cat man) in your life.  Brehan Todd’s Volcano cuff ($112) represents a bold new direction for the Portland designer, who used glass, crystal, coral and bullet-shells on a vintage metal bracelet in this piece.

-Julie-

Julie always curates beautiful vintage and vintage-inspired outfits, so it’s no surprise that her Valentine’s selections are also heavy on the vintage side!  Jan Michaels lariat necklace ($85) features a beautiful brass rope chain, smooth tumbled onyx beads and little chain tassels – Michaels draws inspiration for her jewelry from Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs.  Tocca’s Cleopatra perfume ($68 for 50ml) is a full, deep fragrance with notes of grapefruit, greens, cassis, white jasmine, peach nectar, tuberose, patchouli, amber and musk.  A beautiful silk robe from the 1920s ($275) displays a floral arrangement embroidered at front and back panel, with long tassels which swing as you walk.  A colorful vintage tray ($68) shows an elegant lady out on her veranda on a bright day and could serve a number of purposes around the house (vanity table, serving cocktails, etc.)

-Molly-

Butterflies, slightly out of season in February, seem all the more poignant and interesting for Valentine’s Day.  I also love the idea of a Valentine (such as this framed pair, $165) that could double as art to hang on a wall.  This vintage glass vanity set ($85) is so darling with it’s tiny pink flowers and heavy glass stoppers (bonus points if it’s gifted full of a favorite candy!)  The butterfly trend isn’t over yet – check out these wonderful, heavy metal bookends ($85.)  Colored glasses make beautiful gifts, and the lily of the valley print screened on these ($8 each) makes a sweet present (these flowers symbolize sweetness and the return of happiness.)

-Jess-

This brass mirror ($95) would add charm and elegance to a dresser or vanity-top.  A vintage Indian quilt ($165) is a thoughtful gift in which to curl up with your sweetie, and the romantic color palette of this quilt, in shades of charcoal and coral, make it a Valentine in itself.  Serge Lutens Ambre sultan ($120 for 50ml) perfume is an irresistible, woodsy, spicy amber scent.  Voluspa’s Mandarino Cannela candle ($16.50) provides a spicy, citrusy fragrance  that when lit, transforms a space to be instantly cozy and inviting.

 -Brehan-

For the Valentine who loves editorial artwork and the printed word, La Vie Pariesienne ($39.95) provides a memorable glimpse at life in Paris during the early 20th century.  This vintage lamp ($78) featuring an Art Nouveau lady against a little moon is small enough to fit into most any decor scheme and would make an original and unforgettable present.  La Maison de la Vanille’s Absolu de Vanille ($100 for 100ml) is an incredible scent that blends woodsy and spicy notes against a vanilla palette.  Maison Bouche chocolates (featured above in Cindy’s picks) also makes chocolate bars ($6.50,) including a limited collection for Valentine’s Day.  With a number of incredible flavors (ranging from Creme Brulee to Violette to Rose with Mint) and sweet illustrated wrapping paper.

-Allison-

Allison Jones impeccable personal style is showcased in these selections.  Mon Bijou’s Cort bracelet ($98) is sleek and modern, so you might not imagine that this design is actually based on an antique Turkish one!  If you’re planning a Valentine’s excursion, this snakeskin print train case ($68) would be much appreciated (and useful.)  Maripol: Little Red Riding Hood ($60) is a wonderful resource for style and fashion-history buffs.  Voluspa’s Warm Perique Tabac candle ($28) has garnered a lot of nostalgic reactions from people reminded by the scent of growing up in the south, or those who say the scent (with notes of leather, wood and tabac) is strongly reminiscent of a man in their lives.

Allison Jones keeps a terrific blog, which you can see here – it’s a great resource for dressing, decor and color design.  Jewelry designers Jess and Brehan also keep blogs that track their inspirations, see Jess’s here and Brehan’s here.

Interested in something you see but no link to buy? Call the shop at (503) 222-2285 or email info[at!] edenportland.com with inquiries.

This week, our gift guide focuses on lovely presents for people who are in the process of nesting because of a new home or a new baby.  With a little originality and planning, gifts for friends and loved ones facing exciting transitions can be some of the most rewarding to give, and most treasured for years to come!

For new homeowners:

Artist’s Handmade Houses – An inspiring collection of one-of-a-kind, truly handmade artist homes sure to get your new homeowner friend’s creative wheels turning.

Turkish glasses – These bright, gilded glasses are a simple, yet much appreciated hostess or housewarming gift and are available in red, purple and teal.

Vintage Turkish suzani – This bright, extra long, intricately embroidered suzani would make a stunning wall-hanging or an original table runner or window valance.

Golden Cypress candle – With its smell of fresh snapped needles, this candle conjures memories of forests and holidays past.  The perfect touch for a new space!

For the new parent:

Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm – This book brings together two dozen classic Grimm fairy tales in an all-new translation. Containing a by some of the most famous illustrators from the 1850s to the 1950s, this compilation also includes beautiful silhouettes culled from original publications from the 1920s.

Turkish Suzani Duffel – Large enough to function as a diaper bag now, and a carry-all or overnight bag later, this brightly embroidered duffel is made from vintage Turkish suzanis.  A stylish piece that is sure to remain a keepsake for any parent.

Vintage Bolivian blankets – Cozy and versatile, these deadstock Bolivian blankets can also function as rugs, providing a soft and cozy space for a nursery or room with hardwood floors.  In a number of bright, striped colors, they happily complement any decor scheme.

A Child’s Garden of Verses – This beautiful board book features eight of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic poems with antique illustrations by some of the best-known children’s book illustrators of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Check out our previous gift guides: 1 • 2 • 3

Coming this Friday: gifts for academics and archivist / collector types!

The creative forces behind Design*Sponge, Wood & Faulk and Antler & Co have joined together with over 50 local Portland businesses, eateries and makers to present The Portland Bazaar – a two day event in NE Portland just in time for not-so-last-minute holiday shopping.

Eden and our sister store Flutter are incredibly excited to be participating in this event and thought we’d share some of what you’ll see from other vendors at the Bazaar…

House Spirits Distillery

Nice Work

Satsuma Press

Bridge & Burn

Frazier & Wing

Beckel Canvas

Seaworthy (note: Eden proudly carries this wonderful and creative local jewelry line.)

Oh My Cavalier!

Maak Soap Lab

OLO Fragrance

Studio Olivine

and of course, Eden and Flutter!

…plus many, many more!  For a full list of vendors and more information about the vendors shown here, visit The Portland Bazaar website.  We’ll be holding down our booth with the company of Brehan Todd and Jesseca McCloskey, two of Eden’s jewelry designers (we’re extra excited that Marisa Howard of Seaworthy will be at the Bazaar as well.)

Besides shopping, there will also be multiple craft classes, liquor tastings, book signings, food, demos and live music over the course of both days – get a list of the incredible itinerary here!  With so many happenings, things to do, stuff to eat, and an abundance of local talent, we don’t feel biased in saying this is probably gonna be the best holiday shopping event in Portland this season.  Hope to see you there!

Day-after-Thanksgiving holiday shopping can be a stressful endeavor, even when you do your part to avoid the big box stores with their crazy door-busting deals by shopping at local businesses.  Eden is participating in the Little Boxes event this year, joining forces with over 70 Portland businesses to present a better model for Black Friday.

The perks of participating in Little Boxes are many-fold: a raffle for dozens of primo prizes (you can enter at every Little Box you visit,) plus get 10% off if you show a receipt from a Little Box while making a purchase at a second Little Box.

To simplify shopping and inspire original gift-giving, we’re issuing a seven-part gift guide for everyone on your list.

First up: members of your immediate, nuclear family.

For Dad:

The Man With Kaleidoscope Eyes: The Art of Alan Aldridge – This volume charts notorious design guru Alan Aldridge’s 40-year career, including some of his best and most famous artwork.

Annick Goutal Eau d’Hadrien perfume – A light, citrus-laden scent with notes of Sicilian lemon, citron, grapefruit, green mandarine, cypress, aldehyde notes, ylang-ylang.

Patti Smith 1967-1976 – Judy Linn’s photographs of Patti Smith before she was famous range from the vulnerable to the iconic and present images of a grainy, bygone New York City.

Pure Jewelry Dagger hoops – These lovely earrings are made from sterling silver hoops & embellished with antiqued silver dagger charms. These are very striking yet incredibly wearable.