Skip to main contentA visiting alien from the planet Fabu, Fashionisto has lived on earth for 3,000 years under many different guises. The Greeks called him Adonis, in Cinderella's time he was a she (fairy godmother), and most recently the Italians just called him Versace. He possesses the power of superduperfabulousness and is able to transform mere mortals into beautiful gods and goddesses with just the flick of his magic makeup brush. Stick with his-or her-fashion tips, and you'll never go out of style.
Accessorize Your Super Disguise
An electronic belt or artful attaché can be your accomplice in achieving fashion greatness.
By Nicolle Camarata
It was Catwoman who said, "The right fashion accessory can be the key to unlocking your inner super power." She should know-rumor has it her cat claws are press-ons. Not all accessories are merely frilly frippery, though; what poses as a purse may in fact pack a punch. Here's Fashionisto's top-secret list of doodads that'll deck you out, whether you're decking your adversaries or just lounging on the front deck.
SUPER-DUPER! Super Hero Stuff is a secret lair packed with all sorts of heroic T-shirts: Wonder Woman, the Punisher, Batman and more. Most around $18. 604 NW 23rd Ave., 248-4753 .
SHAZAM! With some gems claiming metaphysical powers that invite love or keep you safe, a superhero should err on the side of caution and go big. There's nothing trendier than wearing a big necklace that encases a super stone. The Corazon de Palma necklace, available at the Soho Clothing Boutique, wraps the heart of a fossilized palm tree in a sterling-silver design for a mega-powerful effect. $75. 1605 NE Broadway, 282-4940.
KAPOW! Forget fine craftsmanship and excessive detailing-you're looking for attitude that's loud and proud. Try the LED Belt Buckle on for size. It's like a reader board for your pants; you can program it to say anything you want! Those with an entrepreneurial spirit could make it read "YOUR AD HERE." $29.99. scrollingbuckle.com.
WHAMMO! So you need to look professional for your day job while still keeping your crimefighting equipment close at hand? The Rosetti attaché contains secret compartments, a hidden umbrella, calculator, notebook and small purse, all invisible to the naked eye. $29. Burlington Coat Factory, 10506 Southeast 82nd Ave., 774-8955, and other locations.
ZOOM! If you lack actual superpowers, you'll need all the help you can get. The Zoom Spyglass, at just 5 inches in length, will fit easily into your new bag. Never let bad guys out of your sight with its 25-mm objective lens that delivers a clear view 1,000 yards away. $29.99. The Sharper Image, 700 SW 5th Ave., 228-4110.
ALTER EGOS
What superheroes wear when their supersuits are in the shop.
By Nicolle Camarata
Captain Adventure
Dark Ruby Fusion necklace, $55. www.sandamianline.com.
Modern Amusement shirt, $59; 7 for all Mankind jeans, $185; Nice Collective sweater, $119. Blake.
Dr. Martens shoes, $89. Nordstrom, 11900 SE 82nd Ave., 652-1810, and other locations.
Calendar Chick
Michelle DeCourcy dress, $269. Michelle DeCourcy.
Emily-Jane necklace, $335. Emily-Jane Jewelry Bar.
Soda shoes, $28. Girlfriends.
Martha
Emily-Jane earrings, $135. Emily-Jane Jewelry Bar, 1623 NE 15th Ave., 460-0516.
Michelle DeCourcy scarf, $59; dress $229. Michelle DeCourcy, 820 NW 23rd Ave., 227-2971.
Mella wedge flip-flops, $44. Girlfriends, 904 NW 23rd Ave., 294-0488.
Food
Modern Amusement shirt, $59; Chin and Pepper jeans, $189; Paul Smith coat, $99. Blake, 2285 NW Johnson St., 222-4848.
X Star Converse shoes, $60. Baddoll Shoes, 808 NW 23rd Ave., 525-2202.
Drink
LS Dress tank, $30. Naked City, 3730 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-3837.
Hale Bob skirt, $139. Soho Boutique, 1605 NE Broadway, 282-4940.
Chaudry slides, $66; Monsac handbag, $275. Girlfriends.
Stripping Away Fashion Fears
Being exposed this summer doesn't have to be scary.
By Nicolle Camarata
Getting naked, or nearly naked, can be an incredibly frightening proposition. But with a little preparation (and just the right gear), going au naturel can be a refreshing experience.
Be a Super Show-Off
Why should little kids and superheroes have all the cool underwear? Spartacus (300 SW 12th Ave., 224-2604; 15536 SE 82nd Drive, Clackamas, 657,7666) always likes to keep things naughty and nice with stuff like Hustler mag undies ($23.95), but the Spartacists have just added locally made Pulse Underwear's incredibly sexy Superhero Collection that's sure to make your SuperFriend super-friendly. The Super Mann line ($24.95) includes an "S" emblem muscle tee and sheer brief. Wonder Woman ($44.95) includes a red top with gold trim, panties and removable gold lasso. A large selection of super-cute (and affordable) lingerie for women can also be found at Naked City (3730 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 239-3837). And sweatshop-free, but still sizzling enough to get you all hot and bothered, American Apparel (1234 SW Stark St., 721-0700; 3412 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 231-0043) has the basics covered in soft cotton and bright colors (women $9-$12, men $12) as well as right-now metallic bikinis for women (bottoms/tops $26). And Wax (waxbrand.com), a super-hot line of undies ($13-$20) out of New York City, is sure to be the next thing to get between you and your Calvins.
Be Natural
The regimen it takes to look good can be a real drag. If your wig starts to slip and your boob inserts start looking like chicken cutlets, you've probably overdone it. Keep it simple with a slew of amazing skin-care products from Kiehl's since 1851 (712 NW 23rd Ave., 223-7676). Not only does Kiehl's offer the Cryste Marine line including Firming Eye Treatment ($35) and Serum ($48) made from a cell-renewing Mediterranean plant that thickens the collagen and firms the skin, the store also sells a full line of summery skin-care products with SPF numbered from 8 to 40.
Be a Softie
'Tis the season for hardwood floors, not shag carpeting. That's why you probably need to schedule an appointment to get waxed at someplace like the Nail Suite Salon (11211 SE 82nd Ave., 652-5282). The full-service Nail Suite offers eyebrow waxings for the rock-bottom price of $12. A full leg-and-bikini wax is $65. And, fellas, owner Marilynn Casey will whack all that hair off your back for just $35. Ouch! But pain never looked so good. Now, go be a superheroÐÐor at least look like one!
DIY Fashion Starter Kit
Five steps to becoming a super seamstress.
By Johanna Droubay
What's a superhero without her tailor-made, monogrammed mini-skirt? Can't find that little black dress in a flame-retardant fabric? If you have fashion needs no ordinary clothing line can fill, follow these five easy steps and you'll be on your way to becoming your new favorite fashion designer.
1. Learn to sew.
Think you're ready to move on from making togas and tunics but aren't sure how? The road to enlightenment begins with Palmer/Pletsch School of Sewing's open classes ($10-$30 per session). Bring any project-from a skirt that needs hemming to a gown that needs designing-then ask questions and get answers, plus some hands-on help. Check out the school's website at www.palmerpletschsewing.com. 700 SE 122nd Ave., 492-9455.
2. Find fabric-cheap!
The local DIY fashion scene's best-kept secret has to be Fabric World, another world indeed. Precut fabric is just $3-$4 per yard! Patterns straight from the '70s sell for 50 cents each! 5300 N Lombard St., 285-5984.
3. Buy a sewing machine.
Hit the garage sales! The biggest and the best will be the swanky Eastmoreland Neighborhood Sale, June 25-26. Though a new, fancy machine would be nice if you can find one, when in doubt go for something durable (i.e., HEAVY). Those old Singers were made to last.
4. Get it fixed.
Sewing machines were made to be broken. Don't melt down: Get a tune-up at the Montavilla Sewing Center. 8326 SE Stark St., 254-7317, and other locations.
5. Sell your "wears."
Red Light Clothing Exchange will consider anybody's homemade garb for admittance into PDX Design, the gallery section of its store. Set your prices before you go in, and set them high enough so that you can afford to part with half-that's the store's cut. Yeah, it hurts, but until your designs are paying your rent plus your storefront's, Red Light offers a fabulously simple way to sell what you sew. 3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 963-8888.
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WWeek 2015