Physical Element | The Daily Proprietress

the summer sale begins July 1st!

2009-06-30T13:23:00.001-07:00

There are certain things you can count on in July -- 80+ degree temps, the Tour de France, and physical element's annual Summer Clearance sale.

Now is your opportunity to stock up on warm weather essentials and not-so-essentials from cop.copine, IKKS, Pete Tees, Cannisse, as well as our fabulous local designers. Perhaps you've been coveting a noteworthy summer top or casual pants? Well, we still have some gorgeous French and local styles left at prices to move. Prices have been marked down 25-50%.*

As usual, hurry in for the best selection and sizes!

The sale starts tomorrow!

(web customers, call/write for sale prices)

Ultimate Travel Top

2009-06-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Lilla P.'s Origami Top is an ideal top for those who like to personalize their look, travel, or just need an easy everyday knit piece. The Origami can be worn in multiple ways. The above picture shows just a few! Not only is it extremely versatile, it's also a great value. We have black origami tops in stock right now for $89.

cop.copine's naruto top is back

2009-05-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

This time we have the Naruto top by cop.copine in black. One already got snatched up this morning (barely out of the box!) but we still have it in size 38 and 40 (small and medium to you and me).

new cop.copine

2009-05-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

we just received the 2-pc chemise set called the "time" by cop.copine. It's one of those pleasant surprises. You won't find this piece in the cop.copine catalog or pictured on its web site. We have the Time top in both pearl grey or black.

A Bouquet for Mom, From: You and The Pearl | Saturday May 9th

2009-05-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Shop for Mom in the Pearl | Saturday May 9th

Consider a gift for Mom, from the Pearl....

Ready for Mother's Day? The Pearl District is here to help. Over a dozen independent merchants will be giving away flowers. Just stop in to any participating business and gather your bouquet. Then take it to Little Urbanites (NW 10th and Lovejoy) for the finishing touch; a ribbon and card!

Participating Businesses:
Lucia Apparel
Physical Element
Mabel & Zora
Little Urbanites
Parallel
Nolita
Bubble Boutique
Signal Sports
Bonnet
Ecru
Shoefly
Little Green Grocer
Dig
Fez Studio

time: all day
what: let the talented independent merchants of the Pearl help with Mother's Day shopping and assemble a lovely bouquet while you're at it!
where: at all participating Pearl merchants.

Physical Element for more information: 503.224.5425

Extra! Extra!

2009-04-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

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Newspaper print graphics reflect the 80's punk influence going on right now. 2026 Paris translates this trend very nicely in their Arobaz tank in black or white.

Amy Downs Preview

2009-04-22T15:30:00.000-07:00

Just a sneak peek at some of Amy Downs' more dramatic creations!

Reminder! Tomorrow night is the Amy Downs Hat Trunk Show! Not to be missed....

2009-04-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

physical element invites you to another evening of mad hattery with the whimsical and artistic creations of Amy Downs.

date: Thursday April 23rd
time: 5pm-8pm
what: great hats! good food! and fantastic wine by our neighbors at Wine|Unwind
where: physical element | 1124 nw lovejoy st

Rain or Shine - no matter

2009-04-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Rain or shine, your style quotient won't be hindered by a little Portland downpour. We have rain jackets that don't skimp on style for function. Shown here are Adventures des Toiles and cop.copine styles. Again, you can check them out in our "new arrivals" section

2026 Paris Dresses now in!

2009-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

The question for me is not which dress to get, but how MANY? The 2026 Paris designers have made it virtually impossible to choose. See them in our "new arrivals" section of the physical element website for the details.

Amy Downs Hats Spring Trunk Show | April 23rd

2009-04-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

physical element invites you to another evening of mad hattery with the whimsical and artistic creations of Amy Downs.

date: Thursday April 23rd
time: 5pm-8pm
what: great hats! good food! and wine by Wine|Unwind
where: physical element | 1124 nw lovejoy st

Amy Downs Spring Bonnet Display

2009-03-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

Come by and check out the fantastic creations by Amy Downs - her version of "easter bonnets". Enjoy!

Watch for it. Amy Downs Hat Display This Weekend!

2009-03-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Brace yourselves for a spectacular display of over-the-top "Easter Hats" by Amy Downs this weekend!
Equal parts fabulous works of art + feats of millinery await your viewing. All this is simply a fun preview to our AMY DOWNS TRUNK SHOW on Thursday, April 23rd. Details on that later......

cop.copine's totoro pant just in

2009-03-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Cop.copine’s totoro pant is a wonderful design variation of the harem pant. Easy to wear knit waistband, ample pleating, dropped inseam, and angled leg opening. Tabbed hem. Easily passes as a skirt, but with the convenience and ease of a pant. Fabric is cotton sateen for a subtle luster. Get more details about this pant here.

pete tees :: a new customer favorite

2009-03-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

A little back story for you on Pete tees. I go to LA a few times a year to go to Market. About a year ago, I had the sweet relief of being able to go see some local boutiques in the area. I fell in love with a tee shirt in one of the shops and bought it. Well, that tee shirt ended up being one of those pieces I wore half to death. When that happens, it eventually occurs to me that my customers might love them as much. I tracked down the company and brought them into Physical Element this spring. They've only been in the shop for a week or two, and they are selling like hotcakes.

Made of modal and silk, you can imagine how wonderful they feel on the skin! The shirts also have nice details that make them anything but ordinary, be it the clever pleating at the small of the back , or an interesting burn out print.

These aren't up on our web site, but here is an example of a couple of styles. We have the print top in 3 variations: white on white, dove grey on white, or black on white (shown). The tees are also nicely priced with most coming in under $90. The sheer cardigan has the wonderful back pleat detail I mentioned.

2026 Paris Samoan tee

2009-03-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorite tees in the store right now: 2026 Paris' Samoan tee. This is a comfortable mesh tee shirt with wonderful black and white graphics all over. Shots of lime green and chartreuse stitching add a little color punch. Worn alone or as a layer, it will make any outfit stand out from the crowd. $125.

spring has sprung: Groa Wadi dress

2009-03-12T08:25:00.000-07:00

The perfect shot of color after a long winter season. Casch makes tie-dye suddenly modern. Who knew it could be done?
Feminine bubble hem, slightly nipped in waist and crinkle texture. Fully lined. Find it here.

new label for physical element: 2026 Paris

2009-03-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

We are excited to introduce 2026 Paris to you. We feel it's a perfect compliment to our cop.copine and IKKS offerings. 2026 brings us welcome splashes of color for Spring as well as interesting mixes of fabrics. Shown here is the LONDON tee. See all their offerings in our "new arrivals" section of our website.

Spring Forward with Physical Element and Ste.Maine

2009-03-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

We are teaming up with the wonderful proprietresses at Ste. Maine in Westmoreland for a "Spring Forward" fashion show for body and home.

Please join us and see their amazing shop (1626 SE Bybee Blvd) while enjoying Physical Element's informal fashion show of France's latest offerings.

When: Thursday, March 5th from 6pm-8pm
What: Wine, Light Bites, 4 Free Raffles, AND 20% off all Ste. Maine and Physical Element merchandise.

It's going to be a really nice evening and we do hope you can attend!

Shot of color

2009-02-25T12:17:00.001-08:00

Two women wandered into the shop the other day and asked if all we sell is black, white, and grey. I had to laugh with them, because yes, we do have more of that theme in the store now than usual.

Let's be clear though - we aren't against color at all. My philosophy is just that a wardrobe tends to be more versatile and have longevity if the base palette isn't all over the map. I like the idea of adding color "punches" via underpinnings, tees, and accessories such as hats, scarves and jewelry. These tend to be less expensive items that can add a new dimension to your favorite jacket or dress (items that are special and more of an investment).

So, in defense of color we bring you some very pretty rayon weave scarves from India.
These would make stunning head wraps, shawls, or belts in addition to neck treatments. Priced between $34-$42, they are a fun addition to your wardrobe.

Gather 'round

2009-02-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

Another fresh offering from Portland designer Emily Ryan. This sweet shift is perfectly versatile. Wear with a slender tee underneath now, with flats later as the weather warms. Emily has injected lots of surface interest with this dress - the zig zag gathering is at once graphic as well as wearable. Nice value at $168. Check out other views on our website.

the cowl neck dress by emily ryan

2009-02-20T11:29:00.000-08:00

After many fits and starts, we have finally received Emily Ryan's workhorse of a dress: the cowl neck pocket dress. It's hard to pigeonhole this dress because it is equal parts sporty and sophisticated. The exaggerated cowl can be pulled down over the shoulders (shown), worn as an immense cowl, or as a dramatic hood. This cotton/spandex piece also has a wide banded bottom and large front 'kangaroo' style pocket. Not to worry, it is ingeneously placed and doesn't accentuate any pouch you may have!
Available in black, this dress is an amazing piece of design for only $160.

One of the best coats. Why is it still here?

2009-02-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Every season there are a few choice items that remain on the sale rack that truly baffle me. Case in point: cop.copine's Dill Wool Coat. Now, this photo does it absolutely no justice - why in the world they would obscure the collar is beyond me. Take it from me, this is truly a splendid coat that will stand the test of time. It channels Audrey Hepburn - 2009 style. This little orphan deserves a good home.... and it's 50% off. Size Large remains @ $313.

newest arrivals from cop.copine

2009-02-13T16:04:00.000-08:00

Our newest arrivals from cop.copine are the Gloria tunic, scoubidou dress, and the chihiro summer dress. Get the details at our website in the New Arrivals section.

IKKS Spring 09 : the details

2009-02-07T16:07:00.001-08:00

Here are just a few of the items that arrived this week from IKKS. Spring feels just around the corner....

Get the details in our new arrivals section of www.physicalelement.com, or better yet, stop by in person.