It's Spring!

Leaves are changing, flowers are blooming, and all of us Portlanders are starting to get more very much needed vitamin D.

Spring to me has always felt like a “fresh start” and my life experiences many changes just like the nature around me. Speaking of new changes at Folly… I should actually introduce myself! My name is Aya, and I’m a new shop associate at Folly! I can’t wait to meet you all you lovely customers that Sarah raves about. I'm so excited to be a #follygirl.

 

As I was saying, spring is about change. I always find myself doing a closet clean-out in the spring, where I get rid of all the clothes that either don't fit me anymore or no longer bring me joy. I try to follow Marie Kondo’s quote: “Discard anything that doesn't spark joy”. I find that a lot of my clothes, especially from fast fashion businesses, don't actually “spark joy” for me; and the ones that do are usually the unique and funky pieces I have thrifted or are from small businesses.

 

We love patterns here at Folly

 

It's something to think about. It’s made me try to slow down on buying more “basics” and “staple” items that social media fashion influencers try to convince me I need. But do I want a boring wardrobe full of neutral basics…. Not really! No shame to anyone who loves neutral colors without patterns, but that's just not me. So, buy what YOU want, get rid of what YOU want, and wear what makes YOU feel good and joyous.

 

Sarah smiling in the Abbie. Twirl your troubles away!

I’m a very curious person by nature, and I love exploring and finding new things. Whether that's finding new places, new ideas, or new values. One of the values I've been prioritizing the past few years is experiencing joy, and searching for it often. This can be me buying a little figurine or doll that speaks to me, or going on a walk by myself to clear my head. And am I the only one who thinks going through the carwash is still super fun? The one I go to has rainbow lights and it feels like a little party in my car.

 

psssst check out this adorable NEW Carol top in Golden Dotty

Finding joy can mean anything you want it to mean.
So whether you find joy in your favorite clothes, in your friends, or in trying new activities…you're adding a little “folly” into your life this Spring– congrats! We wish you all a lovely Spring full of change and new beginnings.

 

 

Joyously,
Aya

Happy New Year #follygirl

 We made it to 2024! I always feel some weird sense of relief when the "holidays" are behind me. There's just so much build up and stress in the air, and then it's like the air being let out of a balloon, and now it is January and it's time to start over again!

I get excited with a new season on the horizon. And it's impossible to not love Spring the best! Flowers!!! I see little guys pushing up through the mud in my neighborhood already which seems crazy but it has been very mild weather, thank you El Nino. 

Stephanie created some really cute new graphics for my website which I hope will help people understand who we are and what we do before they come in the doors. I love meeting new people and it's even better when they are already excited by the prospect of meeting the designer, etc.. 

We are also gearing up for our BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR next week so I hope you can come to that too! We will have big markdowns on Fall/Winter and some bins of previous seasons and samples to dig through. Let's clear this stuff out so we can make room for all the new goodies we are making. 

I am heading to LA the week after the SALE to do some fabric shopping for the year and folly will be closed for a week. I need this time to regroup, deep clean, organize and get my head screwed on straight to make 2024 something special that we can all enjoy. 

Please remember to shop small wherever you are! Ever single purchase helps us pay the bills. Keeping small businesses in your community is so important... otherwise everywhere will look the same and that is sad. 

oxox. Sarah

Holiday Vibes at Folly!

Holiday is a vibe and no matter which of the holidays you celebrate, the key is you feel like celebrating! 

I love Halloween as a launch to the holidays because Halloween is all about play and stepping outside of your everyday self! We had a blast this year on Fremont passing out candy to all the dressed up kids! 

My inspiration was this doll I found at a thrift store earlier this year. I saw her and just knew that she would be my Halloween vibe!  The kids that were unsure if I was "real" made my day! 

Thanksgiving weekend was nice in Portland and I really appreciate everyone who brought in visiting friends and family to show off folly and the fact that we make the clothing right here. Out of towners are always impressed by our production!  I very much appreciate it when people not only express wonder and amazement at our work but also purchase something special to take home. 

 

We all know that you can support small businesses in many ways and some are as simple as a thumbs up on a post but ultimately without your purchases we don't really exist. When you share Folly with your friends and family we do a happy dance!

 

 

Fall/Winter is about much more than dresses, obviously! We do have fun party dresses, of course, because we love dresses BUT we make so many cute tops and carry a lot of great winter pants (the best corduroys ever) and sweaters appropriate for work and casual life! We can dress your lifestyle, no matter what it is about these days. 

 

And every year we make our famous pj/lounge sets! This year the Jillian Lounge Pant and Bev Tee are a HIT with everyone. Sarah loves making pjs... she really does! You can enjoy these cozy pajamas while doing a jigsaw puzzle or snuggled up watching t.v.  Whether you sleep in your set or just enjoy the evening, there is no wrong way to enjoy a snuggly pj set! These make a great gift too. Who wouldn't want these?

We are loaded with amazing accessories for all your gift giving needs! We love these colorful and cozy hand warmers and fingerless gloves for winter! These are a great Get One, Give One item... everyone needs them!

Thank you for going out of your way to shop at folly! We love our online customers so much and without you I'm not sure how we could survive! Feel free to reach out with questions, we are always happy to help make this the best shopping experience possible! 

folly is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00

We will be open for bonus holiday shopping 

Sunday December 10:00-4:00.

We will wrap anything up extra cute for your gift giving too, just ask!

xoox. Sarah

 

Permission to express yourself granted!

 Fashion is all about expressing your personality, and what better way to do that than by embracing your personal style with fun and vibrant colors and prints! It's time to give in to the joy of dressing up and have some fun with fashion.

It's easy to think that sticking with neutral colors and safe styles will let you blend in but .. gosh, life is short and clothing is such a fun way to express different parts of yourself! Fashion should be fun and exciting, and there is no better way to express your individuality than by embracing bold and colorful clothing. Especially when traveling it's a great time to "make it special." I mean, it's not everyday that you are in Rome or Paris or NYC, or Tokyo right? Bonus, your pictures will be cute! Don't forget to send me pix when you travel! I love to share your #follygirladventures in the Instagram stories... are you following along? This year has been a really fun year for travel with so many of our beautiful regulars going all over the world in their folly fashions! I live vicariously through you so send me all your cute pictures. :) Look how cute Rachel looks in Japan this Spring!

Adding a pop of color to your wardrobe can instantly uplift your mood and add a playful touch to your outfits. Whether it's a bright yellow dress or a pair of neon green shoes, incorporating colors can make you feel more confident and energized. I think it's safe to say that in 2023 there are NO HARD RULES for fashion! In fact, if you find yourself leaning on something your mother told you about "how to dress," I invite you to examine this in a larger context. "Flattering?" according to who? I think you will find most of those rules were written by people we don't really need to worry about impressing these days. It's all about YOU and what you want! When it comes to embracing your personal style and having fun with fashion, don't worry about what others might think. Fashion is all about expressing yourself, and if you love what you're wearing, that's all that matters.

Prints are another great way to add some personality to your outfits. You can mix and match prints or pair them with solid colors for a chic and playful look. I love mixing prints and can always help you find permission within to play in this area. I've been mixing prints in my clothing since the very beginning.

And if you're feeling a little hesitant about embracing your personal style, start with small changes. Add a statement piece like a colorful scarf or a printed skirt to your outfit, or try mixing patterns with solid colors. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll fall in love with the fun and excitement of dressing up.

Come see us, we love to help you find your favorite YOU and we do this with lots of love and encouragement.

xoxo. Sarah

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00

Dresses! Come on, it's fun!

We love DRESSES and there are a million reasons why!

 Summer is the perfect time to embrace dresses, whether it’s for a casual day out or a fancy evening event. From mini to maxi, dresses come in a variety of styles, patterns, and fabrics to suit every mood and occasion.

In the scorching heat of summer, comfort is key. Dresses made from lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or rayon, making them ideal for hot weather. They allow air to flow through and keep you cool and comfortable all day long.

Dresses are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can pair a sundress with sandals for a casual daytime look or dress it up with heels and statement jewelry for a more formal event. You can also layer a dress with a denim jacket or cardigan for a cozy and stylish look.

There's something about wearing a dress that instantly makes you feel feminine and flirty. Whether it’s a flowy maxi dress or a cute sundress, a dress can make you feel confident and beautiful. Dresses also come in a variety of prints and patterns such as floral, stripes, polka dots, and more, making it easy to show off your unique style.

I love dresses for travel too! Why? Comfort and appropriate for everything but also you will look cute in all your pictures! Leave your everyday leggings and jeans behind and dress for the occasion. It's not everyday that you are in Italy! Right? Make it an occasion and have pictures you look back on and think, "Gosh, I look cute!"

Dresses are appropriate for any occasion, whether it's a wedding, a beach day, or a night out with friends. You can easily dress them up or down depending on the event and your personal style. From casual to formal, there's a dress for every occasion.

So, why not embrace this timeless and classic piece of clothing this summer? And what's better than a dress made right here, in Portland, Oregon!

We love making clothing you love to wear. Come visit the store and see where your favorite clothing is made!

XXOO.

Shopping local matters more than ever!

Do you ever wonder WHY shopping local matters? There are so many options for clothing online but there is nothing that can replace shopping in your hometown!

Shopping local can have a positive impact on both the local economy and the environment, which is why it matters. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Local businesses support the local economy: When you shop at a local business, you are supporting the local economy by keeping money within the community. Local businesses are more likely to spend their profits within the community, whether it's by paying employees, buying supplies, or supporting other local businesses. This is true! We shop locally so your dollars go on to support other Portland businesses!

2. Local businesses create jobs: Small businesses are the largest employer in the United States, and they are responsible for creating a significant number of jobs in local communities. By supporting local businesses, you are helping to create and sustain jobs in your community. Folly employs 3 people AND is my sole source of income so that's 4!

3. Local businesses are more sustainable: Local businesses are typically more sustainable than larger corporations because they tend to have smaller supply chains and produce fewer emissions. By shopping local, you are supporting businesses that have a smaller environmental footprint. It goes even further because we manufacture on site which allows us to control production more and generate less waste and use fewer fossil fuels associated with shipping, etc...

4. Local businesses offer unique products and experiences: Local businesses often offer unique products and experiences that you can't find anywhere else. By supporting these businesses, you are helping to preserve the local culture and character of your community. YES, it's all about keeping Portland, Portland! I see overly curated shops on instagram and am stunned that a shop in Peoria looks pretty much just like a shop in LA! Let's keep Portland special!

5. Local businesses support community organizations: Local businesses are more likely to support community organizations, such as schools, sports teams, and charities. By supporting local businesses, you are indirectly supporting these organizations as well. We donate to school auctions, sponsor a local girls softball team and make donations to local shelters and more!

Overall, shopping local can have a positive impact on the community, the economy, and the environment. By choosing to support local businesses, you can help create a more vibrant and sustainable community for everyone. And let's not forget RELATIONSHIPS! Everyone needs more kind, human contact these days and local shops love to get to know you!

 Plus we make the cutest clothes for you! See you soon and someone tell the SUNSHINE to start!

Happy Spring!  

 

xoxo. SB  

Folly on NE Fremont!

 Wow. I am loooooving NE Fremont Street and the amazing community of Beaumont Village!

Everyone has been so welcoming and cheerful about folly joining the street and it feels great! I am so happy to meet everyone and excited to dress a lot of new lovely people!

Come see me soon! Spring is an exciting time to fluff your existing wardrobe with some colorful new pieces. Plus, did you hear 2022 has the most weddings scheduled since 1984!?!  It makes me wonder what was going on in 1984! Anyway, are you invited to any weddings?  You know we love making dresses that are comfortable but also super festive and wedding season is a funzone season at folly! We are making new things everyday and I'm doing the best I can to get things online but for the first time in years I have to admit I am behind in this endeavor. I hope you can make it into the beautiful new shop and see everything we have to offer! Plus I love to see YOU! 

Make sure your friends know I have moved! 

folly 

4100 NE Fremont Street, Portland, Oregon 97212

503-954-1334

TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10:00-6:00