Cropped But Not a Crop Top

Do you struggle to find the perfect fitting everyday top? You know the one I'm talking about.. The one that's a little boxy, slightly cropped, and hits right at the top of your pants. The one that fits just right. Folly has what you're looking for! We love a top that is slightly cropped, but definitely not a “crop top”.

Lumi Top

Rita Top

Mash Top

Finding tops that are just the right amount of length can be a struggle. I look for tops that are not too long, but not too short either. Hence the phrase I'm coining as the Goldie Locks top!

Let me introduce to you all the perfect slightly cropped Goldie Locks tops we have here at Folly.  First off, are our wonderful Carol tops from our good friends at Cameo. The Carol hits just right at the middle of my hips as someone who's 5 '4, and hits right at the top of the pants for taller bodies. The Carol is great because it is ever so slightly cropped, making it so you can wear with low or mid-rise pants without showing midriff, and it's not too long that you feel shapeless when wearing a high-waist skirt. 

Sarah, wearing the Carol in Black

Also from Cameo, there are our NEW Mash tops! In patterns called Royal Brush Dot, Royal Swiss, and Wildflower.. All a bit boxier than the Carol, with slightly longer sleeves. These tops fit me perfectly as a short/ average height person.

Me (Aya), 5'4, Wearing the Mash Top in Wildflower, Size L

Mash Top in Royal Swiss, Size L

Mash Top in Royal Brush Dot, size M

The wildflower top is my favorite pattern! The Mash tops and also our Rita blouses are my ultimate Goldie Locks tops.

Oh you don't know the Rita top? Well let me introduce you to her. Our Rita top is one we make here, and are always making them in new patterns and prints. The Rita is not a button up like the Cameo tops, it's a bit dressy-er and pairs fantastically with any high-waist pants or skirts of your choosing. The Rita top is one of our best-selling tops for shorter people, and we see why you all love it! See the fit on Sarah: the Rita hits right at the waist, accentuating the waistline.

Check out our NEW Rita top in Oaxaca!! With matching Trista pants.

Last but not least is our Lumi knit top! The Lumi is a perfect everyday top, and it's soooo soft. The Lumi is your perfect companion to your favorite pair of jeans, or any bottoms of your choosing! You'll catch me this summer in our wonderful Lumis paired with our comfy Miles pants. Together, the Lumi and the Miles make the comfiest combo that makes you feel like you're wearing pajamas while still looking amazing!!

So, why do I love wearing tops that sit right at the top of my pants and nothing longer? Personally I think they are more flattering on my body type. I carry most of my weight in my stomach area, and have smaller legs, so I like to wear high-waist bottoms. I also think I have a good butt, so it feels like a shame to cover it with a top!

Whether you choose to show off your stuff, or stay covered, we got you! All bodies are so different, and we make clothes for everyone. 

Whether your short, tall, big, or small

we have the perfect length tops for y'all!

 

Happy Friday #follygirls,

Aya 

Clothing as Self-Expression

I love the power that clothes have.  Clothes can change your confidence, they can change your mood, they can change how you act, and they can change how you're perceived in the world. I love harnessing the power of clothes and using them to my advantage. 

I know my physical appearance is how people perceive me, but I'm so much more than my body and appearance. I'm kind, I'm funny, I'm artistic, I'm loving, and so much more.

 

 

 My body is uniquely my own, and I love that about it. I think that's why I like to put unique clothing on my body to express that feeling of having autonomy and ownership of my body. That's why I'm so happy to be working at Folly and finding the #follygirl community here; I get to work in an environment that celebrates creative freedom.

 

 

As a kid, my mom let me dress myself from a very young age, and I loveddddd patterns. Polkadots, stripes, floral patterns you name it. An outfit with polka dots, stripes, and florals together? Yes, please! I wore velvet dresses with cowboy hats and jelly shoes. 

Looking back on the outfits I picked out as a kid are funny now because I look pretty silly...but its not anything I'm embarrassed by in anyway, because I wore what made me happy! I hope I never reach an age in my life where I stop dressing for my own happiness.

 

I still love floral, stripes, mixing patterns together, and finding joy through planning my outfits.  I absolutely love seeing customers finding joy in their folly clothes. To me, being a #follygirl seems like embracing your autonomy and giving yourself the freedom to dress however the hell you want. 

To be a part of Who Wore What Where?: DM a photo to @follypdx on Instagram of how you uniquely style your folly clothes.

 

 

We love all of you #follygirls for being creative and and having a sense of folly with us.

Best,

Aya

 Aya's haiku of the week:

Wear what you want to

Life is better when you smile

at your reflection.

Lets Talk Pockets!

Aya's haiku of the week:

 

How many kittens

fit in the Adelia?

Perhaps three kittens! 

 

 

Let’s talk pockets.

The magical pouches of fabric that allow us to carry personal belongings on our body.

I love pockets, and so does everyone here at Folly! We jokingly measure our clothes with deep pockets by asking how many kittens we think could fit inside. Pockets are great: having a place to put my phone and other small items is both helpful and convenient, simple as that. So why is it so rare to find dresses and skirts with pockets? And why are pockets in men's clothing so much deeper than women's pockets if there are any at all?

I cant count the times I've been shopping with friends and when they notice the dress they're trying on has pockets, they'll announce with surprise "it even has POCKETS!" And I can bet that you, the reader, have heard another woman say this too. Its a well known observation amongst women or anyone shopping for women's clothes to notice the lack of pockets.

Today I asked Sarah if she knows why pockets on women’s clothes are notoriously small compared to pockets on men’s clothes. She said “I have a book on that!” So here I am writing this, with a book next to me called “POCKETS, An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close."

There's a long history to pockets and a long answer to the question of why women's clothes do not have them. The long answer short is (you guessed it) misogyny.
 

We don't like misogyny here at Folly, and we don't put it into our clothes. We make clothes for all different body types and different people. Who are we to limit what other people want to wear on their bodies? Doing so wouldn't be very #follygirl of us.

We wanted dresses with pockets, so we made dresses with pockets.

For any other pocket lovers out there, come on down to Folly on Fremont St. We have dresses (and pants and jackets too) with pockets with your name on them! Well, not literally your name on them, but they will have their name on them...right now we have in stock the Midge, Daisy, Tate, and Tina dresses.

 

 

 

Wishing you a weekend full of folly,
Aya  

Travel Season

Hello everyone!

We hope your day is full of folly. Today I wanted to talk about travel clothes.

I don't know about you all, but you couldn't catch me dead in an airport wearing jeans.

Okay yes I'm being a bit dramatic... but hard denim and metal buttons digging into my stomach for 2+ hours? No thank you.  

Speaking of travel: I totally associate this adorable farmers market pattern of the NEW Celana blouse with traveling. I'm imaging me in this blouse at a little french market buying fresh bread and drinking lemonade.

When I'm traveling and at the airport, I'll usually wear leggings and a basic t-shirt, and although this outfit is just fine for my needs of comfort, I feel like I'm sacrificing my personal style for something comfortable and easy. 

Hmmm I wonder where I could shop for clothes that are cute AND cozy? 

*Ahem* Its here at Folly! 

I've only been working at Folly for a week, but I already know that you don't have to choose between personal style and feeling comfortable. "Life is hard, your clothes should be soft" is something that Sarah says, and I couldn't agree more!   

 

Sarah in our NEW Strawberry Tina dress, perfect for travel. Did we mention it has POCKETS!?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gigi wanted to match with Sarah, so we paired her Tina dress with the Strawberry Slouchy Bag by Busy Mushroom! Double Strawberry cuteness.

I want my clothes to comfortable especially for vacations, traveling, or warmer weather. For example, If I went on summer vacation to Italy, I want to focus on having a good time and sight-seeing; not focusing on adjusting my shorts constantly so my thighs don't rub, or not eating all the pasta my heart desires because I'm afraid I'll have to unbutton my jeans.

Clothes are meant to fit me, I am not meant to change myself to fit clothes. 

If you're looking for cute and cozy pants this spring and summer, we recommend any of the Miles, Trista, Gemma, or Zelda pants 

Zelda Pants (the naked but not naked pants)

 

 

 

 

 

Miles Pants

  

Trista Pants

    Aya's haiku of the week:

 

     Flowers are in bloom,

    the sun is saying hello.

    Say hello back too.

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

Back to Basics. Classic Gifts for Everyone!

Need a gift for a special girl but can't quite come up with the perfect unique yet classic something? Shopping at local boutiques is the way to go. Boutique shopping is so fun because every small business owner puts their own twist on things! At Folly we make some of the clothing right in our magical "back room".

Kiersten Crowley is one of the many Portland based makers we carry. Gorgeously hand crafted jewelry that can fit right into your collection, no matter what your personal style! We love how she mixes brass and sterling silver in tiny and sweet details.

Bit Bar Studs $48

The Obi Belt by Sarah Bibb is a staple at Folly. Perfect to add a little pattern to an outfit, experiment with mixing prints, to cinch in a boxy dress...actually there are about a million reasons to love an obi belt! The Obi Belt comes in two widths and an ever growing array of colors!

Obi Belts by Sarah Bibb $45

There's nothing like a knee high sock to keep you cozy in the cold weather. Peony & Moss have the cutest prints in the world! We love this sweet floral.

Dreamer Socks $15

This pic is a 3-fer! Yup, all of these lovely things were made in the USA!

I LOVE the 7th Avenue Apothecary candles. They make a perfect gift. Cozy cashmere and frankincense, minted grapefruit and sage...there's a perfect scent for anyone. 

Glass Jar Candles $28

Las but certainly not least, a Sarah Bibb Slip! There's a perfect one for a special lady in your life. Not only are they incredibly useful and practical, they are gorgeous as lingerie as well! Never thought anyone really needed a slip? Trust and find out why! 

 Sarah Bibb Ava Slip $78

Folly
NW 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-954-1334

Tuesday-Friday 10-7; Saturday 11-6; Closed Sunday/Monday

sarah@follypdx.com

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Sweater Weather and You in Folly

The leaves are changing and the temp is dropping! Lucky for you Folly is stocked full of gorgeous cozy sweaters and cold weather gear.  We've got the perfect outfit whether you're going pumpkin picking or having a girls night out.

The Candy Tunic is going to be your new best friend! Cozy cowl, slim sleeve that you can layer under your favorite grandpa cardi or fall coat,  and the perfect pairing for Tummy Tuck leggings or Level99 Jeggings. Lots of colors to choose from!

Candy Cowl Tunic $128

The perfect long sleeve layering top! So slinky soft in this fabric, with extra long sleeves (this is screaming your name, tall girls)! We love this black and white grid print. It's a little edgy but goes but easy to wear. Has a place in everyone's wardrobe!

Sammy Tee $82

Look at this cozy goodness. The Claudia Sweater by Cameo is going to be your day off BFF. Cute with jeans, perfect with your "going out" sweatpants/leggings for a day of errands. Love it!

Claudia Sweater in Oso $82

No F/W season would be complete at Folly without cashmere socks! Oh yeah! Keep those toes toasty. Whether you like to indulge in a super warm and cozy sock or you need the perfect gift, these socks can do no wrong! So soft. So cozy. And look how cute that dot is!

Cashmere Socks $18

No Portlanders cold weather wardrobe would be complete without a beanie. Be the bright spot in those grey and gloomy days!

Everyday Cap in Multiple Colors $16

Hey Folly Girl, do you follow us on instagram? If you do you should tag us in your photos! Every weekend Sarah has been posting some favorite #YouInFolly pics. It's so fun to get to see all kinds of people rocking their Folly faves! We love seeing your personal style!

I love a weekly recap of how awesome you are, #follygirl 💕My goal is to make clothes you love. #youinfolly #wearwhatyoulove 💕🍁🍂🍁💕😍#sarahbibb #workplaytravel #pdxlife #travelportland #makemyday #socute

A post shared by FOLLY/sarah bibb (@follypdx) on Oct 21, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

Folly
NW 16th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-954-1334

Tuesday-Friday 10-7; Saturday 11-6; Closed Sunday/Monday

sarah@follypdx.com

Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram