Portland Picks
Portland Mercury

Portland Picks

Imagine our surprise when we were driving north up MLK, and out of the corner of our eye - a new store! (We at Portland Picks are fabulous drivers, by the way; we share the road, and always notice cyclists, pedestrians, and the car stopping short in front of us. It’s just that boutiques are so much more interesting.)

Union Rose is the kind of store that we really do crave, full of handmade items that are hip, stylish, and pretty without being prohibitively girly. Same thing with the kids’ stuff they carry: not saccharine cutesy in the least. In fact, we wish some of it came in our size! (Hint, hint.) Co-owners Heidi and Nicole contribute their fetching wares to the store; Heidi knits and Nicole sews. On a recent visit, we fell in love with one of Heidi’s skirts, long enough that we can wear it as a dress, and stylish either way.

Not to mention the pillows made from recycled sweaters, mid-century-inspired fused glass, jewelry, knitted caps and gloves, handmade bath bars. All from local creators, all reasonable, all truly lovely. All the stuff that makes us thrilled to be in Portland - with excellent peripheral vision. (Link)

Portland Mercury

Union Rose (2023 NE MLK) was recently kicked off by Heidi Steeves and Nicole Prevost, with the aim of housing locally made goods. Including the proprietors' own lines of knits and women's apparel, you'll find an assortment of jewelry, lots of children's clothes, and small gifts. Especially recommended for those looking for sweet, homespun-feeling baby gifts. (Link)