Had a funny conversation with a colleague recently. After a meeting was over, she looked at my shoes and said, "I know you didn't buy those locally!" She was right. Most of my shoes, of course, were bought in NYC since that is where I lived for most of my adult life, and you'd be hard-pressed to find better shoes than ones you can get in Manhattan (boy, do I miss Otto Tootsie Plohound). Since I moved to Southern Oregon, I would say that my clothes and shoe shopping has been...challenged. It's all a bit crunchy or rich retiree for my taste, but there are a few bright spots and it took me a while to find them. Portland, of course, has good shopping, but as far as local stores go, the following are the ones I like the most in Ashland.
ATOMICA (116 Lithia Way; 541 488 0386): Tiny boutique specializing in neo-vintage and rock & roll-inspired clothing. They carry a few local designers and have super cute stockings and knee-highs (I bought my favorite skull socks from here!) and other fun accessories.
EARTHLY GOODS: (142 East Main Street; 541 488 8080): A surprisingly large, two-floor women's clothing store in downtown Ashland. LOTS of shoes, and most importantly, they carry Campers which I love.
NECTAR ECO-BOUTIQUE: (293 East Main Street; 541 488 3340): Specializes in "fashion with a conscience" meaning stylish organic clothing and products. It recently opened--hope it survives.
PRIZE (264 East Main Street; 541 482 0345): Easily my favorite store in the area. Prize is very West Village with stylish and oh-so-witty gifts, trinkets, note cards, home furnishings, beauty items, etc. I've bought everything from cute tees and stationery to teddy bears and dishes and even bon-bons here. It's a little slice of downtown NYC home for little 'ol me. :)
