like magic
I must admit, I can be stubborn at times. I can be especially stubborn when someone tells me "Oh, you would just love that!". Whether it is a movie, a side dish, a clothing line, a town or a store-I've been known to be a snob. But the older I get, and the more I share with others-the more I realize that yup-some of you bloggers have got me pegged!
Case in point-Andrea had mentioned many moons ago via a flickr comment-that I would love a store in Portland's Pearl District named Cargo. Now, it's not that I didn't believe her-but I went to the website and it seemed a bit bright for me-I tucked the thought of it in the back of my mind and just kind of forgot.
Yesterday, while out and about with my Mom and my sister-we stumbled upon the store. The beautiful old brick warehouse was festooned with bright lanterns, sunny metal chairs were lined up at the door and elaborately painted wooden doors were propped up against the outside wall. Um...yeah...Andrea-I loved it!
My Mom is my perfect shopping partner. Not only do we have similar taste, but we both love to oh and awe over all of the details. You know what I mean, right-for example
"Oh my gosh, look at the floor-it is just so gorgeous-Oh my gosh look at the way they displayed all of those lanterns-Oh MY GOSH!"
That is pretty much how it went down.
The giant warehouse is packed to the brim with goodies, I think there is even an upstairs-but we couldn't even venture up there-we were so overstimulated in the best way.
Cargo is one of those places that is pure magic. Even if you don't feel like shopping, or it's grey outside or whatever-I can't imagine walking in here and not immediately being happy. Even things I wouldn't normally bat an eye at were so beautifully displayed it was hard not to love everything.
Tucked inside cargo is a lovely little boutique called Matisse . They feature a very well edited selection of clothes including my favorites Velvet, and Free People as well as a new favorite Neesh . I will be going back there, I am sure!
Thank you Cargo, for brightening my day!
Cargo
380 NW 13th Ave
Portland, OR
11-6pm 7 days a week
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I've seen this place, and it does look fantastic. I haven't ventured in yet. maybe soon!
Posted by:alyson | May 13, 2008 at 02:32 PM
This place looks like fantasyland :) I love Neesh clothing too.
Posted by:chez shoes | May 13, 2008 at 02:42 PM
great post, looks amazing. i need to get over there!
Posted by:cori | May 13, 2008 at 02:43 PM
looks scrumptious! and i think they should let you do the photos for their website :)
Posted by:sosser | May 13, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Oh my.
Those stools, those stools! Third picture down, any idea what kind of price tag they had on them?
We're looking for some right now and those just might fit the bill perfectly.
Posted by:Siri | May 13, 2008 at 06:29 PM
I love the moroccan-esc store you posted! how lovely. If you want, I would love to do a swap- I'll list your blog on my blog if you list mine on yours? It could help us both get more exposure. I love your blog! Check it out www.twotumbleweeds.blogspot.com
Posted by:chelsea james | May 13, 2008 at 07:48 PM
that place looks amazing.... i want to visit!!
Posted by:lisa s | May 13, 2008 at 08:08 PM
looks i would love it, too!
Posted by:robin | May 13, 2008 at 10:28 PM
So funny you posted this, Abby. I'd always been turned off by the shop because of it's over the top exterior, but finally went in to both it and Matisse, and I was mad at myself for avoiding them for so long. There are serious treasures to be found inside of both.
Posted by:sulu-design | May 14, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I know I would love it, but it's oh so far away!
Posted by:Melissa | May 14, 2008 at 11:01 AM
What lovely pictures. I must visit!
Posted by:Cherry Tree Lane | May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
The next time I'm in Portland, I have to go here. It looks amazing.
Posted by:ambika | May 14, 2008 at 11:52 AM
What a fun store! I wish you lived in LA so you could recommend great finds here! :)
Posted by:Adrienne | May 14, 2008 at 01:12 PM
yay! so glad you found your way to it (actually, stumbling onto cargo is the best way to do it, I think)... I remember the first time I drove by it. all those bright-colored puffy papery lanterns hanging on the outside and I thought, what WAS that place?! just so good inside, isn't it? and outside too. so happy. impossible to put your camera down (you got some fantastic photos by the way). and I know just what you mean about the website-- think I would've felt the same way if I'd looked at the site first too.
oh, so happy to see this, abby! so glad it didn't disappoint!
xoxo
Posted by:andrea | May 14, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Love, love, love that store! Great photos!
Posted by:noelle | May 15, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Cargo is my kind of place! If only I lived in Portland.....
Posted by:Lisa | May 16, 2008 at 09:29 AM
why, oh why, aren't there any stores like that near me?!cuz I'd be flat broke! that's why!
Posted by:angeljoy | May 17, 2008 at 03:20 PM
will be there soon and must go see, thanks!
Posted by:kim | May 18, 2008 at 02:22 PM
oh my, that store is so beautiful! great photos- i can only imagine what it was like to be there in person! maybe i'll get to see it some day...it'll be a long time, though.
Posted by:erin lang norris | May 18, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I take any out-of-town guests here. I find myself drawn to things I normally would never even notice. I love all the gifty stuff from around the world. I haven't made it into Matisse yet- next time.
Posted by:Kristina Maria | May 20, 2008 at 09:53 PM
We stumbled into Cargo accidentally on trip to Portland two weeks ago (from Bellingham) and it IS awe-inspiring....Did you get to see the old freight elevator moving?
Posted by:Janet | May 26, 2008 at 10:34 AM