BY Michael Cavazos
Just off the 405 at the corner of Northwest 16th and Lovejoy, Folly, is a beacon of good taste and great Portland style. It opened in May of 2008, and since then, designer Sarah Bibb’s store has given our city very chic fashions. Not only will you find her line (simply called, Sarah Bibb), but you will also find a very smart, curated group of designs by brands such as Ginger Lamb, Superdry and Cameo.
The store itself cannot be missed as it sits sweetly in a façade, painted with teal and black trim, and with windows that proudly display its wares. When you walk in, your eye immediately goes to a display that sits atop a staged black and white area. 
The mannequin is styled in a little black dress with a sort of grey marbleized print. It’s sophisticated yet maintains a femininity and grace; the hem hangs at an empowered shorter length, cut at the lower thigh, making it just sexy enough without being too revealing. This is the essence of the store. It’s a fun mix of styles that will attract many modern women. There’s a sweetness or delicate charm to many of the looks, but it’s clear that this charm is just part of the garment, just part of the woman who wears it. To add another layer to the group of designs here, you will also find a decidedly vintage feel in many of the looks. In true Portland fashion, we get that great mix of vintage meets modern.
One of the more popular items in the store is the Hyla skirt. This piece is a reversible wrap skirt, usually made of a neutral on one side and a crazy print on the other. So no matter how you’re feeling the day you pull it out of your closet, it’s sure to suit your mood. It’s a simple A-line skirt that will flatter many shapes and sizes and pays homage to the von Furstenberg must-have wrap dress.
There are also more frivolous pieces, fun party skirts, dresses and tops. One of the eye-catching pieces I first fell in love with was a short, tiered skirt by local Portland designer, Ginger Lamb. This unique collection of skirts were reclaimed from vintage saris. That’s just cool.
What I love most about the clothes at Folly is their wearability. 
You can dress them up or dress them down. Pair them with a blazer or cardigan for the office or some tights in the Fall and flip-flops in the Summer. You will be enchanted by the prints and stripes. Several looks could most certainly be staples in many wardrobes. The designs are tasteful and really beautiful, made with wonderful details and strong craftsmanship. As if that was not enough, you will also find great fitting denim jeans and a large collection of vintage slips in Technicolor!
Check out Folly next time you’re in the Pearl at 1005 NW 16th Avenue at Lovejoy. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-6pm and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Also, be sure to “like” them on Facebook to keep up to date on all their latest news and fashion! Stay tuned for an interview with local designer and Folly’s owner, Sarah Bibb!
