Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 25, 2005)
| Pulse | - New vintage boutique brings Bay flavor to Eugene clothing scene The eclectic Smashiri Fashion also brings in popular accessories such as purses, jewelry and icon magnets BY AMY LICHTY PULSE REPORTER Eugene undoubtedly has no shortage of unique clothing boutiques, selling everything from high-priced designer garments to slightly used retro and vintage attire. But in a college town where students’ styles range from hippie to ultra-trendy, it never hurts to have another charming shop offering different looks for cheap prices. Smashin’ Fashion, Eugene’s newest retro clothing store, opened in early December on 13th Avenue between Willamette and Oak streets. This quaint shop offers everything from Tommy Hiliger dress shirts for just $12 to classic Converse shoes for around $20. But Smashin Fashion doesn’t stop at clothing. The shop brings in popular styles of jewel ry, inexpensive magnets dis playing classic Hollywood icons such as Jean Harlow and Marilyn Monroe, vin tage purses and other accessories such as designer sunglasses and even a Budweiser bandana. Cosmo Mullins and Lori Cates, the owners of Smashin’ Fashion, hail from the San Francisco area, where they had a business selling clothing at festivals and shows. Their partner ship goes back fifteen years and their love for selling vintage clothing stems back almost as far. “We’ve had a lot of history with clothing and fashion,” Cates said. “We’ve seen a lot of the cutting edge styles down in the Bay area.” Cates and Mullins brought a bit of the Bay flavor to Eugene because of their love for the town they now call home. “We’ve always loved Eugene,” Mullins said. “We’ve been coming here for about 15 years and we love it. We finally got the chance to move here. ” “We have a lot of city in our hearts, but we love Eugene," Cates said. “We’ve always loved it here and have wanted to move here for a long time. We just recently had a baby, so we had to get her to a better place and the first place that popped into our minds was Oregon.” And Eugene seems to be the perfect place for their shop to call home as well. “The response has been going good. We’ve already had to go back (to San Francisco) and get more clothes,” Mullins said. “We’ve been very well received here.” Smashin’ Fashion has also begun selling music, recently adding vinyl albums to their stock of CDs on a table in the middle of the store. “We sell everything from rock-and roll to disco to punk to hip hop,” Cates said. “We have a good variety coming straight out otthe Bay area. Smashin’ Fashion’s collection of clothing offers an assortment of styles. An old bowling shirt covered in patches and baring the name “Frankie” can be found near Fonzie-type leather jackets, and Dr. Martin and Puma shoes sit next to cowboy boots. “We purchase our clothes from a company in San Francisco that buys clothes from a whole bunch of different shops and boutiques in that area,” Mullins said. The future of this shop looks bright, and Cates and Mullins have set goals for Smashin’ Fashion. “We want to open in several locations,” Cates said. “And we want to make sure our lit tle girl doesn’t have to get a job for anyone else when she grows up,” Mullins added. amylichty@ daily emerald. com “We have a lot of city in our hearts, but we love Eugene. ” Lori Cates | Smashin’ Fashion owner Nicole Barker | Photographer In addition to vintage clothing and accesories, the newly opened Smashin’ Fashion sells a variety of CDs and vinyl albums. Got a story idea? Give us a call. 346.5511. t New York $198 Mexico City $220 Los Angeles $158 Lima $613 London $332 Tokyo $573 Frankfurt $365 Bangkok $599 Paris $339 Sydney Fares are roundtrip from Portland. Restrictions apply. Taxes not included. Fares subject to change. Eurailpass issued On-The-Spot 1430 S.W. Park Ave. Portland, OR 97201 12TRAVELCUIS See the world your way 503-274-2323 800-592-CUTS (2887) portland@travelcuts.com ASK US ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE FLEXIBLE FARES www.travelcuts.com $2.25 WELLS, all day, every day LIVE MUSIC: Tuesday & Friday Patrick & Giri Saturday Open Micjam 8pm-1 am $5 SPECIALS Tuesday: Steak and Brew Thursday: Enchiladas and Mary Saturday: Burger and Brew 021085 Don t forget to book tke party bus! $49 two-day lift ticket $69 rooms THE INN Of THE SEVENTH MOUNTAIN mtbachelor.com/college 800-839-2442 Students only, 18-23, restrictions apply.
