Shopping in Milwaukie

The open, airy floor space of the boutique is filled with wooden displays strewn with handmade metallic wares and earth-hued gems. Some jewelry is crafted from eco-friendly or recycled materials. Much is locally and American made by independent artists; featured artists get individualized display space for their wares. Prices range widely, but basic earrings cost $20–$75, and most bracelets cost either $20–$50 or $50–$175. Individual-artist necklaces range from $20–$100. Charms are available for $10–$20 each. Select a bunch and make your own necklace, or assemble sigils of significance as a gift to a symbol-loving loved one.

Catering to the distinct and diverse needs of the urban farmer, Pistils Nursery has myriad ways to celebrate the seasonal shift. Instead of planting invisible plants, have something to show for your trouble by the end of summer. The nursery's sizable, eclectic selection of indoor plants and plant containers might seem intimidating at first, but the staff of earth experts will help you find the plants to fit your needs, and vice-versa. Terrariums, a Pistils specialty available in a wide array of sizes and styles (small, table-top terrariums are $10–$22, whereas larger terrariums range from $40–$300), are a perfect, glass-enclosed way to breathe life into any apartment, or to accessorize for your Bratz playhouse. Beyond the bio-dome, Pistils pedals a large selection of strange and wondrous, sustainably grown local plants that thrive in the Northwest climate (indoor plants cost $2.50–$36, and outdoor plants range from $8–$80).

Though Next Adventure arms adventurers with a range of outdoor gear, from standup paddleboards to alpine-ski gear for the winter months, the kayak is its specialty. Beyond the shop's sale and rental inventory of sit-on-top, whitewater, sea, and touring styles, instructors impart the ins and outs of paddling in the Next Adventure Kayak School. There, classes cover topics such as sea and whitewater kayaking, basic strokes, and techniques for rolling the vessel upright when it's overturned at the top of a grassy hill. Guides also lead regular trips across the water to local landmarks such as Suavie Island and Rooster Rock.

Pin Me Apparel is a boutique clothier with a hand-selected stock of eco-conscious and innovative apparel, shoes, and accessories. Many of the designs are close to their local Northwestern and Canadian creators, so they arrive without the jet lag of other hard-traveled garments, such as locally made Obi belts. To support leg stems in airy comfort, don the hypoallergenic reincarnation of jellies, Melissa campana corallo ($35) or Melissa-acqua ($49), which use 22nd-century technology to form to the feet that wear them. Orla Keily butterfly-stem-print big-zip wallets ($99) stylishly stow money and important business cards, while Prairie Underground swizzle-stick dresses ($99) stir up cocktail soirées.

Although known widely for its combat boots, Dr. Martens has branched out over its 50 years of service, crafting a panoply of footwear and accessories for everyone from industrial workers to flip-flop-fancying femmes. Men can pick up a pair of Dave black canvas boots ($70), sleek and understated at two eyes high, while women might favor something from the Diva collection ($120 and up) in a range of styles and colors, fitted with high heels. Although sandals are not traditionally associated with the Doc's hard-bitten image, a variety of the open-toed duds are available for keeping clompers cool. A two-strap Adalia slide sandal ($45) with thick buckles and tartan plaid keeps female feet looking tough, while men's black grizzly sandals ($85) give sweltering toes a break without sacrificing durability or quality. Dr. Martens make a variety of accessories including hats, T-shirts, and shoe care kits.

Like fancy suits, sofa sets are sewn from the same cut of fabric. These matching sets provide a well-rounded look in living rooms, but near misses tend to clash due to their small differences. At 20 show rooms throughout the western US, Mor Furniture for Less arranges complete-room sets so customers can envision the collections in their own homes. Furniture for living rooms, dining rooms, and children's rooms can be found in each store along with individual lamps, tables, and entertainment centers. The stores also carry complete sets of beds, dressers, and nightstands so that homeowners don’t receive criticism from design bloggers in their dreams.