Folly

Sweater Season!

2025-10-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

I woke up today and turned on the heat for the first time this season; sweater season is here to stay!

I LOVE sweaters, and I think sweaters make a great gift too! Their loose and easy fit make it a perfect gift to give to nearly anyone. A sweater with a great fit is sure to be a hit!

So why wait? Get your holiday shopping done early and swing into Folly!

Lets start off with the NEW sweaters we have at Folly:

First we have the Jira Sweater in Open Black. I love this sweater because of its amazing texture! You'd be surprised how much your whole outfit can change, just by changing the texture. So if your outfit is feeling a little 'flat', swap your plain black sweater in for the textured Jira!

Jira Sweater - Open Black

Next, these soft and stretchy Cherina Sweaters make the perfect present!

Above is the Cherina Sweater in Wine & Night. This boxy sweater has loose dolman sleeves, creating the comfiest and roomiest feel. You'll never want to take this sweater off!

Then we have the new Sidney Cardis!:

Is it a vest? Is it a cardigan? Is it a shawl?... Yes! Let the Sidney Cardi serve all your layering needs in one glorious piece.

Woah what are these?!! This is the ever-so-cool Aysa sweater!
The Aysa is super awesome asymmetrical sweater available in a beautiful cobalt blue as well as black:

But wait! Are your ears getting a little cold? Do you wish you had a hood? Introducing the new Parna Sweater! Available in Teal and Black.

The Parna is perfect for those who love wearing hoodies (like me!) but want to dress it up a little. Wear the Parna to work or for play!:

Last but definitely not least.. its our Simone Poncho Top! The Simone poncho has interior ties so you can have a more fitted silhouette in the front. The coolest part is YOU control the fit with the interior tie! Pair with your favorite jeans for a chic, dressed up but casual vibe:

Bye for now #follygirls!

Can't get enough of sweater talk?

Check out our previous post about sweaters HERE!

xoxo,

Aya

Aya's haiku of the week:

Chilly fingertips

kept warm in Folly mittens,

the breeze tastes of fall.

Find The Perfect Present At Folly!

2025-10-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

I'm here today to talk about gifts.

I love getting gifts, and I love giving them even more! Sometimes it's the best gift of all to see your loved one open something you know they're going to LOVE.

But sometimes gift giving is hard! And some people are hard to buy gifts for...

Don't know what to give your family or friends this holiday season? Don't worry, Folly's here to make it easy.

When people come in shopping for gifts, we like to steer them towards accessories first!

Why? Because unless they know the exact size, the desired fit, and the fashion interests of the person they're shopping for, it can make it hard for us to recommend the right clothes.

Sorry husbands but you gotta give us something to work with other than "she likes shirts".

So when someone comes in looking for a gift- we start by asking questions about the person you're shopping for, and creating a personalized gift bundle! A gift bundle at Folly is a group of accessories that are all connected to each other in some way, usually by color!

Using the photo above for example: You tell us the person your shopping for loves blue; we would pick out some items like the ones above that all speak to each other!

You could buy 1 blue nail polish and call it good... but at Folly we want to help you find the perfect present, not product, to give.

Simply pick and choose 2-4 items of your choosing from the above bundle photo, and BAM! You have now elevated your gift from simple to thoughtful.

By incorporating a color theme into your gifts, it makes them appear more elevated and put together.

The best part about gift bundles is that they can work with nearly any budget. We have $12 socks in a wide variety of fun and cute prints, making them a perfect addition to any bundle.

HERE ARE A FEW AND WE HAVE SO MUCH MORE!

One thing we pride ourselves at Folly is our low return rate. We love to answer any questions you have about our products before buying, so that you are 100% satisfied with your purchase. We provide a unique shopping experience by providing personalized styling for any interested customer that walks in the door. When you shop with us at Folly, we love to guide you to the right products we think you'll love.

Whether we're styling someone in-store, or styling a gift bundle, our job at Folly is to help guide you in the right direction.

We want you to LOVE your Folly items; so to us, seeing that is the best gift of all.

Before I sign off, I have one last gift giving advice to share, and that's to check out our table at Cargo!

Cargo is a store made up of a variety of local and international vendors located at 81 SE Yamhill St, Portland, OR 97214

At Cargo, oftentimes we'll feature exclusive items that you can't find in-store or even online at follypdx.com! At our Folly table you'll find accessories like hats, candles, mugs, socks, t-shirts, DIY craft kits, hair accessories, and more.

Aya's quote of the week:

"Some gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all." – Tinku Razoria

Sweater Weather

2025-09-25T10:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday #follygirls,

It's officially sweater weather in Portland, Oregon!

It's your favorite Folly employee here, Aya, and I'm so excited to talk about all the sweaters we currently have in store.

I would save "best for last", but I'm too excited to show this one off: its the NEW Parri Cardi in Grass. Like seriously... how CUTE is this sweater? This gorgeous green sweater is perfectly cropped, has two cozy pockets, and is soft as a cloud. We would pair the Parri Cardi with our NEW Barri Space Skirt. It's giving Ms. Frizzle in the best possible way.

Next up are the NEW Mandi Mock Sweaters which we have in both Aubergine and Olive:

The Mandi Mock is a super soft and cozy mock neck sweater. You'll want a Mandi Mock in your closet rotation this fall. It pairs beautifully with our new fall cords too!

Also modeled with our new cords, is the Ulta top in Burg and Charcoal:

The Ulta top is the perfect long sleeve to wear when its too warm to wear a traditional sweater. The Ulta is fitted like a tee, with the softness and stretch of your favorite comfort sweater.

You know what I mean by "comfort" sweater.. the one sweater that's SO good, you choose to wear it over anything else. Because why mess with perfection?

Well if you're looking for your new favorite sweater this fall...we have a cardigan that looks and feels so perfect, we call it the "perfecto cardigan."

Why is it that good fitted black tops and cardigans are so weirdly hard to find!? When I felt this cardigan in the store- I just thought "yes."

When I say we have so many sweaters in the store right now, I mean it. We have so much inventory that the back room I'm writing to you from feels like I'm in a closet! (been there, done that...)


Picture proof

So you should all buy some sweaters so I can get out! Here's more of our sweater weather galore:

Wosha Sweater- Brickish


Walda Sweater- Slate Blue

Parkland Sweater

Pronto Sweater- Slate

Chunky Vest- Deep Grey

Jodi Sweater - True Blue

Aya's Fun Fact of the Week:

Did you know that the word equinox means "equal night"? It comes from the Latin words "aequalis" and "nox".

The autumnal equinox, the first day of fall, marks a day where there are equal hours (about 12) of daylight and darkness.

Fall Accessories

2025-09-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

I hope you all had a fantastic week.

I went to the Flaming Lips concert last night and I had a blast! It was an outdoor concert with some light showers, so I got a bit chilly and wish I had brought a scarf like our NEW Biggie Scarves...

Navy Mixi

P'Orange Hounds

We have a TON of scarves at Folly like our very popular silk scarves. The Biggie scarves are perfect for Fall and sooo soft and cozy that you'll feel like you're wrapped in a warm blanket. Just try not to get cozy and fall asleep at work!

Not only do scarves add a beautiful pop of color to your outfit, but they're the perfect layering piece I always try to have in my bag or car during fall and winter time. I love grabbing a scarf before I leave the house, rather than a jacket if the weather isn't cold enough for a jacket.

If you still struggle to plan for our temperamental Portland weather like me: try throwing a scarf into your purse next time you leave the house to stay prepared for any weather change. #portlandnativetip.

The next accessories I want to talk about today are the three NEW Sweetie Bags by Busy Mushroom aka by our wonderful lead seamstress Ying.

Marbler

Partytime

Polka Cutie

And here's what I would pair with the polka cutie bag:

Next up: mittens! Similar to scarves, mittens are also a great accessory to have in your bag this fall.

What I love about these mittens is that they're finger-less; meaning you can use your phone, button your pants, and open cans, all while your fingers stay warm inside of these cutsie little mittens.

Brown/Forest

Black/Golden

Navy

Oh and did I mention that they have a flap that unbuttons to cover your fingers? What more could you ask for !?

Well.. you could ask for more Fall weather to come faster. Don't worry, were trying.

Have a great weekend #follygirls! Thanks for reading.

Aya's (bad) joke of the week:

How do you make leaves fall off of trees?
You don’t - they do it autumn-atically

Stripes, Stripes, and More Stripes!

2025-09-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

I hope you're all doing well this Friday afternoon. We finally are getting some rain in Portland today! Its finally staring to feel like fall and I'm loving it.

Today also marked my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. While I hate to admit it.. I really am such a sucker for that sweet pumpkin-y goodness. I'm sorry! I swear I support my local coffee shops 99% of the time...

Moving on...we have so many cute fall pieces in the store currently; and I can't wait to show you all! I'm not sure about you... but I LOVE stripes. Especially striped tops. Starting off with one of my personal favorites- the Beth Top in Newton Stripe!

Here's a little layout of what I'd wear with this Beth top!

Other striped tops were loving right now include Classico Stripes, Lumi Cowl in Boston, and Lumi Cowl in Nate stripe. Call me a zebra because I'm gonna be in all stripes this fall!

I love how a striped top can be dressed up or down, and goes with a wide variety of different bottoms.

Do you wear your stripes with other patterns? Or with solid colors? Let me know in the comments; I'm curious to hear.

I tend to pair my stripes with plain bottoms, but for example- this Natalie vest in Pinz with matching Davis pants totally changes my mind! I think the matching stripes set looks so cute here paired with a black top underneath.

Even though I wear stripes all year round, I do think there's something about a striped top that just screams fall. I'm not sure why...

Maybe subconsciously I think of Charlie Brown when I think of Fall, and a lot of Charlie Brown characters wear stripes...

Who knows why!?

But speaking of Charlie Brown and fall- did you all see the new bags by Busy Mushroom we just put out!?

So FREAKING CUTE!

Before I sign off for the day, lets pair The Charlie Brown Bag with some new fall favs!

That's all I have for you today. I hope you all have a fantastic rest of your day!

Aya's riddle of the week:

Whats black and white and red all over?

A striped top with a red lip.

Falling into Fall

2025-08-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

We're falling into Fall over here at Folly.

I wanted to talk about some new fall items we have! Starting off strong, we have our Patricia blazer in District! The Patricia is a fitted and easy blazer that layers just right over dresses or your favorite jeans. A blazer is a great cardigan alternative. Check out our blog post all about blazers and why we love them!

Wear this Patricia blazer with jeans, dresses, or pair it with our MATCHING Miles Pants for the cutest suit ever!

The Miles District Pants have a twisted seam, and you'll be twisting heads with how amazingggg you look in these trousers. The twisted seam gives them the cool dungaree shape! These pants are cute and comfy for work or play.

Don't forget to send us pics of you in your Folly clothes! Whether you're working or playing, snap a pic and DM us at @follypdx to be featured.

#twinning with our mannequin Stella!

#twinning with Stella!

And if you're wondering what top our model is wearing with the matching set... that would be the Darline Top in Olive Dot! This Darline top is so darlin'.

Next I want to show you these perfect fall sweaters that just came in!

Walda Sweater - Slate Blue

Wosha Sweater - Brickish

If you've been looking for a comfy and cute solid colored sweater, look no further. These classic long sleeve sweater/ tees have a thermal/ waffle-knit like texture; keeping you warm and feeling like your wearing your PJ's!

Before I leave, I must also show you all our new Gemma pants in Petite Chouette and the Trista in Capo.

Gemma Pants

Trista Pants

These pants are giving cuteness! They're giving fall! The best part about both of them? They have elastic waistbands! There's no need to compromise comfort and coziness for looking fashionable.

At Folly, we say "life is hard, your clothes should be soft."

Come on down to Folly and get your cozy fall pieces now!

Aya's poem of the week:

Falling into fall,

It's time to grab a shall!

I get in my car,

but I don't have to drive far.

I step into Folly

and exclaim "Gosh Golly!"

The colors seem to shine just for me.

I leave with a sweater and newfound glee

as I have discovered the world of folly.

Seasonal Changes & Clothing Changes

2025-08-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday #follygirls!

We hope you're having a great week.

Today I want to talk about transitional pieces as we head into fall.

If you're thinking: “hold up Aya… it's still August”

You'd be correct…but fall is right around the corner!

And if Starbucks releases their Pumpkin Spice Latte at the end of August (August 26th to be exact... I looked it up), then I’d say August is a respectable time to talk about fall.

So let's jump in shall we?!

We just put out our Beth top in Newton Stripe, and let me say- these colors scream cozy fall!

The Beth top has a split neck, with 3/4 sleeve with cuffs. The fabric on this Beth top is soooo soft and amazingly lightweight.

I think the Beth top is a great example of a piece of clothing that can serve you well in almost any season. It's great to have now in August while its still warm, but will soon be getting too chilly in the evenings for just a short sleeve. Throw this buttery soft Beth top on, and you'll stay comfy and cute!

Another new piece we put out is the Lumi Cowl top in Nate Stripe! This Lumi is stretchy, slinky, and soft.

In the photos, Sarah is wearing the Lumi Cowl with the Miles Felipe pants. I also think this top would go great with black or blue jeans! My personal fall fashion go-to is a striped top with black pants. You can never go wrong with a striped top; a timeless classic.

And imagine this Lumi paired with our Adelia Coat in Draper on top- so chic! The Adelia is a great transitional item as we head into fall. The Adelia is intended for a loose n easy fit and has HUGE pockets! These are super limited! Everything is cut and sewn, so when these are gone, they are gone!

Yes, we still have some summer left, so make sure to go out and soak in the Portland sun before it goes away! While we love the sun, we're also so excited for fall and to release more of our fall items. So stay tuned for more Folly!

Aya's haiku of the week:

September leaves speak,

telling August to wrap up;

impatient for change.

Best,

Aya

Our Biggest Sale of the Year!

2025-07-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hi #follygirls!

We wanted to announce that were having a SALE at Folly!!

The sale will start August 1st THIS FRIDAY, as a kick off before Fremont Fest August 2nd. The sale will last from August 1st to the 9th.

We only have one or two sales a year... so this is BIG.

We want you to catch the best deals on your favorite folly pieces, so be sure to come on down to the store and shop with us!

I bet you're wondering "hmmm I wonder what will be on sale?" And to that I say "we have something from almost every category on sale!!!" Included but not limited to tops, bottoms, dresses, belts, socks, hats, jewelry, and more. We quite literally will have BUCKETS of sale items. We will have $40 sale bins and one of a kind samples!

So don't miss out on our biggest sale of the year! Happening August 1st-9th.

As mentioned, our sale will officially start the day before Fremont Fest on the 2nd.

If you haven't been to Fremont Fest- its a blast! Fremont Fest is an annual street fair that happens on- you guessed it- Fremont street in the beautiful Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood.

There are over 150 vendors participating! Made up of local businesses on the street (like us) and also tons of pop-up booths from other small businesses in town.

There will be art, food, and lots of fun.

If the words "bubble parade" on the flyer intrigue you like they do for me... be sure to swing by and say hello!

See you there!

xoxo,

Aya

YOU voted and WE Won!!

2025-07-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

If you haven't heard the news already… We won Willamette Weeks Best of Portland Readers Poll 2025!

We are SO honored to have received this title for the second year in the row! Willamette Weeks Best Of Portland is a readers pole, made possible by YOUR votes. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting this small business and voting for your favorite Portland Boutique! This award is very validating. We work very hard to bring you the best fashion MADE RIGHT HERE. This validation feels tremendous!

Here at Folly, we make colorful, comfortable, and stylish clothes. But Folly is much more than that. A huge part of Folly is the community that we have built, aka all of you customers that we lovingly call #follygirls. And as the years go on, that community and love grows stronger. From Slabtown, to the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, there's so many of you who's support has been unwavering since the beginning. This support means the WORLD to us! We LOVE you #follygirls <3

We are committed to serving our community by providing cute clothes, outstanding service, and a unique hands-on shopping experience to everyone that walks through our doors.

Community is so important, and we are so grateful to be able to say we have grown such a loving, supportive, creative, and fabulous community around Folly.

If you're new here... come on in and see for yourself why Folly was voted Willamette Weeks Best Boutique of Portland 2025.

We want to give the biggest shout out to Willamette Week, and all of you #follygirls who made this possible!

Watch our celebratory video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMdK76LRQLf/?igsh=bmF3eXR4OTltNWw4

Have a fantastic weekend everyone,

Aya

Aya's poem of the week:

Our clothes are not everyone's cup of tea,

some may say they're too "playful" or too "gutsy".

But its our cup of tea, and we love the taste.

So if you like this tea, then it did not go to waste.

We love to have fun and we love to dress up;

hold your pinkies high, bottoms-up!

What To Wear Under What You Wear

2025-07-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

Today I want to talk about “what to wear under what you wear”; that's right, I’m talking about slips!

At Folly we make our Erin Slips in a variety of colors such as Jade, Electric Blue, Sweetest Pink, Black, and Ivory. AND a limited edition hand-dyed slip in Butterscotch!

The LIMITED EDITION Butterscotch Erin Slip

Slips are not only a functional staple of your closet, but you can also create totally new outfits just by changing the color of the slip you wear underneath!

Let me show you what we mean:

Here is Heather! A #follygirl who so graciously offered her time to come down to Folly and try on slips for us!

We took lots of photos, and did lots of twirling! We wanted to make a visual of what different colored slips would look like under the same dress. The results? Sarah and I were both impressed at how much a little pop of color underneath changed the dress and created a whole different vibe!

If you're going to own just one slip, have it be the Erin slip in black. A black slip will serve you in so many ways and be an instant closet staple to wear under what you wear!

If you're craving some pizzazz... try switching out the classic black for either jade or electric blue. Or love what Heather's wearing? Come on down and snag yourself a limited edition butterscotch while they're still here! Heather is wearing the Butterscotch Erin under our Dahlia dress.

Do you have a sheer dress and are looking for a slip? We encourage you to bring it in! We could tell you how the colors might look under different dresses, but it's so much better to SHOW you! So don't be afraid to bring some dresses with you the next time you stop into Folly. Color theory is a magical thing, and sometimes trying an unexpected color yields unexpectedly amazing results!!

I encourage everyone not to underestimate the powers and uses of owning at least one slip. I personally love wearing slips under the few sheer dresses I have, and I love even more to wear them around my home for that extra confidence boost. Use your slip for practical, fashionable, or sexy purposes! We like to say here at Folly that the slips are sexy but practical, aka sexypractical™

So go ahead, channel your inner Elizabeth Taylor and strut around!

But these sexy slips are made to be worn. No "saving for a special occasion" needed ;)

Here's a little recap of why we think you should try our Erin slips:

1. Provides coverage under a sheer dress

2. To change the color of an existing outfit

3. To have your clothes lay nicely on your body

4. To feel SEXYYYYY!

5. I don't know.. you tell us! DM us on Instagram @follypdx of why you love your Erin slips and how you style them <3

That's all for now, thank you all for tuning in!

Aya's haiku of the week:

A dress that shimmers,

A slip that brings out your eyes,

Meet me at Folly

Accessories we LOVE!

2025-06-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

Today I wanted to talk to you all about the accessories we have here at Folly, and show them some much deserved love!

Classic Beret & Reversible Sun Hat

Slouchy Bag & Fishy Knife necklace in Silver

(I've also been tackling the task of re-photographing the accessories on our website- and look how cute Fanny and Stella the mannequins look in our accessories!)

One of my favorite accessories here at Folly are the Slouchy Bags by Busy Mushroom aka our amazing lead seamstress, Ying!

I think these are all soooo cute and perfect for grocery runs, walking around town, and especially travel. Their collapsible-ity makes them great for travel, so you can take it anywhere!

My favorite prints are the Dinosaurs and Apples. ---More pics of bags coming soon to the website!

Also by Busy Mushroom are our Reversible Sun Hats. These guys are… you guessed it… reversible!

Simply pull the hat inside out, pull one tie out, then wrap it around the back of the hat into the opening, and ta dah you have a whole new hat! Two for the price of one. These hats are made out of the same material as the slouchy bags (quilter weight cotton) so they're also very collapsible and amazing for travel.

Speaking of travel- we LOVE to see you #follygirls send us photos of you traveling with your Folly clothes and accessories. Here are some of our lovely customers showing off their Reversible Sun Hats!

Have photos of you wearing your Folly clothes or accessories? Whether you're traveling abroad or hanging around in town: we’d love to showcase your pictures on our Instagram stories we call “who wore what wear.” DM us @follypdx for a chance to be featured.

Also lets talk necklaces! I showed you in the beginning of this post a photo of our adorable Fishy Knife necklace (we also have one in gold too!) We have a variety of jewelry here at Folly, from earrings to necklaces we got you covered! And when you're traveling (with your Reversible Sun Hat and your Slouchy Bag of course), you want to avoid bringing your grandmas precious pearls...

Here are some our necklaces and earrings I think would be so cute added onto any outfit of your choosing this summer:

Aya's poem of the week

Bags, and hats, and socks,

all the accessories for going to the docks.

Or wear them to the store, shore, or while doing chores.

We make things that make you say "score"!

Cropped But Not a Crop Top

2025-06-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Do you struggle to find the perfect fitting everyday top? You know the one I'm talking about.. The one that's a little boxy, slightly cropped, and hits right at the top of your pants. The one that fits just right. Folly has what you're looking for! We love a top that is slightly cropped, but definitely not a “crop top”.

Lumi Top

Rita Top

Mash Top

Finding tops that are just the right amount of length can be a struggle. I look for tops that are not too long, but not too short either. Hence the phrase I'm coining as the Goldie Locks top!

Let me introduce to you all the perfect slightly cropped Goldie Locks tops we have here at Folly. First off, are our wonderful Carol tops from our good friends at Cameo. The Carol hits just right at the middle of my hips as someone who's 5 '4, and hits right at the top of the pants for taller bodies. The Carol is great because it is ever so slightly cropped, making it so you can wear with low or mid-rise pants without showing midriff, and it's not too long that you feel shapeless when wearing a high-waist skirt.

Sarah, wearing the Carol in Black

Also from Cameo, there are our NEW Mash tops! In patterns called Royal Brush Dot, Royal Swiss, and Wildflower.. All a bit boxier than the Carol, with slightly longer sleeves. These tops fit me perfectly as a short/ average height person.

Me (Aya), 5'4, Wearing the Mash Top in Wildflower, Size L

Mash Top in Royal Swiss, Size L

Mash Top in Royal Brush Dot, size M

The wildflower top is my favorite pattern! The Mash tops and also our Rita blouses are my ultimate Goldie Locks tops.

Oh you don't know the Rita top? Well let me introduce you to her. Our Rita top is one we make here, and are always making them in new patterns and prints. The Rita is not a button up like the Cameo tops, it's a bit dressy-er and pairs fantastically with any high-waist pants or skirts of your choosing. The Rita top is one of our best-selling tops for shorter people, and we see why you all love it! See the fit on Sarah: the Rita hits right at the waist, accentuating the waistline.

Check out our NEW Rita top in Oaxaca!! With matching Trista pants.

Last but not least is our Lumi knit top! The Lumi is a perfect everyday top, and it's soooo soft. The Lumi is your perfect companion to your favorite pair of jeans, or any bottoms of your choosing! You'll catch me this summer in our wonderful Lumis paired with our comfy Miles pants. Together, the Lumi and the Miles make the comfiest combo that makes you feel like you're wearing pajamas while still looking amazing!!

So, why do I love wearing tops that sit right at the top of my pants and nothing longer? Personally I think they are more flattering on my body type. I carry most of my weight in my stomach area, and have smaller legs, so I like to wear high-waist bottoms. I also think I have a good butt, so it feels like a shame to cover it with a top!

Whether you choose to show off your stuff, or stay covered, we got you! All bodies are so different, and we make clothes for everyone.

Whether your short, tall, big, or small

we have the perfect length tops for y'all!

Happy Friday #follygirls,

Aya

NEWS: Blazers for Sale!

2025-05-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Portland Blazers are for sale, and our blazers are too!

We love blazers here at Folly; they're a fantastic way to elevate any look. Feeling a bit fancy? Simply swap your cardigan for a blazer, and voila! You'll be surprised how swapping just one item of clothing for another can create a whole new look and aesthetic. Opting for a blazer instead of a soft cardigan or sweater, is one of our favorite tips and tricks on how to dress-up a basic outfit. Blazers look great with jeans and a t-shirt, or with dresses and skirts… the versatility is amazing!

Here's how some of our #follygirls style their Patricia blazers in our Felipe print.

Seriously... How cute do these two look!?

The Patrica Felipe Blazer also has matching pants too… just sayin’

Patricia Blazer + Miles Pants in "Felipe"

Another reason we love blazers is that they can be a cooler alternative for a jacket in the summertime. They have just enough fabric to keep you warm at night, and they're not too heavy to make you overheat.

Also, summer is travel season; we love recommending blazers to instantly dress up a basic airport outfit. We make our blazers year round, with different fabrics to match the seasons. Meaning our current blazers are lightweight and airy to accommodate the weather.

Our current Patricia blazers include patterns called the, Dotterina, Felipe, Pinky-Do, Vegas, Joyo Dot, and Lobster!

NEW Blazer Alert! Our Lobster Patricia

Our newest blazer is our Lobster Patricia Blazer. Imagine the scene: It's a hot summer day and you find yourself on a yacht drinking champagne and laughing with friends.. You're wearing this Lobster jacket, no?

We also have our wonderful Adelia Jacket, that can also be considered a blazer. It's longer than the Patricia, and also has amazingly large pockets. What are you going to fill yours with?

Aya's poem of the week:

Blazers and sweaters and jackets oh my!

We have the perfect blazer for your red-eye.

Or are your jeans and white tee putting you down?

Throw on a blazer to go dance around.

Need something to mask the nights breeze?

Don't be silly, please. Come into Folly, that's what you need.

We have blazers and sweaters and jackets galore,

we promise you'll find something you adore.

Have a great day,

Aya

Celibrating 17 years of Folly!

2025-05-16T13:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday #follygirls!

Last Friday May 9th marked 17 years of Folly being in business! We truly wouldn't be here without you all. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our small business.

Sarah opened the first Folly store in Slab Town in 2008 all by herself, in the middle of a recession. The store was located in an old Portland building that had apartments above it; and on occasion the residents would overfill their bathtubs and water would leak into the store.

With a dream and determination, Sarah made Folly into what it is today: a successful small business with the best group of customers she could wish for. Now 17 years later, Folly is celebrating its 3rd year here at 4100 NE Fremont St, and you can also find some of our stuff at Cargo in inner SE!

Cargo is open 11-6pm 7 days a week!

Sarah's always worked hard, and marketed even harder. In 2009, she made a Facebook for Folly, and was one of the first few businesses that actually used Facebook as a marketing tool to find customers and build community. Since Facebook was still so new, she would help customers that came in how to set up their own Facebook accounts.

I think Sarah's decision to use Facebook for her business is one of the big reasons Folly is as successful as it is today. Sarah saw early on the power social media could have to quickly and easily communicate with customers and grow community support. From Facebook to Instagram- Sarah was able to find her community of customers, and you found her!

So when I said we wouldn't be here without you, I mean it. We're so grateful for you supporting our colorful and quirky little store.

Sarah has an amazing and weirdly good ability to attract #follygirls into coming into the store. I’m not sure what kind of secret messaging she's sending out into the universe, but it's a wonderful feeling to see new customers come in and tell us this was one of the best shopping experiences they've had. That “everything fit” and it was “so easy.”

It's not just on social media, but in real life too, that Sarah continues to find and grow a community of Folly customers. We love how supportive the #follygirl community is to one another, and hearing that this community means as much to you as it means to us. We love you all.

xoxo,

Aya

P.S. Seriously… I think Sarah’s dream hangout would be a massive get-together of all her customers so she can be surrounded by like-minded creative and loving people like her.

Aya's haiku of the week:

Yippee and hooray!

As it is Folly's birthday!

Will you come say hey?

Mother's Day!

2025-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

With mother's day just around the corner, we'd like to take this time to appreciate all the amazing #follygirl mothers out there. We wouldn't be in business without you all, and we are truly grateful.

We love to see you share your favorite store in Portland with someone you love.

Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs someone can have (at least that's what my mother has always told me.) I don't have personal experience being a mom, but I can talk about my experience having a mom.

I've always looked up to my mom. She's assertive, she's understanding, she's driven, she's always learning and growing, and she's incredibly creative.

When I was younger my mom used to volunteer at the Portland Art Museum as a docent, and since my dad worked full time, she would often take me with her to the art museum when needed. I remember her taking me through the Native American exhibits, showing me old Egyptian artifacts, and my favorite: the modern art section. My mom has always loved art, and I loved that she immersed me in art and art history from a young age. My moms interest in art ignited my passion for art as well.

As I grew up, I kept being interested in art and would draw constantly. Good or bad, she loved hanging my drawings up on the walls of our home. Her support meant everything to me, and still does. I went on to get my BFA and am now currently in the process of getting my tattoo artist license while working here at Folly part-time. I am so grateful that she supports and nurtures my interests and decisions at the age of 26 with the same enthusiasm and love that she did when I was 10.

She even came in during my second weekend here at Folly and shopped for clothes for her upcoming trip. For an hour or so Sarah and I helped her find clothes and I loaded her dressing room up with dresses I thought she might love.

Here's some examples of what I gave her to try on:

The Abbie Dress

The Daisy Dress

The Trista pant and Lang top set

I reminded her with a whisper, that she didn't need to buy anything she doesn't love (my moms not the biggest patterns girl). She assured me with a big enthusiastic smile that she was happy with what she found. My mom left Folly happy, and with two of the most neutral pieces of clothing we have here. Her coming into Folly and trying on clothes out of her comfort zone is her way of showing her support for me, and it makes me so happy.

Here's what she picked:

Carol Top

Sophia Wide Leg Pant

One of the most important lessons my mom has taught me about life is that you get to set your own timeline and forge you own path. After being a docent at the Portland Art Museum, my mom decided to go back to school in her 40's to pursue a BFA in art and MFA in teaching so she could become an art teacher. And she did just that!

Whats next for her? I don't know, but I know she'll do something amazing. And I'll be here to support her with whatever she decides.

I love you so much mom, thank you for being my biggest supporter and giving me the time and space to find my own path.

My path just so happens to be similar to yours.

Love,

Aya

Aya's haiku of the week:

What is an unpaid

teacher, driver, chef and bank?

It's called being "mom".

Clothing as Self-Expression

2025-04-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

I love the power that clothes have. Clothes can change your confidence, they can change your mood, they can change how you act, and they can change how you're perceived in the world. I love harnessing the power of clothes and using them to my advantage.

I know my physical appearance is how people perceive me, but I'm so much more than my body and appearance. I'm kind, I'm funny, I'm artistic, I'm loving, and so much more.

My body is uniquely my own, and I love that about it. I think that's why I like to put unique clothing on my body to express that feeling of having autonomy and ownership of my body. That's why I'm so happy to be working at Folly and finding the #follygirl community here; I get to work in an environment that celebrates creative freedom.

As a kid, my mom let me dress myself from a very young age, and I loveddddd patterns. Polkadots, stripes, floral patterns you name it. An outfit with polka dots, stripes, and florals together? Yes, please! I wore velvet dresses with cowboy hats and jelly shoes.

Looking back on the outfits I picked out as a kid are funny now because I look pretty silly...but its not anything I'm embarrassed by in anyway, because I wore what made me happy! I hope I never reach an age in my life where I stop dressing for my own happiness.

I still love floral, stripes, mixing patterns together, and finding joy through planning my outfits. I absolutely love seeing customers finding joy in their folly clothes. To me, being a #follygirl seems like embracing your autonomy and giving yourself the freedom to dress however the hell you want.

To be a part of Who Wore What Where?: DM a photo to @follypdx on Instagram of how you uniquely style your folly clothes.

We love all of you #follygirls for being creative and and having a sense of folly with us.

Best,

Aya

Aya's haiku of the week:

Wear what you want to

Life is better when you smile

at your reflection.

Lets Talk Pockets!

2025-04-18T17:19:00.000-07:00

Aya's haiku of the week:

How many kittens

fit in the Adelia?

Perhaps three kittens!

Let’s talk pockets.

The magical pouches of fabric that allow us to carry personal belongings on our body.

I love pockets, and so does everyone here at Folly! We jokingly measure our clothes with deep pockets by asking how many kittens we think could fit inside. Pockets are great: having a place to put my phone and other small items is both helpful and convenient, simple as that. So why is it so rare to find dresses and skirts with pockets? And why are pockets in men's clothing so much deeper than women's pockets if there are any at all?

I cant count the times I've been shopping with friends and when they notice the dress they're trying on has pockets, they'll announce with surprise "it even has POCKETS!" And I can bet that you, the reader, have heard another woman say this too. Its a well known observation amongst women or anyone shopping for women's clothes to notice the lack of pockets.

Today I asked Sarah if she knows why pockets on women’s clothes are notoriously small compared to pockets on men’s clothes. She said “I have a book on that!” So here I am writing this, with a book next to me called “POCKETS, An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close."

There's a long history to pockets and a long answer to the question of why women's clothes do not have them. The long answer short is (you guessed it) misogyny.

We don't like misogyny here at Folly, and we don't put it into our clothes. We make clothes for all different body types and different people. Who are we to limit what other people want to wear on their bodies? Doing so wouldn't be very #follygirl of us.

We wanted dresses with pockets, so we made dresses with pockets.

For any other pocket lovers out there, come on down to Folly on Fremont St. We have dresses (and pants and jackets too) with pockets with your name on them! Well, not literally your name on them, but they will have their name on them...right now we have in stock the Midge, Daisy, Tate, and Tina dresses.

Wishing you a weekend full of folly,
Aya

Travel Season

2025-04-11T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

We hope your day is full of folly. Today I wanted to talk about travel clothes.

I don't know about you all, but you couldn't catch me dead in an airport wearing jeans.

Okay yes I'm being a bit dramatic... but hard denim and metal buttons digging into my stomach for 2+ hours? No thank you.

Speaking of travel: I totally associate this adorable farmers market pattern of the NEW Celana blouse with traveling. I'm imaging me in this blouse at a little french market buying fresh bread and drinking lemonade.

When I'm traveling and at the airport, I'll usually wear leggings and a basic t-shirt, and although this outfit is just fine for my needs of comfort, I feel like I'm sacrificing my personal style for something comfortable and easy.

Hmmm I wonder where I could shop for clothes that are cute AND cozy?

*Ahem* Its here at Folly!

I've only been working at Folly for a week, but I already know that you don't have to choose between personal style and feeling comfortable. "Life is hard, your clothes should be soft" is something that Sarah says, and I couldn't agree more!


Sarah in our NEW Strawberry Tina dress, perfect for travel. Did we mention it has POCKETS!?

Gigi wanted to match with Sarah, so we paired her Tina dress with the Strawberry Slouchy Bag by Busy Mushroom! Double Strawberry cuteness.

I want my clothes to comfortable especially for vacations, traveling, or warmer weather. For example, If I went on summer vacation to Italy, I want to focus on having a good time and sight-seeing; not focusing on adjusting my shorts constantly so my thighs don't rub, or not eating all the pasta my heart desires because I'm afraid I'll have to unbutton my jeans.

Clothes are meant to fit me, I am not meant to change myself to fit clothes.

If you're looking for cute and cozy pants this spring and summer, we recommend any of the Miles, Trista, Gemma, or Zelda pants


Zelda Pants (the naked but not naked pants)

Miles Pants

Trista Pants

Aya's haiku of the week:

Flowers are in bloom,

the sun is saying hello.

Say hello back too.

It's Spring!

2025-04-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Leaves are changing, flowers are blooming, and all of us Portlanders are starting to get more very much needed vitamin D.

Spring to me has always felt like a “fresh start” and my life experiences many changes just like the nature around me. Speaking of new changes at Folly… I should actually introduce myself! My name is Aya, and I’m a new shop associate at Folly! I can’t wait to meet you all you lovely customers that Sarah raves about. I'm so excited to be a #follygirl.

As I was saying, spring is about change. I always find myself doing a closet clean-out in the spring, where I get rid of all the clothes that either don't fit me anymore or no longer bring me joy. I try to follow Marie Kondo’s quote: “Discard anything that doesn't spark joy”. I find that a lot of my clothes, especially from fast fashion businesses, don't actually “spark joy” for me; and the ones that do are usually the unique and funky pieces I have thrifted or are from small businesses.

We love patterns here at Folly

It's something to think about. It’s made me try to slow down on buying more “basics” and “staple” items that social media fashion influencers try to convince me I need. But do I want a boring wardrobe full of neutral basics…. Not really! No shame to anyone who loves neutral colors without patterns, but that's just not me. So, buy what YOU want, get rid of what YOU want, and wear what makes YOU feel good and joyous.

Sarah smiling in the Abbie. Twirl your troubles away!

I’m a very curious person by nature, and I love exploring and finding new things. Whether that's finding new places, new ideas, or new values. One of the values I've been prioritizing the past few years is experiencing joy, and searching for it often. This can be me buying a little figurine or doll that speaks to me, or going on a walk by myself to clear my head. And am I the only one who thinks going through the carwash is still super fun? The one I go to has rainbow lights and it feels like a little party in my car.

psssst check out this adorable NEW Carol top in Golden Dotty

Finding joy can mean anything you want it to mean.
So whether you find joy in your favorite clothes, in your friends, or in trying new activities…you're adding a little “folly” into your life this Spring– congrats! We wish you all a lovely Spring full of change and new beginnings.

Joyously,
Aya

Happy New Year #follygirl

2024-01-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

We made it to 2024! I always feel some weird sense of relief when the "holidays" are behind me. There's just so much build up and stress in the air, and then it's like the air being let out of a balloon, and now it is January and it's time to start over again!

I get excited with a new season on the horizon. And it's impossible to not love Spring the best! Flowers!!! I see little guys pushing up through the mud in my neighborhood already which seems crazy but it has been very mild weather, thank you El Nino.

Stephanie created some really cute new graphics for my website which I hope will help people understand who we are and what we do before they come in the doors. I love meeting new people and it's even better when they are already excited by the prospect of meeting the designer, etc..

We are also gearing up for our BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR next week so I hope you can come to that too! We will have big markdowns on Fall/Winter and some bins of previous seasons and samples to dig through. Let's clear this stuff out so we can make room for all the new goodies we are making.

I am heading to LA the week after the SALE to do some fabric shopping for the year and folly will be closed for a week. I need this time to regroup, deep clean, organize and get my head screwed on straight to make 2024 something special that we can all enjoy.

Please remember to shop small wherever you are! Ever single purchase helps us pay the bills. Keeping small businesses in your community is so important... otherwise everywhere will look the same and that is sad.

oxox. Sarah

Holiday Vibes at Folly!

2023-12-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

Holiday is a vibe and no matter which of the holidays you celebrate, the key is you feel like celebrating!

I love Halloween as a launch to the holidays because Halloween is all about play and stepping outside of your everyday self! We had a blast this year on Fremont passing out candy to all the dressed up kids!

My inspiration was this doll I found at a thrift store earlier this year. I saw her and just knew that she would be my Halloween vibe! The kids that were unsure if I was "real" made my day!

Thanksgiving weekend was nice in Portland and I really appreciate everyone who brought in visiting friends and family to show off folly and the fact that we make the clothing right here. Out of towners are always impressed by our production! I very much appreciate it when people not only express wonder and amazement at our work but also purchase something special to take home.

We all know that you can support small businesses in many ways and some are as simple as a thumbs up on a post but ultimately without your purchases we don't really exist. When you share Folly with your friends and family we do a happy dance!

Fall/Winter is about much more than dresses, obviously! We do have fun party dresses, of course, because we love dresses BUT we make so many cute tops and carry a lot of great winter pants (the best corduroys ever) and sweaters appropriate for work and casual life! We can dress your lifestyle, no matter what it is about these days.

And every year we make our famous pj/lounge sets! This year the Jillian Lounge Pant and Bev Tee are a HIT with everyone. Sarah loves making pjs... she really does! You can enjoy these cozy pajamas while doing a jigsaw puzzle or snuggled up watching t.v. Whether you sleep in your set or just enjoy the evening, there is no wrong way to enjoy a snuggly pj set! These make a great gift too. Who wouldn't want these?

We are loaded with amazing accessories for all your gift giving needs! We love these colorful and cozy hand warmers and fingerless gloves for winter! These are a great Get One, Give One item... everyone needs them!

Thank you for going out of your way to shop at folly! We love our online customers so much and without you I'm not sure how we could survive! Feel free to reach out with questions, we are always happy to help make this the best shopping experience possible!

folly is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00

We will be open for bonus holiday shopping

Sunday December 10:00-4:00.

We will wrap anything up extra cute for your gift giving too, just ask!

xoox. Sarah

Permission to express yourself granted!

2023-04-21T11:04:00.002-07:00

Fashion is all about expressing your personality, and what better way to do that than by embracing your personal style with fun and vibrant colors and prints! It's time to give in to the joy of dressing up and have some fun with fashion.

It's easy to think that sticking with neutral colors and safe styles will let you blend in but .. gosh, life is short and clothing is such a fun way to express different parts of yourself! Fashion should be fun and exciting, and there is no better way to express your individuality than by embracing bold and colorful clothing. Especially when traveling it's a great time to "make it special." I mean, it's not everyday that you are in Rome or Paris or NYC, or Tokyo right? Bonus, your pictures will be cute! Don't forget to send me pix when you travel! I love to share your #follygirladventures in the Instagram stories... are you following along? This year has been a really fun year for travel with so many of our beautiful regulars going all over the world in their folly fashions! I live vicariously through you so send me all your cute pictures. :) Look how cute Rachel looks in Japan this Spring!

Adding a pop of color to your wardrobe can instantly uplift your mood and add a playful touch to your outfits. Whether it's a bright yellow dress or a pair of neon green shoes, incorporating colors can make you feel more confident and energized. I think it's safe to say that in 2023 there are NO HARD RULES for fashion! In fact, if you find yourself leaning on something your mother told you about "how to dress," I invite you to examine this in a larger context. "Flattering?" according to who? I think you will find most of those rules were written by people we don't really need to worry about impressing these days. It's all about YOU and what you want! When it comes to embracing your personal style and having fun with fashion, don't worry about what others might think. Fashion is all about expressing yourself, and if you love what you're wearing, that's all that matters.

Prints are another great way to add some personality to your outfits. You can mix and match prints or pair them with solid colors for a chic and playful look. I love mixing prints and can always help you find permission within to play in this area. I've been mixing prints in my clothing since the very beginning.

And if you're feeling a little hesitant about embracing your personal style, start with small changes. Add a statement piece like a colorful scarf or a printed skirt to your outfit, or try mixing patterns with solid colors. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll fall in love with the fun and excitement of dressing up.

Come see us, we love to help you find your favorite YOU and we do this with lots of love and encouragement.

xoxo. Sarah

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00

Dresses! Come on, it's fun!

2023-03-22T12:01:00.002-07:00

We love DRESSES and there are a million reasons why!

Summer is the perfect time to embrace dresses, whether it’s for a casual day out or a fancy evening event. From mini to maxi, dresses come in a variety of styles, patterns, and fabrics to suit every mood and occasion.

In the scorching heat of summer, comfort is key. Dresses made from lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or rayon, making them ideal for hot weather. They allow air to flow through and keep you cool and comfortable all day long.

Dresses are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can pair a sundress with sandals for a casual daytime look or dress it up with heels and statement jewelry for a more formal event. You can also layer a dress with a denim jacket or cardigan for a cozy and stylish look.

There's something about wearing a dress that instantly makes you feel feminine and flirty. Whether it’s a flowy maxi dress or a cute sundress, a dress can make you feel confident and beautiful. Dresses also come in a variety of prints and patterns such as floral, stripes, polka dots, and more, making it easy to show off your unique style.

I love dresses for travel too! Why? Comfort and appropriate for everything but also you will look cute in all your pictures! Leave your everyday leggings and jeans behind and dress for the occasion. It's not everyday that you are in Italy! Right? Make it an occasion and have pictures you look back on and think, "Gosh, I look cute!"

Dresses are appropriate for any occasion, whether it's a wedding, a beach day, or a night out with friends. You can easily dress them up or down depending on the event and your personal style. From casual to formal, there's a dress for every occasion.

So, why not embrace this timeless and classic piece of clothing this summer? And what's better than a dress made right here, in Portland, Oregon!

We love making clothing you love to wear. Come visit the store and see where your favorite clothing is made!

XXOO.

Shopping local matters more than ever!

2023-03-10T12:35:00.002-08:00

Do you ever wonder WHY shopping local matters? There are so many options for clothing online but there is nothing that can replace shopping in your hometown!

Shopping local can have a positive impact on both the local economy and the environment, which is why it matters. Here are a few reasons why:

Local businesses support the local economy: When you shop at a local business, you are supporting the local economy by keeping money within the community. Local businesses are more likely to spend their profits within the community, whether it's by paying employees, buying supplies, or supporting other local businesses. This is true! We shop locally so your dollars go on to support other Portland businesses!
Local businesses create jobs: Small businesses are the largest employer in the United States, and they are responsible for creating a significant number of jobs in local communities. By supporting local businesses, you are helping to create and sustain jobs in your community. Folly employs 3 people AND is my sole source of income so that's 4!
Local businesses are more sustainable: Local businesses are typically more sustainable than larger corporations because they tend to have smaller supply chains and produce fewer emissions. By shopping local, you are supporting businesses that have a smaller environmental footprint. It goes even further because we manufacture on site which allows us to control production more and generate less waste and use fewer fossil fuels associated with shipping, etc...
Local businesses offer unique products and experiences: Local businesses often offer unique products and experiences that you can't find anywhere else. By supporting these businesses, you are helping to preserve the local culture and character of your community. YES, it's all about keeping Portland, Portland! I see overly curated shops on instagram and am stunned that a shop in Peoria looks pretty much just like a shop in LA! Let's keep Portland special!
Local businesses support community organizations: Local businesses are more likely to support community organizations, such as schools, sports teams, and charities. By supporting local businesses, you are indirectly supporting these organizations as well. We donate to school auctions, sponsor a local girls softball team and make donations to local shelters and more!

Overall, shopping local can have a positive impact on the community, the economy, and the environment. By choosing to support local businesses, you can help create a more vibrant and sustainable community for everyone. And let's not forget RELATIONSHIPS! Everyone needs more kind, human contact these days and local shops love to get to know you!

Plus we make the cutest clothes for you! See you soon and someone tell the SUNSHINE to start!

Happy Spring!

xoxo. SB

Folly on NE Fremont!

2022-03-09T17:31:00.002-08:00

Wow. I am loooooving NE Fremont Street and the amazing community of Beaumont Village!

Everyone has been so welcoming and cheerful about folly joining the street and it feels great! I am so happy to meet everyone and excited to dress a lot of new lovely people!

Come see me soon! Spring is an exciting time to fluff your existing wardrobe with some colorful new pieces. Plus, did you hear 2022 has the most weddings scheduled since 1984!?! It makes me wonder what was going on in 1984! Anyway, are you invited to any weddings? You know we love making dresses that are comfortable but also super festive and wedding season is a funzone season at folly! We are making new things everyday and I'm doing the best I can to get things online but for the first time in years I have to admit I am behind in this endeavor. I hope you can make it into the beautiful new shop and see everything we have to offer! Plus I love to see YOU!

Make sure your friends know I have moved!

folly

4100 NE Fremont Street, Portland, Oregon 97212

503-954-1334

TUESDAY - SATURDAY 10:00-6:00