open 12-6 pm Wed-Sun

re-blog from Portland Mercury's MOD blog

Hollywood Babylon Party and Show

POSTED BY TOBY ROBBOY ON MON, APR 7, 2014 AT 1:59 PM

On Saturday night a sizable crowd squeezed into Hollywood Babylon's relatively close quarters for the vintage store's three-year anniversary party and live show featuring Ensly Mogul and Mister Saturday (who is co-owner of the store). The nerdcore duo did a set of Star Trek-based songs in a multimedia performance that incorporated video clips from the original show. While it certainly wasn't the typical choice of entertainment for a retail party, the performance felt like a natural fit with Hollywood Babylon's particular brand of quirk and kitsch.

The party also provided an opportunity to scope the store's current stock, which was everything one could hope for from a funky little vintage store that specializes in unpretentious whimsy. Highlights included jewel-tone hippie dresses, an impressive collection of shoes that ranged from slinky Ferragamos to sturdy boots, and every hat one could possibly desire. Hollywood Babylon is not the most flashy or high profile retailer out there, but given their promising range of merchandise, not to mention the strong turnout of loyal customers who showed up, I think it's safe to say they carved themselves out a very decent space in the crowded local vintage market.

Now for some pics:

 

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hollywood district (insider) shopping guide (revised)

dear portland shoppers: oh wow it's crazy out there! i attempted to hit the post office in nw portland yesterday and had to abort mission!! i was thankful today to find myself in lovely & calm hollywood district (except for trader joe's parking lot - dayum!) here are a few reasons to avoid the mall and downtown traffic and head to the charming diamond in the rough that is Hollywood District: >Hollywood Babylon 4512 NE Sandy Boulevard - DUH! the best place to score a sweet vintage gift for yourself, or anyone on your list. we just returned from a shopping vacation in AZ and the store is stocked with some great new and cozy items. as always, our prices can't be beat! >the post office@50th & Sandy isn't too hectic and has a handy self service postage machine (perfect for domestic holiday shipping) >Hollywood Theater 4122 NE Sandy Boulevard - the main landmark of Hollywood is a relaxing place to catch a flick and they have gift certificates and memberships which would make for a nice gift and also supports an amazing local non-profit >Yours Vintage 1627 Northeast 42nd Avenue - the coziest vintage/thrift shop in Portland, OPEN Thursday -Saturday 1 pm - 6 pm (behind the hollywood theater, next to bluefin sushi & trader joe's) >Antique Alley 2000 NE 42nd Avenue - okay this is possibly one of the main draws to the hollywood district besides the theater and hollywood shoe repair - this enormous basement level antique mall has it all - great tchochkes, furniture, records, jewelry and more...allow plenty of time to take it all in. >Cosmic Monkey Comics! 5335 NE Sandy Blvd - the coolest independent comic book store around period. they have gift certificates. >Case Study Coffee 5347 NE Sandy Blvd - next door to cosmic monkey comics!, case study is the neighborhood artisanal coffee house...it's next level good. hit them up to charge/recharge before/after shopping in hollywood. >Velo Cult Bike Shop  1969 NE 42nd Avenue - across from Antique Alley. The perfect place to take a break from shopping, have a pint of beer or cider and find a perfect gift for the cycling enthusiast in your life... >Lorena's Mexican Restaurant 4160 NE Sandy Boulevard - next to the Hollywood Theater, finally! decent family mexican food (a rarity in the Pacific Northwest). and margaritas! >Killer Burger 4644 NE Sandy Blvd - the best burger in the hood - i think it's all about the bacon. they have crazy hour from 2 - 5pm monday through thursday $4.50 for a burger and fries. >Hollywood Shoe Repair 4504 NE Sandy Blvd (open weekdays) we are blessed to be right next door to one of the most talented (and fast and affordable) cobblers ever known. he gets so much traffic, and we're grateful for the overflow visiting us at hollywood babylon! >Patti Smith West over on 42nd near Fremont (3746 NE 42nd Ave) is a great curio shop with jewelry, vintage pottery and gifts, clothing and furniture all arranged in the most lovely inspiring way. ps, i looked up patty smith portland and found this article about the other patty smith <3 alright so i'm sure i missed some amazing hollywood gems - but that was a short list, so get to it! happy holidaze everyone! xo, HB NE Sandy and 41st circa 1934 (courtesy of Vintage Portland)

inspiration: vintage halloween pinups

we are getting super excited for halloween at hollywood babylon!! here's some eye candy to get ya in the mood! <a (ps, we have lots of weird stuff at the store right now to create an awesome costume or find the finishing touch) xo, HB