When we feel in the mood to treat ourselves, we often stop by Noun. This jewel box of a shop is tucked behind the Saint Cupcake bakery on Belmont. It is equal parts vintage treasure chest and dreamy gift shop, with a heavy dash of whimsy thrown in. On any given day you might find a table filled with vintage barware, a vintage display case stocked with jewelry from local jewelers, or a collection of handmade pottery.
Noun hosts an evening of letter writing the first Thursday of every month. Visitors get to sip champagne while writing missives on the shop's vintage typewriter. They provide paper, stamps, tape and other embellishments for letters. While you can bring in your own stationary, Noun carries a pitch perfect assortment of greeting cards (which are always 15% off during the event).
Our favorite part of the shop, and one Portland's best kept secrets, is easy to pass by: a vintage telephone booth. Be sure to step inside and close the door! Rather than phoning out when you pick up the receiver, you get to listen to the shop's rotating sound installation. Poetry, fortune telling and stories have all been part of the past line up, and we never miss the chance to listen in.
Noun's Instagram feed serves as their online shop and one of our favorite internet rabbit holes to fall down. They show off their favorite things in the shop--be it a set of vintage serving trays or hip new earrings--all photographed on a simple white background.
On a recent visit to Noun we fancied, frankly, everything, but a phases of the moon garland and the black and white pottery by local potters Jensen & Marienau really caught our eye. Noun will be joining Perch the three days after Thanksgiving by participating in Little Boxes--a big shopping event celebrating Portland's vibrant local business scene. There will be a raffle, treats and many shops (including Perch!) offer special discounts during Little Boxes.
How to find Noun:
Address: 3300 SE Belmont Street, Portland, OR 97214
Website: shopnoun.com
Instagram: @shopnoun