Growing up in Montana, Pendleton blankets were just part of the natural fabric of life: After all, the ages-old (1863) company was just a stone’s throw away over in Oregon (where they have the last two mills on American soil…true fact!). You see, when I was a kid, we didn’t even have a Gap (nearest location was three-hours away in Spokane, Washington, to which we made a twice-yearly pilgrimage). Real shopping missions happened in Seattle or Portland or via the J.Crew catalogue (which explains my life-long addiction to catalogues, something we’ll get into later). It’s pretty crazy how dramatically the shopping scape has changed, huh? I mean, I’m not that old! But I digress: I’ve had pretty mixed feelings watching the fashion crowd embrace Pendleton these past few years (Opening Ceremony, Lindsey Thornburg…), since I used to feel like it was one of my little secrets. But, the shapes get better and better. Case in point, the Pendleton Portland Collection, which is just hitting stores this fall: The company partnered with three local Portland designers (Nathaniel Crissman, Rachel Turk and John Blasioli), and they’ve turned out some pretty kick-ass ponchos, dresses, and jackets. In stores soon (but this poncho is available at Wink now).
And speaking of my catalogue addiction: Pendleton’s ranks as one of my favorites. I will be ordering these Chief Joseph plates (own the blanket), this non-Pendleton looking, but still rad ikat lamp (can’t get enough ikat).
pendleton l-r: CHIEF JOSEPH SALAD PLATE: $76.00 (set of four); PETITE PARO TABLE LAMP AND IKAT SHADE: $238.00, available at Pendleton.
