Portland Swimwear Boutique Popina now has Jantzen!  Once upon a time Swimsuits Portland Oregon went hand in hand with Jantzen the great innovator of women’s swimsuits and the original Portland Swimsuit source.  A few years ago Perry Ellis bought Jantzen and moved a majority of Jantzen’s bathing suit operations to Miami, Florida.  So we are thrilled to reintroduce this important swim suit brand back to Portland as it has such a rich history in the northwest.

Jantzen created the now “retro” style, at the time it was just the fashionable thing to wear.  Going back to its roots, Jantzen has re-introduced retro swimwear styles and prints and we can not wait to roll it back out in Portland.  For our first batch of bathing suit styles we purchased a number of one piece with great vintage swimwear styling.

Tri-Met Line #75 is a great north south bus route in Portland. So how about a shout out for the bus line that goes right in front of our Portland Swimwear shop Popina. From Woodstock to Hawthorne through Hollywood all the way to Popina Swim. Some personal highlights of the 75 line starting in Hawthorne:

Popina Swim is an easy 20 minute bus drive from the Hawthorne business district, home of the Bagdad Theater and Dosha Salon. The Bagdad is an awesome historic restoration, owned by McMenamins Portland’s hero’s of preservation served with their home brew a movie and a slice of pizza. If you really want to treat yourself to escape your worries without getting out of town, try getting a massage at Dosha. Their massages are very reasonably priced, be sure to show up early (at least 45 minutes) to enjoy their second floor soaking pool and steam room, it is transporting. As you cruise North out of Hawthorn you will pass Laurelhurst Park which has a beautiful duck pond and lots of room for running your doggie.

Bagdad Theater

Next you will arrive at the Hollywood Transit Center, across the street is Trader Joe’s an awesome new supermarket, adjecent to the Hollywood Transit Center is 24 Hour Fitness, also pretty darn new. 24 Hour Fitness is a brutal process to sign up, sort of like your worst used car nightmare, but once you make it through the process the gym is very nice, the instructors for the classes are great. Huge downside is parking - but if your on the ol’ 75 you get front door service. If you crane your neck towards downtown as you cross Sandy Boulevard you may catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Theater. Where Bagdad shows popular second run movies, The Hollywood shows first run indie flicks, I have seen many movies at the Hollywood and have only been disappointed once by a very flat comedy, anyway, this historic theater was chopped up into three theaters I believe in the 1960’s which is very unfortunate, but the upside is more movie selection. The theater is owned by the not for profit Film Action Oregon which helps promote independent film and education in Oregon.

Then up the Alameda Ridge into the Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood, if you get off right at the Fremont stop you can get a killer coffee at Ristretto Roasters for some micro brew coffee (they roast their own beans). The other must visit is Jim and Patty’s coffee for some great baking including their unreal calorie busting breakfast sandwiches, try the sausage and egg biscuit the first time you visit then try the bacon and egg the next, if you ever move past the breakfast sandwiches try the pastries then hit 24 hour fitness.

Back on the bus heading north you are almost at your destination Popina. On 42nd Avenue be sure to visit Delphina’s for great freshly baked breads, Roses Ice Cream for homemade ice cream and Rocket Pizza for some awesome pie, all within a block of Popina Swim.

Why not take the bus to Popina, take your time, and enjoy the ride!

Need a St. Thomas Condo? We recently took a great trip to St. Thomas, luckally we came across a posting for a condo at Sapphire Beach. This was our fist visit to the island, we had a great time and really lucked out to find this great place, it was everything we were looking for. Below is a picture of the balcony from the condo - unreal right?

The condo is owned by Gail and Duane. They have done a very nice job making it comfortable. They actually take vacations to stay and visit themselves which is nice because you figure if they are going to stay their themselves they would maybe treat it nicer than if it was just a rental.

We had a chance to travel around much of the island on our 10 day visit. Sapphire Beach is probably our favorite, not only because it was literally right outside our door but it has the great combination of everything you want, beautiful blue waters, good snorkeling, and fewer crowds than Coki Beach and Megan’s Bay.

So if you are looking for a great moderately priced condo we can offer a full recommendation. The condo is very close to Red Hook where you catch the ferry to St. John - which is absolutely amazing. The Red Hook side of the island is on the other end from the airport and is a lot more mellow, still with plenty of things to do. Directly behind the condo complex you can get on a group charter to visit the BVI which is a must do.

Here are a few other shots from Gail and Duane’s web site:

The Pool:

Tennis Courts - we never played but the surface is grass - we should have tried it bet it would have been cool!

Portland Swimwear Boutique Popina Swim is listed on Insider Pages, a great way to give feedback on our swimsuit business.

Want to talk about your great Portland Swimsuit shopping experience at Popina Swim? Go to Yelp and let people know that Popina is the place for PDX Bathing Suit Shopping.

Thank you!

Portland Swimwear Boutique Popina Swim has been Yelped! What is Yelp Portland? Yelp Portland is the fun and easy way to find, review and talk about what’s great (and not so great) in your world. You already know that asking friends is the best way to find restaurants, dentists, hairstylists, and anything local. Portland Yelp makes it fast and easy by collecting and organizing your friends’ recommendations in one convenient place.

Want to talk about your great Portland Swimsuit Shopping experience at Popina Swim? Go to Yelp and let people know that Popina is the place for PDX Bathing Suit Shopping.

Thank you!

Portland Bathing Suit Store?  Yes, Popina Swimwear has you covered.  Swimwear in Oregon? Isn’t it rainy, yes, that is why we need to get out for vacations.  Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, wherever you are headed, it is cruise season and nothing gets you in the mood more for your tropical destination than to transport yourself to Portland’s Bathing Suit Boutique.

Popina features PDX’s largest selection of swimwear for women.  Plus Popina has great cover-ups, hats, chemical free sun tan lotions and a great selection of sun glasses.  All of our products are offered at a range of prices for people shopping at all price ranges from high end lines like Tommy Bahama to budget (check out our famous $5 bin); we always have a selection of discounted swim suits, we currently have a large selection of bathers at 50% off in the shop.

Popina features large, comfortable, well lighted cabana style dressing rooms and staff that have a swimwear expertise.  All of our staff participates in the cutting suits for our own Popina Swimwear line.

Back Fence PDX is back in Portland tonight! The fun and hip Frayn and Melissa  host a story telling session by adults for adults.  The stories are simply magnificent and the storytellers are remarkable. This month’s intermission features belly dancersMiriam, Kalila, and Mahira of Bellypalooza.  Popina Swim was invited to Back Fence this past summer to show off our Bathing Suits in a fashion show.  I can not wait to go back to not have to stress out about a swimwear fashion show and just relax and be a part of the fun crowd.

Purchase tickets here until 3pm. They will only take cash at the door.  Flyer Below…..

Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door, buy tickets here.

This time there will be seven storytellers including San Francisco author and Porchlight co-founder Beth Lisick.

Announcing the storytellers:

San Francisco author and Porchlight co-founder, Beth Lisick. Beth Lisick is the author of two books, Everybody into the Pool and Helping Me Help Myself.

David Bragdon became the Metro Council’s first regionally elected President on January 6, 2003, representing the voters of the metropolitan region. Under David’s leadership as Council President, the Metro Council has undertaken new initiatives to preserve natural areas and protect water quality, support thriving neighborhoods, create jobs and economic prosperity, and improve our transportation network. He drove a taxi right here in Portland.

Sarah Gilbert was once an investment banker. Her transition to the dotcom world looks prescient in retrospect. Now she works from home managing financial blogs for AOL and writes away the wee hours after her three little boys fall asleep.

Sadie Medley has her finger in a whole bunch of pies. By day, she is a freelance graphic designer and creative thinker-chick. By late afternoon she can be found teaching people to stay calm while standing on their heads. In the early evenings she sings opera, and lately, she is obsessed with becoming a voice over actor. Her mutable, and restless personality make this type of life feasible.

Slim Moon still thinks of himself as a punk rocker, after all these years. After 17 years at record labels as founder of Kill Rock Stars and later briefly working as an “A&R guy” for the Warner Music Group, Slim is happy to now be pursuing his true calling in life - helping artists he loves - in the way that best suits him - artist management. Notable artists that Slim has worked with in his life include Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, Elliott Smith, Miranda July, The Decemberists, The Gossip, and Deerhoof, among literally hundreds of others…

Tina Newton is the founder and color genius behind Blue Moon Fiber Arts, the company that makes the perpetually popular sock yarn, Socks that Rock. Tina has a fertile imagination and the practical creativity to support it. This energy is contagious and inspiring. She loves sharing her vision and working with others. This is the spirit of Blue Moon.

Dave Jarecki founded Breakerboy Communications to provide strategic messaging, copy and grant writing services to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Writing workshops started in 2005. He likes working with kids because they’re smarter and funnier than adults. Recently, a student in one of his workshops said, I have three weekends between now and next Sunday.

Bellypalooza consists of members from local belly dancing troupe Tigerlillys and solo-dancer Miriam. They enjoy shiny objects, phat beats, and womanly forms.

It’s going to be a great night!

Vinideus Wine Bar in NE Portland will be hosting Popina to preview our 2009 swimwear line on Thursday, 10/09/08 at 7pm.  This will kick off a three four day celebration to welcome the start to Cruise Season!

Day One Thursday, 10/09/08 at 7pm will feature a bathing suit fashion show at Vinideaus Wine Bar.  Vinideus is one of the best kept secrets in Portland, nestled in the Beaumont Village of Northeast Portland next door to the Alameda Brew Pub.  There will be five professional models from Murphy Talent Group who will be doing two “looks” a piece.  Vinideus is owned by Dominique, a native of the South of France (Aix-en-Provence).  Dominique has done amazing job of creating the casual, warm and quaint of the South of France.  Below are some preview pictures of designer Pamela Levenson’s 2009 Popina Line.

The address of Vinideus is 4759 NE Fremont, web address is www.vinideus.net.

Day Two, Friday, 10/10/08, kicks off the Huge Cruise Season Kickoff Sale at Popina.  All swimwear will be 15-75% off.  Purchases over $125 will receive a free pair of A.J. Morgan Sunglasses.  Saturday night will be open late, from 5-7pm come in to meet designer Pamela Levenson who will be offering Tropical drinks to get you in the mood!

Popina’s Portland Swimwear Shop is located at 4831 NE 42nd Avenue.

Portland Fashion Week has been steadily gaining popularity and has helped the Portland Fashion scene develop.  Popina participated in the first two years of Portland Fashion Week, this year we will not be showing our Bathing Suit line at Portland Fashion Week but we will be having a huge Cruise Season Kick Off Sale October 10th - 12th to celebrate the return of Portland Fashion Week!  All merchandise in the store will be 15%-75% off. 

We will also be having our own 2009 Spring Preview event at Vinideus Wine Bar on October 9th at 7:00pm.  We will be featuring our new styles and fabrics for the 2009 Swimwear Season with models from Murphy Management.  Vinideus is a great place to take in this Fashion event, it is a neighborhood wine shop in the Beumont Wilshire Neighborhood that transports you to the South of France.  Owner Dominique is a native to the South of France and has managed to capture the intimate, warm and casual feel of the South of France.

 So join Popina Swim for a celebration of Portland Fashion Week with a sale and a Fashion Show!

Wholesale Swimwear pricing is available to select merchants for Popina Swim Bathing Suit Styles.  Popina Swim is for the woman who believes you don’t have to “show it all” to be sexy and you don’t want to be afraid of falling out of your Bathing Suit when you reach over to pick up a sea shell!  Popina has a classic Pin Up Bathing Suit Style, inspired by fashions of the 1940’s and 1950’s, modernized with swimsuit construction and fabrics of today.

Popina is currently available in at 40 specialty shops, spas, boutiques, hot springs and sports clubs in 10 states including Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Would you like to carry Popina in your store?  Do you have a suggestion for a store near you that might like Popina?  Contact Popina Swim at info@popinaswim.com!