Vent — Local services in Portland

Ummmmm, yeah. This review is months overdue - mostly because I could not find Karlea’s business card which had been misplaced within the vortex of my life.

Do you know how some people just have a spirit and energy about them which is compelling? This woman embodies it.

I have a ridiculously thick stainless steel bracelet, which needed to be shortened to fit around my wrist.

This badass lady whipped out lethal tools and sawed through that thing like it was butter whilst I clutched my pearls in sheer awe. I think she made me straight for ten minutes…well, let’s not get carried away, shall we. 🏳️‍🌈

I pulled out my wallet and she told me it was on the house. ON THE BLOODY HOUSE! I protested but she held her ground. You do not mess with a single Mom who can simultaneously saw through steel and have great tattoos.

We then proceeded to have two hours worth of delightful conversation without pretense (I have enough of that myself!) and full of witty repartee. An actual conversation! With no phones!!! 📵 Delicious.

All I can say, Karlea, is I am sorry for my tardiness in writing this review. My delay is both inexcusable as well as deplorable. You are a shining example of a shopkeeper, an entrepreneur and a single Mom who's literally making it happen in real time…and... you make it look easy. Rest assured that I am going to sit in the corner (with my matching bracelet/Speedo ensemble) and think about what I’ve done.

To the public: Stop scrolling on your phone cuz boys aren’t gonna save you from your codependent neediness and GO BUY SH*T FROM HER FABULOUS, WELL-MERCHANDISED SHOP - NOW.

❤️

Thank you. Thank...

First off, aesthetics.

You cannot just walk by this store and not go in -albeit Division street is a lengthy journey with many stores full of trinkets. Vent is a MUST for your stroll down this street or if you're just grabbing a croissant from St Honore.

My friend and I are from California and every single time we get drawn in to Karlea's store. As silver jewelry ONLY customers, this is heaven for us (mind you, Karlea does also carry gold jewelry now too!). The dogs, Cannoli and Khloe, are amazing; they are adorable and totally spoiled (every delivery man has treats ready for these two).

The selection in this store is so diverse as well. You can find extremely dainty items of jewelry for your pinky finger up to clunkier geometric (if slightly dangerous and sharp) cuff bracelets. You won't be able to walk out without purchasing something.

As to true Portland fashion, there is a dedicated area to cute cards with witty banter and pins that can tackle your anxiety or your obsession with butts. Vent carries amazing candles, nail polish and key rings as well.

I came to Portland three times in 2018 and left with way too much jewelry. Karlea keeps dragging me back in with her newest curation of items. I have enough rings for all of my fingers times a million and far too many cute charms for my necklaces of different lengths. Don't get me started on how much my best friend has dropped here!!! Vent is a dangerous habit fueled by the more welcoming and charming shop-owner!

Please do yourself a favor and stop by Vent, if only to spoil Cannoli with some pets...

This place is awesome! From the moment my partner and I walked in we were greeted by the absolute cutest dog (Cannoli!) and anything that happened after that came second (jk). Vents store is sleek and modern but also felt very comfy and warm, a difficult duality to embrace and execute but somehow it was done. The selection of jewelry is unique and it felt like there was both a range of prices and styles, and in particular pieces that may be one of a kind? In any case, my partner and I had a lot of fun browsing the jewelry and chatting up the store owner (who’s name I did not catch and now I really wish I had asked :/)! She was super nice and knowledgable, helpful but not pushy, and had some really interesting stories about her tenure working with jewelry in Portland and beyond. We spent well over an hour in there just chatting and looking at different options and my partner ended up walking out with a beautiful new pendant and chain. Overall I highly recommend Vent to tourists and locals alike, it’s a fun and unique experience and you’re bound to find something special for yourself or someone else. Thanks so much, Vent! Will stop in next time we’re...