Oh, I guess I’m a bitch. One of those snobby inner SE-dwelling types who steps off the grid so infrequently that I literally have gotten lost every time I’ve ventured out to the ‘Tron, cursing its comparatively labyrinthine streets and the odd errand that brought me there, beating the steering wheel and spewing vitriol at every drab strip mall I pass.

So, my expectations for a new online boutique originating in this sprawling suburb were somewhat less than astronomical. Turns out, I’m a snobby bitch, because Sotto actually looks like decent little trove of indie designs.

Though personally I’m not a practitioner or advocate of online apparel shopping (how can you buy things without touching them, trying them on?), those of you who are (especially those of you who use the internet as a tool for price comparison) should definitely check them out. (Plus, I suppose, the less distance your online purchase has to travel to get to you, the better.) There is crossover in some of the lines with physical stores in town: They plan to carry Rachel Comey, for instance, which can also be found at Stand Up Comedy, and Jenny Yuen bags, also found at IDOM (1600 NE Alberta).

Other lines coming down the pipe are Charlotte Ronson, Eskell, Mociun, and more. The selection as of now is somewhat skimpy, but to celebrate the launch of the store, they are offering 20% off all merchandise through January—choose from leather bags and wallets made from recycled leather jackets by Ashley Watson, cropped leather jackets from Madison Marcus, and dresses from Mooka Kinney.

Who knows, if they do well they might open a storefront, like Le Train Bleu did—maybe even in Portland.

(I’m into these Rachel Comey shoes, which Sotto is stocking in brown for spring)

More info on local shopping over on the old M.O.D.