I was chatting with a boutique owner last night, and I asked if she just continually marked her merchandise down until it was finally gone, or if she eventually just started giving it away. I'd always wondered, and it turns out that she ships off what little remains of a season to a consignment shop in California, or sometimes just rolls down to the nearest Buffalo Exchange to sell them. I'm sure every shop owner has their own method of dispersal, but for all those that haven't the time to ferret out the treasures at Buffalo, nor the inclination to spend full price, another round of Bargain Hunting 101 is around the bend, where a whole bunch of Portland boutiques and independent brands band together to offload last season at prices that're as low as they're gonna go. There are over 50 vendors this time, with men's, women's, and kids' clothing (I usually go into these things thinking of basics, rather than statement making pieces, but manage your own expectations), but also gardening and art supplies, furniture, and since it's at the Crystal (main space and Lola's) for only one day and will be a madhouse, booze. You will want it. This all goes down Sunday, August 15, from noon-5 pm. Get 'er done.

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A jacket by Reif, one of the Portland designers participating this year

The battle to balance our budgets with our expensive tastes is always raging on MOD.