Saturday, July 18, 2009

A VERY PLEASANT STREET

Just west of Portland's Old Port District and north of Commercial Street is a brief , little recognized and acknowledged street in the heart of the Studio District. Pleasant Street provides for the urbanite a most pleasing venue. Anchored by two very popular restaurants, HIGH BOMBAY on the east and AMBROSIA on the west, visitors will also find in a one block stretch three stores featuring singular treasures ,original jewelry and custom couture.




DESIGNS by CC has been a mainstay on Pleasant Street for seventeen years. Originally trained at Bailey, Banks and Biddle in Philadelphia, Cheryl Cook provides custom design jewelry, diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, stringing and repair work and a vast selection of rocks and minerals to a very loyal clientele. Designs can be yours, hers or a combination. There is always one given. The craftsmanship will be executed to perfection and the piece will attract recognition. ttp://www.designsbycc.net/ (207.761.9697.) On a recent visit to Designs by CC, I also discovered two new boutiques in the neighborhood: COREY & CO. and CHELLISWILSON.

Barbara Corey Rosencranz opened COREY & CO in 2009. A recognized artist and sculpture, Barbara brings her passion for three dimensional,functional art to the creation of COREY couture, one of a kind garments that are wearable works of art. Simple designs making a statement with textiles and/or finishing elements. Of equal significance are her offerings of jewelry, scarves, espadrilles, belts and inspired home decor. A night-lite "light book" shares shelf space with antique inspired sleeping gowns. Metal Pointas-Paris jewelry made from re-claimed tea pot and flatware mixed metals present in tandem to Peter Erickson's old world silversmith signet rings and cuff bracelets. COREY & CO personifies, "Less is more." Everything is appealing. Daily blog postings coming soon. (207.761.4200)




Newly opened and still merchandising is CHELLISWILSON, a minimalist, design inspired,very European boutique. Barbara(yes another,) features artisan constructed garments and furnishings from both coasts. Anxiously awaiting for more offerings culled with her designers eye! www.chelliswilson.com (207.518.9018)
Pleasant Street provides a shopping alternative for the person who seeks the unique, yet functional item to enhance their wardrobe and/or home. When you're exhausted from exploring the creative... grab a bite at one of the restaurants. Maybe you'll have energy for more browsing.


Seeking something new? Get out of the Port and off the Hill. Make way to Pleasant Street where the newest and freshest will be found. Most establishments open M-Sat. and by appointment.