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Lizard Lounge
Categories: Shopping Fashion Men's Clothing Shopping Fashion Women's Clothing Men's Clothing, Women's Clothing [Edit]
1323 NW Irving StPortland, OR 97209
Neighborhood: Pearl District
(503) 416-7476
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
T V. said: "Satisfied Customer Talk about a trek across town??? It feels like the East side to the West side are worlds apart. When actually they can be when you drive during traffic hour. I want to express my gratitude for the personal help…" read more »
42 reviews for Lizard Lounge
Review Highlights
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"SO happy to find Nau clothing here btw." In 15 reviews -
"Every First Thursday this is a must-stop for the young, hip..." In 9 reviews -
"I'm a big fan of Horny Toad apparel, which they had an..." In 6 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Twiggy P.
Portland, OR
3/2/2012
I went to Lizard Lounge for the first time yesterday looking for a coat. I loved the vibe of the store and the sales staff was very helpful, but not "in your face". I felt very comfortable shopping there. I wish I caught the persons name who helped me because he was exceptionally professional. He had short black hair??? Anyway, I will be a return customer.
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Review from Christian L.
Portland, OR
5/15/2012
Curse you Lizard Lounge! Curse you to the depths of Hell. You've introduced me to Scotch and Soda shirts, which are the most comfortable pieces of clothing I've ever owned. I'm wearing one right now and just looking at myself in the mirror makes me feel fantastic.
If it weren't for you, I'd be fine going back to Ross. I'd be fine picking through Marshals. BUT NO You had to introduce me to quality clothing and the type of shopping excursion that is PERFECT on a Saturday afternoon causing me to have to look through EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF CLOTHING you have.
You're like Crystal Meth and that cowboy movie with Heath Ledger.
I cannot quit you.
(Seriously though, a little less plaid would be okay). -
Review from Lily J.
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Free Beer on 1st Thursday?!
Free anything is pretty awesome, but too bad I don't drink beer... if only they had wine for girls like me.The shop was pretty cool, a little pricey (but not overly) for what it was but it's the Pearl. I got a pair of cowboy boots for $200 which wasn't bad at all and 2 bottles of nail polish for $15/each. I almost got a candle for $30 but decided not to at the end. -
Review from Izarra V.
Portland, OR
8/14/2011
Couldn't they just call it "Trustifarian Emporium" and be done with it?
Ok ok, it's a rad store--the style, the location, the vibe--and it's basically catnip for Portland meta-youth. It's evident that the owners understand Portland culture, as they have outfitted a store not just with urban-cool brands (Nau, Horny Toad, Toms, etc.), but also coffee, locally made bikes and the requisite way-too-cool-for-this-job hipster/employees.
But, alas: I will probably never buy anything here.
Lizard Lounge is laughably overpriced.
Lumberjack clothes (cotton plaid shirts and Levis) at hedge-fund-manager prices? A pair of denim shorts for $175? A cotton t-shirt--no snappy design, no hidden pocket, nuthin'--for $115?
I was there today. I'm not making this stuff up.
I can't help but wonder if this is a well-funded social experiment to determine how much economists can get people to pay for a white cotton t-shirt: a sort of emperor-has-no-clothes thing (though in this case it's more of a hipster-has-new-clothes-but-has-to-borrow -money-from-his-mom-to-make-rent thing).
I'm cheap, I admit, but that doesn't mean I won't invest in nice clothes. I'll pay $160 for the perfect pair of jeans (Joes Honey size 25, thanksverymuch). I'll invest in yoga clothes that will last until I can transition from down-dog to crow (riiiiight. some day...). But a t-shirt? Just a cotton t-shirt? For what it would cost to buy a bottle of wine and rent a nice hotel room at the beach? You have got to be kidding me.
It's bizarre to imagine Portlanders paying out their pierced noses for stuff they could get so much cheaper just a few blocks away.
Folks, y'ever heard of Macy's? -
Review from Don B.
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lizard Lounge has so much stuff I want to buy... if I could afford it... and if they ever had anything in my size (granted, I'm bigger than the average dude). But that doesn't keep me from wanting to buy so much of what these folks offer. From local designers to designer-designers, there's a lot of stuff you'll find here and not many more places in PDX. Plus they sell it all in a lounge-like atmosphere.
Oh, and they throw one hell of a party. Every First Thursday this is a must-stop for the young, hip set. It's a pretty hardcore scene in here, but the free Widmer makes it fun. Yup. Free good beer.
Don't get me wrong, if they had some dramatically awesome pieces here that fit me I would likely start forking over the cash - I do care a lot about good clothes, but once they get into a higher price echelon, they need to fit perfect.
Good stuff.Listed in: Sartorial Pleasures
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Review from erin g.
Portland, OR
5/25/2011
This place is great! They carry awesome indie brands mixed with the more fashion-y skate pieces. I saw Nau, Jeffrey Campbell, Billabong, Pendleton, Ray-Ban lots of local brands an more!
It's definitely the hipster trendy place to shop, hence the bad reviews from the people actually looking for outdoor gear. Minus a star for weird customer service. I was ready to buy you were to busy lookin cool...don't like the tude. -
Review from Adrienne I.
Portland, OR
12/7/2011
Lizard Lounge is like walking into a clothing wet dream. Well, a very VERY expensive clothing wet dream. I love the concept. I love the designers. I love their parties with free booze. The only bad thing I have to say is that the prices are very high. This for me is a look but dont touch store BUT its my FAVORITE of the look but dont touch stores.
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Review from Andrew C.
1/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The first few times I walked in and out of the Lizard Lounge, it was First Thursday and the place was hoppin' with people drinking for free and pretending to thumb through some clothes they might want to buy if they put their entire Pizza Schmiza paycheck down on the counter. And for that reason, for a long while I kept associating Lizard Lounge with a concept of Hipster Nordstrom. That all said, they definitely do have some well made, awesome looking items. But I feel like it's the exception to the rule. On a most recent visit, I found about two jackets that weren't overly mountain, hip, or just... gaudy. I'm talking something you can wear to work, to a dinner, out with friends, on a date...etc. When you're dropping $300 for a locally made jacket from Nau or Bridgetown (is that the brand?) your selection can't be too overly outstanding.
But this is a store that in many ways prides itself on not having staples of a wardrobe. You're going to find all the flannel and screen print tees you need in here, and you're going to pay a premium to do so.
All that said, Lizard Lounge's offerings do fit the city and are a reflection of what most folks in the city tend to adorn. They offer a lounge area off to the side and the staff are friendly and helpful with sizing and opinions. Can't hate on that one bit. Just know what you're getting into. If you want a more refined style of clothing, perhaps look somewhere else.Listed in: The Pearl District
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Review from Doug R.
3/7/2008 ROTD 5/6/2008
I hate shopping for clothes. Hate hate hate. I'm very stereotypically male in that regard. I don't like the process of shopping and I'm clueless about fashion.
Before the UYE Alibi I had some time to kill before catching the Yellow line and decided to check out Lizard Lounge, because I need to update my wardrobe (see above and consider that the pair of jeans I bought last autumn were the first I'd bought in years, and the first new style of jeans I'd bought in a decade).
I go in just to look around, they've got a ping pong table and First Thursday stuff but these are all distractions to me (other people might dig it, so it didn't cost them any stars). I'm looking around and I guess the stuff is cool and all (CLUELESS!) but I can't really tell. They're still unloading winter stuff and I'm looking confused with all the signs to that regard when one Amanda asks if I need any help.
Wow. That's a dangerous question to ask me. I should have come clean right then and confessed my complete ineptitude, but poor Amanda had to discover this throughout the course of the adventure we were about to share.
I say I'm looking for a casual lightweight jacket.
A: "Sporty casual? Casual casual?"
JW: "Excellent questions you're asking."
She was not only very helpful and patient to the level of sainthood, she was persistent in trying to encourage me to rely on my own taste, to find something *I* liked, that *I* was comfortable in, because I, after all, was going to have to wear it. But I'm giving up on gray t-shirts and baggy jeans for a reason, so I'm sticking with the expert advice.
I found several jackets that I really liked but they didn't freaking fit!!!! Just like at UO everything was too tight across the back and through the biceps. I'm no 'roid freak, where are these mere wisps of men they're designing this stuff for?
Obviously, no stars lost for that, either. Cool shop, stupid designers.
I did end up buying something. Hopefully all of the staff at Lizard Lounge are just as helpful as Amanda. Because I'm probably going to have to go back to find a hat that goes with a brown jacket.
Did I mention I'm clueless about fashion?
AND I caught the very Yellow line to the Alibi that I'd been killing time for.Listed in: As Good As It Gets, Born to Shop
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Review from Beulah M.
Portland, OR
12/26/2010
Is this place a joke?
No, Lizard Lounge is a place for fools to have currently trendy outdoorsy /work wear styles hand fed to them at soaring prices: As a person who works outdoors and actually hikes farther than to the closest coffee shop, I found this place appalling.
The first item I saw was a nice Pendleton shirt, but noticed it was much more costly than the same model at a Pendleton store. I thought I must have been a mistake.. then I saw a Filson knock-off cotton jacket, for more than the Filson original in wool. Then I saw a pair of Levis for over $200 that costs $30 at Macy's. There were some other urban outfitters type cotton plaid shirts, scarves, t-shirts and such that were poorly made and over priced. The last thing I looked at was the shoe section. After seeing used boots and sneakers inflated 2-3x above the price for the exact same item new, I fled. -
Review from Nina N.
12/12/2010
They carry nau, a brand that is pretty much perfectly fitted for my body. Made from recycled fabrics and tailored to my little itty bitty body curvy body.... but damn expensive..... I've tried asking my buyer friends and they don't carry it at their boutique's. :(
Anyways, their clothes, shoes and cool hipster candles had me wanting to say,"can I have it..... pretty please....." :)
absolutely love the help from the owners and staff and I love the clothes in here :) love love love!!!! -
Review from Ron T.
Very Pacific Northwesty.
From the brick walls to the clothes they sell.
This is a must to go on First Thursdays. Bands, drinks and ping pong table? Yes, this is the place to go. They have discounts on almost everything during that night and the current sale items are not bad either.
Flannel, jackets, boots, shoes, flipflops, vests, watches, bags. They have it.
Minus one star for not giving me a discount on such a huge purchase but the store associates are friendly.
I love my Nixon 51-30 though I did not check it the first time I tried it. I have to go back and return the dented bracelet. I'm also happy with the other brands of clothes they carry.
The watch is not just a watch. It is a WATCH. And ofcourse, I slept better after except that it doesn't give me hugs when I'm bored and jaded. -
Review from Olivia T.
2/28/2009
Can I get a woot woot...
Lizard Lounge warehouse sale is da bomb...
$5 for t-shirts and they are very comfy looking, feeling, and touching..
$30 for warm fuzzy coats...oh no they didn't...
$5 for capri pants...hellz to the yeah...
My sis' boyfriend got that $5 comfy t-shirt...
Too bad my pocket was in recession...so I didn't get anything :(.
I had fun window shopping tho and made a note to myself for next time...
But seriously...
Can I get a woot woot... -
Review from Michelle H.
Portland, OR
10/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I fell in love with a NAU jacket. I tried it on. I tried on every color they had. I tried on every version. Everyone who helped with the transaction was friendly, without following me around like a puppy. It's a relaxed, fun store to browse, even if you aren't buying.
Yeah, you're paying more, but it's high quality stuff. -
Review from Eric B.
7/22/2009
I came in here on a whim as I was walking around the Pearl District last Sunday. That turned out to be a good thing as their promotional material led me to their nearby Nau/Horny Toad warehouse sale where I bought some nice shirts and pants.
This is a fun store to wander around. Staff is friendly and the store is layed out in a comfortable and well-considered fashion. The lounge chairs, TV area, and ping-pong table were all pretty cool and inviting for shopping or just hanging out. And I'm sorry I wasn't in town for a First Thursday event.
I'd like to come here again with Gayle in tow. She has been talking about upgrading my wardrobe from Royal Robbins flaps, getting away from browns and greens, and losing the alleged tucked in daddy pants look. Lizard Lounge would be a good place to at least try out some more fashionable possibilities. -
Review from Jen K.
4/14/2008
Some of the boutiques I saw in the Pearl had that look but no touch quality. The clothes were either way out of my league price wise or I'm just not hip enough to pull off the look.
So while I enjoyed window shopping at many Pearl boutiques, almost as if the clothes were part of some urban art exhibit, at Lizard Lounge I actually bought. And totally enjoyed the shopping experience since the environment was so interesting.
Great mix of stuff and they had a large selection of one of my favorite lines, Horny Toad. It was also a gorgeous sunny Saturday and they had an awesome sidewalk sale underway so I grabbed some cool Blurr pants for 60% off - score!
The staff was helpful and full of fun, even when the register was having issues, which I always appreciate. I asked for some local restaurant and parking recommendations and they went out of their way to be helpful. The only problem I have is with their return policy. Since the item I bought was on sale, it was a final sale, and you couldn't return it later.
Now I'm not one of those people that constantly return things (man I've seen some crazy in that area), but I do like the option.Listed in: Diamonds in the Pearl
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Review from Chrissie B.
Portland, OR
7/23/2008
Coffee and shopping! What more could a girl want? Maybe for the prices to be a little bit lower which is why I am going with only 4 stars.
But it sure is fun to look! -
Review from Brandon B.
Portland, OR
11/12/2007 ROTD 11/21/2007
You've seen them. People with a 'look', whether it's 1940's Glamor or Egyptian Gothic Lolita. I tried once, something my dear queer friend called Pradagonia: was I coming from yogalates or on my way to drink kombucha with Yoko Ono? But it failed. Unisex athletic-wear doesn't work on girls with Sir Mixalot measurements.
What's that got to do with Lizard Lounge? Despite the unfortunate name (remember that guy in college? called himself Lizard, liked to wave his spotty thing around at parties? eck), this store won me over with the fun, different clothes (not the same stuff you see everywhere), the friendly, no-pressure staff, and the plethora of comfy chairs.
Lizard Lounge makes me want to try for a 'look' again. Maybe post-revolution, bohemian librarian?Listed in: ROTD! ROTD!, Sometimes with Style
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Review from David M.
Updated - 3/4/2010
One of my favorite things about Yelp is the opportunity to give credit where credit is due. On the flip side, it also allows the opportunity to give feedback when it is needed.
I was in Lizard Lounge not more than 60 minutes ago shopping for a coat. I was followed around the store by a lurching and rather unpleasant salesperson named Robert. Robert was literally refolding and reorganizing the clothing as I was sorting through it. I was looking at a scarf on a mannequin and he actually took the scarf from my hand, asked what I needed, and then started to wrap it back around the mannequin. I felt sort of like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Not a nice way to feel.
The funny thing is I ended up buying a jacket and a scarf, when in retrospect I wish I hadn't. I think I will likely not shop here any longer. Sorry Lizard Lounge, Robert did you in, as far as I'm concerned.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2009
I love this store! The clothes are current, fit well, and comfortable. I really like nau. I am so… Read more »
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Review from Laura N.
9/5/2007 4 photos
Love love love the fresh idea of a clothing "lounge" rather than just a store!
Housed in the bottom of the Crane Lofts in the Pearl, LL is correct in not advertising as just another "shee-shee" clothing store in the Pearl. It is truly a lounge; with no pressure to buy or even SHOP for the clothing they have in there! The attitude when I walked in was this: "hey, glad you're here. Grab a cup, hang out for a while, if you see something you like, knock yourself out. If not, that's cool too!" (Not sure quite how this works out as a business model, but time will tell...)
So I did just that - sipped some of their fresh brewed (and free) Stumptown coffee, surfed the Internet on their iMac, listened to some live music, and perused their art gallery/clothing store. They invited me to their free First Thursday wine tasting event, and gave me a flier for up and coming events. I'm a planner - thus, I LOVED this.
I'm a big fan of Horny Toad apparel, which they had an abundance of, and the staff was super friendly and down to Earth.
LL fuses fashion with fun - and if that is all too alliterative for you, just understand that this is a fantastic spot to check out the next time you're in the neighborhood.Listed in: Best Boutiques
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Review from Corey G.
The Lizard Lounge could be my new joint....if only I had the bank account for it! Yeah, they have some pretty dope gear here, but dang you need coin to roll in here.
With that said, the clothing they sell is top notch, unique, and many of it is made in a sustainable way. I can't build my entire wardrobe here, but I can pick a cool item or two here every once and a while---personal economy withstanding .
I'm a fan of the NAU brand, and this is the closest place in the Northwest I can shop for their gear. NAU's always been expensive as all get up, but they make some awesome garments. I thought of getting a jacket, but ended up just getting a NAU wallet.
The staff here are super nice and easy on the eyes. When one of them saw the old tattered wallet I was replacing, they said, "Ooo, that's a cool wallet."
"Yeah, it's a dog food-flavored Pendleton wallet!", I replied. Yeah, one of my dogs had torn this wallet up a while ago, so I was in the market. Anyway, we talked about canines, and she said I can bring my dogs in any time.
Lizard Lounge, ya'll are fresh!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2009
This place was aw-ite. I like that they sell NAU clothes (the "green" clothing company which closed… Read more »
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Review from hugh b.
Portland, OR
10/28/2010
I bought a 300 dollar pair of timberland boots and a couple other pricey items. My timberland's started falling about after a month. I went back in to Exchange the defective boots for another pair. the salesman acted like a 300 dollar pair of shoes should be expected to spit down the back, the toe bend up and lace break in the first month!
then the salesmen just started talking about his hand made Italian shoes, I don't want to hear about your shoes, i want you to exchange the Defective pair you sold me.
I had to call Timberland to get it taken care of.
it's not there stock, it's just they're Business Practices that are Totally UNSATISFACTORY!
they don't care about the customer, just the customers money.
Don't expect any problem to be handled in the Lizard lounge -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/7/2008
Hm, this place kind of makes me think of a more sporty Anthropologie. The stuff is expensive! But there are a lot of coats and jackets for sale here. They also had a decent shoe selection with some cute boots.
There are a ton more of men's stuff than women's clothing. And the women's clothing looked a lot like the men's stuff. A lot of dark colors.
As part of First Thursday, they also had beer and a live band. I just hope they garnered some sales from the night.Listed in: PDX
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Review from Elizabeth E.
Portland, OR
2/9/2010
If you rock an athletic look even when you're not at the gym, you'll find Lizard Lounge has a rich stock of items that you're bound to fall in love with.
They carry some of the highest quality brands with are hard to find elsewhere such as Nau, Horny Toad, and others. Clothes are not cheap, but you get a lot of what you pay. If you only shop when you're getting a deal - keep your eyes open for their occasional side-walk or warehouse sales (where you can get anywhere from 30% - 60% off).
Aside from having innovative, well-made clothes, they also have a unique 'shopping experience' vibe. You'll find shoppers hanging out on the internet - at a few Mac computers set up for just that purpose, or perhaps playing a friendly game of ping pong. Local art adorns the walls and they occasionally have live musicians. In short, the atmosphere here is just as cool as the clothing they carry.
So if you've ever gotten bored while shopping and felt the need to play a round of ping pong to lift your spirits or perhaps after you've tried on the last sweater of the day and wanted to hop onto the internet....now you now a fun shopping experience can await you at Lizard Lounge.Listed in: Unleash your sporty spirit
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Review from Robert H.
5/31/2010
Sustainable clothing + lounge + range of shoes to hats and everything in between = 5.
My main interest in the Lizard Lounge is that they share parents with, and are the Portland outlet for, NAU clothing.
It's design-oriented outdoor performance clothing that meets stylish in the office. The materials are traceably sustainable.
NAU's specialty is the jacket, pants, shirt you can bike to work in, then walk in the door looking smart. It's perfect for Portland!
Go on First Thursday evenings, for their events, which usually involve a discount and donation to sustainable/ overseas development/ worldchanging projects. Often you can meet the NAU designers and staff in person, just ask around.
They have a great selection of men's hats, many other clothing brands and useful stuff. Free computers for emergency Internet checking. Great staff. Art shows every month. -
Review from Debbie W.
Seattle, WA
7/30/2011
Boy do I have mixed feelings about this place being only 3 blocks from our loft. Since we've both several years ago fallen victim to a strong NAU addiction, it's hard to go in without buying another jacket. Take today. Do I really need that? Does he really need that? It's amazing how you can justify it. Plus everybody is so nice in there - laid back, helpful, smiley. And you can get coffee. And the music is good. Amazing place.
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Review from Julian H.
Seattle, WA
9/17/2009
We stumbled onto a Lizard Lounge liquidation event at a non-traditional location. Warehouse feel without the warehouse prices. Some good deals but you gotta poke around. The quality seemed good, though.
Another victim of the economic downturn? -
Review from Mike H.
Portland, OR
6/25/2009
Four Star Rating! WOW...I never thought I would give a clothing store four stars that primarily sells clothing that ranges from $50 for a t-shirt to $200 for a button down shirt.
I remember going into this place for the first time and causally grabbing 5 or 6 things to try on. Once I proceeded to the dressing room I tried on one of the shirts and thought wow, this shirt is really nice. I might have to purchase this lovely garment, but then I proceeded to look down at the tag and saw that this shirt cost $180. At first I thought this must be a typo....then after checking every garment I took into the fitting room I realized that either all of the clothes I grabbed had been mismarked (needing seriously to replace the sales associate for the mistake) or that these clothes really cost this much (sadly the latter is true).
Besides the expensive clothing, this place has a very friendly staff and the amenities are off the charts. Ping pong table, surfing the net, or watching TV are all options available for anyone's enjoyment that is not in the mood to shop.
BUT the real reason why this place gets four stars is based on its performance on First Thursday. Every First Thursday they have a social event where they have free beer (all you can drink microbrews, FREE) and live music. Great atmosphere to hang out and chill with friends! If free beer wasn't enough of a reward, they also give you a wrist band that can be used to receive 20% of any purchase in the store, which is valid for a week after that Thursday. Bottoms Up! -
Review from Boyd M.
Ednor Gardens - Lakeside, MD
11/12/2008
This place is a just a great space filled w/ some great products. Very nice staff that was attentive, but stayed back and let us wander to our hearts delight.
I wanted to pick up a better jacket while here and was bummed that I could not find the combo of size and style. Many of the designs here run kind of smallish (or my ass is getting larger! very, very likely) and when looking for a jacket, I just could not find one I liked that had a size that worked for me.
I enjoyed the ping pong table. This would be a kick ass place to bring the boys and let the girls shop. Not to mention that there is a very acceptable mens department. Nice line up of great shoes from Campers to Toms. Quality names though out and a staff that really knows how to help w/o ignoring you or running you off.
We wound up getting a couple of Coal hats and a pair of hand made leather boots from Mexico. I will be back here on the next trip to Portland, you can be sure! -
Review from love p.
West Hollywood, CA
2/21/2009
What a gem.
I've been itching BADLY to go here for months, since I arrived in pdx,and since I learned that it is one of the last places on earth that carry Nau.
(Aside: I've been quite literally obsessed with wrapping myself and my menz in all those sleek, deliciously anal-retentive nau duds, ever since I saw a Coolhunting Vlog about their concept store. I would visit their tantalizing tentative space next to Ben Sherman @ Beverly Center (LA), eagerly awaiting its opening.. but.. after months of visiting and visiting... It... never came to fruition.)
And at lizard lounge, all my geeky, obsessy, stalkeresque Nau pinings had finally come to a gleeful conclusion.
So, lizard lounge looks completely unassuming from the outside. Even on the border of completely undeveloped and uncool. (Maybe its a good thing? Unaware unhip folk completely passing it by?) My shoppin' partner almost didn't even want to step in. (Luckily my Nau obsession is stronger than that!)
SOO pleasantly surprised! What a fun, loungey, buying experience! The items are very well selected. I was happily greeted by several of the brands I really like... Like G-Star... And not the GHETTOy, over-logo'ed G-Star they produce for the tacky hip hop market, oh no. They're carrying the good stuff. The classics. The perfectly pared down classics, made in Italy, instead of China. Even the G-Star on Melrose has stooped down to carrying some of the China garbage.
Not Lizard Lounge. ... I like how their buyer cares. :)
$500 lighter than when we came in, my friend left looking smashing, with well made clothes, and two pairs of excellent shoes. This was a $500 that was worth it, because of the quality and care that went into the products, and buying experience.
Making my dude look as good as *that* for $500 is a TALL order, because he's impossible for me to easily dress. He's picky. He's demanding. He doesn't take "fashion bullshit".
I always want outfits that just WORK for him, because he can't be bothered to strive to make an outfit work - it has to look good "out of the box" or he's not gonna put in the effort to sass it up. So when I shop for him, I like to make him look rad and futuristic, because that more fits his persoanality. At the same time, I long for rad/futuristic "easy". Thanks, LL... you made Rad/Futuristic EASY.
Bring your unclothable men here. Leave with a sexy arm-charm you'd be proud to take ANYWHERE.
In the men's section, Lizard doesn't carry "trendy trash". You know what I'm talking about. Items in cheapie stores look cheap (boo Metropark and their insistence on popped seams and Made in China), Nordstrom looks gauche/too hip hop/blingy, or is so mass the quality goes down. $500 at Nord or Saks usually leaves me dissatisfied (like I ate too much cake and subsequently feel sick). $500 after Lizard makes me feel light and sated, like I did something good. That's a feeling I like supporting. :) :)
So... Other things to note...
Women's selection? Eh, not so much. I found nothing in my own personal palettes that I like. (I'm not a browns-olives girl. I'm a cold anthracite-ultraviolet-jade-black girl) I'll probably head back and pick up some Nau pieces for myself. As for the other stuff, though, the Quicksilvers and the ObeyGiants... I can do without, personally. LL is STRONG on their Men's selection.
Pluses:
- Ping pong table!!
- A few cozy little reading-couch-living-room-esque interludes interspersed throughout the store. Those were delightful.
- Staff is great. Smiley. They didn't mind my two kids bopping around, being kid-like, happily greeting other customers, and taking pictures of the random industrial objects lying around. Staff who don't bust my balls for being a breeder score MUCHO points with me. Subsequently, I bend over backward to bring them bizness. I mean, Lizard has some EXPENSIVE shit lying around (Industrial 60s typewriters? Epic glass vivariums?), just WAITING for a 3 year old to come by and break. Coolheaded shopgirls and shopguys just keep a cheerful, careful eye on them, and make sure all's well. That's how a shop SHOULD run.
- Good dressing room pacing. You're not hassled. You're casually asked every now and then if he can go grab sizes. Way to have your timing down! -
Review from Jana S.
Chicago, IL
11/4/2009
To sum it up, this place is awesome!
It is located in the Crane building in the Pearl and makes sure to keep it as close to original as possible. In addition adding nice upgrades and decor. They offer a lounge are with imac that are available for use, as well as couches to make it an all around comfortable feel.
They carry a variety of clothes not commonly available, such as G Star and NAU. The recently added the womens line of G Star as well. It is definitely the perfect place to go to get the styles and looks that you would normally not find in Portland. The staff is super helpful and always available to answer questions.
Be sure to check the sales racks and ask the staff about upcoming sales for awesome savings! -
Review from Preita S.
Ridgefield, WA
2/25/2011
Wow! This store is amazing. Vintange furniture, lamps, rugs, and small home goods. Just walking through this store is awesome. If I needed a vintage couch, dresser, lamp, or shade this would be the first place I would look.
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Review from Jen T.
7/31/2010
seriously, one of my favorite stores in portland. this is what urban outfitters...or even local 35...WISHES it could be. not only do they actually carry a great selection of HIGH QUALITY labels and brands (i'm looking at you, uo, you cheap bastards), they have great service, hip ambiance, and tons of fun for the whole family. (ping pong anyone?)
of course, i had heard of the infamous lounge through a friend... FREE BEER and mad discounts on (many) FIRST THURSDAYS!! then throw in some live music, korean tacos (thanks to koi fusion), maple bacon ice cream (50 licks), and tons of hot dudes and dudettes... fuck yeah, i'm there!
biggest word of advice: definitely sign up for their mailing list so you can be up to date with their latest sales and events. they just had a 25% off everything sale this weekend. and hooooow did i know?! just guess.Listed in: BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!
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Review from S A R A H.
Portland, OR
8/25/2008
Why my anti-shopping self and boyfriend like this place. (A) They have some killer stuff on sale. (B) You can drink coffee while shopping. (C) The sale stuff. (D) The employees are genuinely nice. (E) The sale stuff.
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Review from Raymond B.
Portland, OR
6/16/2008
I think this might be my favorite place to buy clothes in Portland - although I do think they have a better men's selection than women's. It's nicely laid out, the people there are super nice and attentive, and they give you good coffee to drink while you shop. Can't be beat!
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Review from Amanda M.
Portland, OR
8/30/2010
My favorite place in Portland to loiter!! I love the clothes, love the staff, love that they have computers for me to use, and Stumptown coffee for me to drink while I shop. And my boyfriend loves the ping pong table in the back, so I can shop while he plays pong and both of us are happy ;)
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Review from nam h.
Portland, OR
10/2/2007
This is one of my favorite apparel shops in Portland. They carry 55DSL, Union, John Varvatos, etc. Friendly staff that provides great customer service.
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Review from Brandon B.
Portland, OR
8/30/2010
love this place! not only do they have a nice grouping of clothes but also is a good place just to hang out.
also they have sweet pingpong tables and some solid employees to play against.
obviously is a fixture on the first thursday stop but you already knew that! -
Review from oola s.
Portland, OR
1/2/2010
I was randomly given the opportunity to discover this little gem when I was being lavished with gifts this holiday season at new and previously undiscovered locations...SO happy to find Nau clothing here btw!!!
The harsh truth is if I weren't being "lavished", I most likely would not have found the Lizard Lounge, but I am glad that I did. Bottom line: a solid variety of labels showcasing quality clothing appropriate to the style and climate of the northwest without being too trendy and vintage-y. I love a good plaid shirt that can breathe, has a hood isn't boxy or pre-worn, and has some feminine details. LOVE it.
But do expect to pay for quality...if you're like me you know that sometimes it's well worth the investment.
You just have to peruse because like anywhere else, quality, style, and most significantly (for me) size vary greatly with labels and cut/shape. So especially when I decide to pay more for a piece that I expect to love and wear often, feeling like it's worth it is key, and this place knows how to deliver some of those long sought after pieces to suit the needs of my closet.
Yay! I'm totally a fan. -
Review from Jeremy S.
Portland, OR
2/27/2008
I'd been meaning to stop into this place for awhile now, mainly because a good friend of mine did a lot of their lighting and provided them with many of the offbeat "accessories" that pepper the store. And I must say, I'm glad I stopped. This is something like the perfect clothing store. I must admit that much of my enthusiasm had to do with the fact that they are having their winter clearance sale at the moment, and it seemed like at least 3/4 of the store was 50% off - which is what it needed to be to fit into my budget. However, affordable or not, they have some really nice clothes for guys and gals, they have free coffee, they have a ping pong table, and they have computers set up in case you have the urgent need to look up a review on Yelp (or...uhhhh....check your email). The space is HUGE, and very nicely appointed - the perfect quasi-industrial sort-of-loft-like retail space. Their rent must be a fortune, and between the free coffee and the 50% off sales, I have no idea how they make any money. However, I hope they are secretly selling lots of clothes to rich Pearl District denizens at full price, so they can stay in business and I can buy the rejects for 50% off! Today I came away with a really nice organic cotton Horny Toad button-down shirt. Originally $78, half price: $39! Works for me, I will be back.
