Flood Clothing

Nicole has a gift for creating! I’ve been a hat customer of hers for a while now. I have yet to venture into the clothing side, so I can’t comment on that, but she knows her hats, that’s for sure! She always shows her customers the best way to wear their new gear and what other styling options they might want to try. She is patient, friendly, and not overly sales-​y in the least. I make it a point to give her my business, because while it might not be the least expensive hat you’ll buy, it will be cherished and worn and admired for years, and you’ll know it was made with pure love.

Appealing, unique, colorful, expressive. This is the literal flood of things that hit me when I walked by Flood Clothing’s booth at the Portland Saturday Market. They sell super cute, unique hats that are made from recycled clothing (she has crocheted hats, too). Who knew clothes could have a second life like this! The hats say «I am total personality» and they are unique to each person. I was drawn to a particular hat and even though I tried on several (ok, about 10 others) I always came back to the first one. :) The quality of the workmanship is very high. And I love that no two hats are alike.
Nicole, the owner– is bubbly and outgoing. She reflects what her hats reflect– «be you, live you, love you.» She invites you in to find a way to express yourself. Even for us shy people. :) Such a nice person. I think that counts when you are spending your money– I always prefer to spend mine with like-​minded people.

Occasionally in life you meet people so fun, unique, dynamic, and cool that it’d take a real jerk not to like them. Nicole Flood’s such a person. Back in June, meeting people like her really helped make Portland a place where we not only felt welcome, but really needed to live.
If you’re going to PSM (Portland Saturday Market) find this booth (usually under the Burnside bridge).
Nicole’s line «Flood Clothing’ reflects her personality. By re-​imagining and recombining used garments she produces beautiful, stylish, one-​of-​kind, hand-​made, high-​quality hats and women’s clothing pieces.
When you consider the labor that goes into each piece and the fact that no other person on the planet will have one like it, her wearable works of art really are great bargains.
Nicole’s super power (I believe everyone has at least one) is to be able to touch and look at a fabric or garment and see what it could (or perhaps should) be. Have a polo or dress you really like, but don’t wear anymore… you can even place a custom order and see what it becomes.
As for me and my better half, we’ll be finding our way here again soon. Both to get hats and to chill with one of the coolest artisans (actually people) around.