We vacationed in Maine this past weekend, stopping in Portland and landing further up the coast in Camden. It was an amazing time well spent. Although Portland is only two hours from home, it's been years since I visited last. Not much has changed, it's still as charming as ever, but I did find some great shopping to tell you about in case you ever find yourself in this adorable coastal city.

First stop, I visited Carrie at Angela Adams, then Diane at Ferdinand, and over to the waterfront where I stopped by Edith & Edna, a store I'd been dying to visit for a few months now, and chatted with Julie. It was there that I purchased some great things made by Curious Bird, Blabla, and a large 8" blue bird vase by Joanna Mendicino. While strolling the waterfront, we grabbed bubble tea at Bubble Maineia (you must visit this place at 136 Commercial Street), and shopped at the massive Company C store located at 123 Commercial Street. Of course, many stops along the way at floral shops, clothing boutiques, and a few antiques stores, and we had to stop for seafood chowder, but finally we called it a day and headed up the coast to Wiscasset, where I stumbled upon Smitten (an amazing gem of a place with modern home goodies) and Rock, Scissor, Paper (a stationery store). Both boutiques are owned by Erika Soule, but I could only peek in the windows because they were closed when we arrived. I would love to meet Erika and shop her stores -- so I think I'll visit again in a few months. I could have emptied my wallet in Smitten, I think Erika and I have the same taste on nearly everything. It was scary looking in the window. It was as if decor8 had been transformed into a storefront. Ah, one can dream...

Of course, a weekend in Maine for us wasn't all about shopping, we spent a lot of time enjoying the coast, taking pictures, and relaxing. I'll be back tomorrow to post a few photos from the stores mentioned above. But for now I must go take care of all the mundane post vacation stuff... See you Tuesday!

(images snapped by holly becker for decor8)