This post is in partnership with Nisolo. All writing, content and photography are my thoughts and ideas.
It’s no secret I love my Nisolos. I bought my first pair in 2015, and I’ve loved following along with the company’s mission and new designs ever since. Today, in honor of their new releases for spring I’m slipping into my Nisolos and taking you around to some of my favorite spots in my city.
Drinking: Courier Coffee
This is one of the few, non-pretentious spots around Portland to get a good cup of jo. I love a pretty, polished coffeeshop as much as the next person, but there is something about the unrefined edginess of Courier that makes me happy. So much of Portland is gentrified and slick, that it’s nice to go somewhere that feels a little more organic and rustic.
However, the biggest reason why I like Courier is that the coffee is amazing. They roast their own beans and list their varieties from earthy to acidity levels. I love that they don’t use anything fancy to brew a cup, just a simple mason jar and filter to create the most delicious pour overs. While the coffee steeps, I like to use that time to pick the baristas’ brains about coffee-making techniques. It always amazes me how well they know their coffee, from grinding techniques to gauging water temperature without a thermometer (hint: it’s in the behavior of the steam!).
It’s a place I enjoy visiting, where the coffee and atmosphere never disappoint. Bonus: the salted chocolate chip cookies pair expertly with any cup you choose.
Wearing: Mariella Mules
These mules by Nisolo are probably one of my most worn pairs of shoes here on the blog and in real life. They are great in the shoulder seasons – spring and fall. I like them in the summer too! They look good with almost everything. I know it’s bit of a blogger cliché to say that, but I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. Often, when I want to complete an outfit in a way that makes me look and feel good, I go for these shoes. They are chic and leg-lengthening. They look excellent with: vintage denim, cutoff denim, white denim, any wide pants, and even skirts and dresses.
One reason why I gravitate toward these shoes so much is the low heel height. They are comfortable and easy to wear even if I have a rowdy little boy at my side, or I’m heading to the playground to pick up the kids after school. They are low enough to slip on for a casual barbecue or brunch date, and still sleek enough to wear to an event, or out to dinner. If a taller heel is more your jam, Nisolo just released their beautiful Paloma Mules in Sand, the same color as these Mariellas. The heel on the Palomas is slightly taller, and the toe a little more squared. A great option if you like the look of the Mariellas but prefer more height. For me and my casual lifestyle, the Mariellas are the best fit.
Eating: Maurice
Next stop on this mini tour is Maurice, a little French luncheonette next door to Courier Coffee. Maurice is home to my very favorite scone in the whole world – a rosemary currant creation that is both sweet and slightly savory. The baked goods are so delicious that owner Kristen Murray was nominated for a 2017 James Beard Award in the category of Outstanding Pastry Chef. I’ll cheers to that!
I always treat myself to these scones on my birthday, and really any other day I want a little something special. The best is when I stop by earlier in the day and they are still warm!
And that’s a wrap on today’s tour. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Portland as navigated in my Nisolos. Later this month I’ll take you guys to a lovely shop featuring the most beautiful housewares, and we’ll head inside the mecca of Portland: Powell’s Books!
Shop It:
If you have any questions about the fit of these mules, drop me a line in the comments. I’ve had mine for almost exactly one year now, and I am happy to report they’ve only gotten better with time. They’ve molded to my feet so comfortably and the nubuck leather has worn in beautifully. I tend to avoid wearing them in the rain but, on the occasions that I have, the raindrops have dried without leaving their mark. For more styling inspiration with the mules, see them with a jumpsuit, with vintage jeans, and with Kamm pants.
Sweater, c/o Jamie + the Jones // White Denim, Everlane // Mariella Mules, c/o Nisolo // Dooney & Bourke All Weather Bag, vintage
This post is in partnership with Nisolo. I was compensated for my time spent writing and photographing this piece. This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase, I will make a commission. I choose partners for Seasons + Salt with the utmost care, and am thrilled to work with Nisolo. Thank you for supporting responsible makers like Nisolo who are making a real difference in the apparel world.
All photography by Kiara Rose Photo.
I am on a restricted clothing budget right now, but really like what Nisolo stands for and the styles they offer. I know you have a few pairs and have raved about them before! I would really like to get the Dari boot, but will likely purchase it next fall.
I have the Everlane Day flat, with the high vamp, and some loafer mules, and a couple Everlane “backed” loafers (modern and modern point) and I’ve been trying to decide if I really need another shoe, but have been looking at this type of mule. Do you find it feels duplicative with other types of flats at all? It’s beautiful, but I’m having a hard time figuring out if it would just displace something else, or not get used, and wonder what your experience in the past year has been. I don’t see you wear the day flats much, so perhaps the additional foot coverage is enough to be persuasive for you?
I enjoy your Portland posts. I have visited the city twice and am eager to get back (a good friend runs a hobby farm SW of the metro area, and another dear friend lived in Vancouver, WA until a few years ago). I love that it’s green year round. We’re so gray in the winter in Missouri!
Great question Rebecca! For me it often comes down to the color, on whether I feel like shoes are duplicate. I like these because of the light, nude shade that they are. I have a pair of blush colored oxfords that are similar but I feel like the mules are different enough, that I like them both for different occasions. I hope that helps!
Yay, I love that you’ve been to Portland, it’s such a wonderful place. And yes, haha, it is very green year round!
I love Maurice! I had their polenta a few months back and it was divine (so much so that I burnt my mouth eating it…) I feel like I’m transported to Paris when I’m in there. I’ll have to stop into Courier sometime soon! And, of course, the shoes are beautiful. I wish I could wear backless shoes, they’re everywhere lately!
Hi Stacy! You HAVE to try the scones, they’re so good! I’ve had some of her other food too, it is pretty great! Is the non-backless shoes a work rule? Or something else?
I know this post is about the shoes but the pants! I’m not a big fan of white jeans (mostly because I’ve only thought of them as a preppy item) but I love how you’ve been styling these Everlane jeans over the past few weeks and this outfit is one of the best – so simple but so good! I can see why you like these shoes, it’s hard to find something that does work with everything!
Thanks Katie! I am kind of surprised how much I like them too. It just such a different look from the steady stream of denim! It’s been fun!
Can I ask how you have found the sizing? Did you have to size up given your heel isn’t contained at the back? I have a fear with shoes like that, that my heal will be hanging off the edge. Thx!!
Hi El! I did not size up. I took these in my normal size 10. At first, I thought they might be too short, but after a little bit of wear the leather softened nicely, and my foot does not hang off the back. If you are between sizes though, I’d try your bigger size first. You just don’t them to be too big, you want them snug on your feet so they stay in place. Hope this helps!
How pointy are the toes on your feet? Also, do you think the leather could stretch enough for a wide foot? I do like the smooth, light-colored interior, even on the black shoes (which is the color I am interested in getting).
Hi Anne, they are what I would call almond shape, which is one of my preferred. They are elongating without being too extreme. My foot is slightly wide, and these have stretched to accommodate me very comfortably. They have a leather lining on the inside, so the natural materials are really good and adjusting to give the right fit. The leather lining also means they are extra soft inside! Let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi I’ve never worn mules and I’m considering dipping my toe in. I like the look and heel of your pair. May I ask how stretchy the leather is? I have bunions and worry about shoes molding to the shape of my feet vs masking the irregularity. Thanks for your thoughtful posts!
Hi Liz, thanks for the kind words! The leather on these these shoes is pretty soft, and they are lined with leather on the inside, two factors that make them extra comfortable. I’m afraid they might mold to the shape of your feet, which I think always looks great, but I could understand if that might be an issue with your bunions. Hope this input helps!
I have these same shoes, love them, but do treat them with anything to keep them looking nice? I sprayed some suede/nubuck stuff on them, but I’m really not too sure it did much. They have several little marks, but I’m way too scared to wear them in the rain!
Hi Katie! I do have suede rain protector spray that I have usually spray on all my nubuck shoes. I can’t remember if I sprayed these! I probably should. I tend to avoid wearing them in the rain though, unless it’s super light.
This outfit is so spot-on!
Thank you Emily!