|
 |
August 1st, 2008
Ooh, do we love a Lifetime movie! We used to hang out with our roommates drinking Boone’s Farm and watching gems like “The Cabin in the Woods” and then “Return to the Cabin in the Woods” (both starring the once-hot Judd Nelson), and we’d devote entire Sundays to laying on the sofa and mocking the cheesy goodness. Just the other day we caught one from 1984 where a girl had her boyfriend (David Schwimmer) make her abusive father, um, “disappear” (don’t try this at home). Hooray! And we’ve found someone who not only shares our love, but takes it a step further. Check out www.lifetimewow.blogspot.com. This kooky gal rates Lifetime movies according to their “Lifetimeyness” and includes an “It’s That Guy” rating as well. (As in, “Hey, it’s that guy from…”) Anyhoo, if you’re out there, Lifetime-Movie Watching Gal, please look us up. We need to buy you a Margarita. But if you’d like to spend your weekend doing something more fruitful than watching TV, please join us at the Portland Picks for Men Singles Party next Friday! See the Hip Happening below for more details. And we have 2 free tickets to give away! Just email 5 of your single friends in PDX—guys and girls—to tell them about the PPFM Singles Event and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you’ll be one step closer to meeting the guy (or gal) of your dreams. |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Sometimes We Digress We pride ourselves on our love for everything local—clothes, beer, food, spas—you name it, we love it. But we also have a weakness for high-end fashion. So when we heard that Juicy Couture opened at Pioneer Place, we simply had to be the first ones there. Edgy, hip, and fun, the brand new store is filled with items that are exclusive to Portland—not to mention their signature velour track suits with “Juicy” written across the bum (we know you have a pair, even if you’re totally over them), plus accessories, handbags, shoes, and couture. And we’ll admit it—our affinity for Juicy (their trench coats and t-shirts are fab!) just became an all-out love affair. With their fall line already in-store, you can stock up on adorable raincoats and Sabrina Viva Juicy Rain Boots, because we Portlanders know that the rain is never too far away. We’re pretty sure that these boots are going to be taking over Portland as the new Juicy trend—velour pants begone! The rain is here to stay. Juicy Couture |
|
|
| 2 | The Drink of Choice We are social butterflies, and few things excite us more than an outing—except for one to get morning coffee. Honestly, we don’t like coffee, and while we begrudgingly drag ourselves to these AM caffeine injections, we’re always the girl slouching in the corner who “doesn’t drink Joe.” And we live in Portland. It’s sad, really. So we nearly screamed with glee when we noticed that Portland’s favorite boutique chocolatier, Cacao, opened a new location downtown earlier this month. Geographically aligned just two blocks from our day job, and an amazingly convenient alternative to the local java joint, we practically busted the door down to check it out. Cacao is known for not only their hot chocolate but also for their drinking chocolate. Notice the distinction—the two are different. The drinking chocolate is like drinking heaven, teeny cup by teeny cup. Being a chocolate boutique, they also sell hard chocolates too, produced both locally and internationally. Monday morning? You got it—we’re taking the troops to Cacao Drink Chocolate so we can finally get our morning buzz on. Cacao |
|
|
| 3 | Dress You Up in Our Love Sure, at Portland Picks we are all about the new, new new! But sometimes that focus on the most spankin’ new of stores makes us occasionally feel like we need to give some of the more established shops more love. And now that it’s hot (at least once afternoon hits), we don’t want to worry about getting dressed. We just want to throw something on that is easy, not spendy, and makes us look good. So we returned to one store where we can always find the right thing: Dragonlily Boutique. Dragonlily has adorable accessories like wood necklaces, delicate earrings and funky belts, but what we really love is that we can always find the kind of dress that makes people ask where we got it. Not to mention the flowy jersey pants fitted in the right places, flared in others, and comfortable all over. We could take them to yoga, but we’d rather take them out somewhere fabulous. Like back to Dragonlily. Because if you stop by and mention Portland Picks, they’ll even kick in 10% off! Dragonlily |
|
|
| 4 | See It Again, Sam Being girls, we are big fans of drama (even if we tell prospective boyfriends, “Oh no, that’s not what we’re about.) So when we want to satisfy our D-tooth we head to—where else?—the movies! And when we heard that the Roseway Theater in NE Portland had a major makeover, we were there. (After all, it’s rumored that the one-and-only Clark Gable once attended a movie premiere at the Roseway. So glam!) And the glamour still presides. The re-do is all class, all the way from the hand-painted rosettes on the walls to the gorgeous wrought-iron railings… so this 1920s gem once again has all of its original shine. And with modern features like Digital Projection and sound, air conditioning, and super comfy seats with double the leg room, it’s a great place to catch first-run flicks on an enormous screen. And moms, take note: They’re going to start running free kids’ matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (check the website for details), plus tickets are only $6 for every show. Let the drama begin! Roseway Theater |
|
|
| 5 | Smarty Party Pants Food makes us very happy, especially when we don't have to make it. But sometimes we open our big mouths and offer to throw a party for a girlfriend, and then we're in trouble. Because we can’t mix and mingle if we’re stuck in the flippin kitchen! |
|
|
| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Organic Nation Vodka Finally… we can drink till we’re happy again and still uphold our earth-friendly principles. This gorgeously drinkable vodka is made with 100% organic grains and certified by Oregon Tilth, then it’s filtered seven times for a smooth “mouth-feel” and finish. We loved it mixed into cocktails, but vodka purists will enjoy drinking it on the rocks or in a chilly martini. We bet 007 would approve. Shaken, though, not stirred. (Available locally at Pearl Specialty Market & Spirits, and ask for it at your favorite bar or restaurant.) |
|||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Crocodile Tears In NYC, we used to work in the same building as Vogue, and the women would come in wearing designer duds and ugly white sneaks. Thing is: they were smart. We, however, wore our heels all 16 city blocks, and pretty much cried daily. If only we’d had a chic croc-printed carry-all like this one by Canadian designer Virginia Johnson. With its quality canvas and precious watercolor, we could have toted our peep-toes in style, saving the tootsies—and face. |
 |
|
| 2 | Oh, the Memories... Our memory has failed us so many times that we’re convinced we have early-onset of “something bad.” But it wasn’t always this way. As a kid, we were the undefeated champion of “Memory,” the matching game. So we actually yelped when we found this version by Binth. Instead of apples and bananas, kids match pairs of crowns, castles, owls and poodles, all screen-printed on petite wooden squares. An old classic revamped in modern-day style—just how we like it! |
 |
|
| 3 | What in The? We, regrettably, are a bit naïve. We used to sport tanks and purses printed with little red cherries, mostly because we thought cherries were cute. Well, it turns out we were advertising something else. Cherry blossoms, on the other hand, don’t have the secret stigma. And we love ’em for it! Upon finding this pendant by Amy Bengston, we were reacquainted with an old love and can’t stop buying—everyone should have her blossom-etched necklaces. |
 |
|
| 4 | Body Basics We’ve always heard that you are what you eat. Shouldn’t the same hold true for what you put on your body? Our theory: If body lotion eventually absorbs, we’re sticking with only 100% natural. Pure Products are locally made with yummy ingredients like coconut oil, mandarin, white tea and lemongrass. And they smell as good as they sound! Crafted by massage therapists, we guarantee these are lotions that’ll make you feel good—inside and out. |
 |
|
| 5 | Get It Straight Since we possess a magical hair-type known as “slightly wavy,” we get all the kinks of curly hair with none of the bounce. So often we opt to go straight. Yet nothing is as frustrating as spending 15 minutes with a straightening iron only to have one section that still won’t un-frizz. So hooray for Izunami’s unbelievable flat irons. They really are the fastest flat irons we’ve tried, and, (they say) the safest. But really we’re just interested in the long-lasting results. |
 |
|
| Event of the Week: | |||
Crazygood Sale on Fabulous Shoes! One of our favorite shoe stores, Talula’s, is closing. The owners are moving to San Diego! But hooray—they’re giving us super steals on spot-on trends and hot new shoe styles this weekend as a final adieu. They’re having a closeout sale downstairs in TAGG, and you can save a staggering 50–75% off of retail on fun, fashionable, current styles and brands like Miss Sixty, Seychelles, BCBG, Report & Report Signature, Beverly Feldman and more! What: Final closeout sale for Talula’s shoe store |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Happy Birthday Circle Studio! What the heck is “Gyrotonics”? Find out at Circle Studio’s 1-year anniversary event. They’ll happily introduce you to their Pilates instruction too, and you can get a free 15-minute consultation in each, plus view demonstrations throughout the evening. Enjoy cupcakes from Saint Cupcake, free finger-foods & bevvies, and enter a raffle to win 3 free private sessions! What: Circle Studio 1-year anniversary party |
 |
|
| 2 | A Mineral Miracle Not everyone knows what makeup colors look good on them, but Independent Mary Kay consultant Karen Murphy can show you the right fade-resistant mineral colors, plus techniques for enhancing your skin tone and face shape. This is like having the makeup counter come to you! Mention Portland Picks and receive a free eye shade of your choice at your appointment! What: Complimentary Mineral Makeover/Color Consultation |
 |
|
| 3 | Spend Your Sundays at Mink This may be the best idea ever—Mink Boutique is turning Sunday mornings into a month-long sale! All through August, every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm, everything at Mink is 15% off (sale items included!). It’s the perfect time to stock up on lovely fall essentials (Sweaters! Denim!), plus save 20–70% off of summer items. What: Sunday Sales at Mink |
 |
|
| 4 | There Will Be Guys Mark your calendars for another Portland Picks for Men singles event!!! Grab your single ladyfriends and head to Vicinato Wine Bar for a night of mixing and mingling with some cute PPFM readers on Aug. 8. (You already have something in common—you read the Picks!) Win great prizes from NW Pilates, Mabel & Zora, Fusion Salon, McCormick & Schmick’s, Pin-Me and more, enjoy free wine and hors d’oeuvres, and maybe score a date! Proceeds help benefit the Red Cross. What: Portland Picks For Men Singles Night |
 |
|
| 5 | Nordstrom Designer Preview & OHSU Benefit We knew summer was flying, but fall fashion? Yes, ladies, it’s time! Nordie’s hosts a designer preview to benefit the OHSU Center for Women’s Health. Enjoy early cocktails and boutique shopping (for Connoisseur and Runway guests), followed by the fashion show at 8 pm. Stay for the dessert reception and more shopping after the show! What: Nordstrom Designer Preview, benefiting OHSU Center for Women’s Health |
 |
|
| 6 | Rooftop Dining With the Gilt Club The weather is right for dining al fresco, and the Gilt Club is introducing rooftop dinners atop the historic Desoto Building, across from the restaurant. Gilt Club’s chef Peter Gadd will create menus from garden items picked at the height of perfection. A specialty cocktail will be created for each menu, and some proceeds benefit the Museum of Contemporary Craft. What: Rooftop Summer Dining Series at the Gilt Club |
 |
|
| 7 | Be a Green Team Volunteer for The Bite of Oregon ! This is the 25th fab year for The Bite of Oregon, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon, and you're needed to help make it green! Volunteers will receive an organic cotton Green Team T-shirt and free entrance to see great music and taste some great food. Meet others passionate about recycling and waste-reduction! What: Volunteer for The Bite of Oregon Green Team |
 |
|
| 8 | Divine Dining at 23Hoyt Nobody does summer dining better than 23Hoyt. Their al fresco dining—in the heart of bustling 23rd Avenue—is fantastic! (And Esquire magazine agrees—they named one of their Restaurants of the Year.) Happy hour specials on delish food (we heart their burger) and tasty cocktails to whet your whistle, plus nearby shopping? We’re there! What: Summer Dining at 23Hoyt |
 |
|
| 9 | Youth Auditions for The Portland Ballet! |
 |
|
| 10 | August Special at NW Pilates Did you know that group Reformer classes are always $25 at NW Pilates? These aren’t mat classes, this is the real deal on actual Pilates equipment, and classes are limited to 4 people. Buy a package of 10 and classes are only $20! Plus, mention Portland Picks and get your first intro class for free! What: Free Intro Reformer class at NW Pilates |
 |
|
Another week in the hopper! If you aren’t overwhelmed with ideas for what to check out this weekend, then we haven’t done our jobs. Let us know how we’re doing! Send comments and suggestions to picks@portlandpicks.com. We love hearing from you! |
|||
|
Be sure to visit www.portlandpicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
