|
 |
September 12th, 2008
What is the deal with “liquid” leggings? We’ve been wondering who in their right mind would want to wear skintight pants that look like PVC. (Grace Jones for a night at Studio 54? A backup dancer in Grease?) And no, we’re not hating just because we have ginormous Hungarian thighs. We just plain think they’re awful. Yes, Lilo wears them—in fact she has her own line of them—but really? Really. How would they look at the grocery store? Dropping off the kids at soccer practice? How insane would you look wearing them to the office?!? We are trying to get ahead in the workplace, not make an extra 20 on our way to lunch. Oh and also, we just saw a whole magazine layout about wearing oversized sweaters (halfway to your knees) with… you guessed it… more leggings. Can you say 1987? What’s next, Reebok high-tops?!? We’re still trying to get over the shock of the return of Pegged Pants! Want to rock your own style? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a dreamy gold necklace from stone & honey… see below for more info on this fab new jewelry line. |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Fancy That The one challenge about bringing you something that's "underground" is that it won't stay hidden for long. So it is with great reluctance that we tell you about our new favorite hideaway... Fat Fancy. Fat Fancy |
|
|
| 2 | Girly Girl We’re not gonna lie; the color pink is still our favorite. But it makes us question: Is this something society has ingrained in us females, or is it instilled in us long before birth? Because every girl—including you—will be drawn to the new Pink and White Salon on the South Waterfront. Let us just say, it’s a show-stopper! A hub of French style, with its pink and white striped walls, black accents, stunning chandeliers, and fresh flowers standing tall like the Eiffel Tower (plus Opi’s new France color line & luxurious Jaqua products)… we felt like little girls again. We opted for an afternoon of serious pampering and got their signature Buttercream Pedi with delicious-smelling feet treats like espresso scrub & buttercream moisturizer, not to mention detoxifying paraffin loaded with caffeine. A couple glasses of Champagne later, we were best friends with our nail tech, Lisa, who was so cute and gentle that we are soon to add her contact to our cell, so we can return on a regular basis! Pink & White Salon |
|
|
| 3 | Bar None Come the end of the week and we’re usually looking back and wondering where the time went. Between work, our social life, our BF, and finding a little bit of “me” time, we can barely utter the word “exercise,” let alone find the time to actually “do” exercise. Well, we may have just found the answer to our exercise dilemma. Barre3, which just opened in the Pearl, offers a fun 60-minute workout that incorporates ballet barre work, yoga, and Pilates all in one (core-work to the max!). Plus clients receive personal instruction in each group class, so it’s like having your own personal trainer without the hefty price tag. With classes offered seven days a week and childcare options, there’s really no excuse for us not to get our butts in gear for fall. No experience necessary—just grab your yoga clothes that are still unopened from last year’s “I will work out” phase and get your booty over to Barre3. We’ll see you there! (We so look forward to bringing back the tummy-hugging cotton dresses!) Barre3 |
|
|
| 4 | Golden Girls We know a girl who purposely "lost" her engagement ring simply because she wanted a different one. We don't blame her. Though we love the ring our DH picked out, we probably would've chosen something totally different, too. Luckily, we have many years of anniversaries to look forward to, unlike the aforementioned (and now single) girl. Buy why wait 60 years for another diamond? Avenue 5, aka Portland's best kept secret, is brimming with amazing jewelry at all price points. Tucked away in the Pacwest Center downtown, it features NW artists including Mark McNown, Jack and Elizabeth Gualtieri of Zaffiro, and Sarah Graham, as well as national treasures, Erica Molinari, Presh, and more. And just to be helpful, we've already created a wish list for the hubby so he knows exactly what we want. Whether you're looking for a family heirloom or just a little sumpin sumpin to dress up your jeans, Avenue 5 has all the bling you need. Stop by, create your wish list, and of course, tell them Portland Picks sent you! Avenue 5 Jewelry |
|
|
| 5 | Poppin’ a Wheelie Saturday night we weren’t just mildly indisposed, we desperately needed an internal alcohol sponge. But Portland, love it as we do, has a dearth of late night options. We couldn’t endure another bar, and toast and tea in the kitchen hasn’t worked since we semestered in England. Instead we hitched our ride up to the Little Blue Waffle Wagon, a new and adorable food cart on SE Division. With hours from 9 am–3 pm daily and special evening hours from 6–10 pm on Thursdays and 10 pm–2:30 am on Saturdays, Little Blue Waffle Wagon offers our favorite breakfast food virtually any time of the day or night. Waffles come in regular and whole wheat with a long list of choices: Bacon and scrambled eggs, which arrives like a waffle burrito; bourbon banana; or a classic: plain with powdered sugar. Whatever option you choose, it doesn’t matter—once you try one you know you’ll be back for others. Eat it at one of their tables or stuff yourself in your kitchen. No one will be the wiser—except you for trying this joint. Little Blue Waffle Wagon |
|
|
| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Pineapple Basil Martini, featuring Organic Nation Gin
Pineapple Basil Martini |
|||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Flower Girls We always think of ourselves as delicate flowers, but we’re more like bulls in a china shop, clomping our way down the streets of Portland, leaving terrified ants in our wake. So to counteract our bullishness, we choose delicate, feminine jewelry. Somehow a lovely tendril of gold around our necks makes us feel ladylike and graceful. Local favorite Stone and Honey gives us the girly fix we need with ethereal designs that hang just so. Oh, to be a bee! |
 |
|
| 2 | Wherever We Go, She Goes Leaving home without our pup causes major separation anxiety. Those big brown eyes make us want to melt… or take her along with us! But we wouldn’t dare bring her aboard without a proper (and stylish) carrying case. And thanks to Pet Ego, it’s easy to have both Italian good looks and airline compliance. Of all the options, we love EGR’s Universal Sport Bag, perfect for bringing a woman’s best friend wherever she might go next. |
 |
|
| 3 | The “It” Factor Effortless hair—we dream about it, but it’s never quite happened to us. Until we met Leah Ryder at Symmetry Salon. She is to hair what Prince is to music—an artist. Next time you have a fancy shindig to attend—or a first date—book her for an updo you won’t want to take down. Plus she does hip cuts, flawless color, and gives you an aromatherapy hand and neck massage during your consultation. (And wine!) Mention Portland Picks for a complimentary cut with your first color! |
 |
|
| 4 | Vitamins and Minerals We are such fans of a good mineral makeup that we once trekked all the way to Montana to re-stock. Since then, we’ve been on the hunt here, because that is just ridiculous. A year later, we finally found its replacement: Della Bella Minerals, developed by Portland aesthetician Elizabeth Pasko. With a short list of natural ingredients—free of fillers like talcs and parabens—this stuff made our face glow, and most importantly, made our pimple-prone skin clear right up! |
 |
|
| 5 | Picture Your Family—Together! A friend once told us that we should channel Paris Hilton when our photo is taken. Nice idea for nights-on-the-town snaps, but it doesn’t translate to family portraiture. So we turn to Moving Pictures Studios—right now they’re holding sessions you won’t want to miss, from the Pumpkin Patch (Sept. 20 & 21, Oct. 4 & 5) to fall color at the Hoyt Arboretum (Sept. 27 & 28). Mention Portland picks and receive $50 off the regular price for a session, and include an 8x10 at no charge! |
 |
|
| Event of the Week: | |||
Last Chance to Dream! We’re obsessed with home-décor magazines, and touring the Street of Dreams is like seeing the pages come to life. (A really, really nice life.) From green homes to creative use of space and materials, plus new design ideas galore, the Street of Dreams reflects the best in luxury home design, many components of which translate to a non-luxury budget. (That would be us!) We hope you had at least one day to check it out—and if not—never fear! It runs through this weekend. What: 2008 Street of Dreams |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 |
|
||
| 2 | Get Outta the Home Office! What: specials at souk |
 |
|
| 3 | Are You Obsessed with Jewelry? Then check out Sahlia Michelle’s latest line of handmade sterling silver jewelry this Saturday at Thirst Wine Bar. Snag sweet deals on last season’s samples and shop one-of-a-kind pieces. Edgy and timeless, you won’t find these pieces anywhere else, and they’re 25% off all day! Sip Oregon wines and nibble complimentary hors d’oeuvres—Gift Certificate drawing at 7 pm! What: Sahlia Michelle Jewelry Party |
 |
|
| 4 | Grand Opening Party at Adorn—Tonite! Do you have plans tonight? Adorn—featured in last week’s Portland Picks—is having a Grand Opening Party tonight, with food, drinks, discounts, and giveaways on great accessories—like 10 Paul Frank Watches and 2 Vestal watches—enter online by emailing Nicole@shopadornonline.com and putting Portland Picks as the Subject! In-store, mention Portland Picks through Sept. 18 and get 20% off! What: Adorn’s grand opening party |
 |
|
| 5 |
|
||
| 6 | Do Your Part in the Race Against Cancer On the serious tip, most likely your life has been touched by cancer. We know the pain and the struggles, and we’re determined to do our part to combat it. So gather up your friends, put on the Pumas and join the 17th Annual Komen Portland Race for the Cure®! Email them if you’d like to run, walk, volunteer or even donate! What: 17th Annual Komen Portland Race for the Cure® |
 |
|
| 7 | Get In Touch with Chocolate |
 |
|
| 8 | Shop Independent… and Save! Celebrate the 5th anniversary of Occasions Fine Gifts and save 20–75% off throughout the store. There will be daily prizes from local vendors as well as lines such as Arte Italica, Arthur Court, Mariposa and more! Plus, get an anniversary gift with purchase, enter daily drawings for an Occasions Goodie Bag, and treats, of course. Think outside the mall! What: Anniversary sale at Occasions Fine Gifts |
 |
|
| 9 | Old Favorite—New Brunch! We’re always on the lookout for the next brunch hot spot and—listen up, ladies—it’s Touché! Whether you’re out with the girls or looking for a romantic “morning after,” the NW Portland mainstay is the perfect place for weekend unwinding. From pear champagne cocktails to poached eggs and wood-fired hash, just writing about it makes our mouths water! What: New brunch at Touché Restaurant & Bar |
 |
|
| 10 | Hipster Alert! W xyz Party at aloft You’re invited to the opening party at Portland’s newest lifestyle hotel—aloft—from the creators of the W hotels. Their W xyz lounge will mix it up for guests with signature cocktails and scratching DJs, and the hotel pool “Splash” will have speed boat races all night! Win gift certificates to Cascade Station! It’s your next pre-flight cocktail destination. What: W xyz Party at aloft |
 |
|
| 11 | Dine, Drink & Enjoy Fashion on Fremont First come and dine at Acadia or take the kids to eat at the County Cork pub or have a wine or specialty beer at La Bodega. Then hit the side-walk sale and stores. Between Splurge, Sofia, Poppy & Ivy, Back Yard Birdshop and the guest artists you can enjoy fashion, jewelry, art, and crafts from 40+ local artists and crafty peeps.. What: Second Friday on Lower Fremont |
 |
|
| 12 | GoGreen’08 Want to go green in your biz? GoGreen08 is an all-day educational conference that will inspire, motivate and educate aspiring and established business owners to "Go Green." Spend a value-packed day connecting with eco-visionaries, experts and like-minded individuals—learn to make your business more sustainable or take your green business to the next level. What: GoGreen 08 |
 |
|
| 13 | Sail for the Cure—Save the Date! The Oregon Women’s Sailing Association is hosting the ninth annual Sail for the Cure. Enjoy a family-friendly sail on the Columbia River, a reception with light appetizers, and a silent and live auction with great prizes. Open to everyone—men and women, sailors and non-sailors. (Proceeds benefit Oregon and Southwest Washington affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.) What: Sail for the Cure |
 |
|
| 14 | Shop, Listen and Lunch! |
 |
|
| 15 |
|
||
Between the do-goodery and the learning and the S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G-ing, we are ready to rock the weekend! |
|||
|
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. |
|||
