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September 19th, 2008 We spent last weekend in Seattle and learned a hard lesson: hills and high heels do not mix. We had flats in our handbag, but kept “forgetting” to put them on, even after trudging from bar to bar, up and down K2. And okay, it might have been the “bar to bar” thing that made us so forgetful, but we were with cute boys and wanted to look our best. Unforch, the next morning we had to consider the possibility of amputating three to five toes, since the Emerald City’s topography almost hobbled us. It was no way to start the day, especially since we had more walking—and more climbing—ahead of us. We’re so glad to live in Portland—we need heels way more than hills! Want to start your day right? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win one of ten $5 Gift Cards or even one of two $50 Gift Cards (if you tell a lot of friends!) to Starbucks. (No, it’s not local, but hey, free coffee! And you know you love it.). Hook yourself up with new breakfasts like Perfect Oatmeal, Apple Bran Muffin or Power Protein Plate... and of course, a Vanilla Latte + Protein... yum! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Fashion Cents We met with our financial advisor this week to parcel our paychecks and learn about commodities, index funds and diversi—what? We can’t even balance a checkbook. So she fashioned the perfect analogy: Diversify your investments the way you diversify your wardrobe; take stock in long-term investments (basic tees, flattering denim, a well-tailored suit) and add a few riskier assets (trendy pieces, flirty kicks, seasonal must-haves). Genius! We should practice “investing” at a well-diversified boutique! Willows boutique fit the bill.We stocked up on wardrobe staples—oh-so-soft supima cotton tees from Michael Stars, sexy Joe’s Jeans and menswear-inspired shirts and trousers from Mac & Jac. We found of-the-moment pieces to play up our basics—adorable pinstriped vests with sweet detailing from Free People, plus versatile tunics to belt over skinny jeans and sumptuous wool swing coats for fall. And their collection of winsome jewelry and accessories? Now there’s an acquisition we’d love to make. While we don’t quite get the whole stock market thing, when it comes to shopping, asset allocation fund takes on a whole new meaning. Willows |
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| 2 | Got the Skinny? We’re not quite sure when Indian summer actually occurs. Does it mean hot once the school year starts? Hot when you’re not dressed for it? Hot when that summer fling isn’t yet flung into the beckoning chill of autumn? Though we have had to defog the car windows but not yet de-ice them, it doesn’t matter. There is one frozen confection that we’ll enjoy long after the rains have arrived and gloves are required: Skinnidip. The new location has just opened in the Pearl, and it’s got all the requisite yogurty goodness. There are four flavors total: original tart, mango, raspberry, and chocolate. All for 25 calories an ounce, with the small at six ounces. Quite a tasty, filling snack! And we love the toppings most of all: a huge variety, including one that we now can’t live without: mochi—a rice-based topping you must try. Try it on the chocolate; it tastes just like gummi bears… or the tapioca balls at the bottom of a bubble tea. What’s not to love, rain or shine? Skinnidip |
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| 3 | Art Attack When we were wee ones, we were crafty as all get out. We would sit down with Mom and craft for hours—gifts, drawings and, yes, even those tacky god’s eye things. (They were our favorite!) Grandma still has one hanging in her kitchen, in fact. And when we “grow up,” we hope we’ll be as crafty as Carol Christensen, curator, designer and owner of NW’s newest boutique art experience: Lifejacket Design Shop and Gallery. Part art shopping, part creative outlet and part art therapy, we felt like we were entering another world when we walked in. We found ourselves surrounded by walls covered in surreal paintings, photography, and mixed-media canvases. We even scoped out cool jewelry and handbags. It is quite obvious that each creation has a story from which we can learn, and the energetic designs just made us feel good. As we get older, we hope that creative kid in us will rise again. Until that time, we plan on fulfilling our creative desires by shopping at Lifejacket! Lifejacket Design Shop & Gallery |
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| 4 | Small Space, Big Taste In the mood for some tasty tapas and a couple of cool libations to chase them down after our weekly Weeds-fest with the girls, we headed to Casa Naranja, the little orange house on Mississippi. It may be small in size, but it’s big on personality. We love to sit outside (and be noticed, of course) sharing gossip with our girlfriends, so naturally we enjoyed the fabulous outdoor seating. Casa Naranja has thirst-quenching signature cocktails and tasty Spanish tapas to please even the pickiest of palates. Madrid mushrooms, chorizo clams, tortilla soup, scallops wrapped in Serrano ham, Spanish meatballs—our mouths were watering just reading the menu. And because they're small plates, we can share (meaning we can try everything—oh happy day!). This little orange house has got it goin' on! |
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| 5 | Make Sense of Your Wardrobe We saw a show on TLC about “hoarders,” and recognized a few of those traits in ourselves. Not so much on the stacking boxes to the ceiling part, but definitely in the not getting rid of clothing part. We have items that are ten years old in the back of our closet, waiting for their second chance. Reality check? There ain’t gonna be one. We decided to seek help. Our delightful style guru/closet therapist, Jandi Girard, and her stylish team of professionals from Inspire Style helped us weed out the good stuff from the “not-gonna-wears.” They assess lifestyle, body shape, likes and dislikes, and then create a workable, flattering wardrobe that perfectly complements your body. Your “new” closet will be filled with items appropriate for any occasion—lunch with a client, dancing with the girls, or taking the kids to the grocery store. They’ll also take you shopping to decipher the trends (how they fit your body and lifestyle), and create an individual look you’ll be rocking for years. Everyone deserves this, and gift certificates are available! Inspire Styleinfo@inspirestyle.com www.InspireStyle.com |
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| Designers of the Week: | |||
Lizzie Parker, Dimitri and Idom Study these photos—thanks to Lizzie Parker, Dimitri and Idom (respectively), they represent some of the hottest couture this side of the Seine. See them up close and very personally at Portland Fashion Week, Oct. 8–12. Get your tickets now! Lizzie Parker is rocking the runway! She’s a nationally recognized, Seattle-based designer who focuses on eco-friendly knitwear that can be worn by any body, anywhere. Shop her lines at Olio United! www.lizzieparker.com Dimitri designs are modestly sexy, slim cut, comfortable, and most of all, progressive. Let’s all make a statement and walk a poetic line. These clothes might change your life. www.TonyDimitri.com Idom is designed for the fashion-forward woman, combining creativity, quality and social responsibility. Clean, modern, and often oversized, IDOM features muted tones, bright colors, bold graphic patterns and natural textures. www.idomdesigns.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Puggy Warhol We are slightly, um, “involved” with our dog. We take him everywhere, dote on him like a “real” mom, and have a zillion photos of him. Yes, we know—it’s kinda wrong. But when Morgan Brent Wick—an amazingly clever artist who creates murals and portraits—told us he was doing pet paintings, we totes freaked out! Send him your pet’s photo and enjoy the intricate detail as your own beloved Boo-Boo becomes a bonafide work of art. (Great holiday gifts!) |
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| 2 | Let it Rain! Everyone is trying to eke out the last rays of summer sun, but we are ready for the downpour. We finally got the ultimate pair of gorgeous rain boots—they’re sooo Out of Africa—and can’t wait to puddle-jump in them. Check out stylish and eco-friendly Aigle Boots—the comfort factor is amazing thanks to shock-absorbing midsoles and dry-fast liner. But best of all? They’ll look cute with skirts, no matter how far we walk in them. |
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| 3 | We Clean, Therefore We Sulk We barely have enough time in the day to brush our teeth twice… let alone mop a floor, pick up the dry cleaning, take the cat to the vet or find a sitter for the afternoon so we can catch a flick. Bottom line? We need help. Thank heavens for Ergo Errands. They do your errands for you! Grocery shopping, cleaning, babysitting, and more, it’s all in the bag with their help. It may be the best thing ever. |
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| 4 | Tote-ally Fabulous With all the men at Portland’s farmers markets, it’s no surprise that we want to look our best. Normally this might mean pulling out a cute little clutch, but with all that produce, it’s simply not practical. Showpony’s canvas totes, however, are screen-printed with vintage handbags, giving you the best of both worlds. Our favorite is the Clarissa, which adds a little glamour to our excursions. Trompe l’oeil? More like trompe l’boy! |
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| 5 | Drop a Hint We are sick of waiting for the ring. Sick of dropping hints. Sick of thinking every date night will end with a knee drop. So we’re buying our own freakin ring. Our pick comes from Michelle Lenae, whose jewelry includes delicate necklaces, simple drop earrings, and rings made with gemstones wrapped in 14-karat gold. She also custom-crafts wedding rings, so we’re taking note—and leaving it, discreetly, on the dining room table. Right now, buy online and save 25%! www.michellelenae.etsy.com |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
How’s this for an Occasion? How about Halloween, Thanksgiving, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, hostess gifts? Oh, and the holidays! Shop for all of them at Occasions Fine Gifts Fifth Anniversary Sale—they’re saying “thank you” with savings of 20–75% off throughout the store. There will be daily prizes from local vendors as well as Arte Italica, Arthur Court, Mariposa and more! Receive an anniversary gift with purchase, enter daily drawings for an Occasions Goody Bag, and enjoy treats. Shop independent! Think outside the mall! What: Anniversary sale at Occasions Fine Gifts |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | What a Pretty Picture Watching your wallet? Family photos last forever! Moving Pictures Studios has special themed 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 session price, plus a complimentary 8x10! What: Portland Picks Discount at Moving Pictures Studios |
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| 2 | Dazzle Yourself and Save! Dazzle has been a fashion fixture on 23rd Avenue for 23 years! And they’re celebrating—on Sept. 23, natch—with food and drinks from 6–8 pm, plus gifts for all and prizes like a Faith Jennings sweater, a Cynthia Lucas jacket, wardrobe makeover and more! Did we mention the sale where everything on the rack is $23? What: Anniversary Sale + Party at Dazzle |
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| 3 | Happy Birthday + 15% Off at Tilde One day only—Tilde is turning two and celebrating with a big “thank you” sale. Everything is 15% off! Receive a free commemorative bowl from local designer Leah Nobilette with purchases over $20, and shop new Orla Kiely & Highway Fall handbags, Laurent Olivier headbands and barrettes, tons of new jewelry lines and so much more! What: Tilde anniversary sale |
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| 4 | Vote for a Cause with American Express Where do children go when families are in the grip of medical crisis? Vote for My Little Waiting Room at American Express Members Project and help three Portland moms bring drop-in child care to hospitals nationwide. Because finding child care should never stand in the way of medical care. If you have an Amex card, vote here now: www.membersproject.com/project/viewCO3EIY What: My Little Waiting Room Starlight Site Members Project |
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| 5 | Mix it up with Black Violin Help support the Black Parent Initiative when you attend their first ever fundraiser with Black Violin, a cool troupe of hip-hop violinists who rock the hot scene at the Jupiter Hotel. Proceeds help BPI in their mission to help inspire and engage black parents seeking educational excellence for their kids, one family at a time. What: Black Violin benefiting the Black Parent Initiative |
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| 6 | Go Green PDX Business owners: Get inspired by eco-alternatives with a full day of green goodness. Find an educational assortment of topics like greening the workplace, sustainable sourcing, tax incentives, and press tips. Plus, enjoy a keynote by Mayor-elect Sam Adams and network with other eco-visionaries. Cost includes brekkie, lunch, cocktail hour, and a green goody bag. |
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| 7 | Open House at ActivSpace ActivSpace opens their normally private studio to the public for a two-day shop/mingle/meet-n-greet with the 25-plus artists, hobbyists, designers, massage therapists, and business owners who rent out space in the four-story hub of creativity. Enjoy entertainment by mini-bike dance troupe the Sprokettes, food from Black Sheep Bakery, local music and more. What: Open House at ActivSpace |
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| 8 | Party in the Park on Parking Day! Grab a friend and head downtown for Kimpton Portland's "National Park(ing) Day" block party. Sponsors will transform more than 18 parking spaces for the day, with unique themes like a cupcake park, a balloon playground, and more. Join the Party In The Park—a benefit for Trust for Public Land—with music, games, BBQ and a beer garden! What: National Park(ing) Day |
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| 9 | Walk in Their Shoes What: Shoe Mill’s MBT “walk” |
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What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Signing your Guy Friends up for a free subscription to PortlandPicksforMen.com! Just try it… you’ll see. |
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