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September 26th, 2008
We just spent a weekend sick in bed and we have to say… it wasn’t that bad. Even though we were totally, grossly under the weather. Of course we would have rather spent the weekend out of the house, doing things with friends (like shopping, BBQ-ing, and cocktailing) but we did get to catch up on napping, and lots and lots and lots of TV-watching, and truth be told, we liked it. We also caught up on magazine-reading, and we now have our entire fall wardrobe picked out—we just need the bank account to afford it. If anyone wants to contribute to our Gucci Studded-Boot Fund, please get in touch, ASAP. Next week we’ll get back to saving the planet—for now we just want to shop. Want something super original for fall? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a $50 Gift Certificate to Moxie! (Their fall clothing lineup is absolutely thrill-inducing.) |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Give Us More Sass We credit Sassy magazine as a major influence in our coming of age. It was the voice of our discontent with mainstream culture, our intro to bad boy bands, and our source for 90210-inspired fashion. How we loved our Brenda-esque neckties and blazers, our badass combat boots paired with lacy, vintage dresses! (Flannel shirts and overalls, not so much.) Narcisse, a new boutique in SW, carries the grown-up version of the stuff we coveted in the pages of Sassy. Swap in Victorian lace-up boots and sleek silk sheaths and you get edgy, feminine, and sophisticated all at once. The shop feels like a modern-day boudoir with concrete floors juxtaposed against antique furniture and crystal chandeliers (all for sale, btw). But back to the clothes... flirty dresses and shirts by BB Dakota and Nick & Mo, denim by See Thru Soul and Odyn, and the U.S. debut of Noa Noa, Denmark's hottest clothing line. Though Sassy is long gone, its spirit lives on. So gather your fellow riot grrrlfriends and get your sass on at Narcisse! Narcisse |
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| 2 | Pie-d Piper With vegan options from brands like El Naturalista and Novacas, 100% hemp varieties by No Sweat, and Chacos with an EcoTred sole, eco-savvy owners JC and Stacey Matney match their keen eyes for fashion with strict standards, working only with companies that are socially responsible. The result: highly fashionable shoes (and accessories) we are proud to own and wear! |
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| 3 | Not Yo' Mama's Art We only took Art History in college because we thought it'd be an easy A. Wednesdays at 8 a.m.? No problem! But what were we thinking? Trashed Tuesday was prime party night at our college (followed by Wasted Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, and then the weekend). Lesson learned: it's really hard to appreciate art when you're trying not to hurl in your book bag. That's why we love Grass Hut. No matter how hung over we are, we can always appreciate the art because it's ironic and edgy, just like us. Grass Hut recently outgrew their tiny shop and moved next door into the former Denwave. That means more original art, limited edition prints, ’zines, books, toys, and clothes. It's a gallery, shop, and studio all in one, and it's as clear as the paint splattered on the floor that this is a place where art happens. The owners encourage hanging out, so check out the monthly art display that changes every first Friday, or peruse a book in the lounge. And while you're at it, earn extra credit by telling them Portland Picks sent you! Grass Hut |
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| 4 | Tee Time Just last weekend over microbrews and pizza, we got into a heated discussion with some friends over the clothing culture in Portland. Is there a signature “Portland look” or is it a combination of many looks? One consensus that we all came to after many, many beers was that most Portlanders thrive on fitted tees, hoodies, expensive jeans, and messenger bags. All of which can be found at Hecklewood, a streetwear label inspired by the eclectic subcultures of the 80’s and 90’s, now in its new location in Old Town. Everything in the store is sourced locally, including their Tanner Good leather bags, wallets, and belts, and their Hecklewood, Hellominor, and Flying Coffin tees. With creative designs, fun slogans, and complimentary Pabst Blue Ribbon while you browse, what’s left to be desired? How about individuality? And since most of their shirts are limited edition, we don’t have to worry about running into our twin on the street. After all, we still want to be one-of-a-kind—even if we have Portland’s clothing culture nailed to a tee. Hecklewood |
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| 5 | Bring Your Workout to Work We really had the workout thing down over the summer. Heck, it was even pleasant to work up a sweat! (Well, sorta.) But now that the chill is back in the air and gray days are ahead, we’re fearing that—due to our inherent laziness—our waistlines will swell as we avoid the gym. So what’s a sensible gal to do? Bring the gym to the place we spend most of our time… the office! (It’s not like we live here or anything… oh wait… we do!) Thankfully, Recess Wellness understands that, and brings safe, professional and experienced instructors to the workplace. They don’t even need a big room to do it—they’ve held classes in hallways, board rooms and even in between cubicles! Plus it’s affordable, super fun and a great way to break up the day. Bonus: No lousy music, no screaming instructors or sweat-covered machines, and no lines! So ask your boss if it’s OK—and round up the coworkers. Mention Portland Picks and get your first class for only $30! Click here to get started. Recess Wellness |
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| Designers of the Week: | |||
StudioSKB, maytee and Lucia Apparel Study these photos—thanks to StudioSKB, maytee and Lucia Apparel (respectively), they represent some of the hottest looks this side of London. See them up close and very personally at Portland Fashion Week, Oct. 8–12—get your tickets now! The maytee Spring/Summer 2009 collection is a structural journey inspired by the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The collection showcases simple silhouettes, yet exemplifies sophisticated precision and detail. www.maytee.com Lucia Apparel will be focusing on your favorite things—the items you can't wait to wear when you wake up! Fun fabrics, luscious knits, bold colors, and comfortable fits that make you feel sexy and stylish. www.luciaapparel.com |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | The One You know that one item you always reach for in your closet—the top that looks as good with jeans as with Glen-plaid trousers? Exactly. It’s not there! So we have a suggestion: the Robe Wrap sweater from Shade Clothing. Paired with their sweet cap sleeve top, this is the go-to item you’ve been waiting for. You’ll be ridiculously comfy and incredibly stylish. In fact, their whole line is built around hip basics you’ll wear for years! www.shadeclothing.com |
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| 2 | Natural Beauty True, "mineral" makeup is all the buzz right now, but with good reason. It offers subtle reflective properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, to name just a couple of cool things about it. Who knew makeup could do all that? While shopping around for some new fall colors, a little birdie told us to check out Alima Pure's new website. Made of 100% certified natural mineral cosmetics, Alima Pure has everything we need to look and feel gorgeous (without all those yucky chemicals). |
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| 3 | Beautify Your Home A friend with impeccable taste says you don’t have to do a total makeover to change the look and feel of your home. Her secret? Gorgeous faux finishes. She called Paula Blackwell of Faux de Jour to create masterpieces, and Paula can do the same for your commercial space, as well. Your walls are her canvas, and her custom and one of a kind artistic creations can completely change a room. Call 503.313.2943 for a color and design consultation of your own! |
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| 4 | Bathing Beauties We have no shame when it comes to trying new bath products. We may need an intervention, especially when we find something new to lust after, like the Clementine Clove Soap from local soapmakers, Milina. The smell is delish, and your skin will feel like buttah. Plus their bath gels are also fab, and their lotions will leave you positively melting. Take 15% off any purchase (as often as you like until 12/31/08!) by entering MCHOL in the coupon discount box! |
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| 5 | City of Roses Coming from a place where winters have snow and ice and negative degrees and wind-chill, we love Portland. Where else can you still putz about your garden in October? Or January, for that matter? So as everyone else starts to store their garden gadgets, we’re shopping for them! This set of gardening gloves features pretty prints and super grip, with a utility belt and sunhat to match. So sweet, we can’t imagine getting them dirty! |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
We like science almost as much as shopping, so it’s time for an update on what’s happening at OMSI. Tomorrow is the opening day of their new featured exhibit, MindbenderMansion—where a plethora of puzzles promise to keep your brain limber. Work your way through the mansion’s rooms, solving brainteasers as you go. Then check out their new film, WildOcean, in the remodeled Omnimax Theater, and finish out your day with shopping (!!) in the newly remodeled Science Store. What: MindbenderMansion opens at OMSI |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Grand Opening of Pearl Woodworks |
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| 3 | Change the World, One Pair at a Time Imelda’s and Louie’s Shoes are joining Soles4Souls and Best Friends Animal Society to celebrate Hush Puppies’ 50-year anniversary. Donate shoes to Soles4Souls at Imelda’s tomorrow and receive 10% off the purchase of new fall Hush Puppies arrivals and enter a drawing for prizes like a free pair of Hush Puppies or an Imelda’s and Louie’s gift certificate! What: Soles4Souls Shoe Drive |
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| 4 | Swirl (and Mingle) in the Pearl Don’t miss the Swirl in the Pearl—a “moving” social event in three locations: Bridgeport Brewery, Deschutes Brewery, and Henry's Tavern. It will benefit New Avenues' education and job training programs for homeless and at-risk youth. Your donation of $25 gets you into all three venues, plus complimentary drinks at each venue, and entrance into the grand prize raffle! What: Swirl in the Pearl |
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| 5 | Furniture Design to Blow Your Mind |
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| 6 | Be Smart Gas Guzzlers begone! Enter to win a 2008 Smart Car—proceeds support the Oregon Symphony. Raffle tickets also buy you tickets to the concert of your choice. Pick from the bluegrass sensation Cherryholmes (Jan. 8), Portuguese singer Mariza (April 25), or Tomas Svoboda’s premiere of Vortex for Orchestra (March 14, 15 or 16). Be smart! What: Smart Car raffle benefiting the Oregon Symphony |
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| 7 | Zenana Spa’s Birthday Bash Celebrate Zenana Spa’s two-year anniversary! This maternity spa and wellness center is offering festivities like complimentary mini-spa services, make-up and skincare consults, and a drawing for prizes including body products and cosmetics, Pilates classes, a $100 gift card to Zenana and more. Plus, find sales and discounts during the event! What: Zenana Spa & Wellness Center’s Second Birthday |
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| 8 | Vote for a Cause with American Express When: Vote now through Sept. 29 Contact: info@mylittlewaitingroom.org Visit: www.mylittlewaitingroom.org or www.starlight.org |
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| 9 | Fabulous Fall Finds at Ella's Now is the perfect time to stop into Ella’s Boutique—with hot new styles for fall (chic sweaters, embroidered dresses, cute tops and more) from brands like Johnny Was, JWLA, Weston Wear, Kelly Lane, Kate Organic, Dick and Jane, Glam Vintage Soul, Filmore, Oranomi, and Sisters, you’ll be best-dressed everywhere you go. What: Fall arrivals at Ella’s Boutique |
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| 10 | Fashion + Art + Benefit + U = Fabu Gather your fellow fashionistas for an exclusive runway show of Nordstrom’s “via C” collection, benefiting the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. After the show, shop the swank “via C” boutique for personal favorites. Then enjoy the evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment at the rooftop party. Don’t miss this chance to look good while doing good! What: Nordstrom Via The Runway |
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| 11 | Hello, Goodbye! We love Hello Portland for its gift-giving goodness. But now, after three years on NW 23rd Avenue, they are packing up. The good news: 40% off everything in the store, including just-in goods like Obama Rama air fresheners, shopper totes by BluQ, and the wildly loved UglyDolls. Stock up in savings (hola, holidays!) and say goodbye to Hello. What: Hello Portland going out of business sale |
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| 12 | Portland Art Open This weekend, flock from studio to studio during the Portland Art Open, a free, three-day event featuring 70 artists in 30 locations across our fair PDX. View art ranging from multimedia (Cynthia Mooney) to quilted metal (Jeff Fontaine) to beeswax and resin paintings (Linda Womack). Entertainment and refreshments vary per studio. What: Portland Art Open |
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| 13 | Last Weekend for Fabulous Deals! Simply Divine Home is closing their doors, but you can save this weekend with incredible deals on gorgeous furnishings. Everything is 50% off! Save on furniture, home décor, holiday items, gifts, even their displays can be purchased. Sale hours are today and tomorrow, from 10 am–8 pm, and Sunday from 10 am–5 pm. What: Simply Divine Liquidation Sale |
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We are hoping you’ll do us the tiniest fave… tell your guy friends about www.PortlandPicksforMen.com. They cover local dining, drinking, shopping, products and events from a guy’s point of view. It’s even got some racy photos to pique their… ahem… interests. |
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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. |
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