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This week’s Portland Picks is all about getting back to the basics. Our basics include designer handbags, of course, and the occasional Avocado Daiquiri. Organic home furnishings and the absolute tops in cashmere bikinis balance our need for luxury with our desire for natural and good things for home and hearth. It is hard finding glamour at the farmers market but we do it! Thought you were done with Home Ec in eighth grade? Forget it, we’ll show you where they keep the vintage shot glasses because it is going to be a long summer and they may come in handy! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | New Digs for Dana Visit Dana Lynn in their new digs for all the finest handbags from local designers. And then look no further. You have arrived! This is your one stop shopping for endless fabulous handbags. Angela Adams, Denise Kortes, Maya Moon and so many other brilliant designers. The proper handbag can stave off unhappiness. This is a scientific fact. Dana Lynn has moved to a bright, sunny space on Northwest 23rd and they have expanded their collection of high-quality, mostly locally designed handbags. They are (nearly) exclusively handbags, and they do it very well. We couldn't help but purchase our favorite one...thinking we should really "live" the bag, get to know it, research and all. And after just one night with it, no regrets. We were hooked and are now inseparable. This new favorite slouchy bag, from Maya Moon, is handmade of bull-hide with a leather retro belt strap (think Boho/western/70s). To discuss our love for this bag using just the English language is too limiting. This is a celestial devotion unparalleled. And now it's your turn to fall in love. Check out Dana Lynn's new store and find your "Soul Bag" (keep in mind, it is possible, perfectly acceptable and encouraged, to love more than one). Dana Lynn |
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| 2 | Margulis Chartreuse Peridot Ring - You are Golden In order to ward off evil spirits, pirates would don this magical combination of peridot and gold. And now you can be protected too in a more sophisticated style than pirates of yore. You can fend off the evil spirits that make you bump into your ex-boyfriend with his really young and really skinny new girlfriend. It will protect you from bad hair days, those scary extra pounds you've been trying to ditch, wrinkles, pimples and cellulite, hot flashes and cramps...oh and that taunting pesky peanut butter. Consider yourself golden, and of course very safe, with your Margulis Chartreuse Peridot Ring. How did you ever live with out it? Margulis |
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| 3 | Souchi anyone? Souchi on Northwest 23rd is all about cashmere, fine imported dreamy cashmere from Europe. Luscious, uniquely designed cashmere you can snuggle in year round. All of their creations in their well lit, modern space are all hand knit, and hand finished by owner and designer, Suzi Johnson. Souchi has sweet cashmere baby hoodies, sexy cashmere bikini's for you (perfect for the yacht, not so good wet), soft and decadent cashmere undies, and soft cashmere tubes and tanks. This is a gorgeous store with dreamy designs. Stock up on your contemporary, unique and locally designed cashmere at Souchi on Northwest 23rd. Feminine designs, candy colors, sunny tops. Squeal! Souchi |
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| 4 | Home Ec This is one hip retro shop, reminding us a little of New York’s famed Fish's Eddy. Buttercup, the store's owner, has amassed the funkiest collection of bar ware from the late 40's through the 70's, collecting both vintage pieces in addition to recommissioned glassware. From Niagara Falls 50's souvenir shot glasses to Georges Briard cocktail glasses, this shop is a must-see! Amazing and unique gifts for those beloved pals with unique and impeccable taste, Home Ec is one-stop shopping of the highest order. Home Ec Classic Housewares |
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| 5 | Jolie Jolie is a new boutique that has just opened up in SoBu (South of Burnside, next to American Apparel -- ooh, we are soooo Soho/Boho/Sobu/Noho...!). This sophisticated shoe store is the realization of owner, Michael Jolley, who previously owned Moda and brings 29 years of fashion retail experience and extensive ready-to-wear expertise to Jolie. Jolie hand picks footwear designs from exclusive showrooms in Europe and includes them among special styles for the Jolie label. Jolie shoes are created with the utmost attention to detail and the finest materials in Italy. The shoes are gorgeous to look at, and as unique as the women who wear them. “There is so much incredible style coming out of Europe, but American women will never see it,” says Jolie owner Michael Jolley. “We hope Jolie will bridge that gap.” Consider Jolie your source for forward fashion footwear nobody else has and everyone else will want. Be sure to pay them a visit, and check out many of their shoes online. Jolie Shoes |
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| 6 | Blush beauty bar's Birthday Bash - Beauty Palooza
1 You're so vain; you probably think this song is about you. Well that's because it is! It's always about you. Make yourself at home at blush beauty bar, and get beautified during their first birthday. They are so pretty in pink with all kinds of yummy treats to enhance those gorgeous eyes, those pouty lips, those rosy cheeks. Fun make up and fragrance and bright cosmetic bags and accessories. Saddle up to the bar and "order a flirtini" and play with all their cool cosmetics. Join the fun as blush beauty bar turns one! You are invited to their birthday bash, May 13-15th... To celebrate YOU and your beauty all weekend long! Free Flirtini's AKA (mini makeovers), drawings for discounts, services and the beauty junkies summer collection, hourly threading demos, skincare consultations, discover your new summer scent, meet make up and skincare creators and name a new lop gloss for Bacchus cosmetics, and so much more. The refreshments and activities abound, so come on down and celebrate! Blush beauty bar...where vanity comes to play! Blush beauty bar |
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| 7 | Hats off for Olivia Belle Olivia Belle, on NW 9th next to the Pearl Bakery, has a wonderful collection of yummy things in for spring. (Though hint, try on clothes first, then go to yummy bakery.) We are channeling Annie Hall in their adorable hat collection: their linen bucket hats ($12) and Newsboy hats by Eugenia Kim. They have funky cashmere horoscope sweaters in a variety of colors. Advertise your sign to other compatible star signs: “See,” you say, sticking your not-so-impressive chest out with a demonstrative wave of your hand a’ la Vanna, “I’m a Gemini. Multiple personalities! And you’re a Libra. It’s destiny.” Or at least a good conversation piece while looking oh-so-smart. Their selection of skirts are perfect for summer, like the Cynthia Steffe peach jewel skirt adorned with gold trim and other sparkles. There. You are a knock out! And everything in this store will get you noticed. Olivia Belle |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Les Sacs Louison Well so much for avoiding the gym because we don't want to schlep along a change of clothes. All the celebrity models are going to the gym with their Le Sacs Louison, a large sparkle bag with short straps and outside pockets from France. Classy and sassy. Now we call that incentive. |
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| 2 | How about some Hanky Panky? How can something so tiny be so huge?! Sometimes we have to go commando because of the wedgy feeling of the thong, or fear of bulgy panty lines (don't mock. This is a REAL phobia!), or fear of the irritating thong strap riding over your favorite new low-rise jeans. Of course it doesn't stop you from wearing the jeans, you just never sit down. Ever. But now we have found the comfiest low-rise thong panties from Hanky Panky. There are no other thong panties like them. And how can thong undies cause so much buzz? All the designers, celebs, models are passionate about their Hanky Pankys. Believe it or not, they are the hottest secret right now. If you are looking for one of the most comfortable thongs in the world, look no further. The lace stretches so much; Hanky Panky only comes in one size. A favorite among celebrities Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson and others, Hanky Panky thongs have a 2-inch lace waistband, no seams on the side or back so it lies perfectly flat. And best of all, these stretchy thongs do not dig into your thighs and are so comfortable, you will barely notice that you are wearing a thong. Featured in InStyle magazine as the most comfortable thong, this is a must have for your lingerie collection. Click here for our Hanky Panky promotion: buy five thongs and get one free. We love Hanky Panky! |
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| 3 | Carde Blanche: She was given carde blanche
to choose fine quality stationary and greeting cards at her leisure….
For unique personalized note cards that have as much personality as you, check out Carde Blanche. They have whimsical and girly and sophisticated, high-quality stationery, thank you notes, custom cards and invitations adorned with sweet little ribbons from France. Every time we send these out, people beg us to tell them where we found them. You will instantly win adoration and affection. Honest. We love the Dots collection. It's time to let your middle initial come out of the closet. This line of cards includes your full name and a gorgeous dotted ribbon. But your middle initial gets a chance to take center stage here, with a coordinating petite eyelet accent. Stock up. They make great teachers gifts, hostess gifts, and girlfriend gifts. |
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| 4 | Shady Brady Shield that pretty face from those mean rays this summer with a famous Shady Brady western hat. This hand-made cool hat with rough leather and raffia is a favorite of the celebs. When you're in your bikini hanging out at the beach, or just on the sidelines at your son's t-ball game, look cool and be cool in your Shady Brady! Besides, it is just so fun to say, you’ll love it when people ask. |
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| 5 | Mix it up We love the new jewelry made of fabric and texture like the long wood beads and crocheted necklace by Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel (that filled the pages of this month's Bazaar). Mix it up with a couple long strands of pearls at varying lengths; or check out her bangles and bracelets made of rich fabrics and wool and silk threads and bright colors. It isn't only about precious metals and stones. With jewelry, wearable art, just about anything goes. Even French knitwear designer Sophie Digard is getting into the gig with her crocheted floral necklace that oozes flower power. |
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| 6 | Mommy wants pouty Desperate Housewife lips without
looking like she was injected. LipFusion, the next generation of lip plumpers has arrived. LipFusion is a clear treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly – no kidding. How it works: Tiny, dehydrated, marine collagen micro spheres are instantly absorbed by the lips, and seek out the body’s natural moisture. As soon as the spheres become re-hydrated, they plump and hold onto the moisture they’ve collected, creating a mild “swelling” of the lip tissue. The result is fuller, smoother, perfectly plumped lips in seconds. Results can last for up to 48 hours. There. Movie star lips. |
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| 7 | And with our poochy pouty lips we want a dazzling
Hollywood smile without spending a fortune. If you ever thought smiling was contagious, you're right. Studies have found that when you see someone smile you suddenly feel happier. But aside from instant bliss, certain smiles - think ultra pearly whites like that of a screen-siren - can induce another reaction: Envy. Thanks to Sephora's proven smile enhancers, a movie star smile is possible—for a fraction of the cost. Now that's something to smile about. Go All Out Starter Kit ($111 Value) When you want to flash a dazzling smile, you've gotta go all out. GO ALL OUT has got all you need to take your smile from drab to fab for an all out gorgeous smile. Dr. Jonathan B Levine, New York City aesthetic dentist and smile expert recommends three simple steps to make your smile all out healthy and beautiful. Go all out wow when you Whiten, Maintain and Protect your smile with GoSMILE. Hey, we feel happier all of a sudden. |
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| 8 | And Now You're Julie form The Mod Squad. No boho look is complete without a sturdy pair of leather sandals, bejeweled all the better, like these BCBG Jeweled thongs bursting with twinkles of embellishments for an ethnic touch. |
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| 9 | Scenic Skirts You need a full, bright, bold scenic skirt this summer, to go with those big white Jackie O sunglasses. Everyone has them. Scenic skirts with a retro feel. We adore this pink one from Old Navy (only $26.00!). We can dress it up or wear it with thongs and a tee. Believe me you will get noticed! And the pleats turn you into a flouncy bouncy twirly girl. |
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| 10 | Anna Sova Make your whole world organic! You signed up last week for the home delivery of organics, you have a subscription to Organic Style magazine, you wear organic cotton when you can, now you can deck your house out in organic! Anna Sova Luxury Organics are the pinnacle of style and, well, luxury. Check out the Indian print duvet covers and the hot pomegranate organic paints, then get a tutorial on removing toxins from your home! Natural was never so beautiful. |
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| Website of the week: | |||
| Check out AngelicGenius.com....very cool shirts for the youngest hipsters up to size 4t. We love the barcode t-shirts. Reveal their young personality in style or just admit you haven't given up on your own childhood dream. Made out of soft-spun cotton of superior quality and with a comfortable neck opening for the most fragile of heads, making even the wiggliest bundle of love easy to dress. Not to label your little one but we love these labels (Warning: Handle with Care & Nutrition Facts), and tattoo shirts. Your little chip off the old block will make you proud. |
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| Portland Pick’s Cocktail of the Week: | |||
| Summer is almost here so ring it in with a summer cocktail
from our local Mint. Lucy Brennan's 820 lounge (www.mintrestaurant.com) is featured in Food & Wine's first cocktail book, Cocktails 2005, available in stores and on www.foodandwine.com since April 5th. The Avocado Daiquiri will represent 820's daring and delicious cocktail list and is the perfect treat during a spring Happy Hour at 820 (on the sunny patio).
Bottoms up! . The color is fab and the flavor is succulent heaven. Not only will you be summer satiated, think of all those good vitamins. To your health! |
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| The Party Page: | |||
| We are introducing The Party Page where we will feature fancy photos of our reader’s at various charities, parties, and hip happenings around town. The Party Page may quite frankly be the most important part of Portland Picks! So if you’re attending a boutique opening, a film festival, a charity soiree, or just a fun party, send a jpeg to us of the event and those featured in the photo and you might see yourself in Portland Pick’s ever so glamorous Party Page! Some of the fabulous famous featured guests at the Cares Northwest Black Tie Bowlarama, April 23, 2005 |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | A "Swing Mod" Fashion Show at Belle
Époque Salon Belle Époque, Portland’s premier neighborhood salon and leader in personalized client care and education, is presenting a Swing Mod Fashion Show with live Swing musicians on Thursday, May 12th, 2005, as part of the Mississippi Music Walk. Belle Époque’s fashion and hair show takes place together with YES, Portland’s Burnside apparel boutique that showcases the best in hip designer apparel for men and women, footwear, and accessories. YES is located at 628 E Burnside, Near the Bosinova Ballroom and the Doug Fir Lounge.
Dance Classes: www.viscountstudios.com For more information contact: |
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| 2 | Isn't it Grand?
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| 3 | World's Top Animation Professionals. Silent
& Oral Auctions. Delicious Gourmet Dinner. And, SpongeBob! Hollywood animators, directors and performers will be on hand to join Noel Blanc in paying tribute to his father, Portland native son Mel Blanc, at "Animation Celebration: A Century of Hope and Laughter," Neighborhood House's Centennial Gala, to be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel, 1401 SW Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon.
Animation Celebration will also pay homage to the impressive contributions of Northwest artists and performers in the field of animation... and that's not all folks! For more information or to purchase tickets, check out their Web site www.nhweb.org or contact Jawea Mockabee, Neighborhood House, 503-595-4223. Neighborhood House was established in 1905 to meet the needs of new immigrants to the Portland area. Today’s Neighborhood House, Inc. provides social and other support services to thousands of low-income individuals and families each year. |
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| 4 | Hip Chick’s Do Wine Events Events at the Winery Release Party for New Wines Pink Party! |
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| 5 | Portland Indie Wine Festival May 7 & 8, 4-6 pm. This event promises to give you the kind of bragging rights you’d claim if you'd been at the first year of Robert Redford’s famous indie film Festival. Think Sundance meets Farmer’s market and you get the idea. You’ll be among the first to:
Like many of Portland's most popular cultural events, the Portland Indie Wine Festival will be a fun, lively, community experience. It is also an excellent value. A $40 day pass gets you access to Indie winemakers, a “passport” with info about the wineries and room for tasting notes, a crystal tasting glass and more. And because great wine and great food go hand in hand the experience will be enhanced by the local culinary talents of Alma chocolate, Andina, The Heathman, Park Kitchen, Pearl Bakery, Pizzeria Nostrana, Wildwood and Willamette Valley Cheese Company.
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| 6 | Women's Health Brown Bag In recognition of Osteoporosis Control Month, the OHSU Center for Women's Health invites you to attend a free women's health Brown Bag at Nordstrom Downtown Portland from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. No RSVP is necessary, but seating is limited so come early and bring your lunch. Or order a delicious lunch ahead of time at Nordstrom Downtown Portland Café on the 3rd floor, and your lunch will be ready for pickup at the Café before the talk. See the menu.
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Good things for the heart and the head and all those body parts in between! This is our season to explore and to score. New shops to check out and delightful new restaurants to ‘research’ with friends, we don’t mind. We were built to shop and share appetizers. Please keep steering us towards wonderful nooks and crannies of this great town we embrace and celebrate. XXOO |
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