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September 21st, 2007
As women, a degree of masochism is in our blood. Each summer we brave unfriendly fluorescent lighting to try on bathing suits. At the doctor’s office, we watch the scale when we get weighed. We think, “We’re not supposed to compare ourselves to models or celebrities,” and then pore over magazines, comparing ourselves to models and celebrities. But last week we went for the Holy Grail of female self-flagellation—a bra fitting. As important as it is, nothing is more humbling than having a lady you’ve never met shake and shimmy you into a new bra. You stand there shirtless, holding your girls in your hands and wondering, “Why did I do this? My bras are fine. This won’t change my life. I need to get out of here!” But it’s too late. Shirtless, you’re at her mercy. But, what’s that she said? A band-size smaller? Hooray! You’re feeling good about eating all those salads, and barely cheating with just a few well-buttered pieces of toast. Two cup sizes bigger? Dejection—you’re now required to defy gravity with bras that look more like Victorian hats than sexy underthings. Oh, the joys of being a woman! It was a real test of our spirit, but thankfully we made it through “the ordeal” with a decidedly more flattering bust line, a surprising feeling of sisterhood with the gal who did the fitting, and a new appreciation for fluorescent lighting. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Animal Attractions We’re not sure how dogs came to be the latest accessory, but the real issue is how they’ve come to be the “next step” in a relationship. After the wedding vows and honeymoon, our friends’ maternal clocks are ready for the pitter patter of little ... paws. Baby steps, they tell us. Baby steps. But when we received an announcement in the mail that read “It’s a Pug!” we began to worry, and, furthermore, wondered if they registered for gifts. Being the good little aunties that we are, we bee-lined it to The Hip Hound, a new pet boutique, to load up on all-natural toys, cute outfits and luxurious doggie spa products to make the little pup feel loved. And because we care about what we put into our bodies, we appreciate The Hip Hound’s commitment to high-quality pet food that excludes filler product and whatchamacallits we can’t even pronounce. Now when we doggie-sit, we can take out the cute polka-dotted collar with matching leash and hit the park with the Pug and a bag of organic treats for a “next step” mission of our own: drawing cute boys. (Good dog!) The Hip Hound |
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| 2 | Legong Show We recently were unfortunate enough to embark on a low-carb diet. No, we didn’t reset our time machine to 2003; we just needed to drop some weight, and to do it fast. But the thing about dumb diets is that in about a week you are circling the supermarket like a pre-glasnost peasant. And what better place to shatter a self-imposed sugar ban than a brand new dessert destination? Legong’s been open about a month, and bills itself as an Indonesian-themed dessert bar. (Legong is an Indonesian dance.) Right now, the desserts showcase Staccato Gelato in some amazing flavors, like Thai Iced Tea (get it, and get it now), Honey Lavender, and Mayan Chocolate. You should definitely try Legong’s cold-pressed coffee (our eyes clouded a little at the details, but then widened at the “it has less acid than roasted coffee beans” part). Owner Jeffrey has big plans for the space, which will include live music, a beer and wine license, and keeping the place open a little later (current hours are 3-10 pm Monday through Saturday, and 12-8 pm on Sunday). Now, please excuse us: our gelato diet book awaits… Legong |
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| 3 | Fashion with a Conscience Why do we love fall fashion? Because we can cozy up in all those knits we’ve been dreaming about all summer—they feel so good, don’t they? Also, we can luxuriate in knitwear that looks put-together but feels like we're cheating on our jeans when we wear it. And naturally, we find the knitwear we love at EILEEN FISHER. So go ahead, fall in love with the luxurious new knits at EILEEN FISHER at Bridgeport Village as you join them for a special day of shopping. Fabulous fabrics and modern designs come together in wonderful, wearable clothes that you can mix and match and love for years. On event day only, enjoy $25 off and a gift with purchase while supplies last (see store for details). Light refreshments will be served, and 10% of proceeds will benefit Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization that inspires girls to recognize their potential. So get out there, ladies, and shop til you drop for a good cause! The big day is Saturday, Sept. 29, from 12-4 pm. And when you go, tell them Portland Picks sent you! EILEEN FISHER |
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| 4 | Forget Your Troubles Back in college we worked at the Child Development Center on campus. We carried, fed, burped, and changed a bazillion dirty diapers in those four years, and while we loved our Wobblers (what we called the one-year-olds), we were ever so thankful that we didn’t have to take them home with us at the end of the day! If only there had been Wellspring Massage Clinic nearby to help us relax and recover at the end of every week. The Wellspring Massage Clinic has four exceptional licensed massage therapists, each with a different specialty. Sessions range from 30-90 minutes and are designed to meet your individual needs. Techniques include Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, hot-stone therapy and more, all designed to help you relax and forget your troubles. Treat yourself to an add-on (we recommend the cucumber eye treatment—it was divine!) Though we’re no longer running after Wobblers, we still deserve a massage at the end of our week—as do you. Make an appointment for relaxation, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Wellspring Massage Clinic |
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| 5 | It’s a Dog Gone Good Life Living in our exceptionally dog-friendly town, a pooch can have it all: a massage after doggie yoga, organic sweet potatoes & lamb for dinner, and even a retreat in the country when he tires of the city. So when we have to jet to Paris to catch Fashion Week (a girl can dream, right?), we don’t pack any guilt as carry-on luggage. We make a reservation for our furry friend at Double Dog Ranch. The adventure boarding camp for dogs is located on acres and acres of completely secured forest, with a creek and pond for skinny dipping, a covered area for puddle-less play, and shady trees for al fresco napping. Owners Sam and Lorinda give each pup loads of attention, serve customized meals and tuck them into bed every night. Did we mention the complimentary valet service? The camp has a convenient doggie shuttle bus that commutes between the city and the ranch. With all that fresh air, play time and afternoon napping, it’s hard to decide who had the better vacation. And while we might be a little jet-lagged when we come home, we can relax knowing we won’t be in the doghouse. Woof! Double Dog Ranch |
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| 6 | Confused by the Man in Your Life? Do you sometimes look at your Romeo and ask, “Wherefore art thou?” What happened to the guy who used to woo you? The one who called you “just to say hi” and gave you backrubs without asking? The one who made your eyes dance with delight when he entered a room? He’s still in there … you just need the key to unlocking how your relationship “used to be” and how to rekindle it. If you want to put the spark back in your marriage, put the sexy back in your boyfriend, or just plain figure out what makes men tick, then PAX Programs’ seminars are for you! Their “Making Sense of Men” seminar helps women find the key to understanding men. This isn’t advice from a magazine or an “us against them” indoctrination—these are professionals who have helped thousands of women improve their relationships with family, at work, and romantically. You’ll find a new perspective about men and women, with some great laughs along the way. Register online—it’s free—and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Making Sense of Men - Free Intro |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Tilde is celebrating their 1-year anniversary this Saturday! Enjoy 15% off everything in this modern lifestyle shop (except artwork). Receive a commemorative ceramic bowl by Leah Nobilette with a purchase over $20. This is your time to buy that special handbag by Orla Kiely, Dean, Matt & Nat, Kim White or Crystalyn Kae, plus wallets by RandL and DB Clay! Tilde is a gift-giver’s paradise, with jewelry, barrettes, watches, candles, vases, belts, pillows … so much to choose from, and all organized by color and shape! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Bragging Rights Every year our friends' holiday cards get better, and we need to keep up! We found an amazing photographer to guarantee that our cards will be displayed front and center on everyone's mantel.A.J. of AJC-Photography captures people, families, kids and pets looking real—not stiff or posed. And we love that she includes retouching, gratis, so zits & wrinkles go "poof!" in her perfect prints. Mention Portland Picks to receive complimentary photo cards, or a $50 gift certificate toward an 8x10 coffee-table photo book. |
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| 2 | Handbags with a Conscience There was a time when we thought about joining the Peace Corps, but we’re too urban to give up things like stilettos and showers. Instead, we leave it to people like Helen Hoppock, who managed to help others then and help us now, by providing super chic handbags stateside. Each Helena de Natalio creation is shaped by her time in Paraguay, Argentina and, um, Seattle, with textiles that capture the warmth of South America. Wherever we travel next, we’re taking one of these sumptuous totes along! |
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| 3 | A Bicycle Built for You It’s been a long time since we rode a bicycle and we’re a little scared. It’s not like our dad is running along behind us anymore, though we’re sure he’d come over if we asked. Our angst is somewhat curbed, however, by the thought of a custom bike from Sweetpea Bicycles. They’re made just for women and built entirely by hand! Yes, patience is required to receive yours, but good things come to those who wait. Especially if your booty needs a custom fit. |
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| 4 | Sugar, Sugar |
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| 5 | Safety First Portland is a hotbed of scooter-riders. We love them. We feel like big-city girls when we see them cruising by on their way to work, a date or coming home from the market. So we were excited to hear about a new line of brightly colored reflective vests to help two-wheeled drivers ride safely. Water resistant, little pockets for valuables and a fit that slides over your cute outfit and a jacket. Genius! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Happy Birthday, Tiger Tiger! In celebration of their first year in business, tiger tiger hair salon is having a huge sale on merchandise, including fab lines such as Phytologie, Bumble and Bumble, Davines, and Tocca perfumes and candles. They’re also welcoming stylist Nicola Corl, a 10-year beauty-biz veteran and a Bumble and Bumble network educator, to their team. She’s booking after Oct. 1! |
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| 2 | Tis the Season It's that time of year, when the Vaux's Swifts are swirling above the Chapman School Chimney every night at dusk. Start off your evening by watching the swirling swifts, then walking over to 23Hoyt to enjoy Chris Israel's delicious late-summer menu. Come for happy hour, dinner, or cabaret! (Free valet parking!) What: Late-Summer happiness at 23Hoyt |
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| 3 | Time for a Road Trip! The Oregon Association of Nurseries is hosting Le Tour des Plants, a tour of 36 of Oregon’s best garden centers and specialty nurseries. From Scappoose to Eugene, you can enjoy inspiring activities, new plants to spark your imagination, and great savings your wallet will love! Buy a $2 wristband to receive special discounts at all participating locations. What: Le Tour des Plants |
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| 4 | Get Inspired by Ladies Who Launch What: Ladies Who Launch seminar |
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| 5 | Last Chance Sale at Talula's & TAGG Though the weather outside looks frightful, you can still save on delightful spring/summer footwear at Talula's and TAGG! Save 50-60% off all sale items for men, women and kids. Get the must-have items you've wanted at bargain prices, and wear them now while the sun is still out! What: Last Chance Sale at Talula's and TAGG |
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Have you spotted a hip new shop, bar or restaurant in your hood? Tell us about it! Email picks@portlandpicks.com with your scoop! |
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