|
 |
September 28th, 2007
We are modest people. We used to change our clothes in the closet when we were little. We never even saw our parents in their underwear. We're horrified in the gym locker room when people walk around nakey, primp nakey, and dry their hair nakey. (Especially when they bend over. Hot toddy that’s so wrong!) We avert our eyes self-consciously, especially if they try and talk to us. Sure enough, there's a man on the deck. And yes, he'd climbed a ladder. And yes, he's now awkwardly "pretending" not to have seen anything. We scream and rush out. We call our husband and he says, "Oh, it's the painter. Sorry, I forgot to tell you." And now we are paralyzed. We can’t go back in the bathroom. We can’t leave the house until we go back in the bathroom. We can't face him again. We may have to fire him. And then we realize the worst thing of all … he saw our fat parts! |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Crush On You A few months ago, we had a crush on a cook at one of our favorite brunch spots. Last week, it was a misguided fondness for a guy at work. And this week? Well, our taste just got better … now we’re crushing on Lucy Palmer, a glamorous boutique that just moved from Lake Oswego to a larger space right in the heart of Westmoreland. As you’d expect from the name, Lucy Palmer is all kinds of pink and girly, with sparkly chandeliers and oodles of rhinestones. There’s no doubt they know their target audience—here you’ll find stockpiles of supplies for a girl’s night out bash, sterling jewelry in modern styles, and couture cosmetics from Bella Il Fiore and Sugar Baby. A quick spin around the store turns up clever bracelet charms, handmade cards and a growing supply of home décor goodies. And while men are unlikely to linger, we did spot a hilarious set of “bachelor slippers” with dust mops on the bottom … though honestly, we could use a pair of those ourselves. Indeed, our bachelorette days are likely to continue; we’re swearing off guy crushes … stores are more likely to love us back! Lucy Palmer Boutique |
|
|
| 2 | A Bold Statement This may be a bold prediction, but we’re pretty sure it will come true—FEZ Studio will be one of our favorite Picks of 2007. We walked in feeling average and left feeling glamorous, beautiful and totally pampered. Better yet, we’re certain you’ll have the exact same experience. Owner Brendan “Fez” Vartan knows how to make you feel like a star because, well, that’s who he’s used to dealing with as a celebrity makeup artist. Whether he’s working miracles with a brush, guiding you toward the right products for your skin type, or creating a custom shade, you’ll be utterly fascinated from start to finish. But the one-month-old beauty boutique is as much about the products as the people. It’s the first in the world to carry the celeb line Billy B Beauty and the first in Oregon to retail Kate Somerville skin care and David Gardner Hair products. We also loved CB experience perfumes, which offer intriguing scents of sandy beaches, burning leaves and old books. From head to toe, cosmeceuticals to organic, Aucoin to Urth, FEZ will leave you feeling buffed, bronzed, shined and absolutely gorgeous. FEZ Studio |
|
|
| 3 | Little Shop of Treasures Also, check out the fine selection of Michael Michaud's exquisite jewelry and peek into the drawers filled with hidden treasures. And don't forget to tell them who sent you! Little Shop of Drawers |
|
|
| 4 | Whose Underwear is Under There? We’re in one of those dry spells where the last time we saw a man in his skivvies it involved a chick flick and a bowl of popcorn. It’s bad. So naturally, when we heard the words “men’s underwear store” and “live models” in the same sentence, we were already planning our next trip to Bridgeport for a look at the new Under U 4 Men store. Unlike their flagship store downtown, this branch didn’t have walking product displays with washboard abs. But they did have eye candy, and as the two young hunks working there explained, they will soon host after-hours fashion shows to better suit their location in the family-friendly shopping village. With nearly 40 designer lines including AussieBum, DKNY, C-IN2, Pulse, and Play (complete with iPod pocket), Under U is a well-stocked boutique. Their sexy trunks, hipsters, briefs and boxers in fabrics like bamboo, soy, silk and organic cotton made us wish we had our own Ken doll to dress. Until we realized that despite the reality of our dry spell, some things are better left to the imagination. |
|
|
| 5 | Food Finds The other day we were wondering where we could get fresh, flavorful Filipino fare for lunch and late-night noshing. Okay, so we weren't really thinking specifically of Filipino food, but sometimes you need something satisfyingly good for lunch and then you just gotta have it again after an evening of drinking (not that we do that often, mind you... ahem.) So, when strolling down Mississippi Street recently, what should our wandering eyes discover but Tita's Pista! Open just one month, Tita's Pista serves up authentic Filipino fare, grab-and-go style, out of a wood-paneled trailer in the empty lot next to Lovely Hula Hands. Outdoor seating only—on wooden benches or grass mats—makes this the perfect lunch spot for families, friends, or people on the go. Appealing to meat lovers and vegetarians alike, Tita’s Pista serves rice and noodle dishes with veggies and/or meat, a Filipino Po’ Boy, veggies (and meat, if requested) wrapped in rice paper and fried, and Monkey Meat (don’t worry, it’s just pork!) The menu (and prices) may be small, but the taste is big. Tita's Pista |
|
|
 |
|||
| 6 | Everything But the Ring When we got married, we spent sooo many hours scurrying all over town for appointments. Our dress was at one shop, our bridesmaid dresses at another. The tuxedos were at a third place, plus we bought shoes and jewelry and oh so much more! By the time we got married, we were just happy to see all the errands end. Too bad we didn’t know about Charlotte’s Wedding—they’ve been in business for more than 20 years and they not only have the dresses for bride, bridesmaid and mother of the bride, they have tuxedos, they have jewelry, they have tiaras and combs and shoes … and even invitations! It’s only 5 minutes from downtown, and they feature Portland exclusives like Maggie, Sophia Tolli, 2BE Bridal and Casablanca, plus they have one-on-one service, so you get incredible attention. We especially like their huge, private rooms, so you don’t have to try on dresses in front of the other shoppers. Call Charlotte’s Weddings for your wedding needs—and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Charlotte’s Weddings |
|
|
| 7 | That Darn Cat We hate skipping breakfast … especially coffee. It’s 11:30 am and we’re on the road, now frantic with need and searching for a kind place to take us in and fill our cup, and there it is, off in the distance … Pastrycat’s bright pink cheerful cottage signaled that it was time to pull over and grab a much-needed caffeine infusion. Sometimes we worry that small little pastry shops won't be able to supply us with our 12-ounce double-iced soy sugar-free vanilla latte, but owner Denise didn't let us down. "We use 100% real vanilla in everything, is that okay?" Is that okay? It’s fabulous! |
|
|
| Item of the Week | |||
 Cute Boots at Talula's and TAGG Ladies, start your engines, because fall is just minutes away and you'll need cute boots to keep your ankles warm ... and stylish! We have just the spot for you--well, two spots really--Talula's and TAGG. Upstairs, sassy Talula's brings you ladylike boots from Dolce Vita, Jeffrey Campbell and Ted Baker. Downstairs, streetwise TAGG brings the love with brands like Mariana, Miss L-Fire, John Fluevog and Sugar. Whether you prefer heels, flats, or shearling-lined snugglers, we guarantee you'll fall in love with at least one pair. Bonus: summer styles are on sale at 50-60% off! Talula's and TAGG |
|||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Fall is in Bloom It’s possible to argue that September is still summer, but when October arrives, it’s definitely fall. We’re glad, as this gives us the opportunity to buy a whole new wardrobe—for clothes and jewelry alike. When it comes to the latter, we’ve found the best fall styles at Urban Bloom, where limited edition and one-of-a-kind pieces are an important part of the retail mix. In no particular order, we love the sterling silver leaves, honeycomb bracelet and the Boerum necklace, all for a bargain $30 or less! |
 |
|
| 2 | Feather Your Nest Okay, by now you know that A) we love birds, and B) we love affordable artwork. So hooray for etsy and their astounding array of fabulous artists. This week we’re obsessed with the “Modern Art Print” available in four colorways—two pink and two brown—that feature the sweetest little birds perched on bubble-like flowers. They’re chic, they’re sassy, they’re fun and functional, and you can buy all four without breaking the bank. Now that’s what we call modern. |
 |
|
| 3 | Grab and Go But now we are so organized with our super cute Grab and Go bag from Amy Schwab Designs. We just grab it from one bag and plop it in the other and we are jet set! |
 |
|
| 4 | On Every 4th-Grader’s Must-Have List… |
 |
|
| 5 | Put Your Best Face Forward A friend of ours recently asked us what kind of skincare we use. What a compliment! Especially since we’ve been using the same product since high school: Rachel Perry’s lecithin-aloe moisture retention cream. Ms. Perry started by concocting skincare products in her kitchen, wayyy back in the 70s, and selling them to friends and health-food stores. Now she’s a global brand, but retains her commitment to pure ingredients and unparalleled quality. We don’t just heart her products, we heart Rachel, for inspiration and good cream. |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Bianca Nero Now at City Girl Make this fall as hot as summer with Bianca Nero’s steaming silhouettes. There is a reason why she’s plastered all over the tabloids. Her dresses fit like Dolce & Gabbana at a fraction of the price. Shop early before they're all gone--you're going to want these before the holidays, trust us! What: Bianca Nero at City Girl Boutique |
 |
|
| 2 | First Thursday Launch Party in the Pearl! Bring the kids and toast Glossopedia’s new collaboration with Ranger Rick magazine and preview their new Ultimate Panda DVD. Glossopedia is a safe, online, fun encyclopedia of life for kids 7-12 full of fun facts, entertaining riddles, action-packed videos, awesome photos, and wild adventure games. Educators welcome! What: First Thursday Glossopedia Launch Party |
 |
|
| 3 | AAA Safety Day & Grand Opening Celebration AAA is celebrating the grand opening of the new Wood Village Insurance Sales Office with an event for the entire family! Enjoy appearances by Snoopy and meet Howler from 99.7 The Wolf. Plus, all of these are complimentary: a Child Photo ID Kit, a battery check, a hot dog and hamburger lunch, face painting, and kids’ goody bags! What: AAA Safety Day at Wood Village |
 |
|
| 4 | Enjoy $25 Off at EILEEN FISHER! Fall in love with luxurious new knits! Join EILEEN FISHER for a special day of shopping. Enjoy $25 off (see store for details) and a gift with purchase (while supplies last), plus light refreshments! Ten percent of proceeds the day of the event will benefit Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization that inspires girls to recognize their potential. What: Enjoy $25 off at EILEEN FISHER and benefit Girls, Inc. |
 |
|
| 5 | Icky-Free Real Estate & Investing Seminar Kristen Martha Brown can help you find sane, sensible ways to use real estate to your financial advantage. It's no get-rich-quick scheme; just the facts, plus practical techniques that can make you wealthier. (She uses them herself!) Join her for a free seminar series illuminating the potential in Portland's market and dispelling the myths. You can do this! What: Wealth-Building Seminar Series with Kristen Martha Brown |
 |
|
| 6 | “Mama Fit” at NW Pilates Do you want a low-impact workout with big results? The Mama Fit classes at NW Pilates are just what you needed. Small group classes (maximum 4 people) help mamas reclaim their pre-baby bodies—this isn’t a mat class—you’ll get to use the same equipment that dancers and actresses use! Just in time for a new fall wardrobe! What: Mama Fit classes at NW Pilates |
 |
|
| 7 | Weddings for the Cure You are cordially invited to the inaugural wedding showcase and dinner auction, Weddings for the Cure, a benefit for the Oregon & SW Washington Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This unique event will feature Portland’s top wedding professionals making your dreams come true, and reaching out through creative collaboration to support the fight against breast cancer. What: Weddings for the Cure |
 |
|
| 8 | Amazing! Vintage Knitwear Trunk Show Ohio Knitting Mills is bringing a three-day trunk show of their Virgin Vintage knitwear, made from 1947-74 at the Ohio Knitting Mills of Cleveland, to Portland! These are never-worn garments—most of them one of a kind. They’re sold at their boutique in Brooklyn, but a few choice cities (PDX!) get to share the love and the knits. What: Ohio Knitting Mills Trunk Show at Design Within Reach |
 |
|
| 9 |
|
||
| 10 |
|
||
| 11 | Le Rouge Fall Accessory Sale! Clean out your closets and raid the rainy-day fund—Le Rouge’s fall accessory sale is underway! All jewelry, belts and bags are 25% off through this Sunday. So stock up on “body candy” and pretty purses to go with your new fall wardrobe. |
 |
|
| 12 | The Link for Women—Reclaim Your Life Feeling a bit unorganized in this hectic world? Professional organizer and television personality Vicki Norris leads you through a dynamic self-discovery process in which you’ll learn to prioritize, get a new perspective on success, and mostly, become more organized! Make room in your life for the things that really matter to you! |
 |
|
| 13 | The Race is Over, But Not the Cure! The ultimate Portland Picks swag bag is still available for sale—these are the good ones from Fashion for the Cure! A full 100% of proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Oregon & SW Washington. They’re loaded with great gifts including t-shirts, Tea Cakes, SmartWater, soaps and fizzies, candy, deluxe health and beauty samples and more! What: Portland Picks Swag Bags to benefit Susan G. Komen |
 |
|
| 14 | Pumpkin Season at Roloff Family Farms What’s more fun than a pumpkin patch? Roloff Family Farms are offering pumpkins and gourds for sale, plus guided hay wagon tours, a Western town, and a real trebuchet! You’ve seen the Roloffs on TLC’s “Little People, Big World,” and each fall they open their farm to you! What: Pumpkin Season at Roloff Family Farms |
 |
|
We have big news!!! We’re going to be launching Portland Picks for Men! Each issue will have all the insider info and great recommendations of “regular” Portland Picks, but with guy-focused content and tips just for dudes, written by dudes. Don't worry ... you'll still get the scoop on it because we’re going to send it you first so you can check it out. But be sure and forward it to Every Man You Know in the Portland area, and encourage them to sign up! It’s free, and it’s going to be epic. |
|||
Log onto www.portlandpicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.portlandpicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@PortlandPicks.com Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
|||
