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December 14th, 2007
We are bringing Moon Boots back. Yeah, we’re rocking the hotness in 2-inch rubber soles and a faux-fair-isle print up top. Ooh, they’re so padded, and ooh, they’re so warm. Cozy is the new flirty! Is that girl toasty in those Moon Boots? How dare she? And with children present … now that’s a shame. Here’s the story: We walk the dog twice a day. Every day. Rain, shine, hurricane-force winds, we’re out there. So we have an assortment of weather-related footwear by the front door for each walk, and each pair is a giant pain in the booty to get on or off. One day we saw Moon Boots in a catalog, and on a whim, ordered them. And they were magic. They’re waterproof, they’re warm, and they keep our pant hems from getting soaked by sidewalks. But then the real problem started … we stopped taking them off. We wore them around the house, we wore them to run errands … we wore them to dim sum … and then it was all over. The Moon Boots are now a happy addition to our winter wardrobe. No matter how un-sexy they are, we are not giving them up! ps: Here’s something even better than Moon Boots: Forward Portland Picks to 5 friends and cc picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win one of two $100 gift certificates to Icebreaker! Read on to see what they have in store! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Ski Bunny Alert! Every year around this time, we start getting excited about the snow falling in our nearby mountains and the skiing that will soon begin. It’s a good time to reassess our winter wardrobe, because a snow bunny is only as cute as her gear. (Sure, this sounds shallow, but a puffy coat, for instance, could not be any less flattering.) Under that ski cap (and unabashed vanity) is a thinker, nonetheless, for we still know warmth matters most. While others take ski breaks to thaw, a break for us means a chance to peel off the layers and shine in our pretty under-duds found at the new Icebreaker in the Pearl. Not just attractive, these green-friendly alternatives are made of pure Merino wool, nature’s finest, softest, most insulating fiber—much improved from the itchy wool we generally end up cursing. From base layers to mid-weights and wind-resistant “fleeces,” Icebreaker knows that insulation doesn’t have to exclude the chic factor. Plus, their eco ethics and sustainability mean we can be shallow on the outside but oh so sincere at heart. Icebreaker Touch Lab |
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| 2 | Chuffed for Truffles We were combing Northeast Portland in an effort to continue our holiday gluttony—because, really, once you get started, why bother stopping—and happened upon a fix that made us feel just fine about that whole sugar-mainlining thing: Truffle. Until about a month ago, Truffle’s divine flavors like cinnamon chilé had been available primarily via special order. But now, Truffle’s new storefront, shared with Wildflour Cookie Company, makes short work of an instant fine-chocolate craving. The cinnamon chilé is indeed available in bar and truffle form, along with other “flavorites” like mint cookie, pomegranate, and cinnamon sugar pecan. Also don’t miss the chocolate tiles, delicately and deliciously adorned with multicolor cocoa butter designs. And for those who like to plan ahead: Truffle can help you with a customized logo to adorn your very own chocolates. Got a wedding, or a company logo you need on something delicious? Truffle’s the place. Hmm, can next week’s Portland Picks fit on a single tile? Guess it’s a great excuse to get a whole box … Truffle |
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| 3 | Bringing Glamour Back If you’re anything like us you live in tees and jeans, but deep down you want to be Doris Day. Just once we want to put on a dress and be fashionable, sexy and ladylike without any effort. And there’s no doubt the boyfriend would like to see that, too, since it’s possible he’s forgotten that we have ankles. Plus, party invitations call for party dresses! And happily, we live down the street from Mabel & Zora. They have new silk dresses by Notice, sweetly detailed dresses by Porridge, and four new lines that you have to see—or try on, rather—to believe, and all the accessories a girl needs to glam up an ensemble. Handbags of every shape and color, clutches for every dress, heavenly jewelry, adorable shoes, even umbrellas to complement your outfit. It’s like having your own Hollywood wardrobe stylist! And if you can tear yourself away from shopping for Y-O-U, they have fab gifts—from Kobo Candles to LCDP soaps, plus perfumes, mittens, hats… Go for the glam this year at Mabel & Zora, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Mabel and Zora |
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| 4 | Mom is Cute Too! When we were little, we couldn’t wait to grow up and become mommies—we just didn’t realize how hideous maternity clothes can be. As if we didn’t already feel bad enough about our expanding waistlines, many designers offer clothes that are more like trash bags than haute couture. Or even couture. Or even cute. For this reason, we love Posh Boutique, which recently relocated to the Pearl District. Though Posh remains a store for babies and moms, they have a couple of exciting new features. First, an expanded selection of women’s clothes for all women, not just pregnant ones. Second, a nursery showcase where we ooh’ed and ahh’ed over the cutest cribs ever! The website got a redo too, so Portlanders can order things online and then swing by the store to pick them up—no shipping charges! And extended hours from 10 am-6:30 pm,seven days per week, provide those of us without a bun in the oven more time to ogle the fabulous merchandise in person. Thank you, Posh Boutique—we feel cuter already, pregnant or not! Posh Boutique |
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| 5 | Could Oysters Be a Girl’s Best Friend? What do you get the person who has everything and wants nothing but the best? And how do you treat yourself this holiday season? Live the jet-set lifestyle right here in Portland … no need to wing it to New York or Paris. Instead, book your spot or purchase a gift certificate for an afternoon of Champagne & Oysters at clarklewis. Here’s just a taste of what awaits: Sommelier Dana Pickell will host a tasting of her holiday selection of grower champagnes, from a Brut Rosé to Blanc de Blancs. All are paired with a festive raw bar featuring the freshest Pacific Northwest oysters, house-smoked trout and domestic caviar. Plus you’ll enjoy a perfectly paired accordion performance by Vagabond Opera’s Eric Stern. Clarklewis offers elegant atmosphere without pretense—you can wear jeans (and pearls) and feel right at home as you indulge and savor. And at just $55 per person (+ gratuity, of course), this is one indulgence that won’t break the bank! The event is Friday, Dec. 28, from 4-6 pm, reservation only, so don’t forget to RSVP. clarklewis |
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| 6 | Rub You the Right Way We’ve been channeling our inner Kris Kringle this holiday season, braving the manic winter weather to find the perfect gifts for the special someones on our list. Gifts that are unusual or unexpected and definitely super chic, just like us! But dare we say it, we’re feeling a bit over-shopped and more than a little frazzled. And so it was with some relief that we learned about Zama Massage. Recommend by one of our girlfriends, Zama is an oasis of Zen tucked away on bustling Broadway. We felt pampered from the moment we arrived, sipping a freshly brewed cup of tea and enjoying the local artwork that adorns Zama’s walls before we were treated to a truly great, frazzle-busting massage that totally rejuvenated our holiday spirit. Zama offers a broad menu of massages to choose from, including “weekend warrior” sports recovery massages, couples and yoga-inspired Thai massages, foot reflexology sessions, and even pregnancy massages. They’re open Monday through Saturday and by appointment. We’re smitten, and pretty sure we’ve found the perfect gift—for ourselves! Zama Massage & Chiropractic |
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| 7 | Take the Kids—Please! Enter Grandma Leeth’s—a place where you can leisurely dine with adults on yummy, healthy food and fabulous drinks while your children are entertained by their professional staff. That’s right; supervised play is available at the restaurant for children ages 2–9 for a nominal fee. No hiring a sitter and no rushing through meals in 30 minutes flat. If you even try to enter the “performance area” where your child is having a fabulous time crafting, playing board games or imagining she is Queen of the Lost Planet of Xyptron, you will be stopped promptly at the door and told to sit back, relax and let others cater to you for a while. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Sweet Destiny Portland Fashion Week is long gone, but we’re still feeling the love. That goes especially for the stunning brocade coats from local line Amai Unmei. Absolutely impeccable and totally luxurious, the slight sheen and carefully tailored appearance will help any Picks girl stand out in a crowd. And, lined with silk habotai, they’ll feel just as good on the inside as they look on the outside. With a name that means “sweet destiny” in Japanese, we feel confident that these are definitely in our future. |
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| 2 | Make Their House a (Holiday) Home We love spoiling loved ones with great home accessories—and bonus!—we can shop from home! Thomas Paul pillows, prints and rugs, plus an array of unique and lovely lamps from designers such as Re-Surface and Lights Up! can mean only one thing: Burke Décor. Burke Décor’s fabulous online home décor boutique offers all of the above and more. Click here for last-minute gifts, and enjoy free shipping, plus all orders over $200 receive a free Kobo candle from now until Dec. 31. |
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| 3 | How Do You Stack Up? |
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| 4 | Though the Weather Outside is Frightful… We think half the fun of online shopping is finding a good deal (hello, Ebay auctions ending at 2:30 am…score!), which is why we love Delight.com: they take awesome deals a step further, featuring one product on sale per day. And even if the gift of the day isn’t your cup of tea, they have plenty of other items, from hipster wood-grain file folders to adorable foreign-language flash cards. Make it a daily browsing stop! Enter the code PICKS at checkout and receive 10% off your order! |
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| 5 | So Many Good Things, So Little of Your Time So you have to get your boss a gift—what do you give that shows A) you deserve that promotion, and B) you’re not a total kiss-patootie? How about a gift basket full of wine, art, or chocolate? What if you need a gift for your BFF, your BFF’s pet (which they treat like a child) or your mom? Gift baskets, again! And nobody does it like Total Basket Case. Each one is modern, unique and customized … sure to please any recipient! Gift list? Done! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 3 | Don’t Miss the 17th Annual Champagne Ball Get your outfit ready and celebrate New Year's Eve in style at the 17th Annual Champagne Ball. The party is held at the Hilton Portland and includes entertainment from 5 Guys Named Moe, 80s Invasion and 2 DJs, on 4 different dance floors. Want to win a room package for 2 with free tickets? Go to www.champagneball.com and enter to win! What: 17th Annual Champagne Ball |
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| 4 | Hush Hush…You Are Secretly Invited! You are secretly invited to the Hush Hush Affair, a special trunk show featuring original work by Shannon Miranda Fine Art Jewelry, RoxyRuby Handmade Jewelry, and Melanie Grace Designs Limited Edition Clothing. You won’t want to miss out on their incredible designs, and you deserve some pampering, don’t you? What: Designer Jewelry and Clothing Trunk Show |
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| 5 | Save 25% Off at lucy Online! Happy holidays from lucy! From now until Dec. 24, receive 25% off your entire order—just use the coupon code 1207mwonder at checkout. Want more lucy love? How about free shipping until December 21? Now all of your goodies will arrive before the big holiday rush. What: 25% off at lucy online |
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| 6 | Shop for Beauty, and the Pooches! You are invited to an evening of beauty at FEZ Studio to benefit Project Pooch. Twenty percent of your purchase will go to benefit Project Pooch in association with www.pdxdog.com. Bring your friends and sip champagne as celebrity makeup artist Brendan Fez Vartan, treats you like a star and answers your beauty questions. (Ask about Kate Somerville facials!) What: An Evening of Beauty to Benefit Project Pooch |
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| 7 | Ooh, Girl! Discounts + Cocktails at Mario’s Spend your Holiday Happy Hours shopping at Mario’s! Join them Thursday night at either location and enjoy a signature cocktail (courtesy of Indio spirits), and for you lucky readers, mention Portland Picks to receive 10% off any one item. Pick any one. You can't miss! What: Happy Hour + Portland Picks Discounts at Mario’s |
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| 9 | If You Can't Take a Cruise, Try a Bazaar Anyone who craves unique cocktails—or appreciates a finely honed alcohol art form—won't want to miss Sub Rosa Spirits' first public tasting at the 2nd Annual Booze Bazaar! Sub Rosa Spirits offers up Tarragon- and Saffron-infused vodkas that you must taste to believe. Also, sample House Spirits' spirits, grappa from Ransom Spirits, chat cocktails with Imbibe Magazine, and taste Paley Bars and Xocalatl de David chocolates. Event is 21 and over. Free! What: Sub Rosa Spirits First Public Tasting |
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Apparently LivePDX thinks we're super, too! They just posted an article titled "Portland Picks Keeps You Hip" and it's all about the Picks and how they started. Read all about it, and while you're at it, spend some time surfing LivePDX. They have the scoop on restaurants, music, events, and more. But don't spend too much time, if you know what we mean. :) |
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