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February 15th, 2008
We took the plunge and—years after everyone cool did it—started a Portland Picks MySpace page. We are so lame to be doing this so late in the game, but what the heck, right? We’re hoping to learn more about all of you and jump on the funtimes makin-friends bandwagon we’ve been hearing so much about! So please give us a shout-out at www.myspace.com/portlandpicks. Because what’s worse than sitting by yourself at the lunch table? Having no friends on MySpace! Here’s a new twist for a freebie: Email 5 of your GUY friends to tell them about www.PortlandPicksforMen.com and CC picks@portlandpicks.com. You could win a $50 gift certificate to Pin-Me Apparel! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | It's All About the Accessories, Yo When we watch home decorating shows, we're always surprised by how much of the designer's budget goes to accessories. A trio of vases here, a few pillows there and voila! A plain old room is transformed into an eye-popping showcase. Despite this evidence, we doubted the power of accessories until we visited Michael Allen's new home decor store. Michael Allen is best known for his custom menswear. Now he's bringing his uncommonly good taste closer to home. His clothing store moved to 9th and Morrison and the old space is now filled with fine home decor. Looking for the perfect crystal decanter? Michael Allen's has at least 20, along with an array of complementary (but not matchy-matchy) barware. Everything here makes a statement, from the stunning Murano glassware to the impressive selection of decorative spheres. Michael Allen's is the place to find a gift for someone who is blessed with everything, including impeccable taste. While the original art may be out of your budget, a pair of chic etched glass votive holders will only set you back $30. So succumb to the power of accessories, and be sure to tell Michael who sent you. Michael Allen’s |
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| 2 | Movin' On Up Poppy and Ivy |
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| 3 | The Source of it All We love massages—someone devoting themselves to our stiff backs and necks? Heaven! But for every heavenly experience, we’ve had at least one bad massage—once we were almost unable to walk for two days, and we failed to see where heaven entered that picture. Because of this, we’re shy about picking a massage therapist without a recommendation. However, we whole-heartedly have a recommendation for others now that we spent time at Source Therapeutic Massage and Skin Care. Owner and esthetician Libby Graf rubbed and kneaded our tired muscles until we were totally relaxed. Between the soporific smell of lilac in the air, the gentle pounding of rain on the roof and Libby’s expert hands maneuvering our body back into shape, we could have lain on her table all day—she’s lucky she got us out the door. And clearly, Libby paid attention in class. She had answers to all of our questions and even referred us to doctors who could address our medical concerns. From us to you, check out Source—your body will thank you. Source Therapeutic Massage and Skin Care |
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| 4 | Forget Your Troubles We were having the world’s worst day—everything went wrong—and we headed off to dinner in a terrible mood. We were seriously just touchy. We wore a skirt but wanted to be in jeans; we didn’t like our hair; the car wasn’t warm enough; who were all those people on the road and how dare they drive places?!? Yeah, it was like that. But when we stepped inside the gorgeous dining room at the View Point Inn (think Tudor castle meets bed-and-breakfast—intimate but grand) our bad mojo melted away. Dinner was outstanding—locally sourced ingredients paired simply and with care. Every bite made us happier. The service, impeccable. The view, divine. We felt absolutely restored. It’s possible that this place is magic. It’s definitely the magic that makes the View Point Inn a cherished destination for bridal parties, weddings, and romantic weekends that make you feel like you’re a kajillion miles away. (Check out their cozy suites and boudoirs.) We are going back as soon as possible, and we might stay overnight. We heard the brunch is delish! View Point Inn |
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| 5 | Hello, Cute Stuff! We’re suckers for anything cute. And pretty much anything can be cute—handbags, shoes, haircuts … tape dispensers. We pride ourselves on our grown-up style and sophisticated taste, but we still fall for cute every time. Thus we found ourselves in Moshi Moshi’s tiny shop, proclaiming everything we saw cute. Cute printed apparel and totes, cute Japanese toys and collectibles, cute stationery (that we will never send but must have), and oodles of cute knickknacks with adorable little animals on them. What is it about cute (but totally unnecessary) trinkets that we find irresistible? We don’t need another coffee cup with a cute bunny on it, but oh we want it, because it’s just so… cute! Owner Billy Galaxy (cool name!) jets to Japan several times a year to scour the animé capital’s hippest cities and find the most awesome stuff to bring stateside. And for the record, yes, we used the word “cute” 10 times, but seriously, can you think of a better It-word than cute? Btw, they’re moving to a new location at 916 W. Burnside St. in March—and check out the Artist of the Week—he’ll be featured when they open! Moshi Moshi |
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| Artist of the Week: | |||
Confession: We saw this artist’s work at the Destroy Store and we were floored. It was like all of our favorite local-arty obsessions were realized in painterly form—botanicals, birds, soft-yet-bold colors, and the cherry on the cake? We could afford to buy one. We fell in love with the quirky sweetness and touches of crazy/sexy/cool awesomeness they conveyed. Plus they’d look righteous above our sofa. We had to have one, but alas they were sold out. For weeks afterward, we obsessed about Steve Mathews’ work … and then we tracked him down. You can find him at Last Thursday on Alberta on warmer evenings (on the corner of NE 26th); from April to November at the Urban Art Network’s downtown art gallery; in March and April you’ll find him at Extracto Coffee at 30th Ave. and Killingsworth; and soon you can snag his amazing paintings at Moshi Moshi’s new location at 916 W. Burnside St.! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | We’ve Got a Secret… We don’t have access to NYC’s designer sample sales—but we’ve heard about the chaos, the bargains, the once-in-a-lifetime chance to own Dolce & Gabbana leopard-print pants—and the lines to get in. No thanks! So we’ll let you in on an online sample sale that will blow your shopaholic minds: Regent’s Secret. Get access to items from designer jeans to gorgeous dresses—and they’re affordably priced. It’s invite-only, but click the “register here” box and enter the promo code: secret. Invite your friends! When they shop, you save! |
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| 2 | Bake On, Fair Maidens V-day is over, but that doesn’t mean that we’re done with sweets (and pink and red, for that matter). While cruising the ‘net, we found the very cutest cooking project and just had to share its adorable-ness. Or adorability. Whatever. Anyhoo, these sweet cake pops are delectable, both visually and otherwise, and are a snap to make. Not only do they look like Dum Dums, they require very little brainpower! |
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| 3 | Best in Small Doses From our former favorite kitty cat umbrella (complete with ears!) to a friend’s green frog galoshes, there’s something about wearing animal-inspired accessories that helps us recapture our youth. Of course, they probably look better on actual youths, but hey, that’s not really the point. If however, you do have a kiddie running around, we think they’ll adore Monkey Toes, cute shoes and socks painted to look like bees, ladybugs and piggies … complete with curlicue tail. |
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| 4 | Cozy Conundrums Coffee cozies are so wasteful. Sure, they keep your hands from burning, but they basically serve a purpose for a good five minutes and then—poof!—completely useless and destined for the landfill. Wouldn’t you feel better getting a reusable cozy? We’re pretty sure you would, which is why we love the knitted java wraps from Portland Etsy girl Acrodele. Sure, she has bags, scarves and hats, but this is the best way to stay green and feed your addiction. |
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| 5 | To Fill Your Cup We know, we know, local local local! But sometimes we crave a decadent cup of Kona, or Peru Organic, and we have to fan out beyond our fair city. Enter: Weaver’s Coffee. Exotic, rich varietals and artisan blends harvested at the peak of perfection, and never over-roasted. They’re shipped to your door in gorgeous packaging that enhances the java experience. Weaver’s Coffee also makes a great gift for coffee addicts! And with Mother’s and Father’s Day coming up, well… |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
If you were paying attention, you’ll remember our Spring Break fantasy and our desire to fulfill it at Popina Swimwear. With custom designs that flatter any figure—plus new swimwear from Tommy Bahama, Sunsets, Swim Systems and more—Popina rocks the beach! And to celebrate their grand re-opening, bigger space and brand new name, they’re having a party! Enjoy 15% off everything in the store—including sale merchandise—and then save on selected items the rest of the month. What: Grand Re-Opening Party at Popina Swimwear |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Make Sure it’s “A Feminine Ending” When rom-coms and local theater collide, you get “A Feminine Ending.” Mix a girl and her dream with a rock-star fiancé, a geeky-turned-dreamy boy next door and a crazypants mom and you get a night of fun! Text “Amanda” to 95459—you could win a Girls’ Night Out Package—four tickets plus dinner for four in the Pearl! |
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| 2 | Bella Moda Designs One-Day Sale Shop late or save early? Bella Moda Designs is holding a huge clearance sale on fall/winter items for one day only. From 10 am-1 pm, save 70% off original prices, from 1-4 pm, save 60% off, and from 4-7 pm save 50% off! We’re setting our alarms! It's a shoe-win situation! (Excludes Havaianas & new spring 08 styles.) What: One-Day sale at Bella Moda Designs |
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| 3 | Calling All Gardeners! Get grand ideas for beautifying your home and garden at The Yard, Garden & Patio Show! On Friday, Feb. 15, the first 1,000 people will receive a free Al's Garden Center Pansy compliments of The Buzz, The Wolf & Portland's CW. On Saturday, Feb. 16, the first 1,000 people will receive a free garden knee pad, compliments of KGW & KINK. What: Yard, Garden & Patio Show |
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| 5 | The Warehouse Sale = Guilt-Free Shopping! Don’t miss your chance to buy high-end designer jeans for men & women at bargain basement prices—up to 80% off! Racks are filled with Diesel, True Religion, Frankie B, Citizens of Humanity, 575 Denim, Joe's Jeans, Antik Denim, Taverniti SO, J & Company and more. Plus butter-soft hoodies, sweats, shirts, and tees by 2B Free, BCBG, Ed Hardy, and more! What: The Warehouse Sale |
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| 6 | “Oscar Night America”—Party with the Stars Glamour awaits at “Oscar Night® America at the Hollywood Theatre,” Oregon’s only event officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Sumptuous buffet, fabulous prizes, cocktails & wine! Join emcees Daria, Mitch & Ted of FM 105.1, special guests Will Vinton, Patrick Lamb, and honorary chair Sam Adams. Benefits Film Action Oregon & Hollywood Theatre restoration. What: Oscar Night America |
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| 7 | Want to Make Wedding Planning Fun? The Bravo! Wedding Affair will transform two hotel floors into vignettes featuring must-have wedding accoutrements from more than 60 wedding services—plus a free Bravo! Wedding Guide. Find the perfect dress, excellent photographers, beautiful centerpieces, tasty catering, fabulous cakes, the right music and more. The first 25 brides to email heather@bravoportland.com will receive a free Bravo! Wedding Planner/Organizer at the event! What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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| 8 | Wine Showroom Opens—City Rejoices |
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Your to-do list:
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