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March 7th, 2008
How much do you love Portland Picks? We love it so much that we put our hearts and souls into it every week just to entertain, enlighten, inspire and educate you about what’s happening in our fair city. We love every tidbit we include; in fact, our motto is “If we can’t say anything nice, we don’t say anything at all.” But every once in a while we have to set the record straight. If you’ve ever heard that Portland Picks is “one big ad” (perish the thought!) let us assure you that we are the real deal. You can even “meet” our incredible (and incredibly fun) staff of talented writers—just click here—they put in overtime to share their favorite spots with you each week! These gals are the backbone of Portland Picks—their unsolicited opinions shape our weekly issues. So next time you’re wondering what we’re all about, just refer to our About Us page… and we’ll all sleep better on Friday nights. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Grown-up Gaming We've noticed a new trend lately—cocktails and games. Not drinking games, per se—though that does bring back some good 'ol college memories—we mean actual board games. In a bar. Like Dominoes, Chinese Checkers, Yahtzee and Backgammon. Because we’re mature adults (sometimes), we were a little skeptical at first, but after we discovered Bar Convivium in NW Portland, "game night" took on a whole new meaning. Opened by the owner of Lorenzo's on Mississippi Avenue, the "BC" is in an airy, warehouse-type space, located below street level. With plush couches and lively art, Bar Convivium has anything but a warehouse feel. It's warm and inviting, offers tasty nibbles, a full bar, happy hour every night from 5-7 pm, and Bingo Wednesdays. Keep your palate quenched with signature cocktails or munch on delicious food. Lucky for us, if we get bored with our board games, Bar Convivium also has a table-top shuffle board, a Sopranos pinball machine, and even a pool table in its own private room. Next time were looking for a low-key but exciting way to spend the evening with the gals, we're heading to the BC. Yahtzee! Bar Convivium |
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| 2 | Natural Woman |
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| 3 | Girly Glam Has a New Home Our wardrobe is getting positively schizo—it’s sunny, then it’s cloudy, then it’s drizzling, then it’s sunny again—all in one day. We wear sunglasses on top of our heads just so we can “feel” like spring might be springing. And we swear we’d be into full-on S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder—not a play on words for our love life) if we couldn’t at least shop for spring clothes. And shop we do at the newly relocated Mink Boutique. They have three times the space for three times the girly glam—with huge dressing rooms, to boot! And you will definitely want to try on everything in the shop, from the entire line of Joe’s Jeans (hello!) to Splendid tees and flirty numbers from Nick & Zoe, Puella, Porridge, Soundgirl and Velvet. And those are just the new lines! Ice your spring-wardrobe cake with adorable hats and jewelry and of course, cute sunglasses! And help Mink celebrate on Saturday, March 8, for a grand re-opening party. The entire store will be 15% off! Mink |
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| 4 | Ice-Cream Watch 2008 |
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| 5 | Must Love Clothes So the other night we were watching, “Must Love Dogs” for about the millionth time and we were contemplating the ingenious idea of online dating. Seriously, who hasn’t tried it at least once or twice … well besides us? Heck, if Diane Lane can call herself “voluptuous” in her ad, we certainly can too! “Voluptuous, smart, sassy…” Wait, more importantly, we need new outfits for these dates! So we headed over to Betty Jean Couture. Betty Jean Couture carries three lines—Couture, Ready-to-Wear and Urban Couture, all of which are made in-house and at prices so reasonable we couldn’t resist buying an outfit or two (for our date nights of course!). Although Betty Jean Couture caters to women size 12-3x, they also carry smaller sizes. And if they don’t have your size in store, they can make it for you in about two days. Talk about custom made. So, voluptuous or not, be sure to stop by and see for yourself what custom clothing should be. Betty Jean Couture |
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| 6 | Grown-Up Art We’re finally at that stage in life when we’re getting embarrassed of our eclectic living room art. Not that the thrift store frames and oddball screen-prints are ugly; they’re just so college. And we’re so post-college. That’s why we like Portland Classic Gallery, the newcomer over at Bridgeport Village. This art is sophisticated, original, and gorgeous—sure statement pieces to tie in the colors of our post-college window dressings and post-college throw pillows. The majority of the paintings are American and International classics—ranging from floral still-lifes to harbor-side landscapes to ballerina portraits—which Gallery Director Richard Wolfson says are hard to find among the abstract, modern pieces at other Portland galleries. (However, they do have one abstract artist in the mix.) In the $3,000 and up range, there is nothing college about these pieces. And since we don’t even need to have “the eye” for good art, thanks to an all-knowing staff, buying our first framed beauty is easier than deciding to skip class on a sunny day. How’s that for post-college smarts? Portland Classic Gallery |
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| 7 | Can You Keep a Secret? We had a friend who could never keep a secret. By the time we were a brilliant shade of red, we knew which little bird told. Once, she… well, let’s just say, it should’ve stayed in Vegas. But we kinda understand, as some secrets are just too good to keep to ourselves—like Akasu Hair Studio + Spa. Akasu means “to tell a secret” in Japanese slang. So, girlfriends, we’re telling! Step into the restored Victorian house and you’ll instantly feel like you are visiting your BFF to unwind, sip herbal tea and hash about the day. The only diff is, she’s a massage therapist, manicurist, makeup artist, hair stylist, and esthetician. Fab-u-lous, we know! Rejuvenate yourself with a Silhouette Detox body treatment or surrender to a Serenity Massage… or perhaps brave a Brazilian Bikini wax? Our HydralEssence Facial (and mini-massage) was oh-so-indulgent and relaxing that we almost fell asleep on the table. When we emerged, we were exfoliated, hydrated and dewy soft. And we could’ve spent all day at Akasu getting pampered & primped, colored & coiffed, because they truly do it all. So go ahead and splurge—our moisturized lips are sealed! AKASU hair studio + spa |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Jewelry for Your Jeans We love vintage finds. And homemade finds. And one-of-a-kind finds! So of course we love love love Judy Buckle's collection of unique belt buckles. They're sparkly, Swarovski-encrusted, and totally fabulous! We've always admired our best friend's ability to rock a big gold buckle and black v-neck tee, and now we think it's time we tried to pull off that look ourselves. Plus … we heard that certain stylish celebs are rockin’ Judy Buckles … and we’re nothing if not trend spotters! |
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| 2 | Organize Your Lifestyle Like Bridget Jones, we’re a mess. House? A mess? Fridge? A mess. Workout schedule? A hot mess! We needed someone to help us reconsider our lives, and found Colette and Discover Live Lite. She looked at where we live (ack!) and work, and helped us achieve organization and calm. Our space, schedule and even our diet is in order and on track. She’ll even do one area at a time if, for example, your diet is cool but work is suffering. Thank you, Colette! |
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| 3 | A Book That’s Just for You Growing up, we knew where the wild things were and would always say “Goodnight Moon,” but we never had the luxury of reading a bedtime story about the most fascinating little girls on the planet … ourselves! So imagine our delight in finding books that can be customized with names of siblings, pets and friends—even favorite foods. Sure, such a book might have given us delusions of grandeur, but that can’t happen to kids today … can it? |
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| 4 | Can Fur be Eco-Friendly?! It's absolutely true! Snuggle up in these high-quality, 100% eco-friendly throws and pillows from Portland based Eco-Luxury Fur. These are the ultimate in eco-luxury—soft, sumptuous, gorgeous and warm (comparable to the softness and quality of sable). More eco-friendly than faux, check out their website and learn how your purchase helps abate a serious ecological problem in New Zealand and why conservation groups (including NZ Greenpeace) support the marketing of this fur, which is sold exclusively at one of our favorite shops, Cielo in the Pearl. |
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| 5 | Green and Gorgeous You know we’re always on the lookout for good green gifts. But we still want drama, romance and something clever in the bag. So while shopping online for an eco-friendly gift for a gal-pal, we came across these rick-diculously pretty napkin rings from GreenwithGlamour.com. They’re fairly traded from Indonesia, and the high-gloss finish contrasts so well with their natural coloring. We say, perfect for any décor! And at $33 for a set of four, you can afford to snap them up for yourself! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Boutiques Unleashed Boutiques Unleashed is a human and canine fashion event showcasing the latest couture for you and your pooch. Come early to enjoy food and cocktails and get your chance to preview fashion in the Unleashed Auction. Watch as models and doggies strut their stuff down the runway—and be sure to stay after to bid on your favorite fashions and accessories. What: Boutiques Unleashed |
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| 2 | Who Says Dating is Hard? So many Portland singles complain about the dating scene. You might be one of them. If so, we have the cure for your romantic woes. “Fearless Dating” is a co-ed workshop that offers a killer new approach. Learn how to make an authentic connection while communicating what you intend to communicate, and while you're there, who knows who you might meet? What: Fearless Dating seminar |
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| 3 | Imelda’s and Louie’s 14th Anniversary Sale It really is all because of you! Saturday and Sunday, March 8–9, Imelda’s and Louie’s will celebrate their 14th anniversary with a sale. Both locations are delighted to offer 10-70% off all merchandise. You’ll find shoes, jewelry and accessories with flair that only Imelda’s and Louie’s offers. Come spend a weekend in style. What: Imelda’s and Louie’s 14th Anniversary Sale |
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| 4 | lucy is Moving … and Having a Sale! We love lucy—and their spectacular sales on fab workout wear. We live in their comfortable designs, and we’re ready to arm-wrestle to get our hands on tops for $5-$20, pants for $10-$20, shorts and skirts for $5, shoes for $20, jackets for $20 and outerwear for $40. Bras and accessories, too, for $5-$10. We’ll race you there! What: lucy moving sale |
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| 5 | Get Your Art On at The MuseRoom! Muse Art and Design, SE Portland's neighborhood art-supply store, has recently opened The MuseRoom. Stop by tomorrow for their Open House and Free Demo Day—see artists demonstrating painting, block-printing and other techniques taught in The MuseRoom’s classes. Ask questions, try techniques yourself and enjoy refreshments and giveaways. You might even win a free class! What: The MuseRoom, open house & demo day |
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| 6 | Spring Dresses Have Arrived at Pin-Me Some days it looks like spring… and we really like those days! So we’re heading to Pin-Me to stock up on spring and summer dresses… just in case. Brands like Hype, Porridge, Soundgirl, Gentle Fawn, House of Spy, and spring coats from Spiewak (perfect for spring showers) will have you looking like a million, no matter what the weather. What: Spring dresses at Pin-Me |
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| 7 | Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon Welcome spring with Via Lago at “five-o-three” restaurant and bar with a fashion show and luncheon! Start with Wild Mushroom Soup with Truffle Oil & Chives, then it's on to your choice of one of three sumptuous entrées, and of course a delish dessert. Enjoy viewing Via Lago’s latest spring styles at this ladylike event! What: Spring fashion show & luncheon |
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| 8 | Breakfast of Champions From the mother who performed CPR on her dying son to the dog who provided warmth and compassion when her companions were stuck on Mount Hood, the American Red Cross' annual Breakfast of Champions celebrates Oregon heroes of all shapes and sizes. What: Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions, benefiting the Oregon Trail Chapter |
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| 9 | Tap 2008 Visits Portland Restaurants Want to do some good? Visit restaurants participating in the Tap Project and pay $1 for a glass of water. The money helps supply clean drinking water to children in third-world countries. You can also donate online at www.tapproject.org, but isn’t it more fun to dine out and support our local restaurateurs? Wieden+Kennedy and UNICEF are behind this effort. |
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| 10 | Shop/08—Conference for Retailers Crave Party is proud to present SHOP/08, a conference to invigorate and educate independent retailers of all stripes. Still figuring out the nuts and bolts? Veterans needing fresh ideas? This one-day event teaches practical skills, offers encouragement, and builds camaraderie amongst retail professionals. Prepare to be inspired! (Want to exhibit? Email crave@craveportland.com.) What: SHOP/08 Portland |
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Did you text in to win tickets to “A Feminine Ending”? They announced the winner by sending her a text message! (Texting—it’s the next wave, we’re telling you!) Anyhoo, the lucky lady is Shannon Corey. Congratulations Shannon, and enjoy girls’ night out with your friends! |
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