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April 11th, 2008
We’re back. Did you get married? How was it??? So anyhoo we just heard from a friend whose sister-in-law designs handbags. Cute handbags. So of course we told her we’d love to feature them in the Picks! And of course, you all know what will follow… Our intrepid designer will no doubt get a few hundred orders from the fashion-savvy readers of the Picks, which will then lead to her getting noticed by a famous national magazine (they all read the Picks, btw) which will lead to a double-page spread in a glossy mag, celebrities clamoring for her handmade creations, a knockoff line at Target, lifelong fame, and much heartbreak caused by an on-and-off, will they/won’t they relationship with a dashing Italian movie star, eventually leading to a bestselling memoir ghostwritten by the cabana boy (who secretly loves her) as she enjoys her twilight years on the island of Capri, smoking Galoises and petting her poodle. Ps: Click here to check out our Hot Seat interview in PDX Magazine! Pick up your own copy today—it’s free, it’s full of great info about what’s happening around town, and you’ll find it in some really cool spots. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Trip Your Closet Fantastic We used to do martini lunches with a friend and then shop afterwards, silly and guilt-free. Sure, we had to make returns on occasion (why we’d frequently buy two of the same thing, we don’t know), but seriously, we miss those days. Our wardrobe was so daring back then. Because the clothes in our closet were looking a bit too safe, we planned a private shopping experience at Gossamer Designs. Owners/designers Beth Olson and Vicki Wooten make the prettiest one-of-a-kind pieces from vintage silk dresses and camisoles that they hand-dye, screen-print and tastefully embellish with Bohemian baubles, gems and butterflies. What’s more, they make necklaces strung with crosses and 1920s cameos, leather chokers set with silk-ribbon ties, and bridal crowns crafted in a collage of antique jewels and other rare findings. They also have an amazing collection of chic Western wear, vintage belt buckles and cowboy boots we wouldn’t save for the rodeo. And if you need a little liquid courage to bring sexy back, the girls always have a bottle of bubbly (or microbrew) on hand. Gossamer Designs |
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| 2 | The Wait Was Worth It Remember that Heinz commercial with Matt LeBlanc? Where he sets the bottle on the roof, walks downstairs and buys a hot dog, just in time for the ketchup to pour out? Well, after a whopping 21 months, we’re pleased to say that good things really do come to those who wait—Hopworks Urban Brewery, or HUB, is now open and worth every anguished moment. Crafted from the old Sunset Fuel building, HUB is a paean to green building. Lumber from a drop ceiling now makes cozy booths, and rainwater is collected to hose down the brewery floor. Eco-friendliness also hits the menu, with organic milk, veggies and coffee all making appearances. But HUB is really about the beer, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t tout the wonders of our favorites, the Velvet ESB made with Bob’s Red Mill oats and the Survival Stout, which contains a stunning 15 pounds of cold-pressed Stumptown espresso. A happening spot with bikers, neighbors and beer aficionados, HUB may be open, but long lines mean the waiting isn’t over quite yet. Hopworks Urban Brewery |
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| 3 | Love Your Body Last week our best friend dragged us out of the house for a day of bathing suit shopping. Yes, looking back, we’re not entirely sure how she got us out the door… We’re pretty convinced that she has these special mind powers that make “everything” sound like a good idea. But, lo and behold, what we saw in the mirror wasn’t half bad, considering we have finally incorporated some yoga into our weekly regime. CorePower Yoga offers a variety of classes including Hot Fusion Yoga, Core Power Yoga, YogaPilates and Yoga Sculpt. Not only do they offer classes all day long (for those of us who are workaholics), they have a great selection of yogawear available including brands such as Lululemon, Be Present, Tonic and Yoga Tribe and Culture. If you are a yoga beginner (like us) be sure to stop in for their free beginner’s class every Sunday at 4 p.m. and don’t forget to tell them the girls at Portland Picks sent you! CorePower Yoga |
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| 4 | Knit Picky One year we decided to knit everyone scarves for Christmas. We found a "basic" pattern and carefully followed each step until, before we knew it, we had knitted a 5-foot scarf. Then we got to the last step: Cast off. Cast what? No one told us that we were fly fishing! The anxiety was too much to bear! We hid the whole thing in the closet so no one would know that we had failed at yet another craft. Thanks to Yarnia, Portland's only DIY yarn store, we've found a craft we're sure to ace with flying colors—making yarn. Cones of vibrant, single-ply linen, rayon, wool, cotton, silk, and bamboo yarn line the shelves. Single-ply yarn is too fine for most knitting, but can be combined to create a variety of colors, weights and textures. Choose up to six yarns and watch as the nifty machine winds them together onto a perfect cone. Bonus, it’s sold by the pound, so it's much cheaper than traditional skeins. Stop by to create your own custom yarn. And next time someone mentions that they knit, you'll have the perfect response: "Yeah? I make yarn." Yarnia |
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| 5 | A Holiday from the Everyday Recently we were having one of "those days." Just as we were about to crawl into our favorite PJs, a friend called with a brilliant idea: drink some wine and unwind. She'd been to a new place she couldn't stop bragging about, and brought us to Journeys. Located in Multnomah Village, in a converted old Portland home, Journeys proudly boasts that it offers "a holiday from the everyday." And that was just what we needed. With more than 75 wines and 50 beers from around the world, Journeys really knows their stuff. In fact, we were feeling a little indecisive, but the helpful wait staff chose the perfect glass of wine for our mood—which was pleasantly lifted soon after our first sip. In addition to the extensive wine and beer selection, Journeys offers a small but oh-so-tasty menu of "bites," including salads brimming with all the good stuff, hummus and pita, and grilled cheese strips with a fabulous dipping sauce. We'll definitely venture back in the spring to sip our wine and enjoy our bites on the outdoor patio, no matter how we’re feeling. Journeys |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Save Your Soles April showers? No thanks! We want to wear open-toe shoes indoors, but we need galoshes on the street. Frankly, we’re tired of damaging our footwear in puddles. Happily, we can wear what we want with Swims oversoles—just slip them over your shoes. They’re softly lined so they’re warm, they’ve got good grip for slippery streets, and they’re funky enough to wear as fashion statements. There’s also a carrying pouch to keep your handbag dry. Genius. Available at Winn Perry and Michael Allen’s. |
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| 2 | The Lady is a Tramp |
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| 3 | The Key to Your Heart When we think of the most romantic gifts we’ve received, a silver locket is at the top of our list. It was heartfelt and actually took a bit of work, picking just the right photo to go inside. Lockets, however, are a little old school. Now we use JPEGs, and BellaBell Designs makes them into adorable charms that hang delicately around your neck. For just $45, you can have a one-of-a-kind keepsake that reflects your greatest loves—kids, pets or significant others. |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Aside from being one of the loveliest shops around, Tumbleweed has a well-deserved reputation for an amazing selection of dresses and spot-on fashion. Happily, they’re celebrating their 8th anniversary with a Spring Fling party just for you! Enjoy a springtime fashion show featuring pretty new styles, special treats and sweet surprises, as well as an art show by Caitlin Shwerin. Call the girls—this will be so much fun! What: Spring Fling at Tumbleweed |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Spring Sample Sale at Egg Press Hello Egg Press, Ex Libris Anonymous and Picaflor Kids! You won’t believe the prices on adorable Egg Press letter-pressed greeting cards, screen-printed onesies and screenprinted tees while you wait, plus Ex Libris Anonymous’ journals made from recycled hardcover books, and Picaflor Kids’ beautiful knits for infant and child, priced at just $4 for hats to $24 for dresses. Great gifts for Mother's/Father's Day! What: Spring Sample Sale |
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| 2 | Start a New Tradition Once a year mom would take us up to Victoria for tea at the Empress Hotel, and we’ve always wished we could find that here. Now we have—at Salty’s! Their lovely afternoon tea service includes white linen, too-pretty-to-eat tea sandwiches, petit fours and cookies, and of course, exquisite teas. We’re so happy they thought of this! What: Afternoon Tea at Salty’s |
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| 3 | Meringue Baby Sale Calling all mamas, aunties and friends of babies! Meringue Boutique—in Lake Oswego and Salem—is holding a fabulous sale on items for baby, kids and maternity. Save 25%-80% on must-have goodies, and enjoy $10 items while supplies last! Enjoy wine, juice boxes and treats, and get one hour free at Play Boutique with purchase at the L.O. location. What: Baby Sale at Meringue |
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| 6 | Get Your NW Pilates On! Citysearch just named NW Pilates #1 in the category of Health & Fitness in Portland. Impressive stuff, but we knew all along that they rock! Find out for yourself—with affordable rates and flexible hours, you’ll be slimmer, taller and happier about your body in no time. Mention Portland Picks and get a free session when you buy a package! What: NW Pilates—buy a package, get 1 free |
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| 7 | Ready, Set, Spring! |
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| 8 | Va Va Va Bloom at Bridgeport Village! |
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| 9 | Taking Back the Muse Painter Sam Roloff has never been one to take a half-hearted approach to pursing his passions. He ran small, hip art galleries in San Francisco and Prague, and is now painting again here in Portland. Sam is one of three re-emerging artists showing at the Working Artists Gallery, including Rebecca L. Shapiro, painter, and Jackie D. Blank, mixed-media artist. What: Art Show Opening for Sam Roloff |
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| 10 | Mink’s 1-year Anniversary! Celebrate with Mink! Their fab shop is one year old—and they’re still offering the freshest fashions in town. Plus on Thursday they’re having a smashing anniversary bash and you’re invited! Take 15% off of adorable spring dresses, get some amazing giveaways, nosh on sweet treats and sip champagne. Yay! What: Mink’s 1-year anniversary bash |
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| 11 | OHSU Women’s Health Conference Get inspiration and information on health topics from nutrition to finance at the OHSU Women’s Health Conference. You’ll leave feeling stronger and more empowered to become and stay healthy. Lecturers include Erminia Guarneri, founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, and Judy Norsigian, co-author of Our Bodies, Ourselves. What: OHSU Women’s Health Conference |
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Give us a shout-out if you like what you see! Email us at picks@portlandpicks.com. And don’t forget to place your ad in the Portland Picks Mother’s & Father’s Day Gift Guide, publishing May 2. Click here for more info or email alisa@portlandpicks.com. |
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