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October 10th, 2008
Forgive us this tangent, but isn’t BBC America just so much cheekier than American TV? Take a show called You Are What You Eat, for example. They go to the homes of plump volunteers, raid their pantries, then put them in their panties and do a camera pass from ankles to nose, with a voice-over chap saying things like, “Fatty Franny is eating her weight in takeaway curries each month… and she has the spare tire to show for it. And she’s lost her sex drive.” Oy vey! Next up, they show you the entire week’s worth of what they ate, laid out on a table (note: it’s always astounding) and toss in a few other um… “intimate” investigations. But the point is, these people sign up to be poked, prodded and punished… but then of course they get expert nutritional guidance and eating plans that probably save their lives. But still. If someone put everything we ate in a week on a table, we would not want to be around for it. And also, there would have to be an ice bucket, because most of our calories come from booze these days. Watching BBC is rough duty. Step away from the television. Forward this issue to 5 friends and cc picks@portlandpicks.com, and you might win a $50 Gift Certificate to Flutter! (It’s the ultimate girly-fantastical-lovely-and-impractical gift-giving destination.) |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Fashionably Late You know the kind of people who are late for everything? Well, that’s us. In high school, it was homeroom. In college, it was every lecture over the 100 level. And now, it’s yoga. We accepted our flaw long ago, but the yogis... not so forgiving. In fact, we may be black listed. For good. We, however, appreciate a little tardiness. Take Amai Unmei, for example, whose slow opening kept us excited for months. Finally (just this week!), local designer Allison Covington opened the doors to her first-ever boutique just off NW 23rd. And we are all sorts of forgiving, because the place is lined with new, hot-off-the-press goods: soft coats spun in Italian wool and cashmere and dresses ranging from bright yellow to fuchsia, bronze to black and every pretty color in between. We fell in love with the raw silk dresses with high-waisted sashes and the bias-cut dresses in sleek silk charmeuse. What’s more, they alter, so your fit will be perfect. Bonus: You will save 10% when you mention Portland Picks! So go—right now—and please tell them we sent you. Amai Unmei |
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| 2 | Mother of a Makeover And so are the folks over at Alu Wine Bar & Lounge—they took a dilapidated old building and recycled the aluminum siding into the eye-catching exterior of something better—a wine bar that is undeniably sexy and hip. Decked in plush, velvety Victorian-era seating combined with modern textures and finishings, Alu feels a bit like a French boudoir mixed with a cool, underground speakeasy. Alongside their boutique wines (read: inexpensive yet chic), they also boast a delicious European-inspired dinner menu complete with bratwurst, spatzle and this gooey, yummy German apple pie thing that made our taste buds sing. If the owners of Alu can take an old, run-down building and make it into one of Portland’s hippest scenes, imagine what we can do with that trunk we’ve been eyeing... truly, the possibilities are endless! Alu Wine Bar & Lounge |
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| 3 | Closet Shopper Because all of our friends are such style-setters, we had this theory that if they each brought over their five best articles of clothing they no longer wanted (or that fit), we’d have one heck of a new wardrobe. So we started throwing Clothing Exchanges, and instead of fighting over the goods, we all fought over who had to make the run to the thrift store. Because it was crap—we’re talking old, stained sweatshirts and painter pants. Please, people. That isn’t the case at Recycled Chic Boutique, a new consignment haven in the Pearl. Here, it’s like a giant walk-in closet fit with only the hottest trends, from Seven jeans to Manolo Blahniks to hip Betsey Johnson dresses. And with sexy power suits in designer labels (Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, BCBG), it’s a great place to find chic workwear, too. Stock up on bootie-hot denim and, while you’re there, bring in those closet-hoggers you swore you’d wear and never did. Because apparently, Clothing Exchanges are all about the brunch—and Mimosas, natch. Recycled Chic Boutique |
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| 4 | Such a Poser The sorest we’ve ever been was—wait for it—after a yoga class. Granted, it was our first time. And what with the cobras and the dogs and the warrior and whaaa? Everyone moved, together, easily, as if they were choreographed. It was so intimidating that it put us off yoga for a decade. So when we considered giving the ohm another try, we turned to Gianna over at Balanced Wellness for some one-on-one help, so we could pose without being a poser. Gianna instantly put us at ease, starting with a questionnaire that helped us determine the kind of yoga we should even do. Then she led us through a program tailored just for us. Much better than trying to catch up with the cool girls. That isn’t to say Gianna isn’t cool, herself. The girl studied in India and has a business background (so she totally gets the stress-management of it all). Her tutelage works wonders for our maxed-out nuttiness levels. Plus, we actually enjoy tree pose—given we don’t tumble every two seconds. |
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| 5 | A Passion for Pasta Thank goodness the universe is over the Atkins diet. We tried it, sure, but after 2 weeks of shrimp cocktail, cubed turkey and egg whites, we’d had enough of protein. Our bodies crave pasta, and we decided (back in 1998) that we would forevermore satisfy our need for noodles. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Let’s Cruise! Even if you're not taking a cruise this winter, that doesn't mean you can't pretend you're in the tropics—even if you're in the pool at the gym. |
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| 2 | Great Kate We’re product junkies—so we can honestly say that our skin hasn’t responded this well to a moisturizer since we were 15 and tried our first bottle of yellow goop. But this is no teen cream—this is the goddess of skin health—Kate Somerville. After just one night (ferreals!) of |
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| 3 | Second-Hand Glam We’ve heard of rehabilitated homes, rehabilitated people, and even rehabilitated dogs, but rehabilitated dishware not so much. However, one look at the infinitely cool designer dishes by Sarah Cihat had us jumping on the rehab bandwagon. Made from re-fired and re-glazed overstocks and second-hand finds, these oh-so-stylish plates and platters come in a myriad of cool designs. From fierce skulls and pin-up girls to wildlife motifs and flowers, we swear these quirky silhouettes will leave you completely smitten! |
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| 4 | A Tiskit, A Tasket, There Goes the Plastic We recently visited the place we love most in this world and discovered something bad. It’s hard for us to even say it, but the place does not recycle. We’re not okay with this. Of course, we were relieved to return to our green city and put every can and bottle in its place. And with these heavy duty, washable Tarpauline bags (tagged for paper, glass, metal and compost), we can now sort before we tote! |
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| 5 | Spooktacular Find We have this friend who loves October events so much that she calls dibs on every weekend of the month. First it’s Fall Harvest, then it’s pumpkin carving. Then, well, it’s Halloween. What better gift for the hostess who has it all than a sassy apron set with festive, spider-webby black lace and a charming rick-rack trim? Nothing, that’s what. With a bit of retro fanfare and lots of femininity, we just may get two. |
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Bella Lulu’s Anniversary Sale What’s better than your first anniversary? Your second—and Bella Lulu’s is ready to celebrate with you. Join them for amazing savings and a superfun event. It’s gift heaven! You can shop til you drop with 20% off all full-price items storewide and surprise in-store specials. Print this out and bring it in, then provide your email address to join their mailing list, and you’ll be entered in a drawing for $100 gift certificate! What: Bella Lulu’s Anniversary Sale |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shop it Out! Make a day of it at Woodburn Company Stores’ 8th Annual Shopping Extravaganza. Proceeds benefit 11 charities, and you’ll get special discounts, lunch, dessert, sparkling wine, gift wrapping, a 5x7 photo with your friends, and 5 free raffle tickets for a chance to win $10,000 in gift cards. Enter to win great prizes! Plus a Hottie Santa! And a diamond raffle! What: Shopping Extravaganza at Woodburn Company Stores |
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| 2 | Norm Thompson’s Sample Sale It’s time for Norm Thompson’s Sample Sale. Get down there and save 70–90% off hardgoods, apparel and furniture. These are your favorite things—at a ginormous discount—and you can bring your man! First come, first served, and all sales are final. This is serious business! Mention Portland Picks and get an additional 10% off your entire purchase! What: Norm Thompson Sample Sale |
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| 3 | Magic… and Massage The leaves are changing and magic is in the air. Can you feel it? Each person who experiences a Mana massage in the month of October will have a chance to win an hour-long reading at Mademoiselle Noelle’s Fortune Tea House (and a pot of tea of your choice). And of course, a wonderful massage. We like those odds! What: You could win a free reading with your massage |
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| 4 | Make Friends with Food What words describe your ideal relationship with food? Be Nourished can help you achieve a healthy relationship between food, mind, and body. “Body Image Workshop for Women”: Sunday, Oct. 19, 9 am–4 pm; “Skills in Conscious Eating”: Tuesdays, Oct. 21–Nov. 11, 6–7:30 pm; “Making Peace with Your Body”: Tuesdays, Dec. 2–Feb. 15, 6–8 pm. |
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| 5 | Ohio Knitting Mills Trunk Show! Back by popular demand—the Ohio Knitting Mills Trunk Show returns to Portland with even more heavenly goods. This is mid-century modern, virgin vintage knitwear! Made between 1947 and 1974, these items have never (never ever!) been worn. Their rare and remarkable sweaters are straight out of Ohio Knitting Mills’ historical archives… and now they can be yours. What: Ohio Kniting Mills Trunk Show |
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| 6 | Yoga in the Lodge Ladies, this one’s for you—a weekend of Hatha yoga and time to relax, read, hike, craft, cook and socialize—no guys allowed! Julee’s Gorge Tours is offering a women’s yoga retreat at the Mt. Adams Lodge. You’ll share potluck meals, relax in the hot tub, hike in the beautiful area and enjoy yoga twice a day! Carpools will be coordinated. |
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| 7 | Fresh-Faced for the Holidays You’re invited to an open house at Aesthetic Medicine. This is a chance to see what they’re all about, ask questions, mingle with your friends, enjoy wine & snacks, and even enter a free drawing for a Collagen Infusion/Party Lift. This is about positive body image, not surgical procedures—there’s no shame in this game! What: Aesthetic Medicine Open House |
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| 8 | Go Green at the Shoe Mill The Shoe Mill just introduced Planet Walkers® by Simple®—eco-friendly footwear that you can feel good about—and in! They use low-chrome leather from certified tanneries, a cork and compression-molded recycled EVA midsole, and outsoles of 60% latex rubber and 40% recycled car-tire composite—perfect for Portland weather. You can do good and look good! What: Planet Walkers at the Shoe Mill |
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| 9 | The Grape Escape If you enjoy a good weekend wine tour, but think Eastern Washington wine country is a bit far, book a Grape Escape package at the Hotel Vintage Park in Seattle. They bring wine country to you, with a private tasting at nearby Pike Place Market including free transportation, a wine opener and a copy of the Wine Journal. What: Grape Escape wine country package |
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Visit our MySpace page for daily updates on Portland Fashion Week! We have exclusive photos from everything you missed on Wednesday and Thursday. But don’t fret—there are still tickets available for this weekend, so grab your stilettos and the girls and get there! |
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