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November 21st , 2008
We are crazy about Thanksgiving for two reasons: 1. It’s the only holiday where sweatpants are acceptable at the dinner table. 2. There is stuffing. Lots of it. You could take away everything else (well, maybe not the cranberry sauce, and dearie please leave the wine), but other than a couple minor additions—nay, accompaniments—we’d be happy to make stuffing its own meal. Don’t judge, Ms. “Please Pass the Gravy Again.” You know who you are. But it’s not all feasting and festivities. Each year, in addition to gorging ourselves on previously stale bread, we make a donation to a charitable organization or two. So over the next few weeks we’ll have some do-goodery suggestions for you, in addition to our gift-giving ideas. It’s a small gesture, but it allows us to enjoy our lucky gluttony with a less-heavy heart. (Wish we could say the same for our thighs…) Feel like doing some do-you-goodery? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a $50 Gift Certificate to cheeky b. You’ll spend it all on gifts, right? |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Hat Trick Our problem was solved when we discovered a gem of a haberdashery in NW Portland that has us (almost) welcoming the wet weather. Tucked in a thoughtfully designed space, with a keen eye to economy and design, the Dapper Cap exudes an old Hollywood glamour. The owner helped us choose a hat that flattered our face as well as our taste, and left us feeling as stylish as Sienna Miller. We love the variety, too. A wide range of brands from Stetson to Kangol lets us change our look at, well, the drop of a hat! 128 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, OR 97210 503.719.5509 www.thedappercap.com |
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| 2 | Wine-Tastic We have this bad habit of judging people's political leanings by the kind of car they drive. You know, Hummer = Republican and Prius = Democrat. But the other day, we were driving around town and spotted a Prius tagged with a McCain/Palin sticker. We were dumbfounded. Moreover, guilty. When did we become so judgmental? At Korkage Wine Shop, we're forced to leave our judgments in the car. For instance, the wine is categorized not by country, but by character. We always thought we were the "Soft Mild Simple" type, but it turns out we're actually "Big Powerful Bold." Who knew? Our newfound wine-dentity wasn't the only surprise. While expecting to fork over our last paycheck for an Italian bubbly and local reserve Pinot, we happily learned that most bottles are under $25. And with wine tastings every Thursday from 5–7 pm, you can explore your own wine-dentity in a safe (and by safe, we mean “non-judgmental”) atmosphere—for a mere $10. Hey, it's cheaper than therapy and, trust us, much more rewarding. Korkage Wine Shop |
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| 3 | Free For All Portland is the city of the hipster—mullet-like ’dos, tight jeans and quirky tees. Unfortunately, our boss doesn’t do hipster. Our boss does business casual with a preference for business formal. In short, our boss really cramps our style. We want to be all cute and trendy like the southeast quadrant of this city! Well we must have been good girls this year, because fashion karma hit us square in the pants when we discovered Free People, a new clothing boutique on NW 23rd. Only open for a week now, Free People was swimming with ladies like us, ladies looking for a way to assert themselves in their weekday dress—while still pleasing the corporate world. Their array of fashions called to our inner free-spirited bohemian: individual in her own beautiful way, creative and intelligent, grounded yet curious. We could have bought the whole store, from panties to purses! We finally found a store that is the loophole to the power suit. We are happy and our boss will be happy. (And our new style might score us a raise!) Free People |
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| 4 | Destination Fabulous It’s been a long time coming, but we finally found ourselves with a weekend totally, utterly, completely free of any kind of social arrangements, chores or errands. And we couldn’t remember the last time we went for a leisurely Sunday drive—or even escaped the city. So we went to the newly renovated Resort at the Mountain, whose $7 million redo turned their moderate mountain resort into a dreamy, rustic-chic wonderland, including a facelift for their restaurant, Altitude. Executive chef Paul Bosch knows how to wow ’em, with seasonal menu items that are creative and exotic: Seared scallops on a bed of spinach, watercress, candied peach and strips of dried proscuito; buffalo short loin with crispy fried beets; wild boar and duck prepared three ways. For dessert: pot de crème, huckleberry-lemon cake and decadent truffles. It was nothing short of fabulous. Come winter—or our next must-escape! moment of panic—we know where we’re headed. This time, however, we’re booking a room in one of several mod units with all-new style and real wood fireplaces! Altitude Restaurant |
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| 5 | Sugar Pops When we first moved to Portland we immediately fell in love with this city, because it is so unique in so many ways. The green lifestyle is unique, the music scene is unique and even its government structure is unique. It made us feel more unique, and we like that, because our biggest fear is being another 20-something drone. We’ve recently discovered something else that makes Portland unique: Pop Up Shoppe, a new vintage store on NW 23rd. And even though it’s a vintage store, it’s not one that smells funny and feels like a garage sale. Pop Up Shoppe is filled to the brim with cool vintage things: art, clothing, home and body decor. They have taken the time to go through all those “rummage sale-y” type items and pick out the ones that people actually want. Major time-saver! We must note that this Pop-Up Shoppe is not to be confused with Seaplane's touring trunk shows, called Pop Up Shops. However, this basement-dweller does indeed feature trunk shows every Friday featuring designers from none other than Seaplane. Confusing, yes. But wildly fantastic. Pop Up Shoppe |
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| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Partida Tequila Tequila for Thanksgiving? We can’t think of a more festive way to celebrate the holidays than by switching it up a bit with Partida’s all-natural tequilas, made from 100% blue agave. (These are gorgeous sipping tequilas—not “spring break shots” tequilas.) We especially liked the Reposado (aged six months). Its honey color and hints of apricot and pear transported us from a chilly living room in Portland to a warm beach on the Mexican Riviera. Goodbye turkey, hello tamales! |
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Chick Picks: |
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| 1 | Vintage Style, Modern Fabrics We love scouring vintage stores for old-fashioned fabrics, but textiles for the home are few and far between. Plus, we’re not into that musty smell. So we shop Bainbridge Blues for their heirloom-quality textiles for the home. Their lovely fabrics are made from 100% natural, environmentally friendly hemp fiber, designed right on Bainbridge Island, woven in Italy. Get swatches and fabrics by the yard online, or see samples and order thru Montgomery Klash Interior Design (1111 SW Alder St.) in person! www.bainbridgeblues.com |
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| 2 | Recipes for the Holidays As we prepare for the holidays, we call our mom a lot. We have certain recipes in mind, and no idea how to make them. We’ve been known to hassle her. But this year we’re going proactive, with the Junior League of Portland’s award-winning “Portland’s Palate” cookbook. It features more than 270 recipes, from holiday cookies to elegant hors d’oeuvres, and at $24.95 each (with all proceeds supporting their community work) it makes a great gift! (We know Mom will appreciate it.) www.juniorleagueofportland.com |
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| 3 | Banish Dry Skin Forevah We don’t like dry skin. One flake on the calves and we are slathering ourselves in creams like we’re basting a turkey. And we’re the turkey. So… yeah. Weleda’s Skin Food helps maintain skin’s natural balance with a mixture of plant extracts, so it’s all natural and—seriously—nutritious! (For your skin.) Skin Food has achieved cult status in beauty circles because it’s rich, it’s luxurious, it heals and it soothes. If it did our taxes we couldn’t love it more. www.usa.weleda.com |
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| 4 | Always a Bridesmaid Pardon the venting, but we’ve been a bridesmaid umpteen times and these dress alterations are get more and more expensive. Frankly, ladies, we love ya, but our wallet is starting to feel the stress. Thank the fashion gods we recently stumbled upon Maggie Bogart, Designer and Seamstress Extraordinaire. Maggie came to our house, took our measurements, and returned our dress not four days later, altered and perfect. Zero effort and easy on the wallet! www.maggiebogart.com |
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| 5 | We Gotcha Covered We never got into the car décor thing. Steering wheel covers, seat covers, parking brake covers? Never. Dash toys and danglies hanging from the rearview? Not a chance. Infant car-seat covers, on the other hand = brilliant. Soft yet durable, machine-washable fabric with cute hand-sewn detailing (birds, blossoms, bamboo, or space orbits), plus Woopsloops to keep toys near means these covers by Redbird Couture are more than just stylish. And they’re made right here in Portland! www.redbirdcouture.com |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Wrap It Up on Alberta Street More than 20 boutiques, galleries and restaurants will turn on the lights for the holidays this Saturday on Alberta Street. There will be sales and specials, treats, trunk shows and more! Enjoy carolers from 5–9 pm, and be there when the entire street turns on their holiday lights at 5 pm. A full 5% of sales from the evening will be donated to Sisters-of-the-Road charity, making this the ideal family friendly and feel-good-friendly spot for holiday shopping. What: Wrap It Up on Alberta Street |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Shoptacular! cheeky b’s Anniversary Sale Celebrating four years in business is a big deal! So cheeky b is sharing the love with you by offering everything at 20% off (minus consignment pieces). Now more than ever, it’s time to support small local businesses—and with the holidays around the corner, cheeky b has something clever, wonderful and amazing for everyone on your list! What: 20% off just about everything at cheeky b |
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| 3 | 50 Gifts for $50 or Less at OFFICE The good folks at OFFICE searched far and wide for the best designer gifts this holiday season—all for $50 or less—for home, work + play! Pick up products from French-based design collective Lexon (foam radios, mini binoculars, digital desk sets and golf umbrellas), books on craft, design and art, perpetual and letterpressed calendars, DIY pinhole cameras, art, and more! What: 50 gifts for $50 Holiday Campaign |
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| 4 | Bubbles and Booze at the Gilt Club The Gilt Club’s sexy setting is the perfect atmosphere for local talent to show off the allure of champagne cocktails. Featuring local winemakers, champagne-related giveaways and guest appearances from local female bartending celebrities, you’ll also enjoy food pairings by Gilt Club chef Pete Gadd. If you aren’t feeling festive yet, this event should do the trick! What: Champagne and Cocktails Tasting |
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| 5 | Lovin’ the Leather Ellington Leather is stuffing the store with an amazing selection of products at unbelievable prices. Luxe leather handbags, classic briefcases and satchels, colorful canvas totes, belts, wallets, checkbooks, discounted closeouts and one-of-a-kind samples and prototypes. There’s something for everyone on your list! Mention Portland Picks for an additional 10% off your total purchase. What: Ellington Leather's Annual Holiday Sample Sale |
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| 6 | Shop the North Pearl Wonderland Enjoy family festivities and holiday shopping at The North Pearl Wonderland! The Pearl Design Center and local artists have come together to bring you holiday activities like the Winter Saturday Market, Santa's Workshop, kids’ crafts, the Cocoa Cottage, the Gingerbread House and the Candy Cane Café. Top it off with the Jamison Square tree lighting at 5 pm! What: The North Pearl Wonderland |
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| 7 | Cozy Afternoon Tea at Bluehour Bluehour is now featuring a selection of the finest Tao of Tea with traditional accompaniments, like a selection of sandwiches (cured salmon with cream cheese and capers, cucumber and watercress, ham and cheese) and a selection of sweets (including an orange currant scone with jam and butter, a chocolate-dipped cream puff, and sea-salt crusted bittersweet chocolate cake)! What: Afternoon Tea at Bluehour |
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| 8 | Wine, “Mac” and Cheese! To kick off the holidays, MacForce (as in Mac notebooks, iPods and more) is hosting a free event: Wine, “Mac” and Cheese. (Three of our favorite things!) And MacForce will be a perfect refuge from the mall. You’ll find a welcoming mix of holiday warmth, Mac expertise, gifts at all prices, and über-patient help. (Plus, free parking!) What: Wine, Mac and Cheese |
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| 9 | Join the Handmade Revolution! The Irvington Artisan Market is a great way to jumpstart your holiday shopping. Sustain our local economy while purchasing unique gifts from more than 25 local artists. Browse apparel, fine jewelry, home décor, beauty products, photography, stationery, garden art, children’s and baby items, and much more. Many of the artisans will be offering discounts if you mention Portland Picks! What: Irvington Artisan Market |
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| 10 | Pretty Girl Holiday Sale This year, give handmade when you shop the Pretty Girl Holiday Sale. It's full of handmade wonders and gifts, from jewelry to tees to pillows to raw cacao. Now in its 10th year, the sale features work from more than 30 local artists and designers and benefits The Egg, an art collective of local, creative talent. (Artists’ reception on Friday.) What: Pretty Girl Holiday Sale |
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| 11 | Wine & Wellness at Burdigala Discover the "Youth of Life" with Ken Reader from Elixia Wellness. Enjoy wine and cheese alongside complimentary skin analyses and samples, plus product demonstrations for yummy Yonka products (for men, too) and more. Happy hour never looked better! (Cash or check for purchases.) What: Yonka Skin demo event at Burdigala Wine Shop |
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| 12 | Pamper Your Pet and Save! Bring Fido to Healthy Pets Northwest tomorrow to celebrate their 4th anniversary at the Alberta location. Take photos with Santa, buy raffle tickets (prizes include pet food for a year!), and more (free STAM treats for your pets!). It’s also a fundraiser for The Humane Society for Southwest Washington and Sabin Community Development Corporation. Enjoy “people libations” and 20% off non-food items! What: Anniversary party, fundraiser and sale |
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| 13 | Jewelry and Champagne at Fuchsia Fuchsia invites you to share in the holiday cheer with two evenings of champagne and treasures! Spend the weekend with Portland jewelry designers—enjoy trunk shows by Minoux, Lulu and Luscious Designs—all together! There will be items on sale, and gifts with purchase. What: Jewelry trunk shows at Fuchsia |
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Want an easy gift for office crushes, bartender-friends, gym buddies, sushi chefs, cute mailmen, BPFs (Best Platonic Friends), hip brothers and cool dads? Sign them up for www.PortlandPicksforMen.com. It’s free, and it will make you seem very hip when you tell them it’s from you. |
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