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December 12th, 2008
We are bringing Uggs back. You read that right. They’re fugly, for sure, but they’re also too darn comfortable to ignore. Especially after we spend a day in 4-inch heels, hobbling around town. Fuggs call to you like hideous sirens of pampering the next morning. Have you put them on? They’re like delicious slippers that you can wear outdoors! Sure, the “What Not to Wear” duo would have our necks for saying something so blasphemous, and sure, the Olsens and those twitty girls from the Hills ruined Fuggs for everyone like four years ago because they kept wearing them to photo-ops at Starbucks, but those girls don’t go skiing—where Fuggs are genius. They don’t walk the dog on 30-degree mornings, where again, they’re genius. And they wear tank tops in January, for fugs’ sake. They’re not normal people. We Northwesterners shouldn’t have to feel foolish wearing practical footwear. No matter how unattractive it may be. Want to win something you’ll be proud to show off? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a set of Modern Twist “White Pebbles” coasters from Tilde! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Toys for Tots Don't get us wrong, we love technology. We'd be completely lost without our iPhone and email. However, we find it slightly disturbing that today's youngsters (i.e. the under-eight crowd) are wielding cell phones and texting their pals in school. And don't tell us we're getting old. Sigh. SpielWerk Toys |
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| 2 | You Glow Girl Is it just us, or is December going by really fast? Between our new job, holiday parties, Christmas shopping, etc., we've had zero time for ourselves. And when numero uno feels neglected, things get ugly. And by "things," we mean our hair. A trip to the new Glow Boutique Salon was just what we needed to reclaim our sparkle. Our girl, Shelby, put us at ease with a glorious scalp massage. Then she thinned out our horse mane to give it that piecey, textured look that we drool over in magazines. To top it off, she gave us a foxy blowout and tips on how to style at home. For those on a budget (and really, who isn't these days?), Glow has daily specials and a VIP card that's good for discounts on products and services. Plus, rack up five cuts and get the sixth one free. Why wait for the new year for a foxy new do? Through December, get 20% off any hair service when you make an appointment with Shelby and mention Portland Picks. Glow Boutique Salon |
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| 3 | Au Revoir, Closet Tantrums! We’ll fess up: Though we love fashion, we have too many clothes that we don’t like, and we’ve perfected the art of “kamikaze shopping,” which results in even more pieces that fall under the “what were we thinking?!?” banner. And working from home just sets us back even more. (Yes, these are sweats. Again.) So with the limited time we have available to shop, and the feeling of being overwhelmed when we do, it would seem there is no hope… so we call on the gurus at Inspire Style. They create a closet transformation that will not only change your wardrobe, but your outlook on life. It’s fun, it’s girly and it’s the most wonderful thing you can do for yourself… or someone else. (Mom, you’re next!) Inspire Style has developed methods that are perfect for people like us—the “know what we like but don’t know what to do or how to do it” types. They’ve turned “Bodyshape” into a science, so never again will you wonder what pieces are most figure-flattering… you’ll know! If you’re ready for compliments, call Inspire Style. Inspire Style |
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| 4 | Floral Patterns On a recent rainy Saturday, holiday shopping list in hand, we ended up on NE Fremont. And with good reason: Where can you find a bacon wallet and a vintage kimono in the same place? Poppy & Ivy/Violet, that’s where! While Poppy & Ivy moved from NE Alberta last fall, recently joining them is Violet, which offers adorable clothes for kids And with this much variety, there’s something for everyone on our list. The only thing is, we’re just not sure if we can bear to give this loot away… Poppy & Ivy/Violet |
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| 5 | Make Over Your Nest Egg We watch wardrobe makeover shows, decorating makeover shows, remodeling makeover shows… but we have yet to see one financial makeover show. And let’s face it, that’s probably what most of us need! Interestingly enough, First Tech Credit Union is searching for households in the Portland Metro area who are ready to make a u-turn in their financial lives by participating in the First Tech U-Turn Challenge. It’s a competition among households from Lane County, Salem and the Seattle Metro for a $10,000 grand prize. Who wins? The household that achieves the most financial success in four pre-determined categories: debt reduction, savings increase, overall net worth increase, and overall level of participation. The catch? They’ll be publicly documenting their progress and financial status via blogs on the U-Turn Challenge site, and everyone can read them! All participating households will be assigned a team of First Tech financial experts to help you get on the road to a better life. Just following the teams online should teach you a lot, though. It’s a win-win. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Stop the Madness! The only thing we hate more than lipstick that bleeds is having a ring of lip liner at the end of the day. So unattractive! That's where Lipstick Queen's invisible liner steps in, working like a police barrier to stop the infiltration of those little mouth wrinkles. What's more, they've also got the perfect complement—"Medieval" lipstick—which adds the slightest hint of red for a just-bitten look. Pick 'em up at Mario's—you'll thank us for it! |
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| 2 | Feed the World Okay, so you’ve got last-minute gifts to round up and you have no clue what to do… and you’re feeling like you want to send more than another bar of flowery soap. Something meaningful this time… Enter the Emergency Food Kit from Mercy Corps. For only $18 you can send food to those facing extreme hardship, just in time for the holidays. And you can buy multiple Kits with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. Inspire loved ones and make a difference? Amazing. |
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| 3 | Sole Protection Portland isn't the Windy City, but sometimes it's the rainy city and/or the snowy city, and that keeps us from wearing heels around town. Or does it? Who ever expected anyone to come up with galoshes for high heels? Check out the new City Slippers by SWIMS—the soles are made to grab slick streets, and have a map of either New York City, Paris or Tokyo (cute!), but more important—they slip right over your pumps! |
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| 4 | Skin to Win If our week isn't dead-dull, it's packed with meetings and dinners and volunteer this and that. And if our skin isn't oily, it's chapped and dry. Why is there no middle ground? There is now. The natural berry-based powders by GliSODin Skin Nutrients just add to water like a refreshing fizzy drink. We dig the Advanced Detox Formula; it removes toxins and cleanses so our skin is healthy, moisturized and shine-free. Plus, it's easy on the go! |
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| 5 | Practically Luxurious We are totally into practical luxury. We love driving shoes, good hairbrushes, extra-virgin olive oil and glamorous sunglasses. And now Portland’s own Wild-Wool is creating gorgeous scarves, throws, hats, gloves and more made of Paihamu fur, which is spun with merino wool to make a cashmere-like fabric. Result? An eco-friendly fabric that is softer, warmer and lighter than plain wool. They will never pill, plus they’re affordable. Buy yours at Ste. Maine in Sellwood, or visit their website. |
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| Wine of the Week: | |||
We so want to play OMD songs and drive around in a Karmann Ghia, because this champagne is absolutely Pretty in Pink. We’re saving a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck’s Rosé Sauvage for New Year’s Eve, and there’s a bottle of Brut to make Champagne Cocktails for those who don’t drink pink. (Just place a sugar cube in the cap of a bitters bottle, cover it with bitters, pop the cube into a champagne glass, cover with Remy Martin cognac, top with Piper and a twist.) Here’s to 2009! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colossal Holiday Sale Don’t miss Crafty Wonderland’s biggest, most awesome craft event ever—it’s 30,000 square feet of unique, handcrafted gifts and artwork from more than 180 vendors. From ceramics, soaps and jewelry to moustache-etched pint glasses and beer koozies, you’ll find something for everyone. Also enjoy DIY workshops (kids welcome, too!) plus goodie bags for the first 200 shoppers! What: Super Colossal Holiday Sale |
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| 3 | Amenity Shoes is Having a Sale! All shoes and boots are 20% off at Amenity! Mention Portland Picks for 15% off regular priced accessories, too! Find lovely gifts like handbags and wallets (Hobo, Latico, Queen Bee & more), handmade jewelry, Skagen watches and Biella tights. (Men’s footwear at the NE location.) Plus: buy a Gift Certificate for $100 and get $25 free. (Pass it on!) What: Sale at Amenity Shoes |
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| 4 | Enjoy Your Mortgage Now’s the time to buy a home or refinance—rates are in the low 5’s, and home prices are probably at their minimum. So we’re calling Jamie Helton, financing expert, and Charity Chesnek (specializing in N/NE home sales) to help us achieve our dreams. They know their stuff, they’re responsive, and they make sense of everything. It’s almost… fun! What: Refi/Buy with local agents you trust |
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| 5 | Heaven-Sent Sale at Shoefly Pinch us—we might be dreaming. We’ve been shopping for everyone else for so long that we almost forgot to treat ourselves. And now we can—guilt free—all weekend at Shoefly. Everything in the entire store is 50% off (except for Uggs Classics)—and that means fabulous shoes, boots, handbags, accessories… we are in heaven! What: 50% off everything at Shoefly! |
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| 6 | Host a Foreign Exchange Student! Looking for a way to make a difference? Volunteer families are needed to host high-school exchange students in the Portland area. This is a tremendous opportunity to help change someone's life—and your own. Open your heart and your home ... share your community and country … be a host family in 2009! What: Host a foreign exchange student through CIEE |
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| 7 | “Three Wishes” at Janus Home You know you’re curious… what’s a Whoopie Pie? Find out Sunday at Janus Home. Enjoy drinks, snacks… homemade Whoopie Pies… and an opportunity to make three wishes. Wish for furniture from their showroom, upholstery fabric yardage, hours of design services—basically, any product or service that they provide. Three lucky winners will have their wishes granted! What: "Three Wishes" event at Janus Home |
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| 8 | Awesome Specials at Fierce Fitness Kickboxing Fierce Fitness Kickboxing blasts the fat and saves the holidays! Fat-burning workouts will get you into incredible shape—and improve your health. Save 50% off their 12-week “Commit to be Fit” program (starts in January), get unlimited Fitness Kickboxing in December, and save 50% off their “Fit Bucks” gift certificates (great gifts!) until Dec. 25. What: Holiday Specials at Fierce Fitness Kickboxing |
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Become a Fan of Portland Picks on Facebook! Or visit us on MySpace… or follow us on Twitter! And if you want to give everyone you know a super sweet gift—without spending a penny—sign them up for www.PortlandPicks.com or www.PortlandPicksforMen.com. It’s free, it’s full of fun info every week, and you’ll always have a buddy to hit sales, restaurants and hotspots with! |
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