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January 9th, 2009
Rain? Snow? Rain and snow? What gives? We don’t know whether to wear moon boots or Wellies outside of the house, and indoors we have been vacuuming in heels just to remind ourselves that we’re still ladies beneath all these layers. We aren’t quite ready to part with sweaters, but we are definitely ready for pedicures and sandals. We haven’t seen our toes since October. Would it be weird to wear peep-toes with a parka? While you’re mulling that over, forward this issue of Portland Picks to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com—you could win a free umbrella from Umbrellas.net.. See below for more details! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | National Treasure We envy French women. They drink and smoke nonstop but still have perfect hair and teeth. They live on carbs and cheese but never get fat. They even make old cruisers with wicker baskets look impossibly chic. C'est impossible! Thanks to the Nationale, a new gallery/shop on the corner of Burnside and 28th, we too can possess some of that effortless style without spending our last franc. Nationale is the vision of Juliette Barruel, a French ex-pat who wanted to bring the everyday items she grew up with to Portland. In this motley assortment of art, books, records, and sundries, even the most mundane products are beautifully packaged. Take the adorable pink packets of Alsa baking powder featuring a traditional Alsatian woman, or the retro-modern tubes of toothpaste. Being big-time foodies, we especially loved the Pierrot Gourmand caramel lollipops, beautiful blue bottles of orange blossom water, and cute jars of chestnut paste. As a wise Frenchwoman once said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." At Nationale, you can afford to be both. Nationale |
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| 2 | Ever After When we were little girls, we spent many a night dreaming of our grown-up lives… the handsome husband, twelve children, three dogs, four kittens (never cats, because kittens are cuter) and of course, the giant white mansion where we would all live happily ever after. It would have 32 bedrooms (at least one for each kid and pet) and lots of big cushy furniture. Umm… yeah. Well, luckily we grew up before we could act out that little fantasy. But we did hang on to one aspect of it: the big, cushy furniture. Our current couch, in fact, consumes our entire living room and we’re so ready to move the cush into other rooms. So we were uber-thrilled to discover Acanthus, a new upholstery/custom furniture store. Acanthus does re-upholstery, slipcovers and custom-made furniture, all right there in their quaint NW Portland home. They specialize in eco-friendly fabrics and offer years of design experience. In short, they’ll help us find and/or design the biggest, cushiest furniture our little hearts desire! It’s their job! Acanthus Upholstery |
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| 3 | Hummus, Etc. We just discovered we have a reputation. As the “Hummus Girl.” Thing is, we once worked at a Lebanese restaurant, and it ruined us. We probably had hummus every shift. So now we’re self-proclaimed hummus connoisseurs and bring a tub to every potluck, picnic and mixer. So, yes, it’s our thing. Get off. ’Course, when Mezza opened its doors in our very own ’hood, we were pretty much destroyed with excitement. We went for For all the pita snobs out there (you know who you are): their Mezza |
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| 4 | Easy Breezy Sure, moving is all-consuming, back-breaking, but it’s the best for making changes we know will benefit us for the long haul. Nestled with the likes of Queen Bee, in the ever-growing East Burnside area, Breeze Block Gallery has found a fab new place to call home. Original art murals and hard-to-find DIY supplies let the edgy mood pervade. The space is lit by an impossibly hip, chandelier version of their popular desk lamp (featured in “Bust” magazine) fashioned from a vintage Krylon can. The bulk of their goods are crafted by local and international artists, and feature messenger bags, earrings and bracelets made of recycled skateboard decks, books, hats—it’s all crafty, green and woman-owned. Perhaps the most exciting news is the addition of Chelsea Erhart's sewing studio, Erhart Design, which serves as a functional work and retail space. Her streetwear is well known in Portland and beyond, and now we can watch her work! Erhart Design and Breeze Block's style is so complementary, we wonder how they ever lived apart. Fortunately for us, we don't have to. Breeze Block Gallery and Goods |
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| 5 | Triathlete Trifecta It’s the New Year. And we’re going down to the courthouse to legally change our name to Fatty McFatpants. We need something to get us off our asses, and fast. Something bigger… than our butts. We found just the thing at NW Portland’s new Athlete’s Lounge. The store is focused on everything you might need if you decide to embark on a triathlon or any combination of the big three: Swimming, Biking, Running. They have everything from wetsuits to bicycles to running gear that’s functional and stylish. Athlete’s Lounge used to be in Hillsboro, but moved to Portland about a month ago, where there’s a bigger market and more walk-in traffic. Just in time, we say. The staff is caring and friendly, with a genuine interest and love of the products and helping customers. They also put together clinics, for those of us who need a little help—bike-fitting, swim clinics, and more. Athlete’s Lounge is going to help us kick off 2009 with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. We mean that in the nicest possible way, of course. Athlete’s Lounge |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | So Fresh and So Clean We have trouble making up our minds—we agonize over every decision. Skinny jeans or straight leg? Peep-toe pumps or the platforms? And don’t even get us started on choosing a signature scent—too many choices! So when we found the natural oil scents from Klean Bath and Body, we loaded up. In purse-friendly, roll-on sizes, with scents like Vanilla Sandalwood, Pikaki and Waterlily, we only have to choose which one to wear on which day. Should be easy enough, right? |
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| 2 | Let it Rain! Okay, so we’re bummed about being stuck in galoshes, but we can still feel cute as long as we have an adorable umbrella over our heads. Nothing pops with color under a gray sky like a printed beauty, and they attract attention wherever you go. (No hiding under here!) Our favorites this winter are found on Umbrellas.net. Their festive ’brellies make our hearts swoon with happiness. How can you feel dreary under one of these? |
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| 3 | Pond-Jumping |
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| 4 | Woolly-Bully We know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—outside of Halloween anyway—but each winter we become obsessed with the color orange. It’s no wonder that we love the vibrant scarf we spied at Smitten Kitten Originals. This eye-popping beauty does right by our peepers and our offbeat sense of style by beautifully accenting the dark and dreary staples of winter, and making us feel just a little bit punch-happy whenever we wear it. |
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| 5 | Say It with Sass Sometimes, when we're feeling blue, we have to remind ourselves that we're the queen of our world, ain’t nobody gonna hold us down! And while we don't have a scepter or a crown, we did manage to procure a Sassy Sash that declares just how much of a rock star we are. These adorable sashes are perfect for birthdays, bachelorette parties or just for reminding yourself and everyone else how much arse you kick. |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Storables’ Closet System Sale! Save 25% on closet systems at Storables! You’ll receive |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Save the Date! Rejuvenation Factory Sale There’s only one chance each year to save like this at Rejuvenation—find discounts of up to 70% on first-quality returns, factory seconds and clearance items! With nine days to save, get there early to score on everything from furniture and accessories to lighting and house parts. It’s an amazing opportunity—check their website for more details. What: Rejuvenation Factory Sale |
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| 2 | Stars Antiques Malls: Haggle Sale! Stars Antiques Malls is holding their 18th annual Haggle Sale—starting next Friday! It will be four days of great shopping and great discounts from more than 200 dealers. And here’s a secret tip, just for you: They put up the signs at 3 pm on Thursday, Jan. 15. Once they’re up, you can start shopping! What: Haggle Sale at Stars Antiques Malls |
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| 3 | Invest in Yourself in 2009 Did you know that You are your best investment? Join Northwest Women's Fitness Club for just $20.09 and make the commitment to a healthier lifestyle. The beautiful, women-only facility offers group fitness classes, personal training, massage, sauna and even daycare! Get in shape, reduce stress, and take the first step to looking and feeling your best. What: Join Northwest Women’s Fitness Club for $20.09 |
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| 4 | Celebrate the Inauguration in Seattle! Celebrate this historic day in style by staying in one of Kimpton’s Seattle suites, and receive 20% off their best available rate. Enjoy accommodations at the Hotel Vintage Park, Alexis Hotel and the Hotel Monaco; rates as low as $163/night. Ask how your kids could win you an overnight stay in the Hotel Monaco’s “Presidential suite,” the Palace Majestic! What: Inauguration sale at Kimpton’s Seattle hotels |
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Get ready for Valentine’s Day? Oh yes, it’s coming! Whether you have a |
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