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February 13th, 2009
So we didn’t watch the Grammy’s. Does that make us old? Half of the artists we’ve either known about for 15 years or we’ve never heard of before, and frankly, we don’t have time to make new musical friends. We’re still listening to the same CDs we bought in 1999, and—don’t judge us—we don’t even own an iPod. Shocking but true! And we used to love new music. We listened to internet radio at work, sought out obscure bands and went to shows every week… and then, abruptly, we stopped. We had to work late. We were tired. We decided to go to dinner instead of buying concert tickets and be home by eight so we could—gasp—get a good night’s sleep. Oh! That does it! There’s only one way to remedy this situation—and no, it’s not by submitting and ordering off the early bird menu—we need to get out more. Anybody know of a good band? Feel young at heart when you make kids happy. Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a free family four-pack to “Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town” at the Rose Quarter! See the Hip Happening below for more details. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Back on Broadway That hasn’t stopped us from coveting the gorgeous threads that drape the lithe and toned. We nearly twirled into Matisse, finding it possible to quell our disappointment with dance-inspired apparel that we can wear in the real world. The boutique—which re-relocated to NE Broadway—focuses on simple designs and quality, and fluid fabrics for layering and comfort (think distressed silk and cashmere). We admired one-of-a-kind dresses from Gary Graham and pieces from Betsey Johnson, Nougat London and Free People. They also carry unique accessories, jewelry and a line of handbags handmade here in Portland. So while we can’t quite pull off Martha Graham’s arabesque, at least our wardrobe will be right on pointe. Matisse |
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| 2 | Sugar & Spice, and Everything Nice Economic downturn be darned, we are not about to stiff our lovelies when it comes to prezzies. We just have to get a little more creative. That said, we didn’t inherit the crafty gene. So we won’t be gifting handmade cards, knit scarves or things that come from—whatsitcalled—a sewing machine. But who wouldn’t appreciate a special treat baked with love? SweetWares—a brand new shop from the folks of Baker & Spice—is stocked with everything needed to bake your first cupcake, muffin or opera cake—mixing bowls, pans, copper cookie cutters, gourmet ingredients (Scharffenberger chocolate, pure extracts), pretty sanding sugars and sprinkles, plus cake stands perfect for displaying homemade goodies. We also loved their collection of Bennington pottery, French provincial linens, aprons and books (always 25% off the cover price!) for the aspiring pastry chefs in our lives. Positioned to be a community resource, SweetWares will also offer classes in their soon-to-be-completed demo kitchen. But go ahead and stop in now, because expert advice (like how to get that chocolate soufflé to rise) is free! SweetWares |
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| 3 | Knee High in Knee-Highs We've had the "naked" dream a time or three. We're standing in front of the boardroom, giving a major presentation—and full on, no-holds-barred nekkie. Never fun, that dream. But the odd thing is that lately, we’re wearing socks—and not cute socks. White tube socks. Oh the shame! FYI: We don’t wear tube socks. We wear cute socks. And our main sock stocker, Sock Dreams (online since 2000), just opened a new retail space near the Ross Island Bridge. Hello, sock heaven! With more than 100 styles (more online!), from brands such as Sock It To Me, b.ella, EG Smith, and Nouvella, we were knee-high in gorgeous cotton, cashmere, organic, and wool socks. Forget last spring's trend of knee socks with sandals (unless you can totally rock that style?), these socks are fun and funky, biz savvy and sexy. You could sport a stylish pair of these tootsie warmers with just about anything (exception: see aforementioned sandal reference). Our friends wonder when we became such sock enthusiasts. We don't know, but we aren't about to give them up. Sock Dreams |
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| 4 | Solid Gold When we heard that the “Mad Men” costume designer may be launching her own fashion line, we knew we weren’t the only thoroughly modern women to fantasize about the glamour of that bygone era. Misogyny aside, we like to picture ourselves in a curvy pencil skirt, crimson red lips, cigarette in our impossibly long, slender fingers (ignorance is bliss)… and the setting? Hawthorne’s own Gold Dust Meridian. Though three-martini lunches are no longer de rigeur, we can’t get enough of their six-hour happy hour (2 pm-8 pm), with deliciously retro champagne cocktails (they have seven varieties on the menu!) and $3 deviled eggs and bar olives. On very special nights, we indulge in their signature “Pink Pillow” Scorpion Bowl, 60 ounces of fruit punch spiked with whiskey (warning from personal experience: share if you want to maintain some class). The A-frame roof and wood paneling are so perfectly mid-century—the 1950s building was an accountant’s office—and the high-back booths are boozily cozy. With a flawless mix of jazz, Motown and classic r&b on the juke, it’s where you’ll find us seducing our very own Don Draper. Gold Dust Meridian |
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| 5 | One (Wo)man’s Treasure…. Our mom is a total pack rat. She keeps everything: our third grade essay on Switzerland, instructions for appliances she no longer owns. To her chagrin, we hoard almost nothing in our teeny condo. She is horrified by the ease with which we toss old photos, clothes we’ve outgrown and home décor from the ’80s! So we emitted an embarrassingly high-pitched giggle when we noticed this brand new store, Pearl Garage Sale. Basically, they offer incentive for getting rid of your stuff. (Mom would be horrified.) Put your old treasures on consignment, or rent your own “garage sale” table for the weekend! Now, PGS is waaay cooler than any garage sale we’ve ever been to; they’re selective about the items they will consign. We spotted lots of goodies, from trunks to typewriters. We loved the vintage baubles and gems, the ornate mirrors framed in baroque style. It was like a treasure chest! Go and see for yourself, and take those precious oldies but goodies while you’re at it. Make a buck doing minimal work? Now how can that upset Mom? Pearl Garage Sale |
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| Drink of the Week: | |||
We collect teas like some people collect stamps. We have teas from our travels, teas that were gifts, and we love finding new teas around town. We especially like the new Vanilla Rooibos Full-Leaf Tea Latte from Starbucks, made with Tazo tea. There’s a whole menu of Tazo tea Lattes and Infusions, which hit all the right notes—just sweet enough, aromatic, and caffeine-free. Plus they’re innovative—they use full-leaf tea bags. What a find! |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Hopelessly Devoted There was a point when we were all into the frilly girly underthings. Now we’re sensible. We hate to call them granny panties, but let’s be realistic here. They aren’t saucy, that’s for sure. Turning pieces from luscious silks and bamboo, designer Gabrielle Adamidis brings lingerie to adoring new heights—without being at all tacky. Her pretty-in-pink meets sex-kitten Willow Camisole is original and daring, yet tasteful and refined—and adds needed flair to our boring third-drawer basics. |
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| 2 | Love, Exciting and New Since we’re total freaks for anything local and handmade, and we’re superfreaks for candles, when the twain meet it’s like heaven on earth. Our latest find? Autumn Comfort Candles. All-natural and hand-poured, our favorites are made from hand-cut recycled glass, like the wax candle in a wine bottle. And you can choose your scent, from Coconut-Lime-Verbena to White Tea & Ginger, Pearberry and even Birthday Cake! Soy candles, too. It has to be love. |
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| 3 | Oh, Lolly, Lolly With a 3-year-old niece and a 5-month-old nephew, we are in baby heaven. It’s adorable at a level only achieved when you can leave to go home when the cuteness ends and the crying begins. So to tickle our niece’s fancy and make us feel like a proper Auntie, we are giving her one of the adorable tees from lolly-tots. Locally designed and adorned with the cutest little ’toons, we may get one for Auntie, too! |
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| 4 | White Out We are baffled by this snow. Simply baffled. But the worst of it is that it’s useless. If we can’t make a snow angel, can’t roll a snowman, and can’t use a Snow Day, what’s the point? We do, however, love the petite plant pots made here in Portland by Pigeon Toe Ceramics. White as snow, with a skosh of Scandinavian aesthetic and beautiful, artful asymmetry, these pretty porcelain pieces will doll up any environment—work, home, bedroom or bath. |
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| 5 | Stevie Wonder |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Portland Art Museum’s Beaux-Arts Ball Where can you wear that feathered mask you picked up for New Year’s Eve? Go boho at the Portland Art Museum’s Beaux-Arts Ball. It’s a costume-themed evening with a modern edge, inspired by the artistry of the lavish Beaux-Arts Balls of 17th-century Paris. You’ll be entertained by the bohemian cabaret sounds of Vagabond Opera and your host, the Mistress of Ceremonies Poison Waters, plus there’s a four-course Artisan’s Feast and prize opportunities. What: The Portland Art Museum’s 2009 Beaux-Arts Ball: |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Geren Ford Trunk Show at Covet Are you ready to look hot this summer? View the Entire Summer 2009 Collection from Geren Ford at Covet this Saturday. Geren Ford designs are streamlined, sophisticated, alluring, urban, and convey the most amazing understated glamour—just like Covet! And Covet is the only shop in Oregon to carry them! Hand-pick your favorites, and save 15%! What: Geren Ford Trunk Show at Covet |
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| 2 | Oscar Night® America at the Hollywood Theatre |
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| 3 | Thomas the Train at the Rose Quarter Percy, James, Gordon and Thomas are headed to the Memorial Coliseum! Join the engines for a not-to-be-missed live entertainment experience, “Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town.” The 90-minute musical adventure includes brand new sing-along songs and a colorful cast of performers. Save $3 on tickets for Thursday performances! Visit www.rosequarter.com/promo and enter the password: PICKS. What: Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: |
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| 4 | Baubles and Bubbles Tonight! |
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| 6 | Street of Eames The fourth annual Street of Eames Modern Home Tour is in April… but we have to warn you… tickets go on sale at 10 am Feb. 16 and will sell out! This city-wide tour features a collection of seven mid-century and contemporary modern homes, most of which have never been open to the public before. All proceeds fund after-school enrichment for homeless students at two Portland public schools. What: Street of Eames |
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| 7 | It's Time to Detox! What: Natural Detox and Healthy Weight Loss Solutions Workshop |
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| 8 | Win-Win The beauty of getting him clothes for Valentine's Day is that it's kind of a present for you, too (think of the fashion mishaps you've had to endure). There's no better place to outfit your guy than the big V-Day sale at all three Haberdashers locations. Saving 30-70% off his favorite brands? What's not to love? What: Haberdashers Valentine's Day Sale |
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Want to get karma on your side? Tell a friend about Portland Picks or Portland Picks for Men. xxoo |
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