|
 |
February 20th, 2009
We went to brunch on Sunday, and three Mimosas deep we realized that we had been talking about the most depressing stuff while stuffing our faces. The economy, the environment, the general blahness of a Portland February. And then it hit us—why are we grousing about things out of our control over smoked salmon? Then and there, we decided to change our tune. At Portland Picks we’re all about making lemonade, but in our personal lives, sometimes we don’t know what to do with all those lemons. Ya know? So no matter what, per our new mantra, it’s all lemonade, all the time. A wise woman once said, “This too shall pass.” In the meantime, we’ll be sipping lemon Mimosas at every opportunity! p.s. Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you could win a $25 gift certificate to Flora! (Spend it on jewelry, fabulous home accessories, candles, art or gorgeous io herbal alchemy balms and potions… or a gift for someone else. Wha?) |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Fashion Fix As we’ve said, this constant yammering about the poor economy is really bumming us out. What’s worse is every time we turn around, another fine store is shutting down because they can’t survive. What’s a girl to do if she can’t wake up knowing that her favorite boutique will be there tomorrow? It’s very unsettling. Luckily for us, the ladies at one of our most coveted spots, Sloan Boutique, are planning for that very thing. They know we’re all struggling and had this great idea to help us out; last November, they moved their teeny NW 23rd store upstairs to a bigger location, expanding not only their square footage, but also their capability to carry new and different clothing lines—lines that pretty much rizock the hizouse in style and quality. Plus they’re downright affordable, so we can still afford to shop. Phew. We have a niggling suspicion that Portland’s retail savvy will guide them through these rough times, and we plan on doing our part to help support them! Sloan Boutique |
|
|
| 2 | Vintage Booty We’ll admit it. We’re probably some of the only people in the country who didn’t see “Pirates of the Caribbean.” We don’t observe Talk Like a Pirate Day. And walk the plank? We can hardly swim! Instead, we get our booty close to home, at Sword + Fern. A combination artist studio and retail space full of reclaimed goodness, Sword + Fern offers a treasure trove of cool loot. Everything is sustainably crafted or vintage: think jewelry made from car parts, natural perfumes, vintage chains. Nothing is mass-produced; goods are either found at estate sales or handmade by super-sweet owner Emily or her friends. We loved the pottery on the shelf, as well as the old books and sea-swept prints adorning the walls. Only open about six months, we’re pretty sure this eco-savvy boutique has already planted deep roots in its East Burnside locale. And following our visit, we have since learned the Sword Fern is a ubiquitous plant in this area. Coinkidink? We think not. Sword+Fern |
|
|
| 3 | Brekkie Revival We’re busy girls. We work. We shop. We take care of our families. And we do it all with smiles on our faces. Sometimes we find that the only thing we don’t make time for is ourselves. We forgo workouts, we skip the salon… we forget to eat breakfast. But—stop the presses—we found this divine little breakfast nook that made us slow down—not only eat, but to enjoy breakfast. Pine State started at the Portland Farmer’s Market but demand called, and a restaurant location answered. Pine State is chock full of every biscuit combo you can think of, from biscuits and gravy to the honey- and butter-drenched sort. And the biscuits themselves? The best we’ve ever had, hands down. Not too heavy, light and flaky, and packed with delicious biscuit flavor. While Pine State Biscuits is not exactly new, per se, we’re bringing it full-focus for fear you’ve slipped into a brekkie rut like we did. Surely this SE treasure has just the meal to bring you back. Pine State Biscuits |
|
|
| 4 | Face to Face As girls, we loved makeup. The pinker the better—with glitter, please. Times have changed, and since we turned 30, makeup has become more of a requirement (say, anytime we leave the house). But, truth be told, we’d swap a week of makeup for a good facial any day. And the place is Bare Esthetics, a skincare salon tucked into Bonnet in the Pearl. Nova, esthetician extraordinaire, effuses knowledge and passion for organic ingredients with more than a smidge of technical skill (girl’s got talent!), to give your face all the love and respect it deserves. After recounting your skin history and wash-clean-mask routines, clients receive a customized facial of organic delights—in our case, a steaming enzyme treatment and cooling honey mask. And let us tell you, even the extractions are a breeze! Next up on the menu: medical-grade chemical peels (for sunspots and scarring) and “blink-they’re-done” bikini waxes. To top it all off, our facial left our face so sleek and soft that we were emboldened enough to walk through downtown, sans makeup, ready to face the world! Bare Esthetics |
|
|
| 5 | Someone's in the Kitchen We didn't get the cooking gene; everything our mom makes just tastes better. And nothing beats a home-cooked meal. If mom’s willing to cook for us, who are we to stop her? We will, of course, make sure she has all the latest cooking supplies. Hey, it's the least we can do. |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Gracious Giving We are always on the lookout for unusual gifts for our mom, as she is the woman who has everything. And since she’s super-gracious about receiving gifts, even the occasional notepad we give her is welcomed with a big ole thank you. Sigh. We’re not worthy. But she is worthy of the gorgeous local creations by Fused Glass House. Between the earrings and the pendants we are in a world of happiness—and mom will most certainly receive an original gift! |
 |
|
| 2 | Strike Anywhere Have you ever suffered a major wardrobe malfunction? We have. And we went straight to the resale boutique post-work, barefoot, shoes in hand. No joke. It was that or sneakers, and those didn't go with our outfit. Well, Matchsticks are just the kind of life-saving (er, wardrobe-saving) token we need on hand. Cute and compact, these booklets hold a stash of double-sided tape strips perfect for securing bra straps, repairing hems and hiding the infamous peek-a-boo blouse gap. |
 |
|
| 3 | Olive Your Style First there was Lucy and Ethel, then Wilma and Betty, and Rachel and Monica… and now Olive and Myrtle. This earth-friendly online boutique is meticulously stocked with things we love, like vibrant bamboo bowls, luxe organic sheets, and mod garden goods. They also carry Kobo candles (a longtime personal obsession) that are divinely aromatic and burn for freakin’ ever (70 hours!). The best part? This eco-chic purveyor is ultra-easy on the pocketbook! |
 |
|
| 4 | We’re Hooked As a child we were fascinated to learn that our skin was our biggest organ (okay, maybe it grossed us out, too). Ever since then we’ve been freakish about our skincare regimen, and seekers of the next big thing. Enter the face wash by Hooked Studios Skincare. Loaded with all-natural ingredients (think garbanzo flour and flax seed), this fabu face wash is made to pamper your precocious skin, easing acne problems while firming and exfoliating for a youthful, clean appearance. |
 |
|
| 5 | What’s Old Is New We’re proud to be vintage vixens and, as such, are constantly on the hunt for new pieces to supplement our wardrobe. Enter “What Goes Around Comes Around.” This fashion haven is loaded with a precise selection of uber-cool vintage and vintage-inspired must-haves including a Jackie O-type L’Aiglon dress, circa 1960, that we’re in total lust with. They also stock swank coats, killer boots, and an on-trend selection of boyfriend jeans and rocker tees from bygone days. |
 |
|
| Event of the Week: | |||
Yard, Garden & Patio Show We haven’t found Nirvana yet, but the Yard, Garden & Patio show gets us one step closer with endless outdoor inspiration. The Oregon Association of Nurseries is holding the 2009 Yard, Garden & Patio Show, this year themed: “Our Environment. Your Backyard.” Learn new ways to create greener and healthier gardens with the latest trends in sustainability, edible gardens, outdoor living and wildlife attractions. Shop more than 300 exhibitors, and view nine lavish garden displays! What: 22nd Annual Yard, Garden & Patio Show |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Getting Married? This Sunday, the Bravo! Wedding Affair will transform the Embassy Suites into themed wedding vignettes, such as “Tuscan Vineyard” and “Bring on the Bling,” staged to look like a reception, rehearsal dinner or ceremony. Every detail has been taken care of, from the invitations to the dress. The first 10 brides to click here will win tickets to the show! What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
 |
|
| 2 | Party Like it’s 1699 Not ready for the Ball, but still want to get in on the glam? Bring the entourage to the After-Party for the Portland Art Museum’s Beaux-Arts Ball. Dress up, dance, drink, and enjoy boho revelry. It’s an out-of-the-ordinary experience inspired by the lavish Beaux-Arts Balls of 17th-century Paris. Host bar. All proceeds benefit the Portland Art Museum. What: Beaux-Arts Ball After-Party |
 |
|
| 3 | NW’s Largest Family Expo—KidFest! BabyFest! It's time again for KidFest! BabyFest!—the Northwest's Largest Family Expo. Experience an amazing weekend of nonstop entertainment, interactive exhibits, Disney Concerts, Inflatable FunZone, Petting Zoo, The Big Baby Shower, Diaper Derby and more, plus products and services to enhance your family's life. It's an affordable day of fun for the whole family. And it's a blast! |
 |
|
| 4 | Taste Walla Walla Wines! Experience excellence… one taste at a time. Check out two great chances to taste Walla Walla wine in Portland. First: TASTE Walla Walla® Portland. Enjoy wines from more than 40 Walla Walla wineries, mingle with winemakers and enhance your appreciation of our world-renowned wines. Then, visit with emerging winemakers at Bullseye Gallery the next day! What: TASTE Walla Walla |
 |
|
| 5 | Oscar Night® America |
 |
|
| 6 | Get Ready for Boutiques Unleashed! Save the date! Come see the hippest hounds and the latest fashions on the runway at Boutiques Unleashed. It’s fun, irreverent, stylish and proceeds benefit DoveLewis’ Pet Support Program. Enjoy hosted beer, wine, signature cocktails and heavy appetizers, bid on auction items, experience fashion, and hang out to hear local band Another Cynthia. 21 and over. What: Boutiques Unleashed |
 |
|
| 7 | Massages & Facials Now at 77 77 salon is one of our “happy places.” And now the goodness of their cuts and color is enhanced with the addition of facials, massages, waxing and endermologie. Even better? You can get a half-hour massage for only $50 (we’re going for “Hawaiian Lomi Lomi”). Book your appointment today, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! What: Facials, Waxing, Massage & Endermologie |
 |
|
| 8 | Ainsworth Foundation Red Ball Support your community and the bright young minds of tomorrow! The Ainsworth Red Ball Dinner and Auction takes place at the Portland Art Museum, with cocktail reception, live and silent auctions and seated dinner. Proceeds go to both Ainsworth School and Portland Public Schools to support art, music, PE and media/library programs. What: Red Ball Auction & Dinner |
 |
|
| 9 | Spring Has Sprung at Dragonlily! Saturday's spring preview party is a great time to shop dragonlily! Get first dibs on new collections from MahaDevi and Jemini, dresses from babykakes, jewelry from cara ucci, clothes from layers squared, and more. Enjoy 15% off spring items, tarot readings from 4:30–7:30, free mini-massages, wine, Mimosas, hors d'oeuvres, a $100 gift certificate drawing and live music! What: Spring Preview Party at dragonlily |
 |
|
| 10 | Win Tickets to "Coraline"! The world's most talented animators and artisans made LAIKA's first feature film, "Coraline," right here in little ole' Portland. From the director of "Nightmare Before Christmas," this 3-D fairytale nightmare is not to be missed. Sign up 2 friends for the Picks in a city listed below and CC picks@portlandpicks.com. You'll be entered to win 4 IMAX movie tickets! What: "Coraline" |
 |
|
Do you have friends in Chicago, Seattle, Phoenix or Minneapolis? Sign them up for a free subscription to the Picks in their city! |
|||
|
Be sure to visit www.portlandpicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
