|
 |
March 27th, 2009
We’ve been considering spray-tanning. With spring (ostensibly) on the way, our pasty legs are going to have to come out from behind the knee-high socks. We can’t hide them forever… can we? Not that there aren’t bigger issues to consider, but seriously—we’re practically clear. We’re expecting a call any day now from our 7th-grade science teacher, asking us to come in so she can use our arms to show her class how the circulatory system works. Are you ready to show off your great gams in adorable spring clothes? Forward this issue to 5 friends or more and CC picks@portlandpicks.com and you could win a free Private Shopping Party for 10 friends at Mabel & Zora, complete with wine, treats, and of course, a special discount for you and your BFFs! |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Meet Your Maker When we graduated Catholic high school, we thought we were done with daily required attire (plaid skirt and knee-highs, natch). Not quite. Now it seems we’ve developed our own uniform: fine denim. From dark, skinny “leggings” to wide-leg trousers to perfectly broken-in bootcuts, we wear some version nearly every day. Even on those rare days that we toss on a skirt, it’s our denim mini. In no way planning to curb our enthusiasm, we made a date to check out the new True Religion store in Pioneer Place during its debut last week. For the designer jeans aficionado, TR denim are works of art, with high-contrast hand-stitching and the signature twisted leg seam that makes your legs look incredibly long and thin. But why shop here, the first outpost in the Northwest? Two words: Denim. Bar. Grab a seat and the expert staff will brief you on the craftsmanship available in more than 45 styles and countless washes. We found the perfect rear-cradling, leg-lengthening pair—correction, six perfect pairs. Hey, it’s an investment worth every penny when you’re building a wardrobe based on the staple, like us! True Religion Brand Jeans |
|
|
| 2 | Our Happy Place We read a book that told us almost every man we ever dated was really not that into us. And while we’re sure the book was intended to empower us, it made us cry, weep and sob. We’re lovable, dammit! Too bad we didn’t know esthetician Judy Zifka after we read that book. She might have helped us reach that happy, euphoric, “we just don’t give a flip” place like she did when she gave us the Ultimate Facial. When we first saw her studio we thought “princess,” as in “the royal treatment.” And like royalty we were treated. This “facial” included moisturizing massage of our feet, arms, hands, necks and shoulders. It was warm. It was peaceful. It was an hour of Zen in the middle of our hectic lives. We came home relaxed and renewed. We love that Judy’s studio is located in the 50th Avenue Salon, a one-stop, neighborhood salon where we can get waxing, hair and nail services. Let’s just say that by the time we left the salon, we no longer cared that Mr. Man was not that into us! 50th Avenue Salon |
|
|
| 3 | Just Hooked We’re addicted to shopping for organizational tools. Seriously, put us in one of the big box storage-y type stores, and we’re like kids in a candy shop. But somehow all the boxes and bins, dividers and folders, hooks and shelves end up gathering dust, and our clothes and shoes and mail and magazines still end up in piles all over the house. We got to thinking that maybe if our storage accessories were actually as cute as our own accessories, we might finally use them. So when we discovered that the trio of designers behind our new favorite earrings at Flutter also makes wall hooks, coat racks and laptop sleeves, we had to check them out. True to form, the crosbie is a splendid online shop (and local showroom) with décor for what we’ve deemed “the modern nester.” We heart their wall-hooks, a chic combo of wood and metalwork, silk-screened with hand-drawn, nature-inspired designs. They’ll even turn your own doodles into a striking pattern! Visit their showroom at Delia, a workshop of fine steel works. Organization never looked so good, trust us. the crosbie |
|
|
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | In the Know We have champagne taste and a beer budget, so we’re always hunting for discounts on the lines we love. But after being sucker-punched by some overly-caffeinated deal-hound at a recent mega-sale, we decided to check out Billion Dollar Babes. Besides being less painful, this online retailer promises nothing but the best, offering up a slew of sweet sales by spot-on lines like Ella Moss, Splendid, and Hugo Boss. It’s accessible by members only, but guess what? Membership is free! |
 |
|
| 2 | Fro Flashback Just when we figured out how to make our hair stick-straight, curls are back in fashion. And since we still “scrunch” a la 1989, we have to figure out how to do waves without looking like groupies on the “Rock of Love Bus.” Thank goodness for Kiehl’s Curl-Defining Spray. It has just the right amount of curl activator, sprays an almost invisible mist, and leaves us looking beachy and fabulous—more Gisele than Poison. Rock on. (Available at Kiehl’s: 712 NW 23rd Ave.) |
 |
|
| 3 | Private Matters Due to our indecision, we are totally unable to pack light. On our most recent trip, we had to bust open our suitcase in the middle of the airport to remove some weight. Fittingly, our unmentionables fell out for everyone to see. Next time we’re putting them in the Privé Lingerie Bag from Urban Kitty. With one zipper pocket for “unworn” pairs and one for “worn” pairs, it’s beyond brilliant for organizational purposes—not to mention a real face-saver during the mid-crowd re-pack. |
 |
|
| Spa Treatment of the Week: | |||
Endermologie Facial at 77 salon We’ve been fussing over wrinkles for years. We’ve tried every product in the pharmacopoeia and frankly—they’re still there. Behold, the glorious endermologie facial at 77 salon. Administered by the lovely Andrea, their new in-house esthetician/massage therapist, it’s the next best thing to Botox—without the needles. It zaps wrinkles and crow’s feet, frown lines, even dark circles! We are definitely trying the full-body endermologie treatment. Buh-bye, cellulite! Hello, summer. (Click below for all of her treatments!) |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 |
|
||
| 2 | Girls’ Night Out at Aloft! Swanky hotel? Check. Hip bar scene? Check. Pampering your girlfriends? Check! Aloft’s “Girlfriend’s Night Out” package includes overnight stay in a double queen loft, champagne at Wxyz bar, chocolate truffles, breakfast at re:fuel plus a pedicure, massage and paraffin treatment for two and a $25 gift certificate for each at Morgan Jewelers! Book 4, get the fifth room free! What: Girlfriend’s Night Out at Aloft |
 |
|
| 3 | “Girls Night, the Musical” What’s more fun than a group of gal pals at a night of karaoke? Spending it with your BFFs at “Girls Night, the Musical.” Follow five friends as they re-live their past and celebrate their present—you'll love the “girl anthems” they sing. Buy 3 tickets, get the 4th free! Enter the code “girlfriend” and click here to order! |
 |
|
| 4 | Treasure-Hunt at the Pearl Bunny Hop Hop to the Pearl District for the second annual Pearl Bunny Hop! Pick up a map at participating businesses and follow the Bunny Trail to family-friendly spots throughout the Pearl. Meet Pat the Bunny, enjoy artwork, Easter eggs, even cupcakes and dog treats. Get the map stamped at each location—someone will win an ultimate shopping spree! |
 |
|
| 5 | Book Signing by Seattle Picks Writer! We can’t take credit for her talent, but we sure are proud! The first book by Pauline Trent (her nom de plume), “Falling in Love,” has been selling out in-stores and online, so check out her book signing at Marketplace Books for Vancouver’s First Friday! Enjoy her romantic read, and show your support. What: “Falling in Love” book signing |
 |
|
| 6 | Explore the North Willamette Wine Trail Journey to 14 neighboring wineries (located just minutes from Portland) and experience a full weekend of wine, culinary delights, education and fun. Enjoy complimentary tastings of reserve labels, new releases, barrel tastings and more, plus delicious cuisine pairings (including dessert!). Wine pioneers, innovative artisans and green leaders are opening their doors to you—amazing! Just remember—enjoy responsibly. What: North Willamette Wine Trail |
 |
|
| 7 | Race for the Roses It’s that time again! The annual Race for the Roses Half Marathon & 5K again supports local Albertina Kerr Centers (91 cents per $1 raised!), helping Oregon children and families in crisis for the past 100 years. Run the fun course through downtown Portland and at finish, get a finisher's medal and a long-stem rose! What: Race for the Roses |
 |
|
| 8 | SHOP Symposium Web-preneurs, designers, service providers and small biz owners, find a fountain of wisdom at Portland’s second annual SHOP Symposium, where 35 local business leaders, marketing masters and industry experts share their trade secrets in lively (Oprah style!) panels that will inspire and equip you to boost your small biz. Find all speaker bios online! What: 2nd Annual SHOP Symposium |
 |
|
Still feel like puttering around online? Follow us on Twitter, or become a fan of Portland Picks on Facebook! |
|||
|
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. |
|||
