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April 24th, 2009
Our neighbor bought a mini-bike and it has become the bane of our existence. Every day when he gets home from work, he’s on it. Up and down the block, again and again. He doesn’t even branch out to other streets, so it’s one or two hours of “Wheem! Wheem! Wheem!” in front of the house as he zips back and forth. Now, this isn’t a bored teenager, this is a grown man! So grown, in fact, that his knees graze the ground when he’s on that darn bike. Sigh… We do not understand his mini-bike affliction. We don’t want to understand it. But what we do want to know is: Where is his wife? At a time like this, he needs his lady to stare him down and say, “Stop the madness.” Or a neighbor to pop his tires. What? Here’s a ladylike treat to take your mind off the motor: Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and you could win a $50 gift certificate to Garnish! (Their fab fashions will make you look and feel gorgeous!) |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Turkish Delight Fine service and hospitality are lost arts. Last week, for example, we hit boutique row and encountered a shop-gal more interested in her Crackberry, followed by lip service from the snarky mister at a will-remain-unnamed store. Fortunately, we wandered into Ottoman Klasik where our experience was a world of difference. The friendly shopkeeper made us cups of Turkish coffee then led us around the boutique, filled floor to ceiling (literally) with Turkish goods. We oohed and ahhed over silk pashminas, pretty pillows and bedding in richly textured fabrics. They have an impressive collection of hand-painted ceramics, too—decorative plates, bowls, and vases with beautifully rendered motifs of tulips and turtles (icons of Turkey) and intricate designs of botanicals in vibrant colors. What’s more, you are sure to find gifts in every price range, from gourmet Turkish foods and handmade soaps to the stunning leather-trimmed satchel we spied. It’s the perfect place to find artisan gifts with a non-manufactured and hand-crafted feel. And at the day’s end, thoughtful service and exquisite goods never go out of style. Ottoman Klasik |
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| 2 | Beautiful Joy We like choices and find ourselves making them all day, every day. What should we wear? Which frozen yogurt tastes the most like ice cream? Can we afford another new handbag? How much time should we allot to surfing celebrity gawking sites each day? Seriously! By the time we get home each night, we just want someone to make decisions for us. After trying out one of the Pearl’s newest Italian additions, we’re excited that we’ll never have to choose a restaurant again; we know that next time the Hubs asks us what we want for dinner, we’ll say, “Bella Gioia.” When he asks what he want, we’ll say, “Gnocchi, please!” Yes, we’re simple. But Bella Gioia has all the elements we covet: inviting space, delicious eats, wine. We can’t imagine ever not being in the mood for it. Bella Gioia means “beautiful joy,” and with authentic food (wood-fired pizzas, al dente pastas and mouth-watering sauces) plus unmatched decor inspired by the friendly kitchens of Italy, “beautiful joy” it is. Your dinner choice will never be easier—trust. Bella Gioia |
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| 3 | Back to the Future in the Past Some people dream of time-traveling to change the past or shape the future. We can’t be bothered with that nonsense—we just want to strut the streets in the trends of bygone eras. We have alternately been obsessed with poodle skirts, tie-dye, bell-bottoms, flapper dresses and cloche hats. These days, it’s also boho maxi dresses and blazers with—gasp!—“strong” shoulders (we will not go so far as shoulder pads). Time Bomb Vintage feels so much like our own personal time machine that we almost didn’t want to share! The two cozy rooms are well-organized and stocked with the most wearable styles of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Example: The calico and floral summer dresses are never more than $25 (adorable when paired with a leather hand-tooled belt for only $10), and cowboy boots are less than $40. You can shop the selection online (might be the best shoe inventory in town!), but really must visit for our favorite touches: An entire rack for metallic tops and sequined sweaters—oddly tempting! And the hot pink dressing room plastered with ’80s “Vogue” fashion shots? The miracle of time travel is achieved! Time Bomb Vintage |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | So Cute! We swap out handbags on a weekly (and sometimes daily) basis, so we need to keep everything in its place. And we’ve found that utilizing tiny bags inside a big bag keeps our stuff totally organized. This handy little zipper pouch from Lotta Linen is absolutely adorable—and incredibly functional. It has the handmade feel we love, the practicality of a perfectly sized pocket, and a sweet-as-sugar design. You can even take it out on its own for a day on the town! Lotta Linen Peacock Zipper at Flora |
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| 2 | Great Grapes! Bacchus had it right—wine is the elixir of the gods. But sometimes we’re spooked by how many are out there. Without tasting them all, how do we know what we like? And who can we trust? We adore local outfit SipTheWine.com—they select only the best wines for their surprising, delightful and affordable list. (Try House Pours—all under $20!) It’s like having a personal wine guru online. SipTheWine.com makes it easy with custom gifts, a Wine Club, even 52 Weeks of Wine. |
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| 3 | Bird Is the Word Despite our fear of parrots, we’ve always admired the ultra-vibrant plumages of our fine-feathered friends. Unfortunately, feather boas are limited to a few “special” occasions (or playing dress-up with our niece). Thankfully, Pluma is upping the cool quotient on the feather and making it acceptable in daily wear with the stylish whimsy of their headbands. Exquisitely handcrafted from a variety of feathers, these hair accessories are surprisingly cool, and perfect for dressing up summer ensembles. |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Ever since we took a sculpting class, we realized that we don’t have what it takes to produce beautiful items—but we can still appreciate them. Don’t miss the Oregon Potters’ Association’s 27th Annual Ceramic Showcase. It’s the largest all-clay show in the country, the artisans are incredibly talented, and it’s free to attend! Peruse thousands of art pieces for the home, office or garden, and enjoy family activities like educational demonstrations and clay play areas. What: Oregon Potters’ Association’s 27th Annual |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | “Get Together & Give” Volunteer Event Gather your girlfriends and meet at Washington Square to volunteer for a wonderful cause. Help assemble 500 “Interview Survival Kits” to benefit clients of Dress for Success – Oregon. Enjoy female camaraderie, light refreshments, and exclusive discounts to select retailers! Not able to attend the event, but still want to help local women? Drop off a clothing donation! What: “Get Together & Give” Volunteer Event |
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| 2 | The Ultimate Open House – New Home Tour There’s no better way to find a new home than the Ultimate Open House – New Home Tour. This year’s show features more than 60 new homes, condos and townhomes to explore, get inspired by, and even purchase! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the house-hunting, or just take a look at what’s new in home technologies and accessories. What: The Ultimate Open House – New Home Tour |
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| 3 | Join the Handmade Revolution Want to sustain the local economy and shop for the special women in your life, just in time for Mother's Day? Shop the Irvington Artisan Market this Saturday! Apparel, fine jewelry, home décor, beauty products, photography, stationery, garden art, children’s and baby items, and much more! Many of the artisans will offer discounts if you mention Portland Picks! What: Irvington Artisan Market |
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| 5 | Celebrate with emily-jane! Emily-jane is celebrating their 7th anniversary by turning the boutique into an island paradise for one day only. Come celebrate with tropical treats and white sangria, plus a 50% off sale table and a 50% off selection online! See the debut of their newest designs and get a fabulous gift with each purchase. Did we mention chair massages? What: emily-jane 7th anniversary party |
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| 7 | Get “Hip” to Big Savings Portland Picks readers, get ready to redecorate! hip furniture, Portland’s original “store in a warehouse,” is offering you savings of 20% off special orders, plus a ton of in-store stock at 30% off. Want more? Their STYLEGARAGE section is an additional 20% off! If you’re waiting for a great deal, this is it! There’s no place like hip. What: Special discounts at hip furniture |
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