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  life + style to you: every Friday
May 22th, 2009

Destination: Portland. We are always on a mission to get our friends to P-town in the summer. We can’t believe they’d rather sweat it out in 100+ temps in their hometowns, take family vacations to middle-America national parks, or go to—what?—Hawaii again instead of coming here! We have a perfectly cozy guest room just waiting for friends and family… so come onnnnn… where arrrre you? This is the best time of year to be here!

Usually we’ve had a half-dozen overnight guests by May. Whether it’s friends popping down from Seattle, staying over a long weekend as an escape from L.A. or flying cross-country from Minneapolis, we’re used to putting on our “tour-guide” hat by spring! So now we have all these ants in our pants to show someone the city… and it’s just us and the dust bunnies, waiting, nay, hoping, that somebody comes along.

Here’s a fun way to get local: Forward this issue to 5 or more friends for your chance to win a sexy/supercute/locally made Basic Black Roman Record Cuff, made from upcycled black vinyl LP records, by Eye Pop Art!

       
 

Portland Picks:

 
  1

Free to Be You and Me

We remember Mom always telling us to be our own person. Though we knew what she meant and appreciated her, um, encouragement, it's easier said than done as a gawky middle-schooler. Standing apart from the "in crowd" in any way, shape, or form was exactly what we did not want to do. So we adapted and eventually developed our own style.  
 
Then along came Free People, finally, making it even easier for us to blend in (but still stand out). New to the Portland area, but not new to the fashion scene, Free People's romantic and carefree styling lets us be ourselves and look fabulous doing it.  Though we know the rule that "summer doesn't officially hit Portland until after July 4," we can't resist the adorable, supremely colorful tanks, tees, and tunics or the super-hot gladiator sandals, glittery necklaces, and sexy sunglasses—suffer for fashion, that’s our motto! With so many spring must-haves to choose from, we want them all. 
 
Thank you, Free People, for freeing us from the style shackles of yesteryear and allowing us to look completely, effortlessly chic (while still maintaining our individuality). Mama would be proud.
 
Free People
817 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.226.8099
www.freepeople.com

       
  2

Get Your Art On
 
We love to find hidden treasures around town—after all, we do love to be in the know, you know. It makes us giddy like schoolgirls. Like the first time we discovered the Lucy warehouse sale—our heart was racing.
 
Anyhoo, we were thrilled to recently come across the Retail Craft Gallery up at Oregon College of Art and Craft. With goodies from more than 100 local artists, we were beside ourselves with the unique artwork, glass pieces, cards, scarves, ceramics, and more for sale. But it was the jewelry that really made us swoon. Ooh-la-la, so many gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces to choose from! Silver, gold, oversized, dainty. Wish we could have them all. 
 
Before heading home, we stopped to enjoy an amazing lunch (for an equally amazing price) at the Hands on Café in the heart of the college’s campus. Mouth-watering daily specials had us savoring every bite and we can't wait to try the Sunday Brunch! We’ll be back to get our creativity on, grab a bit, and check out the community classes available all year long. 
 
Retail Craft Gallery at the Oregon College of Art and Craft
8245 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225
503.297.5544
www.ocac.edu

       
  3

Ooh La La!

We consider a mani/pedi an essential, as opposed to an indulgence. So when we find a salon that convinces us drive from East Portland to Lake Oswego for a pedicure, we know we’ve found something special. 

Tres Chic Salon’s modest storefront opens into a refined, spacious interior with natural nail, esthetician and massage services. The owner, Brooke, has artfully created a den of pampering with attention to the senses—the immaculate pedicure stations feature marbles to massage tootsies, the air smells sweet (no acrylic!), and the revolving collection of accessories are thoughtfully selected. Our pedicure was expert, and lasted forever! The hot-stone massage administered by Debbie was the coup de grace to any lingering stress—she gently smoothed away our tension, and we could hardly believe an hour had passed so quickly. 

Tres Chic’s loyal customers wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else, and we understand why! Their attentive services and luxurious setting have become our new essential—with an indulgent upgrade.

Tres Chic Salon
16552 Boones Ferry Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503.675.3559

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

You Spin Me Right Round

We miss playing records. There was something so dreamy about being able to stare into Shawn Cassidy’s 12-inch face as he crooned to you from an LP on the wood-trim turntable… wait? Wha? We just had a Brady Bunch moment.

Since the advent of newfangled CDs, the closest we’ll get to a record now is with this super-cool bracelet from Eye Pop Art. It even has the grooves still in it… hopefully from the “Da Doo Ron Ron” track.

Roman Record Cuff

       
  2

Local Locks

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, we’re totally out of balance; one runs out when we’ve still got half a bottle of the other! So thank goodness for spray shampoo from Portland’s Mada—a long-overdue concept that saves on suds while still leaving hair soft and shiny. 

Mada’s whole line can be personalized for your follicles, whether they’re long, straight, short or curly. We love the hydrating conditioner, which eliminates any need for detangler—one less bottle to replenish! 

www.madahair.com

       
  3

Put It in Writing

With all the tweeting and Facebooking, we’ve had a yen to get back to more personal communication. And, for us, that means whipping out a pen and some flirty, feminine paper from Portlander Heidi K. 

Customized with your name or initials, stationery is the perfect way to remind your friends and followers that you can still manage the personal touch. Invites, calling cards or labels, Heidi K. offers a fabulous way to stay connected… even when you’re offline. 

www.heidikpapers.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

 
       
  2

Memorial Day Sale at Shoefly

We enjoy a day off as much as the next gal, but when there’s a sale at Shoefly, it’s like Holiday Times Two. And this Monday, you can save 30% off everything at Shoefly! Isn’t that absolutely dreamy? Stock up on summer-worthy sandals, adorable wedges and the colors and styles you’ll want to rock right now!

What: Memorial Day sale at Shoefly
When: Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25
Where: 718 NW 11th Ave. and Bridgeport Village
Call: 503.973.5555 or 503.968.8137
Visit: www.shoefly.com

       
  3

Save $50 at Portland Spa & Boutique!

Mention Portland Picks to save $50 off the Just for Her Package. Just for you, it's only $200 (regularly $250). This package is the ultimate indulgence. You'll get an Aromatherapy Massage, a Going Green Facial, and a Green Tea & Tea Tree Pedicure. Or... buy a Green Tea & Tea Tree Pedicure, get a free CND nail polish!

What: $50 off a Just for Her package
When: Offer ends June 1
Where: Portland Spa & Boutique, 0315 SW Mongomery St., Suite 390
Call: 503.222.0105
Visit: www.portlandspa.net

       
 

There’s no reason you can’t play tour guide with your local peeps—tell a friend about www.PortlandPicks.com. Bet they didn’t know you were so in the know!

       
 
 
 

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