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September 25th, 2009
Oh, the irony. We just spent a long weekend in Phoenix and complained the entire time about the hot-hot weather… and got off the plane in P-town to temps over 90 degrees. What’s even better? We bought sweaters in Phoenix. (Yes, they sell them there… astonishingly. They’re all “to go.” Ha ha. Oof.) We were all set to wear those sweaters, but instead we find ourselves sweating. What the dilly, Mother Nature? We are so ready to wear leggings and boots… it’s just time, don’t you think? The boutiques are positively bursting with long-sleeved dresses, cute little hats and cozy knitwear… and we are stuck in Tank Top Town. Turn that 9 upside-down, why doncha. Throw us a 63 instead of a 93… just for one day. After all, we don’t like to buy sweaters in vain. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | He’s Got Moxie We went shopping recently with a new boy friend (we’re not yet sure we like him enough to smoosh those words together) and realized how hard it is to find cool men’s clothes. This fella was quite patient as we debated the length of a new fall coat (a point in his favor), but we wish we could have reciprocated a bit more—even if we don’t give him our heart, we can still share our sense of style. So we were thrilled to discover that Moxie, one of our favorite shops, is now carrying a small but sweet selection of guys’ duds. The vibe is colorful, sharp, urban cool, with Erhart track jackets, short-sleeve button-ups from Skunkfunk, and Brighton fedoras—a gutsy counterpoint to the strong feminine shapes and delicate local jewelry that Moxie is known for. The best part is that you’ll be just as happy browsing vintage-inspired shifts from local designer Alyson Clair, Kersh knits, long cotton wraps by Soundgirl (sexy Snuggies, if you can believe it!), and TOMS slip-ons. So even though we’re not quite head over heels about the dude, at least Moxie has discovered a match made in heaven! Moxie |
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| 2 | That’s How We Roll We may obsess, but we’re not self-centered. Blood drive? We roll up our sleeves. BFF gives birth to twins? We deliver home-cooked meals and walk her dog. A new sushi joint opens in the ’hood? Call us the Welcome Wagon. So when a new Sinju began dishing stylish Japanese cuisine at Clackamas Town Center, we cameoed to toast with premium Momokawa sakes. We indulged in perfect tempura, specialty rolls (try the popular Yummy Crunch), and the Ahi Tower, an addictive mélange of tuna tartare, crab and avocado over a bed of sushi rice drizzled with creamy wasabi sauce. We savored their Yosenabe—a medley of seafood artfully arranged over hot udon noodles in a cast iron pot. Sinju also offers a full menu of non-raw fare—hot & cold apps, yakisoba, chicken katsu, miso salmon, ginger pork and teriyakis. Bonus? Enjoy all-day Happy Hour on Sundays, or from 3–6 pm and 9 pm–close Mon.–Sat. Plus, take 10% off your dinner totaling $40* or more—just mention Portland Picks! (*Does not include Happy Hour, specials or alcoholic beverages.) Sinju |
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| 3 | Antique Chic Scouring flea markets, vintage outposts and garage sales for antiques and home-wares can be quite an adventure. Last time we ended up rushing to the hospital for a tetanus shot after we caught our stiletto in a fishing net, then knocked over a table of 1920s china as we made our final descent onto a display of rusted metal birdcages. Makes us want to leave sourcing to the pros. Like Thea Villasenor, whose faultless eye and three decades of antique collecting and interior design experience has made her our go-to gal for vintage. Nestled in the heart of the Pearl, Thea’s Interiors stocks an exquisite collection of iconic and eclectic vintage finds and inspiring home décor. From heirloom furnishings to vintage textiles, antique jewelry to hostess gifts, every item is hand-picked for its unique quality and charm. You won’t be able to resist the industrial and mid-century fittings, the 1960s trolley signs and the locally designed jewelry made from Scrabble pieces and typewriter keys. You can even enlist Thea to help doll up your digs with redesign or redecorating services. Because buying new is just so old. Thea's Interiors Vintage Living |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Proud to Go Gray One of our BFFs from a certain local boutique started her own jewelry line, and—no nepotiz here—it’s absolutely stunning. We are so in love with grayling jewelry that we have actually had dreams where all of our outfits match a certain necklace. It’s not wrong—it’s awesome. Be the first on your block to sport a grayling design—stop by tomorrow’s trunk show at Pin-Me Apparel from 3–7 pm! Get 20% off all Pin-Me purchases (excluding jewelry); 10% of trunk show proceeds go to Autism Speaks. |
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| 2 | Rain, Sleet, Snow, Hail… Portland is known for its oddball weather—piping hot on Monday and downright frigid by, uh, Monday night. That’s why this nursery rhyme-inspired “Whether the weather…” letterpress card is perfect for giving all year long. Crafted by Studio Olivine and available exclusively at Ecru, the blank card offers a simple message of friendship that works for any occasion. What’s more, you can feel good about sending it—100% of proceeds go to the Oregon Red Cross, experts on all of P-town’s wackiest weather. |
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| 3 | Ok, You Win As multi-talented as we are, we never could get that soda “pop top” off without breaking the little ring. Fortunately, Portland’s KaleahOtt has the skills we lack… enough of them to create an entire handbag made out of the aluminum tabs. Equally fashionable and environmentally-friendly, the Mini requires more than 750 hand-pulled tops to create. What’s more, it’s fully lined and individually knotted, impressing us not only with good looks but also with the fact that it won’t snag our clothes. Now that’s multi-talented! |
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| Designers of the Week: | |||
Mehdi, Jason Matlo and Ethos Paris
Portland Fashion Week just gets better and better! This year they’re bringing in international designers—and you can see them up close and oh-so-personal on the runway. Wear your stilettos and that leopard coat—though fashionistas wear black, you will want to stand out! Mehdi: French-trained Pakistani designer Mohammed Mehdi has a romantic, glamorous vision—think timeless lines and bold embellishment. Any woman would feel like modern royalty in his silk evening gowns—they’re absolutely spectacular. Jason Matlo: Vancouver, B.C.-based Jason Matlo is Canada’s golden boy when it comes to hip and feminine garments. His fashion-forward, artistic vision focuses on innovative design and luxurious fabrics. Slipping into a Matlo original gives us the instant confidence we get from shooting tequila—but without the hangover. Ethos Paris: The mother/daughter Leroux team has built their continental fashion house upon the rock of fair trade and sustainable practices—but it’s their punched-up prints, bold color palette and playful cuts that make us tingle. They’re changing the world, one outfit at a time! Get your tickets for Portland Fashion Week, Oct. 7–11. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | 1. Fill Your Heart with Local Art L.O.C.A.L. 14 presents 95+ Northwest women artists at their Annual Art Show & Sale! Painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, pottery, blown/fused glass, jewelry, basketry, metalwork, weaving, wearable art, furniture, quilts, beadwork, paper, poetry… Stop in Thursday for “First Night, First Bite” to enjoy a first look. Door and wine proceeds ($10 admission) support scholarships for selected women artists! What: “Fill Your Heart with Local Art” |
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| 2 | A Great Meal + a Fab Hotel Stay? Heaven. What: Here’s Cookin’ with You, Kid |
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| 5 | Get Medieval at the Beaverton Farmers’ Market You know you’re dying to go! The Shire of Dragon’s Mist, The Washington County Chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism and the Beaverton Farmers’ Market are celebrating their third annual Medieval Market Day—complete with medieval attire, sword fights, English country dancing and singing, a fashion show, children’s games, and more. Don’t forget your tunic! What: Medieval Market Day |
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Let’s grow our circle of friends! Tell your BFF about www.PortlandPicks.com. xoxo |
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