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  life + style to you: every Friday
October 2nd, 2009

It’s official. We are back on board with leggings. After many years of deeming them “too Tween” or “too reminiscent of stirrup pants” for our tastes, we discovered that they’re not only insanely comf, but hide a multitude of overanalyzed (and possibly imagined) midsection sins.

Beer belly? Buh-bye! Just pop on a tunic and some leggings. A little hippy? Hide that wide behind with a menswear-cut shirt and a fitted boyfriend jacket… and some leggings. Thunderous thighs? You know what to do… boots and leggings! Oh, it’s absolutely genius. We won’t be this excited about functional fashion again for a while… not, at least, until they bring back the “handbags as luggage” look. We can literally hide behind a hobo if it’s big enough. Now you see us, now you don’t!

       
 

Portland Picks:

 
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The Mile-High Club

There's nothing quite like Portland in the fall; that's when we fell in love with Stumptown, actually. It was the crisp cool mornings, warm sunny afternoons, and brisk evenings—perfect for sleek boots, pencil skirts, and brightly colored cinched-waist coats—that did us in. We were smitten; it was love at first sight. 

Much like our recent stroll down Mississippi Avenue, where we discovered Jet, an amazing little boutique brimming with gorgeous fall fashions. From flatteringly feminine skirts and dresses in various lengths to tempting tops in luscious colors, owner/designer Jennifer Thomas has created a line of clothing that's classically chic with an ultra-hip, modern flair. Designed on-site, and produced in Portland using super-soft sustainable fibers, these clothes will make a girl swoon. Jet also carries an assortment of awesome boots and shoes, purses, scarves, jewelry, and even flasks (come on, every girl needs a flask!).

We heart fall.  We heart shopping for new clothes (especially in the fall).  And we heart Jet's edgy sense of style.

Jet
3753 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.282.3753

       
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When You Can’t Make-Over Your Life… 

We finally caved and accepted a blind date. We’ve been on a self-imposed dry spell after a streak of dates gone wrong. Last time, it was the giant piece of mint stuck in our teeth that ended our chances with Mr. Right. Darn Mojitos

Should disaster strike again, we’re at least going to look good during our tailspin. So, we head to Vanity Junkie, which specializes in cuts and color, facials, waxing, makeup and lash extensions. Buzzing with hip, down-to-earth, self-proclaimed beauty junkies, we feel right at home. In the two years since opening, this upbeat Hawthornesque salon has become a favorite for beauty fixes. (And no, that’s not solely because they offer wine or beer upon arrival.) The stylists are crazy talented, without the “all-black-attitude.” Whether you’re craving an image overhaul or just a dose of “pretty” before a big night, VJ’s team has you covered. Thanks to Courtney (and the complimentary adult beverage), we left feeling too hot for our own good.  

Bring on the next guy… and this time, we’ll stick to white wine.  

Vanity Junkie 
901 SE Hawthorne Blvd. 
Portland, OR 97214 
503.235.2411

       
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Climb Every Mountain 

We have a friend with impeccable taste in vino. She’s great to take wine-tasting—especially because she brings great snacks. And now we heart her even more because she’s introduced us to our new fave place for buying the great grapes: Mt. Tabor Fine Wines.  

Mt. Tabor isn’t new at all; it’s been around 13 years. It’s more new to us, though. And, like, what were we waiting for? Wines from all over the world, from Malbec to Merlot, Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Chardonnay, in all kinds of price points. Tastings every Friday. And help that will guide you in just the right direction, no matter what your tastes or what you’re planning for dinner. How can you not love? 

All in a friendly, mellow neighborhood joint. When we were there, a father tasted some wines with his little boy in tow. The boy played with the two dogs that came into the shop, and then sized us up: “Girls shouldn’t drink wine!” he exclaimed. Sigh. Guys start out being wrong at such an early age, no?  

Mt. Tabor Fine Wines
4316 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97215
503.235.4444
www.mttaborfinewines.com

       
  Designers of the Week:  
   

Anna Cohen, Jesica Milton, and WyattOrr

Anna Cohen: You can’t go wrong with a piece (or two or four or seven!) from local, sustainable fashionista Anna Cohen. Cohen’s deep roots in artistic design, paired with an innovative spirit and commitment to the environment, make her line a win-win addition to any wardrobe. Plus, who can resist sassy slacks, impeccably cut blouses and feminine skirts?

WyattOrr: It wouldn’t be right for you to step out all gussied up without a man who can hold his own against your fashion prowess. Never fear! Liise Wyatt and Karly Orr are rushing to the rescue with a men’s line so full of sleek modern lines, handsome detailing and high-end fabrics that you might find yourself stealing your from your man’s closet.

Jesica Milton: Fresh, luxurious sophistication is a state of being we strive to emulate. Luckily, we have Seattle-based designer Jesica Milton to help get us in the mood with her flattering silhouettes, romantic undertones and clean, crisp lines. Her glamorous styling matched with comfortable design put her at the top of our A List.  

Click here for tickets to Portland Fashion Week, Oct. 7–11!

 
       
  Chick Picks:  
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It’s All in the Details

A friend of ours is getting married and has yet to choose the important details—a dress, a venue or even a date. But there’s one thing she knows with certainty… she wants a fabulously feminine hair accessory. 

Given this, we immediately pointed her toward Austie Eckley’s all-occasion creations. The floaty, flirty pieces are perfect for brides, but equally glam for a night on the town or dressing up a plain ol’ pony. No matter what the event, this is one decision that’s easy to make. 

www.austie.etsy.com 

       
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Who Needs a Green Thumb?       

Have you ever been to a grower’s field or a greenhouse? Yeah, neither have we, but we feel like we’re getting carte blanche to explore via grower-direct deliveries from Flowerbud.com. (And they do all the work, so our manis stay pristine.)

Their flowers will arrive on your doorstep sometimes before they even bloom, so we’re talking fresh from the farm, ladies, and with  shipping included, what you see is what you pay. Save 10% by entering picks10 in the promo code field! Offer expires Oct. 31, 2009. 

www.flowerbud.com

       
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More to Love

These days our curves are plumped up with a little extra padding thanks to a summer full of cocktails and very little—okay, no—exercise. Luckily we found this eye-catching handbag at Mojo to take the attention off our derriere and onto our fab sense of style.

Handcrafted of gray velvet corduroy and adorned with plush layers of chiffon ruffles to create a bold blossom, this bag screams romantic of-the-moment cool and can easily rock work-wear and jeans, making it versatile to boot!

www.mojospastyle.etsy.com

       
  Event of the Week:
   

 
       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
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Lose 30 Pounds Before the Holidays

Join Dr. Kevin Misenheimer of Therapy for free, informative workshops on his exclusive detoxification & weight-loss program. It’s medically supervised, safe, and provides fast results that last. Learn how to eliminate stubborn fat, reset your metabolism, and naturally maintain your new weight while eliminating food cravings and building healthy habits for life. Don’t miss the workshop-only special pricing!   
 
What: Healthy Weight Loss Workshops
When: Mondays Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, 6–7:30 pm
Where: Therapy, 630 B Ave., Lake Oswego
RSVP: info@therapy-lakeoswego.com or 503.305.6135
Visit: www.therapy-lakeoswego.com  

       
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Happy 1-Year Anniversary to rosabode! 

We love rosabode, we love a party, and we’re totes excited for their 1-year anniversary party and sale this weekend! See new fall products like the Dupioni Dress in rich jewel tones, new faux fur fall throws, and the New Muff/Purse (Murse???). Don't forget beautiful ruffled scarves! (Mention Portland Picks for an additional 10% off any item… through October!)

What: rosabode 1-year anniversary party
When: Oct. 2, 3 and 4
Where: 4225 NE Fremont
Call: 503.407.1677
Visit: www.rosabode.com

       
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Bat Those Beautiful Lashes!

Who needs mascara?? During October, The Center for Aesthetic Medicine, a division of The Oregon Clinic, is offering Buy One, Get One Free purchases of Latisse Eyelash growth serum (a $120 value!). And since fall is upon us, why not invest in Laser hair or vein removal and skin-refining laser packages? (Peels! Fillers! Botox!)

What: Specials at The Center for Aesthetic Medicine
When: Through October
Where: 1111 NE 99th Ave., Suite 101
Call: Esthetician Deb Beers at 503.488.2650
Email: debeers@orclinic.com

       
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Show the Boys What You Can Do

Got a burning desire to weld some steel? Forget “Flashdance” — join a Delia welding class. Sculpture, Furniture, Garden Art… you can make it! With their instruction and your burning desire, after one 3-hour class you’ll leave with a marvel in steel. Bring your own idea or build one of their class projects. (Bring your friends, too!)

What: Delia Welding Class
When: Saturdays and by Appointment
Where: Delia Studio and Gallery
Call: 503.224.1798
Email: info@edelia.com
Cost: $150 (materials and equipment included)
Visit: www.edelia.com

       
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Inspire a Little Jealousy

Don’t you wish you could skip back a year and erase all those Halloween candies and Christmas cookies from your waistline? Guess what… you can, with NW Pilates. Pilates is used by dancers to get lean, lithe bodies… and it works on you, too! Buy a package of 10 private or group lessons, and get 10% off!

What: NW Pilates’ October Special
When: Through Oct. 30
Where: 1901 NW 26th Ave.
Call: 503.222.9292
Visit: www.nwpilates.com

       
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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, bead work, paper, poetry… Stop in tonight or this weekend to support this amazing organization and artists—you’ll love what you see.

What: “Fill Your Heart with Local Art”
When: Friday, Oct. 2, 10 am–9 pm; Saturday & Sunday Oct. 3 and 4, 10 am–5 pm Where: World Forestry Center, Miller Hall (take zoo exit off Hwy 26)
Suggested Donation for Scholarship Program: $5 
Visit: www.local14.org

       
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Know a Hard-Workin’ Man?

HairM is searching for Portland’s Hardest Working Man in conjunction with their 6-year anniversary in the Rose City. Nominate your candidate for Portland’s Hardest Working Man (can be anyone over 21), and he might win a day of pampering at HairM, dinner at Fenouil, and a night at Hotel Lucia! (And there’s something for you, too, if he wins.)

What: Portland’s Hardest Working Man contest
When: Nominate now through Oct. 31
Where: HairM Facebook Fan Page

       
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