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October 23rd, 2009
We just can’t shake being sick. We don’t know if it’s H1N1, Influenza A or B, ABC, BBD, Boyz 2 Men, or just plain being run-down, but we’ve pretty much had it with being under the weather. And what’s up with feeling fine overall but having a wickedly sore throat? It hurts to swallow, but of course we’re still eating. Ha. And the glorious “sick days” from college are long gone. Sure, we can still call in and spend a day in our jammies, but if we don’t have Ye Olde Laptop with us we find ourselves two days behind for every day we take off. So we ask ourselves this deciding question: Should we be draped over our cubicle desk looking like wraiths and getting nothing done, or home watching “Snapped” marathons in bed and getting nothing done? We vote for “Snapped.” Feeling fine? Forward this issue to 5 or more friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate good toward Fluxus clothing at Adorn! (Think meltingly soft cotton tees, adorable cardigans, and built-in celeb cred!) |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Our Lucky Number After re-reading our own Green Guide, we realized we were slacking. We have been known to tote a plastic water bottle. We go through paper towels like they’re attached to a printer. It’s time to be more respectful of our surroundings, you know? So we went to Seven Planet, which recently opened in Old Town. Seven Planet bills itself as a “green General Store,” and it’s home to all the products that can make your surroundings just that much more sustainable. Effort is made to bring in items from no more than seven miles away, and/or made from sustainable materials. For example, local artwork adorns the walls, and we challenge you to not be drawn to the gleaming, gorgeous tables made by SE Portland’s Tropical Salvage. The space itself is arranged like an apartment you’d want to live in, from living room to bedroom to racks full of stylish, cute clothes. And just like our dream closet, it’s chockablock with kick-ass bags and shoes. Eventually the store will include a community space for things like yoga sessions, as well as a juice bar. By that point, we may have completely moved in: the most sustainable plan of all. Seven Planet |
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| 2 | Vintage Vixen We’ve got a friend who lives in vintage. She always looks gorgeous in poplin, pin-tucked, nipped-waist dresses, inspiring us to add a little history to our closet, but…well, it’s hard! Sweaters are pilly, zippers stuck, seams torn; when it’s not damaged, it doesn’t fit; and even if it’s the right size, we can’t figure out how to pull it off. Then we strolled into Margaret & Oliver’s, a charming new shop on Hawthorne, and met co-owner Chrys Tobey. Looking impossibly chic in a yellow blouse and black jumper, she assured us that wearing fashions of the past is not, in fact, impossible. Not when the pieces are chosen for their timeless style and repaired by a seamstress before they hit the racks. And not when they’re priced as low as some Target duds. Pristine beaded cardigans for less than $40, cocktail dresses and suits for no more than $65. Elegant slips hover around $10, and scarves are a mere four bucks. What’s even more valuable? Knowing that Chrys won’t let you walk out looking anything less than Betty Draper-beautiful. (Score a 10% discount thru October when you mention Portland Picks!) Margaret & Oliver’s |
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| 3 | Hire a Domestic Goddess Full disclosure: we are home-ec challenged. Despite spawning from a long line of domestic goddesses coupled with years of cooking classes, we’re just not skilled. Ask us to cook a meal—we dare you. (You’ll get cereal or mac n’ cheese…guaranteed.) So, we were thrilled to stumble upon Portland Home Chef while searching for a fun birthday gift for our kitchen-savvy hubby. In fact, we daresay that Portland Home Chef is our favorite discovery this year. Brittany Baldwin, owner and chef, is not only one of the most down-to-earth, coolest people we’ve ever met, but she will pre-cook your meals for you for an entire week or more, caters your party on the weekend and/or perform an in-home cooking. We asked her to come over to give our hubby a class in Spanish tapas, and it turned out to be one of the best birthday surprises we’ve ever pulled off. Needless to say, our “goddess inside” was delighted by the tapas, and the domestic goddess? Well, we’ll just leave all that to Portland Home Chef. Portland Home Chef |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Let it Snow! We have a confession—we cranked the heat on Saturday morning. Do you know what that means? That, ladies, means that boot season is here. And we have a new addition to our boot wardrobe this year: Sorel’s Joan of Arctic Winter Boots. Not only are they the cutest winter boot our tootsies have ever rocked, but they are the warmest thing they’ve ever snuggled in. We say, bring it on fall/winter! Let it snow—we’re ready for you this year! |
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| 2 | Green with Envy Green living gets easier every day, but not always cuter. Thank goodness for Sparrow Handbags, who prove that organic and sustainable textiles can be downright adorable. Right now we’re eyeing the Taylor, which features a graphic print that was designed in-house, along with a bottom made from recycled tetra boxes and handles of stiff hemp webbing. What’s more, Sparrow isn’t just kind to the earth—they also love animals. Cruelty-free, fashionable and fabulous! |
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| 3 | Get Your Ribbon On When you enjoy being a girl as much as we do, you’re always on the lookout for ways to support good causes and look adorable at the same time. (Don’t judge.) So when we found these supercute tees from Sasafrass Designs, we were smitten. Made from 100% cotton vintage wash and featuring a rhinestone ribbon, 10% of the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. (They do custom designs, too, for sororities, sports teams and special causes!) |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shopping + Fashion = Heaven Ste. Maine and Hot Box Betty are joining up to bring you an evening of shopping and fashion! Find your holiday look from Hot Box Betty, and start your holiday shopping with Ste. Maine. Enjoy wine, treats and 20% off all merchandise from both stores, plus 20% off gift certificates and fine art from Ste. Maine, and raffles! What: An evening of shopping & fashion |
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| 2 | “Sleigh” the Egg Nog Don't look like Mrs. Claus by January first! Stay fit and stress-free this holiday season at Portland Team Fitness. Get 3 workouts per week for the price of 2 with Holiday Hustle. Whether you're looking to get ready for winter sports or wanting to fit into that slinky black dress for holiday parties, there's something for everyone. |
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| 3 | Bravo! Wedding Affair Planning a wedding? Experience extraordinary wedding vignettes overflowing with exciting trends, unique style, personality and fresh ideas at the Bravo! Wedding Affair. Every detail has been carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding. The first five people to email Denise@bravoportland.com will receive complimentary tickets. What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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