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November 6th, 2009
We’ve been thinking a lot about our “cosmic energy” and what it might create. We haven’t been reading books on how to attract wealth or a new man—we’ve been doing Yoga. Yep. Straight up Eastern wisdom, y’all. We were sitting there at the end of a practice with our hands above our heads, squeezing the cosmic juju between our palms, and we had an epiphany. We need to start focusing on what we want instead of making mental lists of what we don’t want. (Wonder if it works on credit card bills and laundry?) Anyhoo, we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, you don’t need the universe’s help to love this prize: Forward Portland Picks to 5 or more friends and CC picks@portlandpicks.com, and you’ll be entered to win a gift certificate for a one-night stay in a Junior Suite at the glorious Benson Hotel, complete with valet parking, taxes and a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival. You’re welcome! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Love Struck We went to a great rock n’ roll show on Saturday night. It was one of those rare shows that invigorates you for days, makes you love the band even more and revitalizes your adoration for Portland’s great music scene. And of course, we were dressed to the rock n’ roll nines from head to toe. However… six-inch stilettos might help us look hot, but dancing in them for two hours? Not so much. So before our next concert, we’re heading to the Pearl’s newest resident, Solestruck Pop-Up Store. (It’s a temporary manifestation of the online shoe retailer of the same name.) In order provide their beloved customers with a new way to check out their product lines, they’ve set up a brick-and-mortar shop for just a few months. Do you know what we loved most about SoleStruck Pop-Up Store? We can find anything from a flat-soled “jeans boot” to a rockin’ bejeweled gladiator pump, all under one cute roof. You know where we’re headed for our five-day run of rock shows later this month… SoleStruck, of course! SoleStruck Pop-Up Store |
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| 2 | A Land of Whimsy We had such a crush on Will Marshall. The way he fought off the dinosaurs wearing that rugged, half-buttoned shirt. Yow. We aren't sure how Land of the Lost became such a cult classic—most likely it was the cheesy appeal of the low-budg Sleestaks, dinosaurs, and Cha-Ka—but hey, we know why it was a hit for us. We know what we like when we see it (Will Marshall). Maybe we were a bit lost when we stumbled upon Land, a new retail space on N. Mississippi Avenue from the owners of buyolympia.com, but boy were we thrilled when we did. Land not only stocks its shelves full of funky wares from (mostly) Pacific Northwest artists, but it doubles as a gallery, displaying monthly artwork from locals like Trish Grantham and Jill Bliss. With beautifully printed note cards, numerous books on DIY crafts, cookbooks, children's books, journals, graphic tees with cool messages, super-cute pocket wallets, and more, we walked in on a whim and left with half the store. We can see Land becoming a cult classic for sure. Land |
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| 3 | Earn Your Cred Local food gets all the attention. Don’t get us wrong—we love our farmers markets and seasonal menus. But when it comes to shopping local, fruits and veggies are like the popular clique in high school. Everyone admires them and wants to be them—okay, eat them. But what about the boring stuff we all need? Like toothpaste and dishwasher soap? That’s where Local Goods, a new “general store” on East Burnside, comes in. Focusing on local and sustainable staples, they’re giving some love to natural “tooth soap” from Oregon City, biodegradable cleaners from Vancouver, and organic cloth diapers made locally. Even cooler? Owner Polly Rask finds some of Portland’s best artisans, which means you can get handmade candles, recycled book journals, cuffs made from records, feed bags-turned-tote bags, and wallets crafted from juice cartons. Sounds crafty, but trust us, it’s not hokey. In fact, don’t take our word for it—pop in this Friday for the de facto grand opening and First Friday art show featuring paintings by Sarah Cruse and vintage Polaroid collages by Amaren Colosi (a must-see!). You’ll be the envy of all the cool kids. |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Oh… My… Goodness How did something so cute appear before us? Imagine two of your favorite things—dresses, and supersoft sweatshirt fleece—joined as one in something you can actually wear out of the house. Snuggies, we banish you. This Gathered Hoodie Dress by local designer Emily Ryan is so freakin adorable (and chic! and cool!)—we plan on living in it. Available in sizes small, medium, and large at emilyryan.etsy.com. |
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| 2 | Snappy Shots Our grandparents took lots of Polaroids… we have one on our bulletin board right now… it’s Mom and Grandma sitting on folding chairs by a lake, circa 1962. Our love for the medium is true blue, especially once we spied Amaren Colosi’s artful takes on vintage Polaroid collages. Whimsy, glamour, humor, even a touch of sauciness… oh how we adore her photographer’s eye! See Colosi’s collages in person at the Local Goods grand opening, or visit her website. Grandma would be so impressed. |
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| 3 | Smooches! We’re already fighting dryness and dullness (um… we mean on our faces… not our lives in general… that’s another issue) and it hasn’t even dipped below 50 degrees outside. So what’s a girl to do? Moisturize, sure, but the key? Exfoliate. That’s where the sassy scrubs from Villainess come in. We’re lately obsessing about “Shanghaied Smooch,” a brightening, gentle blend of rice bran and bamboo that’s sure to bring out the springtime glow on your kisser. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shop, Sip, Save at Essence Interiors A good hostess knows that planning in advance is key. Essence Interiors is throwing a two-day holiday soiree, so you can stock up on holiday gifts. Save 20% off purchases of $100 or more, or save 20% off all fragrant Votivo, Seda France, and Aquiesse candles. Find beautiful European antiquities and reproductions, decorative lighting, needlepoint pillows… and more! What: Essence Interiors Holiday Savings Soiree |
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| 2 | 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 5 people to email Denise@bravoportland.com will receive complimentary tickets. What: Bravo! Wedding Affair |
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| 3 | Look Beyond the Everyday We all enjoy window shopping, but photographer Victoria Bjorklund takes it to another level. Her Glass Figments series of black and white photographs invites you to look into the windows and experience a place where reality ends and your own imagination begins. The best part? All of her photographs are of actual shop windows here in Portland and Seattle! What: Victoria Bjorklund photography exhibit |
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| 4 | A Mighty Fine Wine Event Salut! Wine Outlet is taking over the Jupiter Hotel’s courtyard to offer a “Squatter’s Wine Tasting” of up to 100 wines—which are all on sale for one day only at 25% off! Plus: score Riedel Crystal at closeout prices. Purchase a ticket (to taste 15 different selections) or just pop in and shop. (Pre-pay group tickets and save!) What: Salut! Wine Outlet one-day sale |
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| 6 | Help the Pixie Project Celebrate 2 Years! The Pixie Project—a nonprofit that provides animal adoption in a nurturing environment and affordable access to spay/neuter services—is celebrating their second birthday and 1,000 adoptions! Enjoy a casual evening of cocktails, wine, delicious food, a live and silent auction, and a raffle for a 3-night stay for two at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. What: Pixie Project Benefit Auction & Fundraiser |
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Have you checked out www.PortlandPicksforMen.com? We strongly suggest that you just sign up the guys in your life on their website—it’s free—and a PPFM subscription means they never have to guess about where to Eat, Shop or Hang Out again… it’s like a man’s manual to PDX! |
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