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November 13th, 2009
Sometimes we do dumb stuff. Certainly we’re old enough to know better than to behave a certain way, and if our friends told us they were in the same predicament we’d totally advise them to handle things differently, but there we go, forging ahead with pig-headed stupidity. Wow. Wow! Haven’t we figured this stuff out by now? It’s difficult to own up to our imperfections (well, unless we’re at a boot-camp class, where it’s impossible to ignore the bouncing booty-flesh as we do jumping pull-ups. Ouch.), but we have them. And to make it all more annoying? We’re just a little bit (an eensy teensy bit) controlling. We’re working on it. Not there yet. But working. Now… you read this, and enjoy! Ha! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Shop On When we moved to Portland, we didn’t care about clothes or accessories. We had one or two pairs of sensible work shoes, a couple (sensible) bags, and a few necklaces our mom donated to us from her working days. Now? We’re the shopping Hyde to our former apathetic Jekyll. We have more clothes and accessories than we know what to do with. We often feel like we’re on a non-stop track toward ruin… “If you don’t stop soon, your closet will cave in!” Enter yet one more Portland boutique to feed our need: Paseo. Not only is Paseo chock full of handmade, natural-fiber and artisan-crafted clothing from Argentina, they also taunt us with gorgeously unique jewelry and unusual artwork. While we were able to show some restraint while scoping this brand new store, we are definitely going back for one of the scarves we found. Decorated in soft fabrics, coppers, silvers and chunky conversation-piece jewelry, no doubt Paseo will draw you in the second you enter. And closet cave-in or not, we’ve got our eye on Paseo … already dreaming about that new alpaca wrap! |
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| 2 | Asian Persuasion We're not really the pub type. Don't get us wrong, we know Portland's pub scene is different than most (that's just how we do things in Portland). But still. The very word "pub" is just so, well, unglamorous. But when Anju opened, calling itself "an Asian Pub," we were definitely intrigued. Taking over the old Nutshell space on N. Williams, Anju's Korean- and Japanese-inspired "small plates," along with house-infused soju and an impressive saké list, make Anju just the type of place where we want to spend a chilly fall evening. We were especially smitten with the spicy shrimp cakes and soy dipping sauce, though the kimchi pancakes and fried mushroom dumplings with spinach and feta were also pretty amazing. Oh, and the spice brioche donuts with cinnamon ice cream? OMG. With landfood, seafood, and vegetarian options, the small (in stature) dishes are big on flavor. Though small plates are generally meant for sharing, we couldn't resist keeping it all to ourselves. Anju changed our perception of the pub world, and we'll definitely be back for more. Anju |
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| 3 | Branching Out Many moons (and roommates) ago, we used to go to this one card store on the corner in our old nabe. This was our entertainment some nights. No, really. We were broke and this store had cards that would—swear!—make us laugh so hard that we were totally crying and just about peeing. We remember the shop fondly (but that roommate… much less so). So how have we missed Branches in Westmoreland? A signature snarky selection, this: birthday cards to make us snicker, hilarious magnets that we snatched up, tons of options for gifting (or keeping and putting on your own fridge), and Christmas cards that range from the festive to the facetious. Yes, the holidays are upon us (come on, you know it’s inevitable) and Branches has all kinds of stocking-stuffers and Secret Santa snark that will serve us well in Yuletide time… or any time for that matter. Coupled with insanely reasonable prices for all the merch, and much more to come as the holidays approach, it’s card-heaven. We’re so in. Branches |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Move Over, Nancy Sinatra Summer is definitely our favorite season, but fall is a close second—simply for the clothes. Chunky sweaters, cozy coats, and the boots… oh, the boots! This year, thanks to the “R” word, there are no new boots in our closet, but we have found a way to make the old “new” again. The 2 Bandits dress up your boots with bands that slide over them—from embellished, metallic and Ikat print bands to Native American-inspired designs, chains and jewels. Kickin. |
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| 2 | Those Amazing Animals We have a weak spot for uncommon interpretations of the ordinary, especially when it comes to our beloved pets. Phoenix-based artist Laurel Morley is brilliant, offering original paintings of your furry friends in Elizabethan or Renaissance costumes. Check out her online shop for a taste of her amazing talent! |
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| 3 | Science is Sacrifice We've been hearing for some time that science-inspired fashions are so hawt right now. Good news for all of us brainy Periodic Table-lovin' types. Someone passed along this gem before we could say Bunsen Burner. This evening bag is crafted from 500 post-consumer pop tops. It has a zip closure, and comes in a futuristic metallic silver. It also comes in a giant tote and a small cosmetic clutch. Get your gift/art on. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | 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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| 2 | Wine Country Thanksgiving Forget football: Visit more than 160 Willamette Valley wineries and tasting rooms during the 27th annual Wine Country Thanksgiving. Whether you’re a fan of Pinot Noir or Pinot Gris (or Pinot Blanc, or Riesling…) you can meet the vintners, enjoy holiday festivities, sample new releases/older vintages, enjoy gourmet food pairings, live music, carriage rides and even special savings. |
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| 3 | Make Magic at the Benson Hotel We fully embraced the “staycation” this year, so we’re trying to decide between two amazing packages at the Benson Hotel. “Holiday Sip N’ Slippers” (wine tasting, Van Duyn Chocolates and take-home bamboo slippers, $169), or “Shop the Pearl” ($169) with a Pearl Pass of discounts, a “Pearl-tini” in the Palm Court and access to a personal shopping consultant. Choices! What: Holiday packages at the Benson Hotel |
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| 4 | Egg Press, Eleven Collection, Picaflor & Babystar! Join Egg Press, Eleven Collection and Picaflor at their annual Holiday Sample Sale! Egg Press letterpress cards for $1, card bundles $5 each and screen-printed tees while you wait; shoes for little travelers from Eleven Collection ($25 each/$40 two pair); and kids’ knitwear from Picaflor ($5–$25). Don’t miss Baby Star on Friday—organic baby/toddler essentials at 50%–80% off! What: Holiday Sample Sale |
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| 5 | Garnish Clothing Drive + Party! We love the girly designs at Garnish, and they’re kicking off their holiday clothing drive with a shindig! Enjoy live music and drinks, and bring in one item (or more) of lightly used clothing for women, men or children for 20% off your purchase that evening! Ten percent of the sale will go to Hope Dolls. (The drive continues through Dec. 10.) What: Garnish Clothing Drive Party |
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| 6 | HIP Furniture’s Big Fall Sale We love Hip Furniture—they’re never looked better! Furniture fanatics can’t get enough, and you’re invited to their Big Fall Sale. New lines, new looks—new ideas for living and entertaining. Save 10% up to $1499; 15% off up to $1999; and 20% over $2000—ALOS Style Garage items on sale, plus stock & special orders. Now that’s hip. What: Hip Furniture’s Big Fall Sale |
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| 7 | RSVP for the Eco-Elegant Wedding Show! What’s more Portland than a Green wedding? How about a beautiful Green wedding? See fabulous wedding fashions and design at the Eco-Elegant Wedding Show, featuring some of Portland’s premier wedding vendors—all of whom are committed to providing eco-friendly/sustainable options for local brides and grooms. Photography, invitations, venues, caterers, salons, event planners… they’re all here! What: Eco-Elegant Wedding Show |
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| 8 | The Vanity Fair: An Evening of Glamour! |
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| 9 | Grand Opening Party Tonight at Mia’s Mia's boutique has moved! Join them tonight to celebrate the grand opening of their beautiful new store at Riverplace Promenade. (Bet you can’t resist Anne Ferriday, David Kahn Jeans, Charlotte Tarantola, Hanky Panky, Francesco Biasia, Hype Handbags and much more.) Don’t fret about what to wear—they’ll outfit you there. Bonus—free Hanky Panky panties with purchase! What: Mia’s Grand Opening Cocktail Party |
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