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November 20th, 2009
I’m OK, You’re OK. Our mama raised us to believe that nothing was impossible, the world was our oyster, and that movie-star crushes were hooey—growing up we had art on our walls, not posters of Ricky Schroeder or Bon Jovi. (We still might have a little chip on our shoulders about that. Anyhoo.) Overall though, mom’s empowering belief in us instilled some serious mojo. Sure, we are wallflowers or self-doubters on occasion (who hasn’t been there?), but we also have innate confidence in our abilities. So we have to be honest—since we are always, of all things, honest with you. We’ve been hearing from some of our readers that they’d like to see more positive messages about female body image on Portland Picks. Here’s what’s funny—we thought we already did that! Between our “T.M.I” sharing and the way we poke fun at ourselves and our daily struggles, we kind of saw Portland Picks as an open forum for all things girly and grrrly, and a way to share the love and the pain with a good-natured laugh. But there’s always room for improvement. We have to learn and change and open our minds or else… jeeze… how boring and icky would we be? So let’s get it on! Email us at picks@portlandpicks.com—tell us about that first moment you felt empowered as a woman—we’d love to know what makes you tick! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Make an Effervescent Statement When we’re in serious need of European flair and sophistication, we sashay to Bubble Boutique’s new location in the Pearl. The shop is a veritable Parisian atelier, where chandeliers sparkle and an in-the-know staff shows us the latest trends. We oohed and ahhed over impossibly soft cashmere sweatercoats and scarves from Rodika Zanian. We pictured ourselves in striking weekday ensembles of wool suiting by Iris and feminine shirtdresses by Charli. And jewelry? We fell hard for the new Luc Kieffer collection of chunky, candy-colored bangles and rings, crafted from Lucite, precious metals and Swarovski Crystals. With the party season just weeks away, dresses are the object du jour. Bubble carries the freshest styles from Kyumi and Shyde—gorgeous silk frocks with exquisite tailoring. New holiday apparel is arriving, so be sure to check in often to find that perfect statement piece. You’ll be sure to shine when it’s time to pop the bubbly. Bubble Boutique1100 NW Glisan St. Portland, OR 97209 503.219.0098 www.bubbleboutique.com |
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| 2 | Sweet Spot Before it gets bitterly cold and wet outside—giving us no choice but to trade in our fitted leather bombers for Gore-Tex, LBDs for LBLs (long black layers) and bouncy blown-out tresses for frizzy flatness—we’ve been going out. And going out often to Candy, the Pearl District’s hottest bar. Louboutin-red sofas, a recessionista-approved menu and nightly entertainment combine to create a swank-but-not-scene-y spot to hit up ASAP. By day, find professionals lunching on comfort food and multitasking via tabletop WiFi touch-screens. From 3–7, happy hour is abuzz, with notable nibbles like $2 tempura-fried green beans. Weekends, however, are our favorite. After 9 pm, the deliciously cool lounge packs a decidedly hip, smartly dressed crowd of 30-somethings. Dim lights, a live DJ and chic cocktails will have you cutting tile on the dance floor, while intimate lounges provide the ideal retreat when your feet can’t take anymore. By night’s end, you’ll welcome the idea of a week to recuperate. Until you hear about Candy’s Spicy Salsa Sundays… and a second wind has you shimmying back the following day. Candy Ultra Lounge and Bistro Bar |
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| 3 | Inspired Holiday Style We just bought our fourth new scarf of the season. Not a new jacket, blouse or pants… but a scarf. It’s a great little piece—we figure it will disguise our old tee-shirts and make our sweaters look fresh, but even those who don’t know our Fashionista Cred will certainly see through our silky smokescreen. So in an effort to look our best, and save time and money (no more returns—can you imagine getting it right the first time?), we are calling Inspire Style. Whether you need a certain look for a special event, a seasonal update, a total wardrobe revamp (you know who you are, Ms. Secret Stirrup Pants) or just want to look “put together,” their team of experts can make your wardrobe dreams a reality. A Closet Review or a day of Partner Shopping might be the perfect holiday gift for yourself, your BFF with the new job, or your sister Susan who has lived in sweatpants since the second baby. (Tell them Portland Picks sent you for special holiday pricing!) Inspire Style |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Lucky Star These days it costs $11 to see a movie, but we’d rather put eleven dollars to better use—by snapping up a Lucky Penny Pendant, new from Littleputbooks. These adorable pendants are made from stunning images and upcycled pennies, and arrive in their own 50-cent coin roll. Absolutely darling! We suggest you stock up for holiday gifts—purchase three or more, type in the coupon code “PP” under “message to seller,” and get a free Ribbon Necklace! |
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| 2 | Indulge the Green Fairy We never got on board the Absinthe-sippin’ bandwagon… we don’t like black licorice (don’t judge) and frankly we get enough of a buzz from caffeine… we’re not ready for a “French artiste” experience with our booze. However, that won’t stop us from enjoying Absinthe. This gorgeously rich Absinthe soap from locally-based Arcana is a luxurious way to get your green fairy on without the hangover or the moral collapse. Available at Camellia Pure Beauty. |
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| 3 | Briefs in a Box We can’t help but think of that now-famous SNL skit (thank you, J.T.), but these Briefs in a Box are for him, not for you. Oh wait, maybe they are for you. Hooray. Beefcake. Briefs in a Box, created by PantybyPost.com, are perfect for Chanukah, Xmas and Valentine’s Day, and if you send them an email with your order number and mention Portland Picks, they’ll credit your account with free shipping (until Feb. 14, 2010). Ah, the benefits of reading Portland Picks! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Ellington Holiday Sample Sale What: Ellington Holiday Sample Sale |
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| 2 | Shop the Irvington Artisan Market The holidays are coming! Find something for everyone on your list at the Irvington Artisan Market tomorrow—from jewelry to home décor, photography to apparel, beauty products, baby products and more. More than 25 local artisans will be there, and you can join the Handmade Revolution. Mention Portland Picks—you might get a discount! What: Irvington Artisan Market |
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| 3 | Hyatt Place is Here! Who could have predicted that Cascade Station would be a tourist destination? The brand new Hyatt Place just opened—the first Hyatt in Oregon—and it’s just off the MAX line. You’ll find special features like the Hyatt Grand Bed and Plug & Play Media Center in every guest room, and special rates from $79 a night! Hello, staycation? What: Hyatt Place Portland Airport/Cascade Station Grand Opening |
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| 4 | Let’s Toast to Dinner at Toast As breakfast junkies, we don’t think about having dinner at our favorite brunch joints. So when we popped into Toast for dinner, we were amazed to find fresh, local ingredients, sophisticated presentations, gracious service, and a fab little wine list. No need to dress up—it’s still homey, laid-back Toast with reasonable prices—but with some seriously impressive entrees. What: Dinner at Toast |
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| 5 | 31st Annual Duniway Holiday Home Tour Want to see inside those gracious homes in Eastmoreland? Check out the Duniway Elementary Holiday Home Tour. Enjoy home viewings and a Holiday Boutique featuring local vendors. Tickets available at: Duniway Elementary, New Seasons Market on Tacoma, Jill’s Hallmark on Woodstock, The Jealous Gardener, and all Chrisman Picture Frame & Gallery Locations. What: 31st Annual Duniway Holiday Home Tour |
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| 6 | Women in Business Holiday Showcase Round up the gals and head to the 4th Women’s Business Holiday Showcase tomorrow. Enjoy a little shopping while supporting 45+ local women and the Oregon Food Bank. All proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank. This fun event is free to the public… and of course, men are welcome! What: Women's Business Holiday Showcase |
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| 7 | Hello, Meringue, Goodbye, Heart Meringue’s upcoming open houses are another reason to shop and adore. Bring the family and record a 7-second video of yourselves dancing, jumping, laughing (etc.) and they’ll turn it into a paper flipbook right on the spot! Makes a great gift—as does everything at Meringue. For every $100 gift card purchased, receive a $25 gift card for yourself! What: Meringue Open House |
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We love you just the way you are. Just wanted you to know that. xoxoxo |
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