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July 16, 2010
You know how there’s that little note sometimes announcing that an actor has been replaced on a soap opera? “The role of Shirtless Male Love Interest is being played by Brick Abmaster.” That’s kind of how we feel about our lives. Things are changing at a breakneck pace, and all we can do is play along while trying to stick to the script. It’s enough to send lesser souls into an alcoholic orbit. (We’ve taken a few trips to the moon, but are mostly planted on terra firma, just in case you were concerned.) Anyhoo, here’s how we’re really coping: We are trying even more new things. Shakin’ it all up in there. We’re going on day hikes (with plenty of all-natural mosquito repellent—we currently have so many bites that we’re positive we have malaria), trying new restaurants (wait ’til you see what we have on our list this summer!), and playing with new style ideas. (A pretty scarf as a hair accessory: Yes. Shooties: No! No-no-no!) Um. In any case, wish us luck. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Sweetness and Light We love to watch local artists grow their businesses, and back in February when we featured Pigeon Toe Ceramics, we had no idea they had big plans in the works! What they’ve done is open a sweet little studio/shop at 7th Avenue and Morrison, open Wednesdays–Sundays. It’s an adorable window into how the ceramics are made, and a lovely opportunity to pick up a few choice pieces. To complement the ceramics, there are precious terrariums, graphic tea towels, letterpress greeting cards and a few other pretty pretty items, all artfully displayed on rustic wood shelves. The space is going to evolve over the next few months as the selection grows—look for wall sconces to hold air plants, more textiles (handmade by an in-house artist) and other exciting developments. Feel free to stop in to pick up a gift for yourself, or someone else deserving of something local, handmade, and extremely special. (In case you were wondering, we couldn’t leave without an air plant in a tiny little vessel. What a precious work of art!) Pigeon Toe Ceramics |
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| 2 | Our Favorite Things We love to name favorites, and after having a blast at the Oregon Lavender Festival last weekend we decided that lavender wins Favorite Multi-Purpose Flowering Plant. It’s pretty, it smells nice and it doesn’t take much love to survive and thrive. You can even bake with it! Who knew? We learned all about lavender’s edible qualities all up close and personal at the new Ruby Jewel Scoops ice cream shop while sampling a signature ice cream flavor, Honey Lavender. Organic and sweet, not only was this scoop bursting with tongue-friendly flavor, but so were the other scoops we sampled: Vegan Cherry Almond Ice, Banana Cream Pie, and so on. Don’t judge, we needed to form an opinion. Made famous from their use of natural and mostly locally sourced ingredients, and by their make-your-own ice cream sandwich cart at local farmer’s markets, Ruby Jewel is now available 7 days a week on N. Mississippi Avenue. Lavender may have earned one favorite title this week, but we think a new one is in order: Favorite Lose-Our-Senses-Delicious Ice Cream Store: Ruby Jewel Scoops! Ruby Jewel Scoops |
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| 3 | Not Your Average Coffeehouse In any case, drinking coffee is a local-only endeavor that’s not only easy to do, but extremely enjoyable, especially in the case of the brand new Barista coffeehouse on Alberta. It’s absolutely genius—from the olde-tyme-saloon-ish décor (think turn-of-the-century lighting, flocked wallpaper and dark wood) to the exceptional menu offerings (they make their mochas with Vahlrona chocolate—we didn’t know whether to sip it or take a bath in it). And their espressos surpass “ordinary” Stumptown coffee shots and enter a caramel-y, blissful realm of perfection. Truly, Barista is a reason to take local-only to heart. Just be nice. And tell them Portland Picks sent you. Barista |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Summer of Style “Working with Sara is like hanging out with your girlfriend—an honest, knowledgeable and stylish girlfriend.” ~ Elyse If that’s not a glowing recommendation, we don’t know what is! Do you ever spot a fashionable woman and wonder, “How does she pull it all together?” Sara Dahlquist, Wardrobe Stylist, has the answers. Whether you’re looking to understand how to dress for your body type, revamp your whole wardrobe, or find something perfect for an important occasion, Sara can make it happen for you. Sara Dahlquist |
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| 2 | Be Still Our Hearts As much as we adore the idea of a clutch, we just can’t get behind them for our own purposes. We like big bags—even at night. And ever since we spotted the newest Lockheart bags at Mink boutique, we feel giddy, silly, and bold—apparently, we’ve fallen in love. They’re the most gorgeous Italian leather, with the absolute sexiest details. Day or night, our new “It” bag is here! (Find the one you love, and tell them Portland Picks sent you!) Lockheart Handbags at Mink |
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| 3 | Want It, Want It, Want It We were at the Mississippi Street Fair last Saturday, and despite the lure of grilled corn and margaritas, we “somehow” made it down the street to check out all the vendors. And what stopped us in our tracks? A collage. It was whimsical and just plain wonderful, and Trinity Lee Designs had a whole array of sweet artworks that were begging to be taken home and adored. We especially loved the birds made of sheet music, as if they were singing. Color us smitten. www.trinityleedesigns.blogspot.com |
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| Local Designer of the Week: | |||
Jewelry is our favorite accessory—but sometimes it’s not exactly what we want. What’s a girl to do? Check out Alisha Louise Designs. Her slightly mod, totally loveable necklaces and earrings are available in chic enamels, and you choose the color! Deep aqua, peacock, sage and mint will pop your neutrals; black, brown, gray, white and cream are wardrobe staples, and pink, orange (and more!) add sass. Shop online and use the code pdxpicks10 for 25% off all month! www.alishalouise.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Four Funky Years at Gypsy Chic! Put some rock & roll in your wardrobe at Gypsy Chic’s Anniversary Sale! Save 20% off regular items, plus an extra 15% off sale items! Synergy dresses, sexy jumpers, Gypsy Chic’s own line of dresses and skirt/pants, and amazing accessories. Gypsy Chic has been bringing the funk for 4 years! Congratulate them, shop, and show your love. What: Gypsy Chic 4-Year Anniversary Sale |
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| 2 | Summer Sale at Pie Footwear Attention shoe fanatics: Pie Footwear’s Annual Summer Sale is bringing savings of 20–65% off men’s and women’s shoes this weekend! The sidewalk will be buzzing with deals on your favorite eco-conscious styles—Pie brings the fashion in sustainable shoes—even vegan. And now you can save on all your summer favorites! What: Annual Summer (Shoe) Sale |
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| 3 | Mercantile: Vince Trunk Show!
We have two favorite items in our closet, and one of them is by Vince. So what’s our plan? Get more Vince! And Mercantile’s Vince Trunk Show is on our calendar—it’s their biggest Vince trunk show ever (they have the largest Vince selection in town), and everyone who shops during the show gets $25 off their Vince purchase! What: Vince Trunk Show |
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| 4 | Get Pretty at Ste. Maine We’re not just talking about Ste. Maine’s gorgeous home-accessories and gift items… they’re partnering once again with Soleil Medical & Beauty Spa for Botox at $10/unit with Dr. Kathleen Myers! Enjoy wine, treats, and free raffles as you get a little something for your face… and for your home, as well. (Bet you can’t resist!) What: Ste. Maine/Soleil Summer Botox Event |
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| 5 | Posh Baby Sidewalk Sale
With three baby showers on our calendar, finding the perfect gift for each baby/mama is a challenge. Thank goodness for Posh Baby’s Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Save up to 70% off their spectacular array of adorable, sweet, safe, practical, decorative, and even eco-conscious items. (It’s part of the Pearl Sidewalk Sale, but Posh Baby is our #1 destination!) What: Posh Baby + Posh Boutique Sidewalk Sale |
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| 6 | Exclusive Fashion Event at The Limited! Join The Limited and best-selling author/career expert Nicole Williams for an exclusive fashion party! Enjoy cocktails, dessert and a fashion show of the latest wear-to-work styles, chosen by Nicole to help you succeed. Enter to win a $250 gift card, save 40% off purchases during the event, and 50% with purchase of her book, “Girl on Top.” What: Exclusive Fashion Event—You’re Invited! |
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| 7 | Meet the Artists—Get Local! Jewelry, handbags, ceramics, artworks—these words that make our hearts pound! And the Summer Art Sale brings several talented and amazing local artists together for one day. Find original pieces by Nicole Curcio, Sean McFerren, Jeni Lee, Otto Designs Jewelry, Miel-Margarita Peredes, Molly A. Bailen, Audra Santillo, Nikki McFerren, and Caitlin Lash. What: Summer Art Sale |
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| 8 | Egg Press Sample Sale is Back! Happiness is… Egg Press + Picaflor kids + Eleven Collection's Summer Sample Sale! Find incredible specials on lots of new styles of clothing and shoes for babies and kids, Egg Press letterpress cards for $1 each, shoes for little travelers from Eleven Collection ($25 each/$40 two pair); and kids’ knitwear from Picaflor, sizes P–7/8y ($5–$25 per piece). What: Summer Sample Sale |
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