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November 25, 2011 Here we go! The holiday season officially starts now. So before you panic and start ordering “Forever Lazy” suits for everyone you know, take a deep breath and check out the Hip Happenings below… we have everything from gift ideas to the tree lighting in Jamison Square to the Holiday Ale Festival to make your season bright. Also: If you’re single during the holidays, maybe we can help you change that. There’s a matchmaking event next week and yes, details are below in Hip Happenings. (And btw: We feel you, sister. Being “holiday single” is probably in one of Dante’s circles of hell. Unless you just kicked that commitment-phobe/emotional babyman to the curb, and then it’s the Best Holiday Ever. Yay.) |
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| Fierce and Fashionable
We love coats and hate that none of our favorites are rain-friendly. Inevitably, our carefully chosen outfits end up shrouded by a Mt. Hood-ready parka. Our search for pretty, wearable, super-dry rainwear ended when we met Hillary Day. Ms. Day’s line of raincoats is a technical marvel and totally compatible with cute ensembles. A couple years ago, Hillary set out to make a raincoat that is tailored, fashionable, simple … and bone-dry in a torrential downpour (aka, any given winter day in Portland). Just in time for dreary days and festive holiday dresses, she’s opened a bright, airy, studio/retail space to showcase her fab outerwear. There are four gorgeous styles in the collection, each made from impenetrable Swiss fabric, in sleek colors, and expertly constructed. The Party Wrap is the perfect evening coat, the Modern Trench is a gorgeous take on a classic, and Hoody is a high-style everyday parka. We have a personal predilection for the Origami Empire style, perfect for everyday and elegant enough to hit the town. Turns out, the perfect coat makes a perfect outfit totally optional. Hillary Day |
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| La Vie en Rose
We adore the simple elegance of a Parisian café as much as we dig the relaxed charm of Portland’s many foodie haunts. But even in the Rose City—bastion of craft roasteries and farm-fresh cuisine—too many coffee shops and bakeries feel decidedly blah (or as the French say, le blah). Cookie-cutter décor at the chains never succeed in making us feel we’re in a cozy den. Even some local spots ring more “sterile” than “sophisticated.” And let’s not even talk about the stale, mass-produced lumps passing for pastries in some cases. Nuvrei Pâtisserie and Café is a modern, airy oasis, borrowing elements from both Portland and Paris. No fussy faux-Francophile bows or fleur-de-lis here, just easy sophistication and fresh berry brioche. Their signature menu item sums up the simple-done-ridiculously-well mentality: authentic, colorful Parisian Macarons (not the American-style heavy, coconut monstrosities). Our highly recommended Nuvrei morning routine: mouthwatering breakfast (served all day) or lunch, a newspaper from their wall racks, and Pearl District people-watching. No time to linger? Purchase a take-home loaf of crusty goodness or a half-dozen sweet rewards. Nuvrei Pâtisserie |
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Bad Girls' Club In high school we were more preppy than punk—we liked polo players on our shirts and James Taylor on the boom box. Fast forward to now: we’re flirting with more subversive tendencies. Turns out our wild side really likes pretty things, and Rebel Jeweler has plenty. Rebel’s display cases are packed with tasty baubles—chunky chains with dramatic pendants and spikes, and awesome earrings for men and women. But big n’ bold isn’t for everyone. We fell hard for pavé hoop earrings, delicate chains with revolver charms, and stackable rings that say “Single,” “Taken,” and a word we can’t print, but fits us to a tee. You won’t find Rebel’s offerings anywhere else in Oregon, including killer watches by Alpina, sleek industrial designs by Lisa Nic, and punk-but-hip offerings by King Baby Studios. As if the jewelry wasn’t enough, Rebel hosts super fun parties (check their facebook page) and they offer customers PBR, boxed wine, or Red Bull for browsing sustenance. (We might just move in.) So long, high school. Hello, bad girl in good jewelry. |
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| Get Gorgeous Hair
We don’t color our hair. We like the grays, we’re too lazy for regular upkeep, and frankly we’re afraid of making drastic changes to our head. That all changed when we met the sweet-as-pie stylist Kelly Peach—just in from L.A. and new to 220 Salon! She came straight from Fred Segal’s salon (hello, fashion pedigree!) and specializes in Ombre… which is kind of like dip-dyeing your ends for maximum style and minimum touchups. How much do we love that? |
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| SPONSORED CONTENT | ||
The Star Treatment We’re jealous of celebrities who have trainers and chefs to help them stay fit and trim. We’re too busy to sit down most days, so maybe meal delivery is the way to go. But what’s earth-friendly, fresh, delicious and affordable? We want it all! Farm to Fit delivers to your home or office (at $7–$10 a meal it costs less than going out to lunch). Yummy, locally sourced food is perfectly portioned for calorie-controlled diets, and made by a local chef! |
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The Kid Stays in the Picture Kids grow up so fast! By the time our little brother came along our parents were burned out—we have a full baby book, but he only warranted a half-dozen Polaroids. Clearly, they needed a professional to document our lives. Amaren Colosi Photography captures babies and children at their most unassuming—no staged photos or hokey roll-up backdrops. It’s like a window into childhood that only she can see through… she finds the wonderful moments, so they last forever. |
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| Holiday Ale Festival: Beer Tents!
We promise you won’t freeze, even though you’ll be drinking cold beer! The 16th annual Holiday Ale Festival starts on Wednesday! Enjoy IPAs, Belgians, barleywines, plus winter warmers, porters and stouts that are specially crafted for the festival or hard-to-find vintages. We suggest going VIP—$50 for a mug, 20 taster tickets & access to VIP lines. Prost! What: Holiday Ale Festival |
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| Be There for the Tree-Lighting!
Enjoy a magical evening in the Pearl District when a Make-A-Wish child lights the tree at Jamison Square tomorrow. Enjoy a small-town atmosphere with twinkling lights, joyful carolers, warm cocoa from Lovejoy Bakers, cookies and satsuma from Whole Foods, and many more surprises. It’s also the kickoff for the Holidays in the Pearl Window Tour! What: Pearl District Tree Lighting |
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| Find the Pear-fect Gift on Sunday!
Stop by Mississippi Studios to scoop up something locally made for everyone on your list. Artists are donating 10% of their sales to p:ear, and Mississippi Studios will donate 100% of food proceeds to p:ear (there will be breakfast sandwiches and happy hour specials all day long). Sip a cocktail while finding the perfect gift! What: Gift Bag and a Pear Tree |
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| Let Lorenz Matchmaking Match You!
Being single in Portland isn’t easy—it’s a small pond. Rachel Lorenz of Lorenz Matchmaking represents men—so you just have to show up! Monday she’s hosting a Ladies’ Night Out for a screening of “New Year’s Eve,” followed by an after-party at Split Dine & Drink. To attend, send a short bio & photo to rachaelrlorenz@hotmail.com! What: Lorenz Matchmaking’s Ladies’ Night Out |
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