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Portland Picks.
The Oscars, oh the Oscars! They are coming up and we adore them! We love
to watch the pomp and ceremony, the red carpet, the flashbulb silhouettes,
and all those dreamy men (especially our very fave Jude Law in, cross fingers,
Cold Mountain); we go weak with all the glitz and glamour. We hope you are
getting together with your friends for this huge event! And if you are, you
must dress totally glamorous and pretend to be a star, because to us, you
absolutely are!
But you must first purchase your extravagant gown, even if you are just
home alone, or going to your girlfriend’s house!!!! You don’t
need to spend obscene amounts of money for the Oscars, for cryin’ out
loud, to be fabulous (but don’t tell Charlize Theron or Nicole Kidman.
Shhhh!). You only need to enter Matisse on Northeast Broadway. They
will take one look at you, cast your self-imposed dress requirements aside,
and choose the most perfect glam outfit for you (and vintage handbag, and
necklace, and silk Asian coat, and ...)
 Matisse
is such a hidden morsel. It's a gem, a treasure trove. What makes this place
is the shop’s owners and all the delightful folks who work here. They
get to know you instantly, they pick things for you that you would immediately
otherwise cast aside, until you try them on, again and again, and love yourself
in everything that they’ve chosen for you. And then you love them all,
and miss them soon after you leave. Matisse gets the Academy Award! And you
will gush as you thank them for the work of art they have created in you!
Just like a Matisse!
Matisse. 1411 NE Broadway, Portland, Oregon 503.287.5414
Pamper Picks:
Ahhh, there’s no greater reward at the end of a long hectic day than
a quiet, warm bath. From the first moment your toes touch the water’s
surface, you can feel yourself start to unwind. Soaking yourself in isolation
and locking out the rest of the world, even for just 15 priceless minutes,
is worth all the anticipation to get you to this moment.
If you only have this one chance, you must make it perfectly worthwhile.
The Perfect Bath.
 First,
start with Tub Tea. Urbane Zen in The Pearl or Lake Oswego has Tub
Tea. Loose fragrant tea of chamomile, jasmine and other bits of calming
herbs to clean and relax you as you soak away your cares.
Or for a real knock-out experience, try our all-time bath-time fave: Welcome
to the boudoir of Femme Fatale! Bath and body delectables fit for
any femme with a taste for old-fashioned glamour. Femme Fatale brings back
indulgence for the femme du jour with a penchant for pink martinis, vintage
slingbacks and French knickers a’ la the 40’s bombshell screen
sirens. So kick off your kitten heels and enjoy...
To enhance the mood, you might light a lovely Dyptique candle and pour
yourself a glass of Cabernet (or heck, why not a pink martini?) Or
you might add a little twist of Lemon  and
Sage Softening Soak from Bliss (spa in NYC), lie back, shut
your eyes, and bliss out! Until inevitably you hear the pitter-patter of
little feet. “Mommy, can I come in?”
After your relaxing soak, dry off and spray on some Donna Karan Cashmere
Mist Body Powder. Leave skin pampered and protected in pure luxury, for
skin as soft as your favorite cashmere sweater (from Nordstrom.)
If you really-really-really need that bath, but can’t find the alone
time. No problemo. Run away from it all to the Avalon Spa. And why not, Princess?
You are worthy! (Repeat after me, “I am worthy, I am worthy...”)
Here you’ll have complete privacy, and a decadent warm Rose Bath drawn
for you and only you... .a luxurious sanctum of well-deserved calm .
Thirty uninterrupted precious minutes. So sit back and relax, unwind, and
enjoy total peace. Clear your head of all your worries, and smile to yourself
knowing it is your husband’s turn to put the kids to bed. Avalon
Hotel & Spa, 0455 SW Hamilton Ct., Portland; 503.802.5200
Portland Chick Picks:
- Gracie's - a little boutique, hidden away on A avenue
in Lake Oswego.
 Their
Spring line has arrived and with it, a couple of new designers with a retro
tilt. We especially love the pink and orange vertically striped 60’s
capris.
They are so groovy! (They also carry some of Emily Jane's Jewels,
which speaks volumes).
- Banana Republic has the sweetest silk frill top and other ladylike
tops and tees to load up on for your spring vacation. 340 SW Morrison
St.
- The Coach store has the New COACH HAMPTONS SUEDE FIELD BAG.
Great with jeans. Course, we like the suede and pink one best.
Pioneer Place, 5th and Morrison.
 Tan
Towels - these are so cool. You can easily wipe them on for a quick
and natural fake-on tan. They are so convenient, easy to apply. Just pop
them in your purse and use them when you’re feeling a bit pasty. And
the clean fragrance dissipates in 5 minutes. They are safe and allergy tested.
Very fun new must-have!
Available at www.apothia.com- We are sick of spending enormous globs of money to no avail. We are tired
of pussyfooting around. We want a magic pill, damn it! Or at least cut to
the chase, and have someone tell us what really works to help us retain our
youthful beauty. (Course at the same time we wouldn’t want anyone to
know we’ve done a thing.) Well, we have learned that what really works
is microdermabrasion, but you have to commit. You have to do it 4 to 6 times,
once every week or every other week to see immediate results and reap even
further youthful rewards 6 months down the road. Our favorite comes from
an experienced Doctor. Dr. Douglas Key at The Key Laser Institute.
We like to go with the pros. This experience is still as relaxing as a facial,
with real results. And while you’re there you might as well just ask
him about that “other stuff.” And then just pretend it’s
all in your good genes! (Tell them Portland Picks sent you.) 9555 S.W.
Barnes Rd., Suite 390; 503-291-1953
- Have you checked out the Beauty Bar at Wild Oats in Northeast Portland/15th?
They have a salad-bar-like display of natural masks (also used by the salon);
Yogurts, muds, and other natural products sold in bulk. You can scoop as
little or as much as you’d like. We tried a few at home and they were
really fun. They keep awhile in the fridge, and if you run out of sour cream,
these can make a great substitute.
Hot Ticket:
Two things. Try and score tickets to Chicago The Musical, coming
in March at the Keller Auditorium. Or catch “Loot” at
the Coho Theater before it’s too late. They make a great date. (We’re
a poet and didn’t .....)
Portland Restaurant Pick:
Now we all know that New York City is the culinary center-of-the-universe...
but, come on, it's just such a trek! Save the airfare and visit the very
fabulous Hurley's in Northwest Portland.
Portland's latest arrival from the New York restaurant scene is Chef
Thomas Hurley. A 19-year veteran of the New York City Fire department....
who, like Batman, has been magically transformed into a veritable Zen master
of French Cuisine. But puuh-leeeze...don't call his masterpieces "Northwest
inspired French"... or some other such silliness....thankfully,
they're not! This is a man who fully embraces both the purity and simplicity
of classical technique and the bounty of ingredients all around him. But
let's get this straight....Is this a recipe for perfection, or what? A classically
trained Chef from New York City with the greatest pantry in these United
States!
Do try the simply flawless fois gras.... a consummately prepared morsel
perched atop a round of peppered brioche, and just the right balance of sweetness
from a reduction of local huckleberries. The Tart Flambe’ with
caramelized onions is just, well.... magnifique... or just indulge in his
St. Pierre (John Dory) “Ruben Style” wrapped in house
cured corned beef with Cipollini Onion. Hurley's, with their sublime
food, coupled with their kind attention (no “attitude” here)
is our new favorite restaurant!
Hurley's, for dinner. 1987 Northwest Kearney Street; 503.295.6487.
Website pick of the week:
www.PrincipessaBeauty.com
Beauty products for the urban princess (that’s you).
Trip Pick:
Shhh. There’s no greater place to live than the Pacific Northwest.
Though unfortunately the long drizzly winters can create a little S.A.D.
(Seasonal Affective Disorder). Occasionally, we need to get away for
a long weekend, like the birds, for a little sunny pick me up. We pride ourselves
on discovering very special Escapes, hidden gems that don’t take a
day to get to.
We’ve recently experienced The Arizona Inn in Tucson. A mix
of old-fashioned glamour and southwestern casual comfort. This architecturally
remarkable treasure will take you back in time to the 1930s when it was a
14-acre private family compound. You feel like you are in a glorious timewarp,
expecting to lounge beside Frank Sinatra or Carol Lombard at their daily
happy hour, or high-tea in the library. The grounds are impeccable; gardens
of poppies, cacti, orange and grapefruit trees abound; perfectly manicured
lawns for croquet, Palm trees shading the doves and rabbits. There are clay
tennis courts, ping-pong, complimentary bikes, and a gorgeous pool. As you
laze around the pool, the gracious staff serves you ice water and lemon without
being asked. There is a gazebo, tables for lunch if you’d prefer, an
outdoor fireplace. There are several areas in which to dine, depending on
your mood, yet they all offer the same amazing food and wonderfully sweet
service, down to the lemon water offered to cleanse your hands at the end
of the meal.
Our suite was so spacious and elegantly decorated, yet still warm and comfortable.
It had a living room, dining room, butler’s pantry, enormous bedroom
with two queen beds, and a fireplace. We felt like we were guests in someone’s
fine home. (We hear that each room is different and some of the smaller rooms
can be funky, so make sure you inquire.) We never left the property, and
why would you want to? We were so happy to be there. It was a very civilized
short escape and we found ourselves recharged to brave the remaining Oregon
winter. Arizona Inn, A 1930 Resort Hotel; 2200 E. Elm Street, Tucson,
520.325.1541
Portland Pick Music Pick:
 We
probably should have mentioned this 6 weeks ago, and it might possibly date
us, but we LOVE the Sheryl Crow remake of Rod Stewart’s, “The
First Cut is the Deepest.” Great chick music, and it will take
you back to (shhh, don’t tell your husband) memories of your first
love! (From The Very Best of Sheryl Crow). It will also take you back again
and again to other boyfriends, early relationships, and other times in your
life you may or may not want to forget with her other Best Of hits. But if
nothing else, it’s worth the purchase, even if you just replay this
particular song 100 times in a row!
So that’s it! Ta-ta for now (TTFN). Until next week...Have a deservedly
diva day, every day!
And don’t forget to forward this to 15 of your friends encouraging
them to subscribe and we’ll send you treats as our thanks! Also, please
feel free to contribute (to kathi@portlandpicks.com)...if you have a favorite
store, gallery, spa, and restaurant, anything that you think is special and
would like to recommend.
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