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Portland Picks:
Hub Optix - Eyewear
Finally a hip eyewear store with cool, designer choices! Coming from New
York and San Francisco, we longed to find an optical store that had swanky
Shades; where we could choose from
Paul Smith, Face a Face, Oliver Peoples, Robert Marc and the very chicest
and hottest new designers. And we found it at Hub Optix.
We adore Robert Marc's cool color choices (black and pink, orange, and Portland
Picks Green!). Even cooler, their Paul Frank collection with the groovy magnets
on the sides, and the hip, super sassy Paul Frank cases you get to take home.
Talk about Added Value Glamour! Hub Optix, this is our store. No,
it is THE store...for sunglasses and eyewear that will get you noticed!
We want to make an immediate statement, and brainy is not what we are going
for. We actually need glasses, thank goodness, since it is yet another accessory
to shop for, but even if we didn't, we would simply have to pretend to need
glasses, just so we could wear these!
What is IN, you ask? Which direction is eyewear headed this spring? How
can you make the most stylish first impression? Bigger is back. Color is
IT. Rimless is raging. Head to the Hub, of course and they'll find
the perfect, chicest shades that fit your face. Make a statement: Sexy, smart,
hip as hell. That's you -- if you buy your glasses here!
Hub Optix, Pioneer Place. 700 SW Fifth Avenue #1180 ; 503.201.3303
(Tell them Portland Picks sent you!)
 Poppy
and Mimi- Treasured Tales
Very special one-of-a-kind baby keepsake books.
Squeal! Coo! Drool!....And that was just our reaction when we set eyes
on these pure treasures!
Poppy and Mimi makes the sweetest baby books that perfectly capture those
once in a lifetime memories. Their fabric covers range from traditional toile
to funky leopard. The name Poppy & Mimi comes courtesy of the owner's
daughter. It is how she fondly refers to her grandparents (we're so
jealous. Our kids could only say, Guma and Bump? hmmmm, not quite the same.)
These books are indeed special, distinctive, and classic.
The time truly flies, so capture every moment! (They are also incredible
gifts, so stock up.)
Visit our very local talent at: www.PoppyandMimi.com
 Orchid
Exchange - in the Pearl
We adore Orchids, but our thumb is, well, not so green. We have a little
problem keeping the little buggers alive for long. What is one to do?! Buy
a fake? We wouldn't be caught dead.
Take it to Orchid Exchange in the Pearl. The store alone is something to
see. They don't “floral” up the space with junk that interferes
with the flow of natural rhythm. You know you are in good hands in O|X. When
a store specializes in just one thing, they must be good at it, and O|X knows
Orchids. But the biggest treat of all, is that you can always return your
orchid once it has bloomed, and exchange it for 25% credit toward your next
orchid. And an orchid can be a work of art, stylishly elegant, and last (for
most anyway) a couple of months. And with Orchid Exchange ongoing exchange
program, there's no more excuses for those dead sticks you still have
left in the pot in the entry (or is that just us?)
Orchid Exchange www.OrchidExchange.net
404 NW 12th Avenue.404
 Portland
Pick's Chick Flick of the Week:
Osama, Directed by Siddiq Barmak; starring Marina Golbahari, Mohamad
Nader Khajeh, Zobeydeh Sahar, Mohamad Araf Harat, Zubaida Sahar
Don't let the ominous title scare you away. Sure, we usually like
to keep it significantly more lighthearted for our flick picks, but find
the closest theater near you and see this powerful film as soon as possible.
Set in Afghanistan just as the Taliban are taking over, the film depicts
a life for women that one can't possibly imagine. Forbidden to set
foot outside without a male escort, Golbahari and her mother & grandmother
are unable to leave their home as there are no more living husbands or sons.
Set to starve for lack of food, they cut off Golbahari's hair and disguise
her as a boy named Osama so she can look for work. What follows is a harrowing
tale of life under the Taliban for women. Playing like a documentary much
of the time because of the gruesome realism (the stoning of a young girl
is in particular difficult to watch), the film will make you thankful you
were born in a country where women are considered something other than chattel.
Look for this drama next year in the Foreign Film category for the Oscars...it's
a sad, cautionary tale about the cruelty and repression that are sometimes
the result of extreme religious fundamentalism...you won't soon
forget this film.
Portland Picks Cocktail of the Week:
White Chocotini
42 Below Vodka was chosen as the official Vodka for the Oscar After Party
at the Beverly Wilshire. Since you couldn't be there first hand (this
year), get your sophisticated self to the liquor store so you can hobnob
in celebrity style while you chuckle at your People Magazine Oscar fashion
faux pas from Oscar's recent past. There's nothing more decadent
& yummy than a White Chocotini...except maybe Jude (who, I'm
sure you figured by now, WE LOVE!)
Ingredients:
Chick Picks:
What We're Seeing Now:
- Pretty, flirty curls. If you're a natural, let it wave.
If not, try some holding spray or sculpting cream; wrap the curling iron
around and then finger-comb through.
- Sexy floral dresses in all styles --- think Asian flair or shoulders
bare!
- Gold --- ala' Charlize Theron's gorgeous Vera Wang frock at
the National Board of Review Awards...pair it with some pretty gold “drop
to there” earrings.
- Totes in blooming Spring colors and prints. Think resort chic for all
of your sunscreen and reading materials!
Try Meringue in Lake Oswego, or Zipadees on Northwest 23rd.
- Trench coats in bright pinks, shocking whites & Pucci-esque prints.
Visit Banana Republic, Mario's, Nordstrom.
- Black and white paired together --- especially sassy suits and classy
coats.
Check out Mercantile.
- Ooh La La! Berets are back in fun textures --- tweeds, knits & cashmeres.
- ‘50's Ladylike glamour has returned! We think we can thank
Mona Lisa Smile for the sweater sets, swingy skirts & feminine jewelry
(Think pretty pearl studs). Try Mimi and Lena on NW 23rd for the most luscious
feminine one of a kind dresses. (Did you see Carrie's skirts in Paris
during the season finale of SATC?)
- Speaking of feminine jewelry, we're loving the gorgeous vintage
brooches that are pinned to hats, sweaters, everywhere...Coming soon
to you: Findtastics.com, our local friend has bought up the city of all their
vintage brooches.
You'll be seeing them soon at her trunk show, or on her website: www.findtastics.com.
(We'll keep you posted.)
- Tweed is still holding strong as the must have fabric for the season
- Shrugs are back (Thank God we stored them away from years ago!)
- Make the boys roar for more in a feline-inspired coat. Take a walk on
the wild side and embolden a simple outfit!
- Feminine Corsets! Pair them with pants or pretty pencil skirts and strappy
heels!
- Shop at home parties --- we're not talking Tupperware. Think cosmetics,
skincare, lingerie & hot stuff for the bedroom!
- Vibrant green and purple dresses --- we loved Kristin Davis & Kim
Cattrall's purple sheaths at the SAG Awards.
Hip Happenings:
Spring has Arrived at Gracie's Boutique in Lake Oswego. Come
for a glass a wine, a peak at hundreds of new spring items, and 20% off everything.
Friday March 6th 5-9pm only. Gracie's, 149 A Avenue, Lake Oswego. 503.675.0072
Change:
Last week we were so carried away about the prospect of our own Rose Bath
at Avalon Spa that we got the phone number wrong. Well, that just
won't do at all. If you would like to get away from it all, even for
just a little while, for a warm bath, a massage, a pedicure, facial, pure
luxury, you must go to Avalon Spa for a true spa experience. Their [correct]
phone number is: 503.802.5900
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Joey
New York has put the fun back in the sun with their new Hawaiian Spa
Body Collection! And just in time for Spring Break (even if you aren't
going anywhere – just wear this and pretend!). This scrumptious smelling
set includes 4 oz. Coconut Body Oil Moisturizer, 4 oz. Seaweed Body Wash,
2 oz. White Chocolate Body Shimmer and 2 oz. Hawaiian Pineapple Hand, Elbow
& Foot Cream. 
Okay,
we're just saying...if Janet had this to hold herself in, she might
not be in a fight with Justin right now. Want to guarantee your barely there
red carpet ensemble doesn't expose your carefully positioned ta tas?
Hollywood Fashion Tape to the Rescue! This easy to use double-stick
tape is your solution to always looking as put together as the celebs. Keep
it in your purse for all of your fashion woes; repair a fallen hem, place
on the interior of a blouse so it will lay more smoothly, or just use it
to make sure nothing comes plunging out of your dress besides your sexy neckline.
Make
like Jennifer Garner before this past Oscar Night and relax in Get Fresh's
soothing Dead Sea Mineral Bath soaks. Whether it's for detoxifying,
cell-rejuvenating or de-bloating (our fave), Get Fresh has a concoction made
to order. 
Pretty
in Pink was never so classy ---- LuLu Guiness's darling clutch will
finish off your next Award Show get-up with pizzazz. Lined in satin with
an interior pocket and a detachable shoulder strap, you'll be channeling
your inner Carrie Bradshaw as you sashay around the city. 
Hey
you Oregonian cutie pie...we're dreaming of the Tropics too, but
you're going to get all wet without an umbrella to shield you from
the season's treachery.