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Portland Picks:
Ladies, we here at Portland Picks have that fever associated with the changing
of the seasons! The sun is shining, we've got a sweater around our
shoulders rather than underneath our parkas, and we're getting that
urge to mingle in the fresh air with our buddies & in the boudoir with
our husbands and beaus. We're loving the bright hues in clothing, makeup
and accessories that make this our favorite time of the year...there's
never been a better time to be a woman!
Spring 2004 is tiptoeing in with a vast array of retro-inspired dresses
and accessories...and the make-up--- it's never been more fabulous,
fun & affordable. We're not bikini-stressed yet, but we're
in prep mode...we plan on cutting back on our winter-inspired food intake
& biking, running or playing tennis in the sunshine; there's just
far too many cute capris and sundresses to wear! Sit at an outdoor café,
have your friends over for some drinks on the patio; take a deep breath &
RELAX. Spring is a time to pamper yourself --- manicures & pedicures;
moisturizing & massage...you'll be showing more skin in what
we see as one of the best fashion seasons of the decade. Enjoy it!
Without further delay, we bring you our IT list for Spring. It's
all girlie and glam; cotton candy colors & flashback glamour...so
read on...Portland Picks brings you the hottest things we're seeing
this season:
First, some of our local Picks:
We know it's spring, and we want to throw ourselves into halters
and sun dresses but this is Oregon and we still have a long way to go before
we can actually go sleeveless. In the meantime, head over to whimsical Zen
Zen et Bijou on Northwest 23rd for their fabulous selection of handmade
sweaters by Flare made locally. These are so funky, and incredibly flattering
to the figure. They're made of recycled wool sewn together like works
of art, each one totally unique. At first glance, it's easy to shun
them, until the owner of the shop (who named the store after her dogs), picks
out the perfect one just for you. And it will make you feel skinny and sexy
and very, very cool. Believe you me, these will get you noticed. Zen Zen
et Bijou, 722 NW 23rd Ave., Portland; 503.224.4437
Monograms donning everything has been in for awhile but now there's
a new twist on this preppy trend. Gothic initials on the back of faded jeans,
a horoscope sign instead of a letter, and our very clever favorite...sterling
earrings made out of old-fashioned typewriter keys. You pick your initials,
or a first initial and an exclamation mark, or whatever suits your fancy.
They are sold separately and have a vintage feel. And if you love to read
or write, there's a double meaning for you (the typewriter). Very fun
and totally unique, these gems are made right here in Portland by Kurt VanMaarth
and sold at Gilt. $65 a pair for earrings, $65 for a sterling and keypad
ring. Gilt Jewelry Boutique; 720 NW 23rd Ave., 503.226.0629
Speaking of writing...Coco and Toulouse Go Shopping has everything
we love for girlfriend gifts, but we found something that was just ‘write'
for us. They have these necklaces with little hanging notepads. If you forget
sometimes or you're a list-maker like us, these necklace notepads are
just the ticket. They come in all different colors. Coco and Toulouse
Go Shopping in Sellwood behind Caprials.
Cuteness! Zelda's Shoe Bar has the heels for spring. The Cabana
Beach Stripe or Bermuda green and pink made of raw vintage silk, or frilly
with a big pink bow, these feminine kicks from Bettye Muller are a must.
Dress them up or wear them with jeans. They shout spring! Zelda's
Shoe Bar, 633 NW 23rd Ave., Portland, 503.226.0363 
Kiels, since 1851, has launched their new Baby Line.
This new line of mild, pediatrician-tested formulations are made with carefully
selected natural ingredients for the care of baby's delicate skin. Try their
Baby Gift Set or their Vital Sun Protection Lotion SPF 40. Visit
Kiehl's at 712 NW 23rd Ave., 503.223.7676
Portland Picks Cocktail of the Week:
 Speaking of
bikini's, why not drink one?
Frozen Bikini
2 oz vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
1 oz champagne (chilled)
2 oz orange juice
3 oz peach nectar
Splash of lemon juice
3-4 oz crushed ice
Blend all ingredients (except champagne) until smooth; pour into a chilled
goblet, and top with champagne
Portland Picks Spring IT List: What we're seeing now!
- Covering Up!
Hey, halters and Springwear are still in, but Britney, Christina and,
of course, Janet backlash abounds...it's time to pull up your pants
and cover up your decolletage...
Don't worry, we're still talking sexy, just not gratuitous.
Think everything feminine & girly --- slimming dresses, pretty pearls,
patent leather pumps.
It's the perfect season to make like Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's
or Grace in High Society
-
 Corsets,
cami's and summery halters!
A hint of dominatrix and a titch of innocence mix to create the hottest
look for spring. Work on those arms and backs ladies, but these can be flattering
on everyone depending on the cut.
If you're wearing a baring top, try something a bit more conservative
on the bottom like a pencil skirt or some slimming pants.
Think sexy and refined...don a cardigan and some towering patent leather
Mary Janes or other strappy shoes and we're talking to die for!
We adore Anthropologie's soft takes on this fabulous new trend Anthropologie.com
($48 - $68). And check out Theory's sexy camisoles at ShopBop.com
($145)
-
 Fresh-faced
glow...
Get the perfect blushing beauty color with Lola's crème blush.
So natural, and so flattering...just dab it on the apples of your cheeks
for that “just right” hint of color.
Go to Sephora.com and get pretty ($20)
-
 Luscious
Lashes!
Easier to put on than falsies, and there's no fear of them falling
into your martini glass while you're batting them at your sweetie.
Even better, a few swipes with a cottonball rather than peeling and tugging
(perhaps sacrificing your God given lashes in the process), and you're
ready for some beauty rest.
Pick up Bad Gal Lash at BenefitCosmetics.com
($18)
-
 Apothia always
has the most to die for products, but if you're looking for a sampling
of the “Must Haves” the celebs have on their lists, not to mention
what Portland Picks thinks are hot for Spring, pick up their “IT”
Girl Basket. It's stuffed with fun goodies to keep your skin and
your soul in good shape!
Includes Komenuka Bijin's Japanese Facial Cleansing Powder, Pure Motion's
Oxygen Skin Spray, Joey's Super Duper Lips , Bumble & Bumble's
Straight and Hard Candy's Sonic Stick ($110) We feel like we're
leaving an awards party with our goodie bag and hopping into our stretch
limo!
Get an IT Girl Basket for yourself or a friend at Apothia.com
 Manicures
& pedicures---
No excuses...nails have to be in tip-top shape for the gorgeous outfits you'll
strutting around the city in. You'll want your tootsies in prime form
for those sexy Manolos you've been peering through store windows at!
Pick up Pinkie Swear's Pinkie Sheer Nail Blush at Sephora.com
($8)
Or visit one of the quick and cheap nail shops in Portland, because forget
the pampering, sometimes you just have to get it done. We call like to call
them Drive-thru's, you may refer to them as Walk-ins. There's
Lily Nails on Macadam, for example. Others often just have the word “Nails”
in the name...a good indicator that these are cheaper than your average salon.
- Silky Hair...if we're so obsessed with it, why do we treat
it so badly? Coloring, straightening, bleaching & crimping with rubber
bands & clips...Okay, necessary evils so we can sport the cutest spring
styles. It's only going to get worse come summer, so start deep conditioning
now to maintain hair health.
We're addicted to the way Frederic Fekkai's Protein Rx makes
our tresses glow...it's got almost every oil you can imagine, not to
mention an exclusive soy and milk protein complex that will whip your hair
into shape and prevent future damage.
Go to Sephora.com for
some Rx now ($28.50)
 Sunscreen!
You know the drill, ladies. With the vast array of self-tanners on the market
there's no excuse to expose your skin to too much of a good thing.
Be smart and pick up MD Skincare's Vitamin C enriched Sunscreen pads,
SPF 30.
Let's try and put off any laser procedures or plastic surgery until
it's absolutely necessary... go to SkinLogic.com
to shield your skin from damage ($30).
- Kickin' It.
Slow down girl...you're moving way too fast. Make like Oprah (we know
why she looks so fabulous at 50) and enjoy your downtime...and we mean make
it a priority.
It's hard enough in this world of PDA's, email & wireless
phones...hip girls know they're happier and healthier by carving out
“me” time. Whether it's a spa treatment, a mini-weekend
getaway, or sitting around your house on Sunday in your pajamas and a box
of bonbons, you deserve to relax...
Pick up the latest issue of Oprah's O Magazine and get some
helpful pointers from her bevy of experts, or go to Oprah.com
- Gourmet small plates.
We saw this trend take root with the Tapas craze, but now we're seeing
even more international cuisine taking the plunge (Peruvian, Asian, Italian)
in the form small plate offerings...perfect for we demure girls.
Case in point: In the heart of the Pearl stands a wine bar, and amongst the
bottles of Pinot Gris and Syrah emerges a world of small plates, cheese courses
and a wine list that includes 40 wines by the glass or by the sip. 750ml
is a food and wine destination. Menu items are paired with wine tasting
selections to create perfect marriages of small delights. An ala Carte menu
is offered but the true beauty is in the menu's ability to take the
guesswork out of pairing your favorite dish with a fabulous vino. We girls
like our wine, and we love our small plates...so that's why this is
one of our favorite girl's night out venues. 750 ml, 232 NW 12th
Avenue, 503.224.1432
Other miscellaneous restaurants where you can get bistro style small plates:
Typhoon, Heathman Marble Bar, Voodoo Lounge (53 NW First), Jake's
Famous Crawfish, and Noble Rot (SE Ankeny, 503.233.1999)..to name
a few.
- Garden Parties.
It's a good thing the weather's more compliant, because we're
seeing a serious “Ladies Who Lunch” trend happening.
 Call it retro
throwback; we don't care...we love it. Grab that gaggle of girls you
cherish and invite them over for some oh so dainty tea sandwiches and scones
outdoors.
Throw in some Bellini's and some cute hats and dresses and we're
all over it. Think good times without a shower gift!
And DO Think Lily dresses (from Meringue and Saks), croquet
sets and bocce ball (from Smith & Hawken), Jopa for catering
those tea sandwiches (or a simple to go platter from Elephants). Pick up
loads of affordable flowers from Sammy's Flowers on NW Glisan
or U-pick on Sauvie's Island, and don't forget your Cricket
Cola with Green Tea from Zupans (very cool cola with a little
healthy twist!).
 And why not
serve some homegrown faves too:
Try tea sandwiches made of Toby's Tofu Pate for your vegetarian
pals (delicious and made in Eugene, available at Zupans, New Seasons, Wild
Oats, etc.) Serve iced tea latte from Oregon Chai (at Market of Choice,
Zupans, Wizers). Nourish your yin and elevate your yang with this creamy
blend of tea, spice and spirit.
And the number one IT Pick......drumroll......is You, the most fabulous
IT girl of the moment!
Spring is a time for metamorphosis...think butterfly escaping its cocoon
and embracing what life, not to mention the fabulous weather, has to offer.
Dare yourself to be a better person...physically, spiritually, emotionally...
You now have a plan, it's time to do things differently, even in the
smallest ways...it's these small changes that sometimes have an
enormous impact on your life because of an unexpected turn in what fate had
to offer you.
Take a language course, write a book, run a marathon, volunteer in another
country, or maybe just up the street...what the heck, the world's
your oyster. And you're a butterfly, dammit! Start acting like one...(maybe
we're getting carried away with the metaphors, but hopefully you catch
our drift).
Now, as far as what's on the way out...
Okay, it looks like we were wrong about Reality TV dating shows
being hit on the rear by Portland Pick's slamming office door... they're
here to stay for the moment (Forever Eden is a prime example...UGH!). We're
hoping this disturbing trend dissipates this season, but we may have to embrace
them in a kitschy way until they fall by the wayside (we'll be saying
our evening prayers).
Here's what's OUT...cookie cutter beauty! One size doesn't
fit all...look around you. We're bombarded with expectations about
hair color, clothing size & make-up choices by fashion magazines, television
& movies. The barrage won't stop, but your attitude about it can...as
we said before, make bold choices... There are a million palates of make-up
out there & thousands of fashion styles that not only fit your body but
your unique personality.
Like color? Wear it proudly!
Can't bear to wear that fuschia lipstick simply ALL of your friends
are wearing? Opt for a sexy, frosty beige instead. We love the direction
Elle Magazine and others are taking when it comes to showcasing ethnically
diverse cover girls...we say keep it up! By embracing you AS YOU, and
not some carbon copy image of a magazine clipping, you'll be surprised
at how it spills over into you personal and professional life.
So, IT Girl, Portland Picks raises its glass in a toast to a season FULL
of possibilities.
Spring Forward lovelies! |
