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August 25h, 2006
Have you ever left the house feeling like a hot tamale—like, soooo on top of your game, fashion-wise, only to be crushed instantly by people who are dressed so much better than you? We feel this way more than we like to admit. And we see the cream of the crop, Portland-style—we’ve got eyes and ears in every hot boutique in town, but it still sometimes takes something special—something otherworldly—to put it all together. Case in point—we were out for cocktails the other night with three very fashionable media types, and they weren’t wearing anything special, but they had pulled their ensembles together so well that we felt like total hacks. If it wasn’t for their great senses of humor, we would have had to hate them. There. We said it. We’re shallow, for reals. And obviously, not above doing the one thing one woman should never do to another: Compare and Contrast. Thank gawd those girls were funny…they really lucked out… |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Sew Far Sew Good We used to sew, back in the late 90s. We were expert at wide-leg pants and pencil skirts, and even used to sell our services to our friends, who would pick out their own fabrics which we’d whip up into cheesy creations. For ourselves, we would harness the power of the mighty Singer to transform our stuff by adding crazy fabrics from our friends’ travels to Egypt and Thailand to the hems of our jeans. Once the free fabric supply dried up and wide-leg pants craze (thankfully) ended, however, we pretty much forgot about sewing, and only hauled out the machine to alter things we bought at the mall. We lost our oomph, our mojo, our taste, really, for the raw edges. But the bug has bitten again, after just one visit to Bolt. This “neighborhood fabric boutique” has such a fabulous collection of designs, colors and patterns that it made us want to sew again. Every Portland-based 25-year-old with a bedazzler and a dream should head down here ASAP, and everyone else should come running, too, for fab fabrics you won’t find anywhere else, like retro chevron stripes, mod polka dots, gorgeous toile, fantastical florals and punk-rock-lite cherry prints and tiny skulls, all on the most luxurious cottons. They have vintage buttons and beginner-level classes, too, to help you get back in the groove. Haul out the Singers, ladies! Bolt is more than just fabric—it’s like creative lightning. Bolt |
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| 2 | Luxe Gifts That Need Giving We were invited to a friend’s house for a pool-warming party. One couple brought this slick motorized inflatable pool toy from Sharper Image as a hostess gift, which put our thoughtless, paltry cocktail napkins to shame. But no more! We have vowed to always be clever. Re-gifted candles, soaps, cheap wines begone! Because we have discovered yet another new boutique! Open just three weeks, the aptly named Out of Gray is definitely a respite from our soon-to-be perpetually gray months. This contemporary space carries imported luxury gifts, including a cool selection of European toys that are apparently all the rage in Paris, and remarkable designer handbags. (Balenciaga, anyone?) They also have modern home accessories, slick ties, cleverly coiffed flower arrangements and gorgeous jewelry that we want to drape ourselves in. For luxe gifts that will wow at your next pool-warming (???), and some things that you need to get for yourself, check out the Out of Gray boutique, and tell them Portland Picks sent you. Out of Gray |
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| 3 | It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World Danish modern (the furniture, not the pastry) runs in the family. Our parents, and our grandparents before them, were devotees of ’60s style, so it's only fitting that we should be, too. That's why we love Era, a paean to mid-century mod, located among the musty Victoriana on Sellwood's antique row. While furnishings from the big names like Eames and Aalto abound, Era is equally notable for the pieces without a pedigree. Tapered leg tables and low-slung walnut chairs are offered for their clean and simple style, not just for the designer names. Don't overlook the basement, where you'll find items that need a bit more love. While upstairs a Bertoia bird chair might set you back nearly $2000, downstairs another one in less pristine condition is a steal at $1250. But, like any good aspiring interior designer, we know that creating a modern home is all about the details. Furniture is great, but it's the table lamps, candleholders and vases that make things shine. Fortunately, Era doesn't skimp on the small stuff, specializing in art glass and studio pottery, as well as serving as a gallery for some of the best mid-century Northwest artists. Our grandparents would be so proud! Era Mid-Century Furnishings & Art |
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| 4 | Afternoon Delight Out and about on a sunny Sunday, running torturous whining errands with my little one, we stumbled upon Via Delizia. It was one of those “forgot to shower/look like hell/please don't let me run into anyone I know” days, but Via Delizia beckoned and we just had to stop in for an afternoon delight. And they were so welcoming and kind, despite our homeless appearance. I meekly identified myself with Portland Picks, followed by mumbling apologies about my appearance, certain they assumed I was an imposter. But regardless, they were so kind and so welcoming, and it was like a field trip for my son. They gave us the history, the tour, and lucky us, a taste of just about every flavor of their dreamy gelato. This is original, creamy, rich, milk-based, Italian-style gelato (less fat than regular ice cream!) It’s the real deal, folks, and they've got it down to a science. The place was bustling and the service was exceptional. Oh, and the décor is elegant and fun, with its own fairytale tree and murals, as if you're dining al fresco. At 5:00 the tables are covered in white linens, and Via Delizia is transformed into an upscale dessert house, and you can enjoy an extensive wine list, including excellent dessert wines. If you want somewhere fun to go with friends, or to impress a date, this dessert house and café is the place! Via Delizia |
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| 5 | Girlfriends…This One’s Just Between Us… You know how some friends are good “shopping friends”? Perhaps you’ll be out with a girlfriend, have one too many at lunch, and then hit the stores. A good “shopping girlfriend” will know when to leave you alone to browse, and when to come over and evaluate if that heel is sexy or slutty—and why both are necessary. Or if coral is really your thing. You always buy more with the shopping girlfriend, but that comes with the territory. girlfriends in NW Portland somehow channels that “shopping friend” vibe within their four walls. It’s a store filled with the kind of stuff you want to chill in, while hanging out with the peeps you want to chill with. Think wonderfully soft t-shirts by Michael Stars. Or Tocca fragrance. Or Kai scents. Or bedhead PJs. In fact, if we were to outfit a grown-up girlfriends slumber party, we’d make the girlfriends store our first stop. We might never leave. Hmm, wonder if they rent out the store for overnight events… girlfriends |
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| 6 | Flea to Be You and Me We love browsing at vintage stores. So much so that Ye Olde BF is practically traumatized by our taste for mid-century kitsch (he’s more a Danish-modern type), and he’s constantly amazed at how much we unearth and manage to haul home. Every time we unveil a new Asian-style silk painting or owl cookie jar we’re pretty sure he loves us just a little bit less… So when we came home on Sunday with the score of the year—a “candlelier”—half candelabra, half chandelier—basically it looks like a chandelier but sits on a table—he almost lost his lunch. But we were, how you say? Ah yes, in Heaven. We found this fabulous whatchamacalit at Flea—amongst the most amazing array of lighting fixtures we’ve seen this side of Palm Springs. And Flea carries a whole host of fab vintage finds like salt-and-pepper shakers, gravy boats, oil paintings, horse figurines, gorgeous jewelry, and even white formica tables (with matching hot-orange vinyl chairs, natch). Lots of places do vintage in this town, but so few do it this well, especially in so small a space. You can walk in and find your heart’s desire in two minutes (as we did), or spend 45 minutes (as the couple behind us did) perusing their epic record collection and glass vases. Stop in when you have time, check out the quickly changing merch, buy something to tick off the BF, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Flea—treasures + junk |
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| 7 | Where Smiling is an Art Form A gorgeous smile, who doesn't want one? Celebrities spend multiple thousands of dollars to go from Buscemi to Roberts in an afternoon, and there are a trillion commercials and ads for whitened teeth. It's overload, for sure, especially when you want to improve your visage, but don't know where to turn for exceptional cosmetic dentistry. That's where The Art of Smile Making comes in. Dr. Lind and Dr. Rosenau are masters at cosmetic smile makeovers, and Dr. Combe provides excellent general dentistry work for his patients. The Art of Smile Making is dedicated to giving you the confidence that only a great smile brings. They want you to look youthful and dazzling, which is what we want, too! We love that dentists are thinking beyond plain old teeth and gums. They provide a spa-like experience in a high-end environment, and the chance to improve your looks and self-esteem through dental care. (Check out their before-and-after gallery on their website. Fabulous!) Whether you need teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, implants, crowns, bridgework or a cleaning, call the Art of Smile Making today... and right now they’re offering free at-home bleaching with a new patient exam & x-rays when you tell them Portland Picks sent you! The Art of Smile Making |
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| Portland Picks‚ First-Ever Readers‚ Poll: Your PDX Favorites | |||
| Everyone and their mother publishes a “Best of Portland,” and we’re thinking we should get on board, too. After all, what’s more fun than expressing our opinions about what we love in this great city?
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 Take the Poll |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Pimpfants We know. You’re totally offended. But bear with us – we’re not sold on the name either, but Pimpfants is just too entertaining to pass up! Aimed at kids who want to be both hip and comfortable and parents who have a sense of humor, Pimpfants is run by Portland’s own Jared Parsons, brother of KPTV anchor Shauna Parsons. He’s a dad himself, and thought it was only fair that the newest generation be allowed to “hit the playground with fresh gear and street cred.” With a full range of t-shirts and ’beaters covered with catchy lines like “40 oz. Milk” and “Da Bomb,” Pimpfants is fully prepared to bring the bling to your tot. Feeling particularly feisty? Outfit your infant with a onesie that proclaims “My Mommy’s a M.I.L.F.” and invent your own age-appropriate definition. Work it, Mom! |
 pimpfants.com |
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| 2 | Paint by Numbers... Transform any ho-hum room with an eye-catching paint by number border. Usually you scoff at letting the kids graffiti the wall, but this time you’ll want to encourage them. Instantly and stylishly transform any room by "writing on the walls." The numbered designs depicting fantastical creatures and settings are made for coloring, but it’s up to you if you want to fill in a little, a lot, or none at all. |
 2jane.com |
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| 3 | Get “Salon-New” Haircolor at Home We wouldn’t admit it if we had any gray hair lurking under our blonde tresses. But now you’ll never know because we have discovered ColorMark. With just a swipe of your wand, like mascara, it gives precision professional and instant results covering your roots until you get to the salon. ColorMark is true temporary liquid hair color for touching up gray roots so it looks and feels like freshly colored hair. It looks salon-new, until you shampoo it out. It’s pretty amazing. |
 colormarkpro.com |
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| 4 | Traditional Rugs, Nontraditional Style Every once in a while you’ll walk into a home and be wowed by their rugs – the perfect one can add glamour, sophistication, earthiness and even artiness to a room. And we love that look so much. We want to lie on a good rug – who needs a sofa? Check out the elegant hand-knotted rugs at brand-new Kush Carpets. We love the traditional workmanship melded with modern styling, and plan on getting at least two: one for the living room, one for an investment…or maybe just to haul out and lay on when nobody else is around. |
 kushcarpets.com |
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| 5 | Body Bling You socialite, you. You have yet another red carpet event to attend and we have just the product to add a little bling to your bod: Red Carpet Event Strawberries and Champagne Body Bling. It keeps your skin glowing and nourished on this special evening, whether it’s on the red carpet or off to the gym. Add a little bling bling to your babelicious bod. The delish strawberries and champagne body butter will make you glow, shimmer and shine, and just like magic, make those dry spots disappear. Mmmm, you just got yummy. |
 margarita-bloom.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Art Opening at OFFICE This Thursday! As if their array of functional, funky and affordable products for the modern worker wasn¹t enough, once again, OFFICE brings you something special in their ever-changing art gallery.
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 officepdx.com |
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| 2 | Moda Nova End-of-Summer Sale Moda Nova always brings you the most delicious fashion, with a certain Latin flair. Check out dresses by Bruno Deluc of Los Angeles, Shirt Passion of Firenze, Beatriz Camacho of Barranquilla and Paramita of Granada.
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 modanova.com |
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| 3 | Big Sale—Online at Lucy! We love lucy! And now it’s even more fun to shop their adorable activewear collection with their Labor Day Sale—online and in the comfort of your own home…or office. (We won’t tell.)
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 lucy.com |
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| 4 | Get Ready for Shoefly's Final Summer Clearance! Any time you're in the mood for fab footwear, Shoefly's dazzling Bridgeport Village store is impossible to resist, but now they're offering remarkable savings! With an enticing array of designer shoes from the likes of Michael Kors, Delman, Jeffrey Campbell, Camper, BCBGirls, and Charles David, your shoe dreams can come true. Stock up on strappy sandals, pretty pumps and wicked wedges without breaking the bank. Race over to Shoefly today for the best selection of styles to choose from.
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 shoefly.com |
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| 5 | SMART Gala Mark your calendars! Anvil Media, Inc. and Freightliner Trucks are partnering to raise awareness for the SMART reading program (Start Making a Reader Today). They hope to sign up 50 new volunteer adult readers as well as generate funds that will allow the organization to help an even greater number of struggling readers statewide. The evening will be hosted by Les Sarnoff from KINK FM, and there will be music by DJ Jayanta.
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 smartgala.com |
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| 6 | SuiteShop PDX to Open! You are invited to the Opening of SuiteShop PDX, the original Guerilla Showroom of Independent Designers. Tunes provided by SysFail, Drew Groove & other friends. Wine for all you winos & a bathtub full of PBR!
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 events.myspace.com |
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| 8 | Elizabeth Dye Fall 2006 Fashion Show You are cordially invited to attend.
The English Dept. |
 theEnglishDept.com |
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| 10 | The Street of Artisan Homes™: If you live in Portland, you are familiar with Laurelhurst and East Moreland neighborhoods – now a local builder is bringing back the craftsmanship and beauty of days gone by and infusing new technology, energy efficiency and sustainability into the mix. Ryan Olsen Artisan Homes is currently creating several neighborhoods – Tarynhurst, Brookhurst and Vistahurst - based on turn-of-the century styling. Be sure to visit Tarynhurst during the Preview of the Street of Artisan Homes™ this August 26 and 27. The first Street of Artisan Homes at Tarynhurst will feature several homes, two completely decorated and three completely landscaped for a look into the design and craftsmanship that Ryan Olsen Artisan Homes will be presenting. This free event for the public will be greatly expanded next year to rival events like the Parade of Homes or Street of New Beginnings (now called the Neighborhood).
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 View PDF Flyer |
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Is summer over yet? This whole 90-degree thing is really messing with our center. Especially since 99.5% of our outfits are based on jeans. Sun—go ’way! Send in the clouds! We miss sweaters, scarves and dark denim…we miss layering with collared shirts…we miss boots. Oh, boots! (And yes, after six months of almost total darkness we’ll be pining for sandals, but for now, we can dream of knee-length leather, cashmere socks, wool trousers…tailored jackets…oh, it’s too much!) |
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