Let’s Split

After a long, hard day of shopping at Bridgeport, phew...we need a cocktail! If you’re as pooped as we are, why don’t you saddle up to Split Wine and Drink, the swanky new bar at BV.  Cosy up with the beautiful people and take a load off. This hot spot is perfect for refueling while celebrating all those new purchases. Plus they offer delish light bites, like marinated flank steak and fries, or grilled chicken, bacon and onion panini, and a ricotta, zucchini and tomato tart. And these treats won ’t worry your waistband, so if you gather enough energy to head out again, the mall awaits…

Situated next to the cinema, Split can top off a swanky but cheap date, too. Catch a movie and then pop into Split for cocktails and dessert (seasonal bread pudding!), or late-night munchies and a four-dollar lemon drop during their daily happy hour from 9 -11 pm. And you can usually find your fill of cute boys at this lavish new nitery, which is definitely the icing on the cake.  

Split Dine and Drink
7335 Southwest Bridgeport Road
Tigard, OR 97224
503.639.5711
www.splitdineanddrink.com

Vintage with an Asian Twist

To us, sexy doesn't always mean lots of cleavage and short skirts. In fact, one of the sexiest things we can think of is the cheongsam—the traditional Chinese dress with a high neck, buttoned collar and fitted shape.

While cheongsam can't always be found in our area, a new store called The Hidden Sock is about to make it much easier. With the holidays approaching, the owner plans a trip to China to bring back suitcases full of evening dresses in sizes that fit American frames. For now, check the store for short-sleeved versions in pink, black and even modern squares, each one unique and simply elegant.

Aside from Asian imports—including furniture and other treasures—The Hidden Sock specializes in vintage and modern used clothing and accessories, including options for both men and women. Each item is in impeccable condition and comes with another Asian-style feature: a handmade red tag wishing shoppers good luck and long lives.

The Hidden Sock
3543 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
503.236.7536

We Just Fell in Love

It wasn’t supposed to happen. It was just any old day, running any old errands, and then we found it…this sweet little boutique…honestly, if we were going to open our own shop it would be just like this.

We found Lucrecia on a hip little stretch of Killingsworth, near favorites like Roux, Beaterville and Di Prima Dolce bakery. We were smitten with the selection of wine (boutique vintages for around $10 that you won’t find in every store), cheese, flora (the owner is a floral designer, as well), fantastic vintage lamps, consignment pieces like embroidered pillows, candles by Voluspa, soaps by Savon Doux Nature, gorgeous wrapping papers and oh my goodness we loved it all. It's a mix of the 40s to the 90s, with a touch of street art from Paris, Asian paintings, and cool table-top items that blend with any decor. It's all about mixing and matching, and it's genius.

The proprietress, Debora Doell, really has an eye for the feminine without being cloying. Lucrecia is genius. Soon she’s having an open house with wine-tasting, but pop in now to enjoy it for yourself!

Lucrecia Variety Boutique
2150 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97217
503.517.0530

For the Grown-Up Fashionista in You

When we were little we would accompany our mom to Helen's Of Course, which was the place to shop in its heyday .  In fact, we can't recall any shops from our childhood other than Helen's.  HOC was a mecca of pretty dresses, and just to linger in their vicinity beat any day of dress-up, or playing Barbies, or a rousing round of "Hey Pa There's a Goat on The Roof"...and that’s saying a lot.  Helen's was that special.  
 
And as we were hiding under the racks, so too, likely, was Jeri Rice.  And like her mother Helen before her, she has opened a downtown store on Broadway with the same glitz and glam and style and elegance as her mum's place. However, this is Jeri's (of course) and the apple very clearly doesn't fall far from the tree.  

This tres chi-chi store, with its impeccable service, carries faves like Milly, Nina Ricci, Kors, Givenchy, Zac Posen and Three Dot.  And just in time for those holiday galas that are surely filling up your calendar, Jeri Rice has the most luscious, elegant eveningwear that will knock your heels off.  If you’re in the market for a tres magnifique dress, look no further!  They also carry gorgeous lingerie, coats, t-shirts, handbags, shoes and other luxe products that fill our dreams.  Now we can play dress up for  reals, and feel all grown up like a lady.

Jeri Rice
615 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
503.295.9000
www.jeririce.com

Extract Your Relax

Perhaps it’s our climate. Perhaps it’s because we love to feel a buzz, or perhaps it’s because we love obsession. Whatever the reason may be; it’s safe to say Portlanders are pretty crazy for artisan-coffee shops. And we’re no different.

When Extracto Coffee House opened on Northeast Killingsworth Avenue about six months ago we popped in to check it out a few times and the place was so quiet you could practically hear the coffee dripping. That, my friends, is no longer the case. During our latest visit there was a line practically through the door the entire time.

What we found particularly delightful was the fact that even though we were there sipping our double-shot during the Sunday morning rush, the entire space still remained relaxing and pleasant. Sunshine poured in through the giant windows, sparse modern-yet-retro furnishings soothed the eye and hipster-rock played over the speakers at a low enough level that you could still hear your coffee-companion’s conversation.  And the coffee? Deliciously extracted.

Extracto Coffee House
2921 NE Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.281.1764

Here, Kitty, Kitty

We were just about to get on the streetcar to go back to work, when—wait! A new store! Ooh! And it's a Puma store! Sweet! We peeked in and were completely overwhelmed by all the super-hip goodies, and of course that new sporting-goods smell.
 
First, the bags. Functional, yet super-stylish. You could take these onto the soccer field or out to a party and still look sporty but not in that awful trying-too-hard way. And the jaunty sunglasses! And the leather (yes!) coats. Hipsters figured Puma out years ago, but now it's time for the rest of us to get on board. Puma: it’s not just for the gym (or Death Cab for Cutie shows) anymore.
 
The new Puma stuff goes beyond tracksuits and sneaks to stuff you could totally get away with at work—and even at our conservative “real job.” (Which doles out “jeans days” like gold, but that’s another story for another day.) And they offer a selection of Ferrari wear which will be perfect for our significant other—it’ll make him temporarily forget that’ll be the only thing he'll ever have with "Ferrari" on it. Sigh.
 
The Puma Store
40 NW 10th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.222.2041
www.puma.com

Your New Gym

You know that back room in your gym where all the muscled guys grunt and groan over free weights? That "scary area" where females fear to tread? Or how about those hard-line personal trainers who intimidate you on purpose? We once had a trainer who thought it wasn't a workout unless we got nauseated; we dreaded working out with him, and began to ditch like we were in high school!

So imagine a gym where no more than 10 people will be working out at a time, personal training is included in your membership, and you're in the heart of NW in a cool loft-like space with a nice view to boot.

We won't keep you in suspense...it's REPS Fitness for Life, a new woman-friendly enterprise started by the former Director of Training at Bally's (he trained the trainers). He took everything he didn't like about gyms and training and does the  opposite here. Like offering state-of-the-art equipment, but also lovely Zen changing rooms, soft lighting and pretty plants. Starting at $99 per month you get use of the gym + 4 included training sessions, and no nausea at all. We felt right at home at Reps Fitness for Life, and you will, too.

REPS Fitness for Life
305 NW 21st Ave., Suite 201
Portland, OR 97209
503.229.REPS
www.repsfitnessforlife.com

Our friend had a baby mid-September, and we went bananas buying baby gear for her new arrival…and spending a ton of money. If only we had known about Sofia Bean! Their website has the most adorable baby clothes at prices that make everyone happy, plus the quality is outstanding. This is the good stuff, for reals.

We especially love the $35 combo box: it comes with a onesie, pants, and a hat or bib. We seriously spent like $35 on a stuffed animal in September…who knew we could get so much for so little?!? And you can even build your own box when you’re gift-giving—everything from pants and hats to blankies and burp cloths. Who knows…we might even have a kid of our own, just to get in on the cuteness.

www.sofiabean.com

Fe Fi Faux Fun

Let's face it: plain ordinary walls are boring! It's amazing what a difference a bit of color can make to your everyday environment, especially here in the rainy Northwest. The talented folks at Fine Line Painting can bring the sun into your kitchen, the moon into your dining room, a Tuscan countryside to your study, and rocket ships into your kid's room.

Love hardwood paneling, marble, and Venetian plaster but hate the cost? The folks at Fine Line Painting replicate exotic finishes so well your own mother won’t be able to tell the difference. All at prices anyone can afford! Right now they’re offering Portland Picks subscribers an incredible HALF OFF “get acquainted” special for the month of November only. There’s never been a better time to call!

Click here for your special Portland Picks deals from Fine Line Painting! www.finelinepaint.com/portlandpicks.html

503.484.4620
www.finelinepaint.com

Who Stole My Dead Husband?

You will have a blast at this interactive musical/comedy and dinner theater production of “Who Stole My Dead Husband?” The story is based on the real-life events of writer Lou Pallotta, a Brooklyn native whose story is rich with Italian culture.

Prepare to laugh and interact with the actors, and enjoy a four-course meal—and hold on to your breadsticks! Check the website for show dates…groups of 6 or more enjoy a discount and a ton of freebies! Tix are $57-$67 for an entire evening of entertainment.

www.WhoStoleMyDeadHusband.com

Rainy Days and Mondays…

While some native Oregonians will tell you they don't use umbrellas, many of us still like to keep our hair from frizzing and our outfits from getting soaked. Fortunately, Seattle's pare*umbrella knows the score and does their part to keep Northwesterners both dry and fashionable.

Not content to stick with basic black, these 'brellas come with dots, stripes and lace, all in colors that will brighten any gray day. Don't miss the mushroom and forest patterns, which are guaranteed to make you actually look forward to the rainy days ahead!

www.pareumbrella.com

How about a festive shirt for the holidays, created by Portland’s db Clay for his sister at Shade Clothing.  Each shirt comes in a decorative gift box.  Buy one of each for you and a few more sets for friends.  This gift is best given early, so the recipient can addorn their new shirt at all their holiday parties.  Layer them with your favorite holiday cardigan, with a basic black skirt or simply sport on top of jeans.  And each shirt tells a story.  Check ‘em out at www.brotherforsister.com

www.brotherforsister.com

Fly with Flair

We are so like Howard Hughes when it comes to flying; all those icky germies and cooties freak us out. We carry antiseptic wipes, gargle Airbourne, and give stink eye to anyone who dare cough. These are all tips from our mother, btw, and though it screams OCD, for a little security and fashion, now there's Plane Sheets. And no siree, these are in no way plain.

Now you can cover your airplane seat with stylish washable covers, or simple disposable ones, and have clean, cootie-free comfort you can call your own.

www.planesheets.com

Free Health Symposium at Providence

If you or someone you love has lung cancer, Providence Thoracic Oncology Program invites you to a free symposium, "Living with Lung Cancer: What You Know Can Help You." You'll learn about the best options for treatment, the latest research breakthroughs, and how to care for the mind, body and spirit.

What: Living with Lung Cancer: What You Know Can Help You
When: 8:45 am-2 pm, Sat., Nov. 11
Where: Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Souther Auditorium, 9205 SW Barnes Road, PDX
Cost: Free, but reservations are required. Complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.
Call: Providence Resource Line, 503.574.6595
Visit: www.providence.org/lungcancer

You might be the one person who can save Gage!

Little Gage Dole has AML, an aggressive form of leukemia that is resistant to chemo.   The first step of treatment is a bone marrow transplant.  The parents are waiting to see if they are a match, but since there is only a 30% chance of a match, they are turning to the National Bone Marrow Registry.  AML has only a 20 percent survival rate, and time is critical.

DKMS, a  member of the National Marrow Donor Program, is conducting the testing to find the match that can save Gage’s life. Donors must be healthy, be between the ages of 18 and 55 and sign a consent form before submitting a blood sample for typing.  A small blood sample is taken from donors to determine if they are a match.  Funds are available for ANYONE who wants to be tested. Donors go into the national registry and are not joining solely for Gage. 

What: Bone Marrow Donor Registration Drive
When: 11-6, Sunday, Nov. 5
Where: Hallinan Elementary School, 16800 SW Hawthorne Drive, Lake Oswego

Check Out the lucy Warehouse Sale

Save big on awesome activewear basics and fashion styles from lucy. Take a day off to shop the bargains at their warehouse—so NYC, right? Tops, crops and accessories are $5-$10, pants and jackets are $20, and shorts are only $5. Are you there yet???

What: lucy Warehouse Sale
When: Thursday, Nov. 9, from 11-6, and Friday, Nov. 10, from 11-5 (or while supplies last)
Where: the lucy warehouse, 3135 NW Industrial St., PDX
Call: 503.961.6455
All sales are final. Cash or check only!

Holiday Cheer from Ringo Baby

Spread cheer this holiday season with stylish cards from Ringo Baby. Or be super original and send the fun and functional Photo Holiday Bookmark--the card that does more than just hang on a refrigerator!

Having a baby? Throwing a shower? Ringo Baby has got you covered there, too, with invites and announcements. Plus, as a special offer to Portland Picks subscribers, Ringo Baby is giving you 20% off any order ! Just use voucher code 212062001 at checkout. Free Portland-area delivery!

www.ringobaby.com

Manicures Are Happening Now at Tootsie’s!

Have you been to Tootsie’s yet? Please, tell us you have. Not only do they have one of the cutest shoe selections in town, but they have a little salon attached where they do pedicures…and now they do manicures! And hot-bootie treatments! (And no, that is not a new Fergie song.) The November special is buy one mani/pedi combo for $40, and bring a friend for free!

What: Mani/Pedi Combo—just $40 total for you and a friend
When: all of November
Where: Tootsie’s, 820 NW 23rd Ave., PDX
Call: 503.222.0228

Healing Spaces Open House

Experience a truly divine healing sanctuary for the soul. Visit The Healing Space and enjoy mini treatments, refreshments, and enter a drawing to win free services like intuitive massage, facial energy renewal, spa treatments, acupuncture, sound healing and more! Gift Certificates for all of our services will also be available for  purchase.

What:  The Healing Space Open House
When: 12-4 pm, Saturday, Nov. 11
Where: The Healing Space, located above Healing Waters & Sacred Spaces, 2426 NE Broadway, PDX  
Call: 503.528.1430
Visit: www.livingsacred.com

Afternoon Tea and Togs at the Heathman

Join Spoiled Rotten Children’s Boutique and the Heathman Restaurant for a children’s fashion show and tea party featuring the exclusive line of clothing for children ages 2-6 from Tea Collection, a San Francisco-based clothing company. KPTV’s fashion reporter Nicolle Camarata will offer commentary and present door prize giveaways including children’s tea sets and Heathman Restaurant certificates.

Adults are invited to Afternoon Tea at $24.95, and children will receive the Peter Rabbit Tea for Little Sippers at $10.95. Each is catered by the Heathman Restaurant.

What: Afternoon Tea and Togs at the Heathman
When: Sunday, November 12, 2 -4 p.m.
Where: The Heathman Hotel, 1001 SW Broadway, PDX
Call: 503.790.7752 for reservations. Seating is limited.
Visit: www.heathmanhotel.com

OHSU Speaking of Women Brown Bag

November is American Diabetes Month, and you're invited to the OHSU Speaking of Women Brown Bag Lunch, "To Your Health: Why It's Important to Talk about Diabetes." Elizabeth Stephens, M.D., will speak from her own personal experience about the challenge of living with diabetes and the emotional impact it can have on our lives.

What: OHSU Speaking of Women Brown Bag Lunch
When: noon-1 pm, Thursday, Nov. 9
Where: Downtown Nordstrom
Visit:www.ohsuwomenshealth.com