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April 13th, 2007
So last week we ran our first-ever Wedding Guide. Did you like it? We had a blast putting it together, mostly because we know that not every moment of planning a wedding is warm and fuzzy. And sometimes you don’t even know where to start! Seriously, we’ve seen it all, from cakes that turned up with frosting tinted lime-green instead of “light pistachio” to dresses that didn’t zip, maids-of-honor showing up two hours late, friends irked with the lack of vegan entrees, and even the band playing the Earth Wind & Fire disco version of the song “Shining Star” (“You’re a shining star, do-doo-ta-doo, no matter who you are, do-doo-ta-doo”) instead of the much more romantic slow-dance Spinners version (“Honey you, are my shining star, and don’t you go away.”) Of course, none of that matters when you’re saying “I do”…but it does make for great stories! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Tagg, You’re It! Shoe fans, shoe fans, everywhere a shoe fan. Aren’t you tired of boots and muddy waders? We know we are. So check it out: NW 23rd’s shoe empire is now complete, with the addition of Tagg Shoes. Downstairs from Talulah’s girlie shoe and pedicure emporium awaits a whole new category of fabulous footwear. While Talulah’s specializes in dressy shoes for women, Tagg carries women’s casual, men’s, and children’s shoes. And the colorful kids’ area is just the cutest thing we’ve ever seen, with a train set, a DVD of Toy Story playing, and a separate nook to play while mommy does her browsing. Genius! While we would have killed for Tagg’s setup when we were a young’un, we don’t at all feel cheated by what’s in store for the grownups. Adorable flats, sandals, sporty shoes, and accessories like purses, belts, and Spanx make us very glad indeed that we are wimmin. And don’t leave the guys at home—there’s a section just for them. Tagg makes shoe shopping fun—and stylish!—for the whole family. Tagg Shoes |
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| 2 | Spring Equinox Yenta jewelry. You know it. Worn by woman of a certain age, who clatter like Godzilla on the chain gang. We don’t know when the gene turns on that deems fist-size topaz rings super-duper but we pray to Yahweh that it skips our generation. We believe that jewelry should flatter, adorn, hint delicately, and still be interesting and maybe a little funky. It’s a tough mix, which is why we don’t wear much of it. And yet: We found the mother lode at Equinox jewelers. In addition to custom-designing jewelry, offering antique restoration, and designs from 10 different designers, Equinox offers a huge selection of precious stones in colors, some of which we’d never encountered. Kunzite? It’s pink. Kyanite? No, not the guy from Queer Eye, it’s blue like a sapphire. They also carry reddish-brown Oregon Sunstone, mined in southeastern Oregon—as local as it gets, no? Gemologist John noticed our gaze around the shop and said, “I can tell you like jewelry.” No, we replied. We like this jewelry. In a world of gumball-sized pearls, Equinox is a real gem. Equinox Jewelers |
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| 3 | Spring into a “New” Closet It’s time to say goodbye to those spring clothes you’ve had since forever and a day that A) didn’t really fit in the first place, and B) only go with that one skirt that you think makes your ankles look fat. But we know, we know, it’s tough to say goodbye. You hold on to older clothes like they’re friends…but honestly, some of them are enemies. Which means that you need professional help. Jandi at Inspire Style is your gal. She can help you sort through your mounds of clothes to determine which silhouettes work for your body, and she’ll be straightforward about the ones that don’t. But don’t worry, she won’t make you part with the sweater aunt Pearl knitted for you…just in case Pearl comes to town and wants you to model it…it goes into the “sentimental pile.” She has plenty of criteria that can help you decide what gets the boot. Plus she helps you make new outfits out of your current clothing. During the Closet Sweep, you’ll learn what silhouettes make you look younger, longer and leaner and—bonus!—you’ll make room for new clothes! Inspire Style Coaching |
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| 4 | Don’t Call it a Comeback Last December we were trying to fit in our last-minute holiday shopping when we had cause for alarm—one of our all-time favorite boutiques was missing! With Souri’s closed, we immediately donned appropriate mourning garb. But we can only deal with black for so long, which is why we’re glad to announce that it’s once again time for color…Souri’s has reopened just steps from its original location! If you haven’t popped in before, Souri’s is stocked with housewares and one-of-a-kind gifts, all personally selected by the enchanting owner. From graphic pillows and modern vases to conversation-starting clocks, you’ll surely stumble upon something to make your house (or loft) a home. The offerings are expanding every day; in coming months look for lamps and larger pieces upstairs and smaller accessories on the ground floor. Need another excuse to visit? First Thursdays bring the fabulous combo of shopping and wine. Aside from her great taste, we admire this single mom for not giving up her retail dream and turning her little shop in the Pearl into a real gem. Souri’s |
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| 5 | The Joys of Dentistry We are so enchanted by the benefits of cosmetic dentristy. We had our teeth whitened way back when and still love looking in the mirror and seeing pearly whites. But things have advanced so far that what we had done was positively archaic…so we decided to learn more about modern options. Bruno da Costa, DDS, MS |
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| 6 | Oh Sew Pretty It’s true…we LOVE our jobs. With that said, if we couldn’t be the Portland Picks gals, our dream job would entail owning our own little boutique where we would become rich and famous fashion designers. Ok, so we’ve never used a sewing machine and we still haven’t quite figured out how to darn our socks, but we definitely have an almost obsessive love affair with clothes and prints and patterns, which is why we fell in love with Cool Cottons. Cool Cottons carries a wide selection of 100% contemporary cotton fabrics including Free Spirit, Westminster Fibers and Alexander Henry, which are organized by color so that we can mix and match. Each room is filled to the brim with bright beautiful fabrics and…the best news? Beginning in June, owners Marie and Pam will be holding sit and sew classes, which will cater to all skill levels (even us!). Look out Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, Project Runway here we come! Cool Cottons |
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| 7 | Hunting for a New Home? Since we decided to move, we have looked at a kajillion homes around town. In our price range, most of them were in some state of disrepair, and some were just plain mind-boggling. We saw homes with holes in the walls, stains on the floors, even grease over the stove. So we decided—we need a new home. Which led us to The Ultimate Open House. It’s the biggest home-viewing opportunity ever to hit PDX. This new show features new homes, townhomes and condos for sale in the Portland metro area. Each of the nearly 80 homes is in perfect condition—not a fixer-upper in the bunch—because they’re all new construction, from entry-level to dream home. So even if your wallet says “entry,” you can still visit the “dream” homes to get ideas and see how the other half lives. A guidebook will be distributed in the April 21st edition of The Oregonian, and will include a complete description of each home. And go ahead and map out your course—we bet you can’t see them all, but you can try! The Ultimate Open House |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Tikoli Your Fancy As much as we like to accessorize our kitchen, we’ve been at a loss when it comes to dishtowels. They’re always too “country kitsch”—dotted with apples or chickens—or too plain to fit our retro modern style. So imagine our delight when we came across textile designs from Tikoli, a perfect way to add a punch of fresh color to our favorite room! From the bullseye design of “Fractil” to the more organic “Mummy,” we think these towels are the perfect way to add personality to your space. |
 tikoli.com |
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| 2 | Find the Perfect Piece Been wondering where to find that perfect piece of unique jewelry to take you from spring into summer? Victoria Perkins Studio has luscious, one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets and earrings containing lamp-work glass beads created by women artists from all over the world. Plus she launched her new website, www.victoriaperkinsstudio.com, and to celebrate there’s a root beer float social on Saturday from 2-5 pm. Receive 10% off one piece of jewelry that day! Join them at 5001 SE Brooklyn, Suite D, between SE Division and Powell. |
 victoriaperkinsstudio.com |
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| 3 | Hair Stylings We'd moved to Portland in such a flurry that getting a haircut had dropped off the To-Do list. So we begged one of our hippest friends to help save us from our "Mystic Pizza" locks. And that's how we found Carrie Brewster. Carrie works out of her home/studio on SE Milwaukee. Most of her clients, like Carrie, are in the arts (she paints when she's not doing hair), and Carrie cultivates a cool, mellow, artsy environment. If you want great hair, look no further. Just don't take our monthly slot. Carrie Brewster |
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| 4 | Reclaim Your Beauty You know those high-school reunion Lifetime movies where people try to lose weight super-quick before they see their old pals again? We’d rather have beautiful skin than starve down to a size 6. No kidding—would you rather look hungry, or young? We choose young! So when EMIT MedSpa added Restylane and Juvederm fillers to their menu of services we made an appointment right away. (Fillers are new anti-aging solutions that require virtually no downtime and results are immediate.) Plus, buy any two fillers, get one free. through April 30, 2007! |
 emitmedspa.com |
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| 5 | You Glow, Girl There’s no doubt that these take cajones to pull off. Even Carrie from “Sex and the City” might have had reservations, but if you’ve got the chutzpah to glide through the club like a goddess in one of these otherwordly faux-furs, you will not go unnoticed. This new line of accessories, which includes purses, scarves and leggings, can last throughout the night and is guaranteed to leave an indelible impression on everyone in its presence. |
 glowfur.com |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
| Meringue Boutique Juicy Trunk Show
If you like Juicy Couture, you have to check out Meringue Boutique’s Juicy Couture Trunk Show. They have all the cutest styles: saucy shirtdresses, handbags, swimsuits, jewelry, perfume, hoodies and more—so all you have to do is choose your favorites. And get there early because they are giving away two $250 gift certificates daily to two of the first 50 guests in the store! What: Meringue Boutique Juicy Couture Trunk Show |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Shop! Eat! Drink! Big Party Tonight! yogashalawilliams and Gypsy Chic are throwing a party of epically girly proportions. Bring your best pals & a pocketful of fun money! Enjoy fashion shows by Gypsy Chic and yogashala, tunes by DJ Mr. Mu Mu, retail therapy from Tube Your Lash mascara, io herbal alchemy, rosie ro handbags, Gypsy Chic, yoga shala & Bijoux Luck jewelry, plus free eats and drinks from Sagittarius restaurant, Square Deal Wine, and Lompoc brewing. What: Fashion & Fun, sponsored by Portland Picks! ps: slippers will be provided for $5, or BYOS |
 gypsychicpdx.com |
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| 2 | Last Chance to Get in Shape! Recess is issuing a last call for their amazing Boot Camp. You’ll meet three times a week to get the ultimate summer bod, plus everyone is supercool, and they give you nutritional advice + free goodies (like a $75 gift card to lucy!) Drop a dress-size this summer…we dare you! Call Recess now! What: Recess Boot Camp |
 recessfitness.com |
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| 3 | A Wonderful Breakfast at Amerigo’s Where do you go in the Portland area for wonderful, homemade breakfasts that are as delicious as they are family friendly? Only one place: Amerigo’s New Foods Grill in Lake Oswego. Their cinnamon rolls and biscuits are to die for, they’re so flaky and sweet! Enough said! You’ve got to try Amerigo’s. What: Breakfast at Amerigo’s New Foods Grill |
 amerigosnfg.com |
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| 4 | Signal Sports Opens a Lole Shop Come and see Signal’s brand new selection of Lole apparel! Lole makes outdoor wear feminine and fashionable—perfect for Portland weather and style. Plus, Signal’s VIP preview party this weekend will benefit BecomeX, which helps young women improve their lives. Free gift with purchase to the first 25 Lole customers, plus in-store specials! What: Signal Sports Lole Shop Grand Opening |
 signalsports.com |
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| 5 | New Spring Shoes at Bella Moda Spring has arrived—in shoe form at Bella Moda Designs! Choose from flats, kitten heels, wedges and platforms—everything you desire and all from Italy, Spain, Peru and Brazil, so you won’t see them coming and going. Bella Moda’s fabulous footwear is trendy without being “over” in a season. We love it! What: Spring Shoes at Bella Moda Designs |
 bellamodadesigns.com |
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| 6 | It’s Time to Celebrate! Be Nourished is not hosting your average, boring, every-day type of open house. Come enjoy fabulous food and see thInkontrol, a photo documentary about eating disorders from Portland’s very own Fritz Liedtke. And find out about their latest offerings, including free lectures and a retreat for women at Bonneville Hot Springs. What: Open House at Be Nourished |
 benourished.org |
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| 7 | Dress for Success Fashion Show While some of us balk when others try to dress us, Dress for Success has it down to an art. Join them for “A New Leaf” Fashion Show and Dinner with beautiful spring designs modeled by accomplished women in our community. The evening benefits low-income women who need clothes and support to get and keep jobs. What: Celebrate Success Fashion Show and Dinner |
 dressforsuccess.org |
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| 8 | Gallerie Nouveau Grand Opening You and your friends are invited to wine, dine and shop at Gallerie Nouveau’s Grand Opening! Gallerie Nouveau is the ultimate shop for your home, offering fabulous furniture finds and gorgeous household accents and accessories. Enjoy 10-20% off selected items and special offers throughout the store. Plus, appetizers and bevvies! What: Gallerie Nouveau Grand Opening |
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| 9 | lululemon athletica Hosts Earth Day Event lululemon athletica is hosting an Earth Day celebration at the historic Armory building’s Gerding Theater. The event will feature a showing of the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” followed by a talk about global warming by David Sweet of the Northwest Earth Institute. Tickets are free, but only 520 are available; first-come, first served! What: lululemon Earth Day Event |
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| 10 | Tom Grant Performing at Gracie’s Portland Jazz legend Tom Grant is now performing at Gracie's, the fabulous restaurant at the equally fabulous Hotel deLuxe. Tom Grant performs on a baby grand in the dining room, where the atmosphere during Tom's performances is that of a swanky lounge, featuring a special lounge menu with food and cocktails. |
 graciesdining.com |
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| 12 | Switch Shoes 1st Anniversary Sale This Weekend! You love Switch Shoes for their fab footwear and fun accessories, and they're having a sale right now with new markdowns each day this weekend! Today, April 13, all jewelry is 20% off. On Saturday all handbags 20% off and on Sunday, hats are 20% off. What: Sale at Switch Shoes |
 switch-shoes.com |
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| 13 | Goodbye Sale at Saffron and Turmeric Boo-hoo, one of our favorite stores, Saffron and Turmeric, is going out of business. But lucky for you, their incredible rugs, antiques, and imports are on-sale and everything must go. What: Final Weekend of Going Out-of-Business Sale |
 saffronturmeric.com |
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Have you made your first spring purchase yet? We’re dying to know
Let us know what you’re shopping for. Enquiring minds want to know! |
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