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April 27th, 2007
Since we moved into a new house we are all about feathering the nest. So we’ve found a bunch of new and notable home stores to whet your whistle this week. And we need not explain our OCD about moving, but it’s epic, and probably worthy of a textbook mention (or two). But here’s the real juice: We just launched www.SeattlePicks.com. It is Phase 2 of trying to take over the world, Portland Picks-style. Seattle Picks will be the same type of love-fest for the newest, cutest, hippest boutiques and boites, but don’t fret, pretties—you’re our homeslices, our BFFs, and our #1 priority, always. So feel free to check out Seattle Picks, and tell your pals up north about the good news coming their way! xoxo |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Oh, Canada! Canada has given us some great imports over the years—MAC makeup, Roots athleticwear and, of course, Keanu Reeves. (Ahem.) But the latest and very best contribution from our frosty friends up north might just be Moulé, a one-stop shop for everything stylish. Like a well-curated museum, Moulé has just a few of each item, hand-picked for both form and function. Sure there are men’s and women’s clothes, accessories, children’s toys, cards and housewares, but the selection is limited to pieces with character and beauty that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Snag a solid perfume from France, a wry card from Bald Guy Greetings, a rich wood cribbage set or stainless steel desk accessories from Blomus. Or throw on a super-soft hoodie from LA Denim Atelier, a polka-dot halter bikini from Eberjay, or an uber-feminine dress from Ted Baker. From Catherine Malandrino to local designer (and store co-owner) Rachel Mara, Moulé takes the best of North America, adds a dash of Euro-style and—for the perfect combination—just a touch of Portland charm. Moulé |
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| 2 | Feeling Saintly Sometimes we feel like cheerleaders with all this gushing over-enthusiasm. And, warning, here we go again. Our favorite boulangerie in the whole wide world (including France) just opened its doors in Lake Oswego! St. Honore Boulangerie, a toughy to pronounce since French nearly cost us our college degree, is officially celebrating their grand-opening weekend today. It’s so beautiful, a huge space, gorgeously appointed, with various charming sitting areas, including an enormous black walnut community table where you can plop yourself and enjoy your cream puffs. We preferred to sit drooling at the pastry bar so we could gawk at the bakers as they brought out heavenly goodies from the huge custom oven. Another good option: line up with everyone else at the pastry case to gawk over café et chocolat eclairs, their signature bite-size Chouquettes (you must try), buttery croissants, and French fare. It is absolutely incredible and a must-do experience on a spring evening or lazy Sunday afternoon. You will feel a million miles away. Now if only we could pronounce the name… |
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| 3 | Paris Isn’t Too Far Away We have a friend in Vancouver who recently got in trouble with his wife. He considered flowers, a nice dinner out, someone to clean the house, and then finally he hit on it—he called Not Too Shabby and they filled up a gift basket with the most luscious offerings this side of the Seine. Not Too Shabby is a little boutique with a huge soupcon of European flair. Forget any preconceptions you have about shopping in the ’Couv—this place is only 8 mins from the border and it’s worth the trip for trinkets like delicate watches made from vintage silver flatware, or charm jewelry made from original French molds from the 1800s, plus luxury bath & body goods (including plush robes and sleepwear), and even baby clothes and gifts from lines like Letop, Zutano and See Kai Run. Plus, everything is affordable (show your OR license to skip the sales tax!) And did we mention they have a supercute collection of Vegan handbags? They even gift-wrap every item, compliments of the house. We hate to say it, but hey, that’s not too shabby. Not Too Shabby |
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| 4 | Long in the Tooth When we have friends in town, we try to take them to those “totally Portland” places. The Rose Test Gardens, the coast, Voodoo Doughnut, Velveteria, The Alibi… But now we have another spot that is sure to please—Purpletooth Lounge. We were smitten with its lush look—dark purple walls, gorgeous chandeliers, intimate seating with nooks for necking and even a small bar with copper votives that create a sexy glow we wish we could have all day long. And the cocktails! They have all our favorite boozes: Sailor Jerry’s Rum, the Rogue Ale rums, Indio Spirits vodka, House Spirits’ aquavit and their addictive Aviation Gin, even New Deal vodka. And they’re all put to excellent use in flavorful drinks like the house special Purple Nurple (muddled mint & blueberry puree, marionberry-infused vodka, triple sec, a splash of soda). Plus they have a fab happy hour, and a limited but delish menu to complement the cocktails. We are going back to Purpletooth as often as possible, with or without outta towners in tow! Purpletooth Lounge |
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| 5 | Nouveau, Not Riche Since we just moved into a new house, we realized that A) our stuff just isn’t as cute as we thought it was, and B) we don’t have enough of it. It’s a bigger house (hooray!) so there are all kinds of new nooks to fill and just silly amounts of wall space…and we’ve already run out of pictures, so we’ve been framing postcards. No, no, no! Thank goodness for Gallerie Nouveau—it couldn’t have opened at a better time! They have upscale consignment items for the discerning consumer—“good” furniture and accessories at terrific prices. It’s a real find, and we are so excited to finish decorating our home with items from their eclectic mix, blending the old with the new, the classic with the contemporary, the wild with the tame. Just like us! They’re open Thur-Sat, from noon-5 pm, or by appointment. Pop in to check out the shop, and prepare to be inspired by the way they set everything up—it’s “lifestyle merchandising” so every piece is part of a vignette. So cool! And tell them Portland Picks sent you, k? Gallerie Nouveau |
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| 6 | We Can’t Keep a Secret… You’ve never seen it advertised and chances are you’ve never noticed it—even though it’s been in the thick of downtown since 1999. 220 Salon is literally in Portland’s back alley (SW Ankeny alley, to be exact) and salon owner Jodie Steagall has never paid for advertising because the word on the street is that good. This art-forward salon does things a little differently. When we asked Jodie for hair advice she looked us straight in the eye and said, “Stop washing your hair.” Seriously? Yes. Soap just strips healthy hair of its natural oils, she says. Speaking of oils… umm, what about when it gets super oily? “Within a week or two your scalp will naturally adjust.” Considering the fact that her mane had the healthy shine, volume, and red-carpet-esque body to it, we listened. And then we sat in her chair with pleasure as she made us over. So do we love our new do? Let’s just say we will not be washing it tomorrow (and yes, yes, we do!) 220 Salon |
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| 7 | Flora and Fawning Have you ever gone into a store that made you gasp, ooh and ahh all at the same time? We did just that (and, believe us, it wasn't a pretty noise) upon walking into Bedford Brown, one of the most glamour-iffic spots west of the Willamette. We're not completely sure it’s a "shop"—more like an exquisite inventory of unique housewares, plants and plant accessories, frequented by the general public and designers with a penchant for making the traditional modern. We could spend days in the place, fawning over lush orchids, metal planters and double-gourd lamps in fresh spring colors. And it's our understanding that many people do, coming back on return visits for inspiration and assistance with putting together stunning containers filled with colorful flora. Price tags range from the reasonable to the extravagant, but it's a small price to pay for a home or garden that looks straight out of a magazine. Got a black thumb? Bedford Brown has you covered with artificial varieties as well as decorative branches, neither of which even we can manage to kill! Bedford Brown |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Observe and Protect Dangle is available in three colors—brushed nickel, polished chrome and glitzy gold. Fashionistas can now stylishly, and safely, keep the latest designer bags off the floor so you can keep your eye on your date, not your bag. |
 dangle-it.com |
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| 2 | Bathing Beauties With Spring Break finished and summer ahead, now is the perfect time to be talking swimsuits. And if you’re anything like us, the thought of being nearly naked is more than a little frightening. That’s why we’re glad that Shade Clothing, known for their hip yet modest styles, has launched Shade Swim, designed to give you just a tad more fabric to hide your behind, behind. Our favorite? The Huntington print top, covered in graphic flowers, birds or reeds. |
 shadeclothing.com |
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| 3 | Hand-Picked Style We often wish we had our own designer to throw together fabrics and whip us up one fabulous outfit after the next. Sadly, this is not the case for us, but—lucky for them—our kids can get just the royal treatment from the folks at Hand Picked Pumpkin. The process is easy—just hop online, select a pattern, and pick your favorites for the body, trim and snaps. Choices range from classic dots and stripes to ’50s western and ’60s flower power. Could we be more jealous? |
 handpickedpumpkin.com |
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| 4 | Sip Hip When Mint opened down the street from our workplace, it caused quite a sensation. We checked out the cocktails ASAP…and they were definitely worth talking about! What’s more, now they’re worth reading about, as local restaurateur and mixologist Lucy Brennan has just released “Hip Sips,” a guide for experts and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re making a guava cosmo or an avocado daiquiri, you’re guaranteed to enjoy Brennan’s exotic combinations of fruits, herbs, flavorings and spirits, all encased in an appropriately waterproof cover. Available at Mint/820 and at www.powells.com |
 powells.com |
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| 5 | Celebrate “Earth Year” Earth Day has come and gone, which leaves us with 364 other days to try our hardest to be environmentally responsible. One easy way is with the Chinook Book, a resource for ideas and coupons that will fill up your calendar in no time. Whether you're looking for organic pet food, used CDs or natural-fiber clothing, the Chinook Book will encourage you to explore our community, support local, sustainable businesses and save oodles of green. (Cash, that is!) |
 chinookbook.net |
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| Event of the Week! | |||
| Occasions Fine Gifts Annual Spring Sale
Update your gift closet and save during Occasions Fine Gifts Annual Spring Sale! Save 20-50% throughout the store until May 5th. This is a great time to shop for Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, graduation, or even an occasion just for you! Check the colored dots to save 40-50% on items like Glenda Giles handbags (made from rare vintage fabrics), children’s and “big children’s” books, Cid Pear stationery, Izabella body products, candle holders, wine carafes and glasses. Treasures for any occasion, now on sale! Occasions Fine Gifts |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Jewelry Show from Kate & Heather! Jewelry designers Heather Bell and Kate Thurston will be showing off their newest designs with a combined show at Urbaca Salon. The evening includes wine & appetizers, a jewelry show with hair by Urbaca, and the chance to treat yourself to their elegant, handcrafted, signature pieces. Bring a friend! What: Kate & Heather Together: A Sublime, One-of-a-Kind, Combined Jewelry Show |
 heatherbelljewelry.com |
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| 2 | The Ultimate Open House No realtor needed! See the best of Portland’s new homes on your schedule at The Ultimate Open House. Nearly 80 new homes, townhomes and condos await your discerning eye. This is the biggest home-viewing opportunity ever to hit PDX, and it’s the last weekend, so don’t miss out! Your dream home could be among them. What: The Ultimate Open House |
 ultimateopenhouse.net |
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| 3 | The 2007 Jewelry and Metal Arts Show and Sale The 19th annual Jewelry and Metal Arts Showcase will feature 60 CMAG artists—jewelry designers and sculptors. The showcase is held in conjunction with the Oregon Potters Association Showcase, the Oregon Glass Guild, the Portland Hand Weavers Guild and the Portland Bead Society. Meet the artists and bring home one-of-a-kind treasures. What: Jewelry and Metal Arts Showcase |
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| 5 | “I Have a Story to Tell” Join the Kinship House for a twilight event on the rooftop of the Pearl, supporting children moving from foster care to permanent homes. Kinship House's "I Have a Story to Tell" is an entire evening dedicated to a good cause. Enjoy live jazz, gourmet delicacies, and a live and silent auction. What: “I Have a Story to Tell” |
 kinshiphouse.org |
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| 6 | The Romance of Italy, in Your Home In this fun, hands-on workshop you’ll learn to easily texture walls, work with glazes, and design your own custom stencil. Create your own beautiful faux finishes with inexpensive products and simple techniques. Great for the beginner do-it-yourself-er or the pro who wants to master this very popular and versatile finish. What: Experience the Romance of Italy: Faux Painting Made Easy |
 finelinepaint.com |
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| 7 | Pink Power Gone Wild! Don't miss the Power of the Pink, featuring specialty shopping by Crave Party, a live fashion show, music by 5 Guys Named Moe, comedy theater by The Hot Flashes, scrumptious food and very special breast cancer survivor recognition. Pink Power helps raise funds to build a new Breast Care Center at the Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. |
 pinkpowersw.org |
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| 9 | Children’s Day at the Japanese Garden Celebrate children at the Japanese Garden. This family event features a variety of entertainment, including taiko drumming, raising of koi nobori, Japanese storytelling, and traditional Japanese singing and dancing. Hands-on activities include ikebana, block printing, sumi-e brush painting, taste of tea for children, origami, koi viewing, haiku path, and a doll display. What: Children’s Day at the Japanese Garden |
 japanesegarden.com |
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| 10 | New Faryn Davis at Redux The walls of Redux are about to get much brighter, when new work by Faryn Davis arrives in May. Faryn’s highly collectible jewelry and mixed media incorporate a wide array of found organic elements, and are mysterious, fragile and powerful, influenced by lush and ephemeral visions. Don’t miss the opening reception Friday, May 4, from 6-9:30 pm. |
 reduxpdx.com |
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| 11 | Black and White Ball Enjoy a fabulous black-tie evening of cocktails, fine dining, dancing and silent/oral auction to benefit the Boys & Girls Aid Society—Loving Homes, Safe Shelter, Tools to Learn & Grow. The evening includes hosted cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner in the Grand Ballroom, and then dancing and an oral auction. What: Black and White Ball |
 boysandgirlsaid.org |
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| 12 | Catwalk Boost Foundation is presenting the second Catwalk, a New York-style runway fashion show. Share the evening with fashion luminaries and preview the latest collections in a runway show from nationally known designers. Post show, sip champagne and revel in the fabulous surroundings as you dance the night away in the Bubble Lounge. |
 boostfoundation.org |
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| 13 | OHSU Women's Health Conference Spend a day with women, sharing a day of health. The OHSU Women’s Health Conference features New York Times columnist Jane Brody with the Northwest's leading experts in women's health.You will walk away stronger and more empowered to become and stay healthy. What: OHSU Women’s Health Conference |
 ohsuwomenshealth.com |
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| 15 | Talula’s Pedicure Special It’s almost May and you know what that means—pedicure specials at Talula’s! This month it’s buy one Ultra Pleasures Pedicure, bring a friend for free. Choose the hottest polish colors, and then browse the hottest footwear styles! And check out Tagg below for casual kicks, mens’ shoes, and children’s styles! What: Pedicure specials at Talula’s |
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| 16 | Personal Style Workshop Join Fox 12's Personal Style Editor Sara Dahl in a Personal Style Workshop. She’ll discuss what Personal Style is and how you can obtain it, no matter what your lifestyle or budget. Learn what silhouettes work best for you! Make the most of your assets and camouflage what you’re most insecure about. What: Personal Style Workshop |
 dahlstyle.com |
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We asked you a few weeks ago to let us know what you’re shopping for, and it has been so much fun finding out what you’re picking up around town! Apparently, it’s all about dresses this spring, which is awesome, because we love to see everyone looking all ladylike. Plus, after wearing jeans all winter we are ready to show off our gams, and obviously you are, too. Watch out, Portland! |
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