|
 |
May 18th, 2007
We’ll admit it. We’ve watched the Tyra Banks show. Mostly via clips on “The Soup,” but sometimes we tune in to the real thing because she’s so enamored with “The Tyra,” she may be a touch crazypants (our forté, as well), and so silly that it’s just plain fun to watch (see the lovely Suzanne Somers on HSN for the all this and more…her show is one of our favorite guilty pleasures). And if you, too, have watched Tyra recently, you might have caught her entire episode on shorts. We loved that she paraded out guests and random audience members in shorts with high heels (so Pat Benatar!) and we have to say, we were inspired to go out and get a pair of our own. And on the first try we found a pair of long, sorta narrow, denim Bermuda shorts that we immediately fell in love with. They’re better than a skirt because though a skirt hides thighs behind concealing fabric, thighs have a tendency to, um, stick together in warmer weather. Shorts completely eradicate that problem. So, thanks, Tyra! You just made our summer a whole lot cooler. |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | However You Say It… When we were in high school, we used to make up slang words for things just to see if they caught on (usually they were related to beer and boys.) When we were in college, we took a linguistics class so we’d be super savvy with the English language, but we forgot everything as soon as the final was over. However, that didn’t stop us from screeching on the brakes when we caught sight of a new store and noticed its supercool name: Zeug. Some of our favorites include the Molly Muriel Soaps and Candles, soy-based candles in vintage glassware, Love Mert handbags, great jewelry, stationery from Egg Press, belts, glassware, clothing, and a wee little kids section. It’s a happy space, a good energy, including their adorable shop kitten named Charlie Mingus (he’s got soul...and so does this shop!) Zeug |
||
| 2 | Hecklers Welcome Some folks just look hip, effortlessly. It’s something that we try to cultivate, but then end up backsliding toward comfort and never look back. But now, we’re happy to say that we’ve found a way to look trendy and comfortable and it doesn’t involve Crocs. We stopped by Hecklewood on a recent jaunt up Thurman. The setting is part design studio, part store. The Hecklewood streetwear label commingles with their newer “Offset” label, and—our favorite—their streamlined functional “Tanner” leather line. (Tanner is also sold at stores like OFFICE on NE Alberta.) Think ’80s-inspired, “street but not street,” graphic, and coolly updated for today’s hipsters. Every third Saturday of the month Hecklewood hosts an art opening, and afterward, that art bedecks the walls of the store for the next month. (This Saturday it’s UNKL, from 7-9 pm, and you’ll love their new prints, paintings and custom toys.) The kicker? Hecklewood is now sponsored by PBR. So you can finally bring your hip boyfriend to an art opening he’s sure to enjoy! Hecklewood |
|
|
| 3 | Close, But So Far Away Ever since we saw “Out of Africa” we’ve been obsessed with exotic touches in homes…and we still can’t stop saying “I had a fahm in Ahfrica,” but that’s another essay. We love dark-wood bowls, tribal masks, and ooh, hand-dyed fabrics! And since we have the “more is more” gene, it makes for quirky combinations while decorating. So we give that gene a workout at Swahili, Inc. You’ve probably passed it a million times (it’s in the Brewery Blocks) thinking, “My home is too traditional/modern/chic for this stuff.” Well, honey, we are here to tell you—that’s absolutely not true! A pair of Ethiopian, hand-sewn pillows home will liven up your Danish-modern sofa. Plants will look dramatic in enormous (and affordable) natural fiber baskets, and go great with your Shabby Chic. And glowing wooden bowls (made from low-impact, farm-raised woods) will be just what you need to dress-down that Ethan Allen dining set. Mix their gorgeous, fair-trade wares with any décor as you help support African craftsmen—they work directly with the artisans, and every item has a story—just ask. Swahili Inc. |
|
|
| 4 | In Harmony We are a sucker for two of the three Rs (reading and ‘riting, definitely not ‘rithmetic), so it’s no surprise that we were charmed by Laylahma Earth Friendly Clothing, named and designed around a book written by the store’s owner. From the bamboo floors that evoke a desert landscape to the hemp silk “clouds” above, the store represents a planet where people live in harmony and use technology to create luxurious, natural fabrics. Fortunately, these eco-friendly materials make for outstanding clothes. Everything is simple and fresh; you’ll find richly colored basics in fabrics that breathe and feel soft against your skin. Look for polo dresses and chic shawls from Natural High Lifestyle, cap-sleeve tees from Sweetgrass, and simple sheaths from Of The Earth, all made from materials like bamboo, hemp and organic cotton. And if you’ve picked up any fashion magazines lately, you’ve noticed that they’re all talking about going green. Organic cotton and alternative materials are not only good for the environment, but good for your wardrobe, as well! Laylahma |
||
| 5 | Tucking us in When we got married, our Honor Attendant (Maid of Honor, but male) threw us a bridal shower at a fanciful townhouse, known for its tea and pastries. We still get nostalgic for it. Not, you know, the games, but the good food, the nice surroundings, and that air of buttery gentility. Which made us all the happier to find Chef Tucker’s Patisserie. A darling house in the center of all that is SE Hawthorne, Chef Tucker’s pastry case is full of perfectly put-together treats, like pastel meringue macaroons, layered “opera” cakes, and brightly glazed fruit tarts. Those who want savory before sweet may select items like crepes, sandwiches, salads, or quiches for breakfast or lunch (they’re open Wed-Sun, 8 am-4 pm), and relax in the elegant but unpretentious dining room. Chef Tucker’s rents their downstairs space for dinner parties (the space positively glows at night). The upstairs can also be used for events like wedding or baby showers—or anything you like. But don’t wait for a special occasion; go for a mid-day sugar rush, or pick up croissants for Sunday morning. Chef Tucker’s Patisserie |
|
|
| 6 | Dare To Go Bare Just last weekend one of our very hip BFF’s asked if we’ve ever had a Brazilian. She was going on vacation and was a bit nervous about the whole idea. What?!? So we told her, yes, we’ve had them…plenty, in fact! And we had to admit we felt a teensy bit smug knowing that we had done something our very hip BFF had not. So we also admitted to her that the first time, we chickened out and went for the basic bikini instead. We took baby steps, but we got there, which is why we were stoked to hear about urban waxx, Portland’s newest spot to bare it all. urban waxx is an intimate studio—owner Shannon has 10 years of waxing experience under her belt. She’s funny, bubbly, and downright adorable, and the best part—she specializes in Brazilians! Waxing was over before we knew it and we were almost sad to leave. Needless to say, we’ll be back and so will our BFF. Call for an appointment of your own, and tell her Portland Picks sent you! urban waxx |
||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Baby, I'm A Star Movie posters lie. They’re designed to make you think Norbitt is a work of art and that Lindsay Lohan can actually act. And we get suckered by them every time. But the good folks at 5starbaby make faux movie posters that – at least from a parents’ perspective – totally tell the truth. Each 5”x8” birth announcement proudly proclaims things like “One of the year’s best babies” and “Put her on your ‘must-see’ list for ’07,” making them an adorable way to treat your teeny tot like a full-fledged star.. |
 5starbaby.com |
|
| 2 | Help Is On The Way We use our Macintosh so much we’ve rubbed the letters off our keyboard, but if anything goes wrong we swing into panic mode in an instant. Lost files? We don’t know how to retrieve them. Data migration? Never heard of it! So we rely on Moonlight Mac to calm our nerves and fix our ’puters. He will come to your home or office, or even give you help over the phone—and can work on any Mac, old or new. He’s here to help…thank goodness! |
 moonmac.com |
|
| 3 | Sleep Like A Baby Did you know that newborns sleep an average of two hours longer when swaddled? We wish we knew this when we were raising our kids. Imagine…two hours longer…all the things you could do! (Even if it’s just watching One Life to Live in peace. Ahhh....) Check out the SwaddleKeeper with Newborn Head Support—they even offer a “sleep guarantee” that your child will sleep longer. We love that! We also love that it was created and tested by a registered nurse in Hood River. (And it makes a great gift!) |
 swaddlekeeper.com |
|
| 4 | Delicious Lips Now there is a new lip scrub on the block, called, well, The Lip Scrub. It eliminates dry, flaky skin and leaves lips ridiculously smooth and supple. In all kinds of yummy flaves, like almond crème, peppermint, and brown sugar. Yum! |
 thelipscrub.com |
|
| 5 | Baby, We Found It We are big on babies this week, but only because there is so much cool stuff. Our latest find? Itsa-belly, a personal shopper/baby consultant to help new moms (and dads) find exactly what they need, without lifting a finger. Itsa-belly helps locate everything from the best stroller for your lifestyle to the best midwife, pre-natal yoga classes, photographers, meal-planning...if you need it, they can find it! Portland Picks Perk: Mention the code “ppgift” to receive 15% off any concierge service or organic mama & baby products! |
 itsa-belly.com |
|
| Event of the Week! | |||
|
Shop Therapy’s Hot Sale—Today and Saturday Ladies, don't miss this fabulous shopping event! We had a sneak preview and shopped till we dropped. People keep asking us "Where'd you get that?" It was Shop Therapy! Check out great clothes from designers like Ya, Ya, Habitual, Johnny Was, Trina Turk and so many more. Take home that hip look for a night on the town, and basic tees you'll wear over and over…all at discounted prices. Put this sale on top of your weekend "to do" list…it's a must attend event! What: Shop Therapy |
|||
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Carl Greve is Moving, and Having a Sale! After 84 years on Park and Morrison, Carl Greve Downtown is moving to the corner of Broadway and Morrison. In preparation for this historic event, Carl Greve will hold an epic sale on jewelry and timepieces…the very things you lust after can now be yours! Enjoy unprecedented savings of up to 40% off selected merchandise. What: Carl Greve Jewelry & Timepiece Collections May Sale Event |
 carlgreve.com |
|
| 2 | "Oilily & More" Moppet Frocks Trunk Show Spoil your kiddies—or other people’s kiddies—at the Moppet Frocks Trunk Show at Play Boutique. Supervised child play while you shop (with minimum $50 purchase; complimentary for Play Boutique members.) And stop by to pick up your Fun In Frocks Card at Play Boutique—it’s good for 20% off your entire order! What: "Oilily & More" Moppet Frocks Trunk Show |
 |
|
| 3 | Junior League Golf Tourney & Dinner Join the fun at the Junior League’s 4th annual golf tournament, or enjoy dinner and a silent auction at the Oregon Golf Club! Junior League is dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in the greater Portland Metropolitan and SW Washington area. Profits from this event help them support the many community organizations they work with. What: Golf Tournament & Silent Auction/Dinner |
 juniorleagueofportland.org |
|
| 4 | Educate Your Nose! Enjoy an interactive perfumery workshop with fragrance consultant Miriam Vareldzis. Truly experience the ingredients in a fragrance, the genealogy of perfumery, and the poetry behind individual notes, learning about the alchemy of layering notes and accords in the creation of a finished fragrance. You’ll receive a take-away smelling kit, coffee/tea, and a light lunch. What: The Art and Poetry of Perfumery |
 |
|
| 5 | Realize Your Full Potential Are you living the life you imagined? Are you tackling big dreams and making the most of every day? Taking action to achieve your personal and professional goals takes courage, and you need BecomeU. This program will help you step out of your comfort zone and start doing what you love. Challenge yourself—and realize your full potential. What: BecomeU |
 becomex.org |
|
| 6 | Talula’s and TAGG: Storewide Sales! If you have any self-control about shoes, this sale is not for you. Talula’s and TAGG are holding storewide sales with 20% off everything! Plus, buy three or more items and receive 30% off. We are counting the days…with hot looks for women, urban styles for men and adorable kids’ kicks, this could be dangerous. What: Storewide Sales at Talula’s and TAGG |
 |
|
| 7 |
|
||
| 8 | Happy Birthday, Betty! Hot Box Betty celebrates one year in Portland with a sale—here and in Bend! Save at least 20% off lust-worthy items for men & women. Plus, racks of markdowns to $25, $50 and $100. Hook yourself up with Nieves Lavi, Isabella Fiore, Velvet, People's Liberation, Ranahan, Splendid, Ben Sherman, Modern Amusement, GSUS, & much more! What: Hot Box Betty Anniversary Sale—come get Betty'd! |
 hotboxbetty.com |
|
| 9 | Now Open: The Grand SalonSpa You must check out the new spa in town—The Grand SalonSpa is 9,000 SF dedicated to pampering you! To celebrate the grand opening, with each $50 gift certificate you purchase you’ll receive a $20 gift certificate to use as you wish (not valid with other offers). Let them lavish you with a pedicure, new haircut, or massage. You'll be glad you did! What: The Grand SalonSpa |
 thegrandsalonspa.com |
|
| 10 | Fit and Fabulous Workouts for Brides! Getting married? Get in shape! The Healthy Bride has a fabulous 6-week program (begins May 22) to get you fit for the big day. Moms, bridesmaids and friends are welcome. Attend their special seminar at lucy, “Design Your Bridal Fitness Trousseau,” Saturday, June 9, from 9 am-noon, for workout tips, workout wear, goody bags, 20% off, and more! What: Fit and Fabulous Workout for Brides |
 healthy-bride.com |
|
| 11 | Columbia Sportswear Grand Opening Columbia Sportswear is opening at the Woodburn Company Stores! Buy the book “One Tough Mother,” by Columbia chairman Gert Boyle at the grand opening and Columbia will donate $1 to CASA for Children and Special Olympics. The first 500 customers will get a complimentary Columbia water bottle, and print this page, to receive 25% off a single item during the grand opening! What: Columbia Sportswear Grand Opening + donations from the book “One Tough Mother” |
 columbia.com |
|
| 12 |
|
||
| 13 | Style Bistro Handbags on Sale! Last week we told you about the crazy adorable handbags at www.Style-Bistro.com, and now there’s a special offer just for Portland Picks readers: When you place a phone order, mention Portland Picks and get 20% off. We are going to buy one of everything…clutches, totes, doctor’s bags…these are the cutest bags around! What: Discount for Portland Picks readers on Style Bistro handbags! |
 style-bistro.com |
|
| 14 |
|
||
| 15 |
|
||
|
What do you think we need more of? More boutiques? More restaurants? More gift ideas? More “Mommy & Me” ideas? Let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll try to find it! And btw: Have you told your northerly friends about www.SeattlePicks.com? It’s always the right time to sign up and share the love. |
|||
Log onto www.portlandpicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.portlandpicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@PortlandPicks.com
Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com |
|||
