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July 13th, 2007
Everyone has a personal hell. Ours involves waiting in line, a Mariah Carey soundtrack, the smell of hot dogs, wearing flats, and the absence of mascara. And just last week we got a taste of our PH at a time when we were in a hurry. It’s a wonder we didn’t spontaneously combust. We were in the checkout line at one of the jumbo stores, and got trapped behind a woman (surely a very nice lady), who not only paid by check and wrote it in painstakingly perfect longhand, but then balanced her checkbook at the end of the transaction. She purchased all of five items. We had a mind to very sweetly inform her about a magical new invention called the “check card,” but mostly we were consumed with an animosity toward her that grew stronger as her activities carried on longer, and longer. Is it wrong that we have no patience for lines? Perhaps. Is it wrong that we don’t like shopping for paper towels at megastores? It may be snobbish, but it’s forgivable. But is it wrong that we want to maim people who pay by check in busy retail locations? Most definitely. We know a problem when we see one. Some people can Zen out on that kind of thing…think about puppies or kittens or hum their favorite tune. We get the urge to kick people. Apparently, it’s time to seek help. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Look the Part With stylish girlfriends who do that whole “effortlessly cool” thing coming into town next week, we are on a mission to impress them…we can’t let them know that we spend our days in cargo pants and smock tops we get on the sale rack at the mall. We want to pretend that we, too, are effortlessly cool, night and day, day and night. It’s a stretch, but we figure we can handle it for five days. So we headed to Soho Boutique. Their denim is not to be believed: styles from wide legs to skinny jeans, 17 brands—some exclusive to Portland, and even larger sizes! You’ll also get the star treatment with a personal fitting. There are also cute, well-priced tops and bottoms (so much under $100!), and adorable, casual dresses that you can play up (boots or heels) or down (flip-flops), so it’s like getting two outfits in one. Bonus! And the shop feels like a private parlor—sweet and girly yet sophisticated and hip. Right now they're having an irresistible sale on tons of items—pop in, and tell them Portland Picks sent you! Soho Boutique |
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| 2 | Third Time We’re Charmed Thanks to an intrepid reader, we were tipped off to yet another change of hands over at the Gotham Tavern. Naturally, we went investigating with our favorite dining-gals. The new owner/chef, named Barry, knew a gem when he saw the place, because the interior has remained perfectly intact (sometimes change actually isn’t good). However, he did put the menu through a makeover and has brought it back to focusing on the food, he tells us. We went there “just for a snack,” and ended up trying the Lettuce Wrap with Sesame Beef, Maryland Style Dungeness Crab Cakes, BLT with Avocado (BLAT), oh yeah, and a half rack of Baby Back Ribs. We shared! Kind of. Okay, fine, not really, but we all wanted something different because everything just looked so good! So we went “just for a snack’” but had to have something to go with our round of Aviation Gin and tonics, right? Stop by for that “snack,” and we won’t tell if you don’t share with your friends. We understand. Gotham Tavern |
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| 3 | Easy Rider There are many ways that Portland often reminds us of Amsterdam. Wait. What? No: we’re talking about bicycles, folks. In Portland, bikes are for both sporting and schlepping. But sporting had the market cornered on stylin’, while schlepping got the shaft. Not anymore! The month-old Clever Cycles on SE Hawthorne shows pure schlepping style. Clever Cycles specializes in bikes that stress Function over Fast—and yet they are very, very cool. Most of the merch comes from Holland (“Izn’t zhat weird?”), where conducting life on a bike is a way of life. Bikes with baskets. Bikes with what appear to be wheelbarrows on the front. Bikes with built-in lights. Bikes that fold. Whether you’re hauling your kids from the river up Mt. Tabor, or toting your goodies from New Seasons, Clever Cycles has a bike for you. And accessories galore—helmets, bags, saddles, even cute t-shirts. Bring the kids—they’ll happily hang in the play area while you contemplate how many baguettes (or Bugaboos) will fill the basket… Clever Cycles |
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| 4 | Good Looks, Good Taste With a graphic designer boyfriend, it’s no wonder we’re gaga for logos. If it’s well designed, cute, clever or otherwise notable, we’ve probably flipped for it (and dished out the cash to prove it). So it’s really not any surprise that when we spotted Get Bento, we were immediately smitten. Bold colors, a simple font and—be still our heart—the circular shape that adorably subbed in for the “o.” And in what looks like a converted gas station to boot! But a girl can’t eat based on good design alone, which is why we’re glad to say that the bento’s delish. The menu’s a snap—just pick veggies, beef, chicken or tempeh and they’ll fly out of the kitchen on a bed of white or brown rice. Add some sweet chili paste, grab a seat at the outdoor picnic tables, and soon you’ll realize that while looks aren’t everything, when it comes to bento, they certainly help sweeten the deal. Get Bento |
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| 5 | Making Sense of Men For instance, why do men have “marrying” attraction for some women, but “one-nighter” attraction for others? Are we missing some of their communication signals? Why do some relationships start out great (he listens to you, everything seems fun and exciting, you’re having a blast), and then take an inexplicable downward turn, and how can you turn it around? It’s time to get some answers, and PAX Programs can help. Their seminar helps women find the key to understanding men. This isn’t advice from a magazine or an “us against them” indoctrination—these are professionals who have helped thousands of women improve their relationships with family, at work, and romantically. You’ll come away with a new point of view about men and women, with some great laughs along the way. Register online—it’s free—and tell them Portland Picks sent you! |
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| 6 | Judge by the Cover We are the first to admit that we’re often drawn by curb appeal alone. We know, we know—don’t judge a book by its cover. But what can we say? Sometimes we’re a bit shallow. Like flirting with that beautiful South African barista with a steamy British accent, or devouring that piece of chocolate cake with five layers of Ganache (ahem, literally translated as “fool” in French), going on looks alone sometimes seems like a good idea! So when we first caught sight of Odango, we nearly jumped out of our seatbelt, thinking we’d found the “next great.” But before we could finish saying, “Just because it’s the cutest thing this side of the Willamette doesn’t mean...” we corrected ourselves. It was the cutest thing this side of the Willamette. Say no more. True, we’re suckers for funky storefronts, but ultimately we prize what’s inside, like Gerber daisies and polka-dotted walls—er, we mean hairstylists who care. And they do. For when they say hair should be fun, we cannot agree more. Who wants to be judged for a bad hair day? Odango Hair Studio |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Grand Opening Celebration—Carl Greve on Broadway
Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds! If you haven’t visited the new Carl Greve in downtown Portland , here’s a little incentive… In honor of this monumental event, Carl Greve has decided to celebrate with something that is just as monumental—diamonds! During the month of July, they will be giving away a pair of two-carat total weight Hearts On Fire® diamond stud earrings. To enter to win, please visit their new downtown store and try on Hearts On Fire® diamonds. What could be better than that? What: Carl Greve on Broadway Grand Opening Celebration |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | You Little Minx Nothing is better than shopping…well, maybe a few things. But overall it’s pretty fantastic, especially at www.UrbanMinx.com. They offer up an amazing and stylish array of clothes and accessories for women, men and—just introduced—beauty, from brands like Napoleon Perdis, Fusion, Socialite, and more. It’s seriously mind-boggling. We found our favorite designers—from Juicy Couture tops to Hudson Jeans, Betsey Johnson, Sky, Michael Stars and See Thru Soul. It's like a superhip department store on your desktop! |
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| 2 | In Vino Veritas Our boyfriend adds wine to food the way most people add salt. A dash here, a pour there…by the time we’re done with dinner, we’re halfway to being totally zonked. What he needs is a way to get all the flavor with the right proportions – thank goodness for Vino de Milo! Each savory sauce and delectable dressing combines fresh ingredients with complementary wines, from mango lemongrass chardonnay that’s perfect for chicken to portobello shiraz that will make your spaghetti sing. Available at Haggen and Wild Oats. |
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| 3 | Get a Beach-Ready Body You always say you’ll get in shape—now’s the time! For just $230 per month Recess gives you the bootcamp to end all bootcamps. With classes like yoga and Pilates, plus nutrition, cooking instruction and free goodies, this is all-inclusive coaching. Forget dieting—this two-month, swimsuit-body kickstart makes you healthy from the inside out. It’s loads of fun and super motivating since you’ll see changes right away—we promise. Get in touch for dates and times! |
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| 4 | Float On With summer officially here, we can’t think of anything better than a good old-fashioned Root Beer float. But, not just any ol’ Root Beer will do…Crater Lake Soda has launched a new line of specialty homemade sodas, in addition to their premium Root Beer, which are now available in the Pacific Northwest and on tap at most McMenamins restaurants. Root Beer, Orange Cream, Lemon Lime and Vanilla Cream are made with pure cane sugar and don’t contain caffeine or foam-enhancing additives…Summer never tasted so good! |
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| 5 | Play Hard, Stay Stylish Summer is here and we totally need a bag that looks as hot as the temps outside. And, if we feel particularly daring, it might even be in red, orange or lime green instead of our typical basic black. The handbags made locally by Hardwear by Renee fit all of our stipulations and then some. They come in bright shades, are super sleek and—for our practical side—are made with materials like marine vinyl and rubber tires that withstand stress and are easy to clean. Strong, sexy and smart indeed! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Garden Paradise Portland Japanese Garden is celebrating the opening of “Behind the Shoji Art Show and Sale” with a special event, “Garden Paradise,” and you’re invited! Enjoy a summer evening with fabulous food and entertainment, and get first pick of the wonderful art offered at “Behind the Shoji” before the show is open to the public. What: Garden Paradise at the Japanese Garden |
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| 3 | Happy Birthday Moxie! |
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| 4 | Monday Nights at Aquariva: Lunedi Live! Lunedi Live at Aquariva! Portland soundscapes master Auditory Sculpture—Keith Schreiner (Dahlia, Auditory Scupture) and Derek Sims—is playing spontaneous live sets of Jazz-infused electronica beats every Monday at Aquariva Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar. Enjoy the smooth sounds riverside—plus a late-night menu, cocktails and more. And brunch by the river starts this Sunday (11 am-2.pm). |
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| 6 | Spring/Summer Sale at Mimi & Lena What could make a shopping trip to Mimi & Lena even more wonderful? How about their Spring/Summer Sale! All spring/summer clothing, as well as select shoes, accessories, and jewelry will be 20-50% off regular prices, on feminine, sophisticated styles. (Sale applies to in-stock merchandise only and cannot be applied to prior purchases or special orders.) What: Semi-Annual Spring/Summer Sale at Mimi & Lena |
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| 7 | "Girls’ Night Out" at dragonlily It’s a Trunk Show! Featuring new designs by Tinctoria and Cara Ucci, with complementary wine and chocolate, tarot readings by Kali Rose, henna tattoos by artist Tiffany Thomas, and head, neck and hand massages by LMTs Dana DeMille and Jen Stone. Plus, 15% off all dragonlily merchandise. (Their dresses are amazing—new ones every week, plus lots of custom options!) What: Girls’ Night Out at dragonlily |
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| 8 | Super Summer Sale at Bella Moda Lucky Friday the 13th! Lucky for you…the Super Summer Sale begins today at Bella Moda Designs. Save 20-70% on selected styles from Bella Moda’s knockout selection of shoes from Italy and all around the world. Shop early for the best selection—these fab finds are going to go quickly! What: Super Summer Sale at Bella Moda Designs |
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| 10 | Sunday Movie Night at Hotel deLuxe The Hollywood-film inspired Hotel deLuxe announces the July selection for its once-a-month film series in its state-of-the-art Screening Room. “From One Rose” is an unforgettable sojourn through a century of Rose Festival celebration, as seen through the lens of the camera and the eyes of young people. Food and beverages are available from the Driftwood Room Bar menu, no-host. |
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| 11 | Get Some Retail Therapy! Every third Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, Downtown Portland transforms into a party! With shopping, events, entertainment and delicacies, it's too good to miss! Your favorite stores are participating with terrific sales and special events (can you say "trunk show"?), restaurants will offer specials, and even ice-cream shops are pitching in to make Retail Therapy the kind of event you put on your calendar in pen... What: Retail Therapy |
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Did you get enough triple-digits this week? We feel like we’re glued to the pavement when it tops 90 degrees. We can’t even walk the dog when it’s over 85. Poor little guy—he just pants and wheezes. We need someone to invent a doggie vest with an ice pack inside, so poor Fido doesn’t expire on a jaunt around the block… |
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