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August 17th, 2007
You know you’re getting old when you get angry watching “The Real World.” You don’t find it funny anymore. There’s no trace of prurient interest (though some of those boys are total tween beefcakes). Yep, you know you’re old when you don’t watch it for entertainment… you watch it to get riled up. It’s like every year the “kids” get twittier and more ignorant, and, we have to say, this season they’re downright mean! But the kicker is that you sit there on your sofa (with or without your cat) and think, “Why do they waste these huge homes—in amazing cities—on eleventeen-year-olds? Why don’t they put some 35-year-olds in there? What “The Real World” needs are people who would have wine-soaked dinner parties with intelligent conversation, homemade centerpieces and complicated recipes from French cookbooks. People who would strive to make lifelong friendships instead of hooking up one night, hating the person the next. People who are mature, responsible, and do the dishes. People who don’t whine about every little thing, who know that doing 10 shots of tequila might put you in the hospital, and who strive to see as much of the city as possible just to savor the experience. Oh. Wait. Ohhhh. Uh-huh. Yeah. That might be the point. Maybe we’re better off watching “The Golden Girls.” At least they understand that a lady should dress modestly. Canasta, anyone? |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | A Rose by Any Other Name Imagine our surprise when we were driving north up MLK, and out of the corner of our eye—a new store! (We at Portland Picks are fabulous drivers, by the way; we share the road, and always notice cyclists, pedestrians, and the car stopping short in front of us. It’s just that boutiques are so much more interesting.) Union Rose is the kind of store that we really do crave, full of handmade items that are hip, stylish, and pretty without being prohibitively girly. Same thing with the kids’ stuff they carry: not saccharine cutesy in the least. In fact, we wish some of it came in our size! (Hint, hint.) Co-owners Heidi and Nicole contribute their fetching wares to the store; Heidi knits and Nicole sews. On a recent visit, we fell in love with one of Heidi’s skirts, long enough that we can wear it as a dress, and stylish either way. Not to mention the pillows made from recycled sweaters, mid-century-inspired fused glass, jewelry, knitted caps and gloves, handmade bath bars. All from local creators, all reasonable, all truly lovely. All the stuff that makes us thrilled to be in Portland—with excellent peripheral vision. Union Rose |
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| 2 | Ooh, That Smell We just got back from a shopping mission to find one thing: the perfect smell. We love it when we hug someone, (friend, lover, etc.) and they have a yummy smell that’s perfectly suited to them. We want that! So we headed to the department store perfume counter to find it… but left only with a headache. Spritz, smell, cough, repeat… nothing was “us.” We might have left empty handed today, but we know exactly where to go next—Camellia Pure Beauty. This delightful beauty bar just opened and has oodles of swank natural body-care products (perfume without headaches included). Shop owner (and artist) Emily Headen wanted a body care store that she could walk into and, without question, walk out of with something pure and delicious. That’s precisely Camellia’s mission. There’s not a product on the shelf that contains any phthalates, parabens, petrol, artificial fragrances, or sodium lauryl sulfates. And her stuff rocks. Soaps, hair care, makeup, skincare… if it goes on your skin or hair, she’s got you covered. Did we mention it smells good, too? Camellia Pure Beauty |
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| 3 | Taking the Whaa? Out of Wine Let’s just lay it out there shall we? We really don’t know squat about wine. It’s one of those scary-exciting things to us, but mostly scary. It’s probably because we actually know a lot of people who really know a ton about it, which only reinforces the fact that we know, umm, yeah, not much. But does that stop us from flocking to Portland’s ever-increasing wine bar openings? Never! If there’s one thing we can do well, it’s scouting out the best new spots, and yes, add Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro to that list. Whoa, that’s not new, you may be thinking. Well, you’re only half right. Thirst’s first location downtown, which we’ve been to and loved, has been open a while. So when they announced their Lake Oswego location we didn’t think twice about checking it out. And can we just say that Lake Oswego was ripe for a wine bar? On their second day open the place was packed. And for good reason—with tons of wines by the taste, flight, glass or bottle, plus delightful NW tapas, Thirst makes it easy to learn (and love) the grapes. Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro |
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| 4 | That Touch of Mink Fall fashion… mm-hm, let’s say it again. We are so excited about fall—from the jewel tones and berry hues to the easy-to-wear dresses, the return of the coat (sorry, summer) and the small details (bold buttons, bubble sleeves) that bring it all home. We are ready to shop, yes indeedy. So we love to load up on girly iterations of the must-have fall trends at Mink boutique. With designers like Weston Wear, Nick and Mo, Kenzie and Mac & Jac, plus dresses by Mixie, tops by Aubergine, floor-length maxi-dresses by Toast (so glam and yet highly wearable) and more—in all the right colors—they’ll have you transitioning into fall with style. Looking for gifts? Their jewelry is adorable, they have a few specialty baby items, cool local calendars, fabulous candles, and—best of all—amazing Italian-leather handbags by Kristen Aronsson that are exclusive to the Northwest. Btw: This weekend the Hawthorne Street Fair is happening, and Mink’s summer items are all marked down from 20-70% off, so be sure to stroll past 39th to get your touch of Mink! Mink |
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| 5 | Vegan Funkadelic We’re not vegan, but some of our best friends are. That said, we couldn’t help but be intrigued by a new restaurant in the getting-hotter-by-the-month stretch of Williams that houses Pix Patisserie, Akemi Salon, Yoga Shala, 5th Quadrant and Lark Press. Nutshell’s sign showcases a big, cartoony gorilla that’s too eye-catching to ignore. So we went in for lunch. What followed was, no doubt, an adventure. We were expecting fake meat, but instead found culinary artistry… once we deciphered the menu. We’re not familiar with “pinon ricotta,” we’ve never heard of “corona beans,” and what the fashizzle are “bamboo fries”? Nonetheless, we navigated our way to a delicious sandwich of avocado, grilled Hawaiian pineapple and Walla Walla onions (with bamboo fries—they’re light and tasty, btw), melon salad with raspberry vinegar and fresh mint, spaghetti with pesto, and an almond-milk latte. We were happy. We’re not up for a Jamaican sarsaparilla hemp nut smoothie (though the pineapple-coconut version sounds tempting), but we’ll be back for more of Nutshell’s tasty cookery. Vegans of Portland, rejoice! Your mothership has landed. Nutshell |
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| 6 | A Very Special Offer for Portland Picks We know, we know… summer isn’t over yet, so it’s probably too soon to think about the fall. Not true! Of course, we’re not fans of miserable rain and cold weather, but there are many redeeming autumnal qualities you should consider. First, the kids are back in school (and out of your hair), second, the leaves will turn pretty colors, and finally, closed-toe shoes are back in fashion, so you don’t have to keep up with pedicures. Check out the latest fall shoe styles at Imelda’s and Louie’s, including new boots from Biviel and Frye, sports shoes from Privo and… (please stop drooling) … new fall handbags by Hobo International! Ooh, and we can’t forget to mention the fashionable chapeaus from Goorin Brothers. Tres chic. And here’s the best part: Print out the first page of this issue of Portland Picks and bring it in to either Imelda’s and Louie’s location by August 31, 2007, to receive 10% off one regular-priced pair of shoes! And there’s no better time to shop, because Imelda’s and Louie’s just received their new fall lines! Imelda’s & Louie’s Shoes |
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| 7 | Sea Change With enough shoes for a small country, Eurail passes, and a tight itinerary, we traveled to Europe to soak up a little culture, and a lot of sun. Our plans were derailed when we met some hot rugby-playing Kiwis taking the tiki tour from Oktoberfest to Amsterdam. Long story short, we spent waaay too much time in Amsterdam and we never did make it to the Mediterranean. Luckily, Indigo Traders brings the Mediterranean to us in the form of gorgeous handcrafted textiles and housewares. We shopped our way through Syria, Morocco, and France. We caught ourselves drooling on the lustrous silk pillows and bedding from Palestine. From Turkey, we couldn't resist the traditional bath towels, which are amazingly light and absorbent, and the vibrant hand-painted ceramics featuring ancient Ottoman designs. Stop by on First Friday for free food, Turkish coffee, awesome door prizes, and sales throughout. Also, through 8/31, mention Portland Picks and receive 10% off everything. Get a glimpse of the Mediterranean without even leaving PDX. Hey, it's way cheaper than a Eurail pass, and no jet lag! Indigo Traders |
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| Hangout of the Week: | |||
We can’t think of a more delightful place to hang out al fresco than Veritable Quandary’s legendary patio. Sip a VQ Bellini, or “Love on the Rocks”—a strawberry margarita made with Hornitos tequila and Cointreau. Tuck into delish treats like Grilled Bacon-Wrapped dates, stuffed with Chevre and Marcona Almonds (only $5), or an Artisan Cheese Plate served with seasonal fruit, nuts, and warm bruschetta ($12). We can’t think of a better accompaniment to a glass of wine (and VQ just received an “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator for the fifth year in a row). This is serious patio pampering. We expect to see you there! Veritable Quandary |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Ahh, the Beauty of Motherhood Sometimes moms-to-be don’t feel as beautiful as they should. Their bodies are changing, their hormones are swirling, their feet are swelling! They’re in need of some serious pampering. So treat mom right—whether she’s expecting or not—with fabulously nurturing body and skin services from RubyViolet. They understand the special needs of mothers in all shapes and sizes, providing an oasis of calm in busy, busy lives. |
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| 2 | Shop, Shop! Staying on top of trends can be hard, and doing it on a budget? Downright impossible. Fortunately, Shop Suey Boutique is just a click away, ready with suggestions of sleek handbags, oversize sunglasses and sassy accessories…all at bargain prices. Our current faves are the Grecian style double headbands and the “designer inspired” tortoise look Emma shades–your start to a stylish fall! |
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| 3 | Baby Confidential Recently, five of our friends welcomed new babies to their families. Oh, the gift-giving we’ve done! We’ve seen every onesie, stuffed giraffe and Swedish mobile in existence… yet we keep coming back to Sofia Bean. Now they’ve added sibling t-shirts, so big brother and big sister have something special of their own to celebrate baby, plus, find adorable matching tees for mom and dad! And at the introductory price of $14.99, you can make the whole family happy with just one session of online shopping. |
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| 4 | Precious Moments Preserved Did your parents make bronze castings of your baby shoes? Ours did not. In fact, they barely took pictures, and after age 5, photo evidence of our younger brother disappears, as if he didn’t exist… If only they had known about Simply Silhouettes! It’s such a cool concept—they make silhouettes of photos that you send in, and then create prints, canvases, clothing, stationery sets, paperweights, tote bags and even giftwrap in your choice of colors. It’s so unique and fun. Do this for you—and your kids! |
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| 5 | Family Photography for Busy Lives Busy parents could probably use a thousand services that deliver, so how about a photographer who comes to you! Check out Rachael Kubik Photography. She’s Portland-based, her packages are very affordable, and her work is fantastic. Her specialty is pregnant mothers and newborn babies—the people least likely to head out for a photo shoot. So she brings a mini-studio to the location of your choice to create natural, thoughtful, “organic” photos that last a lifetime… that didn’t put a kink in your life. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Preview Fall at Michelle DeCourcy Michelle DeCourcy’s fall line comes to life during a twilight bash in the Pearl! Feel luxurious—a bit like Jackie O—in sleek, tailored designs that intertwine silkscreen abstracts, geometrics and floral prints for subtle, chic elegance. Cherry reds, deep indigo and navy pop against fall’s neutrals, adding panache to almost everything you’ll be wearing. See it first! What: Michelle DeCourcy fall preview |
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| 2 | Celebration Oregon! Wine Awards & Tasting The Oregon State Fair kicks off its inaugural night with the Celebration Oregon! wine awards and tasting event, showcasing the winners of the 2007 Oregon State Fair Professional Wine Competition. Sample award-winning varietals and hors d’oeuvres prepared by celebrated Oregon chefs. Tickets include admission to the Oregon State Fair, free parking, and a commemorative wine glass. What: Celebration Oregon! wine awards and tasting event |
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| 3 | Nob Hill Sidewalk Sale Save up to 75% off at your favorite Nob Hill shops! They’re rolling out the racks and stacking the tables high with incredible steals and deals for three days only. From lipsticks to lingerie, rugs to robots and everything in between, you don’t want to miss out—so shop early for the best selection. What: Nob Hill Sidewalk Sale! |
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| 4 | City Girl Boutique’s Back to School Special Give yourself a treat at City Girl while you’re out shopping for pencils and notebooks. Mention this ad and receive 10% off your purchase, even all their hot Ed Hardy arrivals for fall! Plus, City Girl just received new Hudson, Denim of Virtue colored denim and new Havaianas styles. What: Back to School Promotion at City Girl Boutique |
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| 5 | Pearl District Annual Sidewalk Sale Labor Day weekend is famous for one thing: The Pearl District’s Annual Sidewalk Sale! Save up to 80% on selected merchandise at more than 40 participating merchants throughout the Pearl. From fashion to furnishings, you’ll want to shop early to save big! Plus, enjoy Art in the Pearl Festival in the North Park Blocks. What: Pearl District Sidewalk Sale |
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| 6 | FYI Summer Jewelry Show Join FYI Salon for a fun afternoon with a jewelry show in the Pearl District featuring Elentari Handverk, stubborn, and Spin Jewelry. FYI is the unique combination of an intimate full-service hair salon and a fashion-forward women's wear boutique. There will be nibbles and wine, a raffle and door prizes, and discounts on FYI clothes! |
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| 7 | “The Cement Mixer” Party at Foundation Garments "The Cement Mixer" at Foundation Garments will feature several of Portland 's favorite designers including Leanimal, Erhart, PaperDoll, Mizu Desierto and Layers Squared, with exclusive designs for Foundation Garments. A portion of sales will go to Portland Sweatfree Campaign. Enjoy tasty cocktails from New Deal Vodka as you shop and make a difference! What: Foundation Garments Cement mixer & sale |
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| 9 | Hawthorne Day! Street fair Multnomah County and the City of Portland are declaring Aug. 18 to be “Hawthorne Day!” Live music on several stages, BBQ, food vendors, art, balloons, sidewalk sales, free samples, and more. Visit the special children’s area at Kids at Heart, at 35th! Bus service will run as usual, but in true Portland fashion, use transit or bike! What: Hawthorne Day Street Fair |
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| 10 | Race for CARRA 5K Run/Walk Participate in the Race for CARRA: Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance 5k run/walk for the entire family along the Eastbank Esplanade. The Start/Finish line is at the Main Street Plaza, where SE Main Street meets the Eastbank Esplanade just north of the Hawthorne Bridge. 100% of proceeds go directly to CARRA to help fund research. What: Race for CARRA |
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| 11 | Visit the Seasons Specialty Shoppe What: Seasons Specialty Shop |
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| 12 | Taste Salumi with Armandino Batali Armandino Batali, of Salumi Artisan Cured Meats in Seattle, has been supplying gourmet cured meats to Foster & Dobbs since the wine and cheese shop opened in 2005. He will prepare a number of dishes for you to taste, including gnocco frito and salami cotto, and explore the history of cured meats during an evening class! Sounds delicious! What: Cured-Meats Tasting with Armandino Batali |
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Maybe we shouldn’t have spilled the beans about our seething animosity toward “The Real World.” But really, writing the Picks is like therapy for us. If we can’t tell you about our fits and foibles, who can we tell? xoxo |
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