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September 7th, 2007
It’s time for our annual fall fashion rant, where we’ve just read 15 magazines so we freak out about the new styles and bemoan the fact that we’re not (choose one or more) tall, thin, fabulous, creative, jet-setty, wealthy or bold enough to wear them. Oh, and we’ll also thank goodness that a certain summer style has been laid to rest. Ready? Okay. First up—hooray for tailoring! We are so excited to see waistlines again (though not so much on those rib-cage-hugger pants) and saucy jackets (we missed you!) and belts of all widths. Though we are afraid of the Return of Leather Pants (no, it’s not a horror movie, but it should be) and the other scary fall fashion element: sculptural hats. Those looked hilarious on most women in 1982 and they look hilarious now, no matter what that magazine says. Except for the cloche—that style seriously rocks (thank you, Marc Jacobs). What are we glad to see go? Babydoll blouses. We sported them just like everyone else—and we also looked preggie like everyone else. We should be more distraught to say goodbye since they were so democratic in their un-flattery, and so perfect for buffets and dealing with Aunt Flo, but aren’t girls with boobs or bellies or booties better served by nipped-in waists and maybe a long neckline? That’s what Clinton and Stacy keep telling us, and frankly, we believe them. (Please oh please, don’t let them hawk hats!) Anyhoo, today is a big occasion for us—our first issue of www.PhoenixPicks.com! We are also publishing issue #2 of www.MinneapolisPicks.com! Be sure to check them out—and tell your PHX and MN friends to sign up. It’s free, and they’ll get the scoop in their hometowns, just like you do here! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | T-Shirts: The New Power Suit? Our favorite summer-camp activity was making spin art t-shirts which we oh-so-cleverly coordinated with layered socks and acid-washed jeans. Who would've guessed that the 80s would be all the rage in ... gasp ... 2007? Leggings, sweater dresses, and the two Coreys are back in like a totally radical way. Sadly, spin-art has faded into oblivion, kinda like the third Corey (sorry Corey Hart, but wearing sunglasses at night is lame). For an 80s fashion fix, we go to 27 where we can put our signature Nintendo character, butt-rock band, or epigram on American Apparel tees, hoodies, and underwear. The owners, also of Tea Chai Te, make the process as easy as ordering a bubble tea. We picked our "flavor," i.e., pink booty shorts. Then we picked our "bubbles," i.e., Magnum P.I.'s mustache. In minutes, our dream of having Magnum P.I.'s epic stache plastered on our arse was realized. Through September 30, grab a coupon at Tea Chai Te for $5 off any customized apparel. While you wait, head back upstairs for a free bubble tea. Spin-art may be dead, but retro tees are, in a word, classic. 27 |
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| 2 | Spot On One of our friends let us in on the secret a few months ago and now we’re ready to share. “It’s in a parking lot on Lombard,” she told us, while also giving us the strong warning that we’d get addicted soon trying it. And, well … she was quite right. No, we’re not talking about anything illegal, we’re talking about the FlavourSpot—North Portland’s finest waffle-sandwich cart. These little waffle sandwiches are so ridiculously tasty you very well may find yourself on the “one-a-day” plan like we were for a few weeks. The “Sausage and Maple” ($4) is our fave, not to mention their number one seller because it marries the sweet maple spread (it’s organic, btw) with savory sausage all in the middle of a fresh, steaming, soft waffle. They’ve got a full menu of other unique combinations (like Nutella and raspberry jam) plus a lineup of good, cheap coffee drinks. Drip’s just a buck and the owner doesn’t charge extra for soy milk. He also tells us he’s gotten so busy he’s thinking of adding a second location. That’s great news for the addiction. FlavourSpot |
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| 3 | Road Trip to Fashion We don't understand why everyone doesn't decide what to wear the way we do—we choose our undergarments, then find something that works over them. But then, we think we should have been born in France, where women are said to spend more on lingerie than any other nationality. Happily for our continued residence in the Pacific Northwest, we have Freudian Slip, a day-trip away in downtown Eugene. As the tongue-in-cheek name suggests, this is not an attempt to replicate the hush and reverence of an exclusive Parisian boutique. Instead, it's the best of American casual meets European chic. Armoires filled with silk and lace, piles of fruit-printed ruffled boyshorts, the sleekest, sexiest, and comfiest bras we've ever worn, cool stuff for casual and even cooler stuff for special occasions—they've got everything for the girly girl underneath it all. Or on top—all our favorite goin'-out-dancin' clothes lately are from Freudian Slip. The requisite extra goodies are tucked into corners—scented soap, unusual wrapping papers, or darling French parasols (poodle not required). Plus, the staff couldn't be friendlier or more helpful. Most definitely worth the trek southward! Freudian Slip |
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| 4 | A New Scene for Northeast Since we work in NE, we’re often on the lookout for nearby spots to eat, drink and de-stress. And though the upscale options are improving, the restaurants in the immediate vicinity have always made our work-appropriate attire stand out like a sore thumb. Enter Terroir, with its light-filled atmosphere that makes us feel comfy and chic, even if we’re plumb tuckered out. Though the menu focuses on Northwest-inspired “small” plates, don’t be fooled—many of the options equate to a full-size entrée. Our favorites were the rich black-pepper pappardelle with lamb ragu, the nutty polenta cakes, and the perfectly cooked sirloin, complemented by a pinot flight that featured wine exclusive to the restaurant. For non-oenophiles, there are drinks shaken, stirred and bubbly, made with fresh juices and high-quality spirits. And while we’re usually so stuffed there’s no room for dessert, we do recommend the red-wine sorbet and house-made bonbons. Now if only our home was as close to Terroir as our office! Terroir |
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| 5 | Comic Relief We have a friend who thinks he's still in art school. His studio loft is minimally furnished with stacks of art books that conveniently serve as extra seating or tables. We considered getting him a chair for his upcoming birthday, but thought that a book would be the safer bet. The challenge was finding something unique that a) he didn't have and b) he was sure to love. Thankfully, Floating World Comics saved the day. We know what you're thinking … comic books are for kids, right? Actually, comic books are no laughing matter; they are works of art with mature content ranging from biography to sci-fi. Floating World Comics has an amazing selection of mainstream comics, with new stuff arriving every Wednesday, and a whole room dedicated to alternative comics. Additionally, the owner hand-picks art and design books which are sure to inspire lugubrious late-night conversations. Not only did we find the perfect book for our friend, we also learned a lot about the world of comics. Plus, we love supporting independent artists … and we can always use extra seating. |
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| 6 | Do the Math Talking to a friend recently, we got on the subject of what we ate for lunch in high school. We usually skipped lunch. Sure, sometimes it was to get homework done for that afternoon, but more often it was to sneak to the mall and score some frozen yogurt. We blame our poor geometry grade on TCBY vanilla-chocolate twist. Anyhoo, we realized that fro’ yo’ is hard to come by in the Pac’ No’. And it didn’t help that our NYC and LA friends constantly raved to us about that shadowy-ingrediented Pinkberry shizz. But now we can boast a new hometown treat: Bleuet. Bleuet is French-Canadian for blueberry, though blueberry isn’t one of the three flavors that Bleuet offers (try plain, cinnamon, or honey). And Bleuet’s yogurt is, thankfully, not excessively sweet. It’s refreshing, not puckering, and will satisfy on its own or adorned with up to six kinds of granola, two kinds of chocolate, and a whole host of fresh fruits, including fresh figs, pineapple, and yes, blueberries. With each fat-free flavor clocking in at 18-20 calories an ounce, we might eventually fit into those high-school jeans—though we can’t guarantee we can still bisect that quadrilateral. Bleuet: A Boutique Yogurt |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
The Europeans have it right—good bread, good cheese, walkable cities, and summers off! Mon Ami Antiques brings a soupcon of that flair to Portland with their amazing store filled with treasures to make a countess blush. After closing for August to fill the store with fab items, Mon Ami is re-opening to celebrate its 1-year anniversary with terrific savings on trés chic pieces that you’ll absolutely adore. Save 10-25% off this weekend only! Mon Ami Antiques |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Not Your Ordinary Blankie Another friend just had a baby and again we were on the hunt for something special. This friend has a jones for anything retro-inspired, so we wanted to bestow a gift that she and her sure-to-be-hip little baby would love. Found: Bergie Blankies. Handmade by a mother/daughter team in Vancouver, they started making flannel blankets and burpies for their family before going online. They use retro fabrics with chenille backing for baby-soft, uber-cute designs that will certainly become keepsakes. (Ask about custom blankets!) |
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| 2 | Where Lawn Chairs Get New Lives When we reminisce about our grandparents, we remember them sitting in folding lawn chairs, enjoying “happy hour.” Sadly, like our grandparents, those chairs of old are long gone, giving way to the collapsible styles of today. At least we’re glad to know that the plastic webbing from these relics is living on in the form of durable pouches, wallets and bags created locally by Rosewebs. Available in super cute, bright colors, these gems are a great way to hang on to a little piece of history. |
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| 3 | It’s True—Babies Grow Up Nobody wants to recognize it when they’re holding a sweet baby in their arms, but they do grow up. And aside from photos and videos and saving their teething rings, there isn’t too much you can do to preserve “the way they were.” Until Momentoes—amazing three-dimensional framed casting of delicate hands and feet. They use a high-quality, non-toxic product to reproduce every line and detail—so you’ll have contemporary, yet lasting memories of when little Jenny was just this big. Sigh. |
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| 4 | Shopping for Neat Freaks We often visit thrift stores to check out vintage bags, but leave totally grossed out. Nine times out of 10, there are wadded up Kleenexes, pen marks and other unidentifiable materials inside, which leaves us entirely uninterested. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a bag that looks vintage, but hasn’t been used and abused? Enter Bari J., a site filled with retro-style offerings that are 100% clean and fresh. You can even choose a chic fabric to design a purse of your very own, guaranteed to be entirely unsullied by the masses. |
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| 5 | You Smell So Cool We were perusing Fred Segal online and came across this fab find: Juliette has a Gun fragrance. It’s some French brand (we initially thought it was by Juliette Lewis, who not only acts, but sings and is just kooky enough to make something with this name). Anyhoo, it’s described as “the perfume of a virgin witch, docile and provocative, elegant and sensual.” Just like you, right? Oh, what the heck—no matter what it smells like, it will look totally epic on your nightstand. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Mississippi Social & Fashion Show Don’t miss the September Mississippi Social! Bring the gal-pals & hang out—there's a silent auction and raffle, and the Flourish fashion show with hot new looks from Phlox, Gypsy Chic, Sameunderneath, Pin Me Apparel, Blue, Amalee and Black Wagon! A $2 donation will benefit the Historic Mississippi Business Association and Albina Youth Opportunity School. What: September Mississippi Social & Fashion Show |
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| 2 | Grand Opening Specials at Blue Sky! |
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| 3 | Travel Tips Packing Workshop from AAA Packing can take the fun out of traveling (or wait, is that the airport?) … but Anne McAlpin demonstrates new, innovative travel & packing tips from her bestselling book, “Pack It Up” at complimentary AAA seminars! Learn to pack smart, travel essentials, security musts, even wardrobe tips, for cruises and airline travel. Non-members are welcome, too! What: Travel Tips Packing Workshop from AAA |
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| 4 | Chocolate Confessions—The Musical Comedy Grab your girlfriends for a hilarious night at the one-woman musical comedy “Chocolate Confessions.” Local actress Joan Freed returns to Portland after rave reviews in 25 cities across the country. It all takes place in a chocolate shop, where customers share deep dark secrets. Enjoy wine and desserts in the lobby. Opening weekend special: free Belgian truffles! (Show continues thru Nov. 18.) What: Chocolate Confessions – the musical comedy |
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| 5 | Achieve Hormone Balance Have you experienced HormoneSynergy? HormoneSynergy, an educational and empowering seminar, will give you the tools you need to achieve optimal health through hormone balance. At the seminar you will: become educated about your hormones, test your hormones (additional fee), learn about Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and understand why SottoPelle pellets are the ultimate form of BHRT. |
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| 7 | It’s Time for Time-Based Art PICA’s Time-Based Art Festival combines regional, national and international artists in theatre, dance, music, film, visual exhibition and installation all over the city. From moments of movement and imagery under bridges and over rivers, to stages and venues throughout the city … our own Sam Roloff (painting at left) is a part of it—check it out! What: Time-Based Art from PICA |
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| 8 | Toby Pomeroy Jewelry Trunk Show at Mario’s |
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| 9 | Sail for the Cure Sail for the Cure combines sailing, support and encouragement in one great event. Enjoy a day of sailing, followed by a silent auction, and a benefit dinner with live auction, music & dancing. Don’t have a boat? They’ll find you one! And it’s all to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. What: Sail for the Cure |
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Ooh, and one last thing: This weekend is Fashion for the Cure—our four-day shopping/fall fashion/big sales/entertainment/cool seminars event with Bridgeport Village to benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. Don’t you dare miss it! |
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