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September 14th, 2007
We are obsessed with electric cars. No, this isn’t a joke. Yes, we’re ready to turn in Ye Olde ExecuCar for a spry little number that never needs a tune-up and plugs into the garage. We realized that we really don’t drive that much, and frankly we’re starting to feel bad about it every time we do. Sure, we’ve watched a few episodes of “Living with Ed,” and we just got back from a visit to one of the most environmentally backward cities in the nation (How Now, Brown Cloud?), but really our interest has more to do with what we experience here in Portland. Here, people support choices that make a difference. Neighbors get excited when you install solar panels, buses run on biofuel, and local fashion has an eco-friendly leaning. Besides, how cute would we look in a little lime-green electric number wearing a bamboo-fiber wrap dress, black Jackie Os and red lipstick? We’d definitely get attention. And let’s face it, when you’re having a low-self-esteemy day, saving the planet has nothing on getting noticed! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Say it Again, Now If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times. Portland has reams of forward-thinking fashion. But like a lot of things in life, there are some that just do it better. Liza Rietz and John Blasioli are two of those people. They’ve been carving Portland into the national high-fashion scene for years, and they finally have a little retail spot to call home. You may recognize Liza’s namesake label from Seaplane, as she’s been selling her handmade pieces there from the get-go. John’s menswear label, a broken spoke, has steadily been gaining attention, and for good reason. Both lines are the perfect blend of timeless design plus modern interest. Liza puts pleats in unexpected places and John will strategically put buttons where no one has before. And the man does denim. His jeans are h-o-t. If you know a gentleman in need of an upgrade to his 501s, check out these designs. When you’re looking for some of the best examples of what this town’s fashion-forward folks can do, Liza Rietz and a broken spoke must make the list. Liza Rietz & a broken spoke |
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| 2 | It’s So Easy Being Blue We like to think we were a cool bride. We didn’t have 17 attendants, we had three. We didn’t make them wear the same dress (even better because our “maid of honor” was a guy). We (almost) didn’t invite any relatives we’d never met. And our “if you play these songs, we won’t pay you” list for the DJ ensured non-cheesiness and a full dance floor. So we had no desire to plan another wedding. That is until we found out about New and Blue. They’ve been online for more than four years, but for those of you who need in-person invite-fondling and cake-topper handling (and really, who doesn’t?) their month-old store in the Pearl is a must. Not even a must—more like a Mecca. New and Blue made us want to have another wedding (to the same guy, don’t worry, mom!) It’s a veritable library of custom wedding invitations, planning books, cute shower invites, awesome favors, sparkly shirts that spell out “bride,” beautiful candles and albums. Plus flower-girl baskets, gift books, ring pillows and toasting flutes. All in a gorgeous location that’s accessible for downtown girls or suburban sweeties. We are, indeed, in love. New and Blue |
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| 3 | A Match Made in Heaven Sure, we ride our beach cruisers on the weekends, but we’d never compete with the daily bike commuters who can down steaming java while spinning their way downtown. And let’s face it, nothing screams “Portland” like bicyclists and coffee. Combining the two? A match made in heaven. So weren’t we excited to find the Little Red Bike Café! Though they boast an impressive list of coffees and espressos, they’re so much more than java. We tried the ZooBomb and the Old School Grilled Cheese, and both satisfied that deep-down biker hunger. We fell seriously in love with homemade Strawberry Sour Cream ice cream—real ice cream, real strawberries—need we say more? Here’s what got our attention, though: the bike-through window. You can pick up that steamin’ cup of Joe on the go, without leaving the seat of your bike. It opens up when the café shuts down so you’ll never have to miss your daily buzz. They also offer discounts to bikers who ride to the café, and the use of bike pumps. Get your bike lanes ready, North Portland, we’re on our way! Little Red Bike Café |
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| 4 | Tis the Season We just got a catalog in the mail that announced “sweaters are here!” Of course, this past week it’s been up and over 90 degrees, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to shop for fall clothes. We’ll even try on coats—we’re crazy like that! And one of our go-to stops for everything all the time is Mabel & Zora. Right now they are jam-packed with great sweaters and coats—lots of affordable Tulle and Kersh that they say is flying out the door. Hurry, quick! Oh, and they’ve brought back shoes! When they first opened they had cute styles at steal prices, but then they disappeared. Happily, shoes return with funky and unique styles from brands like Irregular Choice. And of course … their dresses year-round are spectack. Their lines are always affordable and really cool, and they follow the trends without being trendy. Go ahead—try on everything and pretend it’s 55 instead of 85 outside! And don’t miss this: To coincide with the Alberta Street Fair on Saturday, the entire store will be 15% off on Saturday and Sunday! Mabel & Zora |
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| 5 | Basic Instincts Last week we were discussing gift registries with our sister who believes the whole process is overrated. “What happens if you want to get them something a little more … well … creative?” We see her point. Especially after trying to locate a very specific outdoor croquet set. Not only does a certain store (we won’t name names) not carry the croquet set anymore, many of the items on the registry were nowhere to be found! Several disappointing hours later, we decided that we wanted to get the bride and groom a wedding present that wasn’t on their gift list at all… and we knew just the place to go: hunt & Gather. They carry an endless selection of beautiful items for the home, including end tables, vanities, lamps (our favorite is the Circle Lamp), pillows, mirrors and artwork by T. Fontaine. We settled on a set of Vance Kitira Candles, which would look beautiful in any home. Hey, it might not be on the gift list, but we’re pretty sure that the bride and groom won’t complain about a little creativity from us! hunt & Gather |
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| 6 | Leisure Suits When we got laid up recently due to excessive exercise, we at first fretted. How would we maintain our sanity? What were the side benefits of being sidelined? And then it came to us: Cross Training. But, you wonder, what does that have to do with anything? You think, “I just want to shop and eat and spend.” Well, fear not, friends! Another sport that we’re good at—on at least a semi-pro level—is drinking! Especially somewhere we’ve never been before! Thus, we were thrilled to spot a new joint up in NoPo: Leisure Public House. Owners (and fiancées) Travis and Nicole opened Leisure in August. It’s a true neighborhood joint, with two TVs, a jukebox, great beers on tap and wine in bottles (a liquor license will come soon), plus nibbles like panini and antipasto. Happy Hour happens on weekdays from 4-6 pm. But don’t miss the charming patio, which belies its Lombard Street location. It’s so verdant it feels like the coolest cottage garden, with a ping-pong table and even a bocce court. With a glass of wine in hand, competition never looked so sweet. Leisure Public House |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
Is chocolate the elixir of love? Find out in the hilarious one-woman musical comedy Chocolate Confessions, which opens this weekend at the World Trade Center Theater. The show follows chocolate shop owner Coco Bliss and her mixed assortment of uproarious customers, all played by local actress Joan Freed, and each with a deep dark secret to share. You’ll meet a dozen different characters and enjoy comic sketches like the amazing story behind M&M’s or the astonishing tale of the chocolate-chip cookie. The show has played to rave reviews from coast to coast, and satisfy your cravings with wine, chocolates, and decadent desserts for purchase in the lobby! Performances continue through Nov. 18. What: Chocolate Confessions – the musical comedy |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Matriculate in Style School's back in session and now is the perfect time to outfit the little ones in some adorable duds that have none of the tackiness of (we're just guessing) your childhood getups. We suggest turning to Little Lark. With fresh designs and modern flair, Little Lark brings more than a little fun and creativity to any kid's closet. We especially like the grass-green fiddlehead fern t-shirt with cozy-looking brown pants. Moms and dads can appreciate all of the details—they’re 100% cotton, sweatshop-free, and individually silk-screened. |
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| 2 | Scrabble Style We love Scrabble—it’s a game we’re actually good at. Twelve-letter words? No problem. So when we found Littleput Pendants we were smitten—they’re made from reclaimed Scrabble tiles and fine papers, so we can coordinate our smarts with our outfits. They’re perfect for gifts, and each comes with a complimentary slide-top box and a pretty organza ribbon, so the wrapping is done. Get the Portland Picks exclusive $1 shipping rate on your pendant order by typing PDX in the message box at checkout! |
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| 3 | Join the Club Whether it was Marx or Wilde, we never forget the quote about not being part of a club that would have us as a member … with one exception. We simply love Bottlenotes, a wine club that customizes each shipment to your own personal taste. Explorers receive wines from around the world, while connoisseurs get the best of the best. But our favorite is naturally the Little Black Dress Club, perfect for livening up a night with the gals. Monthly, quarterly or by the case, we’re certain that membership has its privileges! |
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| 4 | You Look Mahvelous We never can tell if indie is cool. Does it mean we have to be too precious for words, flouncing around in vintage dresses with cat-eye glasses? Or super edgy, with jagged-y hair and a piercing stare? Whatever it means, if we can find it at Smashing Darling, we know it’s hot. Here you’ll find a downright stunning assortment of one-of-a-kind clothes from a bevy of small designers, all at outstanding prices. We love hats by Anne De Pasquale, Mergirl skirts and sleep sets from Sandmaiden. If this is indie, sign us up! |
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| 5 | Take Credit for Your Vino When we meet people’s parents for the first time, we always aim to impress, typically by bringing along a nice cabernet, and always something with an eye-catching label. In the past, we’ve had to hide our snazzy pick in a bag, which doesn’t help us stand out. Fortunately, we’ve got a new solution – Wine-O cards, specially designed to fit around the neck of your bottle, so credit goes where it’s due. Whether you like dots, swirls or stripes, in this case, one size really does fit all. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | PDX Collective Warehouse Sale This sale is the shizzle! It’s the only event of its kind where men & women can buy an entire new wardrobe worth of dressy and casual wear (and shoes to go with!) for up to 80% off retail. Bargains galore from Moxie, Pin-Me Apparel, Phlox, Nolita, Parts + Labour, Physical Element, Shoefly, Bubble, and Jewelry by Cari. (Credit cards and cash only.) What: PDX Collective Warehouse Sale |
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| 3 | City Girl’s Gone Hollywould! Get your sexy on and shop early to get the best selection of fabulous designer shoes at City Girl including Marc Jacobs, Hollywould, Cynthia Vincent, Isabella Fiore, Sam Edelman, and Claudia Ciuti and more. Savings up to 70% off retail mean you can finally get those shoes you've been dreaming of. Plus, plenty of free parking! What: Blow Out Shoe Sale |
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| 5 | Embark on Le Tour des Plants The Oregon Association of Nurseries is hosting Le Tour des Plants, a tour of 36 of Oregon’s best garden centers and specialty nurseries. From Scappoose to Eugene, you can enjoy inspiring activities, new plants to spark your imagination, and great savings your wallet will love! Buy a $2 wristband to receive special discounts at all participating locations. What: Le Tour des Plants |
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| 6 | Light the Night Each year, thousands of Oregon and SW Washington residents come together in Portland to raise awareness and funds to further the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission by participating in the annual Light the Night Walk. It’s a 2-3 mile twilight fundraising walk celebrating cancer survivorship and commemorating those lives touched by cancer. What: 9th Annual Portland Light the Night Walk |
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| 8 | Trouble Getting Pregnant? Oregon Reproductive Medicine can help! Attend a free seminar about fertility by ORM (formerly Portland Center for Reproductive Medicine) to learn more about infertility and why women have trouble getting pregnant. Also: the latest fertility medicines and treatments, their approach to patient care and good outcomes, and success rates Bring your questions! What: Free fertility seminar |
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Have you spotted a hip new shop, bar or restaurant in your hood? Tell us about it! Email picks@portlandpicks.com with your scoop! |
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