Portland Picks wades through the cultural swamp to pluck the most luscious offerings in town. We cover our favorite topics: fashion, retro-inspired everything, music, dining, shopping, travel and more. Portland Picks, all about your life....with style.

Summer Style Pick: STEPFORD STYLE
(What we’re seeing now!)

In honor of our beloved Stepford Wives re-release, we dub this season’s fashions, “Stepford Style.”

Ta ta to Janet’s tata’s. Bye bye to Britney’s belly (say it 5 times fast). You asked for it, ladies. There is backlash, and a return to lady-like sophistication; a classic take on style with a little sassy twist. We are seeing elegant strapless dresses with flip flops, bright polo shirts layered over long sleeve t’s in contrasting colors, a simple string of pearls, a living corsage, or Grandma’s elegant brooch on a bright paisley scarf.

It’s the summer of skirts…flouncy, flowery, feminine skirts and sexy, siren pencil skirts. We’re saying goodbye to the stringently pointed pump for a softer kitten heel that’s gentler and rounder, reminiscent of old fashioned footwear. We say it is about time! We are women and although we don’t necessarily need to roar (all the time), we like being women and dressing like them!

Black and white, or nautical, pink or green, preppy pinstripes, 60s paisley and Pucci, checked or tweed, just about anything goes...so suit up and suit your feminine fancy! Summer fashion’s never been so fun.

• Shoes: For the most beautiful pink slides, visit Zelda’s Shoe Bar. They’re in the front. We are going to get them to go with our little pink 50s strapless cotton dress we saw at Mimi and Lena’s. So adorable, and great with a tan.
• Skirts: Three Monkeys has a darling selection of full, flouncy knee length cotton summer skirts in the brightest flowery fifties style and colors. And they are so affordable. Great with flip flops and a lightweight cardigan.
• Jewelry: Cuff bracelets (wooden cuffs by Subsonic Design and retro bright 60s snap on cuffs) and cuff watches galore at our very favorite shop, Galore! (Warning: You’ll actually want to buy everything in this store.) While you are there, be sure to also explore their other fun faves, like their preppy grosgrain belts and their pink jelly pumps.
  

• Coach Hamptons Weekend Tote, perfect for the pool or a weekend getaway (maybe even a diaper bag?) $178 Coach Store.

• Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs: Say goodbye to pantyhose (which are such a “Glamour Don’t” anyway) and say hello to Airbrush Legs! Walk proudly in your short-shorts or teeny bikini. Hide the spider veins and less-than-smooth spots on those legs of yours with Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs from Rite Aid. It gives you a perfect airbrushed look you’ll love (though best to do it in the shower since it is a tad messy.) No exfoliating necessary. It’s quick and easy. Spray on sexy, healthy looking legs from thigh to toe in an instant. Very nice investment. Make sure you aim for a natural skin tone.

• Nike Poolside Capri’s – terrycloth capris for comfy, movable, breathable fun in the sun. $40 Nordstrom

• Pool Reads:
  If laughter is the best medicine, than you’ll o.d. on David Sedaris’ new book, “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim.” This is an easy poolside read, short, a little understated, odd hilarity from the “normal” childhood of one of our favorites. You’ll laugh out loud! Perfect for those days when all you want is sunshine and smiles!

  Light and fluffy, dahling, and ever-so entertaining. Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes is a summer staple. This one needs to be set down in the sand; it is a summer book right down to the grit in the binding. Enjoy with the wafting scent of coconut oil as a backdrop.

  And of course, the latest issue of In Style, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Oprah, Lucky, Travel & Leisure, okay, and maybe just one People magazine. There’s nothing dreamier than kickin’ back in the chaise and thumbing through the fashion rags; one eye on the kids, one eye on those gorgeous Gucci sandals photographed by Steven Meisel. Remember, it’s called multi-tasking. Summer is the time for trashy magazines; they aren’t just for plane rides anymore.

• The poolside must-have gadget this summer is the new and a-dor-a-ble iPod Mini.
  These must-have minis in groovy pastel colors hold 1,000 songs, which is frankly more than enough for us! They are $249 (half the price of the bigger iPod) and are available on Mac and Windows.
  
  To be too cool at the pool, carry your pink iPod Mini. Tune in and tune out girly. You will not know how you lived without one.

• The Perfect Swim Suit:
  Victoria Secret has the best selection of figure-enhancing swimwear. They are quite reasonably priced compared to most swimwear, and most are now on sale. If you have put off that painful purchase, now is the time. They sell them separately so you can get the perfect fit. Small on top? Try their Wonder Bra bikini. Forgo the tummy tuck and go for their Second Skin tankini’s to suck in and cover up while feeling your sexiest.

  Victoria Secret at Pioneer Place and Washington Square. www.victoriasecret.com

• The Sun Hat: All the time. Three Monkey’s has a huge selection of groovy, busy cotton hats, Coach has cute terry hats, Galore has the pinkest hats, Gap has the brightest patchworks, Target has a wide selection of wide brims. They say a hat takes five years off your age. Buy one for every outfit, and for that Fountain of Youth. Then wear it….always.

• Light Layers: Layered bright color tanks from the Gap, layered Michael Star t’s from Mercantile, or your bright Izod shirt over your contrasting Three Dot t-shirt (to go with your white Michael Kors jeans and Tod loafers from Mario’s or your Nike terry capris from Nordstrom.) Not only cute but really comfortable, a summer must.

• Jellies: Pick up the DKNY Dr. Scholls jelly shoes at Zelda’s Shoe Bar. Perfect for the pool. They come in pink, green or blue.

• Other Perfect Pool Finds: The orange terry tube top from Galore Department Store, and their Marc Jacobs knock off slides with a touch of glitz. You’ll be so cool at the pool. Now all you need is the Orange Jackie O glasses from Three Monkeys and you’re a Star, my dear!

• The Bikini Wax: And finally, don’t forget, we daresay, that ever-so-necessary Brazilian. Affectionately known as the Frenchini at the Face Place. But, please, don’t let the name throw you; these guys know their bikini! You will be oh-so-groomed. You’ll feel amazingly less self-conscious, and oddly enough, just a little taller. The Face Place, 826 NW Hoyt Street, (503) 243-7576

For anyone brave enough to go "there," we also recommend Cristina at Sylvie Day Spa. She can wax you AND make you laugh simultaneously. Imagine! There's a buzz about this Brazillian!
Cristina Atencio, Sylvie Day Spa, 1706 NW Glisan, 503.222.5054

• The new Oswego Lake Gallery in Lakeview Village has very cool dad gifts. Check out their Asian inspired paper mache’d fish lamp or their leather bound primitive fly rod carrier, and many other fabulous gifts for him (and her!) Oswego Lake Gallery, 315 First Avenue, Lake Oswego. 503.635.5152

• Men love to mark their territory. How about a monogrammed Steak brand from Williams-Sonoma? Manly indeed (but we’d like it too, hehehe). Williams-Sonoma, 638 SW 5TH Ave, (503) 827-8383

• For the wine aficionado, the latest rage in wine tasting, the Riedel “O” tumbler from In Good Taste. We find that gifts that we partake in as well really make the day so satisfying! Set of two under $24. In Good Taste, 503.248.2015

• For the DIY guy (aka do it yourselfer): See the coolest widgets and wangdoodles every real man loves at www.mytoolstore. These are the very finest and classic Klein tools. We especially love the Canvas Tool Bag (that we may have to steal from him).

• Something about Guys and Grills....Check out the Barbecue Wok from Sur La Table. He will think this is so cool, and expand his cooking repertoire to more than just burgers. Great for shrimp, scallops, and fajitas. Only $14.95 at Sur La Table.

• While a Barca lounger would be a little cliché, we love this lightweight portable hammock ($150), guaranteed to provide him with the rest and relaxation he deserves year-round.

  Is Dad a fixture on the golf course?

  Gift him with this monogrammed set of Wilson Ultra Mega Distance balls in an elegant wood storage box ($45). It’ll show you care but fits within a tight budget. Check out these luxurious gifts and more at www.redenvelope.com.

• How about an Inlet Boat for a little father-son fishing on the Willamette? Restoration Hardware, $649 (Also available with a sailing kit.) www.restorationhardware.com.

• For the straight guy with a queer eye….no really, these are manly skincare essentials: Anthony Logistics for Men, “The Essentials.” Everything he needs for better grooming, and perhaps a loving subtle nudge to better personal care. It is a hint that’s a gift. What could be better? Available at Urbane Zen in the Pearl.

• And finally, from the long-awaited Rumi-Simone spa (due open end of June), buy a gift certificate for him for a divine Gentleman’s experience. Wax his back, feet, shoulders…oh my! Give him a Red Wine Body Buff, or Devine Body Mud. Your man will become a metrosexual before he knows what hit him, and he’ll thank you for it! www.rumisimone.com; 503.699.8899

Portland Picks Cocktail of the Week: Swimming Pool

There’s nothing that makes us think of summer more than lounging poolside reading our favorite mag and sipping a refreshing cocktail (preferably in the Caribbean, but we’re not picky; Aunt Martha’s Gearhart getaway is a divine alternative). We love this quirky summer cocktail from Summer Cocktails by Penelope Wisner and Daniel Clark (www.amazon.com, $10.36)

Swimming Pool

½ oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. Rose’s sweetened lime juice
1 ½ ounce vodka, heavily iced and strained
Lime slice (optional), for garnish

Pour curacao, lime juice and vodka over a large handful of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Perch a lime slice on glass rim, if desired.

Hip Happenings: Summer Fun on Sauvie Island

“The concerts were the hit of our season last year,” says Don Kruger, owner of Kruger’s Farm. “This year we hope to see even more people experiencing summer on Sauvie Island – from picking berries to taking a hay ride around our 100-acre farm. The concerts are a perfect way to wind down and enjoy the rural side of Portland.”

Toe-tapping Tunes!
The 2004 Farm Tunes series features regional country, folk and bluegrass performers. Concerts take place on the Gazebo Lawn and are free and open to all ages.

• July 8, 3 Leg Torso
• July 15, Lisa and Her Kin
• July 22, The Kitchen Syncopators
• July 29, Foghorn Stringband
• August 5, Little Joe
• August 12, The New Iberians
• August 19, Johnny B. Connolly
• August 26, Celilo
• September 2, Russell Street Regulars
  
  Fresh from the Farm
  Kruger’s Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October, featuring a produce market with vegetables and fruit hand-picked every day, u-cut flowers with over 50 varieties, u-pick produce and picnic areas. Some of the produce varieties available at the farm include: English and snap peas; sunburst squash; Rond de Nice zucchini; spinach; Lollarosa, butter and red oak lettuce; French beans, and all varieties of caneberries including raspberries, boysenberries, marionberries and blueberries. Kruger’s Farm also carries canning supplies and features a retail section with market baskets from Ghana, sun hats and children’s garden items. For more information about the summer concert series or the farm, please visit www.krugersfarm.com or call 503-621-3489. Kruger’s Farm is located on Sauvie Island at 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, just 10 miles from downtown Portland.