Naturals is one of our favorite stores and we’ve been known to spend a pretty penny whenever we step a dainty toe into the place. It is one of the shops where you could really just say, “I’ll take the left side of the store, please,” and be oh so very, very happy. We love everything from their unique jewelry, shoes, lingerie, their selection of t-shirts and jeans.

This is a Lake Oswego treasure, off the beaten path, less than a few blocks from some of our favorite stores at the Lake View village.

Naturals has been around for twelve years and has many of the fashion forward pieces you just can't find anywhere else in Portland. DaNang, Theory, Burning Torch, Splendid, C&C, Sanctuary, Trunk and at least five different brands of FABULOUS denim, including Citizens for Humanity, Earnest Sewn, and the HOT-HOT-HOT and MUST HAVE True Religions.

As Heather, one of our sassy reader’s describes,

“This store has QUICKLY become one of my favorites when searching for the perfect laid-back-look-like-you-didn't-even-try outfit. And they have a great personal shopping mentality so when I'm low on time there is always a way! I hate to share this FABULOUS place with ALL of Portland...but I love Portland Picks too, so this time I will make an exception!”

Naturals Clothing Co
333 S State St # F
Lake Oswego
(503) 699-8940

Steppin’ Out

Step out in style that’s all your own. Check out Bella Moda’s recent fall arrivals featuring labels not found in Portland. Most of the shoes are from Italy, though you’ll find unique styles from Spain and Brazil as well. They are stunning! Look like you spent the last few months scouring the shops in Milan instead of trying to figure out how to get vomit out of silk. This place screams culture and class and since we are running a bit low on both at the moment, Bella Moda is our ace in the hole!

Fur boots, fabric pumps and croco boots and pumps...all the latest colors and styles from Italy at affordable prices. Bella Moda Designs Imported Shoes, exclusive ladies shoes in the Pearl…. to die for!

Bella Moda Designs Imported Shoes
1128 NW Lovejoy Street
503.224.994

Once upon a time in Portland, Oregon, there were two beautiful young women who loved dressing well. Dedicated fashionistas, they turned out closets-full of alluring dresses, gorgeous tops, skirts and pants in flattering hues and wearable fabrics. They dreamed of someday owning a chic, friendly shop just filled with timeless, well-made and unpredictable clothes.

Then one fine summer day, Jasmine was driving down the street when a stray breeze ruffled the leaves of some very stylish trees, which were planted in front of a beautiful 1928 building, which sat in an especially brilliant pool of sunshine, and highlighted the fashionable “For Lease” sign in the window. You can still see the skid marks on the street. Several months later dragonlily boutique opened its doors.

The Oregonian named dragonlily to its coveted “It” List just three months later. It’s a regular stop for photographers wanting to bring sizzle to editorial shoots. The display windows and sidewalk mannequins are a landmark for shoppers who read about it and its independent designers in Lucky Magazine.

Jasmine and Keri choose the best from almost 50 Portland and Seattle independents: “The design must be unique, beautiful, fresh, flattering and wearable for a variety of body types,” They say. “We insist on fine quality construction and wearability. And the price must be fair and within the reach of our customers.”

So who ARE these smart girls, these paragons of taste and purveyors of happy dressing?

Keri practices yoga, Jasmine dances Nia. Jasmine vacations in Mexico, Keri rides her bike everywhere. Keri got a B.S in marketing and business and an Associate in Apparel Design, Jasmine has a B.A. in environmental studies. Both of them have been addicted to fashion since they were very, very small. They both love their mothers but wouldn’t dress like them on a bet.

You can find them and their beautiful offerings every day of the week at dragonlily, where they practice the mantra “Life is too Short to Wear Boring Clothes.”

Dragon Lily
www.dragonlily.org
503- 234-lily
1740 SE Hawthorne
Portland OR 97214

Organics to You – we’ve mentioned them before but we love them so much we have to again.

Every Thursday we get our glorious bin, a surprise bevy of beautiful fruits, veggies, organic milk and other homegrown delights. We simply request seasonal and get the season’s best, which is always a surprise to us. The concept is wonderful, it is very well priced, you are getting fresh, local, organic produce to your doorstep, guaranteeing fresh for your family. Every Thursday is like Christmas!

We can’t recommend them more. You will not be disappointed and if you are anything like us, wonder how you ever survived without.

They are one of our beloved favorite Portland Picks. Log on to order: www.OrganicsToYou.org

Organics To You
503-236-6496
2019 SE Belmont
Portland, OR 97214

Pacifica Natural Skincare for your face: Pacifica is an appropriately named Northwest skincare line that specializes in beautiful soy candles and all natural skincare products.

This is a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it. We had to try out the Pacifica products before we could talk about them credibly.

So, we’ve been using the Ruby Grapefruit Complexion Wash (our favorite! We are forever loyal), the Rose, Oak Milk and Honey Rehydration Treatment (which our thirsty skin adored and we are now addicted to), and the Blue Chamomile Soothing Eye Gel (which truly works.) After only a short time, our friends are oohing, awing, and admiring our skin.

And it’s all-natural which is always all important to us. You can buy Pacifica products on the new local b-glowing.com site, at Whole Foods or at www.pacificanaturalskincare.com.

You know that feeling that overcomes you when you discover something beautiful at an affordable price?

You're not only tickled because you've happened on a treasure you adore, but you feel accomplished because you got a deal! That is the feeling, the high, you will find easily when you breeze through Su Castillo on NE Broadway.

This "comprehensive lifestyle boutique" is filled with quality and stylish furniture, lighting, rugs, decorative accents and other pretty little things that make a house a home, all at a price you can live with. The best news is that you won't sacrifice quality.

Any frugal fashionista worth her salt knows that something that looks cheap is never a true bargain. With many items tagged under $25, Su Castillo is a great place to visit when shopping for your home, gifts or that elusive sense of retail victory.

Su Castillo Home Styling
2200a NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232
503.249.4050

What do you get the girlfriend that has everything? How about a 5th Avenue shopping spree without leaving the house? Dress up your taste buds with runway favorites Prada, Pucci, Chanel and Tods.

Want a clever wedding favor? How about a bride or groom cookie, or a pink monogram with their name and wedding date.

Or send the adorable gift basket of Milk and Cookies, Eleni’s best seller.

Eleni’s New York is scrumptious. Eleni’s New York - THE gift for the Park Avenue set in the know.

Mabel, Mabel if You’re Able….Rid Yourself of that Sharpie!

School has started and already your kids have left every sweater or sweatshirt at school that you bought for them just weeks ago. You need to label their things, and a mere scribble of their initials with a Sharpie just won’t due. Remember you’re perfect down to the tiniest of details. It is all in the minute, subtle yet vital detail that one shines brightest.

Check out these darling and clever labels to adorn all your children’s things. Bright, adorable, with fun pictures and designs so even your youngest can identify her things. This is so cool, only a mom could think of this.

Love Thigh-Self

Okay, you’ve done the low-carb thing, you’re religious about Step class, and you’re feeling great. However, your high school reunion’s coming up and there’s no time for lipo.

So what’s a practically perfect girl to do? The Thigh shaper: Check out Rago’s stretchy satin-control capris.

This clever body glove reduces the circumference of thighs by at least an inch, and far more comfy than a corset. Other companies make similar products like the popular Spanx Power Panties from Saks.

We all know drinking tea is good for you.

Black and green teas, in particular, are practically miracles of healing. And drinking tea, the focus on wellness, is all the rage. And now you can feel good on the inside and out when you purchase this KitchenAid pink teakettle.

We love pink and we love tea and we love shopping for a good cause. When you purchase this darling pink teakettle, $5 of each purchase goes to the Susan G Komen Foundation, $50 each. Even if you never make a pot of tea in this decade, it looks darling sitting in cheerful expectation on your stovetop.

No excuses, do your good deed for the day and get shopping!

It’s the time of year again in these here parts: cold season and volcanic eruptions!

AaaahhhCHOOOOOOOOOOooooàsniffle..Geez, sounds like you need the Snot Box Volcano ASAP. Don’t be fooled by its volatile, rocky exterior— it’s plush to the touch and contains enough tissues to stem even the most violent eruptions.

In honor of Mt. St. Helens, we love this Volcano Snot Box (their name not ours)!

Crochet is so in, but where do you begin?!

Rising from the bonzo waves at Bondi Beach like a latter day Bo Derek—this is the vacation you always wanted. And as you survey the bar, wreathed by Aussie admirers, you not only show off your tan, you show off your artistic flare—wearing a crochet bikini top and necklace which you made with your own nimble digits.

The Parcel Crochet Kit has everything you need to make this golden dream a reality—simple how-to instructions that range from novice to granny. You can make the bitchin' bikini top and necklace (beads included), a wristband and belt, or a large, square bag.

The kit even includes enough yarn to complete all the projects. By June, you'll be decked out in one-of-a-kind, funky finery—never mind that you're hanging out at the Outback Steakhouse. Comes with blue and yellow yarn, or pink and orange yarn. If nothing else, talk about distracting!

Plus, your girlfriends will have craft envy when you show them what you’re busy little hands have made. Yarn and hooks w/ instructions

Pick it up from one of our favorite online stores: Loop NYC

“Brief Case”

Every time you turn your change purse inside out searching for a pre-date, coffee-breath-banishing mint, you have the same thought—just what is it that's keeping me from going bananas?

We like to think it's the whimsical stylings of Parcel's BriefCase purses. Fun, funky patterns on a purse the shape of boy's underoos—what's not to smile at? Patterned nylon ripstop with party-time cupcakes, rainbow colored hearts or lucky lottery numbers. Keep a smile on your face. Keep your sanity. It’s all in the bag.

Available online or at Blush Beauty Bar on NW 23rd.

Fabulous New Find!

Check out the new one-time magazine, Find! As mentioned in their opening page of their premiere issue, famed collectors and celebrity twins Leslie and Leigh Keno tell us

“It’s never been hipper to be a collector. There’s no better way to make a statement about your personal style than to collect and display objects you are passionate about. People are hitting flea markets, antiques shows and appraisal fairs in force, enjoying that thrill of discovery that we personally have known all our lives.”

Find! Magazine is a stylish, shelter magazine that is a welcome extension to their PBS television show of the same name. This one-time-only collector's edition will be a bible for those wanting to learn how to spot treasures and incorporate them into inspired design. Our girlfriend’s fifties tie collection was just reincarnated in the most to-die-for kitchen curtains and our very own wall of hats puts the fun in funky!

Find! Magazine is meant to help you collect objects that define who you are and your own personal style (and we don’t mean just stamps and coins). From crewel pillows to portrait busts to Chinese Porcelain, the world is your oyster. Pick up this collector’s edition on newsstand now and let the collecting begin.

Party suggestions and entertaining kits from Toccare Design (www.toccaredesign.com) Look like you spent days when you have only hours. Check out all their suggestions, fabulous stationery and everything-you-need entertaining kit and you will shine:

It's girl's night in and time for an evening of gossip, fashion talk, and memories of days gone by.

The Feeling

Fun, Feminine, and Fabulous…there are so many options here from a simple get together to an outrageous bash. You could stay a bit on the boorish side and have a simple potluck or order Chinese take out. After all, it is the company not the cuisine that counts here. However, when we have the girls over, we like to make it an affair to remember. We generally plan a month in advance as we have friends come in from all over and we make it more of a weekend. One year we hosted a girl's dinner on Oscar night (make sure to start early to catch all the red carpet action) and created scorecards to tally fashion hits and misses. Our next party is more of a swap meet. We'll describe it below.

The Menu

Something decadent. We're making a rich mid-winter Osso Bucco with Saffron Risotto and roasted asparagus with a flourless chocolate cake for desert. Our recipe hunting advice is simple,www.epicurious.com. There you will find a recipe for every item on our menu.

The Décor

A clean house. Our goal is to have the house sparkling clean. Fresh new towels, French milled soap, a collection of shampoos from Bumble and Bumble in the guest shower and our favorite Italian toothpaste-Marvis Jasmine Mint-for our best girl's pearly whites. We want our friends to feel pampered when they stay with us. Votivo Red Currant room spray will fill the air and bottled water on the nightstands make for comfortable sleeping arrangements.

The Drinks

Something Bubbly. Only the best for our girls and a favorite is classic Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne. Of course, we'll need tasty wine with dinner. Our current favorite: a 1999 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Dress

Something silly. A slip of paper inserted into the invite reads:

"Open the closet and without fear choose the following:

1. Your most favorite top
2. Your most favorite bottoms
3. Your favorite shoes
4. A favorite accessory

Proceed to dress in the all the above items."

I have actually seen some exceptionally fashionable moments as a result of such antics. Plus, girls feel good in clothes they love, and this is definitely a feel-good event.

The Table

What table? Dinner shall be served in the TV. room on wooden trays. Sitting on big comfy pillows and watching one of the following:

1. Someone’s wedding video
2. Reality television program like “The Bachelor”
3. The Style Network
4. A Classic like, “Roman Holiday”

The Music

We hate to admit it, but there WILL be disco…not simply listening to disco but dancing like whirling dervishes to disco. This seems to be a popular activity amongst our friends. We drink, gossip, eat ridiculously delicious rich foods, and then we attempt to burn off every last calorie while inventing new dance moves. It ain't pretty but it sure is fun!

After Dinner

The Swap Meet.

This is a new one for us. We asked each girl to bring one of each of the following items with them that they are willing to part with:

1. A piece of jewelry valued between $20-$30. A funky pair of earrings, a cuff bracelet, a pendant from an ex-boyfriend. Everyone has jewelry in their collection that was once gifted to them that they have outgrown (or maybe never loved in the first place.)
2. An accessory. A scarf, hat, pin, or a pair of legwarmers. Something in the closet that you once loved but are now over. It's time to hand it down.
3. 2 favorite recipes printed out. Make sure there are copies for everyone.
4. A surprise piece valued at $50. Everyone has at least one mistake in the closet. Sunglasses that aren't quite you? A silk scarf from Aunt Betty that you'll never wear. That chic wool cap you bought after seeing it in Vogue that you feel like an imposter when wearing it? Bring it along and pass it to someone who feels good in it!
5. A "formerly favorite" handbag, gently used. Now that you've traded up to the latest Gucci, someone in the group will love this cast-off.
6. Old Music Cds. You played the album 300 times, gleefully lip-syncing and dancing around your apartment, but now the mere thought of that song gives you the heebie-jeebies. Trade-up for some new tunes.

Our party will be 5 girls. Number scraps of paper 1-5. Everyone draws a number. First up for grabs is the jewelry. The girl who drew #1 gets her pick from the jewelry collection. All girls follow suit. Next up is the accessory. This time start with #2. For the surprise piece begin with #3. You get the idea. Hopefully everyone will leave with at least one new favorite item and lots of new recipes!

Wine, chocolate, disco dancing…girlfriends. Life is good.

For more hints, tips and turnkey kits to help you plan the perfect shindig, log onto: www.toccaredesign.com

Jill Scott, Beautifully Human:
Words and Sounds, Vol. 2

In a Grammy-worthy follow up to her 2000 debut of Words and Sounds: Vol. 1, Scott once again proves she's’ got enough soul to stand with the likes of legends Aretha and Roberta Flack. Whether it’s R & B or jazz, Scott thrills with influences from Minnie Riperton to Chaka Khan.

This is dinner party or make-out music at its best (We LOVED the Family Reunion track), and it just gets better with each subsequent listen.

Pick it up now at www.amazon.com ($13.49)

Pineapple Gin “Kir” (from www.Marthastewart.com

Savor this refreshing drink before the temperature cools and you’re snuggling with your honey by the fireplace with a Hot Toddy. Just think of it as your “transitional” drink from summer to fall…

Pineapple Gin “Kir”
Serves 2

3/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup gin
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 teaspoons crème de cassis

In a pitcher, mix pineapple juice, gin, and lemon juice. Divide between two highball glasses. Pour 1-teaspoon cassis into center of each glass; do not stir. Carefully fill glasses with ice; serve immediately.

Posie is going to be doing a fall sale in conjunction with Amanda Ransier of Bon Chic Home on Friday, October 15 from 5 until 9 pm. Just a little autumnal activity with gobs of pretty things from Posie, Ella, and Bon Chic, and everything 10% off

We’ve talked dogs, but we can’t forget the kitty for all you cat people.

You are invited to Whisker Wonderland

• Sat Nov 6th 6-1030p at the World Forestry Center
• $50 in advance $60 at the door
• Silent and Live Auction
• ArCATecture..unusual cat habitats
• G'Litter Box..scoop for jewelry, toys and prizes
• The Pranksters..18 piece big band
• Savory Hors d'Oeuvres
• Dessert Buffet
• No host CATini
• Emceed by Shauna Parsons and Pete Ferryman at FOX 12

Friends who are helping....Banfield Pet Hospital, Galaxy Dessert, Luster Family Foundation, Bonny Doon Vineyard, MacTarnahan's Brewing Co and Dog Nose News.

CAT is the Northwest's largest no kill cat shelter, last year adopting near 2000 cats and kittens. Located in Sherwood...a fabulous organization really helping out the large cat population.

Friday, November 19th
6pm-11pm
Montgomery Park
2701 NW Vaughn Street, Portland, OR 97210

The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette invites you to the Portland benefit & auction of the year!

• The YMCA Teen Division is 100% dedicated to youth throughout the Portland Metro area and surrounding outlying rural communities.
• In 2003, the YMCA of Columbia-Willamette served more than 4,500 teens through local programs and services.
  Support our annual event and the YMCA Teen Division will increase the amount of teens served in 2004 by 50%.

Please join us for an unforgettable night www.yteenbenefit.org of delicious Northwest cuisine, silent and live auction. Live performances by the ACMA Teen Jazz Combo and surprise musical guest.

• Visit our Event Website to:
• View the Event Festivities, Auction Items & Menu.

“Sometimes, all teens need is a safe place to go, something constructive to do, and a sense of purpose. Please help us expand our services to teens in your community.” —Charlie Haugh, YMCA Teen Division Board Chairman

Watch Out!

For two days only, the most exclusive watch collection in the Northwest will be even more exclusive.

The Carl Greve Watch Event

• October 15, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
• October 16, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Representatives from the world’s most remarkable brands, including Cartier, Harry Winston and Breitling, will be at Carl Greve to showcase their newest and most exclusive watches. When you purchase an automatic watch valued at $2000 or more during this event, you’ll receive a complementary watch winder.

Also, celebrate two exciting new additions to Carl Greve: the dazzling Pippo Italia line and our new Cartier watch boutique, now offering one of the most extensive selections in the US, including the Collection Privee.

Find your extraordinary timepiece at Carl Greve, downtown at Southwest Park and Morrison. 503.223.7121

Wine Tasting Event Benefiting The Portland French School

• When: October 9th, 2004 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm
• Where: Portland French School, 6318 SW Corbett Ave
• Cost: $30 per person
• What: Learn about wines of France and meet wine experts.

Wine tastings with appetizers and light desserts.
To order tickets call 503.452.4160

OHSU CENTER FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH DISCUSSION TOPIC FOR OCTOBER

Sponsored by OHSU's Center for Women's Health, "Speaking of Women", is a monthly brown bag discussion series on health care issues. All lectures are free and open to the public. No RSVP is necessary, but seating is limited so come early and bring your lunch.

For more information call 503 494-0515, or visit www.OHSUwomenshealth.com

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Arpana Naik, M.D., will provide an overview of options and trends in breast cancer prevention, including lifestyle modifications and types of chemoprevention. Naik is an assistant professor of surgery (surgical oncology), OHSU School of Medicine. Naik's primary area of practice is in breast surgery.

• What: "Understanding Breast Cancer Prevention,"
  by Arpana Naik, M.D.
• When: Noon­1 p.m.
• Where:
  • Thursday, Oct. 14: Nordstrom, 701 S.W. Broadway, downtown Portland
    (fourth-floor conference room, accessible through Customer Service on the third floor)
  • Thursday, Oct. 28: OHSU Hospital, Room 8B60 (eighth floor), 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland