Alpine Chic

All the designers have their eye on the slopes, outfitting you to the nines like you just fell out of the chair lift.

Imagine hitting the slopes in your Chanel Ski's, Prada ski pants, Coach after-ski boots, or J Crew Alpine Puffer Jacket? Who cares if you can ski, just sit in the lodge in these fabulous duds and be a bunny. Everyone will believe you’re a powder hound by the way you look.

Whether you're après ski in Sun Valley or just sipping on a Spanish Coffee at Hubers, Alpine Chic is this winter's cool look.

Pillow Fight!

New York designer Jonathan Adler has the most fabulous, fashionable collection of pillows! Spruce up any space with these contemporary exclamations. They are works of modern art.

We especially love their Loop & Crewel and their Stockholm and Graphic collections. Their brown and blue groovy pillows are our all time favorites with contrasting stripes, squares and bold geometric circles. Make a space matter and jazz up a plain Jane couch with a flick of your wrist.

You can find them online, in his signature store in Soho or at J.D. Madison in the Pearl. Snuggle up in style!

J.D. Madison Rug & Home Co.
1301 NW Glisan St.
Portland 97209
503.827.6037
ww.jdmadison.com

Ever dreamt of being a spy? Not just a Bond Girl, but a CIA operative, a private investigator, equipped with spy gadgets and all???? Oh c'mon. Sure you have, no? Deep inside there, that other you, your alter ego, not the responsible one who watches Oprah and goes to bed early. The other one....there! She's still in there isn't she?

For all your spy needs, Portland has its own spy store. So, whether you fear an unfaithful love, or to fulfill that misguided stalking desire, or simply for the thrill of it (and all the fun gadgetry!), the Spy Outlet is your store. Even if you would never, ever spy on your cleaning lady or nanny that doesn’t mean that your best friend wouldn’t, think gifts!

Look! They have everything you need to be a spy:

Stun guns, bugging devices, see-behind glasses, vomit powder, itching powder, mini binoculars, lock picks, a gas mask, and an alarm clock that houses a secret video camera. Hey, you can never be too prepared. You never know when you might need this stuff.

Warning: SPY RESPONSIBLY.

The Spy Outlet
9103 SW Barbur Blvd.
452-4645

Now that the frigid weather is official, make sure you've stocked up on your scarves and wraps. Not only are they the accessory of the season, they are practical too. And you can never have too many. (Plus, not sure if you knew this, but scarves make you look younger too!)

Check out Velluca Scarves, a different take on a classic necessity. This is the perfect gift for the holidays. They come in a variety of brilliant colors like champagne, pink, garnet, lime and orange, something for everyone. These scarves are made from fine English velvet and are heavenly soft and manufactured here in Oregon. We have always been puzzled at the harsh fabrics people wrap around their tender necks. With Velluca Scarves, you will wish it were a blanket, so warm, so soft and so damn sexy!

Velluca scarves can be found at some of our favorite boutiques: Stella's, The Bee & Thistle, Sole, Re-evolving Showroom, Paloma Clothing, to name a few, as well as through their website www.velluca.com

Katie Gold, Designer
Velluca
503.709.2103
www.velluca.com

Now that you've pilfered all your kid's Hersheys when they weren't looking, gulp, and the holiday galas are just around the corner, it's time for a rigid fitness program that will get you in ship-shopping shape. You must join the Avalon Hotel and Spa's Fitness Center.

This is no ordinary health club. First of all, it's state of the art. You pull up and valet your car, none of this parking lot business. Then, you change in their lush locker room, with your complimentary locker, robe, slippers and ice water garnished with lemon. You go up to the fitness facility and have your pick of the latest and best exercise machines all to your self, which frankly we sometimes prefer. No waiting in line, no small talk, no one looking at you all sweaty in your leotards. They offer classes like yoga, Pilates, cardio-kickboxing and other current fitness regimens, if you so choose. Or you can plug into your ipod, read a magazine, and use the Precor, Stairmasters or other cutting edge conditioning equipment.

Personal trainers are also available to design a program just for you (at $28/half-hour or $55/hour). Daily use is available, or complimentary use with any spa treatments. You can also purchase long-term memberships.

But wait, there's more:

After your workout take a steam, a sauna, a relaxing hot tub. Take a shower and use all their fabulous spa products. Relax awhile in their lounge, sip tea and read a magazine or take a nap. Need a facial or a pedicure? No problem. It's just around the corner. Hungry? Finish your workout with a healthy smoothie or salad. Oh, and after that hard workout, God forbid you have to walk to your car. Oh that's right, you valet'd. It'll be right up, at your service.

Nothing but the very best for you, my dear. If you need to workout, join the club.

Feeling Blue

Blue is our favorite color, most of the time, which is why we love this blue wool Metropolitan pea coat. It covers our butts, which is always a positive, it brings out our eyes, and we can wear it with skirts or jeans and always feel put together.

This coat from J Crew is tough enough to withstand all kinds of urban abuse and is the perfect match this winter for city life. (How cute is this outfit!?) Okay, this makes coat #27, but this year, "the year of the coat," you can never have too many. (And when your husband complains about this, you tell him you're doing a good deed, because come next year - when you need to make room in your closet -- you'll be donating a few you're tired of to the coat drive!)

Fairest of them All: Fairisle Sweaters

Remember your fairisle sweater from high school? Guess what? Surprise, surprise. They're Baaaaack!

If you didn't save yours, no worries. They're everywhere in today's updated fit and colors. Wear over an untucked blouse, plaid pleated skirt, textured tights or high boots and you'll look like a darling schoolgirl. Slip it on and drop decades, this is a must have item for fall.

Ugh! Uggs!

In 1978, Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer, brought a core piece of "Down Under" to the United States. Armed with only a few pairs of UGG sheepskin boots and a positive attitude, Smith hit the streets of New York City. However, his reception was not a friendly one. He was sent packing with the same few pair in his suitcase.

But Smith was persistent and more than a little stubborn. He knew that there had to be a place for his boots in the US market, so he traveled west to do a little surfing in California. Arriving there, he'd found his niche and he never had to leave the beach.

Ugg's are all the rage...again. They are comfy and durable, perfect for après skiing or to lounge around on Christmas morning. If you ask the celebs what they can't live without, they will likely say their Uggs. It’s like wearing your slippers outside. (Hint—buy a smaller size, they stretch.

Oh Baby, an alluring lingerie boutique, will offer panties-to-go this holiday season!

Located in the fashionable Irvington district, Oh Baby will offer $25, $50 and $100 pre-packaged gifts designed for both the naughty and nice girl. Nestled in a stylish red to-go box, the handpicked items will include lingerie, chocolate; massage oils and other decadent fibers and fluff.

Oh Baby knows there is a naughty and nice girl lurking in us all, so they thought they would make it simple this year by offering either a spunky naughty girl to-go box or a classy nice girl to-go box.

Oh Baby will also feature a Panty Buffet Christmas Party this holiday season, consisting of dazzling selections of chic lingerie, chocolates, camisoles and massage oils, so the shopper can mix and match their own to-go box. There are not enough adjectives available to describe how much you’re gonna love this. (Check out Hip Happenings.)

Oh dread. But how? Who wants to slave all day on your day off? Desperate maybe, but most of us are NOT Brie from Desperate Housewives. I guess we can stick a turkey in the oven, cross fingers and pray, but what about the trimmings? There’s no chance. Well remember, we're here to remind you there are always shortcuts, tricks up your sleeve, which will leave you glowing.

Leave your worries to Gourmet Productions and just pretend, taking all the credit, continuing with the illusion you really are perfect, you have mastered the fine art of having it all (at least in the eyes of the world which, let's face it, is what we strive for). This, dear friend, is worth every pretty penny.

Gourmet Productions will supply you with all the gourmet trimmings and accoutrements to make your table gorgeous. Order their Butternut Squash Soup, their Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, their Gratin of Sweet Potatoes, their Giblet Gravy, creamed corn and cornbread stuffing. All you do is switch over to your platters, hide the evidence, bury their containers at the bottom of the trash, and wha-lah! It looks like you've slaved and no one is the wiser.

Your friends and family will be gushing, "How on Earth does she ever do it, and she makes it look so easy?!" Tee-hee-hee.

Orders must be placed by 2 pm November 22nd

Gourmet Productions
503.697.7355

Um…yes, please! We see three very good reasons for some more helpings of these muscular Mountain men on The WB’s new series named, oddly enough, The Mountain…

Set in fictional Boundary Mountain (think Aspen or Vail), this extreme sports mecca is a hotbed of activity for the wealthy and bored. When the patriarch of the Carver family is unexpectedly killed in an avalanche, his will lays out an unlikely heir…young David Carver, Jr. (Oliver Hudson, ruggedly handsome son of Goldie Hawn), who left town years ago for the Motocross racing circuit. His brother Will (sexy Anson Mount from the ‘stinker’ Crossroads), meanwhile, went to business school with the intention of taking over the family biz. Shocked he wasn’t chosen over David, tensions rise between the two brothers. To add insult to injury, Will is now dating David’s ex-love Maria (De La Garza)…

Sound like a Shakespearean saga? You have no idea! Now Colin Dowling (Mitch Pileggi) enters the picture with his own ambitious family and bitter backstabbing ensues. Colin covets Boundary Mountain, not to mention the Carver’s mother, Gennie (still sexy Barbara Hershey) as the crown jewel to his own real estate empire, and with help from his sexy daughter Max and handsome son Michael he may just succeed. Bonus: Look for sexy bad boy outsider Johann Urb as Travis…he’ll do anything to come out ahead in this struggle. Tune in for some juicy drama that’s sure to whet your appetite for the slopes this winter!

Need we say more? Jude Law could be a guest star on Sesame Street and we’d be clamoring for tickets. The loveable cad Michael Caine played in the 1966 original is back with a softer edge and a face to die for… Sure, he’s still working his charm on the ladies, but this time around the women are stronger and may just be playing him. Susan Sarandon, as older woman Liz, shines as a wealthy, worldly gal who loves sex for sex’s sake, and Marisa Tomei is as refreshing as always as a single mother who wants Alfie all for herself. Real-life Law girlfriend Sienna Miller is gorgeous (though a tad unstable) as Nikki, but we thought their onscreen chemistry might heat up the screen a bit more considering they’re hot and heavy in real life! Regardless, Law’s sizzling screen presence is undeniable (even though the onscreen asides to the camera can be distracting)…check out Alfie at theaters near you for a lighter take on the original.

Looking for a way to reconnect and celebrate the girls who’ve seen you through cads like Alfie, bad highlights & crying jags that last for days? We love this compilation from Laura Jensen Walker that’s a celebration of all things girly! Each chapter’s devoted to one of the many reasons we love our girlfriends…and what’s not to love?

With chapters titled "It’s All Relative", "Ladies Who Lunch", and "Pen Friends and Long Distance Relationships" you’ll find a zillion reasons to chuckle and howl out loud. Let’s face it, as women we’ve got a bond that can’t be broken. Sure, we can be bitchy…but this book celebrates how unique, special and yet common our experiences are with one another.

Bonus: At the end of each chapter there’s a "Girl Pearl", a.k.a. a suggestion to help you revitalize a friendship(s).

This must-have book is available now at www.amazon.com ($10.39).

It’s been a few years (20 to be exact) since we’ve swooned and sang along with the 80’s electro pop sensation Duran Duran, and now we’re seriously miffed they waited this long to reunite!

It seems as if not a day has passed since "The Reflex" or "Girls on Film" and we’re giddy they put aside their differences to turn out this compilation that stays true to their original sound, yet like a vintage wine has matured with age.

Take a listen to the currently played hit, "(Reach up for) The Sunrise" and you’ll see what we mean…the jury may still be out on whether this group is back to stay, but we’re very much enjoying the visit, even if it’s fleeting!

Check it out and sample some tracks at www.amazon.com ($13.99).

Thread Countzzzz

Nothing like lounging. We lounge with a vengeance when we have the opportunity. It’s easy, just hang out, read magazines, drink tea, do nothing. Of course, this actually never, ever happens, but we can dream can't we? And when we're dreaming, we'll be wearing these! Find out what all the buzzzzzz is about.

What if you could enjoy the world's finest bedding anytime, anywhere, wherever you slept? This is ingenious. The ultimate in luxury since you demand the very best. This is high thread count sleepwear! This is a wonderful gift idea for him and her and it's the first and only line of high thread count sleepwear. They have been mentioned in the New York Times, Travel and Leisure, Extra, Friends, and many others.

Check out our favorite, the Shoely Obsessed. You'll never want to take them off!

It’s time for your close-up, cutie!

Embrace the inner starlet in you and get that dewy glow all year round with Benefit’s Hollywood Glo…inspired by legendary screen beauties like Bacall and Hayworth. If you wanna shine in a soft-focus glow that’s flattering to any complexion, just pat it on over your make-up for a luxe luminescence to your everyday look.

Lights, camera, action ladies! Get your glo on now at www.benefitcosmetics.com ($22)!

Haven’t purchased all your coats for fall, yet?

Now is not the time for procrastinating when you can spice things up a bit with this funky take on the conservative (yawn!) wool coat.

This stunning orchid-hued vintage tweed coat is just what the doctor ordered for those blustery days and super chilly nights. Dazzle your darling now at www.marciano.com ($228).

Remember the mantra….more coats, more coats, more coats!

Well Now.

We still love classic wellies, and no better than from the British themselves. We love these women's lace up wellies from Boden.... for those of us that aren't brave enough to go with the stripes and dots and other whimsy. And when the funky trends tire, this classic take will live on.

These are a new take on a classic fave, and they are just high enough to cover our calves for longer leaner legs. Just like our English counterparts, these are a must-have in our climate. Whether it's soccer games, gardening, tailgaters or running out for the newspaper, these are an Oregon must!

Pick your Pleasure: You Go Girl! Bath and Body Luxuries for head to toe pampering.

Where style meets funkiness! You Go Girl has soapalicious soaps, milk baths, bath salts and more inspired by the fun and funkiness in everyone. All made by hand and packaged by hand.

You Go Girl! is all about hip, cool, fun and totally fresh and fab products like their handmade and hand-packaged moisturizing glycerin enriched soaps, bath salts and more. Even your dogs and cats will be treated like royalty with their own skin sensitive line of soap bars.

Post Election T-shirts for your "blue" friends

We at Portland Picks, like any good girls that hate to make waves, would never talk partisan politics or utter a word about religion. We're all about sugar and spice and everything nice. After all, if you haven't noticed, if we can't say anything nice—we don't say anything at all. So just because we're alerting you to these cute t-shirts doesn't mean we're either Republican or Democrat (we're into hybrids, we'd prefer they come up with something new, like the Democans or the Republicats). As sensitive Girlie girls, we can empathize better than polarize. Nonetheless, we thought these t-shirts were a unique and fashionable way to quietly, and humorously, voice your protest if you weren't happy with the election.

Even their caveat is clever:

All items are guaranteed to be real. All shirts are made of cotton. Cotton is guaranteed to shrink. We do not guarantee that all folks will look hot in our shirts, but we applaud the effort.

• Tailored White Blouse, worn untucked (or untucked under a sweater)
• Cool Camel and Brown's
• Chunky Turquoise, Native American influenced jewelry, Multiple draped necklaces
• Tweed and Wool Hats
• Cashmere Boyfriend Pullover Sweater (a.k.a. looks like your boyfriends sweater), argyle sweaters, cable knit sweaters, fairisle sweaters that you wore in high school.
• Chunky Scarves
• Winter White

And of course everything mentioned above!

Come to the 2nd Annual Ella/Posie Handmade Holiday Bazaar

This event will feature 40 Local Handmade Artisans Over Two Special Days

Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5, 2004, Noon until 4 pm

At the Ella/Posie Boutique, 2337 East Burnside; 503.231.7674

Mark you calendar and we’ll see you there!

Portland For Sale....Are You a Player?

This event fulfills Bill Naito's dream of a competitive game of Monopoly, played by local business professionals featuring some of Portland's most prestigious landmarks, such as Portlandia, Schnitzer Concert Hall, and the Rose Garden on the game board. The evening will be hosted by Bud Clark and Reed Coleman, and proceeds benefit the Bradley-Angle House and SOLV.

Saturday, November 13th
6:30-Midnight
Montgomery Park
Black Tie & Blue Jeans
$100 per person for playing and non-playing guests

Call 503.768.4299
For more information: www.crew-portland.org

Oh Baby, It’s a Party! And you’re Invited!

Who: Oh Baby
What: Panty Buffet Christmas Party
When: Saturday, December 4th 10 a.m. ˆ 8 p.m.
Where: 1320 NE Broadway
Festivities:

Complimentary sparkling wine, special sales, luxurious prizes, complimentary fittings, hors d'oeuvres, and a live model show on “Lingerie as Cocktail Wear.”

Oh Baby is a designer lingerie store in the Irvington District that markets to women that have a lust for life. In addition to offering a unique selection of intimate apparel, Oh Baby provides a complimentary registry service for their clientele, keeping preferences and measurements on file to ensure that even when given as a gift, each woman’s lingerie fits just right.

Dragonlily Boutique’s
Seriously Satisfying Shopping Events!

• NOVEMBER 17, 5-8 p.m.
  “The Art of Accessorizing” at the Fifth Avenue Suites Hotel in downtown Portland benefits Dress for Success, the non-profit that provides clothing for low-income women. 16 Portland designers with great jewelry, accessories and DERVISH designs!
  
  $25 admission at the door. Silent auction, raffle prizes, goody bags for the first 100 attendees. 503-244-9124.
• NOVEMBER 18, 7 p.m.
  “Spa Soiree” at The Pointe Spa benefits Make A Wish Foundation. Fashion show and trunk show with hot new clothes from dragonlily boutique, wine tasting by Stone Wolf Vineyards and hors d'oeuvres from Chef Peter Greene, New Leaf Bistro. Tickets are $15 and include a goody bag.
  
  The Pointe Spa is located at Hawthorn Farm Athletic Club, 4800 N. Belknap Court, Hillsboro. 503-640-6404.
• DECEMBER 1, 5-10 p.m.
  CRAVE Holiday Shopping Party at Montgomery Park. Live entertainment, cocktails, fashion shows, and makeovers. $25 admission includes Crave Goody Bag. Bring an office-appropriate handbag or piece of jewelry for Dress For Success Oregon to be entered to win door prizes.
  
  Tickets at dragonlily or 503-244-9124.

DRAGONLILY SHOPPING SOIREES – Any day, after hours – Bring a group of at least 10 and we’ll wait on you hand and cute little foot! Wine, chocolates and private shopping. Refundable deposit and limitless fun! Call Now to book your Holiday Shopping Soiree at dragonlily!

Stay Happy, Stay Beautiful and Remember…Life’s too Short to Wear Boring Clothes!

Dragonlily Bboutique –
1740 SE Hawthorne,
Portland,OR 97201

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

503-234-LILY www.dragonlily.org

Beer Festival!

Participating beers have been announced for the ninth annual Holiday Ale Festival, the only beer festival in the Northwest to be held outdoors in the dark, cold and often wet month of December.

The event returns Dec. 3 through 5 to Pioneer Courthouse Square, located at the intersection of SW Broadway and Yamhill streets, to celebrate the release of regional craft-brewed winter brews. Hours for the event are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 6 p.m. on Sun.

Admission to the event is free. A 2004 souvenir mug, required for tasting beer, costs $4 and is good throughout the weekend. Patrons pay $4 for each full mug of beer, or $1 for a taste.

Twenty-six potent winter ales are featured at the event, all of which are created specifically to bring warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

Soirée’s Kick Off Begins Tonight!

Sip. Savor. Symphony.
Spend a night out with Soiree, the Oregon Symphony's new group for young professionals.

Join us for our debut event, Friday, November 12!

Find out more information on www.orsymphony.org.