“Boyfriend Sweaters” are all the rage!

The Mercantile carries a beautiful selection of cashmere sweaters. These look like you’re wearing your preppy boyfriend’s sweater, in classic, timeless styles. They have a great selection of argyle, cable knit, Juicy and La Coste sweaters in bright colors. No wardrobe is complete without a handful of these. Great worn over a t-shirt with jeans, or over a fitted blouse (Mercantile has an amazing selection of these classic fit shirts.)

And while you’re there, check out their new line of vintage style jewelry. A stop at Mercantile can cure the quandary regarding those hard to shop for folks. It is filled with so many great gift ideas. It is never too late to write Santa and add to your long holiday wish list.

Give the Naughty Girl Toolbox this holiday season. This is no gag gift! It is filled to the brim with fantastic treats. This toolbox has everything you need to fix him right up.

The Naughty Girl Toolbox Spa Kit will allow you to catch him and keep him, and includes bubbles, body butter, massage oil and a fun Love Potion. Pick up a Naughty Girl Toolbox at this Portland Owned website, www.stargazerbaskets.com.

Also available at the Multnomah Athletic Club Emporium (503.223.6251) and other area retailers.

Knit Pick

Knitting is all the rage, and good thing because we need those chunky scarves, the more the merrier this season. The weather outside is frightful, and these scarves are so delightful. Let‘em knit, let’em knit, let‘em knit. (You know that’s what Julia is doing for the next few months while she’s on bed rest with those twins!)

Shibui Knits is a wholesale vendor in Portland that carries only the best supplies for knitters. In their travels they regularly encounter products not available in the US: hand made yarns in South America, distinctive knitting needles in China, and strikingly innovative fibers in Japan, that they now offer here to you. We have found that we achieve a near-nirvana state of relaxation curled up on the couch knitting. For whatever reason, our children respect it and our husband endorses it. Sweetest phrase ever? “Sorry, Mom, I didn’t know you were knitting.” Zen occupation of the house goddess.

For all your knitting needs in Portland, check out: www.shibuiknits.com

Shibui Knits also teaches workshops at Lint and Fiber Arts. Learn to knit holiday gifts now!

But alas, some of us aren’t so focused, not everyone is blessed with the patience to actually sit still and concentrate on one thing for more than a minute.... we are just too busy, busy, bizzeeee. But we can always buy hand knitted scarves (or two, or three). That’s the beauty of this rage; someone’s got to buy them. There are those that knit and those that knit not.

Aromatherapy for dogs, of course!

What will they think of next? Aromatherapy for your dog from the Good Dogma Company. If you are blessed with one of those rare canines that are convinced that they’re human, you must provide only the best.

These are so cute; we’d buy them for the packaging alone. There’s aromatic spritzers, aroma bath bars, aroma remedy pet candles! This is a simple, all natural line of dog grooming products that are equally safe for dogs and dog lovers.

Best of all, you are buying local, these are made right here in Portland. We give Good Dogma a big paw up! Arf, Arf!

www.GoodDogma.com
503.235.3438

Looking for that special holiday card that sends just the right message?

Remember, to assure your place on the refrigerator, a photo card is a must! Look no further, Mik Wright cards are the BEST and will bring a tear to your eye. Warning: they are so bizarre, so hysterical, perhaps even, gasp, slightly offensive, you might pee your pants. And if you’re over 35, you’ll recognize the Polaroid of you and your family from when you were little (but how did they get it?)

It’s always nice to receive a really, really, really long letter from friends you don’t really know, talking about how fabulously they are getting on, and now you can send one back.

You can buy Mik Wright cards at Stellas on 21st, The Bee and Thistle, Wham on 23rd, Holiday Card Shoppe on Macadam, and Coco and Talouse, to name a few area retailers.

To view their entire selection visit, www.mikwright.com.

Hip Baby

You know pearls are all the rage, again. And talk about a natural elegant birthstone for baby.

Hip Babies creates and designs children & infant jewelry and accessories. They make real hand knotted infant pearls, and stunning Swarovski crystal bracelets. Hip Babies is carried in charming boutiques across the country, right here in Portland, and sold online.

Like mother, like child, your little Princess deserves only the very best from the moment she’s born. Forget the silver spoon, and go with the pearls.

Hello Halo

We LOVE Portland, but every once in awhile we find ourselves missing the volumes of designer shoe boutiques in New York City. Our shoe fix can’t always be satiated and we hunger always for more, more, more.

Lucky for us, we only have to travel as far as NE Broadway to get our shoe fix at Halo Shoes. Halo carries a small but great collection of footwear lines like Helmut Lange, Sidewalk, Costume by Chanel as well as several smaller European lines and a few beautifully crafted handbags.

Unlike many boutique shoe stores, Halo offers shoes for both men and women and though the men's selection is much smaller, we think any well-heeled gentleman will find plenty that please. The leathers are decadent, the space warm, the staff very friendly.

Next time you find yourself in need of some sole sophistication, you know where to go.

Halo Shoes
1425 NE Broadway St.
Portland, OR 97232
503.331.0366

Isn’t it Romantic?

Elizabeth Dye that is. Elizabeth Dye is a local designer that creates amazing knitwear--including sweaters, tops, jackets, hats and scarves--from rescued cashmere, angora, wool and mohair sweaters. Her pieces are embellished with vintage lace and embroidery, buttons, appliques and beading. Dye’s a fabric artist. You will want to purchase everything and because of the season, you sorta should!

These are gorgeous handmade vintage inspired clothing and accessories and are sold locally at Seaplane, 3352 SE Belmont, Mimi & Lena on NW 23rd, Frock at 2940 NE Alberta, and Ella-Posie at 2337 E. Burnside.

She will also be featuring her designs at the Ella Posie Holiday Bazaar On December 4 & 5th (see Hip Happenings for more details)

Sparkle for the holidays!

You must go to Nordstrom and buy Estee Lauders vintage holiday golden shimmer powder and art deco inspired enamel compact. You’ll be all dolled up and glowing with this modern must-have with a fabulous vintage flair. Be ready for your close up at the drop of a hat!

This retro-inspired collectible compact (circa 1963) is filled with golden iridescent powder that will highlight your already gorgeous face and décolletage with a softly radiant, festive glow.

$45.00

The hottest new restaurant and bar scene to hit the ‘hood is Harrison Restaurant in the Fox Tower. Bustling in the center of downtown, you’ll bump into Who’s Who of Portland dining on small bites before a show at the Schnitz, Girl’s Night Out cocktails in the hip and happening bar, or fabulous ‘date night’ dinner from the folks that brought us Oba and Hall Street.

Steve McLain does it again with this elegantly designed restaurant. Harrison, named after the McLain’s four-year old son, is IT. The artwork alone is spectacular (we wanted to take it all home with us!), the kitchen is an impressive scene itself (puts Rocco to shame) and the seating space is truly sophisticated.

They even have a cigar bar, “The Blue Room,” with an eight-foot long humidor featuring over thirty different premium cigars destined to become the premier cigar lounge in Portland. But the good news, you can’t smell it outside the room and hardly know it’s there, unless you so choose. It all felt very “Manhattan.” (And if your single, there are MEN inhabiting it and they’re bound to eventually come out.)

There were 12 of us, 11 blondes, probably quite a sight to behold, all dolled up for the symphony, giggling and cocktailing in the center of it all. They insisted we try a variety of their new signature drinks so we had to oblige. The cocktail menu and wine list were quite impressive; the food uniquely prepared “progressive American.” As girls do, we ordered a lot of little plates, decadent fritters, pasta, salads, calamari and ate it family style at a large center table. (You see, if you just “pick,” it doesn’t count as eating). They have butternut squash ravioli, wild salmon, prime rib. Mmmmm, we’re getting hungry again just thinking about it.

This is the place to be, our new chic hangout. Come and join us!

Harrison Restaurant
838 SW Park Avenue
Fox Tower
503.299.6161

Our movie this week is just, well what can we say, incredible. When it comes to movies that are truly entertaining for both kids and adults, Pixar has the market cornered. They hit another home run last weekend with the release of The Incredibles, the story of a super hero family living a normal life until they are forced “out” to fight an evil plot and save the earth, as you will.

Mr. Incredible has super human strength, his wife, Elastigirl has powers that should be immediately obvious. Their children, possessing their own unique talents, get in on the action too. The characters are all very likeable, the writing nearly perfect, and the animation stunning. While the story is solid, our favorite thing about The Incredibles is the art work that creates the texture, and vivid warmth of the film. We found ourselves forgetting that some of the shots were animated; they looked so real.

Beyond the top quality animation, the style of costumes and architecture was colorfully post-modern, a real treat for the eye. We don't tend to make grandiose declarations here at Portland Picks but in this case we must: The Incredibles is an instant classic that you will want to see more than once. It’s, well, incredible!

Snuggle up and keep them home for the holidays with this Fall favorite served at the Claremont Resort and Spa in Berkeley, CA. Serve them up in some classy bar ware at www.marthastewart.com ($29 - $59)!

1 tsp minced pumpkin puree
1 oz brandy
1/2 oz Calvados
2 oz apple juice
1/4 oz grenadine
splash soda
garnish cinnamon stick

Put all ingredients except grenadine and cinnamon stick into cocktail shaker, shake vigorously and pour into a tall martini glass. After pouring, drizzle grenadine on top so it falls to the bottom of the glass to create the effect of an "autumn sunset."

If you wish to drink this beverage hot, omit the splash of soda. Pour ingredients into 8 oz glass coffee mug, add 6 oz hot water, stir vigorously to blend. Add grenadine as above. Garnish with cinnamon stick plus three whole cloves.

Have a favorite drink you think Portland Pick’s readers would adore? Submit them to Kathi@portlandpicks.com and we'll make you a famous bartendress!

(Check out these and other yummy cocktails at www.cocktail.com )

Target has a stylish sexy fit suede skirt that will suit you just fine, and no one will be the wiser.

At this price, bring on the shiraz!

Just $39.99 and perfect for the holidays!

“Winter white wonderland,” just in time for a little flirty fall fun?

We're all over this gorgeous quilted, fur-trimmed hobo purse by Coach ($368)

Or, maybe you'd like to take a walk on the wild side with their matching platform fur-trimmed Sofie boots ($400 --- LOVE the lace-up detail!).

Make like an Eskimo and snuggle up with your own little sexy sasquatch pronto at www.coach.com

Who knew the scent of tangerine reduced cravings for sweets?

We're loving Not Soap Radio's Bubbles, not carbs bath gel ($15) with a fresh mandarin/tangerine scent and Horse Chestnut to reduce cellulite and improve circulation. Banish those unseemly bits and enjoy the rejuvenating effects of citrus. Soothe your weary self in a bubbly bath chock full of goodies that will make your skin healthy and glowing. It takes years off you.

Finish it off with Caresses, not carbs shimmering body lotion ($15) in the same invigorating scent and you're good to go!

Make-up more your thing?

Check out these high-shine lip-glosses named after our favorite yummy drinks...alcohol-free and tasty too! Try them in Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Pina Colada, Margarita or Amaretto, mmmm. Glossy and glorious, we have a nearly Homer Simpson reaction to these luscious lip treasures!

Get your calorie-free buzz on with these tasty Cocktail Party cube glosses at www.notsoapradio.com ($10 each).

When we said to lay off the chocolates we certainly weren't including these delectable treats from Serendipity 3.

The movie Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsdale, and its namesake, New York’s infamous sweets restaurant Serendipity, present delectable offerings of choclate-y delights for the body.

We adore this yummy scent Serendipitous...an intoxicating blend of chocolate with hints of Tahitian vanilla and sweet orange (Bonus: it's Unisex). Already have a signature scent? We can think of a few ways you can have fun with the Serendipity 3 Chocolate Body Icing, a shimmering body moisturizer with real cocoa bean emollients.

Go to www.cosmeticmall.com and fill up on some holiday treats for your honey (Scent $37.50, Body Icing $12.50).

You won't just be singing in the rain...you'll be splashing about and dancing a jig in these stylish numbers by Tamara Henriques.

Pair them with an up-to-there tweed mini and a chunky sweater and he'll be tossing his coat over puddles for you before you know it...($118 on www.oliveandbettes.com).

Speaking of Knitting...

Okay, last thing on knitting. If you are in the knit know, than check out DIYnet.com for all kinds of printable knitting patterns like these adorable baby Ugg booties that will make your little one the “envy of the crib crowd.”

If there is something cuter than baby Ugg booties, we don’t even want to know about it!

Sleepover – Make a statement at your sleepover!

You’re invited to a slumber party. It’s been awhile. You need just the right gear. #1 is the sleeping bag. This is important for just the right statement. And we have just the perfect one for you, Princess. Tell your mommy and daddy you need the $1105 Pucci sleeping bag. It’s a must for all your slumber party needs. And the rest will take care of itself.

Now your set! Okay, you’ve got your flannel Nick and Nora jammies, your hair’s in pigtails, you’re eating popcorn, staying up all night, talking about boys, making a prank call or two, and filling up on Mountain Dew (but no wetting the bed, God forbid, in that sleeping bag!)

For those of us who find the concept of ‘roughing it’ worse than swearing in public, this is the perfect antidote.

Go to www.neimanmarcus.com/ipod and enter to win a new Apple iPod, a Kate Spade carrying case, and $500 worth of music downloads!

A special offer to you from your friends at Portland Picks!

Wanna earn money and have some serious fun? If you've got some sales flare and need to finance your Manolo habit, why not become a cosmetics demonstrator? Cosmetic Promotions handles events for companies like Cover Girl, Max Factor and L’Oreal. With this glam part time job, you're sure to meet people, learn some tricks, and have a blast to boot.

Go to Cosmetic Promotions.com and sign up on line! (Tell them Portland Picks sent you.)

Finally, for the person who has everything (that’s you!), your very own bowling alley!

We love Ed. We love bowling just because of Ed. We always dreamt of having our own bowling alley, thanks to Ed. And now we can! (Or at least YOU can...and you definitely should.)

How about a 5,000 square foot, four-lane bowling and entertainment center (obviously not your measly ordinary entertainment center)? Of course all you need to provide is the space. Justifying this expense to a spouse might be a tad tricky but if anyone can do it, you can!

YOUR bowling alley comes with four lanes, glow in the dark pins, two large screen plasma TVs, and even a karaoke machine. It would make the most thoughtful holiday gift! And this can be yours for only $1,450,000.00.

Oh, and p.s., you don’t know how to bowl? No worries. It also comes with bowling lessons which you might want to get a jump on, the spouse thing...

please (see, we even said please) call 1-877-9NM-GIFT.*
*All sales will occur through The Amend Group.

• Charm Bracelets --- Pick a theme that tells the world who you are, what you love and get noticed!
• Elegant purses with chain strap handles (think Chanel)
• Lots of bejeweled bling on your holiday shoes
• Vintage Styled Sweaters
• Stylish, funky and feminine umbrellas (perfect for Oregonians)
• Opt for some demure pearl or diamond drop earrings (rhinestones for girls on a budget!) to wow them with elegance. This season calls for not-so-subtle elegance.
• Silk chiffon blouses
• Pencils skirts...va va voom!
• Plaid trousers & skirts
• Chunky knit and cashmere hats, gloves, scarves
• Cashmere ponchos
• Shearling trimmed purses
• Leg warmers (don't go crazy girls...we're gonna call this a fad ;)
• Stiletto and button up boots (Check out Kate Spade for a sexy pair!)
• Cow print (get one fun piece to avoid “moo” overload)
• Mixing vintage and modern
• Mauve makeup
• Snakeskin & Faux Croc bags
• Tartan

Come visit us at the Ella Posie Holiday Bazaar on December 4th and 5th.

We’ll be there waiting for you! We will also be sponsoring a luscious and enormous holiday gift basket filled with handmade in Oregon treats from many of the participating local designers.

Come and say hello and enter to win a huge basket filled with all handmade goodies that we adore:

• Totinette Pouch/Wallet:
  Perfect for carrying around cards and id.
  
  Also a great size for pills and other small items that you don't want floating around loose in your bag.
  
  Totinette Hair Pretty:
  Add a touch of spring to the gray Portland days with this silk flower hair.
  
• Brown Sugar Polishing Granules.
  Banish back of the arm bumps and dry, scaly skin for good with Talulah's Brown Sugar Polishing Granules.
  
  Natural exfoliants refine and renew in a formula that’s never greasy, leaving your skin just plain peachy.
  
• A Susan Beal Jewelry piece,
  a raindrop pendant on a neck wire or sterling silver chain, an essential piece of jewelry for Portland!
  
• A cable scarf with pompoms.
  Hand knit by Melissa, all the rage this holiday season. Action Hero: Knitting Weblog
  
• A darling nightlight from Shelly Caldwell, of Socket To Me Lights, too cute for words!
  
• A beautiful necklace valued at $100, a fine silver leaf print pendant on a suede cord from Allison Leigh Designs
  
• A necklace From Jewelry by Jessica. Gorgeous handmade charms in bright colors make a hip choker and a cool statement.
  
• A "Body Love Pamper Pack"
  which would include: a 1/2 hour gift certificate for a massage, (all natural, all organic) tub tea, massage oil and body love (a salve that heals it all!) valued at $60.
  
  All Body Love products are produced by Shannon Marsh of Body Garden (located locally!) for Mana Massage and can be purchased at 2165 SW Main St. Portland, OR 97205 (by appointment) or by calling 503.453.mana. Body Love products are all natural body care, made with locally grown and locally purchased items.
  
• Luscious skincare products from Servello Body, made right here in Portland and sold throughout Oregon and the US.
  
  A product line we have “picked” and featured in Portland Picks in the past.
  
• Violet Craft baby layette items, couture threads for busy babies.
  
• Two bars of handmade, all natural soap and a wintergreen lip balm tin from Sacred Soaps.
  The soap varieties will be Cinnamon Clove Cake and Lavender Oatmeal, all organic.
  
  (They also own and operate a small, certified organic garlic farm where they offer many varieties of garlic recently featured on Roker on the Road and Martha Stewart Living.)
  
  They are new to the area, and fabulously “sacred.”

At the
Ella/Posie Boutique
2337 East Burnside;
503.231.7674

Get Party Pretty:

To get you in the holiday spirit, Tavin is offering our Portland Pick’s readers two special packages:

• A FACIAL AND MAKEUP APPLICATION ($90)
  The perfect combo for a special event
• DEAD SEA BODY SCRUB AND AIRBRUSH TANNING ($90)
  You’ll be tan and looking good in that strapless dress
  (both services must be performed within the same week)

Lake Oswego School Foundation Auction

Lake View Village, a European village-style retail and restaurant development in Lake Oswego, will celebrate its 1st anniversary on November 19th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Merchants have donated auction items for a silent auction that will support local charities. Also, 5% of all sales throughout the day at Lake View Village restaurants and shops will benefit the Lake Oswego School Foundation.

Portland Center Stage and Southpark Restaurant invite you to join us for

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

Tuesday, November 23

• 5:30 Dinner Party at Southpark
• 7:00 Performance of Anna in the Tropics
• $45 per person

Click Here for additional information, including the menu.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT, a new program at PCS, FOR WOMEN ONLY. Bring your book clubs, bring your workout group, bring your professional associates, bring your neighbors and bring your girlfriends. This is a golden opportunity to expand your resource base and possibly make a fantastic new friend! Networking never tasted so good. Have dinner and enjoy the theater. You'll love Anna in the Tropics.

Your ticket includes a dinner party at Southpark {901 SW Salmon} including family-style appetizers and entrees, non-alcoholic drink, dessert and gratuity.

Minimum number per group is four; tables are shared with other women's groups. Tickets for Girls' Night Out must be purchased in advance from the PCS Box Office, call 503/274-6589 or email jennm@pcs.org {report promotion code 631.}

Tickets:
503 / 274-6588 | www.pcs.org
PCS Box Office hours: 10 am‹5 pm, or until curtain
Main Stage in the Newmark Theatre
1111 SW Broadway at Main

Seating is limited. Not good with any other offer. Handling fees apply.

Nordstrom & Comcast Present:
4th Annual Holiday Concert

• When:December 17 & 18, 8pm
• Where: First Congregational Church
• Tickets:$20/$15 on sale now at all Nordstrom Customer Service Departments (no service charges) at 503.620.0555 ext. 1840 and thru TicketsWest at 1.800.992.8499 or 503.224.8499 (with service charge.)

Women In Motion Holiday Party!

Toast the holidays with Women In Motion!

• Beautiful vintage inspired holiday evening dresses
• Collectible cozy angora and cashmere sweaters
• Extraordinary decorative holiday skirts
• Exotically soft and sensuous lingerie

Join us at our holiday party for fabuluosly chic shopping. You'll find unique and luxurious gifts for you and your friends, and a gift with every purchase!

Thursday, December 2nd 4:00 to 8:00 pm

300 SW Stark Street
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-5130

Deconstruction Design Contest

Re-design a Bishops Barbershop T-shirt and you'll have the chance to appear in the Rock & Roll Hair Fashion Show filmed by CNN* on Friday, December 17th at the Roseland Theatre. *The owner of Bishops Barbershop was voted as one of the top 100 businesses under 40 in America and CNN will be here to document Bishops 3 year anniversary party that includes a fashion show, two bands and two well-known dj's.

• Who
  Anyone can enter this contest. We're looking for creative people from all walks of life to participate.
• What
  Take a Bishops T-shirt, de-contruct it, and re-construct into a whole new shirt of your own creation (your prototype). We are selecting both men and women’s creations that should fit a S to M sized woman and the men’s shirts should fit a M to L sized man. Prototypes are to be made with a men’s size M (or smaller) T-shirt provided by you, the contestant.
• When
  Prototypes are due no later than Tuesday, November 30th to one of the four Bishops Barbershop locations listed below.
• Why
  Not only can your designs be televised but you can win awesome prizes! Prizes include: hair products galore & the grand prize of free cuts & color (value at $1000) for one whole year!
• How
  If your design(s) is/are selected, you will be provided with a Bishops Barbershop T-shirt from which you will re-create your shirt for the runway show.

The Bishops Barbershop Creative Team will select 15 designs and contact the winners by Friday, December 3 at 6pm.

The 15 selected designers will need to have the completed shirt(s) to one of the Bishops locations by Friday, December 10th. *That gives you one week to get us your Bishops Shirt.

For details about the contest, visit any one of the four Bishops locations:
3742 SE Hawthorne Blvd
326 NW 21st Avenue
210 NE 28th Avenue
1031 SW Columbia
Please no phone calls.

IF YOU PLAN ON ENTERING THE CONTEST, please email us at info@pdxfashionincubator.org by Tuesday, November 23rd.