Do you know a tot that runs with a different crowd? Not your Little Boy Peep type, a little edgier? Tired of having your toddler look like a PBS advertisement? (Honestly, there is only so much Elmo a person can take.) Want your child to reflect your inner rebel? Then, Black Wagon is your store.

From your friends that brought you Retread Threads, there’s now Black Wagon. They appreciate the difficulties finding distinctive and fun clothing, toys and home décor for our children— not to mention the gifts we're proud to give to our friends' babies and kids. Whether you are searching for that perfect gift for your friend's newborn, your precocious godchild or that band tee for your rockin' toddler, Black Wagon has something special for you!

Searching for that star studded glamour? Binky Couture has wonderful "Bully" tanks adorned with actual Swarovski Crystals. And if you're anxious over the perfect gift to give that special little guy at his bris or christening, Binky Couture's Cross and Star of David hats are the perfect bling for baby's big social debut.

For that rebel child, there's Appaman's line of t-shirts and onesies featuring classic muscle cars, lightening bolt and revolutionary leader, Che Guevara. These shirts have that edge that reflects your child's adventurous spirit. Give your kid some street cred, give them Appaman.

The names will likely sound unfamiliar, designers like CoCo, Las Papas, Artigiani, Studio Donadio and Pepo Pombo are about to become very popular in Portland. These aren't the latest in European designers, they are from Latin America, and they are who you want to check out if you want to be wearing something unique this season. Moda Nova, a new store in Pioneer Place, is where you find it.

Most Americans would hardly associate Latin America with high fashion but it’s big business down there and Keith Kullberg and Moda Nova have brought it home for you. The space itself feels a bit like a mini-department store in that you will find jewelry, clothing, shoes for men and women, house wares and even some items for baby. Woven scarves and ponchos feel traditional but are nicely offset by ultra-mod leather jackets and asymmetrical blouse necklines.

Traditional hand-painted dishes work perfectly with a completely non-traditional Brazilian lamp. Gold jewelry cut into pre-Columbian designs from Argentina sit in lovely contrast to high polish modern silver designs from Mexico. The old world meets new world vibe is reflected in the space too, creating a total Latin experience. We loved the alpaca sweaters and the tango shoes (particularly the red ones in the window...). We know this is a place you’ll love too!

Moda Nova
Pioneer Place
700 SW 5th Avenue, #3015
Portland, OR 97204
503.546.6557
www.modanova.com

I went to their open house last night and everything was heavenly! Desserts almost too beautiful to eat (almost!) Excellent gelato and Illy coffee. This is destined to be the Pearl’s new addiction.

The interior makes you feel like you are in Italy. You have absolutely got to see the life size bronze olive tree!

When you check it out, you must try the Mt. Vesuvius chocolate cake—the best chocolate/sugar coma imaginable. It is right up Portland Pick’s alley!

Contributed by Jo Carter, Physical Element

Via Delizia
1105 NW Marshall
503.225.9300

By now the invitations have surely been pouring in and your calendar filling up.

It’s time to plan what you’ll be wearing to all those galas. Look no further than right here. Our own Michelle DeCourcy has her classic silk holiday dresses in and waiting for you. At the recent Chris Dudley Celebrity Event at Oba, we previewed some of her latest designs, including our favorite, naturally, the “Audrey.” This lady-like dress is so lovely and utterly classic, 100% silk and fully lined.

The halter style gives it a sexy and timeless appeal. Head over to Michelle’s boutique on Northwest 23rd and get shopping! Time’s a ticking.

“This Year I will Master the Art of the Cocktail”

Don’t celebrate another New Year without keeping this resolution! If this has been on your list of to-dos you can cross it off, baby, ‘cause there is good news. Back by popular demand, In Good Taste is holding another class to reveal the mixology secrets of Lucy Brennan of Mint. This very popular class will be held at 7 pm on December 28th at In Good Taste Cooking School. Check out the web site for full details (www.ingooodtastestore.com) or call 503.248.2015. After class, be sure to check out the great selection of fun cocktail items you’ll need to show off your skills and the books you’ll need to complete your mixology education.

What do Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Julia Child have in common?

All their books are featured at In Good Taste’s extensive collection of cookbooks. This store definitely has the best collection of cookbooks in town! These books make a wonderful gift for the gourmet on your list. Also check out their local author cookbook signing on December 12, from 2-4 pm. Meet your favorite authors, sip a little wine, nibble on the fabulous fare fresh from the school’s kitchen while the helpful staff is gift wrapping your clever and thoughtful purchases. Now don’t you look smart?

Finally, In Good Taste Cooking School is announcing the publication of their winter class catalog. From basic knife skill classes for the beginner all the way to hands on puff pastry making, there is a class for everyone. In Good Taste also specializes in wine classes featuring a blow-out extravaganza showcasing the five first-growth Bordeaux’s, all from the eighties. And, as a special treat, In Good Taste is offering some lucky diners a chance to eat a very special meal at the French Laundry in Napa. If you are feeling stumped about what to get the foodie in your life, check out the catalog, it’s sure to inspire. And remember, if you are really stumped, there area always gift certificates.

Speaking of food and wine, there's a new restaurant about to open that intrigres us...

Sip. Dip. Dine. That’s Urban Fondue. Soon to be the very newest addition to the Portland restaurant landscape. The 70’s cocktail party treat is a super hip night out. Urban Fondue brings a new attitude to fondue dining, and Fondue is back and big! Taste the experience.

Urban Fondue
2114 NW Glisan
503.242.1400

We can’t say enough about the Ella Posie’s Handmade bazaar coming up next weekend.

Come and visit us and enter to win an amazing gift basket of local handmade items, like the gorgeous jewelry from Magma. Shop till you drop and leave there with your holiday shopping complete, something just perfect for everyone at a price that’ll leave you smiling. December 4th and 5th at Ella Posie.

Fun, fresh, and on fire, magma glass jewelry hits Portland with gusto this holiday season. Designer Blake Van Roekel crafts each bead to capture the natural flow of glass…hence magma. Her contemporary and unique jewels can be found at Relish, Dragonlily, the Portland Fashion Incubator Revolving Showroom, Yum Gallery in Hood River, and her own showroom at 1720 NW Lovejoy, suite #103.

Blake has worked with glass for over 4 years and offers glass bead-making classes at her studio on Lovejoy as well as conducting magma demos and offering jewelry parties you can host in your home.

For more information, call 503.753.1655. Otherwise, visit her website at www.magmajewels.com - which launches December 1!

American Apparel

An experiment is taking place in downtown Los Angeles … can an apparel company make quality products, give workers on average $13/hour and health care and still stay a float? Yup, looks like it works. Note to nay sayers, American Apparel is the fastest growing apparel store in the US.

The clothes are awesome.

You will find items for man, woman, baby, cat and dog. All are t-shirt or t-shirt related, meaning knit, and come in the form of hoodies, long sleeved t-s, tank tops, scarves, skirts, athletic pants, zip-ups, underwear, bathing suits, dresses and of course, t-shirts in every variation you can think of. They are well made of thick quality cotton, come in any color you want and stand up to washing after washing. Not only will you love them, you can feel good about buying these clothes.

The company has retail stores in 11 U.S. cities and lucky us, we have two of them here in Portland. You really should go check them out – we promise, you will find something comfortable and stylish and leave feeling good too. God Bless America.

Cheers!

Give a monthly wine service from Portland’s Fruit Forward, a local company that delivers two unique wines per month (and receive a free Built NY wine tote).

Chill out this holiday season. . .with fantastic wine and a cool wine tote. For only $19.95 per month, Fruit Forward's monthly wine service delivers two delicious bottles of wine directly to your doorstep.

Name one thing nicer than wine delivered to your door? There just isn’t a thing!

Their expert tasting panel reviews hundreds of wines from around the globe and sends you two exceptional bottles monthly. Informative tasting notes and ideas for food and wine pairings are included with every shipment.

We'll drink to that!

Remember coolots, also known as gauchos? We remember ours fondly from second grade. They made so much sense for girls. Kind of sporty, kind of skirty, with the added benefit that boys couldn’t see our underpants.

One favorite was the rust colored ones that came with a Foxy Lady belt. (The Foxy Lady belt really made them.) Course we were in grade school so probably not too foxy (especially with our Mrs. Brady shag and buck teeth...those “awkward years” ....nonetheless, we thought we were foxy.)

Well guess what? Surprise, surprise, gauchos are back. Sexy, flouncy, comfy gauchos. The flouncier the better. You can find them everywhere. According to one of our sassy readers, Galore has a darling selection!

Get Shopping.

Go for the hot librarian look with La Loop.

These gorgeous bejeweled chains are full function + fashion. They are works of art, more jewelry to shop for and wear, and you will no longer lose your glasses on the top of your head.

Get a funky leather one to wear with jeans, or a more glam La Loop to wear to the gala.

Refusing to become our mother just got a little easier.

How about a pretty in pink fur eye mask from Cris Notti?

This is 100% feminine decadence, pink, furry and lined with silk. When you need some shuteye, some peaceful princess meditation, this is your friend.

Or get jiggy with it with the other groovy selections. Cris Notti has the market cornered with a huge selection of eye masks to make you fashionable, even while you sleep. Great Holiday gift idea for you, your girlfriend, everyone you know at just $20 a pop.

For the girl who has everything, we recommend—more!

You are always pampered from head to toe, attention to every last detail, but perhaps one.

Have you thought much about that cute bum of yours? You can’t neglect it. With all the holiday celebrating coming up, you need the proper fitting undies.

Toss out the granny knickers, forgo Commando, and pick up these lush low-rise cashmere panties from Nude. You will feel naughty and nice.

Available from girlshop.com

Pink Ladiez Tool Kit

You are a Jill of All Trades, handy in the kitchen and in the garage. You can do it all. You can fix anything, create anything, build anything. Or at least you can pretend and just display this cute case on the counter, which can also do the trick. Occasionally there might be something you will need to screw, pull, twist, or pound, maybe, so you might as well be prepared.

For the handy woman, or those that wish to pretend to be, this tool kit contains hot pink screwdrivers, hammer, pliers, scissors and more. If you’re going to have to fix it, at least look pretty doing it. Now we are just waiting on our pink chain saw.

Go for it Ladiez. You are all powerful. You can do it all, make it all, have it all. $20

Scratch, Sniff, and Thank

You received all those wonderful gifts for the holidays and now you need to write your thank you cards. After all, a lady always pens a note (no lazy tacky emails, puh-lease). A traditional thank you with your fashionable finesse is an important statement. You’ll be the continuous envy....still the gal that has it all together down to your thank you note. But to do so, forget the ho hum. Let’s make it exciting. Something the recipient looks forward to opening. Not your standard message that reads monotone and generic, which is a waste of a stamp, frankly.

Make it unique. Tell them about yourself, what you’ve been up to, or a special heart to heart about how you appreciate them. Let it reflect you. Add a sense of humor. Or send a clever thank you like these scratch and sniff note cards from Jack and Lulu.

Hot Flashes Fire starters

Winter is here and there’s no greater ambience than a glowing fire in the fireplace. And since we’re going for pretend perfect, aiming to be the woman who has it all, we must also be able to make a killer fire with the best of them. And to make it a little easier for you, there’s the Hot Flashes Fire starters.

A bit dainty maybe, but Hot Flashes are for women who don’t need a man to light their fire!

Plus, A portion of the sales of this product are donated to breast cancer organizations. Now that’s hot.

$6.99

Forget the chump change, your little darlings deserve more than that. Their little tootsies are priceless after all. First the silver spoon, next up, Dream Pearls.

Dream Pearls sells bracelets in sterling silver, made with Swarovski crystals and a tiny sterling fairy. You choose the crystal color based on birthstone or whatever color you fancy.

When your child loses their first tooth, they get the bracelet under their pillow with a freshwater pearl charm representing the first tooth they lost. Every time they lose a tooth they get another pearl delivered. The kit comes with an organza pouch for delivery of bracelet and each pearl and a bedtime storybook that tells how the Tooth Fairy transforms lost teeth into DreamPearls.

Why give a coin when you can create an heirloom? At the back of the book there are journal pages for recording special memories or happenings when each tooth is lost.

Check it out at www.dreampearls.com

Sweet Felt Goods has the most gorgeous cozy blankets created from recycled wool and cashmere thrift shop sweaters. It’s a warmer, cozier take on the quilt.

Snuggle up this chilly season with your Sweet Felt Goods blanky. These are works of art and a unique gift idea; they’ll look lovely thrown over your divan.

Sweet Felt Goods will make you a believer, curling up on the couch never felt so good.

Think Slippers

Slippers make a great gift idea, but forgo the mundane and go with the ultra in luxury, like something in yummy plush pink or Whistler slippers made from recycled mink.

For the best selection of luxury, clever slippers, go with Patrician Green.

What do you get for the champagne and caviar kind of girl?

Let’s see, hmmmm. How about champagne and caviar?

Order a bottle of Serge Faust organic champagne. And don’t forget the caviar with Tsar Nicoulai’s farm-raised caviar.

An elegant gift for you or a romantic gift for deux.

Delivered in a day.

Make a Difference simply by doing what you do best. Shopping!

Now you can support your favorite cause every time you shop online.

FundIt.Org will donate up to 30% of the money you spend to the nonprofit organization you select. You don't pay a penny extra, and do not have to compromise on service, price, support or quality. When you're ready to shop, simply visit the store of your choice through our merchant area.

FundIt.Org connects you to some of the top online retailers, like Amazon.com, and Target - stores you probably shop from already! It's easy, it's free, and you don't even need to sign up.

We all know that online shopping is convenient and cost-effective - now you have the power to help others at the same time!

Ready to shop?

We love this cheerful, "wacky" book and all it's glorious philosophy. After all, we aspire to it!

Are you a Wacky Chick?

Most of us know a wacky chick. She's a true nonconformist, a woman who dares to be different. On any ordinary day she might be found performing a citizen's arrest, running a concession stand at a swingers' convention, or wearing a tiara on top of a cowboy hat. Even when conservatively dressed, wacky chicks give themselves away with their fire and exuberance: their outrageous personalities make them as easy to spot as a flamingo prancing among pigeons.

Once considered a rarity, this wild and wonderful species seems to be increasing its numbers. In Wacky Chicks, irreverent social commentator and humor writer Simon Doonan celebrates this growing phenomenon by introducing readers to a bracing cross section of today's most provocative and unconventional women. He asks them to reveal what it takes to be a wacky chick and how wacky-chickery can help women everywhere find creative fulfillment. Readers will learn everything from wacky-chick spiritualism (woo-woo chicks) to wacky-chick business sense (chicks with shticks). We will witness their lives, habitats, mating rituals, careers, and childbearing practices. There's even priceless advice on fashion, beauty, interior decorating, finding the right partner, and unleashing your feminist wacky chick without losing her femininity.

Chapters include: Ladies Who Are Out to Lunch, Safe Spaces for Space Cases, and The Dark Side: When Wacky goes Wack Job.
This is a great stocking stuffer for all your wacky friends.

You are cordially invited to our 3rd Annual Holiday Tea

• What: Antique Tea Cups & Tea Pots Traditional Tea Fare
• Date: Friday, December 10, 2004
• Time: 4 pm
• Where: Blinn’s 40 North State Street ~ Lake Oswego
• Price: 17.00 adults/ 8.00 children under 12

Call for reservations 503-636-4561

Lake Oswego Leading ladies Invite you to the 2nd Annual Leading Ladies Holiday Fair
" Make your house... home for the holidays"

• When:Tuesday, December 7th from 5:30PM ­ 10:00PM
• Where: Blinn's, 40 North State Street, Lake Oswego
• Tickets: Call 503-636-4561 to purchase your tickets as space is limited
  • $10.00 with advanced purchase
  • $15.00 at the door
    
    Ticket price includes - Complimentary champagne, a light appetizer buffet, live music, Educational seminars, and much, much more!

Featuring 20 local women!

Showcasing their 20 local businesses!

As the holiday pace quickens, Fleur de Lys Nail Studio, at 1825 NE Broadway, is offering a very merry way to primp and pamper before the celebrating begins with its new Friday “Happy Hour.”

“Happy Hour” begins at 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. each Friday at Fleur de Lys. Order a Martini Manicure and enjoy some polish and pampering from the pros. Martini Manicures are a naughty, but oh so nice, way to wind down before heading out to holiday parties, office dinners, or even before settling in next to a cozy fire at home. Priced at $30, the package features a full-service natural manicure complete with, luxurious hand massage and a delicious martini. Go from office glow to evening glam by adding on a make-up touch-up.

Looking for a special holiday gift? Pamper a friend, co-worker, teacher or loved one with a gift certificate to Fleur de Lys. Special theme packages, such as the Mommy/Daughter Hot Cocoa Pedicures, make a special surprise. Spend an hour catching up with a friend or daughter while being pampered and polished.

Fleur de Lys is open Tuesday through Saturday. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling, 503-282-8288.

Located in the NE Broadway - Weidler Business District, Fleur de Lys offers natural nail treatments, waxing and make-up services. Established in 1999, the studio also serves as a gallery for local artists and jewelry, featuring monthly installations and baubles for sale.