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| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| January 18, 2005 |
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We are not sure if it is the anticipation of spring or the aftershocks from Valentine’s Day, but we are feeling frisky! There’s a sashay in our step and we have to actively resist purring. Sassy is contagious and we are infected! Frocks that rock, designers who matter, events that must be attended and some fantastic insider secrets from the Portland art scene. Join Portland Picks as we jump in puddles and frolic our hind quarters off! Sending winter packing has never been so fun. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Frock On! Indulge yourself in freshly made local fashion from unique and sizzling Portland designers. These one-of-a-kind creations lovingly co-mingle with glamorous and outrageous vintage gems. Awaken your inner supermodel. Their in-store runway is waiting for you to Strut Your Stuff! Frock is a relatively new and unforgettable boutique experience in the hip NE Alberta neighborhood. They sell the works of some of Portland's best designers like Bonnie heart Clyde, Darbeka, Lucky Loo Loo & Knot Ugly designs. Check out their newest window showcasing the finest local designers and paying homage to the Do-it-Yourself spirit of Portland. Besides great clothing and accessories, cute props and colors adorn their window in the usual clever Frock style. Support local talent and get noticed in new and nifty duds! We must share the love. Go on now. Pay a visit, and tell them Portland Pick’s sent you. Frock Boutique |
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| 2 | Pretty is as Pretty Wears Piper Ewan is a glorious shop with everything frilly, and fussy and gorgeously feminine. Open just Saturdays or by appointment, this exclusive, exquisite jewel of a boutique is all sweet eye sugar and succulent spice. From corsets to garters to custom dresses and skirts, this wearable art is handmade and beautifully detailed. Every lady needs a flattering, ultra-feminine corset in her closet. Wear this treasured keepsake with jeans or your wedding gown and feel like a princess. Can’t forget the garter on the big day. And Piper Ewan has handmade vintage 20s styled garters. A perfect wedding keepsake or a little secret worn under your business suit. Check out their elegant hand made silk flower brooches and other custom dresses. You are so pretty (and smart too!) Piper Ewan |
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| 3 | "Intimate Toy Party" You’d love to throw a Girl’s Night Soiree but looking for a new twist? How about a…(let’s see, how do we put this)…an intimate Toy Party? This is not your typical Tupperware party, Ladies. Because of the nature of the theme, it changes the mood of the party immediately. Conservative soccer moms, Stepford wives, and career women alike let down their hair and picked up ....well, we can’t say....but it was pink. Instead of the usual hemming and hawing, husbands graciously entertained the children and generously slipped hundreds to their wives to shop, shop, shop. We started out with appropriately named cocktails and a game. Gobs of lingerie lined the room, and this was really wonderful stuff, honest. We got the cutest little pink and white thong and pushup with a sweet little bow, boy-fit lace undies, a darling camisole we can wear with jeans, little silk kimonos. Very tasteful. Sure they had the Frederick’s of Hollywood stuff but there was a lot of really beautiful lingerie as well. Plenty for you and him. They had quite a lot of, let’s say, “Objet” that our sexy hosts had to explain and pass around. Toys, games, oils, use your imagination. (We were not keen on the oils, mind you. Oils on our 300 thread count sheets don’t jive.) But there was oodles to choose from, from the most conservative to the totally risqué. But mostly it was a hilarious theme that made for a fabulous night out with the gals. Oh and he liked it too. Remember that one of the top reasons that couples seek counseling is for diminished sex lives. Save a bundle on sitter’s fees and psych appointments and spice up your time in the bedroom! Put romance back in to your life with a Bello Noche (Beautiful Night) Party. Bello Noche |
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| 4 | Isn’t it Grand? After Monday’s Hallmark Holiday, there are many newly engaged and eager brides to be. Once the date has been determined, every bride will want to shout from the rooftops, "Save The Date!" The Grand Papery & Gifts is just the place one should visit to become inspired for invitations for all occasions: Engagement, Save the Date, Bridal Showers, Wedding, Rehearsal Dinner, menus, place cards...you name it, the list goes on. Order from a large selection of albums or from the HUGE selection of boxed invitations. The details can drag you down. Let Grand Papery take the frustration out of one element of the BIG day. And don't be fooled by the name, The Grand Papery is not just paper. The gift category includes baby items, lamps, candles, watches, jewelry and fabulous purses...just to mention a few! We promise you'll be happy you paid a visit. The Grand Papery & Gifts |
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| 5 | You’ve heard the saying: it’s the accessories that make the outfit. The shoes that are classic enough for your 5 o’clock meeting but sporty enough for walking the dog after work. The watch that tells everyone you’re hip to the season’s trends while still faithfully telling you the time under water. The hat that keeps your head warm in the winter while turning the heads of those around you. Without accessories, the world would be a lot less interesting. The Art Institute of Portland, located in the heart of the Pearl District,
offers an associate’s degree program in Apparel Accessory Design, educating
designers that can give the world stylish accessories that combine form and
function – it’s about learning how to successfully create the
wow with the how. |
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| 6 | Party on! If the aforementioned s. toy party seems a little daunting, how about a slightly more demure, but no less hip, Purse Party? 1154 Lill Studio is a handbag boutique where you go to make your own handbag. And now they will bring the custom-order creativity to you! Gather the girls in the comfort of your own space to mix and match from over 20 styles of handbags and accessories and hundreds of beautiful fabrics - selecting the exterior, interior, straps, accents, and more to design your own one-of-a-kind LILL bags! (Plus, as a thank you for organizing, they’ll give you a free LILL Bag!) Lill’s expertly trained and darling reps will ensure that your guests get the full LILL experience whether visiting your home, office or conference room! It’s so much fun to create with friends, family and co-workers – the perfect girls’ night out activity! If you have any questions or are interested in having a purse party, please contact Portland’s local rep: Nicole Buchman Or girls can go directly to the 1154 Lill website, at www.1154lill.com to request a purse party. |
 1154lill.com |
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| Portland Picks Book of the Week: | |||
The Best You’ll Ever Have: What Every
Woman Should Know About Getting and Giving Knock-Your-Socks-Off Sex, by
Shannon Mullen and Valerie Frankel Lucky us! This hilarious and informative book is as easy to read as chatting with your closest confidantes. If you’ve ever wondered and were too afraid to ask where your G-spot or his P-spot (Who knew?), fear no more…The Best You’ll Ever Have will show you how to incorporate sexories (sex toys), ask for what you want, and ask him for what he wants. This VERY detailed and funny how-to book is a must for any soon-to-be enlightened bedroom diva --- there’s absolutely no excuse for having a hum-drum sex life now… Bonus: plenty of first-hand stories from the women she interviewed. Let’s hope there’s a sequel in the works for all of our sakes.
(only $13.60 at www.amazon.com. |
 Buy Now! |
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| Portland Picks Must Have CD: | |||
| Michael Buble, It’s Time Bonus: look for a samba duet with Nelly Furtado (“Quando, Quando, Quando”) that will seal the deal for you on track number four. |
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| Portland Pick’s Cocktail of the Week: | |||
| Can’t get enough chocolate? How about a Chocolate
Martini? You know, chocolate is filled with anti-oxidants and will add years
to your life. It’s a Superfood. And hey, nothing says LOVE, like chocolate.
Find even more festive cocktail creations at www.cocktailtimes.com and let the romance begin… Amarula Chocolate Martini
Chill a martini glass. Shake all ingredients with crushed ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. If desired, swirl chocolate syrup in the martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Satisfying, temperature rising, inner peace providing and if that was not enough, classy and hip, a lifestyle in a glass, drink glamour, you deserve. |
 cocktailtimes.com |
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Chick Picks: |
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| 1 | Housewives Tarot and Poker Kits Parlor games aren’t confined to the bedroom, my dear... If you’re sans lover right now, grab your go-to girls for a Tarot Card or Poker Night soiree. The Housewives Tarot kit boasts retro illustrations of martini glasses (cups), brooms (wands) and chocolate cake (the devil), and also includes an instruction book so you can wow them with your fortune-telling expertise. This is a great get together for your girls at the crossroads of their lives. Who couldn’t use a little metaphysical nudge in the right direction? Take it seriously or as light as a feather, asking the heavens for a little assistance is an experience as old as mankind, share it with the women who matter. If you’re more into maintaining your poker face than reading the future, pick up the Poker Night game kit for a little game-on-the go fun. The portable box includes chips, a deck of cards, cheat sheets (Hallelujah!) and instructions for 14 different poker games. Watch out Ben Affleck! (Housewives Tarot kit $14.95, Poker kit $24.95 at www.fredflare.com) |
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| 2 | Lounging Slippers Slip into something a little more comfortable, and get those tired tootsies into a pair of Anthropologie’s darling and girly lounging slippers. Comfort is one thing, but we’ve been yearning for something outside of clogs and Uggs to keep us warm, and these fit the bill perfectly! Be the envy of the sleepover. If the embroidered snowflakes and pompom fringe don’t charm you to death, you’ll be sold on the soft suede soles and the cuter than words pompom fringe ($38). Like something a little sleeker and delicate? These gorgeous Mia slippers have a starburst of beads and sequins on the satin upper and ladylike square toes. Add to that the dainty grosgrain bow and you’ll be shod like a Princess ($28). |
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| 3 | You little trendsetter, you! You were the first of your friends to get the new iPod, and now you’ve got the coolest accessories to show it off. Try on these sassy Swarovski encrusted earphones for your iPod, MP3 player or portable radio/cd player... Even better, the buds come in a little compact that spins inside to wind
or unwind the cord. Choose from either iridescent pink or green crystals ($39.99)
and get your groove on now! We all knew it…you’re SO rock and roll! |
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| 4 | Tennis anyone? Too much chocolate calorie intake over Valentine’s Day makes the perfect reason to hit the courts in comfy terry from hot new designer C. Ronson. Ronson’s whimsical and sassy takes on tennis fashion are a good excuse for those who’ve never even touched a racquet (we LOVE the pink elephant logo)! You’ll feel like you’re in elementary school again…but with a few more curves… Try on the latest in workout wear in a variety of styles and colors and visit www.fredflare.com. |
 fredflare.com |
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| 5 | It’s Bohemian, baby. We adore www.buckle.com’s budget-wise takes on some of this season’s hottest runway looks. Just throw your fave jeans on and take a walk on your wild child side in a breezy peasant blouse, funky earrings and crocheted scarf ala’ Sienna Miller…you’ll be snagging your own Jude Law in no time. Embrace your inner hippie now at www.buckle.com. |
 buckle.com |
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| 6 | Ice, Ice, Baby…and we’re not talking about dripping you with diamonds (unfortunately!) or a potential Vanilla Ice Comeback (not gonna happen). Not so long ago, we filled you in on 24/7’s Freeze treatment for getting rid of those pesky facial lines minus the Botox; now the innovators at 24/7 have come up with an anti-aging serum targeted especially for those pretty little peepers of yours! Reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, puffiness & other signs of aging by taking advantage of their GABA Active Technology and revolutionary antioxidant ingredient Idebenone (Don’t ask us! But the results speak for themselves). Take years off one of your best assets now at www.sephora.com ($105). |
 sephora.com |
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| 7 | Fashion Advice Still jonesin’ for some fashion tips and trends? If you’re looking for the latest & most up-to-date fashion advice, dos and don’ts, don’t forget to visit thebudgetfashionista.com, your online resource center for fabulous deals for those of us divas on a budget! |
 the budget fashionista.com |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Mamas Rock!
What's it like to be a woman building a career in rock 'n roll while parenting children and working a day job? This is multi-tasking to the max. Rock 'N Roll Mamas, a work-in-progress documentary film, explores the duality of motherhood and maintaining creative identity. Portland filmmaker Jackie Weissman subscribes to the "mama-festo" that all moms are rock stars; all moms who get through the day-to-day doing the best they can are triumphant! Her vision for the film is to bring us together in the solidarity that we are all indeed Rock Star Moms just by trying to remain true to ourselves while parenting our children. This film is a project of the Oregon Film and Video Foundation. The Hollywood Theatre will host a very special evening to benefit the completion of Rock 'N Roll Mama on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 PM, featuring the premiere screening of the film trailer and performances by some of the film's stars. Zen Kitchen will provide appetizers. Beer and wine will be served. Other contributions to the film are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Tickets are available at the Hollywood Theatre Box Office, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., (503) 493-1128 and on-line at www.hollywoodtheatre.org. Go to www.rockmamafilms.com for more information. |
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| 2 | You’re Invited! The Bridal Loft is hosting a Brunch and Cocktail Party on Sunday, February 20th. The Bridal Loft Brunch and Cocktail Party is an upscale shopping and pampering wedding show for women and men who are getting married and want to avoid the hectic, overwhelming bridal show. Instead, they can treat themselves to either a gourmet brunch or an afternoon cocktail party, sponsored by The Embassy Suites Portland Downtown and Portland Bride and Groom magazine; as well as getting valuable information at four mini-seminars. Finally, they can sample cakes and sweets by Joseph's Dessert Company, Something Sweeeet Confections, and treat themselves to a coffee drink by Espresso Volare Espresso Catering. There's also a Shopping Salon and Beauty Bar, and every attendee receives a Wedding Passport planning binder and a canvas tote goodie bag with fun stuff, coupons, and gifts from the participating wedding professionals. Please visit www.thebridalloft.net to find out more about this event. Date: Sunday, February 20. |
 thebridalloft.net |
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| 3 | Portland Pick Heroines! There is a breast cancer survivor Dragonboat team here in Portland called Team SOAR (Survivors On A River). All their amazing members have competitive strength and desire running through their veins and would like to compete wherever they can to show the world that quality of life after this dreaded disease is possible. These women are truly survivors in every sense of the word. The dragonboat team is holding an auction to raise funds to help fund their travels within the US and internationally. 2005 will mean a world championship event in Berlin, Germany. Their team has received Gold Medals in World events both in Cape Town, South Africa and Shanghai, China all in 2004. Unfortunately, not all of them can attend some of the major events due to
financial constraints. They have been unable to find any major "backers"
to support their heroic habit and passion so they are left to their own fundraising
efforts. You can obtain more information about Team Soar at www.wasabiusa.org
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 wasabiusa.org |
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| 4 | LORAC First Time in Portland She’s at the Oscars, been on Dr Phil, does the VH-1 Awards, and has many celebrity clients(can’t say who). We couldn’t possibly list all that she has done! Want to be on her list? She’s here to show you the new Spring Collection with it’s candy-colored shades & tasty textures, they look good enough to eat! Don’t miss out, make your appointment now. $50 reservation fee redeemable in LORAC product Blush Beauty Bar |
 the blush beautybar.com |
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| 5 | There is still time to become a member of the Symphony's Soiree and register for their next event on Saturday, February 26 for the Brahms Requiem. This is going to be a fabulous performance conducted by Carlos Kalmar with participation from the Portland Symphonic Choir. Details about the event and how to join Soiree are posted on their website at www.orsymphony.org/soiree. Please call their box office at 503-228-1353 for ticket information. Come find out why people are talking about the hottest new group for young professionals. |
 orsymphony.org |
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| 6 | DinnerGrrls March You're Invited!
DinnerGrrls.org exists to enable a conversation between diverse women -- from recent college grads to seasoned veterans, from legal specialists and realtors to fire fighters and career coaches and beyond. As such, you'll meet an interesting array of ambitious, interesting, dynamic women. See you there! |
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Let’s head out of the dark days of winter with a fresh, bright attitude. Discover wonderful new corners of this fantastic town, meet and greet, shop and hip hop; then write and tell us the scoop! We’re especially keen to hear details of your ‘wink, wink’ Tupperware party. If it is as fun as ours, you’ll need to edit for polite company! Until next time… |
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