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| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| April 29, 2005 |
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There's so much to celebrate this time of year. Cinco de Mayo (and uno, dos, tres...de Mayo!). Spring. The season of renewal and transition and purging one's closets. But the biggest celebration of all (drumroll)....Mothers! Maybe you are one, chances are pretty good you have one, or at least know one. If you are a mother to a 4-legged child or even just bossy like a mother, that counts too. So we've created a selection of groovy gifts that Mom's alike will love. And we've made it easy. Just print and cut and place somewhere prominent (like his hand.) Happy Mother's Day! |
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide: |
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| 1 | The Gift of Zen (priceless) Urbane Zen is filled with gifts and goodies galore for Mom. And it sends the perfect message. “Mom, you need to lounge.” Urbane Zen has everything one needs for successful lounging. Fun and cheeky retro jammies, super soft robes, and cushy pink ballet slippers that harken back to the good old days of the House Coat. The House Coat, hmmm, a genius trend (let’s bring it back!), when women never had to get dressed the whole day (okay nothing new, but then it was acceptable). They have colorful, zippy gift boxes filled with flowery potions and lotions for home spa’ing. Bright Chinese take-out boxes named after our favorite things: Chocoholic, Drinks on Me, and The Instant Karma Kit. These kits are choco-block with homemade bath fizzies and other spa accouterments. One of our favorites that instantly caught our eye was the display of bright candy color terry cosmetic bags from PJ Salvage. They come in fun, squeelable colors like Flamingo Pink and Marsha Brady Blue (oh, marsha, marasha, marsha!) This store speaks MOM. Urbane Zen 385 First Street Watch for the opening of their Bridgeport shop in mid 2005 |
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| 2 | Heard it through the Grapevine Actually we saw it with our own eyes too. Grapevine is a favorite of young and old mom’s alike, trendster-moms in-the-know. They have vibrant colorful tops and tunics, tunics you can wear well into your pregnancy, like this one from Weston Wear. They carry our favorite line of denim, Joe’s Jeans, in fun new styles. There’s The Lover (looks like you’re wearing your boyfriend’s pants), The Provocateur (inspired by late night attractions), and The Socialite (gives the illusion of a long sexy silhouette for that swanky art opening.) Grapevine has all our favorite, hip designers in flattering feminine fits. Trina Turk, Tracy Reese, Elie Tahari, Michael Stars, Nanette Lepore, and more! Grapevine 7535 NW Barnes Rd |
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| 3 | Organizers Northwest and Organize in Style to
the Rescue. It’s spring. Time to clean out our closets, purge,
and get organized.
And so much more! Never fear, help is near. These guys, and this gift, are a Godsend. And they even provide a complimentary 30 minute consultation. No more excuses. For more information: Portland: Missy Gerber Vancouver: Krista Colvin |
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| 4 | Hub Optix: Better to See You with My Dear To top off your special day with your mother, be sure to stop by Hub Optix at Pioneer Place to give your mother's look a little eye candy, literally. Sunglasses from designers such as Robert Marc and Oliver Peoples provide elegant styling with subtle coloring and are a must for any mother's accessory collection. Oversized shapes and brightly colored sunglasses are a fashion staple for this season! For mothers with refined taste, the Bijou Collection by Gold and Wood exudes elegance and high fashion. Featuring gold and platinum settings set off by diamonds a gift from this beautiful collection is sure to make any mother feel like a queen on this special day. Hub Optix |
 oliverpeoples.com |
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| 5 | Don’t Frown Let’s stop pussy footing around and cut to the chase when it comes to our anti-aging routine. We spend a ba-jillion dollars trying the latest this-and-that department store creams when we really just need to become more efficient, a bit more serious about tackling those crow’s feet. You need to go to the Key Laser Institute. High profile women from San Francisco and Los Angeles and other parts of the country, including New York, visit Dr. Key in Portland because he is the best of the best. Whether it’s Fraxel to reverse sun damage, Thermage to tighten and lift, Restalyne to fill in the lines, or Botox for your furrowed brow, this is the place you’ll want to go for safe and real results. If this seems a little daunting, pay them a visit for a simple dermabrasion and pick up their latest prescription skincare products from France. Key Laser Institute |
 keylaserinstitute.com |
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| 6 | We Scream! Ice Cream-Shmyscream. Forget ice cream when you can have Frozen Custard! This new rich frozen homemade custard is out of this world. Dewey’s Frozen Custard in Lake Oswego has opened to rave reviews and lines of eager, drooling customers. Dewey’s is named after a beloved family lab, and he makes a mean dog too! In addition to divine and decadent frozen custard, Dewey’s Dawgs are made from New York’s favorite, Nathan’s All Beef Hot Dogs, and covered with kraut and just about everything else. But the custard here rules. It comes in 3 sizes; the Chihuahua (2 scoops), the Labrador (3 scoops) and the Great Dane (4 scoops). Our very favorite, The Volcano, made of frozen custard and a choice of one “Peak” like Reese’s or Butterfingers, and rapidly blended in their Astro Blender. Mmmm, delish. Show her how much you care. Don’t take your mom out for any old ice cream. Take her to Dewey’s. Dewey's |
 deweys frozen custard.com |
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| 7 | Wonder Woman – from Olive and Bette Duh. This is an easy one. Give Mom a retro, girl-fit Wonder Woman t-shirt.
‘nuf said. She’ll look ravishing in these English style boots as she does her gardening, tromps along through those harrowing grade school field trips, waits for her young at the bus stop. She may develop an accent. Don’t be alarmed, it’s the boots! And they’re high too, covering those calves and giving a sleek slender look, which let’s face it, is more important than staying dry. |
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| 8 | Love Lucy We aren’t sure if Mr. Tax Man was good to you this spring, but if you paid through the nose and now you need to save, this is the place to shop for Mom. If you got a refund, by all means, splurge! Let’s just a say a sale is a very good thing. Lucy is one of our all-time beloved local comfy stores. Think “House Coat” for the new generation. We can always get dressed in these and “pretend” we’re on our way to a workout and get away shower free. They stock up on all the latest women’s active wear (that work just as well cozied up to the West Wing Marathon Mondays on Bravo). But their own line of cute knock-around duds are our most prized! Mama will LOVE you for this! Print the coupon or use the code to purchase online (good through May 8) or have fun stocking up and pay them a visit in the Pearl. Lucy Portland |
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| 9 | Delish Emerging jewelry designer Kelly Lish of DeLish Couture just popped up at the Real Mother Goose. Towards the back of the downtown store, there is a section called Changes, which features women’s clothing and jewelry. There you can purchase these beautiful handcrafted masterpieces. DeLish Couture specializes in beaded, pearlized designs that flatter you in jeans as well as in your “hot” couture. DeLish Couture |
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| 10 | Sarah Van Raden is an up and coming local designer. Her stunning hand-made skirts, blouses, and pants are found in our favorite stores – Mimi & Lena (where Sarah also works), Seaplane, and Sofada. Sarah’s specialty is taking plain designs and turning them into a spicy, feminine touch of distinguished style. When people look at her creations they can’t help but covet. Like this piece here. Sarah models a butter-colored blouse with lacy sleeves and an intricately embroidered canary on the front. Like butt-ah, we melt! Sara Van Raden |
 sarahvanraden.com |
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| 11 | Twice the Fashion Northeast Broadway is fast becoming one of our favorite shopping destinations. And now Mimi & Lena has moved in, upping the valuable real estate and shopping experience still more. Mimi and Lena has always been a big hit with the Portland Picks staff. They moved from Northwest 23rd and settled into the awesome shopping area on NE Broadway, right next to Sofa Table Chair. Their new digs are roughly twice the size, filled with twice the frilly feminine fun, much of it from local designers. They have beautiful halter dress and tops that would look so smart and sexy (the whole sexy librarian look – don’t forget your glasses!) under a fitted blazer, with some tight, sassy jeans and peek-a-boo heels. While walking around the store dizzy from the spring dresses, darling heels and groovy jewelry, check out their knitted spring sweaters and dress tops! They are so darn adorable! We love this store. And so will Mom! Mimi & Lena |
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| 12 | Pedestrian Crossing (in fab feet) “PedX shoes: shoe Shangri-la” is aptly named. It’s a girl’s paradise of shoes and shoes and more shoes! Oh wait, they have men’s shoes too, but we just aren’t sure if men’s vision of utopia encompasses an endless supply of shoes and matching handbags. Probably not. So this is ours, girls! The shoe la-la has everything we need in the Promised Land, shoes, matching hand bags, and gorge (that’s fashionista-speak for gorgeous) necklaces, brooches, rings and earrings! This store is in the up and coming artsy Alberta District in Northeast, near our very favorite new restaurant, Ciao Vito (more on that coming up!) Ped X |
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| 13 | No Mother’s Day is complete without a handbag. No mom is complete without at least a dozen in her closet (even though we end up wearing the same one over and over). And here’s the latest. This is the hot potato among all the fashionable celebs: The trendy Jedina clutch from Steta. They are so multi-media and bright and “handy.” Trendy Jedina clutch from Steta (www.steta.net) |
 Steta.com |
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| 14 | Tropical Punch Bright tropical florals abound this season. See them on everything: dresses, handbags, pants, bathing suits, perfume (think au de’ coconut), but these are sexy, fun and flattering. Mom will shout deservedly, “Hey, look at me!” As summer approaches there’s straw cowboy hats, swag parties with tiki torches, pineapple trees, and bright retro muu muu’s (with “trains!”) All that 60’s bold party fun. They adorn your house, your pillows, your napkins. Think fabrics and fun circa Trader Vic’s! Excuse me, we’d like a Scorpion trough and 3 straws please …
don’t forget the umbrella. |
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| 15 | A Well-Heeled Mom Time to kick up those pretty little spring heels with anything from Christian Louboutin (available at Saks and Marios). We love her Flower Ankle Wrap Wedge and extra high tie-up espadrilles in pink. Of course they are a pretty penny, but pretty Mommy is so worth it. Really, nothing says, “Happy Mother’s Day…I appreciate
you!” like shoes, expensive shoes. |
 saksfifthavenue.com |
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| 16 | Chocolate. Just like Mom. Dependable with Pizazz Forget Willie Wonka, you’ve graduated to Verdun Fine Chocolates. This swanky chocolatier in the Pearl makes the most unbelievable, melt in your mouth chocolate you have ever had in your life. One bite of their decadent milk chocolate solids and you’re on the moon. Each precious, priceless piece is wrapped lovingly, pure confection perfection to make a profound statement as a gift, an elegant party favor, or indulgent treat for you, my princess. This tightly run family establishment firmly believes chocolate should not only have exquisite flavor and texture but should also be beautifully presented. Verdun chocolates are individually hand-wrapped in gorgeous colorful foils. You don’t want to destroy the wrapping but because of what it cloaks, you must. Indulge and soon! Verdun Chocolates & Gifts |
 verdun chocolates.com |
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| 17 | 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: Organics To You |
 organicstoyou.org |
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| 18 | Hip Chicks Do Wine Hip Chicks do WINE is a "boutique" urban micro-winery here in Portland. Established in August of 2001 by the Wine Goddess, Laurie Lewis and the Wine Maven, Renee Neely, two women enamored with the rich history and flavor of Oregon wines but hoping to rescue the fun-at-heart beverage from the stranglehold of vocabulary-obsessed neophytes who mistake wine as a free pass into so-called maturity. The Hip Chicks fell under the mystique of Oregon wine while touring Wine country one weekend in the mid 1990's, and decided that making wine would be richly fulfilling, ever so romantic and quite a lot of fun. Instead of working to make the world a better place by helping people with their issues, they would make wine….and so they did, er, they do. Located in the Southeast industrial area near Reed College and The Rhododendron Gardens, Hip Chicks do Do Wine, and it’s really quite good. Our favorite is Bad Girl Blanc: Blondes have more fun, but at what price? Her steely exterior and full figure hid that touch of sweetness that was deep inside her. She was from the wrong side of the tracks and had a reputation of being Bad Girl Blanc. 90% Chardonnay 10% Riesling And Drop Dead Red: The is full of mysterious intrigue that cannot be ignored. Is it her velvet complexion or her voluptuous body that draws you in? Full of smoldering desire, beware something dangerous may be lurking. Dare to encounter Drop Dead Red. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon-50% Merlot Fun Girlfriend gifts, and mom will like it too! |
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| 19 | Orchid Exchange Why give any old bouquet when you can give an Orchid, exquisite like mom, reminding her how much you love her long past Mother’s Day. We adore Orchids, but our thumb is, well, not so green. We have a little problem keeping the little buggers alive for long. What is one to do?! Buy a fake? We wouldn't be caught dead. Now we can buy one from Orchid Exchange in the Pearl. The store alone is something to see. They don't “floral” up the space with junk that interferes with the flow of natural rhythm (good f.s). You know you are in good hands in O|X. When a store specializes in just one thing, they must be good at it, and O|X knows Orchids. But the biggest treat of all, is that you can always return your orchid once it has bloomed, and exchange it for 25% credit toward your next orchid. And an orchid can be a work of art, stylishly elegant, and last (for most anyway) a couple of months. And with Orchid Exchange ongoing exchange program, there's no more excuses for those dead sticks you still have left in the pot in the entry (or is that just us?) Orchid Exchange |
 orchidexchange.net |
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| 20 | Custom Photo Cosmetic Bags Forget the photo in the wallet, now you can get, and give, the photo ON the wallet. Give mom a cosmetic bag emblazoned with a picture of the kids. Just place your order and send them your photo via email. Their 7x4 inch Bagette is made of the very best heavy satin and is the perfect size to use as a mini-purse to hold your pencils, essentials, and unmentionables. Not only can they make your Bagette with the image you supply, but they can add a custom message on the Bagette itself as well as on their exclusive satin ribbon zipper pull. If Mother’s Day is creeping up too fast, just get her the Bagette gift certificate and she can choose her own favorite photo of you. Personal and priceless. |
 bagettes.com |
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| 21 | i.o.u. a table for two. Sometimes the best gift is the gift of good company. But it's hard to put companionship in a box—until now. You can now promise time together in addition to giving a tangible gift. They'll enjoy their gift now while looking forward to your time together. This is a classy gift to show your care, with style.
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 redenvelope.com |
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| Portland Pick’s Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Nothing speaks “Mom” like cocktails. And since the tropics are all the rage, how about serving up a pitcher of Cocotini’s for her after your hard day at the office. Draw her a bath, light a few candles, sprinkle some tropical petals into the tub and bring her a pitcher of Cocotini’s. Maybe a little Reggae in the background to take her away (no offense). There. Far cheaper than a vacation and you win lots of “Thoughtful Points.” Cocotini
Shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass, rimmed with coconut shavings. Garnish with lime wheel. Drink while wearing dark sunglasses. For this and other quenching cocktails, visit the Cocktail Times. |
 cocktailtimes.com |
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| Portland Picks Book of the Week: | |||
Yoga in Bed, By Edward Vilga We love our bed. We like to live in our bed. The perfect Mother’s Day gift would be a day in our bed, starting with breakfast. We know how this seems, but we wouldn’t be entirely lazy. Not with Yoga in Bed. This book is brilliant, 20 Asanas to do in Pajamas. Forget the morning cup-a-Joe. This is the perfect way to start the day and get the body stretched, the energy pumping, and the juices flowing….so you can do some more lounging. Yoga in Bed is filled with enticing chapters like Nap Your Way to Nirvana, The Nighttime Goddess Stretch, and one we are quite expert at, not to brag, Yoga While Asleep. Just released this month, Yoga in bed is a wonderful, comprehensive step-by-step guide with descriptive visuals that you can do, yes, in your bed. Phew! Now that’s our kind of workout! |
 Buy Now! |
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| Portland Pick’s Guilty Pleasure TV Pick: | |||
| Eyes, starring Tim Daly, Laura Leighton, Rick Worthy,
A.J. Langer, Natalie Zea, Reg Rogers & Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (Wednesdays
at 10:00 PM on ABC --- check your local listings). Want another pleasant surprise? Former Melrose resident, Laura Leighton returns to the small screen as well as attorney Leslie Town, proving to be a formidable ally and verbal sparring partner for Judd --- we just hope they don’t tumble into bed too soon…we’re loving the sexual tension. |
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| Chick Sightings: What We’re Seeing Now… | |||
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Riches at Rimsky's Annual Spring Sale:
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 richesatrimskys.com |
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| 3 | Pharmaca's Pampering Spa Day! Join us for free mini-facials, makeovers, and product samples. Some of the Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy |
 pharmaca.com |
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Portland Picks thrives on mail. Some people are annoyed with a full inbox but we are NOT! Continue to send us your hilarious, insightful and inspiring stories and suggestions. Due to volume, we are unable to respond to everyone but we do try so hard! All good things to you and yours and a very happy Mother’s Day to one and all, XXOO |
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