Italian Soul Food

We are big fans of good Italian food. We love it all, from frou-frou expensive dishes to $6 plates of spaghetti and meatballs – comfort food. And when we visit Ciao Vito, we feel like we’ve found a wonderful middle ground that’s delicious, soulful and accessible.

The restaurant itself has tons of atmosphere – chandeliers, romantic lighting, a deep wine list (tons of Italian wines), and a smooth vibe that makes even Spaghetti Agli Olio sexy.

We also love that Ciao Vito features organic ingredients, and a menu that changes daily. Lucky for us, though, some favorites show up every time. Try appetizers like Roasted Beets with Cypress Grove Goat Cheese and a Miscella of Spiced Nuts, or the Fried Monterey Calamari with Lemon Aioli. For your entrée, try the Grilled Double-Cut Pork Chop (though we’ve heard the mayor loves the Bolognese).

Make a reservation, or wait for a table by soaking up the vibe at the bar with a signature cocktail (try the Violetta). Say “ciao” to Vito (he’s a charmer!) and tell them Portland Picks sent you.

Ciao Vito
2203 NE Alberta
Portland, OR 97211
503.282.5522
ciaovito@hotmail.com

Behind the Gold Door…

Remember our trip to South America? When we all came back with that amazing folk art and tattoos that read “Siempre Amigas”? Yeah, neither do we.

How about when we went to India that summer after college? Remember the monkeys in the markets? The sunburn from the beach at Goa? Yep. Right again. Never been.

But just because you haven’t traveled doesn’t mean you can’t fill your home with flavor. Finding folk art is a real pleasure at Gold Door. Their selection is large, varied, and funky as hell. You’ll find an impressive collection of masks, figurines, jewelry and art, from Dia de los Muertos items (it’s a Mexican holiday that celebrates the dead in a surprisingly lively way) to treasures from India, Brazil and even Papua New Guinea.

Check out their enormous array of fine silver rings and pendants, alongside necklaces made of shells and earrings made from nuts. Artisans around the world share a creative aesthetic that’s familiar to Portlanders – use what’s around you to make something beautiful.

The world is an amazing place. Check it out at Gold Door.

Gold Door
1434 SE 37th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.232.6069
www.thegolddoor.com

You should always strive to look fabulous, and for a limited time, just for you my pretties, The Key Laser Institute announces Restylane™ Days, a fabulous offer available now through December! Purchase 3 units of Restylane and as their gift to you, receive one additional unit at no charge. (Valued at $550.)

Restylane restores lost facial volume, the telltale signs of aging in both women and men. We won't tell anyone that you had a little refresher. So go ahead and knock their socks off. They’ll just notice something a little more fabulous about you.

This procedure is designed to give you a more youthful appearance. It can effectively lift brows; diminish dark circles, bags and hollows under the eyes; enhance cheeks; fill deep lines and folds; and create fuller, more defined lips. Wow!

Call 503-291-1953 for more information and to schedule your appointment. (Special pricing may not be combined with any other offer.)

Key Laser Institute for Aesthetic Medicine
9555 SW Barnes Road, Suite 390
Portland, OR 97225
www.keylaserinstitute.com

Fusion...The Art of Flowers

We can't even make a simple flower arrangement, short of cutting an inch off the stems of the bouquet we got at the supermarket and plopping it in water. But that's okay. We know our shortcomings. That's why we hire out much of our creativity...and then claim it as our own.

And for creative bouquets we go to Fusion. Fusion is a gorgeous florist in Lake Oswego and a perfect friend for the holidays. Whether you're having a holiday party or just getting your home into the spirit, Fusion can help you with their unique floral arrangements. Fusion carries the most beautiful, exotic, unusual flowers and that's the way they create their arrangements, pushing the envelope, challenging themselves and creating masterpiece after masterpiece that will take your breath away. Their flowers are truly perfect and seasonal, like their beautiful Amaryllis and Oriental Lilys, an exquisite holiday gift.

They do flowers for all kinds of parties and weddings, and of course they do stunning home holiday décor. They also deliver to the entire Portland Metro area. Fusion has cards, candles, wreaths, modern glass vases, ornaments, great decorating and gift ideas.

Fusion, The Art of Flowers
Floral Design Studio
Lake View Village
390 State St.
Lake Oswego, OR
503.636.3773

You Are So Grand

Maybe because it's getting dark earlier (4:30!), or maybe it's the torrential rain that is cooping us up indoors. Or maybe it's the new frigid weather (we forgot it got cold here) or the eggnog that's already screaming at us from the dairy case...but we just realized the holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving is weeks away and Christmas is soon to follow. (Can you hear us hyperventilating?)

We need to make a list, check it twice, and then give it to someone else to implement, and that'd be nice. Well, The Grand Papery & Gifts is our super hero. The Grand Papery is ready for it all, right now. They can help you, too! They have a super quick turnaround on personalized photo and holiday cards – so no need to panic. They really have great options for families and businesses in the card department. And in-house printing of invitations is a specialty...and their selection enormous and elegant. They also have hundreds and hundreds of boxed holiday cards that are ready to go.

Whether you observe Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or Winter Solstice, or you just want to send a Happy New Year greeting, The Grand Papery & Gifts has an incredible selection. They also have ribbon and wrapping paper, napkins, journals, candles, great jewelry, fine purses and tons of fun décor to dress up your home. Why hassle with the mall scene? With lots of parking and a fun, helpful staff, the Grand Papery can help you with one-stop shopping. Come check them out! Ho ho ho, tis the season after all.

The Grand Papery & Gifts
1235 McVey Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503.697.4424
www.grandpapery.com

Wear it Again, Sam (and Samantha)

Oh my goodness do we have a jones for vintage handbags. They’re always unique – a little snakeskin number, a wool pocketbook, or Western-style saddle leather.

To satisfy the handbag hankerings, we’re forever on the lookout for out-of-the way places with good merch. And though it’s been on Division for two years, we just discovered Lived-in Lover. Silly us! If we had known this place existed we would have made it a monthly stop.

Lived-in Lover specializes in vintage clothes and accessories for men and women, from the 1920s through the 60s. They also offer a well-chosen collection of home items – sofas, plaid thermoses, barware – even glass grapes for the coffee table.

And since we’re still on that “why don’t men wear hats?” kick, we were tickled to find Lived-in Lover has a grand selection of vintage hats! From driving caps to fedoras, and everything in between. (Oh, and the feather pillbox…it’s what dreams are made of.)

Lived-in Lover
3619 SE Division
Portland, OR 97202
503.230.8533
www.livedinlover.com

“Traveling” with Babette

Just a month new, Babette has opened in the W+K building on 13th. This women's clothing boutique creates comfortable and stylish "travel clothes for the modern woman." The space is clean and swanky, just like the building and block it's located in.

Babette carries gorgeous skirts, raincoats, tops, throws, and day and evening wear in cool fabrics and textures. They are elegant...yet they don't wrinkle. You can crumple them into your suitcase, travel Europe, with nary a crease. Or you can dance the night away, toss it in a heap on the floor when you return home late night, and voila! It's just like new and ready to be worn again. The styles are modern, extremely flattering and work on many sizes and ages.

They are so cute and comfy, and they even have loads of fabulous outwear to protect us from those evil raindrops.

Babette
208 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.228.0407
www.babettesf.com

Sugar and Spice

I have this fear of losing my eyebrow hair. And then I'd turn into one of those Joan Crawford ladies that must sketch a brow on with a brown pencil...really looking like a nightmare. So naturally, electing to have my brows done has never been my favorite spa treatment, just something I'd do grudgingly each time with a little prayer. That is until I discovered Treatment. Jami Winston is a doll and she prefers the natural look, never removing too much. She also specializes in Sugaring versus waxing. Sugaring is cleaner, natural, and gentler than wax yet equally effective. Wax can also thin your eyebrow skin, loosening up an already fragile area, causing premature aging (yikes!) For brows, legs, bikini, backs, you name it...sugaring is the game, and Treatment is the name.

And Treatment sells organic locally-crafted products that are just as sweet, like the Raw Honey mask and Vanilla Bean cleanser from Talulah. And Talulah luxurious skin care products are blended in small batches in Portland.

Treatment is located in an East bank industrial building at SE 2nd and Washington. The kind of warehouse that oozes cool, in the way the meatpacking district of NYC is cutting-edge cool. Things are happening here. The building is filled with artists, a quaint little coffee shop, and cool spaces.

Hey Sugar, for all things sweet, like you, head over to Treatment.

treatment
Jami Winston LMT
Esthetician + Massage Therapist
503.805.4074
107 SE Washington St., #216A
Portland, OR 97214

Organics To You

You’ve heard of road rage, but have you heard of grocery cart rage? We like to think of ourselves as Zen personified, but get us behind one of those metallic wagons and we become possessed by a less civil spirit. We are also jinxed by wrong-lane-pickage. This curse always places us directly behind people who line-edit their receipts and deliver bouquets of coupons at the very last minute.

Our friends guffaw, but this phenomena is no laughing matter. It happens, especially when you’re in a big supermarket and all the registers are packed with long lines of shoppers. A clerk opens up a new register and you race to be first, fighting over the coveted space as if it were a downtown parking spot. Some are even known to ram into others, hence cart rage. We’d like to say we were above such thing's but that would be patently false.

But now there’s a solution to this growing epidemic. Organics to You. They deliver nature’s bounty to your door, a bin of fresh fruit and veggies and organic milk each week. It's our favorite find! And now there's no reason to ram folks. You have higher aspirations, and Organics to You delivers serenity and wholesome goodness together.

Sigh and resume the highest Zen position on your dial.

www.organicstoyou.org

Crave

Mini Crave Parties

What’s a girl to do when she wants to entertain...but with a twist?

How about a girl’s day or night out held in your comfortable home digs or swishy hotel suite? Invite your friends for drinks, nibbles and spa treats.

Crave provides the spa services; you bring your friends. Choose from their menu of services and they plan the rest. Perfect for bridal showers and bachelorette parties!

Now offering massage (Indian head, back, shoulders, neck and full body), facials, waxing (or sugaring), henna and manis/pedis. Specialty shopping, tarot and other fun entertainment also is available, upon request.

Portland Picks had a Mini Crave Party featuring super spa gals from Calm, Well Beyond Beauty and Fresh Air. We highly recommend it!

To book your next Mini Crave Party,
please call 503.226.2377
or email crave@craveportland.com.
www.craveportland.com

My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living
by Jonathan Adler

Just what the doctor ordered, brighten up your world starting with Jonathan Adlers “My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living.” According to the publisher, this clever book offers a window into the life and mind of an extraordinarily creative person who was once told by a pottery professor that he had no talent and should consider another career. Not only did Adler stick with pottery, he transformed it from a dreary, unappealing summer-camp craft into a contemporary signifier of modern, handcrafted luxury, and along the way he became America's first (and only) celebrity potter.

“My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living” explores Adler's own tongue-in-cheek design "manifesto," with each chapter devoted to a different "tenet," moving through the major incarnations of his interiors and products and ending with the story of his personal creative odyssey.

The book is a visual feast, jam-packed with images of interiors and objects for the home, both those designed by Jonathan and those that have inspired him. At the heart of the book are 10 of Adler's signature interiors, ranging from photographer Andrea Stern's landmark modernist beach house to the Parker Palm Springs, a desert resort that Adler gave a head-to-toe makeover. Overviews and details of the Parker are prominently featured throughout the book, as are images of the three homes (in Greenwich Village, Shelter Island, and Palm Beach) that Jonathan and his partner, Simon Doonan, share with their dog, Liberace, and five other private residences.

An Evening at Cielo Home

On Wednesday, October 26th, the Bridgeport store of Cielo Home held a party to benefit the Children Healing Art Project (CHAP), raising over $13,000. They also launched the Versace Home Collection that night and raffled off a Versace Butterfly Garden Vase valued at over 500.00.

The holidays are coming, and with it, those glam soirees. Now is the time to pull out all the stops, make an impact, and bat those vampy Bette Davis Eyes on your way to the mistletoe.

You are ever so dramatic, and good thing, since sexy eyelashes are all the rage this season. Eyelashes in every shade, shape and size. And MAC Cosmetics has them all with the same MAC quality you know and trust.

Bat those baby blues, or greens, or browns...luscious lashes for a dramatic holiday.

To Carry Your Tools

Klein tools have been around for more than 150 years. We bought a canvas tool bag for our husband and loved it so much we tried to klepto it back...until we saw the camo one! Klein tool bags have a lifetime guarantee, and quality that lasts forever, even for you. And these totes have a pocket for everything. Of course rather than a screwdriver and pliers, each pocket is perfect for your girly tools: your cell phone, lip gloss, tissues, catalogs, sunglasses. (And it even makes a super cool diaper bag.)

But, buyer beware, your man will want to borrow it. Hands off, hubby!

The last time I was sporting gauchos was in the fourth grade (along with buck teeth and a Mrs. Brady shag). My favorite was a pair of rust-colored, polyester gauchos with a "foxy lady-foxy lady-foxy lady" belt. Ironically I was so NOT foxy, but I hoped this belt would somehow convince people otherwise. By advertising, it must be so. And boy, I felt foxy in those gauchos.

Well gauchos are back and Anthropologie has the cutest selection of gauchos and cropped trousers. They look fabulous with those new boots, and they are classic and sexy. I stocked up in styles a plenty and love my fabulous finds.

Now if only I can find a Foxy Lady belt to go with them.

There's something special about girlfriends…and now you can celebrate those special friendships with hand-painted glassware that's custom made to look like you and your best friend, the girls in your pitch or book club, your bridesmaids, each sorority sister, or any other special female friend. And then of course whenever you get together, they must be properly used...a toast to girlfriends!

Choose a Girlfriend character, then select her hair color, eye color, and a base design. There you have it…signed, unique, whimsical gifts that will delight your friends and remind them of you!

"Walk into the mist of a magical potion
to set your positive energy in motion."

Grounding Potion, Empowering Potion, or Love Potion...oh my! io potions are restorative sprays used to alter the energies around you. io practices ancient brewing rituals to capture the natural power of plants and invoke special qualities into each of their potions. Traditional herbs, ceremoniously brewed. A spirit stone, selected for its precise power, is placed in each bottle to strengthen and preserve the magic. Lightly mist onto anyone or anything to balance, enhance and enchant your life.

And their Love Potion will make him love you, for sure. Just a little spritz, and whammo. The trick is how to spray him without being obvious.

Available online, at Donna and Toots on NE Alberta, or at Sugar Laboratories on NE Broadway.

Now if there was only a potion to stop this rain....

With the holidays fast approaching, we can't help but bring you gift ideas from our homegrown faves. Like Queenbee Creations. Queenbee works out of a cool warehouse in southeast Portland and has a team of master artists who work onsite and make everything by hand.

Their whimsical bags come in various shapes, sizes and styles. Like their Record bags (that feature a real LP) or their whale coin purse (everyone needs a coin purse!) or their cupcake wallet.

These bags are waterproof, too! These days you can't ask for more, really.

Victoria's Secret just introduced their new Push-up Without Padding bras.

Sometimes we don't want bigger, we just want better...just a little cleavage, that's all, without any bulging back fat, thank you very much.

We want cleavage and smooth all over, support without extra fuss. Sexy even if we're small.

This bra is our new favorite!

Renegade Babe has everything you need for your little rock star.

Renegade Babe creator Karen Allen draws upon her 10 years of experience in the music industry to design her upscale, rock 'n roll baby accessories. And she really gets rock music. She understands the people who create it, who love it, who live it.

She creates must-have baby blankets, bibs and t-shirts for parents who'd rather go to Lollapalooza than to Babies 'R Us.

Moda Nova is also hosting a very special first anniversary celebration Friday, Nov. 9, from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy live Latin music, modeling of their new Evening Wear Collection, Spanish wine & tapas, and best of all, a preview Anniversary Sale for our customers and friends with everything on sale - selected items are up to 50% off!

They are also featuring a great new collection of eveningwear, dresses and separates.

Moda Nova at Pioneer Place
700 SW 5th Ave, #3015
Portland, OR 97204
Second Level Atrium

What’s Old is New Again!

What: Office furniture transformed into functional art

Studio TEN-fifty at Lippman & Co. is hosting a show of restored vintage steel furniture Nov. 12-19 from 1-6 p.m. These are beautiful, contemporary and functional pieces of art for your office and home.

There will be a vast array of one-of-a-kind pieces that range from desks and tables to filing cabinets, bookcases, and desktop file trays in a hip palette of colors like red, orange, icy blue, dark blue, and more.

We are excited to offer this unique furniture to you in studio TEN-fifty, a 3,000 sq. ft. loft space in the central eastside industrial district. To preview the furniture that will be for sale, please drive by our display window on the corner of SE Water Avenue and Yamhill Street.

Where: studio 1050
50 SE Yamhill (entrance on Water Ave.), just 6 blocks north of OMSI at the base of the Morrison Bridge
Visit: www.1050events.com

All That You Crave

CRAVE Party Brings Holiday Shopping Mecca to the Jupiter Hotel

The popular CRAVE Party returns November 30th with a fabulous, not-to-be-missed holiday party at Portland hotspot the Jupiter Hotel. Just in time for the holiday season, CRAVE will bring together more than 50 of the Pacific Northwest’s best designers and boutiques, allowing busy shoppers to get all their holiday shopping done in one place. This special event offers exclusive deals and designers you won’t find anywhere else!

Party Highlights:

• Mingle in the CRAVE Lounge with specialty cocktails and local holiday fare
• Watch live fashion shows in the tented and heated courtyard featuring Meringue, Sofada, Moxie, Oh Baby, Signal Sports, Lily Atelier, Two Celebrate and Knit Purl
• Visit custom shops showcasing the best local retailers and designers
• Madame Coco as Mistress of Ceremonies will rally the holiday spirit and the joy of shopping
• Special pampering services available and a live performance by Urban Berber
  
  Date: Wednesday, November 30th
  Place: Jupiter Hotel, 800 East Burnside
  Time: 5-9pm
  Tickets: $15 advance/$20 at the door - buy tickets online at www.craveportland.com Goody bag included with a free gift from ALL of our specialty retailers and designers!

Tannenbaum Madness

Trade in your Fa La La for a dose of Hmm, Mmm, Aahh! Alberta Street presents Tannenbaum Madness - a walking tour of whimsical artistic and unique trees created by the artists and businesses of NE Alberta Street.

The event features "fir-free" alternatives to the traditional evergreen decor and celebrates the artistic use of alternative materials. A walking tour map of the Tannenbaum Madness trees will be available at participating businesses. Revel in the Madness beginning Friday, November 18th during the Art on Alberta "almost Last Thursday" Art Walk.

The exhibition of fun, funky and unusual holiday trees runs until December 31st, with hours varying specific to each location. Special notation: During the month of November, the art walk falls on Thanksgiving, so the walk is held on Friday, the day after.

www.albertaartsdistrict.com

The Secret Society Art Show and Sale takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving, November 26-27, Saturday-Sunday, 11-8, 11-6, respectively.

The location is the newly revamped Secret Society Ballroom, the former home of Disjecta, at 116 NE Russell St, next to the Wonder Ballroom and Bar.

Participants are wide-ranging, encompassing a variety of media including glass in many forms, clothing, knitting and crochet, painting, sculpture, ceramics, accessories, jewelry, etc. Some have been selling their wares around Portland for a while, like Jen Neitzel of Knot Ugly and the DIY Lounge, Jessica Teesdale and her handbags, and Brett and Whitney Superstar and their fabulous paintings. The rest were pleasant discoveries at First and Last Thursdays, found by word of mouth, or, in my case, organizers of the event!

This weekend will be devoted to fine, handcrafted, local arts, and will be replete with holiday cheer, wine, edibles, music, and the ambience that accompanies 100 year-old meeting halls.

Take a Tour For the Holidays

• What: Ainsworth Holiday Home Tour
• When: Thursday, December 1st
  9:30am-2:30pm and 5:30pm-8:30pm
• Where: Five different houses in Portland Heights area
  of various styles and architectures:
  • 1910 Brakeman's Remodeled Eco-Green Cottage
  • Turn-of-the-Century Victorian
  • 1950s Mid Century NW Modern *Federal Style
  • Portland Style Arts&Crafts
• Tickets: $20 - Available at Westside Zupan's, Stroheckers Market and Ainsworth School office.

All proceeds from this event directly benefit the students of Ainsworth School.

Modern Craft Holiday Bazaar

• Sunday, November 13, 2005 6pm – 10pm
• Apotheke, 1314 NW Glisan
• Admission is one can of food or one dollar (We will be giving the proceeds to the Oregon Food Bank).

An evening of hip, handcrafted art for purchase, a worldwide selection of aperetifs and digestifs and beautiful songs from a local dj.