 |
|
presenting |
| PORTLAND PICKS | ||
| life + style to you: every Friday | ||
| Dec 2, 2005 |
|
|
|
There's no transition anymore
between Thanksgiving and Christmas. You wake up still full, leftovers barely
chilled in the fridge, and suddenly, whammo, the bells are out ringing on
each corner. They are now just lumped together as one big blurry holidaze.
We did waaaaay too much TG eating. Sickening amounts. And then we kept doing it, thinking, oh well, we blew it anyway, we may as well start being good on Monday. Let’s just hope it doesn't turn into the Monday after New Year’s, like a holiday hall pass to gorge oneself to the bitter end. To get moving and burn a few cals, and of course a wee bit of sordid curiosity, we braved the wicked crowds and went out on black Friday. We wanted to check out the much ballyhooed shopping melee. But instead of malls we stayed on the side streets, visiting mom and pop toy stores and charming boutiques. And we got plenty done, a big dent in our list, and we didn't even trip or lose our hair doing it like the Walmart mob scenes on the news. It was lovely, actually. We even caught ourselves humming to holiday tunes. |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Shoes for City Girls For those of us just south of the city, something's been missing in our lives. We could never just pop around the corner for a shoe fix whenever the mood struck. When we needed a quick pick me up, a little shoe cheer, we had to drive downtown. But now that's all changed! City Girl Shoes just opened at Lakeview Village on State with all our favorite brands and the most stylish selection found nowhere else in Portland. Yes, the folks at City Girl Shoes have brought new lines to Oregon like Anyi Lu and Hollywould and Richard Tyler. And they have handbags too, amazing handbags from My Flat in London, Trina Turk, our local darling Candace Nicole, and totes from Isabella Fiori. Our heads turned when we caught the Richard Tyler boots in the window with their Victorian silhouette. We nearly stopped breathing when we noticed the gold Marilyn Monroe shoes and the pumps with the pewter stitching and flower accent, and we couldn't leave without one of the Candace Nicole clutches. They even have shoes for $50, glittering party mules in several colors to wear to that holiday fete. The cutest part of the store is City Babes in Training...a playroom where kids can play dress up and draw on the chalk board while you take all the time you need to shop. Pure genius! You need to go out of your way for this shoe store. It's worth the trip. Avoid the mall, steer clear of the city, and head to City Girl Shoes. |
||
| 2 | Parlez-Vous Francais? You find Parisians intimidating, don’t you? We know…we feel it, too. And they have a lot of reasons to intimidate us, from their fabulous wines to their art and architecture. And let’s not even discuss their tongue-twisting language that—though you took four years of it in high school—sounds nothing like what your Madame taught you. So skip the travel agent, and instead venture out to Paris in Portland, a sweet little Frenchy shop in Bridgeport Village that brings Paris—and its shopping—directly to you. Owner Kate Schiele imports a lovely array of gifts and home accessories, from decadently plush bathrobes and embellished denim by French designers to room scents, soaps, perfumes, candles, dishes and even furnishings. We love the pure bone china soup tureen with matching cups and the luxe glassware. And with prices from $2 for cards to $1700 for an enormous dark-wood cabinet, there is truly something for everyone. Paris in Portland? Enchantez! Paris in Portland |
||
| 3 | Make A Wish…for Breakfast If we had one wish, we’d wish for 10 more wishes. Then we would
wish for thinner thighs, the ability to do algebra, and a lawn that automatically
cleared itself of leaves. But we’d trade it all for the metabolism
of a 9-year-old boy, just so we could feast at Genie’s Cafe. How
happy we would be! Happily ensconced in a corner table, with a view of
the comings and goings on Division and a hot mug of Stumptown coffee (which
is gratis while you wait, btw). |
|
|
| 4 | Unique Holiday Shopping Nothing says "I care" like a special gift that's hand-made.
We are in no way handy with tools and crafts, but thank goodness others
are. Some are even quite gifted, especially the artists featured at the
annual Best of the Northwest show. The weekend-long event includes a major
showing by the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, and group showings by the
Creative Metal Arts Guild and the Portland Handweaver's Guild. And it's
all for a good cause—the project is in partnership with the Portland
Schools Foundation, with a portion of the proceeds supporting art projects
for Portland school children. You will have access to the works of more than 140 of the region's most outstanding artists, carefully selected for this show, who bring a wide array of wood, metal, glass, jewelry, wearable art, pottery, photography, mixed media, fiber arts, and basketry directly to you. The event also features the 2 by 4m Design Challenge, a competition to produce the most creative item made from 2x4x96-inch form of wood. Admission is $6 for adults with free re-entry. Children under 12 are free. Visit www.nwcraftsalliance.com for a $1 off coupon! |
||
| 5 | Relax at Rumi Simone Rumi Simone is the most luxe day spa in town and reigns at the top of our list. (We know, we tell everyone that.) It's elegantly decorated, a clean modern aesthetic with a view of the lake and a fireplace to cozy up in front of while you lounge between appointments. All of their spa-cedures are amazing and magical. The four of us held our "meeting" there, each of us getting a pedicure and soak in their gorgeous nail room. We chatted, drank tea, talked about incredibly important things. We noshed on the trays they brought—delicious soup and salad from Tucci, a fine restaurant up the street. We've decided from now on this is where we'll hold all our meetings. Though relatively new to the scene, hands down, Rumi Simone is our new favorite spa. And it’s also an exceptional gift idea! A gift card from Rumi Simone would make the perfect holiday gift for you, our princess—a much needed pampering mini-vacay. A visit to Rumi Simone is a divine experience that will restore your precious balance and rejuvenate your body. So make sure to drop the hint. Or better still, go to their website, print out their menu (highlight the royal bath and massage), and tape it to his mirror. Okay that's done. And you've made it so easy for him. Rumi Simone |
||
| 6 | Doing Yoga? Look the Part Let's face it, half the reason we do yoga is the cool factor. We love the grace and beauty, the health of it, the way it makes us feel. The feeling of accomplishment when we can twist around and see our backsides. And most of all, we get to wear really really cool clothes. Which is why it feels like our birthday...because one of our favorite Northwest yoga stores has finally, intelligently, found its way to the Pearl. Lululemon has just opened and we are delighted. Lululemon is a fabulous yoga-clothing store, with yoga fashion designed to fit a range of body types and perform under the pressures of various athletic activities. Lululemon's women’s line is continually evolving and they've even introduced a new line of cycling and running lines for yoginis on the go. Get your lovely, flexible self to Lululemon for stylin yoga wear...the perfect holiday gift for you and your pals that you'll look forward to showing off. Now that's incentive. Namaste. Lululemon |
||
| 7 | Get your (Eat and) Shop On! Kaie Wellman's 2006 eat.shop.portland Guide is out today. Pick up 10 or 20 signed issues and your shopping is done. It's a no brainer. You are so thoughtful! Just in time for the holiday gift-buying frenzy, this essential 192 page “flip-book” (one side features eating and the other side features shopping) is the perfect gift not only for locals, but also for visitors. eat.shop.portland is written, researched and photographed by Kaie Wellman, and is coveted by everyone from urban hipsters to suburban grandmothers for its witty travelogues, luscious photography and featured businesses that even locals admit to not knowing about, but are thrilled to discover. eat.shop.portland is a virtual treasure map of Portland’s most interesting eating and shopping establishments, showcasing everything from Portland legends like Dan & Louis Oyster Bar and Elizabeth Street to newer hotspots like Pok Pok and Una. Also featured in the book are maps, favorite hotels and Kaie’s picks. The books are available at Powells (all locations), Annie Blooms Books, Ella Posie, and Office. Eat.shop.portland...we love this! |
 ellaposie.com |
|
| Portland Picks Book of the Week: | |||
How to Walk in High Heels This is the perfect cocktail of Swiss Finishing School and DIY manual, blended by a girl who knows how to use a screwdriver AND keep her seams straight. From appreciating wine to understanding modern art, placing a bet to playing poker, wearing a hat to finding the mains, and changing a tire to loading an iPod, “How to Walk in High Heels” helps you navigate life's challenges with style. Camilla has been ably assisted by a host of experts including Vivienne Westwood, Manolo Blahnik and Kylie, who offer tips on everything from the perfect poached egg to looking good in a photo. Funny and informative, packed with great quotes and fascinating facts, this will transform your approach to everything from getting dressed to hanging wallpaper. Turn your exasperated aaaaarrrrrghs into confident ahhhhs! |
 amazon.com |
||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Give Homemade Cookies Every year we are invited to a dreaded cookie exchange. And although I was the cookie maker at Elephant’s Deli in high school (!), I must fess I usually cook up the prepackaged Pillsbury cookies from the supermarket, add a spot of frosting to make them slightly imperfect, and feign homemade. But now we don't even have to go to this trouble because Portland's Baker and Spice Bakery will do it for you. Artfully packaged and ready for gift-giving, Baker and Spice’s
Holiday Cookie Box is filled with three dozen homemade, buttery rich shortbread
cookies in dark chocolate, ginger and vanilla bean flavors. The cookies
are made in small batches from scratch and baked upon order. Festively
packaged, boxed and cushioned in a nest of raffia, the shortbread cookies
arrive fresh and unbroken. The price of a cookie box is $25. Orders can also be placed online at www.bakerandspicebakery.com. |
 baker and spice bakery.com |
|
| 2 | Cheers! He likes only the best, enjoys the ritual of retiring to the den for a little goodnight nip. He appreciates quality in everything he does and sees and buys. In fact he relishes his quality of life, right down to his crystal barware. So only the finest will do for Mr. Fancy Pants. That's why he'll love the Alexis cocktail shaker and glasses. These are indeed outrageously fabulous, in light blue, light green, rose and amber. The design inspiration for William Yeoward Crystal is drawn from antique pieces originally made in England and Ireland during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Every piece of William Yeoward Crystal is entirely made by hand, using the same traditional methods employed over 150 years ago. Unusual hand-cutting and engraving are distinctive elements of William Yeoward Crystal, producing beautiful yet practical pieces. Like you, he deserves the finest. |
 william yeoward crystal.com |
|
| 3 | Modern Style for the Home Jonathan Adler is synonymous with modern style...so give your home a cool touch, or just shower yourself and your friends this holiday with his groovy needlepoint numbers. There's the muscle car design, the disco lady, and his Studio 54 pillow to name a few of our faves. Pay homage to disco days gone by, or if you’re feeling low, lay your head on the happy pillow and dream in a kaleidoscope of smiles (it really works). There's even the Pat Nixon and Richard Nixon pillows (which we don't really get, but we really like the designs). If needlepoint's not your thing, try his Stockholm collection. Live with these and they'll definitely add a bright spot to your dreary winter days. There's a pillow for everyone on your list. Hankering for yet another unique accessory? How about the Jonathan Adler
needlepoint eyeglass case to stash your specs in style. |
||
| 4 | Towel Off Your Hair The first day we wash our hair it can feel dry and frizzy. The second day after we wash our hair, our hair looks and feels better. The third day, it’s naturally conditioned (or so we rationalize). Well, now we can get that same second day soft look with this new hair innovation. Angelina Jolie, Claire Danes and other celebs are raving about the new hair sheets from famed Manhattan stylist, Ted Gibson. This revolutionary towelette will eliminate the look of dry ends on hair by rejuvenating with a non-greasy, non-oily feeling hair sheet. And you can use it simply wherever and whenever you want. (I swear I took a shower...it's the hair sheet!) |
 tedgibsonbeauty.com |
|
| 5 | Protect Your iPod! If you don't already own one, you probably have an iPod or iPod nano at the top of your holiday wish list. Well don't stop there, honey. You must protect the one you love with this groovy iPod case from Cole Haan's G Gems Collection. Plus, it's another fab must-have accessory for our times. Everyone is
making them, but the Cole Haan G Gems Collection really rocks. |
 colehaan.com |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | Letterpress Love Affair at Office this Saturday! OFFICE celebrates the art of letterpress with design studio, Hello! Lucky. Meet PNCA alumna and Creative Director, Eunice Boyle, and preview new letterpress goods, chat about graphic design, and get insights into the fabulous world of letterpress. To top it all off, on Saturday only, OFFICE is offering 10% off all letterpress cards from Hello! Lucky, Egg Press, and Little Oranges of California. While there, check out their Camo laptop bags (which we just bought and absolutely love) and their current art show “Employee of the Month,” curated by The Wurst Gallery.
Free! For more info, contact event@officepdx.com. |
|
|
| 2 | Celebrate the Holidays at Salty’s on the Columbia Salty’s is a classic—exceptional service, excellent food
and attention to detail in a casual atmosphere, with a gorgeous view of
the Columbia River, a jazz trio in the upstairs dining room, and the kind
of food that makes you happy for weeks afterward. (They also serve a righteously
filthy vodka martini—and you don’t have to ask, they just
know to put in three olives.) |
||
| 3 | Handmade Bazaar is Coming in December!!!
There will be 80-100 crafters at both
sales, which are free and open to all ages. |
 handmadebazaar.org |
|
| 4 | 2005 Duniway Holiday Home Tour Celebrate the 27th year of the Duniway Holiday Home Tour on December 9, 2005. One of Portland's original Home Tours, this year's event will include a variety of architecturally significant and holiday-themed Eastmoreland area homes. Select from the daytime tour, 10am-3pm or the evening tour, 6-9pm. The home of Diane Morgan, local cookbook author, will be featured with the author on-hand to sign her newly published pizza cookbook. Also on the tour will be the home of Ken Hoyt, interior designer and regular contributor to Good Day Oregon. Four other exceptional homes will be on display, including an Eastmoreland landmark residence which was recently redone by Henry Brown Interiors. The Duniway Holiday Boutique will take place in the school's gymnasium at 7700 SE Reed College Place from 11am-9pm. Local artists and merchants will sell a wide variety of gift items which will include holiday and home decor, clothing accessories, jewelry, stationery and bath and relaxation luxuries. Tickets are $20.00 and will be available starting November 18th at Duniway Elementary School; all Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery locations; New Seasons Market in Sellwood; Eastmoreland Grocery; Windermere Real Estate, Moreland Branch and John L. Scott, Woodstock Branch. Tickets purchased from Chrisman Picture Frame and Gallery can be redeemed for $20.00 toward a framing project at any of their locations (one discount per customer). For more information, please feel free to call Duniway Elementary School at 503.916.6343. |
 pps.k12.or.us |
|
| 5 | Melodies that Matter The Gypsy Jazz Trio, featuring Pete Krebs, will be headlining the benefit concert for Hands to Hearts International on Monday, December 5, at the Fez Ballroom, 316 SW 11th Ave. The night will be kicked off at 7 p.m. with the musical talents of Andrew Field and DJ “M Quiet.” Prizes such as a snowboard, massage packages and meals at the Family Supper and Clarklewis can all be bid on in a silent auction. Advanced tickets are $12 and can be bought at www.handstohearts.org, or by calling 503.936.5574. Tickets will be $15 at the door. Hands to Hearts Int’l is a locally based non-profit that will take
action in the developing world—creating economic opportunity by
training and employing low income women to provide individualized care,
nurturing, and touch for orphaned babies. |
 handstohearts.org |
|
| 6 | Lake Oswego Winter Village Dewey’s Frozen Custard announces the 1st Annual Oswego Village Winter Celebration and a visit from Santa. The merchants of Oswego Village Shopping Center, located at 101 South State Street in Lake Oswego, will be welcoming in the winter season with the 1st Annual Oswego Village Winter Celebration. This event will take place on Saturday, December 3rd from 12-5 p.m. All the merchants in the shopping center will be hosting this event, which will include a visit from Santa Claus from 12-2 p.m. and from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for all the children. Bring a can of non-perishable food to the shopping center for the Oregon Food Bank and/or purchase a toy from Wiz Bang Toys for the Salvation Army Giving Tree, and your kids can let Santa know what's on their Christmas list. Santa will be located between Dewey's Frozen Custard and Wiz Bang Toys. All merchants in the Oswego Village Shopping Center will be offering specials during this day. There will also be children's entertainment for customers to enjoy (i.e. face painting and a magician or clown). A limited number of kids-sized Dewey's T-shirts will be available for a special $5 winter celebration purchase price. |
 deweys frozen custard.com |
|
| 7 | Paw and Claus at Pioneer Place
The cost for this fun opportunity ranges from $10.99 to $34.99 |
 pioneerplace.com |
|
| 8 | "Speaking of Women" December Brown Bag
Discussion: In recognition of the holidays, the OHSU Center for Women's Health invites you learn about stress and do some shopping afterwards. Attend this month's free women's health Brown Bag on managing holiday stress at Nordstrom Downtown Portland from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 8. Jillian Romm, R.N., L.C.S.W., will talk about creating holidays that reflect the values most important to us, and offer tips and suggestions for a less stressful and more joyful holiday season. Only 28% of Americans find that their holidays are "joyful". For most of us, the holidays have become another stressful and expensive time in our already busy lives. Join us for a discussion about this holiday season. Romm is an assistant professor obstetrics and gynecology, OHSU School of Medicine and OHSU Center for Women's Health. |
 ohsuwomenshealth.com |
|
| 9 | Sale! Friday, Dec. 2, from 11 am-7 pm Why shop retail? When you can shop a sample sale! One day only! Six local designers selling off samples for the holiday season. Everything from fashion accessories, totes, clothing, hats, baby accessories to socks. Get your shopping list done in one place. Mixx |
 mixx.us |
|
We can't help ourselves, we're going to mention the holidays again and again, until they're gone. Then we'll go back to straight up talking about shoes. Sooo..did you receive our fabulous Second Annual Portland Picks Gift Guide? It should help you find your way around the local retail landscape to select gifts both whimsical and practical. Don't forget to pick up a little trinket for us! We like things that are shiny. |
|||
| Send Page To a Friend | |||
Log onto www.portlandpicks.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to log onto www.portlandpicks.com and become a free subscriber. If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Contribute@PortlandPicks.com
|
|||
