Remarkable Sparkables

Sweet and sparkly Emily Jane is at the top of our list for shopping destinations during the holidays.  We send our significant other to this lavish jewelry bar on Northeast Broadway to do our Christmas bidding.  They have been at this new space for just 2 weeks but Jane has been designing jewelry in a little store around the corner for years. 

Her stuff is incredible.  And she offers chocolate and champagne to imbibe as you browse.  She also sells some locally designed slip dresses and silk skirts by Michelle DeCourcy (whose dress was worn by Nora Jones at the Grammys).  Emily Jane also carries vintage cowboy boots and handmade, gorgeous knit blankets and shrugs by our local Cosmic Knits.  But it's Emily Jane's glistening gorgeous magical jewelry that really shines! 

We can never walk out of there without something lavish draping our neckline.  This time it was Chocolate and Caviar: freshwater pearls woven together and finished with the softest chocolate leather.  We can wear it as a necklace, in our hair as a fancy band, or wrap it around our wrist.   What is it about girls and sparkly things?  Which reminds us... the best endorsement, even Elizabeth Taylor is a customer.  Oh,yes!

Emily-Jane
1428 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97223
PH.503.460.0516

Check Us Into Bettie Ford

All this December indulgence is enough to get us checked into the Betty Ford Center for a little hiatus.  But of course, not until January.   In the meantime, we'll be a little closer to home at her evil twin's, Bettie Ford. Tis the party season after all, so don those glam duds and party on. 

Sick of the same ole scene?  From those that brought you East comes the utterly fabulous Bettie Ford Lounge—spankin new as of last night's VIP Grand Opening.   It's a rockin 'ruckus, and a lounge scene never before seen—well, around here, anyway. 

It's part intimate lounge and part far-out dance club, and will forever change the way you think of a night on the town.

Bettie Ford
The corner of 12th and Washington
Portland, OR
www.bettiefordlounge.com

Our Eyes Lit Up

Our eyes lit up when we discovered Lit opened up their second store.  It's a case of musical stores again.  Emily Jane went to Broadway next to Sugar Laboratories, and Lit opened up their new store in Emily Jane's old sweet little space.  When you're a little store you have the freedom to do whatever you want and the creativity soars big in this little boutique.

Lit carries very cool independent fashion from mostly small American designers.  They have jewelry, bags, cuff watches, and lots of t-shirts and denim for him and her.  Some of our favorites include Loom State (that uses only organic cotton), the Gsus dutch line, and Grey Ant (super design-oriented).  They have a small but keen collection of wool pea style coats in fun colors, too.  Lit NE is now open, so be sure to check them out.

Lit NE
1623 NE 15th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
503.984.3393

American Express & The Pearl
When You Have an American Express® Card, The Pearl is Your Oyster
 
As if you needed another excuse to stroll the Pearl District this month (the perfect gifts for my friends and family are there waiting for me, I just know it!), make sure you head out this weekend for fun shopping and dining conveniences! 

Each weekend day this month, American Express is offering the essential elements of a perfect shopping day: valet parking, a free shuttle from select downtown hotels to the Pearl District, and within the district, bag check, umbrellas, and so much more.*  Remember last year when you got home from shopping soaking wet from the rain? Not this year.

If you are an American Express Cardmember, all you need to do is show your Card to get access to these complimentary services.  And if you pay for a purchase with your Card at a participating merchant (look for the “Paid” signs in the windows) on Saturdays and Sundays in December, you can win great prizes, such as a free beverage at a local café or even have American Express pay for your next purchase. 

For complete details on shuttle routes, valet locations, and these special holiday offers, visit www.shopthepearl.com/paid. 

So visit the Pearl District with your Card and make the holidays even happier!

*Terms, conditions and restrictions apply.

Meringue Us Again, Sam!

We know, that doesn’t make sense, but neither does falling heart-first  for an outfit.  We know you’ve done it. You’ve swooned  over a pair of pants, sweated over a sweater (oof), and got positively light-headed over a certain pair of earrings.  So, since you’re  guilty as charged, head over to Meringue to assuage your guilt and get the goodies you desire.

You can make someone’s holiday wishes come true (yours and theirs!) but you have to hurry!  Don’t forget their Tylie Malibu Leather handbags, Kashwere throws and robes, adorable Wendy Hill dresses and tops, Bugaboo strollers, and tons and tons of Michael Stars in every color and style.  Oh, and stocking stuffers galore and cupcake gloves!      Bedeck  yourself in fab tops, skirts, shirts, pants and baubles, so you (or someone  you know) can be saucetacular for the holidays (and beyond). 

And  check out their newly redesigned Web site at www.meringueboutique.com.

Meringue Boutique

• Meringue in Lake Oswego
    385 First St., #121
    Lake Oswego, OR 97034
    503.635.1063
• Meringue in Salem
    333 State St.
    Salem, OR 97301
  
  

Smooth and Sexy

We know you shop at Columbia for long underwear for “skiing,” but then find yourself lounging about the house in them.  Gotcha!  But seriously, it’s almost a new year, time to get yourself shiny and sexy in case something—or someone—worth showing off to comes along.
 
We suggest getting your formerly earthy behind over to Fleur de Lys in northeast. It’s an intimate setting, quaint, and beautifully furnished with vintage style.  They will turn you into a starlet in a jiffy with their waxing expertise, and have one of the best pedicures in Portland, to boot!  They use large copper bowls for soaking your deserving tootsies, and their products are all natural, if not organic.  Ooh, and they always add flowers and essential oils to your footbath. Heaven…and try their martini of the month, while you’re there.  This month it’s Honey Pomegranate.
 
Fleur de Lys also is a terrific spot for getting together with girlfriends, and they have added extras like showcasing the works of new artists every month, and an array of locally made jewelry, chocolates, and other small gift items, even wool hats. (Skip the gloves, though…the better to show off your lovely, pampered hands.)

Fleur de Lys
1825 NE Broadway
Portland, OR
503.282.8288

Gift Certificates are available.

Old Wood—New Use

Portland is a good place to find new uses for old things.  We’re lucky here in that we’re wise enough to embrace the “reduce, reuse and recycle” mandate, and savvy enough to make beautiful new things out of the old.
 
A perfect example of this is Tropical Salvage, where they make gorgeous furniture from salvaged tropical hardwood—trees mined from beneath the ground, or reclaimed from demolition sites. Old, forgotten wood is given new life, and ecological and environmental health are encouraged—not bad for a nightstand, right?
 
They have a showroom on N. Interstate at Russell and Albina called EcoPDX, but we visited their store at 11th and Division. We found amazing home accessories and some of the most exotic furniture we’ve seen in ages. 

From beds to armoires, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation just looking around!
 
Tropical Salvage
2455 SE 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.421.1270
www.tropicalsalvage.com

Posh, Baby!
 
Portland's Posh Baby has the cutest clothing, toys and gifts, handmade by local designers and stay-at-home moms. 

Shop in the comfort of your jammies online, or visit their new retail space in northwest Portland. 
 
There are so many gift ideas, like their humorous Exhale yoga mats that look like shag rugs, their Marlow vintage cords for you, artful toys and stylish maternity wear. 

They have dapper diaper bags that nearly make us want to conceive so we can sport one of these.  (They even have savvy diaper bag organizer pouches for you Virgos.) 

Posh Baby has everything sleek, sophisticated, and of course posh, for everyone on your holiday list.

Posh Baby
1722 NW Raleigh Street #106 (and 17th)
Portland, OR 97209
503.479.posh

Get Real

We like tuna noodle casserole as much as the next gal...if it's "supper" in the 70s or it's 2 a.m. and we have to settle for anything we can concoct...and we only have ketchup. 

Otherwise, give us delicious, healthy food, made by people, not conglomerates; give us European and American farmstead cheese, cured meats, craft beer, wine, and fine groceries...give us authentic "real" food.  Give us Foster and Dobbs.

Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods, which opened in mid-November, celebrates artisanal, quality foods and products from small producers, family farms and small businesses, at a new shop in northeast Portland. 

Your palate and your tum-tum will be very pleased.
 
Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods
2518 NE 15th Avenue
(next to the new Mio Gelato at Irvington Corner)
503.284.1157
www.fosteranddobbs.com

Give the Gift of Glam

Sometimes the best is worth mentioning again and again, like Blush Beauty Bar.  For all the girly girls on your list, how about a gift of glam?  So many things she'll adore from thoughtful you, like a Holiday Hottie kit  ($25), or a Shirley Temple special occasion makeup application for $15 (regularly $30) only for our Portland Picks readers. 

We are so much more pleasant to be around when we are feeling a little foxy, so makeup and skincare are good things.  And Blush carries Tracie Martyn products!  We go out of our way to the Tracie Martyn Salon whenever we go to New York City so you can imagine our glee when we heard her iconic goods are now carried at our beloved Blush.  Plus, talk about eye candy, Blush sells amazing cosmetic bags...the perfect gift for you and your gal pals in bright Aquarius shapes and spirals.  (Note to all “Honeys”:, we want this!)

And if you want to simply celebrate, have an after hours party at Blush with makeovers and cocktails...a great office party idea or getaway with your best girlfriends.  We know personally that it's a hit!

Finally, don't forget those stocking stuffers that we might need Now:  One of our faves to stuff those stockings are the APIVITA Express Masks. We all swear by the eye zone mask…amazingly, it erases any evidence of what fun you had at those holiday parties!

Everyone loves these, and at $4 each, they’re an inexpensive way to show that you care.

Blush Beauty Bar
513 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.227.3390
www.theblushbeautybar.com

One Hip Wonder

Ivy Studio Rocks.  The owner, who epitomizes creativity, designs many of the shirts himself, his wife designs many of the groovy handbags. 

They carry special-edition Paul Frank kids tees, kiddie bowling shirts, and onesies made from vintage hankies.  We bought a chunky, luscious wrap, handmade in Brazil, that clasps with a wooden stick. 

They have a far-out book collection, too, and knit gloves, cashmere heart sweaters, original locally designed posters and artwork, and kitschy candy, including Pez and Pop Rocks.  (And for the record, you can't die from coke and Pop Rocks.  So go for it.) 
 
It's a little bit rock and roll (as in their fabulous sequined Ramones bag and rock tees).  From the soda pop machine to the awesome cash register, this is a one hip wonder. 

And they're open late on Thursday, Friday and Saturday if you want to take a break from the bands at Doug Fir and do a little browsing. 

As you can imagine, business is very good. 
 
Ivy Studio
800 E. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.231.7400
www.theivystudio.com

The Fray

Our new favorite band is The Fray, a Denver-based foursome whose melodic groove paid Portland a visit this last Saturday at The Kink Holiday Benefit Concert & Auction.  And before they blessed us with their performance, we loved them anyway because of their song “Over My Head.”  We love them for being a part of the Kink event that helps the Oregon Food Bank and we simply…just…love them! 

Their music makes us melt.  If you like Aqua Lung and Snow Patrol and David Gray, you'll love The Fray.  And we can relate to their tunes as we belt out right along with them this season, "I'm in over my head!!!"
Now that's a carol we can sing.

 Everyone knows I'm in
 Over my head
 With eight seconds left in overtime
 She's on your mind

 And suddenly I become a part of your past
 I'm becoming the part that don't last
 I'm losing you and it’s effortless
 Without a sound we lose sight of the ground
 In the throw around
 Never thought that you wanted to bring it down
 I won't let it go down till we torch it ourselves

A Shoe In

When we used to live in NYC, we'd walk to work, because we were afraid of the subway, in our fancy clothes and sneakers with our Jimmy Choos wrapped in swaddling clothing in our big hefty briefcase. 

We feared someone would scrunch our shoes, so we walked with great vigor.  But now someone genius has come up with a solution to that, and it also can apply to the shoe-packing problem during that girls’ weekend, not to mention simply storing your shoes in style.

Hattie May has the ultimate stylish prophylactic: stylish shoe bags and boot bags in styles like the “lava lamp” that will protect your beloveds from those mean ghostly elements.  They are indeed clever, creative and chic...and will save your soles.

Bumble's Styling Boxes

We fumble, we bumble when it comes to our holiday hair-dos.  Usually they look more like hair-don'ts. 

Who has the time and energy during this crazy time of year, with all the galas and soirees and hip-to-dos?  We can count on the Bumble Styling Box from Bumble and Bumble, whichever style we choose, to guide us per evening, without the muss, the fuss and those extra bucks.

We can achieve big hair, we can be perfectly coiffed, we can create the ideal chignon, we can have straight or curly hair...ooh la la, the world is in our box. 

Buy them online or visit Sugar Laboratories on Northeast Broadway and 15th.

Fabulous Baby Clothes

We're almost certain you have a child on your shopping list...and we have a local gal that has just launched her website selling all of her own fabulous handmade baby clothes and inventive baby products. They are very hip and stylish while still being “baby.”  

And Baby today gets what baby and mommy deserves... There's a whole new world out there, and it's right here. 

Avoid the Babies R Us and go to Home Spun Goods.

Cool Factor

If you want to give cool, give converse: The All Star Notebook hi-top.

OK, check this out: Everyone has an artistic side.  Artists put their ideas on canvas.  The classic Chuck Taylor shoe has a canvas upper.  Therefore, logic dictates that…you should doodle on your shoes?  We think so.  And we’ve given you a start on the art with the All Star Notebook. 

All the celebs are talking about this.  And you can be a shoe-in, too.

Get Glowing

You long for that healthy glow, but it’s hard sometimes when your life is so chaotic.  Let’s guess:  you’ve had almost no sleep, the added stress of the holidays, two cups of coffee in the a.m., that mid-day Red Bull, a couple glasses of wine while you cook dinner or several from last night’s office party.  So what’s a girl to do?  B-Glowing.com from Portand has a 5 day detox regimen for your skin — from skyn Iceland.  Skyn’s 5 Day Detox will get your  face back in ship shape...with nary a trace of all that cheer.

You glow girl!

For Your Sweet-heart

Nothing shows the love like cookies.  And these cookies are homegrown right here in Portland.   I had an orphaned batch turn up at my doorstep and I had to quickly hide them from myself.  But they kept beckoning.  They were beautifully decorated, smelled delish, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them.  In fact the temptation was so strong that after going out to dinner and cocktails and a hunk of cake later, I came home and ate these, yes, all of them!  (And I just can’t understand how people gain weight during the holidays.  Puzzling.)

But these were worth the cals.  I’ll just double up with my personal exercise regimen come January (yeah...sure.)

Pick up your cookies at all Grand Central Bakeries.  For store locations, visit www.grandcentralbakery.com.

Refresh and Party On

The holidays can be one big blurrrr, and there’s often no time to take care of one's hair.  So we've discovered the Jade Blossom Hair Refresher from our beloved Stila.
A refreshing, oil-absorbing powder infused with soft fragrance is perfect whenever locks need a lift. As the powder reaches your roots, it adds much-needed volume without weighing hair down. Jade blossom is lightly scented with a cool, green tea floral.

Just what the doctor ordered for a quickie, all it takes is a few powder “poofs” of the squeezable bottle and hair is clean with a silken sheen. 

Now you're primed in no time to hit the town...again.

Show the Love

Nothing speaks love like lingerie...the gift he loves to give.  Give him a gentle “push” in the right direction, to something that's sexy and that can actually be worn more than, ahem, 5 minutes. 

We don't mean granny comfy either.  We'd love to get the Seamless Push Up bra and panties in hot holiday colors.  These are comfy, practical and sexy.

Forget Santa's other reindeer, you are Vixen.

Big Sale at Moxie!

Do you have Moxie?  Now’s the time to get some!  Moxie is having a huge Holiday Sale the entire weekend of December 16-18th, with 20%-75% off everything in the store!!!

You’ll find beautiful holiday dresses from Saja, and sexy New Year's Eve dresses from Stop Staring! and To The Max. And a Portland exclusive—Local Designer Christa Michelle’s Silk Bustle Skirts! Plus, you’ll get 50% off everything by FreePeople!

You’ll also find amazing winter coats! You’ll love the Chulo Pony- Felted Wool Coats—a true traffic stopper—and the Designer's Remix Collection Tweed Trench with Silver threading is simply smashing.

Moxie also has all kinds of cozy sweaters, including cashmere V-necks by EASEL, cotton cardigans by 525, and soft, furry, sexy boleros to go with jeans or your holiday dress.

Moxie
2400 E. Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
503.29.MOXIE
www.moxiepdx.com

Chic Papoose

What new parent doesn't need a little functional fashion?  Give the gift of style this Holiday Season! 

Buy a Chic Papoose Baby Sling from Friday, Dec. 16 through Tuesday, Dec. 20, and STANDARD SHIPPING IS FREE (with USPS Priority mail)!  (U.S. orders only.  Expedited orders are extra).   

Just type in “PORTLANDPICK” in the comment box when placing your order for free shipping offer.

Designed for for mom and dad, our slings are…

• Reversible: Two coordinating fabrics into one fabulous design. 
• Comfortable: A wide shoulder design allows for adjustments. No ring means no single pressure point.
• Compact: Rolls up small to fit in your diaper bag or purse.
• Sturdy: Two layers of fabric professionally sewn. 
• Easy Care: Machine wash, machine dry.  All fabrics are prewashed to control shrinkage. 

Visit www.chicpapoose.com today!

“A Christmas Carol: A Victorian Reading”

In the mid 1860s, Charles Dickens took to the stage to give dramatic readings of his famous holiday story to sell out crowds. Working from the text of the author's original reading copy, Thom Bray (whose credits include stage, screen and television), faithfully re-creates the theatrical experience that Dickens' Victorian audiences had!

Appearing in full costume as Mr. Dickens himself, Mr. Bray recreates a magical moment in history when literature met theatre. Performed downtown in the beautiful, Christmas decorated Old Church, a late Victorian landmark building, this production is like stepping into a time machine to a Christmas long ago!

• Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.
• Dec. 22, 2:00 p.m.

The Old Church
1422 S.W. 11th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97201

Tickets: EXCLUSIVE to portlandpicks.com readers:
Order online and get $5 off Preferred Reserved Tickets! Regularly $20-$16, now $15-$11 To get your discount:

1. Go to pdxchristmas.com and follow the ticket order link at Brown
   Paper Tickets
2. Select your date
3. Under DISCOUNT TICKET OPTIONS enter the code: portlandpicks.com

Holiday Party

On Wednesday, December 21 (the winter solstice--darkest, chilliest night of the year), lights will be blazing at The English Dept. for our holiday party.

Stop in for a cup of something festive, browse our holiday clothing and gift selections, and avail yourself of complimentary gift wrapping (any present, any size, any shape--bring them all in!).

December 21st
5-8 pm
The English Dept.
724 NW 23rd Ave.
503.224.0724

Ladies Gift Registry (For Men) at Dana Lynn
Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories

• Date  - Saturday, December 17th
• Time - 12-5:00 pm
• Where - Dana Lynn's . 828 NW 23rd Avenue . (between Johnson & Kearney)  971.230.0144

Gentleman, we invite  you to shop for the ladies this Saturday, December 17th.  Wait, there  is something in it for you as well.  Imagine  getting help to find the perfect gift, while you sip on an adult beverage  to keep you warm. Complimentary gift wrapping and a cigar to enjoy  at your leisure complete your shopping experience.