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May 30th, 2008
We can’t believe we’re admitting this, but we once camped out for Star Wars tickets. We didn’t even know the difference between Star Wars and Star Trek. But there was this cool (read: slightly nerdy) boy and... we were young. ‘Nuf said. We’re not camping out this time, but we’re so giddy about the Sex and the City movie that we started an SATC marathon with the girls three months ago, Cosmos and all. We’re mildly obsessed. In fact, sometimes we even base our actions on WWCD (What would Carrie do?), like wear a bright bra with a backless dress, or mismatch to an unnerving degree. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it’s a television show, but we cannot pull it off like SJP can. Opening night at the theaters, however, we’re pulling out all the stops! (It should be the best-dressed crowd that mall movie theaters have seen—ever.) And when you forward this issue to 5 of your SATC-goin’ friends and cc picks@portlandpicks.com, you could win a $50 gift certificate to McCormick & Schmick’s—just in time for a round of pre-movie Cosmopolitans! Btw: Be on the lookout June 13 for our first-ever Dining Guide! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Localmotive If there’s one thing Portlanders love, it’s local. Locally-made or locally-grown, we can’t throw a locally-farmed beet without hitting a car plastered with a “Buy Local” bumper sticker. And just when we’re about ready to throw in the towel and have all our clothes imported from France just to be difficult, we go and find the perfect little local boutique. That’s right—everything inside Lucia Apparel was designed and made right here in the Rose City and, take it from us, we do darned good work. And though you may have seen the brand in retail stores, the beautiful spring dresses, chic blouses and gorgeous jewelry will only be found in the new Pearl location. Just like local produce, all the pieces are fresh, vibrant and reasonably priced. Unlike veggies, they have classic silhouettes and expert tailoring. Yes, we love this simply sweet find…even if it means giving up our dreams of imports. Lucia Apparel |
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| 2 | Cat Fancy Our husband is a worse cat lady than us. While we adore our felines and will notice a furry baby before a human one, at least our Web bookmarks are free of “Cheezburgers” and warring kittens. We’re just sayin’. But now there’s a cat we both can love. Couture Cat, tucked away just off upper Hawthorne, is a new boutique that offers custom-made, one-of-a-kind clothes. The front of the store serves as a boutique, offering cool duds for both sexes, everything from floaty, drapey gowns to snazzy vests and ties for the guys. It’s also used as a studio for Couture Cat’s eponymous designer, Cat, who has designed everything from wedding ensembles to maternity wear. And don’t forget the T-shirts, wristbands, and slips with Couture Cat’s super-cute logo. All items that Cat designs and sells are made from natural and sustainable fabrics, and she also features local jewelry designers, with an inventory that changes every few months. And if you’re free the first of every month, stop by their fashion show. It gives a new meaning to “catwalk.” Couture Cat Design Studio & Boutique |
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| 3 | NYC Has Nothing on Us Once upon a time during 8th-grade prom, our hair in French braids, our cheeks burned from using a sun lamp (oopsie), our date (and his mom) arrived to take us to the London Grill ... then the fanciest restaurant in town. Now, years later, there is no shortage of incredible restaurants in our city, and the new Lucier takes it to the next level. Lucier |
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| 4 | Over the Moon The older we get, the more we realize the importance of “me” time. Between working, running errands, taking care of the hubby and keeping up with our ladies, we find that time alone equals sanity. And if we feel okay, so does everyone else. Enter Blooming Moon, NW Portland’s newest wellness spa. This teeny little spa, decked in all things Zen, is the key to filling our “me” indulgences. In the past two weeks, in fact, we had a facial and then went back for a massage, which both left us on cloud nine-teen. Our skin is aglow, our back feels right for once, and those tense neck muscles haven’t bothered us all week. Co-owner Ginny Tousignant makes every attempt to book appointments so that there is only one person in the spa at a time—leaving you with absolute peace and quiet. With two estheticians and two massage therapists (one male, one female), they offer a full spa menu at some of the most reasonable prices we have found. With this kind of “me” time, our hearts are abloom. Blooming Moon Wellness Spa |
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| 5 | And the Oscar Goes To... A few weeks ago, we were shopping with a girlfriend and it dawned on us that we had nothing to give our Mom for Mother's Day. Don't panic, our girlfriend assured us, and off we went to Oscar Albert, a new garden boutique and wine bar in SE Portland. As it turned out, the just-opened Oscar Albert carries the coolest gifts from around the world—soaps, lotions, cards, candles, and a nice selection of sustainable wine and beer. We could even sip wine while shopping inside among the pretty wrapping papers and glassware, and then wander outside to find flowering plants and tons of cute gardening accessories. Naturally, we worked up a hunger as we deliberated over the perfect gift for Mom, remedied by Oscar Albert’s all-in-one yummy lunch offerings. We had a hard time deciding between the mouth-watering paninis and the salads, but after we made our selection, we took our bites outside (during the sun’s rare spotting) and ate on the fabulous patio. Live music on the weekends? Oh, Oscar Albert, of course we’ll be back! Oscar Albert |
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| Photographer of the Week: | |||
With a wedding coming up we’re hoping to preserve each moment in the most glorious way. We want a boutique photography studio, so we called Jessica Hill Photography. Her studio in the Pearl focuses on fun and fine art photojournalism, so she has what it takes to create timeless, unique art from our most special day! She can do wonders for weddings, and even creates special “Peek-a-Boo” packages for brides-to-be or anniversaries. Now booking for 2009! Jessica Hill Photography |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Less Than a Handful We love our gym time but seriously hate being seen there. Ponytail + sweatiness + sports bra = ughly. That was pre-Sportssiere, our new hott sports bra by Handful that makes us feel sexy— like Sporty Spice—on the treadmill. We didn't have side boobs or mono boob. In fact, The Girls looked so good we think we’ll even wear it solo! One more month of kickboxing and these abs will be ready! |
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| 2 | Earthy Delight What’s better than sun-kissed skin? Pampering it with the heavenly bath and body products. We feel prettiest with a healthy glow that’s baby-soft. So we love the Purify Sugar Scrub from Oracle Organics, an Oregon-based company with a full line of organic and vegan scrubs, masks and oils. Infused with green tea extracts and mint, it not only smells utterly fabulous, but also eradicates any leftover dry spots from winter, making skin irresistibly silky. A truly organic experience! |
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| 3 | Help! I Need Somebody When you do everything from setting appointments to shopping, gardening and paying bills, on top of working, cooking and everything else, it can get overwhelming. You can forget about planning dinner for guests! So don't be ashamed to ask for help. Cameron Concierge provides a sanity-saving service with a full range of support, from running errands to event planning to last-minute help. They can organize your home, your dinner, your backyard, your appointments … You know ... your life! |
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| 4 | Beddy Buy Portlanders believe in being eco-friendly, from what they eat to what they drive. It seems only appropriate then that we should be taking a careful look at how we sleep. Named for a bird threatened by coastal development, Plover Organic linens bring modern style and social consciousness into the bedroom. Made with cotton from non-genetically engineered seeds grown in pesticide-free soil, these fair-trade fabrics are perfectly patterned to mix and match with any earth-friendly home. |
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| 5 | Hats Off! No one invited us to the Kentucky Derby this year, but if they had, we’d have been ready to race. You see, we just found out about Portland’s Ava Hansen Millinery and now know where to find the perfect chapeau. Our fave is the Anna, a straw cloche complete with stunning silk peony, but we have eyes for the Adelaide as well. Hats, history, and horse-racing—what more could a girl want? |
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| Event of the Week: | |||
When we say “Carl Greve never has sales,” we mean that Carl Greve Never Has Sales! But Carl Greve is turning 85 years old and they are giving you the gift with a storewide birthday sale on their fabulous jewelry and timepieces, and savings of 15%–60% off. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to find that special something to last a lifetime. What: Carl Greve Birthday Sale |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 2 | Hot Block Party Alert! We’re not talking potluck potato salad. Meet your “neighbors” on Bridgeport’s block, hosted by Sinju Japanese Restaurant, plus Split Dine and Drink, Blue Tangerine and Pudding on the Rice. Enjoy happy hour, live entertainment, signature drink sampling, one-night-only dining discounts, and a special appearance by KINK FM DJ Matt Lindley—he’s handing out prizes all night long! What: Sinju Summer Block Party |
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| 3 | Bid Adieu to Michelle DeCourcy Oh no! One of our beloved girly boutiques is leaving us, and we’re so sad! They say all good things must come to an end, but not without a huge sale with discounts up to 90% off of all merchandise: samples, current collection and everything in-store. Nothing cures sadness like retail therapy, right? (Good news: She’ll still do custom designs!) What: Michelle DeCourcy Closing Sale |
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| 4 | Run for a Cause! Nike 5K for Kids It’s time for the Nike 5K for Kids! Do the 5K course or the “Let Me Play” one-mile route, and 100% of the entry fee will be donated to Greater Portland-area schools’ physical education, play and athletic programs. You choose the school! Register online at www.nike5kforkids.com today (May 30) or in person at NIKETOWN until June 6. What: Nike 5K for Kids |
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| 5 | Get Your (Wild) Salmon On We might have been grizzly bears in another life, since we love salmon so much. So hooray for McCormick & Schmick’s, where wild-caught salmon is flown straight from the sea to the restaurant. Enjoy Salmon Grilled with Sautéed Greens, Cherry Tomatoes and Gnocchi; Cedar-Planked Salmon with Northwest Berry Sauce; Stuffed Salmon with Crab & Shrimp and more. What: Wild Salmon Season at McCormick & Schmick's |
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| 6 | Lantern Moon Trunk Show at Twisted |
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| 7 | Celebrate 18 Years at Stars! The Stars Antiques Malls are turning 18 and celebrating with a huge sale! There will be fabulous deals from many antiques dealers and—here’s a scoop—the sale “unofficially” starts as soon as the signs go up on Thursday at 3:30! They’ll also be open until 9 pm on Friday during Sellwood/Westmoreland’s First Friday. Shop and save! What: Birthday Sale at Stars Antiques Malls |
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| 8 | Go Get Em, Tiger! Or Tigress. Whatever you’re feeling, really. Just get out on the green with Hair M to benefit the Make A Wish Foundation. Need a neck rub on hole 5? Or maybe a shoe shine on hole 12? The pampering’s included. Plus there will be plenty of food, Widmer and prizes. And did we mention there will be g-u-y-s?!? What: HairM Golf Tourney for Make A Wish |
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| 9 | Grand Opening: New DIY Lounge & Collage! Oh sweet mosaic! Alberta’s beloved Collage & DIY Lounge has added a second location in southeast Portland. Welcome them to the Woodstock neighborhood and enjoy refreshments, family-friendly crafts (12–2 pm) and a raffle with more than 100 goodie bags (2–4 pm) filled with craftacular stuff for at-home art. Check their schedule for upcoming classes! What: Grand Opening at DIY Lounge & Collage |
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We can’t help it; we’re unabashedly hooked on MySpace. It’s like college all over again, when we flitted from dorm room to dorm room in search of anything but work. Know the drill? Find us on myspace.com/portlandpicks, be our friend and we’ll procrastinate together! (What are friends for?) And be sure to sign up for our blog —you’ll get all the juice we can’t fit into the Picks! |
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