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June 27th, 2008
We have this celebrity bicycle; it’s ridiculously darling. But it’s gotten out of hand. It’s like walking a pug puppy on a pink leash. Everybody wants to know her name (Lil’ Blue) and how old she is (30+ years), and whether or not she’s pedigree. (Wha?) In the beginning when people started pointing, we had this wild thought that we were the celebrity, that they thought we were cute. Then we wore cutoff sweats and a gross tee out one day and—still—pointing. So even though we detest its single-speed capabilities and must walk it up the Big Hill (curse that thing!), we couldn’t ever replace Lil’ Blue. She’s family, you know? Plus, we kinda got used to the stardom... Get your own dose of stardom when you win a totally fabulous pair of earrings from Sahlia Michelle Designs (see below for more on her gorgeous jewels). All you have to do is email 5 of your Best Guy Friends and invite them to check out www.PortlandPicksforMen.com and CC picks@portlandpicks.com. What are you waiting for? Go! |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Full Plate When we began our writing career, we thought about taking a nom de plume. The simplest solution was combining our middle name with our mom’s maiden name… which wound up being our grandmother’s name. Nothing like carrying on a family tradition! We tell you this because the story of elsa + sam, a brand new dishware store on Hawthorne, is astoundingly similar—store moniker, owner’s name and great grandparents’ legacy. A photo of the original Elsa and Sam even watch over the cash register, ensuring good fortune for years to come. Given the shop’s history and the fact that gift registration is encouraged, it’s easy to think that these dishes should be saved as heirlooms. But from fresh stripes to bicycles, typewriters and more, these patterned plates (and bowls and cups) are just as nice for everyday use. Look for lines from independent designers Tonfisk, Circa Ceramics and Giarimi Design, to name a few. Each piece is one of a kind—more than we can say for that pen name of ours! elsa + sam |
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| 2 | Ram Tough Being born in early April, we fall into the Zodiac’s first sign. (That’s us! A priority!) We’re direct, inspiring, and quick-minded. But: We also like to play. So when we came upon the west side’s new Aries Apparel, we knew we had the best of both worlds. Forget going to creepy, smelly, dude-focused sporting goods stores with no one to help you. Aries—very fittingly—kind of rules. They offer sport-specific duds for female athletes young and old, with a focus on eight core sports—basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, golf, tennis, lacrosse and swimming. But, really, they have attire for any sport—even shopping. Aries even hooks you up when sidelined by injury, with ankle and elbow wraps that fit petite limbs and the cutest retro ice packs. Upon leaving, we thought of the old Secret deodorant slogan, “Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman.” At Aries, it’s strong enough for a woman, alright—because who needs the dudes, anyways? Aries Apparel |
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| 3 | De Posh Mode As self-appointed style purveyors, we like to think we have the lowdown when it comes to—well, just about anything—but especially when it comes to the most adorable shoes & shops, tasty bites & bevvies and hip happenings (be sure to check out those below!). So when our on-the-town pals come to visit, we banish the idea of sending them to run-of-the-mill hotel chains that don’t spell Portland in our book. Hotel Modera, located in the heart of downtown, is a new boutique hotel decked out in mid-century modern digs that caters to today’s mod-squad traveler. Let them settle into a posh pad with luxurious linens, Italian bath products and soft micro-fiber robes after a night out. Or gather for juicy convo and Cosmos around the sleek fire pits out on the fabu private patio. (No need to ask us twice!) Add to the mix an attentive staff, contemporary art throughout, a new restaurant opening next to the patio, and what more could one want from an urban retreat (except maybe more time)? When it comes to sharing our fondness for P-town with our friends,we are happy to recommend this spot. Hotel Modera |
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| 4 | Shabby Chic One of our all-time favorite children’s books happens to be The Secret Garden. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to discover a long forgotten, magical garden that was revived, thanks to someone (not us!) with a green thumb? We assure you, if we were to stumble across a secret garden, we would have to drive across town and pick up Dad for some serious green-thumb lessons. We’re just not magically inclined when it comes to the art of plant life. But we do know just the place to go to find wonderful antique pieces to complete our home and garden. Bernadette Breu Experience, now located on 6th Avenue near Hawthorne, is just the place to find rare, beautiful pieces including vintage furniture, oil paintings, antique light fixtures, mirrors and more. Not only does the new store feel like a secret garden with its high ceilings, large windows, and antique odds and ends, we love the idea of mixing old with new to create our own version of the secret garden. And we don’t need Dad for that! (Sorry, pops.) Bernadette Breu Experience |
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| 5 | Star Light, Star Bright Whenever we go to the grocery store on Sunday, we always hear the same thing: “You look so nice! Did you just come from church?” This alternately makes us laugh and cry, because it reminds us that Portlanders only dress up for special occasions. This is why we picture Tony Starlight’s Supper Club becoming our home away from home. Tony’s is a place where men sport suits and women wear wiggle dresses. They might not remember your name, but they’ll surely remember your drink. And when you leave, your sides will ache from laughing. There’s no doubt the club’s namesake will entertain. Tony blasts through everything from Cole Porter to Schoolhouse Rock, even calling on audience members to join in. You might never know what to expect, but heed one piece of advice… when you go, make sure you know the theme song (hint: it’s on the website)! Tony Starlight’s Supper Club & Lounge |
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| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Summer sipping is one of our favorite pastimes. But it needs the right ingredients: one part sunshine, one part yummy cocktail and two parts outdoor seating. For this, we cannot jazz-hand enough for clarklewis. And with the celebrity fave St-Germain on hand, it’s near the tippy top of our Destination Sip List. Made from natural, hand-picked Elderflowers, this fine French liqueur adds a subtly sweet pizzazz to any number, but we declare this the new Mojito! The Elderflower at clarklewis |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Pretty, Oh So Pretty We fall in love every day—with jewelry. Call us shallow but a pretty necklace never breaks your heart. Well, unless it’s the Fallen Petals necklace from Sahlia Michelle Designs. Or perhaps the rough-cut rock hoops in Chalcedony. Ouch! Her handcrafted silver stunners make a statement, but subtly. People will notice your good taste—not be knocked out by it. Order on her website and save 25 percent, courtesy of Portland Picks, or see her work at Sofada, Switch shoes, and Sameunderneath. |
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| 2 | Banish Dry Skin Forever This winter our skin flaked more than our friends on rainy-night dinner dates. We were considering slathering our mugs in Vaseline in order to keep it in check. Seriously, every time we put on powder we looked so creepy that we found ourselves scrubbing our faces in random restrooms. |
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| 3 | Express Yourself We once had a boyfriend who insisted on getting a wood sign with his last name for his front door—but he got it at the state fair and the letters were burned into a tacky piece of oak. But wood signs can truly be a centerpiece for creativity, like these adorable creations from Barb’s Wood Signs. For kids’ rooms, sports fans, inspirational sayings—or your front door—these locally handcrafted beauties (made right here in Sherwood!) changed our minds about wood décor. |
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| 4 | Plus One It seems all of our girlfriends have chosen the same summer to get married. We won’t even start about how this makes us feel, RSVP-ing sans Plus One another flippin time. But when there is gift-giving in masses, we like formulas to make our life simpler. One wish-list item + one Candle Comfort pillar in a smell-yummy scent = Marital Bliss. These sculptured beauties keep their mold and burn for 120 hours, so new-hubbie smells dissipate and romance rocks! |
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| 5 | Need a Girlfriend Getaway? Though we need to get away, we have so much on our plates that planning a vacay just sounds daunting. How can we make a party with our pals happen with no fuss on our end? Enter: Savvy Getaway. We recommend the Vegas vacation for some serious fun in the sun. Get your vitamin D with round-trip airfare from Portland and a 3-night stay at the 4-star Treasure Island for just $382 per person (quad occupancy, July 11–14). They can help plan the perfect trip! |
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| Photographer of the Week: | |||
You know what makes us happy? Looking at family photos. And no—not on the computer—we’re talking actual, tactile photographs. And who better to capture those unabashedly happy little slices of life than our friend Jen Downer at She Saw Things photography? Her portraits are fun, they’re organic, they’re magical, and most of all, they’re real. Mention Portland Picks and receive a free 11x14 print with a paid session booked through the summer! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Imelda’s and Louie’s Summer Sale With high gas prices there’s never been a better time to walk—so put a spark in your step at Imelda’s and Louie’s Summer Sale. Save 20–70% on selected styles of Born, Frye, Hobo, Earth, Faryl Robin and Biviel. So hurry in while there’s still a great selection of styles and sizes. Your feet deserve some appreciation! What: Imelda’s and Louie’s Summer Sale |
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| 2 | Say Goodbye to Bella Moda Designs We will shed a tear for the fabulous Bella Moda Designs—they’re not renewing their lease. But there’s a ray of happiness: A Liquidation Sale from July 1–31 on fabulous imported shoes. Get exceptional deals on remaining summer inventory, as well as some steals on last fall’s boots and shoes! Get there early for the best selection! What: Bella Moda Designs Liquidation Sale |
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| 3 | Formerly Known As… The group formerly known as PDX ETSY is putting on a sale tomorrow, so don’t miss it! There will be handmade items from your favorite Etsy artisans. Visit some of these fab shops for a preview: Urbana, Phoebe1, Salmon Street Studios, Ruby Girl, Scrumptious Suds, Mini Muse Designs, Little Daisy Chains, PDX Beanies, RubiBlue and LeaK Arts. What: Handmade Sale |
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| 4 | Art of Living Presents: Practical Wisdom for Life Sometimes we need a good refresher to deal with the negative noise in our life. Internationally renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, shares his secret with the Art of Living seminar, drawing upon the ancient Indian practices of Pranayama and meditation, with thoughtful insight on relationships, health and fulfillment. Negativity be gone! What: Art of Living Seminar |
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| 5 | IDOM Trunk Show at Cargo Summer is here, and it’s time for dresses! This week, look for new styles by IDOM at the chic home store Cargo during First Thursday in the Pearl. Designer Modi Soondarotok will be there with select items—like hand-loomed dresses in soft, flowy cottons—from her spring/summer line. Bonus: Enjoy 10% off all trunk show purchases! What: IDOM Trunk Show & Sale |
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Have you been checking our MySpace blog? We are giving tons of fun prizes away and scooping some epic sales and events. You should be in on it! |
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