|
 |
July 4th, 2008
Don’t know about you, but the fireworks started early in our neighborhood. We’ve been scanning the trees and rooftops for signs of smoke all week. We’re completely paranoid about having to throw the emergency ladder out the bedroom window, stuff the Pug in a handbag, find a bra in the dark (we can't be seen outside of the house without a brasseire, whether or not it's on fire) and maybe—maybe having time to grab our favorite shoes. (We are thinking of keeping all of these things under the window, just in case.) But our paranoia is warranted. Last year the fireworks continued for at least a week after the Fourth—from dusk until three in the morning—and yes, someone’s roof did catch fire nearby. Honestly, we prefer a safer celebration—sit on a blanket by the river, load up on really good food from a grocery store we can’t afford on a regular basis, and enjoy a smuggled bottle of Sailor Jerry’s. Let the good times roll! And when we’re shopping for expensive canapés, we’ll be toting fabulous Gracen shopping bags. They’re expandable, reusable, and so pretty we’re going to use them as our everyday handbags. Forward this issue to 5 friends and cc Picks@PortlandPicks.com, and you might win one of your own! |
||
Portland Picks: |
|||
| 1 | Mi Casa Es Su Casa Funny story. Last week we were having coffee with a friend (we’ll call her Sara) and she told us her most mortifying story of the week. Apparently she and her fiancé went over to her new in-laws and it turns out that they have the same exact living room set. We’re talking sofas, chairs, lamps, coffee table—you name it. Seems like there is an Ikea-room fad happening. So, wanting to save her from embarrassment before having her in-laws over next month, we told her about Janus Home. Janus Home specializes in classic and restored vintage-modern furnishings, design, and decorative arts. From high-end, mid-century sofas that have been reupholstered to coffee tables and eclectic art, you are sure to fall in love with a one-of-a-kind piece for your home. Or maybe, if you’re like Sara, you’ll need a few new items for the home. We call dibs on the Rare Brazilian sofa by Benjamin Lafer and the vintage leather elephant for Abercrombie & Fitch, but we’ll leave the rest for you (and Sara). For now, that is… Janus Home |
|
|
| 2 | Love Your Accent! Every so often we crave some international flair and Netflix a couple foreign films. Afterward, we find ourselves peppering our everyday exchanges with new accents, addressing everyone with our best British inflections. Sadly we only amuse (embarrass?) ourselves by putting on European airs. Luckily, Accentuate can help punctuate any sort of ordinary fashion statement one might be making. Stylish printed tunics by Mison and flutter-sleeve cardigans with crochet trim by Kersh are sure to be conversation starters. Matte-jersey wrap dresses in bold patterns by London Times and sexy designer denim from Joe’s, AG and David Kahn will keep the dialogue headed in the right direction. (Now we’re talkin’!) While we couldn’t take home the gorgeous Franco Sarto handbag or the buttery soft calf-skin hobo from Francesco Biasia, we did treat ourselves to a pair of Bellini French wire earrings from the boutique’s well-edited collection of Brighton accessories (handbags, leather goods and jewelry). At least those will give us something “refined” to chat about the next time we’re making small talk in the grocery store. Accentuate |
|
|
| 3 | Red, White & New We’re relieved to see that sunshine has finally started to peek through Portland’s clouds. And with sunshine comes warm temps, and you know what that means, don’t you? It’s time to bust out the white wine! We don’t know about you, but we love few things more than a hot afternoon of shopping on NW 23rd followed by a chilly glass of white wine to cool us down. This summer, we’ll be sipping at the area’s newest, cutest wine bar, Café Reese. Boasting a plump menu of specially chosen whites (and reds), Café Reese offers up the perfect atmosphere for relaxation, chatting with the girls and okay… getting a teeny tiny buzz, if that’s your thing. If not, try their honey lemonade; it’s a tantalizing twist on the summer classic. They also offer espresso, snacks and a delicious, light lunch menu. However, the wine menu is what drew us in, and we know you’ll fall prey to it too! Let’s just say when the shopping bags get heavy and the sweat begins to bead, you’ll know where to head. Café Reese |
|
|
| 4 | Because We Say So When we were in sixth grade, the phrase “Say what?” was really popular. So much that we asked our poor, beleaguered Spanish teacher how to translate it. (It’s “¿qué dice?” by the way.) The only Spanish we use now involves burrito and Albariño, but our memory fails us a lot less when it comes to one of our boutique staples: Say Say. Say Say’s been open four years, and it’s graduated to a whole new level of cuteness. We love the summery sorbet shades—pinks and greens that successfully blend pretty and funky. Just in are dresses with cutout backs from Spain’s Skunkfunk (sense a theme here?), local designer Sue Bradley, and new People’s Republic of Portland shirts. It’s the kind of shop that grows with you—it’s girly without dipping into saccharine. We also love the Happy Tuesday earrings with coral and opal, as well as the bags and candles that will make great gifts. Just the kind of thing a Portland Picks girl will undoubtedly go for. We said it. Say Say Boutique |
|
|
| 5 | Spruce Goose Last time we got our hair done, we were treated like cattle. We got herded into the chair and may well have been mooing when we described our wants, based on the blank look on our “hair-dresser’s” face. We are ready to start throwing cow-pies if we get another bad haircut from a place like this. Victory is ours, however! We found a tiny treasure tucked into NW Portland. Spruce, the “anti-salon” salon, opened about a month ago, and we dig it. We got completely personalized service—what one might even call a consultation. Spruce opened with the goal of providing an individual experience for every customer, all the way down to the smallest details. Craving chocolate? They’ve got candy. Show up early? Surf the Net on one of their laptops. Hungry? They will order lunch for you. All this and they have complimentary champagne to boot. Their slogan is “customer service is back,” and they’re not lying. We left with great hair and a great attitude. There won’t be any cow-pie throwing this time! Spruce |
|
|
| Cocktail of the Week: | |||
Hemingway's drink of choice was the Mojito—though we’re sure he never had one like this! Made with gin from a local distiller, with flavors of fresh cucumber and a sweeter-tasting blue juniper, it was unlike anything we’ve had in recent years. And with the return of outdoor patios and sidewalk sipping, we’re mixing up a pitcher. Any takers? |
|||
| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Shop Pretty When we go to the farmer’s market, we always forget to bring an extra bag, and so we sheepishly skulk the stalls with our petroleum plastic. We contemplate getting one of the farmer’s market canvas bags, but they’re kinda daggy, you know? But no longer! Gracen bags make shopping fun, and even chic. When modern design combines with eco-function, we fall in love. Because it means more room—for more stuff. |
 |
|
| 2 | Hostess with the Mostess We love to entertain—especially when it involves good food. There’s just one problem: We don’t cook. And we can’t plan a menu to save our life. But we know someone who can! Personal Chef Alessandra Innamorato brings a lifetime of cooking to the table, preparing every single dish from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients. Infused with style and playfulness, they’re just the ticket for making our dinner party a success, and leaving us to do what we do best: party! |
 |
|
| 3 | We’re Too Sexy Our GF gave her fiancé naughty photos for their wedding, and we decided we wanted pictures of ourselves all sexed up. So we enlisted La Boudoir Photography to help. The ladies at LBP did our hair and makeup, and we posed like supermodels in some racy teddies and thigh-highs. The result? We’re hot! Okay, so there was mucho photo retouching, but when we run across these pics when we’re 90, we’ll be proud that we tried it out—fiancé or not. |
 |
|
| 4 | Sweet on You When it comes to jewelry, we go for vintage modern. Not so vintage that it’s falling apart or so modern that it’s impractical, but a perfect place right in the middle. Alisha Louise Designs hit this sweet spot, taking Art Deco patterns and infusing them with a burst of color. Made of metal and enamel, each design is decidedly feminine and perfect for office or outing. Don’t miss the necklaces named for historic poets, muses and the like—girl power, indeed! |
 |
|
| 5 | No Fuss, No Muss We’re not alone when it comes to the button-front shirt problem. You know what we mean—it either pulls at the chest or it’s baggy everywhere else. Rather than commit to just knits, we discovered TrioFit (and now we can’t stop rhyming). This sizing system from Rebecca & Drew is based on chest circumference, bra-cup size and torso height, which should result in a properly fitting shirt. With impeccable styling and top-notch textiles, there’s no doubt the button-down dilemma is so over. |
 |
|
Hip Happenings: |
|||
| 1 | This One’s Hot! It’s time for the biggest bodywrap sale ever! Exhilarate Bodyworks is having their bi-annual Formostar Infrared Bodywrap sale. It’s only $35 per wrap and there’s no limit so you can pre-purchase sessions Burn up to 1,200 calories in one 50-minute session, so you’ll look and feel better. Visit their site for more information on the benefits of infrared therapy. What: Bodywrap Sale at Exhilarate Bodyworks |
 |
|
| 2 | Summer Starts at Sole! Grab the gal-pals—all sandals are 10% off at Sole, starting this weekend! Save on styles from Frye, Mia, Jeffrey Campbell, Me Too, Palladium, Sam Edelman, NYLA, Seychelles and Pazzo. Plus buy one pair of $19 “Glitzy” flip flops, get one half off; Mia “Mykonos” thongs are 25% off; and some styles are 50% off. Prepare your closet! What: Spectacular Sandal Sale at Sole |
 |
|
| 3 | Learn the Art of Vegan Cuisine You don't need to be vegan—or even vegetarian—to create delicious, nutrient-dense cuisine in an amazing 20-Day Vegan Culinary Arts Program. Taught by Chef Al Chase, professional vegan chef, and Donna Benjamin, Vegan Lifestyle Coach, you'll learn how to dish—from appetizers to desserts! Fill out the form under “Contact Us” at www.chefal.org. Discounts for Portland Picks subscribers! What: Vegan Culinary Arts Program |
 |
|
| 4 | Pilates is for Everyone No matter what your age or fitness level, Pilates is for you! See what it's all about at NW Pilates—mention Portland Picks and get 1 free when you purchase a package of 10. With expert instructors, a welcoming studio and the best rates in town, it’s time to check out NW Pilates. Trust us, your body will thank you. What: Buy 10 Get 1 Free at NW Pilates |
 |
|
It’s always a good time to become our friend on MySpace! We do all kinds of fun giveaways and there are discounts galore on our blog. Check ’er out for yourself! www.myspace.com/portlandpicks |
|||
|
Be sure to visit www.portlandpicks.com and check out past issues in our archives. If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to check out www.portlandpicks.com and subscribe for free! It's easy--there's a box in the upper left to enter your email address. If you would like to make a suggestion, please email us at contribute@portlandpicks.com. Share your favorite ideas for Picks, tell us about terrific products or services, announce a sale or event, or let us know what you think of Chicago Picks! Website and weekly issues maintained by Studio Ridge.com. |
|||
