Who doesn’t wish for a little more romance in their lives? We sure do. Sadly, these days most of our romantic interludes are confined to the movies we rent.
We rustled up some sartorial romance for ourselves with a visit to Frocky Jack Morgan. Owner/designer Julia has created a jewel of a shop to house her original clothing and accessories designs. We are head-over-heels with her inspired jewelry creations: monocles strung with charms and vintage beads, tiny mesh bags adorned with florets, and bib necklaces in divine proportions. Julia’s decadent designs aren’t limited to jewelry. She’ll find just the right dress, vest or coat, give it a nip and a tuck and embellish it in all the right places. (We love the white leather coat with fur trim—it’s a total scene-stealer.) If our romantic life takes a turn for the better, a Frocky Jack Morgan wedding dress could be in our future … a girl can dream. In the meantime, we’ll be spritzing one of Julia’s original fragrances, like “Vice” or “Pippi! Pippi! I love you!” to lure some love notes our way.
We know we can’t buy love, but we can buy lovely things. That’s a romance we can count on.
Frocky Jack Morgan
811 E Burnside, Suite 122
Portland, OR 97214
503.567.2143
www.frockyjackmorgan.com
Good things come in small packages, or so they say. And yeah, we believe that… sometimes. But hey, let’s be real, sometimes we just wanna go big. We can think of several things where bigger is actually better. (Ahem, ladies, please.) We’re thinking maybe a new car, or a new house. What about a horse? (We still haven’t gotten over that fantasy from childhood; is it just us?) Of course, we aren’t opposed to small things. It’s just gotta be the right small things.
So, truth be told, we were a wee bit skeptical of Little Big Burger, a no-frills burger joint with a recently-opened outpost on Mississippi Ave. Much to our delight, we discovered paradise can be found in the form of a cheeseburger. Anyway, little as they may be, those burgers (with or without cheese) are amazing, and surprisingly filling. Juicy, succulent, and downright finger-lickin’ good. Even the veggie burger rocked our world (for reals!). But the pièce de résistance? The fries delicately coated in truffle oil. Words cannot do justice…
Little, yes. Delicious, absolutely.
Little Big Burger
3747 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.265.8781
www.littlebigburger.com
Hollywood awards season has officially started, or as we like to refer to it, “Watching TV in Our Jammies” season. The tabloids we read (exclusively on airplanes and in nail salons) tell us that celebs look pretty much like us before a team of makeup artists and Spanx wranglers transform them into va-va-voom vixens. Unfortunately, our budget doesn’t allow for a full-time stylist—we’re lucky if we can spurge on a mani and a pedi.
Our visions of achieving an A-list look were revived by the consultants at Lake Oswego’s The Difference. This upscale boutique also houses a veritable college of chic. From one-time closet or hair consultations to comprehensive image sessions, the warm staffers help clients find fashions worthy of any “best dressed” list. Regular onsite seminars (see their website for details) also provide must-have knowhow—the cost can be applied to a same-day purchase.
They even offer specialized “special event” style planning, meaning we now finally know exactly what to pack for business trips and reunions. And while showing up former frenemies is of course priceless, the cost is totally do-able.
The Difference PDX
17750 Lower Boones Ferry Road
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503.636.4261
www.thedifferencepdx.com
Mark our words—we will never wear those creepy “toe” shoes. But the idea is pretty rad, especially when we think of all the things we do barefoot, but would really rather not be barefoot for. Hello, yoga.
These “Dojo” indoor shoes from Sockwa are just what we need! We wear them for Pilates—they slip on, feel like nothing, and keep our feet clean while we get a good grip. Just pop ’em in the wash later. Cute and genius. No toes about it.
www.sockwa.com
Between comparing bodies, iPods, workout clothes and workout partners, we have enough competition at the gym. So adding the Battle of the Water Bottles may seem completely ridiculous. But this is one battle we may win!
We are now toting a S’well bottle, which not only looks chic (yes, a chic water bottle!), but the company donates 10% of every sale to WaterAid, which brings water to places that can’t get it on their own. Do good, look good. We think that’s swell.
www.swellbottle.com
When it comes to nail art, we are more “onlookers” than “participants.” Something about flashy manicures just makes us nervous. It’s weird how we’re chicken that way, since we’ll wear neon five-inch heels or red lipstick, but so be it.
And then we found Nail Rock’s very cool, very sexy nail wraps. Easily applied at home, the “Purple Rain” pattern is subtle enough to slip into that afternoon board meeting, yet bold enough to get noticed.
NCLA Purple Rain Nail Wraps
Buy ’em while they’re hot! Run to Amenity Shoes to stock up at their annual Winter Footwear Clearance Event. Enjoy 25% to 60% off shoes & boots from your favorite brands like Born, Fidji, Fly London and more. All Vintage boots (made in the USA) are 50% off, too! Sizes are limited; hurry in for best selection.
What: Winter Footwear Clearance at Amenity Shoes
When: Saturday, Jan 21, until they’re gone!
Where: 3430 NE 41st Ave.
Call: 503.282.4555
Visit: www.facebook.com/AmenityShoes
Studio Ridge, LLC
