This Week in the Mercury
Monday, February 8, 2010
Shopping Guide / Event Free Clothes, If You've Got The Guts
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 4:18 PM
If you lack both funds and inhibitions, you're in luck, because the Red Light is gearing up for their annual Co-Ed Naked Shopping Spree on February 21, wherein four contestants (two male, two female) will be unleashed butt naked in the vintage superstore, where they have three minutes to run through the store putting on as much clothing as possible. Whoever piles on the most items wins all the clothing on their back plus a $100 GC. Feeling lucky? Join the more than 60 people so far who've spent $20 or more at the store by February 12th to be entered in the random drawing that determines who the lucky contestants will be. Alternately just come by the store to gawk and cheer them on. The nudity starts at 5 pm, but live music and door prizes and general kickin' it starts at 2.
Accessories Another Weird Happening in the World of Hosiery
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Mon, Feb 8, 2010 at 3:08 PM
I love Wolfords. The iconic hosiery brand dominates the fashion world, and if they aren't the best damn tights on the planet, I'd very much like to know what are. Back in my harder party-girl phase I saved up my pennies and bought my first pair on sale, and they withstood my endless march from warehouse party to club to dive bar unscathed until they finally met their match in the tip of a lit cigarette. Another reason to quit. Most recently my boyfriend bought me a beautiful pair in merino wool—so glad I found a guy who knows what he's doing around tights. But I really don't know what to make of these. They're like footless moccasin boots:
I either hate them or think they're okay, but I definitely don't think I love them. Any girl who finds that they speak to her in that irrefusable way that makes your credit score shudder in fear, is hereby screwed: They're going for $425 over at Neiman Marcus. No, this is definitely not what love feels like. Spotted by New York Magazine.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Misc. Project Runway Wrap Up
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 10:12 AM
GO BLAZERS!
Those of us who came to the Tanker last night for our weekly dose of Project Runway went from action-to-action when the thrilling final quarter of the Blazers win against San Antonio cut into the first half of Project by about 20 minutes. It's always fairly obvious who is there for basketball and who to cheer on Janeane Marie Ceccanti as she cuts and drapes her way across the televised world representing PDX, but the whole bar was caught up in the game, and nobody was complaining. When the game finally ended and the bartender switched over to the show, they were already on the day of the runway presentation which—like the final quarter of a basketball game—is when things start getting interesting anyway.
This week's challenge was to create a red dress for a Campbell's AdDRESS Your Heart gala (cue red- and heart-themed commercials from Campbell's and Macy's). The results were mostly "meh," but this was the winner, by Amy:
That's not a very good photo of it, but I did think this dress was okay. Not my favorite, though. And I hate to be disloyal, but the dress that Janeane (who, as is her habit, skated through the judging unexamined) submitted I did not like. See both, plus Janeane's video blog critique of the ousted Jesus, after the break.
Q & A Janeane Marie's on Think Out Loud
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Fri, Feb 5, 2010 at 9:25 AM
Janeane Marie Ceccanti is on this morning's edition of Think Out Loud right now talking about being on Project Runway. Listen here and look for a Wrap-Up of last night's episode later today.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Crafty / Event I Heart Art: Portland
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Thu, Feb 4, 2010 at 3:22 PM
So this collaboration with between Etsy and PNCA, and "PNCA's Museum of Contemporary Craft" (that still just doesn't sound right to me) sounds vague, but vaguely promising:
Indie hearts beat strong in Portland, Oregon, one of the craftiest cities in the United States. Working from Brooklyn here at Etsy headquarters, I think of Portland as our sister city.Today, we are announcing that we are joining forces with the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) and the Portland Etsy Team. We're calling our collaboration "I Heart Art: Portland." We are forging this ongoing relationship to foster opportunities and offer support for the local DIY/craft/vintage community. As a group, we'll be partnering to host a series of indie business talks at PNCA's Museum of Contemporary Craft and a series of Etsy Craft Labs this spring. (In addition to our regular Craft Nights at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn, we've started collaborating with other museums such as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco for similar hands-on sessions.)
Supporting local economies — especially through independent businesses — is important for Etsy, as a company and as a website built up on a vast network of local communities. Art schools and museums can help Etsy by serving as a home base for the local art and craft movement's events, and Etsy can help by connecting curators, professors, students and members through our mutual passion for art, design, collecting and learning. We are thinking of this project in Portland as a pilot for Etsy's outreach to local communities. Hopefully, Etsy will bring "I Heart Art" to other cities after this first run gets off the ground.
Mmmmhmm, okay. Want to know more? The inaugural "I Heart Art" event is a meet 'n' greet at PNCA (1241 NW Johnson) on Friday Feb 26, 6:30 pm. It's free and open to the public, so grab a light snack and find out just what these crafty peeps have in mind.
Misc. Miley Cyrus' Nine-Year-Old Sister to Design Lingerie Line—Quelle Surprise
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Thu, Feb 4, 2010 at 12:05 PM
When Wm Steven Humphrey sent me this link, he said "It's fashion. It's celebrities. It's horrible."
So apparently Miley Cyrus has a sister, and yes said sister is collaborating with her BFF to create a line of lingerie that "can be worn with sweet ballerina slippers, funky sneakers or paired with lace stockings and boots for more of a rock and roll look."
So, this could be really gross and it could be harmless. The link has a video but it's a "private video" that won't play for me. I assume this video holds the key to how gross or harmless the whole thing will be so I tried to find it on YouTube, which involved typing in the search "noah cyrus and emily grace + lingerie." It didn't work. And now I'm off to wipe my computer's hard drive and take a shower.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Event Benefit Event at Lizard Lounge Tomorrow Night
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 3:49 PM
Head to Lizard Lounge tomorrow night (February 4th, from 7-10 pm) for an event to benefit Falling Whistles, an organization campaigning for peace in Congo and dedicated to rehabilitating children that are forced into war. They'll be putting up an installation on the art wall at Lizard Lounge and raising money for their cause. PLUS, get 20% off all merchandise during the event, with 15% of all proceeds going to Falling Whistles. Live music by The Upsidedown, and beer courtesy of Widmer Brothers.
Shop / Event Upcoming Sales and Fashion Events
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 2:27 PM
Valentine's Day sucks if you're single, but at least you get some good sales out of it. Here's what's going on in the next few weeks, starting with this weekend!
1. Big sale at Mabel and Zora this weekend. Get 20% off everything, plus 50-75% off items on clearance, this Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 6th and 7th). They're trying to get rid of the old stuff to make room for the new spring collections, like this:
- Trina Turk Concetta Dress
2. Fashion show! This Friday, February 5th, from 7:30 - 9:30 pm, Jockey P2P will launch its spring/summer season at the Embassy Suites Portland Airport. Learn about spring trends, watch a "real women" fashion show, and talk with Portland representatives about direct selling opportunities. THEN on February 10th, you can attend an Open House at the home of Jockey P2P Comfort Specialist Kate Allister. She will be showcasing the new season's fashions to local women and providing refreshments, and then everyone will watch Sleepless in Seattle while sharing tubs of ice cream. Just kidding about the last part.
3. Romance This! at Hotel Fifty. Go to Bishops (any Bishops), buy a V-Day gift package (#1 Shave This! Shampoo/cut/shave $34; #2 Cut This! Shampoo/long cut/blowdry/style $38; #3 Color This! All over color/cut/style $80), and get automatically entered to win a pretty sweet deal for Valentine's Day: $100 dinner and drink voucher at H50 Bistro and Bar and a King Balcony room for a night with champagne and chocolates at Hotel Fifty. The drawing will be held on February 12th, so get your shaves, cuts, and colors in before it's too late.
4. V-Day Sale at Tilde. Yep, 20% off everything at Sellwood's finest mid-century modern women's design and accessory shop. Save on jewelry, handbags, gifts, and cards from February 12th-14th. The discount is available online as well.
- Orla Kiely Classic Shoulder Bag available at Tilde
5. This one's at the end of the month, but it looks pretty rad: the 2010 Vintage Bridal Show: Beautiful and Sustainable on Feb. 27th and 28th, from 11 am - 6 pm at the Queen Anne Victorian Mansion. It's free, with suggested donations to benefit the Oregon Food Bank. It's sponsored by Ava Hansen Millinery and AlexSandra’s Vintage Emporium.
Now go to, young lovers, and shop shop shop!
News Tender Loving Empire to Move Storefront
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 2:12 PM
Record label/local craft/music/art/clothing store Tender Loving Empire is moving! They are scheduled to move from their current location at NW 18th & Lovejoy to the new spot at 412 SW 10th Ave on May 6th. The new location will feature more retail space, First Thursday events and music performances, as well as an expanded local music section and room for fine art exhibits. Plus, the space will function as the Tender Loving Empire Record Label offices/headquarters and provide custom screenprinting services.
Fashion New Work from DUST
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Feb 3, 2010 at 12:25 PM
As DUST clothing creator Julia Blackburn points out, "It's silly to do a look book for a line like Dust since it's all one of a kind, but it'd be a shame to let these one-offs go undocumented. Especially since she happened to meet photographer Jeff Luker at last fall's Content event, who assisted Ryan McGinley last summer on his awesome series of cave photos (one of which wound up on our cover). Naturally she jumped at the opportunity to collaborate, and here are some of the results, which she says, "we wanted it to look like stills from a strange beautiful movie or some epic magical realism!"
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Crafty Applications Being Accepted Now for Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Spring Sale
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Heads up to all crafty people: Crafty Wonderland has opened the floodgates for vendors to put their hand-knit hats in the ring to be part of the first-ever spring edition of the Super Colossal sale set for May 1 & 2 at the Oregon Convention Center. Will it be as frantic as the holiday edition now that they've cut off the craft fiends from their monthly fix at the Doug Fir? I hope don't hope... okay I do kinda hope so, but for their sake, not my crowd-suffering own.
Shopping Guide Narcisse Can't Buy You A Ticket to Denmark, But...
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 11:29 AM
...they can kick you down some joy as they head off on a buying trip to acquire still more Noa Noa merch, by putting the whole shop (excluding handmade items) on a 40% reduction, through February 9, in order to make some room for the new shipments. I'm thinking that might mean it's a good time to strike in the furniture department—the shop has a slew of romantic, goth-y pieces that are already priced way below the normal extortion of antique shops, and at a discount the deal's even sweeter.
Shop / News Small Victories
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Another source for tiny treasures is set to open its doors on February 12: Small Victories (328 NW Broadway #117) means to prioritize artistic care and integrity in an inventory of functional art objects put together by Erin Houlihan and Brian Wilson. To drop a couple names you might be familiar with, they're carrying locals Pigeon Toe Ceramics, Stone & Honey, and Stephanie Simek, plus lines from New York, Bristol, Shanghai, Montreal, and more to come. Don't miss the chance for a first peek on the 12th from 7-11 pm, when you can score a free valentine with any purchase, and tip a glass in honor of supporting small business in Portland.
Shopping Guide Rachel Mara's Sample Sale
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at 9:38 AM
Your chance to nab a li'l piece of Rachel Mara is about to get a whole lot cheaper. Mara's shop Moulé (1225 NW Everett) is hosting a sample sale (including plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces with prices all the way down to $50-150. Hit it up this Friday 10 am-7 pm, Saturday 10 am-7 pm, and Sunday 11 am-5 pm.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Misc. What's Wrong With This Picture?
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Can you spot anything amiss in this screen grab from Urban Outfitters' online shop?
Spotted by Jezebel.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Event Portland Tweed Ride!
Posted by Sarah Mirk on Sun, Jan 31, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Over 150 people braved the drizzle on Saturday morning for the 1st Annual Portland Tweed Ride. Even local designer Adam Arnold (sporting a wild, white Mozart wig) turned up to judge the dapper fashions. The ride veered from tea in Overlook park to a picnic lunch in Laurelhurst Park. The lesson learned: Portland cleans up nice.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Shop / Event Friday Fashion Roundup!
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Here we go, ladies and gents:
1. Today and tomorrow (Friday and Saturday), Zelda's Shoe Bar is hosting an ICON trunk show of jazzed up shoes and bags from 11 am to 6 pm. LA-based ICON creates bags and shoes imprinted with famous works of art. Like this:
- "Peacock Buddha" Wood Wedge Clog
- "Midsummer Eve" Framed Clutch with Strap
2. Moxie is having a Valentine's sale from February 1-6. Get 20% off everything in the store, and find some items up to 70% off. Shop online as well with coupon code moxsav20!
3. Lingerie shop Lille will be the site of the Pigeon Toe Ceramics Trunk Show on Friday, February 5, from 6-9 pm. Pigeon Toe Ceramics will be showcasing their new Striae lighting collection, Lisa Warninger will show her boudoir photographs, and there will be free gourmet chocolate. FREE CHOCOLATE.
- Kerr Votive Lantern from Pigeon Toe
4. Of course there's another mushy Valentine's sale. This one's called "Love is in the Air," it's at Radish Underground, and it's on Friday, February 12, from 5-9 pm. The sale will feature custom-made jewelry and accessories: Love charm necklaces by Betsy Cross of betsy + iya, recycled skateboard earrings by Lindsay Holmes of MapleXO, Snarky Valentines by Alisa Starr, clothes by featured designer Janeane Marie (of current Project Runway fame), and artwork by Matthew William Templeton.
5. Last but not least, Löyly is doing a special for the entire month of February:
February Valentine's Special for 2: $149
Single visits to the facility for up to two hours plus 30 minute massages, masks of your choice, aromatherapy foot soaks, cleansing tea, sparkling water and your choice of body salts.
2 Aromatherapy foot soaks for $14
In addition to entry fee. All month long. Choose from sage, lemon, rosemary, lavender, or spruce.
Hot damn! Those are a lot of good deals!
Misc. Project Runway Wrap Up
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Oh, how I miss the 9 pm time slot of yore for our weekly Project Runway fix. Being out at the Tanker past 11 is starting to encroach on my mid-week beauty rest, but if Janeane's near-absence on the show is any indication we are safely scheduled up on Thursday nights for the foreseeable future. It's a good sign that the cameras barely rested on our homegirl at all yet again during last night's Project Runway episode, the only notable moment being during the stressful design/construction portion of the show, when she was smiling with glee at how well things were going for her—not the usual creased brows and wrung hands that characterize the workroom dramas. She's actually starting to have fun with it. Check out her blog from the episode. Nope, no complaints:
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fitness Get Your Beaver Freezer On
Posted by Matt Davis on Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Registration for the first triathlon of the season starts Monday. This year, they've expanded the event, but in past years, registration has begun and been over, pretty much instantly. So get over there at 8am Monday morning, and cure your hangover by signing up. Love this logo, incidentally:
- BEAVER FREEZER: IT'S GOT BEAVERS...
Sprint triathlons are a great way to get into the sport, and to set yourself a goal for April. If you're just starting to train now, for example, there's no reason you shouldn't reasonably expect to finish the course in a good time in two months. It's a 500 yard swim (that's 10 laps in a 25 yard pool), a 12 mile bike that's mostly flat, followed by a 3.1 mile run, followed by eating, followed by sleeping and feeling smug. Honestly, the best thing about triathlons is how much you get to eat afterwards:
- POST TRIATHLON EATING: THE BEST REASON TO COMPETE
If you do succumb and sign up, shoot me an email. There's a few of us thinking of going up there and we can probably figure out a car share. We'll also be doing a couple of mocks before the season starts, so that you can get your confidence up before race day.
News Basic Rights Oregon Discontinues Strut
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM
Basic Rights Oregon's big annual fashion show fundraiser Strut would have seen its fifth year in 2010, but according to this statement from organizer Jonny Shultz, it is no more. (For those of you who do not recall, he references his longtime partner Dan Callaway, who died in 2007.) According to Shultz, BRO "can’t hold the costs in their budget and need to focus their time energy and money on the upcoming 2012 ballot measure push for gay marriage." His statement:
Almost 5 years ago 2 beautiful, smiling women with an idea walked into my office and asked for me. They wanted to create a fashion show to benefit Basic Rights Oregon, but had no idea on how to accomplish that. We had several meetings and planned the first Strut fashion show. They put a lot of faith in me without really knowing me at all. Together we created something bigger than I think they could have imagined. We created Strut, a successful fashion show that showcased local design talent, and models (all local, all sizes, all ages, and all ethnicities). Strut quickly became the favorite fashion show of Portland because it was well organized, professional, and high energy. Every year Strut got bigger and better and so much more fun, not only for the audience but for those of us who produced it. When Dan was murdered, I wasn’t sure if I could continue, but the support that all of you showed me through the toughest time in my life, dedicated me to the cause. 6 months to the day after Dan was taken we held the 3rd Strut and B.R.O. lovingly dedicated it to him. I will forever be grateful for that. When Jeana and Sam walked into my office that day 5 years ago and brought up their idea, I talked with Dan that night as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on such a large project on top of my day job at Q6 and on top of my clothing design business. Dan convinced me to do it, he had a great way of looking at opportunities when they arose, and he fully supported me throughout the process. I considered the first two years Strut an official success once I did the final walk down the runway to see him holding flowers for me. When Strut began, I did it to make him proud (and he was very proud). After his death I continued; to make you all proud, to make him proud, and to help the push for marriage equality in the best way I knew how with the talents that I have. Dan and I never got to have our wedding day, but someday it will be possible for us all thanks to the work of Basic Rights Oregon.With all that being said, and with BRO’s stance on Strut this year (needing to focus their time and energy on upcoming ballot measures), it is time to say goodbye to our creation. I am immensely proud of what we created, and i thank you all for your support throughout the years.
I am reminded of last night's New Oregon Interview on fashion, during which Adam Arnold described his view of fashion shows as a gathering of his extended family. I think one can draw the same comparison with Strut, where people in and out of the industry came together out of mutual support and admiration. I'm sorry to see it go.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Fitness So You Want to Run a Marathon
Posted by Jane "the Intern" Carlen on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 4:41 PM
The Mountain Hardware store downtown (722 SW Taylor Street) will host a running clinic on Saturday, February 6th at 9 am. I know it’s early for a Saturday, but training is not about excuses. Learn how to prepare for 8k, 15k, and marathon-length courses from two certified coaches, DeeAnn Dougherty and Katie Hunter (check out their bios here). These short-haired firecrackers have dozens of years and thousands of miles of experience transmitting their perkiness to your quadriceps.
- Thousands of eyes of the tiger
It might seem like training to run for distances ending in -thon requires an obvious combination of will-power and practice for longer and longer amounts of time. Not so! There's a pretty cool science to rest and recovery intervals, engineering your heart rate to get the most impact out of the least amount of cardiovascular torture. I don't really understand it, but I don't question it either.
You will pick up tips on 1. Running techniques (left, right, left, right, left, right, left, right…and the lesser known paradiddle hop) 2. Performance Enhancement (which has nothing to do with herbal supplements), and 3. Goal Setting (go faster).
After a Q & A, session the coaches will lead a three mile run in two pace groups for s l o w and fast runners. The clinic is free, and there will be prizes and snacks and drinks. Don't miss this opportunity to talk conditioning, racing, and the shorts, oh, the shorts!
Event Go Red Trunk and Fashion Show Tomorrow
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 4:00 PM
It's the Go Red Trunk Show tomorrow, January 28, from 5-8 pm, at Indigo @ twelve | west.
Look for a runway show with looks from Opening Ceremony for Pendleton, Sarabeth, Cindy Taylor/Bon’Lou Couture, Risley Design, BettyJean Couture, O'Pearl Jewelry, and Barbara Johnson. There'll also be a drawing for two tix to the Heart Ball (Feb. 20, at the Governor Hotel), a custom dress to wear to the event, and more!
- This could be you! Dress by Cindy Taylor at Bon'Lou Couture
Event Jewelry Sale and Wine Tasting for Haiti Relief
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Divine Design Jewelry and Fat Barrel Wines are teaming up for a Haiti benefit on Wednesday, February 10, from 6:30-9 pm at Umpqua Banks' Pearl Location (1139 NW Lovejoy Street). 20% of jewelry sales will be donated to Mercy Corps' relief efforts in Haiti, and there will be a complimentary wine tasting to boot. Divine Design has just relocated to Portland (look for the storefront at 24th and East Burnside within the next month), and owner Lauren Harkness hopes to donate $2000 to Mercy Corps. She will be debuting her Spring/Summer 2010 collection comprised of mixed metals, silk, and leather at the event.
- Get some sweet jewelry like this!
- And this!
Gossip / Shop Wannamake Coming to Palace
Posted by Marjorie Skinner on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 2:18 PM
Accessories Owlita Earring Giveaway Results
Posted by Ali "the Intern" Reingold on Wed, Jan 27, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Thanks to everyone who entered the Owlita earring giveaway! Without further ado, I announce the winner:
Juan Cortes, who entered to win the earrings for his wife, Anita. He wrote a beautifully written scene involving blackbirds. And come on, he did it for his wife. That's just charming.
So thank your husband, Anita, and give him a big smackaroo, 'cause you've just won this pair of earrings from Owlita:
Thanks again to Owlita founder/creator Ashley Doty for facilitating the giveaway!
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