NWPosh

Ode to Make Up, Part Two November 20, 2007

Make-up, skin care products are all considered luxury items; however, because for the most part, they cost less than a pair of jeans or a pair of shoes, consumers continue to purchase these items even in low points of the economy. It is an area that is, of course, affected by recessions but just not to the extent as other areas, such as clothing, shoes or hand bags.

Even in times when the economy slumps Cosmetics stays relatively consistent in its profits, in comparison with other areas. People might not be able to afford two hundred dollar shoes but they can still afford to purchase one or two $17.00 lip glosses. Make up is also a comfort purchase, it makes people feel good about themselves or at least, it should. One of cosmetics’ functions is to enhance and it should be regarded accordingly.

In addition, regardless of the state of the economy, one may not be able to afford a pair of Chanel sandals or Christian Dior top but she can have a piece of that high profile pie by purchasing a Chanel compact or a tube of Dior Show mascara.

Ode to Make Up, Part One November 18, 2007

I absolutely love make up. My love affair with make up began around the age of eleven. My father remarried around that time. My step-mother was quite a bit younger than my father. She introduced me to Vogue, Elle and make-up. My step-mother used Chanel and Yves St. Laurent makeup and consequently, my own make-up “bar” was set high. I never used the typical teen or pre-teen brands like Bonnie Bell or Wet and Wild. In fact, growing up I never used any drug store brands and the lost price point line I used was Clinique. Without coming across as a make up snob, as I will quickly admit I am, it was more so that even at a young age I recognized the power of make up and the importance of branding.

Like most connoisseurs, above all else, the quality of the product was extremely important to me. If the company spent money on its packaging and branding, then it was logical to think that the same, if not more, attention was given to the product itself. Packaging or branding is the very pretense of make up. The product in its self is a sort of branding of the wearer. The brand of make up we choose to purchase in many ways reflects how we want the world to see us. It is our own packaging. The classic, sleek black Chanel compacts, the clean, clinical packaging of Clinique and the embellished, shapely vials and baubles of Estee Lauder all to some degree embody how we want to be seen but also how we see or hope to see ourselves.

Rock n’ Roll Hoochie Kimikal November 17, 2007

Kimikal is like Ed Hardy meets sexy lingerie. Its rock and roll graphics and tattoo art are strong and sexy.  Kimikal is comprised of sultry bustiers, skimpy dresses, lusty tunics and tanks.  The bustiers may push the envelope but those rocking the night life will stand out amongst the other lovely ladies.  Kimikal can be purchased at the Red  Door Store.

Frederic Fekkai November 14, 2007

It is easy to become obsessed with Frederic Fekkai’s products, especially his new Coiff line. The Coiff line has eight products, ranging from pre-styling to finishing items. The Coiff line comes in pale blue packaging with corresponding shiny, metallic tops. All of the products are functional, beneficial for your hair and they smell delicious, which is always a plus for things you put in your hair. Frederic Fekkai products can be found at Sephora, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ulta and Bath and Body Works.

Green Chic November 11, 2007

MyBlend creams and lotions are innovative and they fill a niche for green skin care products. Not only are the ingredients natural but the packaging is also eco friendly. The sleek, chic containers can house refill after refill of Radiant Burst and Stress Management, among many others. Developed by Dr. Olivier Courtin, who leads the research at Clarins, another beauty industry forerunner. MyBlend is one of the first cosmetic lines sold at major department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue, that offers the ability to reuse the original container and purchase refills when needed, proving that it is possible to be chic and green.

Top Portland Shopping Destinations November 3, 2007

Bridgeport Village

Bridgeport Village is like a mall turned inside out. Despite the wet weather of the Northwest, Bridgeport draws a steady crowd of people everyday. There are several shops like Banana Republic, BCBG, Coach, Cole Haan, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, Z-Gallery, Eileen Fisher, Patrick James, MAC ( Cosmetics), Tommy Bahama, and many more that line the paths of Bridgeport Village.

It houses the second location of Carl Greve and the only Product store in the Portland area. It also lodges PF Changs, SinJu, and California Pizza Kitchen, among others.   And…Bridgeport Village has the largest Regal Cinema in the state with an IMAX theater.  So you can do your shopping, grab a bite to eat and then see the newest movie that has hit the big screen!

Washington Square

Washington Square has gone through several major changes over the years. Remember when Nordstrom was on the other side of the mall? In addition to the old mall standbys; Sears, Macy’s, and Nordstrom, a new branch of the mall is home to Pottery Barn Kids, Williams Sonoma, Chico’s, Sephora, Abercrombie and Fitch, Bebe and the ever-packed Cheese Cake Factory.

Pioneer Place

There are only a few reasons to go to the Pioneer Place area; Saks Fifth Avenue, Mario’s, Nordstrom, a large Banana Republic and there is a new Carl Greve that is down the street from their previous location.
Unfortunately, at times Pioneer Square is an uncomfortable block to walk with the panhandlers constantly haranguing you for “spare change.”

It’s Cup Cake…Cup Cake Jones. November 2, 2007

Delicious, complex flavors come in small packages at Cup Cake Jones. Take for example, Velvet Painting a “red velvet cocoa cake filled with vanilla bean pastry cream and topped with a traditional cream cheese icing topped with a hand candied edible rose petal.”

The mixing of standard cup cake aspects with fanciful concoctions makes Cup Cake Jones’ mini cakes truly too good to resist. Cup Cake Jones is located at 307 NW 10th Avenue. My favorite is Downtown Cup Cake Brown! What’s yours?