Category Archives: Portland & Oregon

The Week In Pictures: 11.10.12

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

Sometimes the shoes of your dreams appear when you least expect them to. Let’s back up a few weeks. After I returned home from New York, I was feeling stressed about having too much clutter so I went on a mad closet cleaning spree. The piles quickly grew as I made a pact with myself to choose quality over quantity and whittled my possessions down to only the things I loved or wore constantly.

With bags in hand, Joey & I headed to Buffalo Exchange last weekend to trade it all in. With a quick $100.00+ in trade, I circled the store and found nothing I wanted in return (which is rare for me). We got in line to cash out my ticket and as I made my way to the register, I spotted some white buckled heels way up on a crowded shelf. Intrigued, I asked to see them.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

Louboutins! Wow. I didn’t own any of those. I’d tried some studded boots on in Vegas with Kat & Gala by my side but though they were beautiful, they were just too expensive. These shoes were amazing…I flipped over the tag and they were a 36. I usually wear a 37. Joey encouraged me to slip them on. They fit. I checked the price. $82.00! For Louboutins in mint condition! These shoes must have easily retailed for $800.00 to $1000.00 and now they were within reach — my trade-in amount was enough to cover them. So the cashier rings them up and they come up at $41.00. Another 50% off! I walked out on clouds, scoring my first pair of Louboutins for a mere $41.00 which I paid for in trade. When the style, size and price all align, that’s shoe karma, I tell you. Totally made my week.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

With all the Blogcademy madness and additional projects I’ve been working on, I haven’t gotten away to spend as much time with friends and family as I’d like. On Thursday I caught up with my Aunt Shannon (Auntie Nubs!) and we had dinner at our favorite thai place, laughing, gossiping and just getting away from it all. It’s so important to have that away time from work, get a reality check and just exist away from our professions. I need to take that break more often because with creative fields, it’s so easy to get wrapped up in our own worlds and the smallest of details instead of focusing on the big picture.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

I’ve been working on a lot of projects (I probably have at least 10 finished ones stockpiled to share!) and this week, my focus was split between two I really, really love. Both have a high abundance of pink accents. More soon!

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

I really wish this was another weekend of playing tourist around my hometown (I forgot how fun that is!) but instead it’s back to work and time to focus on some personal projects as well as some sweet new Blogcademy graphics for our announcement on Wednesday. Have a great weekend, everyone!

What I Wore: 11.5.12 | Playing Tourist

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

There’s nothing quite like being a tourist in your own city. Over the last few weeks Joey & I have been out an about in our S.E. Portland neighborhood as well as downtown, snapping key places we think non-Portlanders would be interested in learning about for an international magazine feature. The truth is that…I don’t get out much. And since I’m a native Oregonian, I feel like I’ve seen everything in my city over and over so it’s been a welcome excuse to view my surroundings with fresh eyes and think about why I like calling this place home.

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

I made one final trip downtown over the weekend and wore a a checked midi skirt which is a new silhouette for me. Because I’m petite (5’3″) I always figured that skirts below the knee were off-limits. But after I turned 30, I decided to throw all those rules I’d subconsciously made for myself out the window, accept that I was never going to sprout up a few more inches and just wear what I liked. And with temperatures quickly dipping, I’ve been reaching for this wool blend skirt constantly. Girls who wear longer skirts, I get it now!

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

Playing tourist meant that I got to try out all the places I always pass by. We stopped into Sizzle Pie and though I still really miss Rocco’s, the iconic pizza place that was in that spot before, Joey was happy to see that they have a nice selection of vegan pizza by the slice.

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

The Sizzle Pie signage and store design was done by Portland-based Official Mfg. Co.

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

I Wore:

Jacket, Rick Owens
Necklace, H&M
Sweater, Sonia Rykiel for H&M
Midi Skirt, Asos
Bag, Miu Miu
Tights, H&M
Wedges, Minimarket
Nail Polish, Pop Nailglam


I’m still on the School’s Out Forever style direction I put together for Fall:

What I Wore: Asos Plaid Skirt

1. Asos Check Midi Skirt (sold out in red but still available in white), 2. Acne Marlin Heels, 3. All Saints Harrah Pipe Skinny Pants, 4. All Saints Lour Roll Neck Pullover, 5. Derek Lam Bodin Cross-Body Bag and 6. Acne Trip Scarf.


Take some time to play tourist in your own town sometime soon. It’s been a great reality check for me, a chance to check out local businesses I’d been hearing about and have an excuse to consume a lot of coffee and try new food cart delicacies. All in all, a good time.

The Week In Pictures: 11.3.12

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

This week has felt weird, with Sandy battering the east coast a week after I returned from New York. Really feeling for so many of you that are struggling and without the basics — we’re all rooting for you to make a swift recovery. Halloween also came and went. I was happy to stay in with Rocky and take it easy. After The Blogcademy, I’ve been needing some time to just be still. Time to get caught up on boring everyday stuff. Time to read the occasional book and to go out to the occasional dinner and get back on track with routines.

The above still life of my desk is full of things I’m loving at the moment: my Fuji Instax camera, a postcard from an upcoming NY-based client, a special little surprise from long-time client Aroha Silhouettes (their logo is still one of my personal faves), my go-to wacky but dressy necklace from H&M, a tear from Lucky Magazine with a cool take-down of gathering inspirations and the most beautiful laser-cut thank you card from Blogcademy attendee Laura in the U.K.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

Out and about on a rainy Thursday night along S.E. Belmont, on my way to the vegan-friendly Sweet Hereafter.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

Our Blogcademy sponsors really delivered — I’m loving this heart tote from Alphabet Bags. It’s so sturdy and well-made…now I’m scoping out their phone cases and clutches.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

When we moved into Wolfgang Manor three years ago, there was a gazebo in our back yard on a cement slab which was of little use. This year, we finally got it framed in and sided but still have a long ways to go. Bummed that we didn’t get it finished but that’s how life is. Next year we hope to have it fully functioning as a cozy little backyard bar / cabin. Slowly but surely, we’ll get there.

Nubby Twiglet The Week In Pictures

Ah, rainy Portland. I’m off to downtown right now to finish up a project and hunt down a latte. Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm and safe. And to those of you who weathered Sandy, you’re in my thoughts. Sending lots of love your way.

Portlandia

downtown portland nubby twiglet


Late last year, I took a mini tour around Downtown Portland, snapping some highlights of my home town. While a few of the resulting images were shared on another site, many were left out due to length constraints. Since so many of you have asked me about Portland over the years, I thought I’d share some little glimpses of our downtown area. I’ve actually lived in S.E. Portland for many years and maybe I’ll show you of my favorite spots and hangouts sometime — it’s definitely much more quirky!

Portland is one of the most bike friendly cities in the country. Everyone including Joey rides bikes everywhere. Everyone that is, except me.


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The famous Portland sign. Classic.


downtown portland nubby twiglet


If you happen to get lost, make your way to Pioneer Square (also known as Portland’s living room) for some helpful directions. Hey, Times Square is only 2,443 miles away!


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Powell’s City of Books claims to be the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. If you’re visiting, it should definitely make your top 10 list of places to check out.


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About a block from Powell’s is Reading Frenzy, my favorite little shop for independent zines, books and other trinkets. Cute overload.


downtown portland nubby twiglet


I love the old-timey look of Kenny and Zuke’s. Most of their sandwiches have meat in them but I had a pretty amazing grilled cheese here one time. It’s on a block of great establishments including Ace Hotel, Stumptown Coffee and Clyde Common, a European-style restaurant (with great mimosas).


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I never get tired of stopping into the lobby of The Ace. The lobby has a photo booth and an entrance to Stumptown (complete with big windows for some of the best people watching in the city).


downtown portland nubby twiglet


For the most part, though I’ve had many extended stays in New York and traveled through a big chunk of the U.S., I’ve always called Portland home. Come visit us sometime!


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Skylab

While roaming around Portland, there are a few places that I’ve been inside of that immediately took my breath away. I never really connected the dots until recently but they all seemed to have a few things in common: a very sleek, modern core containing a lot of glass merged with slightly rustic wood grain details.

When I first stepped inside North a few months ago, it was easily one of the coolest spaces I’d ever been in so I asked who’d designed the interior. Turns out that the honor goes to Portland’s Skylab Architecture. Here are some of my favorite projects of theirs:

Departure


skylab

skylab

skylab

Departure Restaurant & Lounge, Portland, Oregon

North


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skylab

North Ad Agency, Portland, Oregon

Sugar Laboratories


skylab

Sugar Laboratories Salon & Spa, Portland, Oregon

Flavor Paper


skylab

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skylab

Flavor Paper Wallpapers, Brooklyn, New York

East


skylab

East Chinatown Lounge, Portland, Oregon

Doug Fir


skylab

skylab

skylab

Doug Fir Lounge Restaurant & Bar, Portland, Oregon


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The Week in Pictures: 6.11.10

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Weekend Date at Saint Cupcake


week in pictures

This weekend, I met my friend girl Joey for coffee and after awhile, we realized that the holy grail of sweet treats, Saint Cupcake was just a few doors down. One is never enough. Ever. They also do vegan versions of a few varieties if you’re interested!

Office Overhaul Continued


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week in pictures

I’m still not quite done with my office – I just ordered a zinc colored Eames Aeron chair (worth every penny when you sit all day) and still need to find a suitable rug. But! I stole the desk we had in the white room and now I have three times the space to work! So unbelievably nice. I especially like the storage inside of the ‘legs.’

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Goggles!


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The guys at Smith Optics kindly sent me samples of the goggles I designed, along with one of the helmets. I’m spreading the love and sending two of my best friends a pair so they can get some use – though I’m keeping the super cute, thin strapped girl’s ones for myself!

Rush Hour


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The road home from Nike any time near 5 PM is a long one.

Cozy Breakfast


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week in pictures

On Sunday, Auntie Nubs joined Joey and I for a delightful vegan breakfast at Paradox. Of course, she always packs along her camera and snaps away, for better or worse. Let’s just say that she’s got a pile of doozies that shall remain locked in the secret family photo album forever. I hope.

Cool Cover


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When I was freelancing this week, I discovered this super awesome cover on one of the agency’s shelves and had to share. So good!


Enjoy your weekend (and stay out of trouble!)

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The Week in Pictures: 6.5.10

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View from the floor: Sunshine.


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It’s about time. Often, I buy beverages solely based on their packaging. Surely I’m not alone in this?

Weekend Stop at Stumptown.


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I know that everyone likes Stumptown coffee, but I think their hot chocolate is the best.

Spotted: Gremlin!


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I have a total soft spot for Gremlins – they’re little, awkward and the gas tank in the back cracks me up. There’s this middle-aged hispanic woman in my neighborhood that burns out of the Plaid Pantry parking lot sometimes in the most amazing Gremlin of all-time: sparkly green paint job, monsterous racing slick tires and massive flames painted along the sides. I totally wish she’d take me for a spin sometime.

Project status: Complete.


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I spent pretty much every waking hour this week working on a book for Downtown Portland with the North team, complete with custom embossed covers – I’m super happy with how it turned out.

Cutest sign ever.


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I am in love with the logo for Breken Kitchen, a cafe in N.W. The walls inside are perfectly matched to that same green – I love it when businesses go the extra mile with those little details.

You can’t be serious.


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When I was sitting at Stumptown this weekend, this bike rider’s getup totally caught my eye. Skin tight? Check? Hearts? Check. Outfit matches your wife’s? Check. Golden.

ART


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Hand-painted advertising.

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Someone’s a barfly.


When we go to the coffee shop in the morning and walk Rocky, we always pass a trashy restaurant / bar on the corner. The side door is usually open and Rocky for some reason loves to try and wander in. I don’t blame him – the dart boards, collection of 3 foot tall trophies and Ozzy blaring are all pretty hard to resist. Nice sign, too:

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Until next week,

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