Get the Rock Star Treatment at Bishops Barbershop

October 12, 2010

Getting your hair cut is much more about the experience than the actual cut itself these days.  Salons and barbershops have stepped up their game and are giving their clients some perks that you can’t find at a place like Supercuts or from the corner barbershop your grandpa has been going to all his life.  Alcohol, fashion, free concert tickets, and art work are just some of what you can expect from these high-end shops.

Bishops Barbershops, located all across Portland, are known for their edgy cuts, styles, and their love of rock n’ roll.  Tattoos aren’t a requirement to work there, but it sure doesn’t hurt.  All genres of rock music are played at some point during the day  in the shops, and if you are 21 and over you can enjoy a nice cold Miller High Life while you are waiting.  They also support the local music scene with free concert ticket giveaways.  But the best part about Bishops is the great conversations you have with the hairstylists, and the juicy gossip you usually overhear.

Bishops isn’t the cheapest place to go for a haircut that is a given, but it is well worth shelling a few more bucks out to actually enjoy going to the hair salon.  I for one hate going to a place where I am going to be forced to listen to soft rock and get my hair cut by a gal whose idea of style is emulating 90210 characters.  Plus, you can get $5 off a cut at all Bishops locations through our Forkfly app!

Trendy Tuesday: The Brazilian Blowout

October 5, 2010

A few days ago my boyfriend asked me if I knew what a Brazilian Blowout was.  He was truly puzzled by the name and had heard mentions of the procedure in ads around town several times.  Knowing where his mind was going, I quickly assured him that a Brazilian Blowout has nothing to do with waxing, and that they are two completely different things.  I first learned about the blowout treatment a few months ago while visiting the salon SmashCut Studio in The Pearl District, and so I was able to give an accurate description of this hair procedure to my boyfriend.  But this got me to thinking, there is probably a lot of people out there like my boyfriend who think the blowout is some powerful new hair remover, and so I thought it would be nice to set the record straight.

The Brazilian Blowout isn’t  new in the celebrity/modeling world, they have been using the procedure for years, but it is still relatively new for the majority of us who don’t have personal hairstylists :)  The blowout is a hair smoothing treatment that is supposed to leave your hair frizzless, shiny, strong and a lot healthier.  It is a professional treatment, and so it can only be performed by a licensed beautician in a salon.  The entire treatment takes 90 minutes or less depending on your hair type, and is recommended for anyone with colored, dry, frizzy, curly, poofy, or unmanageable hair.  I know that years of dyeing my hair crazy colors has left my hair in a weak, brittle state, so I would be a perfect candidate for this procedure.  I also read that this treatment is safe on and beneficial for those with hair extensions, like me.

You will be able to see results from the treatment for up to 12 weeks, and after that period your hair will return to normal but still be slightly healthier than before.  The more you get the treatment the healthier your hair will permanently become.  Check out these before and after photos.  They are pretty impressive!

Visit The Brazilian Blowout website for answers to any of your questions on this procedure and to locate a salon near you.  If you live in the Portland area, Forkfly merchants SmashCut Studio and Amore Salon Spa are both certified to perform this treatment, and SmashCut is offering a free consultation to Forkfly users!

Trendy Tuesday: Barre3 Sparks a New Fitness Trend

September 28, 2010

After shunning exercise for most of my life, in the last year or two I have come to see myself as an athletic person. My routine is pretty limited to circuit training DVDs at home, but after reading recently that a person is more likely to find success with a exercise schedule if they work out outside of the house and with other people, I’m rethinking my technique and considering attending some classes. The most innovative and talked-about workout these days comes from Barre3, a ballet, yoga and pilates hybrid class with a high level of intensity and a focus on balance and flexibility.

You may have read that Madonna swears by Barre3. Celebrity endorsements are great, but after browsing the website I don’t need anyone else’s opinion to get excited about this Portland-based phenomenon. Sadie Lincoln, of Eugene, Oregon, worked for 24 Hour Fitness for ten years before founding her unique exercise studio. Sadie focuses on balance in her workouts and in her business, and she successfully maintains a balance between staying true to her local roots and seizing the opportunity to expand and share her methods internationally. She leads classes at her original Portland studio and personally trains franchise owners and class instructors, and the company has studios in Oregon, Washington, Oklahoma and the Philippines.

Barre3 classes are set to upbeat music and incorporate “the grace of the ballet barre with the wisdom of yoga and the strength of Pilates” to tone and lengthen lean muscles. Classes have a cap on the number of participants to ensure each person receives the attention they need to perfect their form and receive the most from their workout. Childcare is available, which I love to see, because busy moms deserve a chance to give stuff like this a try, too.

Much to my excitement, Barre3 just came out with a workout DVD, but I don’t think I should allow myself to buy it until I’ve worked up the courage to attend a class and receive Sadie’s expert instruction and attention. Take a look at the Barre3 website for locations and class schedules, and look for Forkfly deals for Barre3 to give yourself a good reason to check out this hot fitness trend!

Written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

Trendy Tuesday: The New Girdle for the 20th Century

September 21, 2010

The days of uncomfortable and often unsafe girdles may have passed, but society’s desire to tuck, hide, and smooth out our imperfections are still just as strong as they have been for centuries.  The modern girdle comes in many different styles, shapes and is designed to combat several different problem areas.  Ardyss International specializes in body contouring.  They carry what they call body shapers for your abdomen, bust, posterior, hips, and thighs.  Ardyss claims that their product will give you the look of having just had liposuction done.  They also say that instead of crushing your innards and giving you a lack of breath, the body shapers actually support your upper and lower back and wearing the garment will help burn fat.

They also have garments for men, which I would be curious to find out if a man would really wear one of these products, or if they would be too embarrassed.

Not sure if the products work the way they say they do, but they definitely have peeked my interest and are more than worth a try.  You can get some great deals on these products and more on Forkfly!

Trendy Tuesday: Little Urbanites

September 14, 2010

Portland has a unique, hip sense of fashion that extends to the kids. Parents here like to let creativity run free, both in their selections for their children and by letting kids dress themselves. Little Urbanites, a children’s store with a wide variety of clothing, furniture and accessories for kids, has its finger on the pulse of kid’s fashion. Little Urbanites has embraced the proper-looking British-inspired trend seen around Portland in their clothing selection, offering styles like double-breasted pea coats and Peter Pan collars in organic fabric.

This Kate Quinn Organics top has been paired with a jumper, tights and a big bow, creating a really cute, put-together look.

Here the model rocks another monochromatic outfit with matching orange hat and shirt. The clean-cut and aesthetically conscious trend reflected in these photos leads to some good looking Portland children. Little Urbanites also peddles kid-sized versions of Portland fashion staples, like this organic cotton bomber jacket.

Little Urbanites offers more than clothes for kids. They have apparel for babies, and furniture and art to make your child’s room as colorful and pretty as her wardrobe. Toys, books, strollers and other gear round out Little Urbanites’ selection.

Check out their blog here for posts about kid’s activities, community news, product info and more. Check out the store at 916 NW 10th Avenue, shop at their website, and look out for deals on Forkfly for Little Urbanites merchandise!

**Blog written by Forkfly intern Eleanor Brown

Trendy Tuesday: New Shop “Rebel Row” Brings a Rock ‘N’ Roll Pin-up Style to Vancouver

September 7, 2010

Rebel Row owners Brian and Brittny Houghton are not new to the retail scene; in fact, the couple have been toting their unique wares to conventions, car shows, and festivals all around Portland and Vancouver for quite a long time.  I just discovered them about six months ago while attending a classic car show.  I loved absolutely everything they had on display: coffin belt buckles, metal and rock t-shirts, pin-up style dresses, and classic horror stickers and patches.  It is not every day I am able to find a boutique that satisfies my love of pin-up, rock ‘n’ roll, and classic horror, so of course my first question was where is your shop and how have I never heard of you guys before?

It takes a lot of time and money to open up your own retail clothing store, but the huge reactions from customers like myself, demanding more from Rebel Row, convinced the Houghtons that they just couldn’t put off opening up a store any longer.  Brittny was born and raised in Vancouver, WA and always had a dream of opening up her own shop that focuses on the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle that she loves so much, and Brian, being in the rock ‘n’ roll music scene, felt the same way.  They both were unsatisfied with Portland’s retail scene, and were frustrated with the high prices and limited choices, and quickly found that they weren’t the only ones that felt that way.  After a long period of selling their stuff out of booths, Rebel Row opened up their official shop a couple weeks to rave reviews.

Located at 1901 Main St. in Vancouver, Rebel Row has made it self right at home amongst other thriving businesses that line Vancouver’s Main strip.  They carry over 20 different clothing/accessory lines, and are always hunting for more.  They love to support the local music and art scene, and not only play music by local rock musicians in their shop, but encourage local designers to show them their stuff, as long as it has a rock ‘n’ roll or pin-up theme of course.  Check out Rebel Row’s website here, and follow them on Facebook.

Trendy Tuesday: Design one of a kind jewelry with Gem Kitty!

August 24, 2010

When a person is doing what they love in their life it shows in their product, and thus is the case with the Portland based jewelry shop Gem Kitty.  Jewelry designer Arwa Jumkawala has been designing jewelry all her life.  She even wore her first creation, a rose quartz and garnish necklace, to kindergarten. Born and raised in Hong Kong by two parents in the gemstone and jewelry trade, Arwa Jumkawala grew up surrounded by bright and colorful baubles, and the even more colorful collection of individuals who scout, mine, cut, polish, broker, and barter these treasures around the globe.  Her passion for beautiful, shiny things is represented well in her personal line of jewelry sold on Gem Kitty.com.  Two of my favorite creations by Arwa are these two necklaces shown below.

These two pieces have an elegance and yet a fun modern edge to them that I am really drawn to.

But Arwa doesn’t want to keep all the jewelry making fun to herself, on Gem Kitty you too can design your own one of a kind earrings or necklace!  So shop, buy, design, and as always, KEEP IT LOCAL!  Check out Gem Kitty’s website here, and look for her deals coming soon on Forkfly!

Trendy Tuesday: Soft Knit Nightie

August 17, 2010

With the weather being in the 90′s in Portland, finding something to wear at night that is light weight, comfortable and won’t leave you all sweaty is a necessity.  The days haven’t been that bad for me, but at night my house is stuffy, hot and even having two fans on doesn’t fully alleviate my uncomfortableness.  It is very important to have something comfy and yet still cute to sleep in during this hot weather, and the perfect remedy at a reasonable price is the Soft Knit Nightie from Lucia Apparel.

This sleepwear is a great mix of sexy and sensible, and it is exactly what I am looking for to have a comfortable night sleep.  I love the neon green striped piece in particular!  If you are worried about having something for the cold too, check out these Lounge Pants Pajamas also from Lucia!

Lucia has some adorable dresses that are also worth checking out here.  Lucia Apparel is located at 424 NW 11th St in Portland.

Local Fashion Trend of the Week: Vintage Watches

August 10, 2010

I really believe that accessories make a look.  I love to put on a plain black dress and then accessorize it with neon green heels, maybe some purple earrings and a bracelet.  The one accessory I haven’t ever worn though is a watch.  Even during the early ’90s when bright colored Swatches were all the rage, I just felt weird having something attached tightly to my wrist all day and was one of only a handful of girls in my class not rocking a Swatch watch.  But more and more I am thinking I might have to try this whole watch thing again when I come across some really cool vintage style watches like this one available at Shop Adorn.

The EOS Mixtape watch is like a blast from my past.  I love this 80′s inspired style that is silly but still looks classy.  The two discs on the watch even mimic the look of a real cassette tape.  Like totally awesome!  Another thing that is pretty awesome is that you can get 20% off your entire purchase at Shop Adorn now through September 1 on Forkfly.

Fashion Trend of the Week: Over-the-Knee Socks

August 3, 2010

Yes, summer is officially here in Portland, but that doesn’t mean the mornings and evenings aren’t still incredibly cold, and so this week’s local fashion trend focuses on an item that keeps ladies warm and still lets us wear our shorts skirts and shorts.  Over-the-Knee socks are perfect for those cold Oregon days, and what I love is if you get too hot you can just take them off with out any hassle.  Unlike stockings, which have a limited amount of styles, there are lots of cute styles and designs to choose from with socks.  Saysay boutique, located at 1010 SW Morrison St., has some adorable knee-high and over-the-knee socks, like the ones pictured here with ice cream cones or bikes on them.  I especially like their variety of striped over-the-knee socks that come in many colors and are very reasonably priced.

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