Seeing Spots

The panther is beautiful in her sleek black coat, but here is a little secret... she sometimes has spot envy.  You cannot deny the beauty of the cheetah or the leopard and their beautiful markings.  Animal prints are classic and elegant when used sparingly.  Here are some of our favorite looks featuring chic cheetah and lovely leopard prints.

Antique French chair with leopard print.

Wouldn't this be a lovely little accent in a bedroom or sitting room

The leopard rimmed dishes are so fun and would be so elegant

when mixed and matched with solid dishes.

An animal-print throw over the arm of a sofa or chair

adds warmth to any room.

LOVE this animal print pump with chain detail!

How chic is this cheetah gold ring!

Accent your wardrobe with this Kate Spade bag.

A leopard-print coat should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  Classic.

Of course, we cannot forget the classic black of the panther which sets all of the spots off!

-The Panther



Dine Out Tonight to Support Japanese Earthquake Relief

The panther loves nothing more than a good meal out, and when she can support a good cause at the same time, all the better!  So today we would like to share with you a wonderful fundraising event organized by MercyCorps.  Tonight, Tuesday, March 29, 2011, if you dine out at any of the participating restaurants, a portion of proceeds will go to MercyCorps for Japanese Earthquake Relief.

Read the details and the full list of participating restaurants here:
http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/portlandrestaurantrelief

So many amazing restaurants are participating, it is hard to choose. 
I'll share with you just a few of my favorites:


Bunk Bar:  1028 SE Water Ave.
http://bunkbar.com/

Bunk Bar is the late night version of Bunk Sandwiches.  This no-frills, noisy bar is always bustling.  The drinks are great.  I do believe they make the best Paloma in town.  In case you have never had a Paloma, I highly recommend you try one here.  They perfectly blend the tequila and grapefruit soda and just lightly salt the rim...fabulous.  Really, this place is all about the sandwiches though.  I am partial to the pork-belly Cubano.  You must try the Debris Fries...crisp french fries topped with a gravy of whatever meats they happen to have on hand that particular night.  Sinful and yummy!

Gruner:  527 SW 12th Ave.

http://www.grunerpdx.com/

Gruner may be tiny, but the flavor is huge.  This is elegant German cuisine with a creative twist.  The restaurant is dark, cozy, intimate and sexy.  May I suggest stopping in for an appetizer of crisp polenta croquettes stuffed with blue cheese and a glass of wine.  Yummy.



Produce Row:  204 SE Oak St.
http://www.producerowcafe.com/welcome/

I've been spending a lot of time at Produce Row lately.  This place is always fun and full of good energy.  The recently remodeled dining room is cozy, while the huge covered and heated patio with bowling alley tables is open and airy.  The cocktails here are perfect, especially the hot cocktails.  They have several beer and whiskey pairings available too.  The sandwiches here are amazing.  The bacon-wrapped meatloaf is to die for.  My personal favorite is the bow-tie pasta with pulled pork.   It has enough garlic to keep vampires away for weeks but it is soooo yummy.

The Sapphire Hotel:  5008 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

http://thesapphirehotel.com/

I love the Sapphire Hotel.  This place is so romantic.  It is dimly lit and cozy.  A former hotel/brothel, the Sapphire Hotel is full of history and stories.  The appetizers are excellent and my favorite cocktail in all of Portland comes from this place.  The cocktail I am in love with is called the Going Up?  It is a serrano pepper infused vodka muddled with cilantro, lime and sweet & sour with a salted rim.  It is sweet, spicy and savory, and the most fabulous mix of flavors.

We appreciate all of the participating restaurants for this event.  Go out tonight, try something new or go back to one of your faves... just be sure to support this great cause.

-The Panther



Daydreaming of Hawaii

In the midst of this cool, rainy Portland spring, our minds turn to a land of sunshine, warmth and blue waters.  We are longing for warm sand between our toes, tropical cocktails, exotic flowers, turquoise sea, and endless blue sky.  We are daydreaming of Hawaii.

Here's to hoping the sun returns soon.

Happy Daydreaming!

-The Panther

Friday Favorites: Beauty Products

The panther is a beautiful cat.  There is no questioning that.  The rest of us all have our little make-up and beauty secrets.  Today we would like to share with you some of our favorite, can't-live-without beauty products.

Lynn's Favorites:
     - Chanel Lipstick
     - Gel Eye Liner by Bobbi Brown

Chanel lipstick, always classic.  Rich lasting colors that come in the gorgeous black and gold tube.

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner by Bobbi Brown

You apply with your own brush so you can control how thick or thin the line.

Lasts all day and doesn't smudge

Kim's Favorites:

     - Tattoo Liner in "Trooper" by Kat Von D

     - Tricks of the Trade eye primer by Sephora

     - Shu Uemura eyelash curler

Tattoo Liner by Kat Von D

Comes in little pencil-sized tube

I love the super fine tip, so easy to control, just use the tip for a fine line

or brush the side for a thicker line.

Tricks of the Trade eye primer by Sephora

Keeps my eyeshadow on and in place all day

Eyelash Curler by Shu Uemura

The only eyelash curler that has ever worked for me.

Comes with two rubber inserts

Check out this lovely gold eyelash curler by Shu Uemura as well.

This is definitely the Panther's style!

Keep looking Beautiful!

-The Panther





Color Inspiration: Gorgeous Grey

We have our fair share of grey skies here in Portland.  Yes, the grey days can get you down, but look at it through the panther's eyes.  Grey is a gorgeous color!  It is classic and modern at the same time.  Grey makes a wonderful neutral and is a lovely backdrop for so many colors. 

How restful is this bedroom with warm grey walls, crisp white bedding and a pop of orange!

Loving this grey flannel Chesterfield sofa by Coach House

Fun accent pillows in grey with white accents.

I'm coveting these grey peep-toe boots

with chain lace-up and ankle strap detail at fashion-nique.net.

This dress is so elegant in grey.

Eyeshadow in shades of grey is always classic.

Nail polish in varied shades of grey...my latest fave.

Don't let the grey days get you down!

-The Panther

Sweet and Simple Spring Hostess Gifts

Spring is here and we are coming out of our winter lairs and thinking about entertaining again.  The season is full of entertaining possibilities.  The big ones are Easter and Mother's Day and we will cover those closer to that time.  Spring is the time for brunches and lunches.  Next event you are invited to, do not forget the hostess.  It is a lot of work to host a gathering, no matter how small.  Show your hostess you appreciate all she did.  A hostess gift does not have to be expensive or elaborate.  It is a token of appreciation.  If you do not know your hostess well, pick out something that could be useful to anyone, or something you yourself would appreciate receiving.  Here are a few simple hostess gift ideas.

Every woman makes grocery lists and love having a pad around to jot down her grocery needs.  How adorable is this list pad with Gerbera Daisy pen!

Candles are always nice to give and receive.  A sculpted buttercup candle by Point a la Ligne or a set of 3 votives in fun spring colors are cheerful gifts.

Cocktail napkins in a nice spring pattern, or your hostess' colors, tied with a ribbon is a very inexpensive but useful hostess gift.

Soaps make lovely gifts.  Think about packaging and presentation to make them extra special.  Shown below is a pear shaped soap with a little ceramic dish tied up in celophane.  How darling is the Gianna Rose bar of soap nestled in a bird's nest.

We love this gift for the gardener.  It is two garden soaps, little wooden soap board, and scrub brush all tied together with a green ribbon.  Perfect hostess gift for a garden party.

Be creative next time you need a hostess gift.  Share with us your ideas too!

-The Panther





Daydreaming of Paris

Tomorrow is the official start of spring and the gilded panther could not be more excited.  Spring is the prettiest,  most colorful of seasons.  Visions of glamorous Paris in springtime fill our minds.  Enjoy these lovely images of Paris in bloom.

Happy daydreaming.  Happy weekend.  Happy Spring!

-The Panther