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December 28th, 2007
Most of the Holidays are over. While we here at PPFM hope you got everything you wanted, we know there is usually something left on the list. We find ourselves in a familiar position that is specific to this one week of the year. We have no one else to buy for, we really should procure a haircut and a new outfit for New Year's Eve, and we haven't yet received our December credit-card statement. There is a small window gentlemen; go forth and splurge. |
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Portland Picks: |
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| 1 | Live It, Love It “Find something you love to do, then do it for the rest of your life.” So said Max Fisher in the film “Rushmore.” If what you love to do happens to be offering well-made, sharp-looking hats alongside quality casual wear, then you open a place on N. Albina and call it Chapter Four. Chapter Four stocks its racks with streetwear that will look just as good ten years from now as it does today. Offering labels like WeSC out of Sweden—noted for a minimalist casual chic—and Triple 5 Soul with its elegant urbanwear, Chapter Four makes Portland a better-looking place, one street-smart shopper at a time. And when it comes to doing what they love, talk to them about the hats. They have everything from knit caps to fedoras, from classic to ultra-modern. Maybe we all aren’t lucky enough to do what we love for a living, but we know you love to shop. If you do it here, you can keep doing what you love. Chapter Four |
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| 2 | Feel the Burn We tend to think we're pretty active guys and confident in our physical abilities. We can do a few pull ups, throw some relatively impressive weight around the gym and suck it in long enough to make the right impression when needed. That's what we thought until we met Tiffany, owner and personal trainer at lifeBODY Fitness. Within the first 10 minutes of our session, we realized this wasn't the standard “look good in the mirror doing curls” kind of thing. Tiffany pinpointed and corrected posture problems and put us through grueling stretches to open up tight muscles—issues we had no idea about. The 60-minute beginner routine left us humbled, sweaty and completely awed with lifeBODY 's approach to fitness. Void of the beefcake-and-spandex atmosphere found at most gyms, lifeBODY focuses on form, function and a personal relationship with clients. All sessions are either private or semi-private (sharing the space with only one other trainer and client). You can even request a specific playlist for your workout. After a couple core-tightening sessions, you'll move with confidence and won't have to worry about sucking in that gut when trying to impress. lifeBODY Fitness |
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| 3 | A Classy Repast When it comes to eating ethnic on a date, we tread lightly. The smells can range from the exotic to mood-killingly odd. But a can't-miss is Portland's newest Indian offering—the East India Co. Upon arrival we were graciously led past the sleek bar to the sophisticated open dining room; where we were seated in a semiprivate, VIP-type booth. We were impressed when, after cozying in—and we mean cozy—the staff asked if we were too hot or cold and adjusted the temp accordingly. Then we slurped a specialty cocktail and ordered the Samosa Chaat, a delightful rendition of the staple appetizer served with garbanzo beans and just a little spiciness to kick it up. Everything was delicious, the staff attentive and the setting tastefully refined. Our only mistake was over-ordering—by the time our entrees came we were looking forward to a leftover lunch feast the next day. This place is on our list for impressing the ladies with our worldly side. So go check them out, and mention PPFM to get a free dessert with the purchase of an entree! East India Co. |
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| 4 | Oh So Vital When you inevitably find yourself at Bridgeport Village looking for after-holiday specials at Mario's or with the wife/girlfriend returning a gift-giving mishap, be sure and pop into Vital Barber Shop to get spiffed up for whatever debauchery you have planned on New Year's Eve. The Vital Barbershop combines the classic barbershop experience of yesteryear with a slick, updated, upscale edge. We're not sure of the pathos, but something about kicking back in this environment waiting for your trim stirs something very male in us, leaving us wishing there were more places like this. For $25 you can relax with a beer, head massage and cut. A tip? Indulge in their Hot Towel Shave (trust us). If you want to take the kids, they can line up for a haircut while enjoying an old-school soda and a lollipop ($15). Baby's first Vital haircut is free, and if you wear a uniform and yield your badge, it's 10% off. And the Vital Barbershop only uses the finest, manliest products, like our favorite Sharps Shave Cream and Tuner. Only the best of the best here—because you're worth it. |
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| Book of the Month: | |||
Witnessing life unfold through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy genius as he grapples with the death of his father in 9/11 seems, at first glace, a heavy journey to be companion to. Jonathan Safran Foer's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" is actually a brilliant mix of mystery and compassionate humor that left us emotionally satiated and thankful to be privy to a story of healing and lost innocence in a post-9/11 world. Yes, a heavy read, but worth the weight. |
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| Necessities: | |||
| 1 | Tread Lightly There's nothing worse than losing it on the rain-soaked pavement while braving the streets of downtown Portland. Not that this has happened to us—recently, anyway. That's because we've added a winter must to our footwear arsenal: Sorels. A long-time standard, they relocated to Portland some years back. And like the rest of us, gentlemen, they've come up in the style department since. While we covet a few of their designs for aesthetics’ sake, trust us, and start with the uber-comfortable Bota Bag. |
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| 2 | The Satellite Approach When it comes to filling our home’s finite wall space we like to save the big money for the bigger pieces. Supplementing these with smaller works, however, we take a fun (and often more thrifty) approach. The Block Inspired wall art by Infinity is marked by funky archetypal designs, which are rendered in pleasing, often bright, color combinations. These perfectly eclectic little satellites will easily complement their larger counterparts in color, if not motif. |
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| 3 | In the Bag On occasion, too refined a wardrobe becomes a liability, and keeping it loose and hip are advantageous. Carrying your gear to a meeting in a slick leather case can belie this intent. In our search for something FUNctional that could perhaps even be an ice-breaking conversation piece, we found these edgy bags by Klaus-Dieter Waltner that are available at Halo Shoes. We knew there was a reason Adidas and Nike have put this guy in key design positions. |
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| 4 | Train Smarter Ever wonder what makes your heart go thump? It may lack the iconic nature of Casio's Watch Calculator, but the Timex Ironman Heart Rate Monitor will keep tabs on your ticker and help you train smarter.Workout at various intensities by setting up four training zones—the watch will beep at you if you stray from your target heart rate, whether it means keeping you moving or slowing you down before you stroke out. Pick one up for around $90 at Fit Right Northwest at 1207 NW 23rd. www.fitrightnw.com |
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Gratuitous Photo of the Month: |
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Let’s break it down for you: The elegant Aubepine Bra and Cardamine Panty in Coquette will hug her body in all the right places. Both are designed by Eres, the classic French lingerie brand, and the preferred choice of celebrities and women in the know. Read: a very impressive gift when you bring it home! Too shy to shop? They offer gift certificates in any denomination. Lille Boutique |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Feel Like a (Very Relaxed) Guy at Terra Del Sol Don’t be afraid of the spa. Terra Del Sol Spa provides superior services without making you feel “girly.” And you deserve it. Soak your tired muscles in a Jetted Immersion Bath. Let your thoughts of work evaporate in a Thermal Steam Bath. Plunge into the Atlantis Cool Dip. And tell them Portland Picks for Men sent you! What: Relaxation at Terra Del Sol Spa |
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| 2 | Don’t Miss the 17th Annual Champagne Ball Grab a date and celebrate New Year's Eve in style at the 17th Annual Champagne Ball. The party is held at the Hilton Portland and includes entertainment from 5 Guys Named Moe, 80s Invasion and 2 DJs, on 4 different dance floors. Want to win a room package for 2 with free tickets? Go to www.champagneball.com and enter to win! What: 17th Annual Champagne Ball |
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| 3 | Ye Olde Holiday Shopping in Sellwood/Westmoreland Enjoy a community-wide sale in Sellwood-Westmoreland that wraps up next weekend when 90 participating businesses will commence a month-long scavenger hunt. Not “that into” the holiday spirit? Shop now, as the sales and specials run throughout the month, and enter in a raffle to win gift certificates donated by neighborhood businesses. What: Decemberville: eat . shop . enjoybulate |
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| 4 | Who's your Daddy? Did Santa forget something from your list in the way of board gear? No worries! This week you'll find Daddies Board shop offering 15% off of their impressive selection of outerwear, boards, boots and bindings. Mention PP4M for an additional 15% off of Flow bindings. Who needs Santa when you have us? What: Extra 5% off at Daddies Board Shop when you mention PP4M |
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They’re on to us! We just got a pretty cool writeup at www.livepdx.com—click here to read all about how it started at the Picks, and where we’re going. And while you’re at it, check out their site. They have everything from restaurant listings to events and even video interviews with local types … try it … you’ll like it. |
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