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  PORTLAND PICKS FOR MEN
  life + style to you
March 7th, 2008

Another Tuesday gone by and still no clear Democratic nominee.  In a race that's growing nastier every week, McCain is free to gear up for fall.  And Ralph Nader has thrown his hat in the ring, which must be causing fits of glee in the McCain camp and probably has Hil-Bama sweating like Shaq at the foul line.

However it shakes out, we remember the wise words of Count Bismarck: "The greatest lies are told before the marriage, after the hunt, and during the election."

       
 

Portland Picks for Men:

 
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Welcome to the Jungle

We had a friend in from Phoenix who was looking for “rock and roll” attire to impress his L.A. girlfriend (we think he’s dating a stripper). He wanted a tee-shirt printed with skulls and acid-washed jeans to go with his new spiky haircut.  We directed him to Steel for Men so he could avoid all of this.

Steel is a hidden gem of a shop just below street level that does urban apparel right. You won’t look like your girlfriend dressed you, but you can find clothes with a slight edge.  In addition to designer denim from labels like Division and Parasuco, they carry some sharp accessories like wallets and laptop bags from Hlaska and Clark & Mayfield.  And if you're looking for something business-casual that can easily make the transition to happy hour and beyond, look no further.  With labels like Report and English Laundry, Steel can outfit you for a meeting with the CEO or the P-U-B.

Bonus: Some of their prices are so reasonable it'll make you scream, or bring you to your sha na na na knees. You get the idea.

Steel for Men
826 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.295.9220

       
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Quite Possibly North of Heaven

Is a good single-malt whiskey a spiritual experience for you? Do you consider tasting imported beer sublime?  Do you think of a great meal as sacred?  If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, head to North 45 pub. Why?  We'll preach on.

For all of us whiskey adherents, there's a one-hundred bottle selection; many that can't be found anywhere else in Oregon. Also, every Sunday night is "Single Malt Night" where all single malts are $2 off. The choice of Sunday is apropos, since we're firmly convinced that if God drinks, He drinks single-malt scotch. You'll also find a large rotating selection of Belgian beers including all five of the Trappist Beers available in the USA.  (These brews, made by Trappist monks at their monasteries, are tastier than Holy Water. or so we've heard.)

Last, the food is a perfect compromise between fine dining and pub fare.  From burgers to one of eight dishes created with mussels, every meal is paired with a recommended selection of beer and wine.  We call it a match made in Heaven. Amen!

North 45 Pub
517 NW 21st Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.248.6317
www.north45pub.com

       
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Harems: Not Just for Sheiks and Sultans Anymore

When it comes to grooming there is a fine balance to strike between old-school barber and full-service salon.  On one hand you like having a go-to person who knows just what you like, and more importantly they can do it in a masculine environment. You know--a beer in one hand and a men's periodical in the other?

On the other hand it's nice to have access to other services like a scalp massage (which is only acceptable by female hands) or a straight-razor shave.  It’s entirely possible you may need to have some stray eyebrow growth strategically removed.  And i t's also nice if that aforementioned beer is a quality one.

Gentlemen of Portland, you can have it all at HairM.  More like a full-service grooming facility than a salon, you'll find top-notch stylists surrounded by a bevy of additional services from massage to hand & foot detailing.  Not to mention their great selection of dude-centric grooming products. With two tasteful locations and great package deals, there is no excuse not to begin treating yourself like a true gentleman.

Hair M Grooming
818 SW 1st Ave., Downtown PDX
3300 SW Hocken Ave., Beaverton
503.517.0570 or 503.352.0882
www.HairMGrooming.com

       
  What Are You Wearing?
   


Matthew - PSU Student

What we like about Matthew's look is that he mixes up thrift-store chic with a few modern pieces to create a hip look that still feels classic. He also pays attention to the importance of fit. Well done!

 
       
 

Mandatory Gear:

 
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Tee 'Em Up

We're movie nerds.  Which is why we love just about all the T-shirts from UK outfit Last Exit to Nowhere.  Offering one of those products that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it first, they ingeniously feature places or organizations from your favorite guy-flicks.

From Camp Crystal Lake ("Friday the 13th") to Polymer Records ("Spinal Tap"), prepare for nods of approving recognition from other film buffs and looks of covetous curiosity from hipsters.  Plus they ship across the pond.

www.lastexittonowhere.com

       
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One For Your Coffee Table

Has your significant other co-opted your coffee table?  Filling it with "The Works of Gustav Klimt" or something from the good folks over at Better Homes and Gardens?

Strike a little balance with “McQueen's Machines,” a detailed look at the cars and motorcycles cherished by the ultimate guy's guy.  No other star is so closely linked with exceptional machinery.  From the 1963 Ferrari GT 250 to the Mustang Fastback from "Bullitt," these are genuine works of art in their own right.

www.amazon.com

       
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Remember Your New Year's Resolutions?

Here is a perfect chance to give.  The XO laptop has a wireless router and can be powered via sunlight or a foot pedal, allowing for Internet access anywhere in the world.  Distributed through the One Laptop Per Child program, your donation of $200 puts one in the hands of a student in a developing country who would normally have little or no access to the Internet.

A resource for education and a window to the outside world.  Good show.

www.laptopgiving.org

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
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The Best Kind of Spring Cleaning Sale

It's almost spring, and your Signif. O. has been hiding under sweatpants for too long. Treat her to something, um, "special," from Lille Boutique. Don't be shy shopping their Spring Cleaning Sale, with savings of up to 40% off! Bath products are all Buy One, Get One Half Off, and you'll save an additional 5% on all sale items when you mention Portland Picks for Men.

What: Spring Cleaning Sale at Lille Boutique
When: Happening now!
Where: 1007 E. Burnside St.
Call: 503.232.0333
Visit: www.lilleboutique.com

       
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Custom Style at Off-the-Rack Prices

We highly recommend getting custom fitted for shirts and suits, and you can get a free fitting when MyTailor.com comes to town next week. They keep your measurements online so you can easily shop their affordable, high-style shirts, jackets and pants from the comfort of your own home. Tell them Portland Picks For Men sent you when you make your appointment.

What: MyTailor.com free custom fittings
When: March 10, Embassy Suites at Washington Square; March 11 & 12 at the Portland Hilton
RSVP: 1.888.524.0263
Visit: www.mytailor.com

       
 

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