Portland Picks Website  
  PORTLAND PICKS FOR MEN
  life + style to you
March 28th, 2008

We've been perplexed by something for the last few years: the message contained in herpes-medication commercials. You know the ones for Valtrex and Zoverex? All of them seem to imply the same thing—that herpes sufferers would be out windsurfing, skydiving or kayaking were it not for this cursed affliction. If you're not paying attention, it's hard to tell these ads apart from those promoting Mountain Dew. Are we lazy?  Here we are, herpes-free, and we're just lying about, watching TV (which is how we saw the commercials in the first place).

Oh well. You get the point. And that is that we, the PPFM staff, are herpes-free…

Ladies?  Your move.

       
 

Portland Picks for Men:

 
  1

Wear it Forward

The economy is in the sewer. If it were just in the toilet it would be a step up. If it gets any worse, they'll build a wall to keep us from sneaking into Mexico. In times such as these, thrift can be a true friend. An even better friend is Well Suited.

Well Suited offers new and used men's apparel, accessories and shoes. They focus on meticulously chosen consignment pieces for the best deals on gently worn, high-end fashion. Labels like Prada, Ferragamo and the like are priced at up to 80% off retail. They also offer a great selection of new Italian suits at ridiculously low prices. With details like flat-front trousers and hand stitching, you'll be hard pressed (get it?) to find a better deal on a modern, year-round suit.

Add the fact that they have an award-winning tailor and personalized service, and you can't afford not to go there. So when you apply for that telemarketing job that India has outsourced because the labor is now cheaper here, at least you'll look good.

Well Suited
2401 NE Broadway St.
Portland, OR 97232
503.284.5939
wellsuited@integraonline.com

       
  2

What a Fool Believes

We'd be fools to believe that you haven't heard of East End. You've probably read that it's the hip new eastside hangout owned by well-known local musicians, and that it hosts local and national bands, artists and DJs. Maybe you've been there yourself to see a show, grab a drink, or eat their delicious food (which ranges from pot stickers to burritos to sandwiches, and includes vegetarian options).

What you probably have not heard about though is, in our opinion, what makes East End truly great: Yacht Rock Night! But what is Yacht Rock, you ask?

To answer this we must go back to the late 70s and early 80s—the glory days of soft rock. Artists like Toto, The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan wrote numerous hits, some with nautical references, which would come to be known as "Yacht Rock." (youtube it.)  East End's Yacht Rock Night, on the first Sunday of every month, is a tribute to this great musical movement. DJs play nothing but soothing tunes, Hawaiian shirts are the preferred attire, and fruity drinks with umbrellas abound. So grab your captain's hat and head on down to East End. So smooth.

East End
203 SE Grand Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.232.0056
www.eastendpdx.com

       
  3

Ecru

We've been watching the acclaimed HBO series John Adams (which is awesome), and one of the reasons we have such a wonderful account of the founding fathers is because they wrote letters to their colleagues and loved ones.  From John Adams to Abraham Lincoln, we have insight into what made them tick.  We wonder if great men's e-mails will provide the same insight as the FF's written treasures.

Sometimes it is just classier, more personal, and downright appropriate to apply pen to paper.  And it should be on quality stationery.  It says something about the man who takes the time to write and send a letter; it says even more when it is on parchment that reflects a sense of personal style.  Head to Ecru, one of the best stationery stores we've found in this city—or any other.  They carry nothing but the best and will give you 15% off if you mention PPFM.

You could shop online, but when you are choosing something where tactile qualities are paramount, using your hand to select it is as important as using your hand to write upon it.

ecru
1215 NW 11th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.227.2611
www.ecrupaper.com

       
  Gratuitous Photo of the Week:
   


Lifestyles Condoms ran a promotion showing ten different pictures and asked guys to vote on 'em. Personally, we're leg men here, but it looks like the winning pic (seen here) speaks volumes about men's collective love of the trunk.

www.lifestyles.com

 
       
 

Mandatory Gear:

 
  1

The (Second) Best a Man Can Get

We take our shaving ritual very seriously, and so do most of you, apparently. (We recently received a 175-word e-mail from a reader on the proper way to shave—well played!) Sometimes, however, time constraints dictate the use of an electric and we've tried a bunch.

The aptly named “Best Foil Shaver”is our favorite. The blades cut without pulling the hair, and its waterproof design allows us to wet and prep our beard, leaving our face as smooth as Yacht Rock.

www.hammacher.com

       
  2

Lighten Up

Of course now that we've replaced most of the bulbs in our home with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs, we find out about LED bulbs. We're not too bitter, though; these bulbs offer a warmer, more pleasant glow all while providing the same or better efficiency and lifespan of the fluorescents.

Bonus: The LED bulbs don't contain Mercury, so no more "proper disposal techniques" need be observed! Start with the "Suns Dusk" model.

www.ccrane.com

       
  3

So Radical

Remember how big remote control cars were in the 80s? We recall getting a cheapy model one Christmas that just hooked us. Next thing we knew we were blowing our limited budget on the bad boys of RC like The Grasshopper and The Hornet.

Now, Tamiya has reissued their RC classics, pre-assembled or in kits. For you fathers, this is a great built-in excuse to spend a weekend building one. For the rest of us, we'll find someway to justify it.

www.tamiya.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

"Homegrown Favorites"! 

Enjoy the monthly "Filmmaker Dinner Series" with six short films produced by a group of NW Documentary students. These are original, 100% local films, fresh from the editing room of NW Documentary's workshop.   Enjoy complimentary truffled popcorn, and $2.50 from each cocktail purchased goes to a local non profit. Supporting the arts through drinking.

What: Homegrown Favorites
When: Sunday, March 30, 8 pm
Where: Pazzo Bar, 627 SW Washington
Admission: Free
Call: 503.228.1515
Visit: www.pazzoristorante.com

       
  2

We’ve Hit Up the TAGG Sale…Have You?

Everything must go!  TAGG Shoes is putting everything—and we mean everything—on sale to make room!  All of our foot-fashion needs are met at TAGG, and now for less. From some dope Chelsea boots for spring to the three pairs of slip-ons you'll need for summer, it's all on sale at incredible prices.  Get down there before everyone else does for the best selection on this season's shoes.

What: Liquidation Sale at TAGG
When: Happening now
Where: 818 NW 23rd Ave.
Call: 503.243.1700

       
  3

There Will Be Beer

Remember a couple issues ago when we featured Sling Shot Pale Ale as "Brew of the Month"? Well here's your chance to try it before anyone else … for free! There will be food and entertainment on hand as well. This is no April Fool's joke, either. Free Beer.

What: Night of Mischief
When: Tuesday, April 1
Where: MacTarnahan's Taproom, 2730 NW 31st Ave.
Visit: www.MacsBeer.com

       
  4

New Collections Unveiled This Weekend! 

Whenever we have guests in town from New York City, it seems they have a checklist of things to ask if "Portland has them." Symphony? Check. Opera? Check. And thanks to the folks over at Portland Fashion Week, and their periodic events showcasing the best that Portland designers have to offer, it allows us yet one more "check."

What: Portland Fashion Week
When: March 28-30
Where: Various venues
Visit: www.PortlandFashionWeek.net

       
 

You know the drill. Tell your basketball buddies about PPFM.

       
 
 

Log onto www.PortlandPicksforMen.com and check out past newsletters (archives). If you like what you see, forward to a friend and encourage them to visit www.PortlandPicksforMen.com to become a subscriber. It's free!

If you would like to subscribe or contribute, please email us at Picks@PortlandPicksForMen.com
Please share your favorite picks, announce a sample sale, refer a friend, subscribe, or let us know what you think.

Website and Newsletter maintained by Studio Ridge.com

Help or Report problems