Got Feet?

Traditionally, fiending for footwear has been the domain of women. This is no longer the case. Whether it's that new pair of "kicks" by your favorite rapper (they all seem to have their own line now) or some smart Italian boots, men need shoes.

Luckily, we have Louie's. While they do carry a respectable selection of traditional dress shoes (Kenneth Cole) they really excel in their other offerings. Some of these include "Earth" (dressy yet comfortable), "Gola" (hip British sneakers), "Rush" (perfect for office or for play), and the always-classic Vans. Louie's also carries a large selection of accessories, including an impressive collection of hats (with an emphasis on fedoras). The standouts, however, are the bags by Alchemy Goods, made almost entirely from recycled bike tires yet extremely stylish. (Seriously!)

Oh, and we almost forgot to mention: Louie's is situated inside of Imelda's Shoes, Jewelry and Accessories. So instead of waiting outside for your women to shop, pry the plastic out of their hands and get yourself something.

Louie's Shoes
3426 SW Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503.233.7476
www.imeldasandlouies.com

Golden

We love Hawthorne; there are few things better than walking down the boulevard on a warm spring day checking out our favorite spots, all the while enjoying the hordes of beautiful women who frequent its shops. This being said, sometimes we have to wonder, are we hip enough? That's why when we found Gold Dust Meridian we were floored.
 
While this place is super stylish with slick wood and brick décor, perfect lighting, killer art and plenty of beautiful women, it lacks the “hipper than thou” attitude we were cynically expecting. This is one of the friendliest bars we've stepped foot in.
G.D.M. also boasts great drinks including the "Gin Ricky Schroder," "Hawthorne Wallbanger," and our fave, the "Brandon Roy.” Add to this a delicious menu which ranges from Deviled Eggs to Seared Ahi. If this isn't enough, happy hour is from 2–8 pm every day!

Do yourself a favor—check this place out before everyone else discovers that it's one of the hippest joints on the east side.
 
Gold Dust Meridian
3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Portland, OR 97214
503.239.1143

L.O. Gets a B.J.
 
Get your mind outta the gutter. Downtown Lake Oswego's dreams of a local café and coffee roaster are finally answered with the opening of Blue Joe Coffee Company. We were immediately struck by the relaxed, tropical interior of this cool coffee spot. It feels old school and sufficiently masculine, like a place we want to hang on Sunday morning with a cup of Java and the newspaper.
 
Blue Joe is gaining a reputation for its single-origin coffees, which means that they come from very specific areas of various regions in places like Ethiopia and Guatemala. The hang-out vibe got us in the mood to actually learn something while we took in the subtle flavor essences of each bean.
 
And it wasn’t just the coffee that caught our eye, but also the rich woods, shuffleboard game and smooth music playing in the background. The Wi-Fi is free, the pastries are really tasty, and you can buy the freshly roasted coffee in whole beans to go. A worthy corporate alternative, indeed.
 
Blue Joe Coffee Company
148 B Ave., #200
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503.636.2583
www.bluejoecoffee.com

Street Swede
 
Oh those clever Swedes. Our national pride is sometimes hurt when they outdo us, but quality is quality and Swedish outfit Tretorn has, for years, been making our summer canvas sneaker of choice: the Skane.
 
Built with subtle touches of leather for durability, the thing we love about these lace-ups over, say, Chuck Taylors, is that they're just a bit more classic American Prep. Suitable for pairing with shorts and a tee and a lightweight cotton suit alike.
 
www.tretorn.com

Safer Hydration
 
You've probably heard the news stories by now of the risks of drinking from BPA plastic bottles. After disposing of ours we headed over to REI and picked ourselves up this sweet 32-ounce CamelBak Tritan Better Bottle. It comes in multiple colors and has that classic CamelBak Big Bite valve that pops up so you can drink from it.
 
We also like the integrated handle, making it easy to carry as we hit the trails of Forest Park.

www.rei.com

Mix Tape
 
You are either old-school or still love that cassette deck in your car. You also have a digital music collection. Breach the gap between analog and digital with this Cassette MP3 Player. It's got a sweet look and can act as a standalone player, or you can pop it into your deck as you bump down the road.
 
Storage for music is done via a SD card slot, and there's also a headphone jack. You won't need that though, will you, Mr. Retro?

www.thinkgeek.com

Wear Your Derby Duds
 
North 45 is great at transporting you—making you forget you're in rainy ol' Portland. In keeping, there will be no better place to watch the big race next Saturday. They'll be serving mint juleps (done right) all afternoon on the patio, and giving away a prize for best-dressed attendee.
 
What: Kentucky Derby Party at North 45 Pub
When: Saturday, May 3, noon–3 pm
Where: 517 NW 21st Ave.
Call: 503.248.6317
Visit: www.north45pub.com

Don't Know a Thing About Wine?
 
Ever been on a date or at a business dinner and been worried you're making a faux pas in your choice of wine? Wine for Everyone's Wine-Tasting 101 is here to help. Sample 10 wines in an informal, residential setting with an industry expert, and learn to pair wine with food—even carnitas—since dining is part of the experience. (Gift certificates available).
 
What: Comprehensive Wine Tasting 101
When: Saturdays, May 3 & 17, 2–4:30 pm
Where: 4128 SE Rex St.
Cost: $55 per class (Mention PPFM and get 10% off!)
RSVP: 503.740.7292 or jenny@jennytallis.com
Visit: www.pdx-wineforeveryone.com

For the Man Who Has Everything
 
Ever been shopping for Father's Day and wondered what the old man will truly enjoy? Moving Pictures is offering a special: Family portraits for only $99 (regularly $150)! It captures your family being themselves, and includes over an hour of on-location photography with individual and group shots. Call now—get the goods ready for framing before the big day.
 
What: Family Portrait Special at Moving Pictures
When: Now through Father's Day.
Call: 503.786.2157
Visit: www.movingpicturesstudio.net