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September 19th, 2008
Ahhh, wedding season. The splendor, the tragedy, the drunken good times. It seems ever since we turned thirty our friends are dropping like flies. We've seen friends pop the question to girls that they seem to barely tolerate. And while we don't blame our friends who are suffering from early hair loss, it is a curious disposition to be, at the early age of thirty, afraid to die alone. So much so that they grab on to whatever narcissistic beast they're dating at the time like grim death. With such sadistic excursions as "camping weddings" or outdoor ceremonies in July, we count our blessings that there's only one more to go this summer. And perhaps the silver lining in all this is there will be none next summer. Because, besides us, our only other friend to remain has a crippling addiction to Asian porn that will surely preclude any sort of long-term arrangement. That's right, just the two of us left. Which is kinda sad, come to think of it. Wait…anyone know a good jeweler? Another one bites the dust… Want to impress the lady in your life, or meet one while looking your best? Forward this issue to 5 friends and CC picks@portlandpicksformen.com, and you could win a $50 Gift Certificate to Haberdashers. |
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Portland Picks for Men: |
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| 1 | Got Wood? We love clothes, but we hate going to snotty boutiques where we feel that either we're being judged on how "hip" we are or being constantly bothered by pushy salespeople. What Portland needs is a place with great apparel where you can listen to great music and drink beer in chill environment while shopping. Hecklewood, one of Portland's premier spots for streetwear, is just such a place. Not only are they extremely laid back and friendly, they're also sponsored by Pabst; which means the free beer flows freely. Plus, every first Thursday they host free art shows and music. One standout among Hecklewood's mostly local, stylish goods is the Tanner leather—utilitarian/army surplus-inspired and entirely locally crafted. Another is their collaboration with Pendleton Mills which features handsome mid-weight wool flannels and lightweight cotton button-ups. Hecklewood's real forte, however, is their 80's and 90's urban-inspired tees (largely designed by the owners). So stop into Hecklewood's new location (which opened this month) and grab a beer and some fresh gear. Don't forget to mention PPFM to receive 10% off your purchase. Hecklewood |
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| 2 | It's Better In 3-D Downtown Portland has no shortage of bars with outside seating, but most of them don't offer much of a view. If you're lucky, maybe you'll see a park off in the distance, but more likely, it's just concrete, traffic, and people in suits. Three Degrees flips that a full 180 with its scenic view of the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and the Willamette River from its wraparound porch. Snag a rocking chair and enjoy the summer beauty while it lasts, but even when it's cold and rainy, the heaters, covered seating, and optional blankets mean that you don't have to retreat inside. If you decide to do so anyway, you'll find yourself in a swank, comfortable setting with cushioned armchairs and large windows. While the setting is the star attraction, it's even better with a drink. Choose a $3 draft during Happy Hour or a specialty cocktail like the Mississippi Mule (strawberry bourbon, muddled lime and ginger beer), or the Marionberry Cooler (marionberry vodka, muddled cucumber, mint and lime). Trust us—after one of these, the view gets even better. Three Degrees |
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| 3 | Who Needs T&A When There’s Cheap Beer? Girlfriends just don’t get it. “Why do you want to drink in some smoky, putrid hole in the wall?” they ask. “What’s so great about another nasty dive bar?” At Hannigan’s, AKA “The Vern,” it’s obvious why: it’s cheap, it’s relaxed, and there’s no pressure to adhere to social obligations like appropriate attire, hygiene, or manners. Dubbed “The Vern” after losing the lighted T&A letters off their “Tavern” sign outside, Hannigan’s offers rotating daily specials of three different beers for just $2. And the selection isn’t bad either, with twenty-two taps that include everything from Terminal Gravity to Rogue to Bridgeport. And pints of PBR cost just $1 anytime. After you’ve grabbed a beer, catch a game on TV at the bar or play one of your own in the next room, at any of the four pinball machines or at either of the two free pool tables. There are also video lottery machines, a broken foosball table, and a few random paperbacks lined up in the windowsill. Sounds pretty great, huh? Just don’t tell your girlfriend about it. Hannigan’s (“The Vern”) |
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| Gratuitous Photo of the Week: | |||
Photo courtesy of Jane’s Vanity |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | The "Mad Men" Wardrobe Recession be damned, every man should buy a new suit once a year; one of quality, one with an impeccable fit. Most Brits only own a few. Why do they look better? 'Cause they have them tailored! Tailoring makes you look good where you don't and great all around. For bespoke greatness by a local master, see Kash Ross; he'll take your fabric of choice and set you up for far less than you've spent on off-the-rack messes. |
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| 2 | Pop Pop, Fizz Fizz A man should always have a bottle of good bubbly in the fridge. Though we have observed this rule for some time, we have yet to procure proper champagne glasses. We hate the dainty feel of the standard stemware, and we're not quite "Lil' Wayne" enough to pull off drinking out of the bottle. So we were stoked when we found these design-centric pieces that, when filled, show the standard silhouette, but feel like a more substantial pilsner glass. |
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| 3 | A Real Corker When it comes to accessories, you gotta switch it up depending on the occasion. And one must always be on the lookout for something new and interesting. So when we found that just about everyone we knew was toting a colorfully cartoonish wallet (just like ours) in casual situations (just like we were), we set out to find a new one. And we struck gold with the discovery of this wonderfully minimalist cork billfold, which is casually sophisticated. |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Smokin PPFM Discount at Blake Mention PPFM and get 10% off your purchase at Blake. Stock up on hip threads from designers like Ben Sherman, Fred Perry, Kicking Mule, Seven for All Mankind and more, plus leathers from Obey and military-inspired jackets from G-Star Raw. It's time to shop for fall, and with a discount like this... What: Mention PPFM, save 10% at Blake |
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| 2 | Go Green PDX Business owners: Get inspired by eco alternatives with a full day of green goodness. Find an educational assortment of topics like greening the workplace, sustainable sourcing, tax incentives, and press tips. Plus, enjoy a keynote by Mayor-elect Sam Adams and network with other eco-visionaries. Cost includes brekkie, lunch, cocktail hour, and a green goody bag. What: Go Green 2008 |
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| 3 | Open House at ActivSpace ActivSpace opens their normally private studio doors to the public for a two-day shop/ mingle/meet-n-greet with the 25-plus artists, hobbyists, designers, massage therapists, and business owners who rent out space in the four-story hub of creativity. Enjoy entertainment by mini-bike dance troupe, the Sprokettes, plus food from resident Black Sheep Bakery, local music and more. What: Open House at ActivSpace |
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| 4 | Party in the Park Head downtown to check out Kimpton Portland's "National Park(ing) Day" block party. Sponsors will transform more than 18 parking spaces for the day, and every one has its own unique theme. Very clever. Then join the Party In The Park—a benefit for Trust for Public Land—with music, games, BBQ and a beer garden! What: National Park(ing) Day |
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