Beat the Meatles
  
After watching our fair share of makeover shows, we came to realize that the transformative power of clothing is kind of like the G Spot: All of us know about it, most of us are intimidated by it, and it’s only worth a damn if you know how to use it.
 
What we love about Herbivore on Stark Street is the way they harness the idea of transformative power and make it mean something more. The shop is bright, organized, and full of eye-catching designs. The favored material is cotton and the looks are hip and casual. The twist: Their stock is all sweatshop- and leather-free; and some of it is even made from such McGyverish stuff as recycled inner tubes, billboard sheets and plastic bottles.
 
They have an exciting selection of wallets, belts and bags for the everyman willing to experience something new; and if you happen to feel strongly about animals, look no further for stylish tees and hoodies that proudly exclaim your allegiance. The super-friendly staff doesn't care if you're vegan, insuring you can expand your choices without being rubbed the wrong way.
 
Herbivore
1211 SE Stark St.
Portland, OR 97214
503.281.TOFU
www.herbivoreclothing.com

Drink To Your Twelfth

Shops both big and small are tanking left and right, Portlanders are getting laid off and let go, and in the midst of it all, a ballsy new bar has just opened its doors.
 
Judging by their “Established 2009” signs, it doesn’t look like the 12th Avenue is particularly concerned about the closure epidemic surrounding them; they seem to be in it for the long haul. And they’re off to a good start with a daily happy hour from 3–7 and 9–close offering $3 beers and well drinks, $4 wine, and a food menu with $1 tots or fries and $4 greasy goodies like fried shrimp, chicken strips, nachos, sliders, and wings. Hungry cheapskates will also find bargain prices on entrees like the Rattlesnake Pasta, with its mix of jalapeno Alfredo sauce, sautéed chicken, and penne pasta, as well as grilled salmon, pork chops, and steak.
 
Once the belly is full, cure the recession depression with any of 12th’s nightly events. Rotating open-mic performances run Mondays and Tuesdays, karaoke is Wednesday and Thursday, and live DJs go all weekend. You’ll have so much fun, you might even say, “What economic meltdown?”
 
12th Street Bar and Grill
1135 SW Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97205
503.248.2112

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Dog!

We’ve been hunting for the perfect hotdog for a while now, but they’re elusive sorts, prone to hiding and scurrying off just when we think we’ve got them cornered.
 
Luckily, SuperDog has come to the rescue by gathering them all on one menu. They offer top quality dogs that are 100% natural, without any MSG or nitrates, as well as homemade side dishes, toasted bread rolls baked daily, and a sausage for every sensibility. Beef, pork, chicken, and veal sausages come in every variety—smoked, spicy, seasoned and topped with just about anything you can imagine—chili, veggies, salsa, hell, even salad dressing! We recommend showing your PDX pride with a Portland Original Dog, which has been smoked twice and cooked in microbrew, and then going Portland-style on it, which tops your dog with grilled peppers, onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese for just $1 extra.
 
And of course, what would man’s best friend be without man’s other best friend—beer! Show up after 4 pm for bargain $2.75 microbrew pints with the purchase of any dog.
 
SuperDog
1033 SW 6th Ave.
Portland, OR 97204
503.719.4009
www.superdogpdx.com

Photo courtesy of www.kissmedeadly.co.uk.

Leave The Bag At Home

We in the Northwest are an outdoors people. Generally speaking, we love being in nature, hike often, and don't carry umbrellas. Like the Boy Scouts, we are (usually) prepared but in our own minimalist fashion, because we hate carrying more than we need.

Now we have the solution to our "it's warmer now, but I don't want to wrap my jacket around my waist" problem—the Ruck Jack(et). With one zip and two clips, this jacket turns into a stylish rucksack that looks great on your back.

Jacket / Backpack

Solid Coasters

Assuming that your table isn't a piece of driftwood or a collection of milk crates, you probably should try your best to protect it. For many men, the problem with coasters is that they usually fall into one of two categories: cardboard bar coasters or something found at grandma's.

Enter the Gear Coaster. A set of four metal coasters with felt bottoms look great and can double as trivets. Also good as a wild-card wedding gift if the bride-to-be has stacked the registry deck.

Gear Coasters

From Old to Bowl

We recycle. It's good for the earth, it's good business, and it's good for us. There are some things out there that seem difficult to dispose of, though: light bulbs, nuclear waste, and small pieces of metal—like washers.

You can do your part via the second of the 3 Rs—simply buy a hand-crafted bowl made from reused metal washers. You get a stylish, functional piece of art and you might even save a baby turtle.

Metal Kitchen Bowl

Boutiques Unleashed is Almost Here
 
Boutiques Unleashed is a really clever runway show to benefit DoveLewis. If you haven’t been, it’s a blast. Local celebs walk the runway in fashions from hip boutiques—with dogs as their companions. Enjoy hosted hors d’oeuvres and select cocktails, bid on auction items, and don’t forget to wear something dapper. Bonus? It’s a tax write-off.
 
What: Boutiques Unleashed 2009
When: Friday, March 13, 6:30 pm
Where: Wonder Ballroom
Visit: www.boutiquesunleashed.com