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April 16, 2010
Welcome to the 100th issue of Portland Picks for Men! This is also our first Spring Fashion Guide. The way we see it, fall/winter wardrobes are much easier seasons in which to hone one’s look. There are many layers (not to mention scarves, hats, etc.), which give you many chances to create your own aesthetic. Spring/summer? That’s another story. We’re talking lid, shirt, shorts/trunks and kicks. And if you’re of the McConaughey variety of our gender, then scratch the shirt and just keep on L-I-V-I-N. So here it is, our best advice on what to wear when the weather turns, and the best places in PDX to get it (and a few discounts to boot).We’ll start at the top… |
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Portland Picks for Men’s Spring Fashion Guide: |
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| 1 | Wizard of Lid Now that spring is here, the ladies of Portland are wearing less and looking better than ever. Time to ramp up our fashion game accordingly. Not just for Hollywood types or coffeehouse-stalking hipsters anymore, headgear like fedoras and Ivys have become an integral part of any spring wardrobe upgrade—but damn, can they be intimidating. That’s where specialty hat shop Bonnet comes in. Once inside, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent selection of both dressed-up and casual fedoras, Ivys, pork pies (think jazz musician) and even fishing hats, all for around $24 to $49. Subtle affectations like the way you cock your fedora to one side or fold the rim up can often be the difference between pimp or d-bag. Thankfully, the staff at Bonnet is always on full fashion patrol. They’ll match your dome based on the shape of your face, your hair color and the rest of your wardrobe, and they’ll reel you back in if you start to cross that fine line between Johnny Depp and Clay Aiken. That alone deserves a tip of our cap. Bonnet |
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| 2 | Teed Off |
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| 3 | No Shirt, No Shoes… The hippest purveyors of men’s swimwear in Portland, Under U 4 Men, boasts the largest selection of fashion swimwear in town, and they do it all year around. You’ll find cutting-edge brands from the likes of Hugo Boss, Diesal, AussieBum, JM and Pistol Pete that will compliment anyone’s summer style. For our summer preparations (a.k.a. lap-swimming) we love the Speedo Performance series, which last 20 times longer than regular swimwear. |
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| 4 | …And I Strap Shoes On My Feet Ok, let’s start by saying that we generally live in flip flops and other minimalist, barely-qualify-as-footwear styles in warmer months. That said, we’re also big believers that going out to dinner and other types of activities in this type of footwear is nothing less than savage; just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you’re in your backyard! For actual shoes in these months, however, we do make sure it’s something comfortable and functional, so we hit Amenity Shoes in Beaumont. (And we love when you can actually park near your destination.) With designer brands including Tsubo, J. Shoes, Pikolinos, Camper, Born, Hush Puppies, NAOT, Keen and Toms, you’ll find the kind of kicks with a good combo of style, function and appropriate tone for when it’s time to ditch the mandals. The knowledgeable sales staff are by far the most helpful in town, and fit and comfort are priority one. Plus, they’re actually honest in their assessment of whether or not something looks good on you. The best part? Mention PPFM for 15% off any shoes (this includes sale items, guys). Amenity Shoes |
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| Grooming Tip of the Spring: | |||
Rough dogs are a deal-breaker! Spring is here, guys, and with your flip flops making a long-awaited appearance in your wardrobe, it's time to give a little TLC to your feet. If you were blessed with handsome lower digits, you're a lucky dog, but for the rest of us we need to have a pro help us out. HairM offers guys a comfortable, relaxing place to do just that. Kick back with a cold microbrew, watch the game, and let a friendly HairM nail technician reform your feet into lady-pleasing assets. Mention PPFM and save $10 on the Spa Foot Tune Up, now through May 30. |
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Mandatory Gear: |
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| 1 | Very Much Still Happening Whether you came early or are just arriving at the warm-weather must that is white denim, you’ll be glad to hear that this is still an incredibly versatile spring and summer staple. Pair ’em with colorful, funky socks for spring (see below), or boat shoes sans socks (below that) for summer, and you’ll look like you know what you’re doing. Show a little individuality and grit with this slightly tapered pair in Boho White by 7 For All Mankind. |
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| 2 | Pop Socks Pop is exactly you get (and want) in your spring wardrobe when you wear the traditional subdued colors (think pastels or the white jeans above) and add a loud shout in the form of a subtle accessory… like socks. We love the brash, creative designs of local outfit Sock it to Me. This is only bolstered by the fact that their hosiery is breathable enough to be perfect for spring. Enter PPFM online when ordering for 15% off! |
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| 3 | Band of Topsiders |
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Cocktail of the Week: |
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GINGER DOBEL |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Chopsticks Optional Dim Sum Yum Yum at Pix Pâtisserie only rolls around once every few months, so be ready to nab a seat before the next tray of roaming desserts passes you by. Taste a variety of mini desserts priced from $1.50 to $3, and don’t forget the beverage pairings—two-ounce Belgian beer tastes for $2 and one-ounce dessert wines for $3. What: Dim Sum Yum Yum |
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| 2 | Gather The Wingmen, and Go Forth Tonight. Friend of a Friend is Portland’s newest networking group—just for singles. Bring your friends and meet some girls. Just $10 at the door = entry + a raffle ticket, with prizes from bluehour, Lizard Lounge, Chapter Four, and a 2-night stay at the Hotel Monaco in a King Room. Get a 20% discount if you shop, plus free snacks from Mee San Thai, and free beer from Widmer. This is your chance, gents! What: Friend of a Friend Singles/Networking Mixer |
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| 3 | The Original 4th Meal Aquariva Chef Andy Arndt has put together probably the most creative $13-ish brunch entrees in town. A steal when you consider that they boast a riverside view, house-made breads and sausage, and complimentary mimosas (or O.J.) and coffeecake at each table. All of this with farm-to-table ingredients from small, local growers. Righteous. What: Aquariva’s New Brunch |
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| 5 | Total Domination What better way to enjoy great Oregon beer than with tasty chow like seared halibut and crispy quail? Downtown Portland’s H5O bistro & bar and Ninkasi Brewing Company of Eugene, Ore. are teaming up to present a five-course dinner featuring some of Ninkasi’s best brews including seasonal release ale, northwest style IPA and creamy smooth stout. What: Ninkasi Brew Master’s Dinner |
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