Never Looked So Good

It's a fact of life: women have far more options for clothing than men. This goes for styles, availability of garments, and places to get them. It's especially sad for us men when we hear that a great new store opened—only to later discover that it's an all-women's boutique.

If you haven't figured it out already, we're revisiting a past letdown that happened at Tweed in Greenwood. Our girlfriends (and a large number of our female friends) love Tweed—they always find what they want there and weren’t shy about inviting us along—forgetting that they didn't have a men's section. Luckily, they do now. 

Compared to the rest of the store, our area is small, but packed with great stuff. We're talking about Ben Sherman, Skunk Funk, hats from Cole, James Jeans, and Goorin Brothers. The selection changes up quickly and fall apparel is just about to flood the men’s racks, so we suggest swinging by and grabbing a Goorin bag, then asking what's new. Oh, and tell them SPFM sent you.

Tweed Boutique
424 North 85th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
206.784.4444
www.tweedboutique.com

Under the Queen's Influence

Of course you keep it a secret, but you really dig the new Coldplay album and fancy Keira Knightley as your standard of beauty. Many times you find yourself actually skipping the gym after work on Mondays just to catch a new episode of Top Gear on BBC America. Yes, no matter how hard you try to elude it, the Queen and her country have turned all of us into miniature anglophiles.

For those guilty of such pleasures, the White Horse Trading Company is quite the safe haven. Almost a secret and nearly hidden down the brick alleyways of Pike Place Market, this quaint watering hole—backdropped amongst a vast collection of English literature, equestrian décor, and British schoolgirl-esque waitresses—has the perfect collection of wine and English Ales ready to be served. 

No worries if you stumble in late; the barkeep usually keeps the pub's door open until 2 am. Grab the sofa near the fireplace—you’ll instantly have an ideal setting for chatting up a lady or downing a few pints with the gents.

White Horse Trading Co.
1908 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101
206.441.7767

Scarecrow Video
 
We define ourselves by movies.  We quote every Bill Murray line in Caddyshack and we know that Steve McQueen drove a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT 390 Fastback in Bullitt; yet, we can't remember the name of our girlfriend's cat.  The problem is if you ask the oily skinned teen at the local chain store if they carry anything by Kurosawa or John Cassavetes his face will glaze over in confusion like he just watched the end of The Crying Game.
 
At the independently owned Scarecrow Video in the U-district, the knowledgeable staff will guide you to your selection or to a computer kiosk to filter through over 60,000 titles.  With sections devoted to Sexploitation and Fast Zombie vs. Slow Zombie, it's fun to explore.  The largest video store on the West Coast also showcases cool retro and pop-culture events—visit their website for event lists and to search their full inventory. 
 
Check out Scarecrow Video to find rare, subtitled foreign films, avant-garde cinema or the fifth sequel to your favorite buddy-cop movie.
 
Scarecrow Video
5030 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206.524.8554
www.scarecrow.com

Bottle GOPener

We are constantly on the lookout for items that serve a function, but also improve the aesthetic of our home or office. Understated silver pieces are perfect for this, and our latest find was this sleek, sophisticated bottle opener.

And because it is in the shape of an elephant it may be the perfect holiday gift for our Republican friends who will be drinking away their sorrows should things not go their way this November.

Elephant Bottle Opener

Drain You

Whether you're without wife or just lucky enough to have a second bathroom all to yourself, your grooming domain needs to be masculine. (This doesn't mean flaunting the mildew in the corners of your shower.)

We mean no fluffy shower mats that look like they were designed by Martha Stewart. You need to check out this handsome, maze-design teak mat. And because this wood comes from a plantation, you can be sure you're not hurting the rain forest.

Teak Bath Mat

House of Cards

When we recently learned that our sister made partner at her law firm we did three things. We rejoiced, knowing the holiday presents would be (or better be, anyway) a whole lot nicer this year. We responded to her e-mail and congratulated her. And finally, we took pen to paper and wrote a proper note of congratulations.

You see, guys, a gentleman always sends his Thank You's and Congratulations the old-fashioned way. And for this, we recommend the aptly named "Man Cards."

Drink for the Kids

The 6th annual “A Drink For The Kids” benefit for Vera Project takes off again Oct. 8–11. This Friday, Linda's, King Hardware, Spitfire and West 5 are the places to go and participate in the easiest benefit in the city—ordering a drink. Proceeds support the Vera Project—the city's music and arts center for youth.

What: Drink Night for Vera Project
When: Friday Oct. 10, 6–10 pm
Where: Linda's, Kings Hardware, Spitfire, West 5, and other venues
Visit: www.adrinkforthekids.org

Local Harvest

Like local food? Come meet Tom Douglas at the Local Harvest Gala Dinner. Hear about the local food economy, share your ideas (or just keep quiet and learn something), and reward yourself with some really good food. Seating is limited but the ticket comes with a five-course meal for $75.

What: Local Harvest Gala Event
When: Monday, Oct. 20, 5:30–9 pm
Where: Palace Ballroom, 2100 5th Ave.
Cost: $75
Visit: www.seattlegreendrinks.org

Mmm, Beer.

Beer tastings are good. When they’re free it's better. When they’re free and happen every week it's best. Pike Street Beer and Wine hosts a free, weekly beer-tasting event every Friday. The M.O. is usually the same: four or five beers from a specific brewery or from a similar category. Did we mention it's free?

What: Free Weekly Beer Tasting
When: Fridays 5–7 pm
Where: Pike Street Beer and Wine, 518 E. Pike
Cost: Free
Call: 206.328.1700
Visit: www.pikestreetbeer.com