The Five Gifts You Didn't Even Know You Wanted

   The season of commerce is here! The holiday season...its supposed to be about family, and being thankful, and caroling and candle-lighting, but we all know that from about age 3 until death do you part, the one thing that unites us all is the thrill of receiving gifts! There is no reason to be ashamed, we give our all to our loved ones, it's nice to be appreciated! Now, if I had a "him" in my life to give gifts to, I'd be all over it. Instead, I'll write this post and live vicariously through you all. Here are some of the top gifts that a Rugged Sophisticate would be happy to see under his tree! (or menorah, or whatever...)

1.  The Art of Shaving Skincare Kit. ($75.00)
 Skincare is just as important for men as it is for women, and men (obviously) have different needs as it pertains to shaving. The Art of Shaving is a store designed around that concept. This starter kit contains the basic essentials of proper skincare (wash, daily exfoliator, moisturizer, and blemish treatment) tailored for the shaving man's skin. The face wash is formulated with essential oils (for natural fragrance that won't irritate sensitive skin) such as jojoba and peppermint, and green tea oil to stimulate cell turnover (to combat the signs of aging). Also contains soothing aloe vera oil.

2. BBQ Briefcase by Uncommon Goods. ($84.00)
Okay, I want this! Every man swears he's a "grill master", and some actually are. Guys who take grilling seriously will appreciate the stainless steel 20-piece set. Its functional, stylish, and portable.

3. The "Roomba 770" by iRobot. ($499.99)
The Rugged Sophisticate man likes to maintain a neat and orderly home and appearance. He, like other men, also loves gadgets. The Roomba combines the male love of robots with the male need to keep the rug clean. It even has HEPA filters to clean the air in your living spaces, and cleans underneath furniture with ease.

4. The "Henry" Leather Armchair by West Elm. ($899.99)
There's a special relationship between a man and his chair. Long day at work, temples throbbing, back aching, and all you want from life is a stiff drink and sturdy yet comfortable chair to lounge in. The chair doesn't make the man, the man makes the chair, and this genuine leather armchair says "Man of the House". The kids would never think to drink (and spill) Kool-Aid on this bad boy. This is DADDY'S chair.

5. The Waxwear "Davis Brief" by Jack Spade. ($375.00)
Jack (real name: Andy) and his wife Kate Spade are known for their chic, Americana bags and apparel. The Waxwear brief is crafted from durable cotton canvas material, with sturdy leather handles. Waxwear waterproofing ensures that your laptop, notes, pens, and important documents stay in pristine condition, no matter the weather. The inside has 12 compartments for easy organization.


From work to home to outdoor cooking, the Rugged Sophisticate likes to be organized, comfortable, and of course, stylish. With gifts like these, the Rugged Sophisticate man in your life, be it dad or brother, husband or son, will take on 2013 primed and ready.

In Honor of Veteran's Day: Military Style for the Rugged Sophisticate

  Happy Veteran's Day to all that are serving and have served! And you're welcome (I'm an Army girl myself). I was inspired to post about military style because so much of the Rugged Sophisticate style seems to have its roots in the military. Ribbed beanies and cowlneck sweaters- antique Navy style. Anoraks and peacoats- classic Army officerwear. The Cartier Tank Americaine- designed by Mr. Cartier himself as gifts to American D-Day tank officers after the liberation of France. Here are some military-inspired looks for both stylish vets and those who simply admire their tastes:


ARMY (HOOAH!)

This classic wool Burberry trench is reminiscent of both American and German military officer's coats. They wore theirs in the snows of Ardennes, today's Rugged Sophisticate navigates the urban battlefield with confidence in this imperial blue.

                                                     US Army officer's trench, circa 1944.
NAVY:

The ribbed beanie. Seen here on Bloomingdales fashion editor Josh Peskowitz. This style began with Northeastern fishermen, who brought the style into the Navy when they were drafted. You can find similar styles here.

AIR FORCE:

 

                                              Vintage 1963 Air Force issued pilot's watch.

Air force pilots were issued intricate watches that were known for their rugged durability. The watch of a RAF (Royal Air Force) pilot was said to be his most precious instrument. These watches were made to sustain plane crashes! Today's Rugged Sophisticate may not have those concerns, but the value of a good watch, one that will tell the time (and air pressure, if need be) throughout any circumstance, cannot be denied. You can find similar versions here.

MARINES

The United States Marine Corps NO DOUBT has the cleanest uniform, and they play no games about it! The Marine Corps is known for being the most strict in its uniform requirements, and this dedication to uniformity and ultimate presentation is something that a Rugged Sophisticate can appreciate. NEVER COMPROMISE in your style rules, whatever they are. Never accept a bad seam or loose button, always match your belt to your shoes, and shine those cufflinks, guys!

                                       This Alexander McQueen look is suited to PERFECTION!

82ND AIRBORNE JUMP BOOTS

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the ever-popular "jump boot/jungle boot" trend. I'm a proud owner of a pair myself! (for work though) The "jump boot" is the second most prized staple of the Paratrooper's uniform, besides the wings themselves. Worn with the Army Service Uniform (ASU), the jump boot must always be shined so well your 1SG could shave in its reflection. Jump boots and jungle boots have also made a statement on men's fashion runways for several seasons, and it's almost become a wardrobe staple.

Streetwear versions of the jump boot can be found here.

However you decide to emulate military style, do it with confidence and don't forget to thank a vet!

You Should Know About: SuitSupply

Integral to being a Rugged Sophisticate is having an array of suits for any occasion. We all know the rules: a standard 2 button (low stance) 10-month wool suit in black, brown, and grey, and  a linen or seersucker for tropical climates. Contrary to popular belief, that's really all you need (although I'm partial to a man in a khaki a la Tommy Bahama, but that's just me). The right suit is all about fit, fit, and FIT. Web Artist JakeGCreate at DeviantArt came up with a very handy infographic that gives you the rundown on the keys to the perfect suit (for ANY body type):

Recently, I stumbled upon a company called SuitSupply. The company used to operate solely in NYC, but has now expanded into an online store. At SuitSupply, you can choose from an array of suits, from double breasted to two button, and even tuxedos, in various fabrics and colors. SuitSupply uses economic thought to their advantage, by owning all the means of their production. They own the overseas factories, employ in-house tailors, and eschews the showy Madison Ave. showroom. This means you can get Italian atelier suiting at Men's Warehouse prices. You can either choose from the predetermined suit sizes, or request sizing advice by inputting your measurements. In addition its online store, SuitSupply is now available in Chicago and Washington, DC. When you order online, SuitSupply also promises FREE returns and guaranteed 2-4 business day shipping anywhere in the world! This is truly suiting for the digital age. Here are some of my personal faves from the website:

                    The classic grey work suit in 100% Italian wool (Napoli fit)...

    The "Washington" fit in blue wool...

The "Boston" fit (double breasted) in blue Pima cotton...

The Tuxedo in black plain wool...

and the "San Diego" fit in plain green wool.

In addition to suits, SuitSupply also sells ties, shoes, outwear, and other men's accessories. All suits listed are approx. $469 USD and can be found on their website, www.suitsupply.com.  Happy suiting, guys!

Colored Denim: YES YOU CAN!

It's election season, and suddenly, everyone is hard set their beliefs about well, everything! One particularly polarizing trend is colored denim for men. Some are decidedly against, some are vehemently for, and others we'll just call "Ohio" (as in, its a toss-up). Here at the Rugged Sophisticate, we don't limit ourselves. After all, style is in itself, limitless. I WANT YOU to take the plunge and dive into some sumptuous colored denim this Fall. Pair it with a Fair Isle sweater for a punchy take on a classic style, or pair it with a blazer for a more pulled together look. However you vote, and however you rock the colored denim trend, make sure you do it with confidence! Here are some options I like:

Red Pants Outfit: Bonobos by britsmama10 on Polyvore

Brunello Cucinelli Men’s Wing-Tip Desert Boot
marissacollections.com

Mougin & Piquard™ Chronograph Watch In Black
jcrew.com

Caputo & Co. Triple-Wrap Leather And Waxed Cord Bracelet
jcrew.com

Men's Shorewood Fair Isle Crew Sweater from Lands' End
landsend.com

Bonobos Men's Colored Denim
bonobos.com

Orange Pants Outfit by britsmama10 on Polyvore

Men and Jewelry: A Discussion

                                   Journalist Ed Bradley, with his signature gold hoop earring.

 Recently my younger brother got two holes put into his right ear. He's also a Soulja Boi fan, so enough about THAT. But I started wondering: how much self-expression, if any, is acceptable for men when it comes to jewelry? I'm not talking "NFL player with his first contract" bling, but how much, and what kind, of jewelry is deemed "acceptable" for males these days? Whenever I'm on Twitter (@DearLeader10), my timeline is full of "this is gay" and "that is gay". Let us be clear here: the ONLY THING that makes a man "gay" is...having sexual relations with another man. Outside of that, you're free to move about the cabin. (Also, I don't see anything wrong with, if that's your thing. Hell, it's my thing too.) Jewelry is another "ensemble elevator" (a phrase you'll see a lot around here), meaning it can take your outfit from "yeah, here I am, wearing clothes" to "look at that guy, he really knows what he's doing!" Speaking as a lady who likes to look at men, I can tell you: we notice the details. The key to men wearing jewelry is essentially the same as it is for women: it should enhance the look and reflect your personal style. Don't be afraid to go with your gut, its not a tattoo, if it doesn't work, take it off! And don't allow yourself to be constrained by societal conventions, either: some of the greatest minds lived outside of convention. And the Rugged Sophisticate doesn't care about that anyway. He blazes his own trail.

                                     Rapper Tupac maintained his "thug" with a nose piercing.

                                Even "Indiana Jones" (Harrison Ford) is rocking a gold stud.

          Lenny Kravitz, ever the quintessential rock star, has nose and ear piercings. Can't say it ever dampened HIS Saturday nights...

The Watch(es) You Need

  If the video killed radio, and the Mp3 killed the CD, then I'd have to say the iPhone effectively killed the popularity of the watch. Which is kind of a drag, considering what a statement piece the wristwatch is. Songs like J. Cole's "Mr. Nice Watch" extoll the virtues and connotations associated with the Hublot and the Rolex, but for the baller on a budget, there are some nice timepieces that can elevate your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

                          "Runway" Chronograph Watch. $195.00 at www.michaelkors.com
Michael Kors is better known for his womenswear and accessories, but this chronograph watch, with its leather strap and espresso finish, is a nice departure from the norm. 

                            Timex "Originals Camper" in Olive. $55.00 at www.timex.com
You can't go wrong with a Timex. They're timeless, affordable, and durable. Timex is the originator of the phrase "takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin". Definitely a must have for the Rugged Sophisticate on a budget. Comes in a plethora of colors, with interchangeable bands.

                "Black Label Dual Time Watch" by Skagen Denmark. $275.00 at www.skagen.com

               "Qlocktwo W" by Beigert & Funk. Price available upon request at www.qlocktwo.com
For the techie in you. The Qlocktwo W displays the time in WORDS, instead of numbers. This revolutionary technology is also available in German and French.

                         "Forerunner 610" by Garmin USA. $399.00 at www.garmin.com/us
The Garmin watch is ubiquitous amongst the athletic set. This version is touchscreen, and comes with a heart monitor. Perfect for marathon runners, triathletes, and military/law enforcement. 







 

I'm Digging: Dress Boots

 The dress boot. An oldie but a goodie. The dress boot, like much of modern day men's fashion, has its history in Victorian Britain. Back in those days, men wore boots for work and "slippers" for evening and formalwear. Victorian England was Industrial Revolution England, and the growing merchant class finally had the discretionary income to spend on leather shoes, which held up better in the never-ending social season of London. Thus the "dress boot" was born. The most famous is the Chelsea boot, named after the posh section of London. The lean profile and sleek design lend themselves to be worn with suits, while the high upper portion and thicker sole can support the heels and ankles of the businessman who spends a lot of time on his feet. Chelsea boots, as well as other, more rugged, version of it, are growing in popularity amongst the Wall St. set, who spend a lot of time on the trading floor and need a classy shoe with tough construction. The dress boot is sure to once again become a staple, for the man that likes an easy transition from work attire to casual wear.

Some of my favorites from this fall:

                              "Lawson" by Calvin Klein. $110.00 at www.sierratradingpost.com

                             "Millbrook" by Clarks USA. $134.99 at www.clarksusa.com

For a more "loafer-ish" look (perfect for a teacher/professor), Eastland has some great options, such as this:

                         "Up Country" Boot by Eastland. $110.00 at www.eastlandshoe.com