Rugged Style - Grooming Advice for the Modern Bear

"There's something inherently virile and masculine about growing a beard. It kind of evokes a mountain climber, an explorer, a warrior. I'm a man, dammit, and I'm not going to be coiffed, and I'm not putting on moisturizer, and I don't need toner and exfoliant and all that crap..."

GQ STYLE EDITOR ADAM RAPOPORT ON THE CURRENT POPULARITY OF BEARDS,

CHICAGO TRIBUNE | 2.17.08

Hmm, sounds like a bear to me!

The Complete Bear remembers an age when masculine style was cultivated in all aspects of life. A time when a shave included a hot towel and warm shaving cream. A time when a man could smoke a quality cigar and enjoy an aged scotch. A time when a merchant knew your name and your neck size.

Rugged Style - Grooming Advice for the Modern Bear

We remember that time. We hope to offer helpful grooming tips and guidelines to enhance your rugged style.

10 Yard Penalty -

Unless you actively engage in a sporting activity, you can’t wear the uniform. And unless you are Pussy from the Soprano’s - track suits are a no-no. . . "

Buy A Tux -

First and foremost – every man should own one. Too much money? Consider that if you wear it three times, it’s less that what you’d spend on rentals. And like all things classic, pick the right one and it will never go out of style.

A few basic rules:

It should be black - In case you ever forget this rule - dig out your high school prom picture. You know the one with the light blue tux and the ruffled shirt. That and your prom date, oh please who were you kidding.
It should be wool – There are different grades of wool. Find something light enough to wear year round.
Visit your tailor - You do not want a saggy butt or a too short of an inseam. You also want the jacket sleeves the proper length and the chest should not be pulled tight when you button the jacket.
Express Yourself – If you need to express yourself for fear of blending in with the wait staff – consider the accessories – not the tux. That really nifty vest you had to have may be a thing of the past at your next formal event.
Be Tasterful - A pocket kerchief that matches your partner's - very nice. Matching glow in the dark cummerbunds with lightsticks - not so much. And for goodness sake, wear black dress socks.

And to answer that age old question – the cummerbund folds face up. They were traditionally meant to hold theatre tickets.

McGyver Would Approve -

You're about to head off to that big interview and one of your collar tabs is curled and sticking out. Collar stays? Where the &%#@ are they? Relax, grab a paper clip. It makes a great collar stay. Now the interview? That one you have to handle on your own!!

Recycle -

Don't throw away that Tuxedo Shirt. Instead take it to a tailor & have the short fly collar taken off & re-seamed, making a one inch collar band that stand up. It makes for a great Nauru, Mandarin or Quaker style shirt - a great look with jeans. Especially if you have a thick neck like I do. The stand-up 1" collar band makes for a slight camouflage of that thickness & gives you a svelte look in Wranglers or the slacks of your choice.

Don't button the top two buttons. It's OK to show some Fur. We own it, we've earned it & men love it...

Sean

Got a tip? Send it to Rugged Style.

If we use it - we'll send you something beary cool.

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TheCompleteBear.com is a purveyor of fine bear accessories for the accomplished gentleman (for the bear, his cub, and their den). We've searched the globe for the world's elite brands and selected the top gifts, apparel, accessories, grooming items and home furnishings. The Complete Bear is not for your average bear. There is something unique and different here no matter your taste - casual, cool, or woofy. Whatever it takes to complete the bear.

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