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!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
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:
Men and Jewelry: A Discussion
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.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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
Some of my favorites from this fall:
For a more "loafer-ish" look (perfect for a teacher/professor), Eastland has some great options, such as this:
What is "The Rugged Sophisticate?"
"Rugged sophisticate" is a term I coined at approximately 1700 hours (5pm, for my civilians) on Friday, October 12, 2012. I was talking to a friend of mine about men's style, specifically, what I like to see. Later, I expounded on this theory in a Facebook status: "Looks like he chops down trees and drinks dry
martinis, sails and bare-knuckle boxes, keeps a dimple in his tie and a
Magnum in the back pocket of his Acne jeans....mmmmm...."
To me, rugged sophistication suggests a man who is meticulous in his appearance, but knows that the clothes don't make the man. I'm a tomboy and a Soldier, so I prefer a guy who can put a dimple in his tie and owns several pairs of cufflinks, but can also beat me in Combatives and keeps his weapon clean without having to be told. Rugged sophistication is about details over drama: quality stitching, fabric with heft, clean lines, durability. Its cool that you have the latest re-issued Jordans in every color, but when the rubber meets the road, the rugged sophisticate knows nothing beats a good Pendleton anorak and some Hunter boots.
To me, rugged sophistication suggests a man who is meticulous in his appearance, but knows that the clothes don't make the man. I'm a tomboy and a Soldier, so I prefer a guy who can put a dimple in his tie and owns several pairs of cufflinks, but can also beat me in Combatives and keeps his weapon clean without having to be told. Rugged sophistication is about details over drama: quality stitching, fabric with heft, clean lines, durability. Its cool that you have the latest re-issued Jordans in every color, but when the rubber meets the road, the rugged sophisticate knows nothing beats a good Pendleton anorak and some Hunter boots.
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