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.