Leather CyberBears
A big ole bear hug
I wanted to thank Mike and Ken over at CyberBears. They posed for a Twisted Photo shoot.
Kilts, slings, leather and more – OH MY!!
Thanks again guys, you’re the best!
July 02, 2008
December 20, 2007
My First Tree
I remember my first Christmas tree. I was 23, and had moved to NYC to be the Master of The Universe – it was the eighties – think Wall Street. Anyway, my first apartment was a tiny six floor walk up on 53rd and 9th, but I had arrived . . .
As the holidays approached, I ventured out for my first tree. I spent weeks watching Martha Stewart in preparation. That bitch had an estate in Connecticut, I had a studio in Hell’s Kitchen, but none the less in the more is more mantra of the era – she was a goddess to this fledgling little gay boy.
Let me start by telling you that you’ve got to love something to drag it up six flights – whether it’s a couch, a trick or even tree – you think twice before your make the ascent. I went with a very reasonable table top model.
And now the decorations!!
I ventured down to Barney’s in the Chelsea – known for their absolutely fabulous windows – I think that year they featured Jesse Helm’s as Santa with a naughty and nice list – classic. Once I got a look at Barney’s prices, I quickly headed over to Fortunoffs.
I opted for a Victorian motif - Mother of Pearl ornaments, naked cherubs, white lights and tons of frilly ribbons. Hey, I was a little twink at the time, cut me some slack. It was FABULOUS with a capital FAB!!
I invited my best friend Carol over to admire my master piece -
“That’s the gayest fucking tree I’ve ever seen . . .”
October 05, 2007
Recycle
by Sean
Don't throw away that Tuxedo Shirt. They cost a lot but there is life for that old Tux shirt anyway. So, don't toss it to Goodwill.
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 for 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.. Or if you do choose to button them, they sell a button cover at Tux shops that will match any mood, from black or silver to a nice gem stone.
I prefer Wranglers jeans with this look, cause Wrangler Butts drive me Nuts. I can only hope for the same reaction.
Party On...
& Growl the night away cause they'll be lookin at you studs.
September 30, 2007
Top Ten Tips on Being a Beary Good Dinner Guest
Nothing defines a man more than his sense of style. Here are a few tips on how to be a gracious dinner guest.
When accepting an invitation to dinner, don't expand the invite. They were plannig a dinner for six, and you've just made it nine. Not cool. And remember, decline invitations rather than ignoring them.
Offer to bring something. I like to call shortly before the event to ask if the need anything. Sometimes it's ice or a last minute ingrediant - but it is one less thing for your host to worry about.
Brings wine regardless. Not a sommelier? It’s hard to go wrong with a reasonability priced Cabernet (around $10). Remember, traditionally, a bottle of wine presented is a gift. Although your host may choose to do so, he is not obligated or even expected to serve the wine with that evening’s meal.
Be punctual. Yes, we all know about gay time, but a roast in the oven doesn’t care how fabulous you are when you are 2 hours late.
Be punctual. Yes, we all know about gay time, but a roast in the oven doesn’t care how fabulous you are when you are 2 hours late.
Talk to someone new. Reach out to someone who might be shy or otherwise not engaged. Make it easy for them to be a part of the evening.
Read the paper. Not good at small talk? Read the front page of the NYT Times and the Journal or peruse Google news online. This will give you a quick review of current events.
Offer a compliment. So the asparagus was over cooked and the risotto was runny, try to find something nice. They tried.
Offer a hand. Maybe its opening the wine or offering to help clear. Yes you are a guest, but leave the tiara at home.
Don’t overstay your welcome. Follow the rhythm of the evening. As things appear to winding down, thank you host(s) and make your exit.
Send a hand written thank you note. If someone took the time to prepare a meal for you, the least you can do is send a personalized note of appreciation.
September 14, 2007
Buying 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.
September 09, 2007
Why scars are cool
When I was kid, I had a GI Joe. One of Joe’s distinguishing features (beyond his plastic six pack) was a very noticeable scar adoring his left cheek. It just doesn’t get any manlier than that. Perhaps it was from man to man combat, or wrestling lions, or fighting off the crowds at Barney’s After Christmas Sale.
Scars are proof of a life well lived - or perhaps of an edited life well led. The scar on your forearm from that nasty Easy Bake Oven incident quickly becomes a tale of a secret tryst involving a Russian Longshoreman. So the next time somewhat asks you about your scar, consider taking a little artistic license.
If Mr. Fluffy scratches you, consider it a badge of honor. You’ve just been provided fodder for a terrifying tale. You know the one - a camping trip that left you naked and wet in the arms of Mr. Woofy, the park ranger.
Oh this? I was once attacked and gored during the Running of the Bulls... and I have the scar to prove it.
Yes, I know it looks like an appendix scar, but it’s not, I swear.
March 19, 2007
Rugged Style
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.
We remember that time. We hope to offer helpful 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. . . "
The Interview -
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!!
Send it to Rugged Style.
If we use it - we'll send you a t-shirt.