Thread: Isn't this all a bit foppish?

Originally Posted by JMS

Listen guys I am only warning you because I care. This excessive use of mens "beauty" will be the end of you!
There was a gentleman on our boards for awhile who went too far with all of these products! Last I heard he was seen in paris...well, just don't let this happen to you...He was a dear friend also.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Ah good times.

That rose is kinda cute!

Originally Posted by Bladerunner

That rose is kinda cute!

It's Jimbo if you want to ask him out.

The rose is probably wilted by now, and that guy would definitely be jealous anyway

Absolutely, real men don't care about things like how soft their skin is, perfectly coifed hair and the latest mens stinkum.

I think it all depends on the end result. If you use 1000 different products to keep your skin BBS, and hair all just perfect, and still come out looking like you could eat nails for breakfast and benchpress andre the giant then it's all good. OTOH if you come out looking like a French fashion model then...

Also, if you look a little "metro" but still act like a man, who cares?

Personally, I have lots of stuff, though don't use it all day to day. I try to stay clean and neat, but don't shy away from manual labor, working on cars, hunting, motorcycling etc. I keep my nails trimmed (no manicures though), but don't freak out if I destroy one working on something. I've gone to formal events looking great in my suit and french cuff shirt but with grease/oil stains on my hands from working on my jeep nights before...

This thread looks awfully familiar...Hmmm

Originally Posted by JMS

Also are their any men left with simple tastes and simple wants anymore or are we all so self obsessed these days?

Yes. I have 1 type of shaving cream, 1 brush, 2 aftershaves, a beat up old strop, and a couple of average blades. While I like sharp edges, and the process of shaving, to me it is just hair removal.

Yep - I find it a funny kind of contrast: Macho scary straight razor vs all the pampering products!

I don't have an issue with all the personal care products if that's what you're in to - and hey, real men can pamper themselves if they want to! It takes courage to make your own way and not conform to stereotypical views of masculinity - that's manly isn't it??!!

Historically - weren't there a lot of very deadly fops throughout history? eg. Landsknechts - they might have dressed pretty, but they'd mess you up if you crossed their path!

Personally
- I'm aiming for simplicity and efficiency (with reasonable comfort), with as little clutter as possible.

All the best,
Michael.

Gentlemen,

To me, what determines manliness is not whether I have one aftershave or two dozen, one simple Dovo or a collection of Thiers-Issards, Bokers or Filarmonicas.

Rather, it is how I think of myself.

Fragrance does not make a gentleman. That which is within him gives him the right to call himself a gentleman.

For years I had one aftershave, Woods of Windsor. Today, I have at least a dozen aftershaves, and use them all. Why? Because I like lovely fragrances as I like lovely women.

The great Mozart put it this way: "I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings."

The great Ludwig Van Beethoven put it another way:

Ludwig and his brother Johann, a businessman, did not get along. One New Year's Day, when Johann had bought a piece of land, he sent the great Ludwig a card and signed it: "Johann Van Beethoven, landowner." The great Ludwig crossed off his brother's name and returned the card, signed: "Ludwig Van Beethoven, brain owner."

So you see gentlemen, whether you own only Pinaud's Clubman or two dozen aftershaves and colognes worthy of Beau Brummell, the greatest dandy of all, give yourself a splash and smile.

Regards,

Obie