There was a bit of discussion following last week's Beard of the Day (a super nice selection of photos of Mr. Scott Speedman, looking rough and rugged and scruffy and ruffy and clearing pining for Penelope) about "cultural evolution." In fact, Mr. Tom Andrews said, and I quote, "I believe in cultural evolution. The tie, the Martini, the pocket square, the close shave, and literary fiction -- for these are pinnacles from which, once attained, one cannot retreat. ;^)"
Mr. Andrews is so eloquent, isn't he?
And wrong. He's also wrong.
Let's discuss.
I agree that a tie, a Martini (I love how Tom has capitalized that...heeee!), a pocket square and literary fiction are all very culturally evolved. But I beg to differ on the beard thing. Case in point (see above)....Gandy in tux. Beard. Pocket square. Bow tie (and I'll bet that isn't even a clip-on!). Culturally evolved smirk on face.
Oh look! Here's Daniel Craig.....
Mr. Craig appears to be sporting a tie, a dapper vest, and a classic martini with two, no I think that's actually three, count them....three! olives. Oh, and a beard. He also appears to be at a culturally evolved event. I don't see any stripper poles.
Hey! Look who's here! Gandy is back.....
Tie? Check.
Pocket Square? Check.
Literary Fiction? Check.
Close Shave? Nope, don't see that one. Too bad.
So, there you have it. From my pinnacle (which is festively crowded with tiaras, weenie dogs and 1980s videos), beards are looking quite spiffy. They're not just for lumberjacks anymore. (Although that's fine, too, of course.)
I would like to say a special thanks to Geekamicus and Tasha for photos and artwork. And a super big thanks to Mr. Andrews, who is an excellent sport and source of inspiration. Whether he likes it or not.
Hope everyone has a culturally evolved, beardy day and a wonderful holiday weekend!
Penelope
22 comments:
When we meet, can I tickle you with my beard? I grow specially for you (it helps that Ishbel doesn't mind it either of course) XXX
Fine gents, I am sure, but they look...well, dirty and unshaven in my opinion. PURELY my opinion. Unshaven, unfinished, scruffy...like they were late for something and didn't have time to shave.
I used to sport a beard until about three years ago. I got rid of it as I just wanted to start looking professional and clean.
No offense to anyone...I just don't dig beards, and no one in my office dares sport a beard (although I grudgingly allow James his moustache :) I hope he reads this!).
Fun post, as always! I'm going to go shower and shave now...
Tom #1----Ishbel is a very lucky woman. :^)
Tom #2, aka Mr. Andrews....
You're a good sport. To be honest with you, I personally prefer a good old lumberjack w/ a beard than a pretty boy w/ a beard. But I do find it interesting that I see bearded men everywhere these days...doctors, lawyers, professionals....the well-trimmed goatee is especially popular.
A stache w/ no beard? *shudder* Me no likey!
And to be perfectly honest (don't tell anyone) I also like clean-shaven faces! My own adorable hubby is clean-shaven and he still looks like the young man I met 25 years ago. Only his glasses are smaller.
Enjoy your shave!
You say it sooo well.
And seriously could that blued eyed man be any more delicious? I think not.
Why, thank you, Juju!
(oh, you weren't referring to me in my avatar...sorry...)
Juju....Gandy is Dandy.
Tom....Touché.
Sorry about the double-post of the same comment above...slow connection.
By the way, regarding moustaches, you should have a look at Mr. Brett McKay of Tulsa who is the author of "The Art of Manliness" blog - he has been rocking the cookie duster for a while, and shows just how distinguished they can be.
Once again, here is my hero, Mr. Fitzgerald, rocking the best facial hair ever:
http://venturegalleries.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/fitzreading1.jpeg
1. Brett McKay is adorable, I must admit....
http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBLv5ktBFio/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAAYw/pBCCraStTmA/photo.jpg
I like the pocket square, tie and cute bushy eyebrows. Cute!
2. The blog, The Art of Manliness, is totally awesome. I especially like this post title..."How To Remove and Prevent Yellow Armpit Stains".....heeee!
http://artofmanliness.com/
3. Mr Fitzgerald looks baby-faced and lovely.
Purrrdy...(wipes drool, starts to blink again)
While Penny knows my affinity for well dressed men, Mr. Gandy being a particular favorite, I have to say the love of my life is clean shaven and hasn't needed a suit in his wardrobe for several years. I have informed him that I am not adverse to facial hair (it is his face after all, as long as it's not a soul patch. That might lead to divorce. (If you're going to grow a beard, grow a beard.)
Geek! Thanks so much for all the awesome photos. Gandy is just a tad too perfect/pretty boy for moi. I like Paul Bunyan types better. If Gandy and Paul Bunyan were in a celebrity death match, I think Gandy's pocket square would get ripped up. ;^)
I totally agree about the soul patch...grow a real beard, for God's sake!
Oh. My. Goodness. How did I miss this man?? And those blue eyes - fabulous! Thank you Penny. You are a goddess.
I think I must being getting REALLY old when I don't recognize the beard of the day!!! HELP! Thanks for throwing Daniel Craig in just so I would feel worse! xxoo Nancy
Hi Casey! Gandy seems to be quite the popular model as of late. Thanks for the goddess compliment! Heeee!
Nancy...you are not old at all. I didn't know who Gandy was either until my Twitter feed became filled with links to him wearing a nice outfit, wearing a plaid shirt, wearing a bathing suit, wearing....well, nothing. (I have some naughty friends, evidently). We're not old, we're perfectly aged like a fine wine!
Ewww. No. Not happening for me. Something about the photos makes them all look evil and sort of Snidely Whiplash-y.
E-VIL! E-VIL! It's the EVIL BEARD! Uh oh. I just got another idea for a weird story. NOOOOO!!!! Somebody stop me, please.
I'm not going to stop you - run with it!
"From my pinnacle (which is festively crowded with tiaras, weenie dogs and 1980s videos)..."
I like the cut of your pinnacle.
Thanks, Nicola! I have no shame. *straightens tiara*
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