Holiday Bling: Decorating At Home 2012

I love the Christmas season.  I have some time on my hands and decided to do everything this year.  Outside. Inside.  All of it.  Here are some photos from the living room and foyer.  I opted for all new ornaments (6 from last year). All large. All very shiny.  Just something different than the hundreds of family ornaments I have. Change.  Not bad I think!

FrontGate Magnolia Garland on staircase.

Tree Detail

Tree Detail: LARGE ornaments

Detail

Detail

More detail!

Favorite: Gold glitter ball

Lit Up And Ready

7' Mirror behind sofa - Poinsettia in antique garden cloche

Ties: Accessory After The Fact

Yes, I know, ties are considered formal these days.  Yes, we have dressed down for success lately. Yes, we are more comfortable in a suit and an open collar some days.  Yes, it's Summer and it's hotter than blazes.  But I still love ties.  They are part of my "uniform" and I hope they are always an acceptable accessory.  Here are just a few I picked up recently.

Always a staple: dots.

Houndstooth, silk and linen Brioni.

Grey and bronze plaid, silk and linen Brioni.

More dots!  Silk Paul Stuart.

Never had a purple tie before.  Satiny smooth silk Stefano Ricci.

Silk Zegna looks great with a light grey Lutwyche suit.

Wearable Art: Sam Hober Ties

I enjoy ties. I know. I know. They aren't required as much anymore for everyday business wear, but I love them.  I have a bunch.  Recently I was turned on to the made to order world of Sam Hober Ties.

There are so many choices. It is daunting. But if you know what you want (I needed Navy Silk Pindot and Green Silk Pindot) then it's easy. They are handmade (and that is obvious), and made to measure, so you tall guys take heart!

Beautifully made. The ties I ordered were really well packaged and sent from the factory in Chiang Mai Thailand.

The first time they came I missed the shipment and the post office didn't leave a notice so they were returned. Imagine my surprise when I got a personal call from Sam!

Great guy. Sent them back and I LOVE these two ties.

 

The texture, color and quality of these are remarkable. I'll definitely go back to this well when I need more.  You should too.  Give old Sam a try.  

Get It For Less: Brooks Brothers Sales

When Brooks Brothers has a sale, sometimes you can get really amazing things for little or nothing.  To wit, this nice very lightweight sport coat.

Very traditional fit, BB "Regent" style single breasted.


 Summer weight in silk, linen and wool.



And now for the good part:  $149 with free shipping, a $399 savings.  Yes, you heard correctly: Saved THREE HUNDRED NINETY NINE DOLLARS!

This is a Summer wardrobe staple.  Easily steamed fresh.  Packable. Wearable. Classic.  Love it already.