Hurry Spring

 

I’m not sure if it’s the color palette that just feels right to me, or the casual ease of Spring/Summer dressing that appeals to me but I know every winter (while i enjoy wearing lots of thick cashmere) I look forward to lightweight khakis, loafers – with no socks – and chambray shirts hanging out of summer weight cashmere sweaters.  I was a dedicated J.Crew shopper for many, many years and while I still love their secret wash button down shirts and their khakis but Todd Snyder – who got his start at Ralph Lauren and went on to work for Gap and J. Crew – has such a good great shop and website that I could really just wear the lines he represents, including his own of course.  This is not a paid endorsement (I swear it, god knows I’d love a heavy credit to his beautifully curated store) Todd if you’re reading this, I love what you do man.

TODD SNYDER- CHAMPION- M- cream slim sweatpant with cream drawstrings JP Priority

TODD SNYDER-brown khaki selvedge chino officer pant with brown button closure JAP

Now of course, I love a nice shoe, and Todd has those too but my heart is with Gucci when it comes to nice shoes, I think they are classic and trendy at the same time, and if not a leather loafer then a white sneaker from Adidas (Stan Smith) or Converse (Jack Purcell). So come on Spring… I’m waiting.

Style Watch – For the Guys

Right now the cut many guys are choosing to wear their hair long on top and short or undercut on the sides. The trend really has broad appeal because it can be cut and groomed to suit a conservative or fashion-forward aesthetic (drink if you p[lay the BillBlog Drinking Game, ignore if you have no clue what I’m referring to).  I have seen a version of this cut that closely resembled a unicorn, with the sides,back and crown trimmed so tight that the tuft of hair left was a slicked horn of hair.  Most guys opt for a long on top cropped side version that is business by day and edged up at night with the help of some hair product.  The “length on top” trend is fueling the “man-bun” trend that will continue to grow in the next year.  Yep, you heard it right the MAN-BUN.

   Texturized and combed forward, the long on top cut can be versatile and offer many looks.  I wear mine greased most of the time smoothed back, but love to rock a drier look like this assuming it’s weather, outfit and event appropriate.

There are of course more than these few items that make up a fashionables guys wardrobe.  It’s pretty easy to put together a list of what’s trending (and selling) to guys right now.  Just off the top of my head every guy should have: A pair of Slim legged Khaki pants and slim legged jeans, Dessert Boots, lace-up shoes or Brogues (wing tip, cap toe) and a casual pair of leather shoes like a boat shoe and a puffy jacket or vest.  A navy blazer is still a staple and interesting socks can update the look if your still wearing the one you’ve had since college.

Diver style watches aren’t “out” really, but guys seems to be buying what I’d call a Pilot watch – one with a stop watch or multi faced faces.  Vintage is BIG, and mixed strap is also popular.  Color is making a come back on watch faces and straps and don’t forget to add a bracelet or two to your wrist guys.  Mens bracelets are still a fashion must have for fashionable guys.  Here is a great website that explains watch types, it’s well written and quite informative: www.gmtminusfive.com

 

And, last but not least, we have not seen the last of the man-clutch.  That’s right the business only strapless briefcase or the attaché is the bag of the moment. Guys are carrying strapless bags for work and for play.  It seems everyone is in need of a place to stow power cords, iPads, glasses, and other necessities.  The messenger is a classic, but it is not a “current” shape for guys.  Totes or open top handled bags are also on point if you prefer an easier bag to grab and go.

Taylor Swift

I’m not going to lie, I used to hate Taylor Swift (sorry Taylor).  Her first few songs while catchy seemed out of tune to me and I thought she was all flash and no talent.  I was wrong.  She has proven herself to be first and foremost, a good singer as well as a good song writer and the package is tasteful, pretty and she someone I wouldn’t mind my daughter (if I had one) looking up to.  She’s the real deal.

 

I know 48 year old men (yes, I’m 48… get over it I have) like myself are not the target audience for Taylor, but thats the genius of Taylor Swift.  Her tunes are so catchy and good we ALL like them, even those who still resist, find them selves humming one of here tunes after hearing it in the grocery store, the elevator or the DMV.  I’m not asking you to love her if it’s just not your cup of tea but do me a small favor and read the bio below, and then tell me she isn’t pretty amazing.

24 year-old Taylor Swift is a seven-time GRAMMY winner, and is the youngest winner in history of the music industry’s highest honor, the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. She is the only female artist in music history (and just the fourth artist ever) to twice have an album (2012’s RED and 2010’s Speak Now) hit the 1 million first-week sales figure.

With RED, Taylor became the first artist since the Beatles (and the only female artist in history) to log six or more weeks at #1 with three consecutive studio albums. RED has topped the Billboard 200 Albums Chart for seven weeks, following Fearless (11 weeks), and Speak Now (six weeks).

With more than 1.2 million copies sold in the U.S. in its first week, RED scored the highest first-week sales debut of any album in over a decade, had the 8th largest first-week debut in chart history, and marked the 2nd biggest week ever for a female artist. Taylor’s lead single from RED, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” set a new record for the biggest digital sales week ever for a song by a woman, and for the second-largest sales week overall.

With RED, Taylor also set a new worldwide iTunes record for highest ever first-week album sales, and RED reached #1 on iTunes and national sales charts in 50 countries, including the UK, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Malaysia, Ireland, Argentina, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia. The RED Tour heads to Europe in 2014.

In early 2012, Taylor’s Speak Now album was lauded on Rolling Stone’s prestigious The 50 Greatest Albums of All Time (by women) list, and Time magazine has named Taylor one of the 100 most influential people in the world. She is Billboard’s youngest-ever Woman of the Year, and her more than 100 industry award wins have included the American Music Awards’ Artist of the Year (twice), the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year (both also twice), and three European Music Awards. Taylor is also the most awarded star in the history of the Teen Choice Awards, taking home honors for both music and movies.

Taylor, who writes all of her own songs, has career record sales in excess of 26 million albums and 75 million song downloads worldwide, and her two most recent albums are two of only 18 albums in the entire history of music to sell more than 1 million copies in a single week. She has had singles top both the country and pop radio charts around the globe, and has thus far scored 13 #1 singles across multiple radio formats. She is one of the top 5-selling digital music artists worldwide, and is the top-selling digital artist in country music history.

Taylor is Billboard’s reigning Artist of the Year and holds the Billboard records for the Most Top 10 Debuts in the History of the Hot 100 Chart, the Most Charting Songs from One Album in a Single Week, and the Longest Charting Album on the Top 200 Chart.

This year, the North American portion of Taylor’s RED Tour played to more than 1.36 million fans over 66 shows (including 13 stadium stops) in 47 cities in 29 states and 3 provinces spanning 6 months. And, starting in late November, Taylor will take her RED Tour, which Rolling Stone dubbed “a massively excellent show,” Down Under, performing stadium shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, as well as arena dates in Auckland. Swift will be the first solo female artist in twenty years to undertake a national stadium concert tour of Australia.

Her SPEAK NOW World Tour played 111 shows to more than 1.5 million fans in sold-out stadiums and arenas in 19 countries spanning four continents in 2011 and 2012. Her 107-date FEARLESS 2009/2010 Tour sold out arenas and stadiums in 88 cities in five countries.

Taylor voiced the character of Audrey in the 2012 hit movie “Dr. Seuss’s The LORAX,” and has written the end credit song “Sweeter Than Fiction” for the movie “One Chance,” a bio pic of Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts. She also contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the movie “The Hunger Games,” winning a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song. She has hosted Saturday Night Live, appeared in the Garry Marshall film “Valentine’s Day,” and guest-starred on the Emmy-winning TV drama CSI.

*This biography taken from MTV.com

Joggers

I didn’t create the trend but I’m certainly helping it gain momentum. The mens “jogger” is starting to show up everywhere (and by everywhere I mean every guy with style in NYC) and, I have joined the movement.  I have 3 pair of mens pants with elastic at the ankles. Two are wool – one pair navy, one pair grey tweed and I also have a cotton pair… And I wear them in public. What’s the big deal you might be wondering, well two pair have elastic waists and one pair has a drawstring. To me those details belong on clothing  only if worn at a gym, playing sports or on a sofa.  But i pair them with chambray shirts, chunky sweaters and my favorite corduroy unlined sport coat and make sure my outfit looks “pulled-together”.This trend is not just for the guys… Girls are rocking pants and jumpsuits with cinched ankles and drawstring waists…  SplendidLA in the SOHO area of NYC sells every type imaginable.  If your going to make the leap, pair it with a tiny leather (or Vegan leather) jacket and ankle booties to be completely “on trend”.

A (random) Night At Home

Newest addiction: Hot water with Meyer lemon and local honey.  Best consumed in your jammies, cozy in front of the fire, catching up on my blogs, Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Caution! do not attempt without your readers –  I prefer Eyebobs.  They are relatively cheap, they have a style for every face, a color for every complexion, religion or persuasion.  Once your settled in enjoy the best prices on the internet on Ebay, usually… unless you – like I – covet the book Four Years in Paradise.  It’s giraffe cover is coveted by designers and other visually driven folks, but it’s selling for 250.00 or more. Anything nautical, LV luggage and a few other fetishes later I decide to indulge what may become my mid life crisis manifested: the Volkswagon Truck, volia!

The perfect “weekend car” right?  BTW, “weekend car” is code for Provincetown car.  I could shlep plants, dogs, firewood and bikes in a cool truck like this and look oh so cool doing it. Bikes!  oh yeah… I could really use a cool new bike. I’d like a white one please with leather grips and a basket, or maybe a black one? I love the idea of a pretty bike.  It’s like having a nice car.  These bikes didn’t come from Ebay, but they are pretty.

I’ve been on line for several minutes, I way beyond Ebay now. I’m looking at real-estate in Provincetown.  The thought of a summer house, ah… I love the daydream of furnishing a tiny house I call my own. Maybe it will look like this…

I love the Japanese-Modern vibe When you design homes for a living and you have hoarder like tendencies, this simple aesthetic (drink all you longtime readers) would be hard to manage.  I’m more of the everything white but layer it up kind of guy.  But the chair is pretty.

Slowly getting tired, the heat of the fire is making me sleepy, and this lemon-honey potion is a far cry from my evening coffee that is probably the root of my late night Pinterest affliction.  as I nod off and think about taking the dogs out one last time I’m wondering what my look should be for work tomorrow.  Maybe roughed up jeans with a chambray shirt and a blue blazer.  A nice pair of shoes can save even a borderline sloppy look.  I’ll do lace up cap toe brown shoes.  perfect.  now I can sleep.

Good night.

A Well Dressed Room

A sofa, chair, table, rug and lamp really isn’t all that different from a jacket, shirt, tie, pants and shoes.  Designers are constantly referencing lighting as jewelry in the room, and that’s because it quite literally IS the jewelry of the room.  Small accents in metal, glass, stone, mirror, ceramic and the like serve a similar purpose to jewelry.  Sure they provide light but they also add a sparkle, a layer of something small and pretty. Paired with a large swath of fabric (sofa or sweater) the two create a beautiful relationship and complement one another.
Much like wearing a suit (pants, jacket, vest),  a room can be furnished with matching sofa chairs and ottoman.  The look is clean and polished, simple maybe… but done in leather, cashmere or linen the vibe can be tweaked to become something extraordinary.  Rooms can also be a lot like a pair of jeans and an old favorite sweater.  A slip-covered sofa in a hard-working twill and a cozy wool  blanket only needs a fireplace, a good view or a reading light and a book to make it complete.  Whats the point? When you’re furnishing a room, think about getting dressed. Start with how you want the room to look or feel – if you were getting dressed you’d be thinking about the weather, the occasion and of course whats clean – So you should start with whats right for this room, apartment, home. Decide on a palette or a vibe and maybe pick an inspiration piece to guide your decision-making – like a pair of shoes you just have to wear! Your room will need underwear, a good foundation aka. paint and flooring. You’ll need the basics… Rug, sofa or bed, tables or dressers, a chair perhaps (and if we were really getting dressed, a belt, watch, shoes and sox, jewelry, tie pocket square and maybe even a hat and coat!) this means lights, pillows, books, art and of course accessories. Each layer is important and will help give your space a finished quality. Attention to detail is key, you’d iron your shirt right?

James Perse

James Perse Furniture is a natural extension of the brand, with the same essential qualities as the clothing. It is classic, simple, and timeless — the essence of casual living. The collections – Malibu, Nor Cal, Los Angeles and Brentwood – appeal to a broad style of homes, from traditional to modern, and include both indoor and outdoor pieces.
James Perse Furniture is made in the USA and sold exclusively at James Perse Boutiques and the James Perse Showroom in Los Angeles.   For more information, please contact furniture@jamesperse.com or visit the James Perse Showroom.

Brentwood Collection
The Brentwood collection is sleek and sophisticated lending itself to a wide variety of décors. Its design is classic and suits both elegant and casual environments. The collection is available in ash wood with an espresso or white finish, as well as top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm.   The collection includes the Balfour Dining Table, BurlingameTable, Barrington Coffee Table, Hillcrest Console, Concord Desk, and the Helena Dining Stool.

 

 

Los Angeles Collection

The Los Angeles Collection is a modern interpretation of the Craftsman style – warm and rustic with clean elegant lines. Pieces are available for indoors, in rough sawn white oak and can be upholstered in 100% Belgium or Italian basket weave linens or a cotton linen blend. For outdoor use, the collection is available in top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm and upholstered with premium all weather fabrics to ensure lasting outdoor use. The collection includes the Craftsmen Bed, Sofa, Chair, and Ottoman. 

Nor Cal Collection
A collection of upholstered pieces that capture the refined and relaxed quality of the James Perse aesthetic: modern and timeless. Fabrics are offered in 100% Belgium and Italian basket weave linens as well as a cotton linen blend, and express a lived in and laundered look. The collection includes the Sonoma Bed, Sofa, Chair and Chaise, the Napa Sofa and Chair, and the Carmel Ottoman.  

    

Malibu Collection
A collection of classic outdoor furniture updated and refined to reflect the James Perse aesthetic. Made of top quality teak grown on an environmentally friendly farm, the Malibu Collection is upholstered with premium all weather fabrics to ensure lasting outdoor use.  The collection includes the Malibu Sling Chair, Westward Wedge, Montecito Daybed and Chair, Carbon Chaise, Cross Creek Director’s Chair, Colony Chair, and the La Piedra Side Table. 

     

Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90069
Tel 323 606 7660

 

 

 

LAYER While You Can

Shirts and sweaters and jackets Oh MY!  And, vests, ties, gloves, hats and SCARFS.  Yes Gentlemen the time to layer is now.  Don’t miss out as we lose the cold weather of winter we will lose the opportunity to layer it up with all that fashion has to offer us these days.  At the top of my personal list is the scarf, yes the man scarf is everywhere and the bigger the better.  I have taken to wearing a scarf so big (James Perse cashmere) it doubles as a blanket!  Scarf leery?  No worries, start small and work with a scarf doubled with the ends pulled though the loop.  This is a fast and easy application that suits scarf and tuxedo, scarf and blazer, scarf and denim jacket or even scarf and T-shirt… YES, scarf and T-shirt.  Don’t knock it tip you’ve tried it.  

Vests are a game changer too.  Leave the sport coat at home and layer your chambray shirt and knit tie or bow tie with a vest.  You’ll look pulled together and fashionable but you’ll gain the comfort and flexibility of not wearing a suit jacket, blazer or whathaveyou.  This goes for the puffy vest too, only try this one on the weekend with that new scarf you just bought.  although I’d rock a neck tie and puffy vest, anyway… the point is, a dress shirt and a V-neck sweater doesn’t cut it any more.  

If you’re just not up for taking the time to work out a look beyond your regular shirt and coat, add a pocket square and that alone will update your look and add a dash style instantly.  If all else fails, you just can’t be bothered, you’re not a fashionista and maybe your happy in that “I don’t give into fashion” place… Do me a favor, Put on a cashmere or merino wool turtle neck with a sport coat or blazer and your darkest pair of denims before you hit the cold street of your hometown. I promise it will add a skip to your step.  And if you’re not looking for a skip in your step, your reading the wrong blog. 

MANPONCHO

I want one.  NO, I REALLY WANT ONE.  So much so I might just make one.  how hard could it be?  Looks to me like you sew two small blankets together and you’re done, Bata-bing Bata-boom!  But I have to say the above “slicker” style poncho is very cool – harder to make so I might have to figure out who designed this one and buy it.  I don’t remember where this image came from… something makes me think it’s Tommy Hilfiger, I’m not always a fan of his but this poncho rocks.  A Bing or Google search came up with some great alternatives…

This one from – NonnativeThis one from – alpacamall.com
This one from – earthwatch.com…or if this was brown or grey or navy. Don’t care that it’s “for ladies” (also from Alpaca Mall).

Theres even a poncho for people in wheelchairs at buckandbuck.com!

Ponchos for EVERYONE! Look even the cool kids are wearing them…

Who wants to help me sew one? Stay tuned…

What Did Santa Bring You?

I have my Mom in town staying for a short while, so I’ll be posting if/when I can.  We have had several days of parties and dinners and extended family to celebrate Christmas. “Santa” brought me those great wool underwear I was hoping for from Ramblers Way – available through Cuddle Down and a beautiful cashmere scarf from James Perse among other things.  I am so very thankful for everything good in my life, my friends, my partner, my mom and family and my health not to mention my succesful career and of course my dogs (stay tuned for an announcement on them) and the bounty in my life.

Today it looks as though were off to Boston to stroll through a few museums and perhaps have lunch someplace fancy.  I hope you are all still feeling the warmth of the holiday and preparing for a fresh new year.

Black Frames

It’s a classic, the thin black frame.  It says something but it’s simple and clean and lets what it’s outlining be interest, it doesn’t take over.  Unless of course it’s the Velvet Underground frame from Eye-Bobs!  These velvet wrapped reading glasses will make a statement that’s for sure.  I love the idea of these for black-tie and dress-up moments and at only $75.00 they’d make a great gift – did you see what I just did there? I turned this post into a Gift It post just by suggesting this would make a good one, and they would!

“Get ready for your 15 minutes of fame. With a velvet front and nylon temples, these ultra-chic reading glasses will earn you some serious hipster cred”.

And then there is the other “classic black frame”.  The one I set out to write about. You really can’t go wrong with a thin black frame and a white mat.  The style suits almost any interior and adds a crispness and an articulation that is sharp, clear and just enough to make a statement.

And then, of course there are other versions of the “black frame”.  I have to admit I’ve never painted my trim black before, but I do like the way this kitchen looks… enough to consider doing it in one room of my own home, or perhaps a clients, but maybe not my White on White kitchen.  I might like it with a 20’s vibe black and white tile and the like, but this kitchen is pretty sweet, isn’t it? 

Gift It – Jack Spade

I need one, so I’m guessing that there’s a guy in your life that needs one too.  I think the Swedish Ary splinter camouflage is interesting and the pop of the orange contrast bottom makes a statement. Not sure how long I’d want to carry a tote that looks like this (there’s that bag again) but a travel dob-kit is the perfect thing to take some liberties on.  Jack Spade is the mastermind behind this design, click over and take a look at all the cool things they are offering up.

Gift It – Louis Vuitton

For the person with everything… I give you the personalized passport cover from Louis Vuitton. Starting at $295 and as much as $450… so you’d better make sure the recipient was nice and not naughty!  I’d like mine with W.T.B. on it please.  And yes, that means I haven’t been (very) naughty.

Gift It – A Pocket Square

Add a personal touch to his tailored looks with a pocket square like this one from Alexander Olch. With ruffled edges and sharp shades of blue and brown, this pocket square would look great tucked casually into a light-coloured blazer in the summer months.  White linen, Dark blue silk, gingham, paisley you can’t go wrong… A pocket square is a must have for todays well dressed man and a perfect gift this Christmas.

COLOR

Yes, in fact I do like color.  Just because I prefer a white kitchen and a beige living room doesn’t mean I can’t embrace a little (or a lot) of color in my own home and in clients homes.  I actually do more colorful interiors than I do somber, neutral palettes.  My “bread and butter” are second homes near the coast so I do a fair share of Coastal sophisticated, Cottage and  Summer Home type looks.  Often folks want strong fun happy colors, a departure from their regular homes, colors that can stand up to the summer sun.  The influence I have is that the right amount of color is used, and it the right combinations.I suggest using color in places like stair wells because its a place that you pass through vs spend time in.  Another favorite place for strong color is the back of bookcases.  Your collectibles, trinkets, mic-nacks and yes… even your books will look more important and POP against a strong color background.  Window treatments and rugs are other good spots for strong color, rugs because they are on a horizontal plane and there for not as obvious as say the walls or sofa.  Window treatments because they are typically up/open so it’s a small amount actually showing and because it’s a fairly easy change out when/if you grow tired of them.
Serious crush on these bunk beds!  I love the soft colors on the horizontal boards… this room says a cool kid lives here.  In fact I want an adult sized version of this set up in my guest house, when I get one… make that when I get one on the beach at my second home.  Until then, the colored boards could become an accent wall, or a backsplash, or a cute second bath.

Color can be subtle, soft and tonal too.  Look at this pretty bottle display, popping with spring blossoms forced indoors for a happy moment of color.  The color of these bottles is a color that always makes me happy… Almost teal, more green than blue, hints of turquoise.  This special color is a cool color that feels good in a home often surrounded by the heat of summer.  If you want to use it for your year-round mix it with gold flourishes to warm it up and create a more glam look.

Groovy right?  Funny to me that this palette can go from the “hippy” striped accents in this bedroom to high fashion color blocked outfits and shoes found on the runway, but it does and it works high-brow and low-brow.  My opinion is that strong color works best when surrounded by neutral (white).  The lesson: Strong color should be served up like a condiment.  It’s the ketchup, mayo and/or relish… it’s not the hot dog, bun or plate.  Use thoughtfully and sparingly.

Gift It – Jewelry

You can’t loose with jewelry.  And I’m not talking Zales diamond “remember me” necklaces either.  Fashion jewelry is BIG these days, very in fashion and the best place to buy original, unique and well priced jewelry is Etsy.com …no kidding.  This lil Gold Rush Ring is only $95 and the Nugget Necklace is just $33.  So get on over to Etsy.com and finish your shopping already!  

Gift It – Cute Undies

Crushing on, and might have to treat myself to, a pice or two from Ramblers Way – available through Cuddle down, an amazing resource for all things Cuddly – 100% American made wool comfortwear. This earth friendly and sustainable company is second major eco-friendly venture from the folks that spent nearly 40 years building Tom’s of Maine.  You owe it to yourself (and maybe a few lucky people on your list) to experience these revolutionary lightweight, luxuriously soft, wool garments.  I just love the look and feel of them and knowing that they are American made and sustainable, is icing on the cake.  

Summer Wedding

Weddings and the details that go along with them are things I typically avoid.  Not that I don’t love imagining “pulling it all together” for a bride and creating a magical event for the occasion, that sounds great.  But I know that weddings can be a very stressful time and “hyper emotional” and if I can avoid drama… well I’m sure you see my point.   It seems there will be a wedding in the family next summer and admittedly I have allowed myself to imagine how I would style a summer wedding.  Just to be clear the bride has not asked for input, and I do not presume to know what she’d like… this is just me sayin I like this look for a summer wedding.

While I love a fancy party and an excuse to get dressed up, I find that a sightly more casual affair sets a more relaxed mood and allows guests to really enjoy the event, it’s less stiff and in the heat of summer “formal” just doesn’t feel right.  I like the idea of a  sophisticated  picnic, seersucker and gingham, lemonade and linen… you know the drill.  If the event is a late afternoon affair that’s good with me, twilight is such a pretty time of day and the idea of the ceremony in the light and the dinner at dusk and the “party” stretching well into the darkness all sound perfect to me.  
I love the simplicity of these hanging white lights and mixed with a casual hang out for young or old away from the main party is a great idea, a stolen kiss, a quick smoke – please think about quitting if you’re a smoker – a private chat or simply a break from the all of it, little oasis like these have become very popular at weddings, not everyone will want to dance all night.

Yellow in your flowers? Yes please!  I love the mix of color in this arrangement and the pop of yellow threading through the decor.  It’s not a color many brides choose and I like it for that reason but it also suits a summer wedding and holds up visually to strength of a bright summer sun.  Mixed with pinks, apricots and oranges the cheekiness of the yellow is mellowed to something festive without reading juvenile.  The men dressed in soft greys, khaki or navy will look dapper and current with yellow boutonneres.
I have seen just about every idea there ever was for marking tables, names of boats, places the couple hold near to their hearts, and all the rest (I’ll spare you the list) and I still like a simple number best and this is a darn cute way of marking the tables.  I don’t care for tall flat signs that ruin the vibe of the tablescape, this idea supports the summer picnic theme.

If you’re planning on walking across the lawn to the altar, please do this!  Any other type of runner looks like it was put there just to keep the brides dress clean (don’t do it, get married inside if you don’t want to dirty your hem… but it will get dirty anyway).  Scatter petals to coordinate with the brides bouquet up the aisle and if your on a budget ball jars tied to the chairs can hold flowers and then be transferred to the tables for dinner – I love a ball jar!
FOR THE GUYS…

It’s summer after all, let them drink beer  (if they want to).  Have a separate bar for the keg and dress it up with a few of these.  Cute right?  or if you’re going all out use this idea for the bachelor party.

MoPa (Modern Parent)

MoPa is an event company, and online resource for parents and soon to be parents, I’d call them curators of all things baby.  What is cool, what is safe, trends in baby gear, the all of it is edited with a keen eye (for style), and wrapped up pretty on-line and in their events.  The folks at MoPa blog about fashion for moms and kids, they tell it like it is on latest trends, fads and must haves AND they produce vendor events so parents and soon-to-be parents can checkout the latest and greatest in person, how smart is that?  I’m lucky enough to know Denell Pepin, owner/president of MoPa and let me tell you… girls got style!  This young lady and mother of two has it going on.  Always “on point” her parties are perfection, every outfit effortless and chic, her events are informative AND fun and she’s a great dinner companion (smart and funny).  It makes sense that a lady this smart and chic would want to share her knowledge, spread the love as it were, but I was totally flattered when she asked me to participate in her Holiday Gift Guide for MoPa.  

I know what your thinking  – what the heck does this guy know about parenting beyond the four-legged type of parenting? Nothing. But I know a thing or two about giving gifts…  So together we created a Gift Giving Guide.  We chatted about our loves for the season long enough and with such passion and conviction that she included a brief interview about my style, entertaining, etc.  Click on over to see her great work and the interview Here.  There are 30 days til Christmas!

It’s In The Bag!

Hi, my name is Bill Barr and I’m addicted to bags.  Messenger, tote, back-pack doesn’t matter.. If it holds stuff, and I get to think about how it will look with a given outfit or lend style to a look short on style then I’m in!  I have actually wondered if starting a new blog exclusively for bags would make sense.  it would allow me to indulge my obsession… mens and women’s, ones that I covet, ones others covet, ones that should be coveted, whats trendy, whats out… the list could go on and on, there are so many good bags.

I seem to be a fan of the tote.  I like totes for their ease of entrance.  you can find what you need without a flap, zipper or latches, buckles or even a snap.  If I’m on your list, I would LOVE this navy bag.  It would be my “go to” summer bag, I’d wear it with khakis, and white Jack Purcell sneakers and yeah, a navy and white striped D-ring belt.