Christmas Eve is finally here, and what have my three wise bloggers and I brought to you from Paris?
I come bearing the star of our brilliant tree Bébé-Marie, the Christmas Monkey.
Photo by Beth Arnold
Every year Bébé-Marie crawls out of your liquor cabinet and swings through your trees to shake things up. She likes toe-tapping jazz and Cajun music not to mention a good party, and, oh, how she loves to dance! Bébé-Marie crowns our tree resplendently, overseeing her subjects that include Mexican tin Day of the Dead decorations, sparkly balls, golden bows, and our newest acqusitions, brightly colored (and wiggly) fishing lures. They take on a special glow beneath her skirt.
Photo by Beth Arnold
If you're lucky, Bébé-Marie might just swing into your house to liven up your Christmas! To entice her, leave mincemeat cookies and a glass of old rum next to some rocking CDs.
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Contributing Editor Mario C. Servin, iPhone Photographer and Traveling Economist
is bearing his Christmas greetings with this iPhone photo...
Photo by Mario C. Servin
Merry Christmas to all and to all a candlelit night...
And from Contributing Editor The Sound Hunter Des Coulam, the gift of the beauty of music...
Church of Saint-Séverin, Photo from Wikipedia
Click to hear The Singers of Saint-Severin
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And for the men, Contributing Editor Philippe Perisse de Montchenu, Fashion Reporter and Consultant has brought Christmas advice...
Last week I received a reminder from my aunt:
“Dear brothers, nephews and sons,
Guys, get your suit ready and don’t forget that TIE is mandatory for Christmas dinner!!!”
And my uncle--much better informed than he thought--answered my dear aunt, “Ties are so last season!!”
Oh my God!! He is so right! Now it’s bow tie only!
But there is a thing or two that you need to know before choosing your bow tie.
First of all, in order to be sophisticated and classy, buy a real one and not one that's pre-tied.
With new accessories come new challenges: Learn how to tie it! And honestly, this is the most difficult part, but nothing is out of reach with a little bit of exercise. Just like me, with the video below, you ll be able to do it perfectly by the third time!
In order to see a bit more clear in our choices, I introduce you to Mister Dandyflo, a Parisian reference in dandy's fashion...
Tell me, dear Dandyflo, does size matter with bow tie?
Well, dimensions do matter. You might not want to try to pull off a very big bow tie. Unless you are Albert Elbaz. See, most bow ties you find are in a 40's, quite average size. The ones you meet most of the time, like in any James Bond movie. Those are a sure value. I personnally particularly fancy the 50's kind of shape : a little thiner, you see?
How do you pick the right fit?
Regarding most bow ties, fit does not matter. That is if your bow tie is not provided with a adjustment mechanism. See, on most bow ties, be it bow ties you have to tie or not, you can adjust the size.Another fun fact: back in the day, decent people would get a made-to-measure bow tie, or purchase a one size bow tie. See, they used to know the size of their neck. But pre-tied cravates have been current since the late 1800's.
But which fabric should we choose? Matte cloth? Satin? Cotton? Silk?
You could possibly go with any of that. Although what you are to find in stores is silk or wool, really. My piece of advice? Mix the fabrics. If you are wearing cotton / cashmere / silk, go for a woolen bow tie. On the opposite, if you are wearing wool, heavy knits, flannel, go for a silky bow tie.
What would be the best suitable Colors? Does it have to match with another pieces of the outfit? Vest? Jacket? Socks?
Well, the basic rules vis-à-vis the association of colors still applies with bow-ties. The best things about bow ties are that they really stand out, whereas they are very tiny. You can come off with any pattern, any color, and there are very few chances you will go wrong. Once again, the rules are the same as ever: Do not mix too many colors in your whole silhouette, unless you want to look like a christmas tree. It is of season though.
Finally can you tell us what bow tie you will be wearing for Xmas?
No, it is way off limits. I am just kidding, of course. Since you insist: I like to bow my tie myself, and to keep it clean. So I am simply going to go with that silky blue Lanvin bow tie. I'll mix it with a blue and white square patterned shirt and a blue woolen cardigan.
Thank you Dandyflo, (check out his website here) we can safely choose our bow tie for Xmas or for New Year’s Eve… or for every day!
And as for me, I don’t wanna be crucified by my aunt! I’ll be wearing just a bloody tie for Xmas. But for New Year’s Eve I’ll be wearing a sexy James Bond black bow tie ;o)-
Merry Xmas to you all !
See you next year!
Philippe Périssé de Montchenu
We wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season filled with peace, love, and joy. Blessings to all. Have a very Joyeux Noel!
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---Beth Arnold, Mario C. Servan, Des Coulam, and Philippe Périssé de Montchenu in Paris.
