STYLE, SOPHISTICATION

Cards on the table, I have ALWAYS had the major hots for David Gandy!

Always. I have not seen many men that can wear what he can, even if it's a suit or tux, and make it look and feel comfortable and like it's effortless. Whether he's wearing an immaculate three piece suit, jeans and tee , a tiny speedo, or nothing...and his uncut weapon is lovely...it's clear that for the world's leading male model...he is just ridiculously good looking and oozes sex appeal. Gandy is that rare breed of talent who used his gifts to not only legitimized the idea of the "male model" but who also played a significant part in altering the way men in general view fashion and dressing up themselves to be more fashionable. He was the world's foremost male model at one time, may even be the world's first male supermodel, and is still said to be "one of the most handsome men on Earth" Sit on that George Clooney. I know I would. So I was beyond tickled to come across this home tour of his house in southwest London, where he now lives with his family. It's as sleek, moody, and handsome as he is. And after years of living as a bachelor, the house still keeps some elements of that. I mean when he opened those garage doors to reveal the vintage car? As it he is not already sexy enough and then the accent and then the car too? I think he and I need to hit the Amalfi Coast wearing nothing but a small pair of speedos.

But that is here nor there...the House...

Anyone else need a stiff one?

CHRISTMAS PIGEONS!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a detail from yesterday's post from the stunning windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Was it Tundra Bunny who mentioned where were the NYC rats??? The windows were an ode to NYC landmarks, and long-standing intuitions and characters. alas, there were no rats. But leave it to Bergdorfs to ALWAYS tie in a lovely little detail, that most passer by miss. The windows are always filled with details. Every peer in, and the more you study it, you will find more awesome little revels and bits of surprise and delight. While not rats, it's the next best thing in NYC....it's pigeons! So let me not forget to mention the dozens of sparkling and bejeweled couture pigeons created by Burke & Pryde. They're sprinkled throughout each window, and no two are the same. Each one is adorned with colorful sequins and unique patterns.

How do I get my mits on one after Christmas? One of those would look amazing in my Christmas tree that features many birds? I also think the Dame's shop kitty that he puts food out for would love the pigeons...although, Priscilla didn't seem to care, but more pissed I was snapping her picture.

And I mentioned that clan member Preston is now working at Bergdorfs..... HUMMMMMMMMM. That may be my in to capturing one of those birds. *evilly rubs hands* Meanwhile he took these amazing photos early before the store opened. I had to share them. Even closed it still looks elegant, but way more haunting. I adored these.

When I worked at Bloomingdales, all those years, I always loved the early mornings before anyone was in. Haunting, peaceful, and something special about it.

BERGDORF GOODMAN GEMS

Last Friday found me in New York City for my annual pilgrimage with some of my ex co-workers from Bloomingdales to spend the day in NYC to have lunch and view what is left of the fine art of Christmas windows, let alone, the world of department stores. As always and by far, Bergdorf Goodman blows the lid off with creative concepts, and such detail, in these small spaces. This year I was able to see clan member Preston, as he is on the inside now working full time in the Men's Store. And I'm happy to report the store is still bustling with activity. I don't think this store is ever quiet. One of the things I eagerly anticipate every holiday though is their windows, which always feature stunning artistry and craftsmanship and elegance. There's just something magical about the way they glow at night too. Did you know that the planning for these windows starts almost right after the current holidays windows come down? Yes...a year planning and then finally a month spent on each window, by a team of about 100 people. This year the theme was "Toast of the Town, a fascinating theme as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Fifth Avenue and highlights the vibrant role in NYC's character, with windows celebrating the two well-known parks and park system, the fabled cabs, the shopping district, the library system, and another the famous landmarks along Fifth Avenue like the Empire State Building, the Flatiron Building and the Plaza. Amazing. Take in the details if you can!!! The Green window was my favorite.

I saw my friend Preston inside briefly as he was working. 

Couldn't resist these two fun displays.

So much so that they inspired us for what to have for lunch!!! 

Right at the Goodman's Bar!! Cheers!

Stay tuned for the pigeons...

ASHCOMBE

Last weekend I had gone to Ashcombe Market and Greenhouse to get some of my garden replacements such as the Cassia and the lovely Datura Ballerina plants. I always enjoy going there, and we have been using them since my paternal grandparents went there. The greenhouse offers quite a selection, and garden and bird supplies, but also offers up a small produce market, and homemade baked goods. They at one time even had their own dairy. The place got its named though from the lovely Victoria mansion of the same name. The Aschombe mansion sits atop a small hill all these years later like a well-heeled dowager from last century. I always enjoy seeing it. It is now a wedding venue. But I can recall when I was chosen to remodel a room back in 97 when the Harrisburg Symphony chose the location to have a fundraiser in the form of a Designer Showhouse in it.  I was nervous as it was the first big project for me being right out of schooling. I had gotten the Mrs. Writers Nook, Margarets library and where she did her writing. The inside of the house was just spectacular. The mansion originally served as the summer home for the mistress of the house Margaret Moser, widow of the Honorable Henry G Moser, an iron manufacturer, legislator and county judge. She babied the house and loved her gardens. The family was in it over 90 years. Once the family sold it and moved, Ashcombe's bought the house since they owned all the land leading up to the mansion, but didn't really use it for anything, lived in it briefly, which is how the Harrisburg Symphony committee decided to do a showhouse in it. Shortly after, it was used on NBC's short-lived comedy, Grand, then one Dr Stinckovic and his wife Mira bought it and it tuned into a Bed and Breakfast, who later sold it to the group that owns it now and did a 10 million renovation on it. It is now back in its glory days. The inside had gorgeous hardwood floors, winding Victorian era grand staircases, and many original stained-glass windows, not to mention restored original wallpapers paintings there were discovered all over the house when we did the designer showhouse. The stone facades and the intricate woodwork are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era in which it was built and we most likely will not see again. It rare there isn't something going on there, so I zipped in last week and took these exterior shots. Isn't it just gorgeous?

CHRISTMAS PACKAGES

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AUTUMN, DINNER, AND A PENGUIN

 It's been a weekend. It's been cold, damp, tons of rain, and breezy and cloudy since Autumn arrived. I just hope that the autumn loving pumpkin spice sluts are happy!!!! Oh well, it's only 117 some days till spring, how bad can it be? But not all the weekend was awash. After work on Friday, it was off to the Hilton Hotel and Towers for a dinner date!!!

I had been wanting to try the Hilton's dinning establishment 1700 Degrees... a lovely place. I had only been to their sister place, Adlib right next door, but when I had gotten an email months ago from a certain gentleman to meet up, I knew right where I wanted to meet for dinner and drinks. The man in question.......

If you guessed Travel Penguin, you'd be correct!!!!! After all these years I finally met up with the sojourning penguin, and I was not one bit surprised he was so sweet, interesting, welcoming and everything you would expect. It was a lovely evening of good conversation getting to know each, great stories, an excellent delicious dinner, beautiful ambience, and maybe a few cock-a-tails! Penguin had been up North in State College for a few days to attend some lectures in State College, home of Penn State University and the Nittany Lions. I never went there for schooling mind you, but did get my education in drinking when visiting friends on weekends who went there. So , on his way back we agreed to meet up for dinner and finally meet. And I'm so glad we did. Yet another swell blogger who was just as his blogger persona is. I couldn't think of a better person to start the autumn season with, and over a wonderful meal. As usual, I'm a bad influence, as I feel I kept him up past his usual bedtime, and he may have had an extra cock-a-tail! Contrary to popular belief, we did NOT drink all these bottles of wine in the glass walls, but the gin might have been another story. I was on best behavior too I'll have you know!  I was beyond tickled to finally hold his penguin in my hand. Such a pleasure to meet you David, and thank you for such a memorable evening!!!

The rest of the weekend? Snoozing. And lots of it. After my recent weeks of on the go, I crashed with exception to baking a lasagna and soups, for my dear friend and sister Mame, AKA David Dust, who some of you may know from the blogosphere, who lost his dear mother this past Wednesday. I took a lovely arrangement made by the Dame, and the provisions to him today.

Now back to relaxing...perfect weather for convalescing. But thankful for my family, friends. and new friends. Life is short ...so let's enjoy. Now I'm looking forward to a candlelit night and the next episode of Unforgiven tonight.