IF CLASSY GIRLS WEAR PEARLS, REAL MEN PLAY WITH PRINTS

Having a few months off from an emotional roller coaster has been really good (less social events, soirees, mid-week sessions at my usual watering hole and more me time at home with my schnauzer), Typhoon Trami-triggered heavy monsoon rains shutting down my city, flooding almost all streets, braving muddy Luneta Park at the million people march in Luneta, a protest in the Philippines calling for the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund caused by the Priority Development Assistance Fund Scam -  I feel refreshed and inspired again.   

(New shirts and new fabrics - if classy girls wear pearls, real men play with prints! Where's Kiel James Patrick when I need him?)

My ghost months were just as hard as choosing whether I’d wear my gingham Ralph Lauren Yarmouth  shirt in pink or my blue plaid Thomas Masonfor J Crew shirt to work. Do you know what's completely brilliantly awesome? I have been painting again on weekends – oh, the joy, the exultation! 

I'm picking myself up again from where I left off. New shirts, wardrobe makeover, a few new pairs of lace-ups and loafers in suede and leather and yes, new fabrics for my couch and new coral printed pillows from the Rockwell Bazaar over the weekend. Think Jonathan Adler with a pinch of Martha Stewart (hahaha!). Currently watching: Night Train to Lisbon (Jeremy Iron, why on Earth do you remind me of someone else!).

THE GEORGE ON BLUE, GRAY AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

(Stick with the basics and use the sky as inspiration)

Tastemaker and legendary award winning American actor, film director, producer, and screenwriter, George Clooney on the right summer aesthetic and the perfect balance between modern and classic.

Looking good is not rocket science - If only people get the fit right, every style looks neat and refined.

SHOPPING FOR HIM: UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN

Finding a great gift for the Metro-Man in your life can be a challenge. There was a time that giving your special man a power tool would light up his day, but times have changed and that cordless drill just won't cut it anymore. So what is one to get your partner or dad for that special occasion? We have assembled some fashionable gift ideas that will satisfy just about any upwardly mobile man. Take a look at this list, you can't go wrong with any one of these items.

Cufflinks

A nice shirt just isn't complete without a set of cufflinks. They come in some fantastic designs and colors to match your man's mood, tastes, and interests. Is your man a cardsharp?  Put an ace up his sleeve with a set of aces cufflinks or how about a roulette wheel for that high roller. 

There are even styles to suit the sports fan with hockey rinks, soccer pitches, and knock out boxing gloves. 

(Two of my favorite in anchor and sail boat. Sweet!)

They really set off a nice designer shirt and make an excellent gift idea.  view more cufflinks

E-Cigarette

Not necessarily a fashion statement so much as a health statement, the e-cigarette is the latest trend to either help your man kick the habit or reduce his risk of disease from the chemical laced tobacco cigarettes he has now. 

The e-cigarette contains no harmful chemicals and emits no smoke so it is safe and easy to use anywhere. Learn more about electronic cigarettes

Designer Shirt

Men can always use a nice, well fitting designer shirt for dressing up for a night on the town or simply going to the office. You will have to do some snooping if you don't know his size. They are sold by neck size so finding the correct one is important. They come in some great styles and colors to suit any taste. Grab a couple of different colors, they will be appreciated.

Fashion Tie

Do you remember as a kid, buying a mundane, cheap tie for your dad for father's day or his birthday? It probably had a cartoon character on it didn't it? 

Well, ties are still in style these days but are much more attractive than they used to be. There are lots of great styles and colors available that can accent a nice suit and take it to the next fashion level.

Stylish Socks

They are still around but have come a long way from the 6 pairs sold in a plastic package for 5.99 at the local discount store. 

Now you can get some great looking, designer socks that are boxed and ready for gift giving. It is hard to go wrong when picking out a size as they usually come in 2 size ranges. Match them to a tie and a set of cufflinks and you have a great gift package put together. 

IT IS THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MEAN THE MOST

It's been a bit quiet around here the last couple weeks. Yes, I have been busy with long afternoon meetings and weekly briefings which have been eating up my hours and with only Saturdays for me to catch up with sleep, I’m seriously starting to look like a bloated zombie in a knit preppy tie.

While on my way to work earlier, I realized I haven’t rewarded myself with anything for my closet except for a pair of Nantucket red trousers, this month’s issue of Monocle (bedside read of course) and a knit tie in navy and red which dad got me as a “thank god you have turned scrooge” gift (HAHAHA!!!). 

I make no judgment - I envy the blonde kid outside my building all swish in his blue oxford shirt, seersucker shorts and hair neatly combed with his empty lunchbox – damnit, I need a new set of shirts and a pair of brogues in black ASAP.

I’ll be flying out again soon and my mind’s boggling fast. Should I splurge on my birthday this weekend or save up, wait for a few days and splurge upon touchdown?  Ugh, it's really a mystery why people just don't filter out what they don't find worthwhile. Contrary to what a lot of people think, turning off the noise is not easy.

I must shut up and pray for a long weekend soon to recuperate from all these and a decent Sunday for me to spend a happy non-working birthday – I totally deserve one!