As in preparing for A BIG night. I basically got dressed up for a 6:30 AM weekly mens group (had 31 guys today) and tonight’s festivities. But I am glad I did as I went out on errands and ran into a lot of friends today. Each year after the 5:00 PM service we host a group at my house celebrating the Birth of the Christ child as well as our friend Robin’s birthday. The group this year blossomed to 18. Should be quite interesting. Bought 14 pounds from our favorite butcher of prime rib $$$$$$$$$. An exciting evening ahead. • MTM Royal blue blazer • CT PoW French Cuff shirt in blue w green • French horn links • green w red and white bow tie • navy w green and red suspenders • burgandy polka dot pocket square • MTM Calvary Twill charcoal trousers • Pendleton national park socks • J Fitzpatrick captoes • Wenger field watch

OK, so by introducing yourself you are guaranteed to get to level 2 - it's really that easy and I LOVE learning more about the cool people in this group. Feel free to share where you're from, why you're here, what you do for a living, and what you like about style. Are you a watch guy, suit guy, fragrance guy, or maybe just getting started? Have fun here!

In keeping with my colors of Christmas theme, I chose a gold sweater (Christmas liturgical colors are either gold or white) to go under my Royal blue blazer with a gold and blue pocket square (to celebrate the Advent season). Grabbed a green with light blue and gold micro dot shirt and a green rep tie with gold along with my grey flannel pants. Pantherella socks, 1982 Cole Haan Waxhides and my Seiko Model 5. Having lunch with a pastor client today.

I am not a fan of navy ties with navy suits for several reasons. Mainly it falls short regarding creativity. It also rarely matches the right tones when wearing a monochromatic outfit. To my eyes it usually looks like a guy who is very new to wearing a tie and suit (or never ventured far from that stage of dress). However, when done rightly it can also produce a look for a seasoned dresser that represents a bold and brave approach. Here its use is neither. In the midst of 4 meetings, I attended a funeral for a passed fellow Boy Scout district board member and chose tie from Florence with fleur di lis on it (both the Florence Italy symbol as well as Boy Scouts of America). To add some interest I chose my Prince of Wales blue shirt with green accents and a navy and green pocket square to pick up those colors in the tie. Still in mourning for my friend Tim, the Guinness cufflinks felt appropriate. Navy Byford OTC socks, J Fitzpatrick captoes, and my Seiko 5 finished off the OOTD.

Thank you to Antonio and all the men who helped me get to level 7 in the style community. It's been an interesting and informative journey and I'm still learning form everyone. I was very pleased to get it in today's mail. Again, thank you everyone.