The 12 Days of Christmas and a lovely quote

Every year I try to figure out something clever to give Jeff for Christmas and it is very difficult. If you've read my blog much or know us at all, you know that Jeff is a gadget guy. He loves all things technology and something in that arena would be a perfect gift. However, he has pretty much all of the gadgets that I know of. I'm sure there are some left out there, but we either cannot afford them or I just don't know that they exist. So, I'm left with trying to figure out something else. This year the light bulb went off way early in the year. Jeff and I went to see the movie "Crazy, Stupid Love" and in the movie they talk about the 17 wardrobe essentials for men. Steve Carrell's character was in need of a makeover and his style savvy friend took him shopping for these "17 essentials". Jeff and I got to talking about it and Jeff said he felt like he needed a style makeover too.

(Imagine the light bulb going off in my head at this moment)

I am no fashionista by any stretch of the imagination. I could use a makeover myself! But, I decided to do some research and give Jeff some wardrobe essentials for Christmas. Since men as a rule don't usually have clothes on their Christmas list, I decided to try to make it fun and give him these essentials by doing the 12 Days of Christmas for him. 

This started a few days ago, and so far it's been a lot of fun for both of us. He has liked the clothes and is excited to get a more current look going.

Would you like to know some of the tips I have learned? 

From reading some fashion blogs and other online articles, I have found that every man must have several basics in their wardrobe. A nice pair of shoes. A great pair of jeans (or two or more if jeans is what you wear most often), and preferably dark. Dark is in. Some good khakis or chinos - flat front, not pleated. At least one nice, solid colored tie (more if you wear ties a lot). One good white shirt. A good, versatile coat--the one recommended was a military style coat in a neutral color. Some quality, basic t-shirts that can be worn alone or under things. And then depending on your career, a good selection of shirts (casual or dressy) and sweaters that can mix and match.

Layering is definitely in. And as far as color combinations just about anything goes. Although many articles did suggest that you keep staple items basic, neutral colors and add a pop of color with a tie, a t-shirt, scarf or other item that doesn't overpower your look. 

So far, Jeff has a new coat, pants, shirts, jeans and a sweater. More to follow over the next several days. I think I may be more excited than him because it's been fun to shop for all of this for him!

Speaking of Jeff, I read something today on Nienie that reminded me of us and I think most of you can relate too. Here it is:

Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being "in love" which any of us can convince ourselves we are.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident. Your mother and I had it, we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two.

Louis De Bernieres
I love that! That is so true. Love is not a fairy tale, but it doesn't need to be.