James Andrew at Guy Clark's Birthday Bash

Back again with our friends Guy Clark and Harrison Morgan for more splendor in the country—this time, we’re at Rose Cottage for a marvelous masquerade party in celebration of Clark’s birthday. I channeled a mix of Walter Albini and Baron Alexis de Rede for my brand of over-the-top fabulousness.

I’m sporting a highland fling version of “black tie ” with a Tom Ford era Gucci dinner jacket in black wool with black velvet buttons and trim, Tom Ford pale green tuxedo shirt and black silk bow tie and cummerbund, black watch tartan wool pants by Paul Smith, (not shown) black patent leather opera pumps are Tom Ford era Gucci, Seaman Schepps evening set comprised of sapphires surrounded by diamond baguettes, and my fragrance is the very elegant Creed Imperial. And an outrageous vintage feather mask, (thanks to Robin Brouillette).

Detail - Seaman Schepps Evening Set

Seaman Schepps is the embodiment of high style and originality—a winning combination when you’re looking to create a distinct, one of a kind look. Case and point, this fabulous Schepps evening set—white gold, sapphires and diamond baguettes. They perfectly compliment the look, adding an exquisite touch of allure and panache. Is it any wonder Seaman Schepps is my jeweler of choice?!

James Andrew at Rose Cottage

As you may have gathered by now, we certainly enjoyed our time at Rose Cottage.

Our hosts, Guy Clark and Harrison Morgan, are some of the most stylish people I know. They define living well.

As it happens they are launching a new project, and Rose Cottage, having been given their devoted expertise, is now on the market. Truly the most perfect escape and would provide one with a splendid setting to entertain friends and family, adopt loads of animals, and perhaps even take up gardening! This is an amazing opportunity to acquire a fine country home.

On the Grounds of Rose Cottage

Here are some of the listing details:

Extraordinary stone country/equestrian estate nestled amidst sixty plus breathtaking acres & remarkably only 68 miles from midtown Manhattan. Private & secluded, an 800 ft long tree lined drive unfolds within a scenic approach to the main residence, along picturesque fenced pastures bordered by century stone walls and walkways. Dating from 1847, documented & published in ‘Old Houses of Orange County’, the estate has undergone a meticulous two year restoration by a published New York City interior designer. Highlighting a wealth of period detail, this historic gem displays four fireplaces, antique beamed ceilings, interior plaster & field stone walls, & hand stenciled antique floors, walls and ceilings, all in impeccable condition. Dependencies of the estate include a charming two bedroom guest cottage & second cottage/office/artist studio with three car garage, both lovingly created in 1991 of antique timbers & hardware from local barns & homes in the area. In close proximity the area offers quaint antique & specialty shops, fine dining, art galleries, performing art centers, farm markets, numerous historic sites, vast recreational facilities and limitless shopping. Convenient rail and bus service to Manhattan is available, as well as ever expanding Stewart International Airport. 7.5 miles to the Blue Sky Polo Club.

Contact:

Karen Hart
Towne & Country Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
Phone 914.391.4720

The grounds of Rose Cottage.

Just think of all the possibilities!

At Rose Cottage (pictured top) I am dressed for dinner in a Tom Ford “Buckingham” jacket in black and ink wool wide twill damier, black and white cotton French cuff shirt, a royal blue and black silk pocket square, black and saddle leather loafers, pearl and pale blue sapphire Seaman Schepps cuff links, Tom Ford era Gucci gray flannel pants and python belt with double horse head silver buckle, black silk bow tie with white piping by Mr Guy. My fragrance is Creed Royal-Oud.

James Andrew at Rose Cottage - Photo by Gabriel Everett >Click to Enlarge

I do love the country lifestyle—the beauty of the natural surrounds and the more leisurely pace.

A recent visit to Rose Cottage, the home of some dear friends, provided us with the most wonderful weekend getaway as well as a chance to play out some pastoral fantasies amidst the vast green fields and gloriously ancient trees of this “gentleman’s farm.”

Passionate about horses, my friends at Rose Cottage work closely with the Equine Rescue Resource to help horses in need. The ERR takes a multi-faceted approach, focusing on the immediate rescue of horses in need of care and a loving temporary home, tending to various health issues, and ultimately finding good permanent homes for them. Public outreach and education is also an important component, letting owners know that there is help for those who cannot adequately care for their animal. They also work to pass more powerful legislation in an effort to fight animal cruelty which is, as you know, a cause that is near and dear to my heart.

Sadly, while I’m not yet in a position to adopt a horse, it gives me great pleasure to know that there is such a fine resource to contribute to.

Enjoying these majestic creatures and the idyllic grounds of Rose Cottage, I’m sporting a Tom Ford rustic charcoal wool silk mouline priest hat, tweed “country jacket” with leather buttons and suede elbow patches, emerald plaid cotton shirt with French cuffs, emerald wool silk hounds tooth tie and emerald silk pocket square, Seaman Schepps grey pearl cuff links, J. Brand “Kane” dark denim jeans, Gucci python belt with silver double horse head buckle and Le Chameau wellies. My fragrance is Creed Royal-Oud.

James Andrew

This time of year finds many in a bit of a fashion quandary; summer is officially over, the autumn season has begun, and we’re faced with a few weeks of warm and often wildly humid weather.

I cope with this transition by retiring my linen, pale pastels, and other wholly summer wear. Still, though, it’s not quite time to bring out the tweeds, heavy wools or velvet. Instead, I opt for light weight wools, light weight suede and other leathers, cottons and silks, and I choose a color palette that starts to reference the autumn season. For Black Tie evening occasions, I retire my pastels and pales, selecting darker color wool and silk dinner jackets. I save velvet for a bit later in the Autumn/Winter season—in any case, a few shifts in this direction can keep one looking super stylish and quite comfortable despite the weather.

It’s also a bit about savoring each season. Why not extend that feeling of Summer a bit longer while enjoying a little change in wardrobe? There’ll be plenty to look forward to as we anticipate full autumn!

I’m pictured here in what I think is a terrific transitional look, worn on a rather humid and potentially rainy early autumn day in New York City. Tom Ford era white black, and saddle leather Gucci jacket(I love how the white just brightens this whole ensemble), Paul Smith light weight gray wool pant, Tom Ford gray cotton window pane plaid shirt with French cuffs and solid black silk tie, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, Gucci patent leather belt and saddle leather tasseled loafers, Swaine Adney Brigg “Whangee” umbrella and my cologne is my new favorite Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew at the Keno Auction House - photo Gabriel Everett

I was thrilled recently to spend some time with the very elegant, energetic and super sophisticated Leigh Keno, founder of Keno Auctions. We chatted about everything from antiques to car racing to our favorite Savile Row tailors. You should know the Keno brothers from their appearance on PBS’s Antiques Road Show where they specialize in American furniture as well as from their truly unique and highly entertaining “Buried Treasure” reality TV show.

Hans Christensen VERTEBRAE STABILE, 1981 Brass with wood base.

Leigh Keno tells us he was looking to branch out into a wider range of antiques a few years ago and thus he founded Keno Auctions. Needless to say, they’ve since gained a solid reputation for integrity and expertise with a world-class network of appraisers and an international clientele to match.

Hans Christensen WATER PITCHER, 1959 Sterling silver with rosewood handle.

Whatever the venue, at the heart of all is the Kenos’ infectious and undeniably youthful enthusiasm for finding, well, you guessed it, buried treasure—objects that perhaps no one even knew existed. It’s that authentic wonderment and appreciation that makes the Kenos so endearing, and I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that they’ve nearly single-handedly brought the excitement (might we even say sexiness) of antiques to a whole new generation of collectors.

• A Pair of Rock Crystal, Aventurine Quartz and Diamond Flower Earclips, by Seaman Schepps Designed as clematis flowers, the petals of carved rock crystal backed with aventurine quartz, centering clusters of small round diamonds, mounted in 18 karat gold. Signed Seaman Schepps, numbered 9469 Accompanied by a letter from Seaman Schepps stating that the earclips are of their manufacture. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000
• An Emerald Bead Necklace with Diamond Clasp, by Seaman Schepps The five-strand necklace composed of faceted emerald beads, completed by an 18 karat yellow gold bayonet clasp set with small round diamonds. Accompanied by a letter from Seaman Schepps stating that the necklace is of their manufacture. Estimate: $6,000-$8,000

As you would imagine, the upcoming Fall Auction certainly has Leigh Keno exhibiting his characteristic exuberance. “I am thrilled to kick off the fall season with this wonderful sale; one that has an extraordinary range of property and exceptional quality…buyers can expect to find something for every collecting taste and price level. We are delighted to present our first sale of antique and contemporary jewelry from such outstanding makers as Cartier, Seaman Schepps and David Webb. Our pre-sale auction estimates are extremely low which offers the buyer extraordinary opportunities.”

The upcoming auction is being held this Saturday September 24th, 2011 at The Marriot Hotel, 243 Tresser Boulevard, Stamford Connecticut at 10 AM.

See the online catalog here.

At the superlative Keno Auction House, I’m sporting a Tom Ford palest rose pink silk suit and blue end on end cotton shirt with contrast white collar, Seaman Schepps pearl pale blue sapphire cuff links, Gucci python belt with silver buckle and navy suede loafers, pink and blue paisley cotton voile pocket square by Ralph Lauren and my fragrance is Creed Original Cologne.

James Andrew. Photo by Gabriel Everett

“If you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat”—so went the old slogan created some three quarters of a century ago by the British Hat Council (for those who are interested in these things), and we couldn’t agree more! Donning a hat is the most perfectly lovely way to add that extra umph and panache to an ensemble.

There was a day not so long ago when men and women wouldn’t think of leaving the home without wearing a hat, and then sadly, and somewhat inexplicably, proper hats went nearly completely out of fashion, becoming a relic reserved primarily for the particularly nostalgic among us.

It’s a bit unclear why hats are coming back with such renewed vigor—in fact we’re just as unclear as to why they have virtually disappeared—but certainly some high profile royal weddings, some successful movies, and popular television dramas can’t have hurt in bringing them ever so slightly back. Whether one attributes the shift to popular culture, the epicyclical swerve of fashion, or a greater zeitgeist, we here at WIJW are taking notice, and we’re wholeheartedly on board with this super-stylish accessory. In short, we’re bringing hats back.

I plan to wear more hats as part of my various ensembles, looking to marvelous hatters like Lock & Co for my selections. For today’s post, I’m completing a late summer look with this uber chic vintage Lock & Co. wide brim, fine parabuntal palm fibre hat, Tom Ford “Spencer” jacket in tangerine silk basket weave, brown end on end cotton shirt with contrast white collar, brown and ivory silk glen plaid pocket square and (not shown) brown suede tasseled loafers, Gucci python belt with silver buckle, Seaman Schepps shell with coral bead cuff links, sunglasses by Tom Ford and my fragrance is Creed Orange Spice.

James Andrew at Doyle New York. photo Gabriel Everett

I’m just back from a glorious advance preview of the upcoming Douglas Fairbanks Jr. estate auction at Doyle New York.

He was “impossibly handsome and delightfully charming with a refreshingly modest demeanor,” Vera Shelton Fairbanks (Fairbanks Jr.’s third wife) is quoted as saying in the Doyle catalog. Indeed, Fairbanks Jr. seemed to define the perfect modern gentleman and mingled amongst the most high and mighty both here and abroad. As one might expect, he had the wardrobe and all the requisite accoutrements to play the part—in fact Fairbanks was introduced at quite a young age to Savile Row through his father, and frequented legendary tailors like Anderson & Sheppard and Huntsman.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover Fairbanks had truly huge aesthetic breadth. With a collection that included sarongs and kaftans, wild floral prints, Lily Pulitzer, Porthault and a whole host of wonderful color combinations, it is pretty clear that Fairbanks was not adverse to a bit of flamboyance. Here was a man (a highly decorated WWII vet at that) who had the confidence to wear exactly what he wanted to wear!

Doyle New York

Doyle New York

Doyle has created many lots that group smaller collections of ties, pocket squares, morning suits, and other remarkable pieces such as shoes by Lobb and Cleverly, as well as selection of opulent dress sets in platinum, turquoise, diamond, and coral. This might just be the perfect opportunity to add some important pieces to your own wardrobe!

Doyle New York

Doyle New York

Doyle New York

Find the catalog here. The preview runs from Friday, Sept 9 until Monday, September 12, and the auction itself takes place on Tuesday September 13, 2011 at 10 AM.

I’m captured by the very talented Gabriel Everett at Doyle New York (top) sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci navy cotton pique jacket, Pucci silk pocket square, Turnbull and Asser shocking pink cotton shirt with contrast white collar and cuffs, pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links by Seaman Schepps, Tom Ford lavender silk and cotton mini herringbone weave pants, Gucci black patent leather belt and black, white, and silver leather loafers. My fragrance is the exquisite Creed Imperial Milllesime.

James Andrew at Christie's

I love going to auction houses, whether I’m looking for just the right piece for a client, building on a collection (including my own), or simply educating myself.

In a way, auction houses can act as pop-up museums with world class exhibitions that one would never see in a bona fide museum! From brilliant taste maker estate collections, to curated period sales, one is bound to find something of interest.

Christie’s Interiors sales are a go-to resource for all kinds of treasures and quite often exceptional values are to be had as well. I recently attended one such sale—I had my eyes set on a magnificent pair of Frederick P. Victoria “Cole Porter” side chairs. I previously acquired one at the Sotheby’s Villa Fiorentina sale and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to grab a couple more to use in my next dining room.

Unfortunately, as is oft the case at Christie’s, there was quite a bidding war, sending the price of these lovely chairs through the roof. Contrary to what one might expect though, I’m not terribly depressed about it. I’ll just turn to my friends at F.P. Victoria and commission them to make eleven more!

Enjoying the exhibition and these super chic “Cole Porter” side chairs, I’m sporting a Tom Ford brown plaid suit in linen, silk and cashmere, pale blue pin point oxford shirt with contrast white collar and French cuffs, palest peach and brown check silk tie, brown and cream silk plaid pocket square and brown suede tasseled loafers, Seaman Schepps pearl and pale blue sapphire cuff links, “Valfrid” tote by Hildestahl and my fragrance is Creed Windsor.

James Andrew with a mural by Tristan Eaton - photo by Gabriel Everett

Time does not change us. It just unfolds us.
— Max Frisch

And we’ve been doing quite a lot of unfolding this past year—so much so in fact, that the advent of our triennial has caught us a bit by surprise!

It’s been truly an exceptional year, filled with media engagements, travel, meetings with new and old WIJW friends, fine dining, shopping, and bringing it all here online to share—and I must say, the sharing part continues to be hugely rewarding. Without an appreciative and engaged global audience, WIJW wouldn’t be much fun at all—so thank you, thank you, thank you, and stay dialed in for more WIJW in the coming twelve months! We’ll be doing our best to make it worth your while.

This next year of WIJW promises to be quite exciting with more than a few projects in the works!

• We’re sorting through our most interesting images for a glorious WIJW book with chapters like Sartorial Splendor, Stylish Travel, and
Lofty Dreams to name a few.

• I’ve been asked to design a line of shirts, cuff links, and belts.

• We’re planing on mixing in more online video content to keep things dynamic—moving tours of some of our favorite haunts are part of those plans.

• We’ll be bringing you more fabulous Jet-set fantasy destinations, including travel to London, Paris, Monaco, Newport, Lyford Cay, the Bahamas, and Rio de Janeiro.

• We’ve also been asked to contribute our thoughts to The Rake—one of our absolute favorite gentleman’s magazines. Do have a look.

So just a few projects highlighted here to give you an idea of what’s in store.

Thanks to all those who make WIJW happen!

We’ll leave you with this photograph by Gabriel Everett. My friend Keith Adams scouted the rather fabulous location—a mural by the brilliant Brooklyn based street artist, Tristan Eaton—definitely apocalyptic, but we love shaking up the status quo.

I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci black linen jacket with suede elbow patches and black and white silk mini hounds tooth pant, black and white striped cotton shirt with contrast white collar by Richard James London, Seaman Schepps black pearl cuff links, red alligator belt with silver buckle by Ralph Lauren, Dior sunglasses, Tom Ford black and white silk pocket square and black and saddle leather loafers, and my fragrance is Creed Imperial Mellisime.