December, 2014:

As is often my habit this time of year, I’m feeling a bit reflective. Examining the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of the past year gives me perspective and of course an opportunity to re-focus on those things that work with, rather than against, my very best fantasies.

To mark and celebrate new year’s eve, I generally prefer something intimate, and so Scott McBee and I are preparing to have a ravishing repast together at home — replete with plenty of champagne, of course! Needless to say, we here at WIJW are wishing all of you the most magnificent 2015 as well, and hoping you’ll manifest your wildest dreams and fantasies! Don’t forget, the adage: If your dreams don’t scare you (and make you question your own sanity) - they aren’t big enough!

Taking a few moments to contemplate the changing of the year — and enjoy an exceptionally splendid NOW as well — I’m sporting a Tom Ford camel cashmere jacket with cognac suede elbow patches, Uniqlo slim jeans and orange cashmere turtleneck sweater, Tom Ford era Gucci saddle leather tasseled loafers, vintage orange and purple silk plaid pocket square, vintage Rolex, Tom Ford “Dimitry” sunglasses, Tom Ford London fragrance, and a bit of Tom Ford Bronzing gel for a sun kissed glow.

James Andrew and Scott McBee Xmas 2008

While this time of year can be pretty beautiful, Christmas and the new year is approaching quickly, and all of the holiday mayhem might find a few of us feeling a bit frazzled! Looking back into the WIJW archives, it seems that not much has changed, and neither has my message: take time to savor the moment!

Today’s WIJW retro image is from way back in 2008 in a post we called Savoring the Moment that was in turn inspired by a 1948 House & Garden photo, re-interpreted with the help of my beloved Scott McBee and the rest of the WIJW creative staff.

House & Garden December 1948

Taking a moment to relax and enjoy the moment is one of those rare luxuries, and this time of year is perfect for reflecting and being grateful for all of the good things.

- WIJW

It’s been a stellar year, although of course, there have been those occasional bumps in the road! We learn from them, and move on with gratitude. We’ve always felt that a state of thanks is a good (read: the only) place to come from in everything we do, and today we’d especially like to direct our thanks to all of YOU for your tremendous support and enthusiasm for what we do here at WIJW!

For our retro xmas post, I’m wearing a red velvet and satin trim dinner jacket, white cotton tuxedo shirt, black and white silk polka dot bow tie, black wool tuxedo pant, black patent leather evening shoes – all by Gucci, and black pearl cufflinks Seaman Schepps. My table is set with a pair of silver candleabra from George N Antiques, vintage christofle serving dishes and trays, Baccarat “Brummel” glasses, plates are Black Aves by Royal Crown Derby, New kings silver forks by Ralph Lauren, Van Day Truex designed decanters Baccarat for Tiffany, hot pink linen napkins Muriel Grateau Paris, dining table by Sarinen for Knoll.

James Andrew - photo Julio Gaggia

A bit of a flashback Friday today — we certainly do have quite an archive now, and I think there are more than a few images that deserve a second look!

My brilliant friend, photographer Julio Gaggia created this rich photo of me at Bronson Van Wyck’s pop up shop at Overby & Dunn with an elegantly eclectic “Balmoral meets Arkansas” inspired “Highland Holiday” theme.

Nest Birchwood Classic candle.

I just adore this marvelous medley of tartan — it really does say holiday doesn’t it!? In fact I’m so caught up in this little Highland fling, I’m going all out to decorate my flat with a goodly amount of tartan in the mix as well. I’ll be utilizing a tartan throw for the table accompanied by a setting of Black Aves china and ruby crystal water glasses — the flat festooned with red and white striped amaryllis and paper whites galore, the Houdon busts draped with garlands, and of course there’ll be candles, NEST Fragrances Birchwood Pine Scented Classic Candles to be exact — these candles have a lovely blend of white pine, balsam fir and birchwood with base notes of rich musk and amber. And of course I’ll be sporting an array of tartans and velvet to complete the picture!

I trust that the rich photo (top) by the very talented Julio Gaggia will get you all in the holiday spirit! Celebrating the brilliance of Bronson van Wyck and the eclectic chic of Overbey & Dunn, I’m sporting a Tom Ford era Gucci navy velvet blazer and purple cashmere turtleneck, Paul Smith black watch tartan wool pants, Tom Ford blue and green silk pocket square, vintage Rolex and my fragrance is Creed Epicea. Not shown: my navy blue Gucci leather slip on shoes.