Happy Loyalty Day!
Happy Loyalty Day!
May 1st is Loyalty Day, an observed holiday meant to celebrate the heritage of American freedom and affirm loyalty to the U.S.
Here at Sir A, we’re celebrating not only the diversity that makes our country so unique, but a different kind of loyalty, too.
Ya know. The kind that makes you feel warm and fuzzy all over?
Our most loyal companion, rockin' the Sir A Evil Eye hanky
Yep. Now that’s a loyal friend we can count on. Always.
xo,
Sir A
Long Weekend Getaway: San Francisco
There’s a reason why Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco all those years ago…
View of the city from atop the Pacific Heights neighborhood
Recently, our copywriter took a few days off and headed to the city by the bay. Fried by the non-stop hustle of NYC, the hills of San Fran beckoned and promised a much needed reprieve.
Those hills didn’t lie!
San Francisco is very much a city alive with a thriving arts culture, diverse population, neighborhoods that boast their own unique flavor.
Murals in an alley in the Mission District
Morning sunshine streams onto buildings in South Park
Bikes by Public are a popular site, even on those famous hills!
And the food! With such an emphasis on ‘green living’, organic produce is in abundance, making for dishes that burst with taste and color.
Mahi Mahi at Mustard's in Yountville
Creme brulee & macadamia chip cookie, Mustard's in Yountville
While San Fran indeed has its own flair, there is an ease about it that makes it an ideal long-weekend getaway. There is no need to navigate around elbows or umbrellas on the streets, because there is somehow (!?) ample room for passers-by. There’s even room to breathe and collect one’s thoughts!
People smile and say ‘good morning’ when meeting your gaze at an outdoor cafe. There is not a sense of urgency in San Francisco. There is instead a sense of enjoying the beauty that surrounds you.
Flowers sway in a Sausalito breeze
House boats in Sausalito
Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park
Its liberal attitude, colorful energy and (let’s face it) close proximity to wine country makes San Francisco a city to visit over and over again. With every turn of a corner and every hill climbed, charm was there to welcome us, as beauty was there to bring up the rear.
Alley in shades of green, downtown Sonoma
Saying goodbye to San Francisco wasn’t easy. Already, there is an ache for that laid-back lifestyle, and for neighborhoods that look as though they were borrowed from a picture book.
Charming home, San Francisco
When life in NYC starts to get too crazy, though, a deep breath and a quiet moment will help recall that zen energy of the city by the bay.
Buddha, Japanese Tea Gardens, Golden Gate Park
And if all else fails, there’s always Tony Bennett on iTunes.
Sir A Wrapped Up Coachella in Style!
Morgan and friend in Sir Alistair Rai
BFF: Best Friend Friday
It’s Best Friend Friday!
No, it’s not a national holiday (yet) and Hallmark isn’t capitalizing on it (yet).
But it IS a secret little holiday that all BFFs should know about, because it’s fantastic! It’s restorative! It’s ab-crunching-laugh- inducing-guaranteed-hilarity! And it’s full of Sangria at 1pm…simply because you can!
We recently took a day off to spend with our besties. After months of scheduling-then rescheduling-our plans to see each other, we decided enough was enough. What’s the point of working all the time if you can’t ever do the things you love, with the ones you love?
Enter BFF: Best Friend Friday.
There are a few things you’ll need to know about BFF to kick it off ‘Sir A-style’.
First, it’s all about indulgence. Taking time away from work to hang out is, let’s face it, a luxury we don’t often afford ourselves. It can be any day of the week, but somehow, Friday just feels more celebratory. Second, leave the phones OFF. You can’t enjoy your BFF on BFF if you’re checking in with the office. Being present is key! Lastly, allow the day to take you where it will. Our lives are already chock full. Let this be a day to unfold organically.
Our BFF involved absolutely NOTHING in particular. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration. We didn’t have set plans, but we did have a few key ingredients for a perfect day together:
1. Sangria (by the pitcher)
2. Cadbury Creme Eggs
3. Our insanely funny and ridiculously handsome ‘Glam Guru” friend, J.D. (pictured above in his aviators and dazzling smile )
The truth is, we could have a blast together in a brown paper bag, because we find each other absolutely hilarious.
But wandering through the city sunshine together, stopping for lunch and pitcher(s) of sangria and talking (laughing!) allowed us to reconnect with each other, and with a part of ourselves we’ve been neglecting.
It’s that part of us that feels alive inside. The part that tingles with happiness and notices the sunshine warming the backs of our necks. The part that remembers how to laugh so hard it rolls up from our toes and echoes off the skyscrapers around us.
Yes, we can, and DO, have a blast whenever we are together. Having BFF to spend together finally made it possible!
As we left the restaurant giggling, my bestie turned to me and said, “You know we could do this on the weekend, right?” I nodded. “Yeah, I know,” I replied. “But doing it on a weekday feels like we’re getting away with something, and that’s way more fun.”
What are you waiting for? Call out well today! Grab your bestie and a pitcher of sangria and watch your day unfold.
It’s BFF, peeps. We hope to hear you laughing from here!
xo,
Sir A
Today, We Remember…
Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Today, we remember and honor those who suffered inconceivable cruelty, those who lost their lives, whose loved ones perished. We honor the spirits of those who survived, and those who aided in the rescues.
We remember, so history may not repeat itself.
Watch the 2012 Days of Remembrance Ceremony LIVE webcast at 11 a.m. EST.
Style Icon: Ewan McGregor
Inspire us, Obi-wan. You’re our only hope.
In a world that increasingly celebrates the ‘Gym, Tan, Laundry’ lifestyle, we find ourselves starved for a man who exudes confidence in the classic elements of style. Luckily, we can look to Ewan.
And we can swoon.
‘ello, Mr. McGregor. It’s lovely to see you.
What is it about Ewan’s style that makes us tongue-tied in admiration?
Well, for starters, there’s the Scottish brogue that lends itself to tongue-in-cheek humor. And you know how we’re suckers for humor.
Add to that the clean lines of well tailored pants, fitted (but not too!) t-shirts that show off a toned physique, and sport coats that hit exactly where they should on a broad shoulder, and it’s no surprise that Ewan has made our icon list.
Looking to be inspired by Mr. McGregor’s style? Accent? Sparkling eyes and strong jaw line?
Wait…what were we saying?
Oh, right. Looking to be further inspired by Mr. McGregor? Check out his latest film, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” with the equally stylish and drop-dead gorgeous Emily Blunt.
It’s okay if you catch yourself grinning while staring at the screen. Good friends like us never judge.
xo,
Sir A
