Any excuse...

...to dress up. For those of you sartorially inclined, I'm sure you're all very well aware that this season presents many an opportunity to dress to the nines and revel in it. Tonight was one of those opportunities for me. While not black tie, nor really any tie at all, a visit to some friends of ours, whose son at least is always well turned out, is an excuse for me to see a. what I can get away with and b. what new combinations I have to try out with Christmas clothing.

So, to what I wore. Blue, twill, high-waisted, notched back trousers, with a dark blue shirt, black waistcoat, black and red bow tie, blue double breasted jacket, red pocket square, black and red scarf and black boots. Oh and red and black argyle socks. God in the details and all that.

So, there you have it, the whole ensemble, the details and my arse, or part thereof. And yes, before you say it, I know the bow tie is a clip-on, but I didn't buy it and it was worn as something of a placating gesture, even if I did enjoy it secretly. I was distinctly overdressed, but frankly my dear, I don't give a damn.

In other news, I watched Downfall and Sexy Beast today. The first, a truly remarkable portrayal of the final hours of Nazi Germany and the lives of those closest to Adolf Hitler (played by the brilliant Bruno Ganz) and well worth the somewhat marathon viewing time. The second, a rather less refined piece of cinema, but a lot of fun regardless. (Sir) Ben Kingsley giving one of this greatest performances as the psychotic Don Logan, while Ray Winston spends more time in orange speedos than one ought to frankly, but does it with a certain aplomb nonetheless and Ian McShane, needless to say, is a fantastic villain.

Just one final thing, I am going to read Heart of Darkness at some point very soon having started reading it while at our friend's house. Something I ought to have done a long time ago.

Joe