Summer Soiree

On Saturday, July 25, 2009, I attended a summer soiree at a friend's house in Montgomery County, PA.  Several friends gathered at her home for drinks, laughs and great food.  Each guest brought college supplies to donate to the scholarship recipients of the Phi Sigma Pi, Alpha Tau Chapter Endowment Fund, Inc.  

The Society Pages Spotlight goes to these three twenty-somethings in their warm weather attire.  All three were successful in pairing summer outfits (sundresses and linen pants) in autumn colors.  It was a nice break from the traditional bright colors of summer.

Esquire1911 tip:  When hosting a party at your home, its always great to provide your guests with something unexpected.  At the summer soiree, the hostess set up a candy bar for everyone to help themselves to jolly ranchers, tootsie rolls and many other childhood favorite treats.  Adding something like a candy bar keeps your guests moving around the room and promotes conversation, both of which are critical to a great party.

The White Party

On July 18, 2009, the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) hosted its annual White Linen Affair at the Belmont Mansion.  The sea of professional black people looked amazing against the striking backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline.  Under a tent, we danced and ate until the midnight hour.  However, this was not simply a great social event.  The NBMBAA awarded three scholarships during the night and raised money for its Leaders of Tomorrow program.

The Society Pages Spotlight goes to this lovely lady striking a pose in her eyelet dress.  What set her outfit apart was her keen addition of accessories.  The double string of pearls, matching bracelet and white jeweled ring were paired with gold bracelets that complimented her shoes.  She certainly thought about her total look.

Esquire1911 tip:  Love is in the details.  Accessories can give your outfit a 'wow' factor.  Coordinate your accessories with the colors in your outfits and be sure to match your hardware (e.g., silver belt buckles with silver watch bands).  The summer certainly lends itself to a myriad of accessory choices.  You can add something as simple as a pocket square or as elaborate a sun hat.  Be bold and make a statement; but don't make too many.

West Virginia Wedding

On June 21, 2009, I attended a wedding at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, WV.  The bride is a special friend of mine.  Both her and the groom are graduates of Howard University.  

The couple exchanged vows outside in the formal gardens of the resort.  Everyone was dressed in their best summer wedding attire.  The Society Pages Spotlight goes to this duo in their matching khaki suits (most appropriate for a summer garden wedding).  The only thing missing is the matching pair of FENDI sunglasses for the little one.

Esquire1911 tip:  When attending an afternoon wedding in the South or at a resort, a gentleman should feel free to opt for a lighter color cotton suit in lieu of the more traditional dark colored wool-cotton blend.  Not only will you stand out, you will make it through the ceremony without a sweat.