In this digital age in which technology rapidly impacts our lives–for better or worse–it’s important to be conscious of our traditions and our decisions to hold onto them, allow them to evolve, or to let them go and fully embrace change. I think technology is an accelerator, especially as it relates to the internet: it … More At Odds With Tradition and Change
It’s that time again, when students and parents alike consider assembling that all-important back to school/off to college wardrobe. Of course, you want to fit in, but not too much. You want to stand out, but not too much. You want to spend money, but not too much. You want to buy style and quality, … More The Annual Old Money Back To School Wardrobe List
I’m always inspired by articulate, informed, and enlightening writing, especially when we’re talking Old Money and its values. Lady Colin Campbell, aka Georgia Arianna, is an author, television personality, and socialite, is probably as qualified as anyone to comment on the subject, and the excerpt below testifies to that. Serena, one of our loyal and … More Lady Colin Campbell Talks Old Money
It is not uncommon to read about the fading influence or outright disappearance of the White Anglo Saxon Protestant (WASP) in public life. The acronym is now archaic (WASP values, habits, and lifestyle are less often referred to in terms of ethnicity and religious denomination and more often referred to now in terms of ‘preppy’ … More The Death of the WASP
In addition to being stunningly beautiful tokens of love, diamonds have enjoyed an enduring reputation as being a highly portable, highly liquid, and highly desirable asset. While not as predictable as gold or real estate as a hedge against inflation or as a safe haven for wealth, they nevertheless gave a sense of security to … More Diamonds Are Not Forever
I am constantly considering strategies and techniques that will help me be more productive. These run the gamut from simple prioritizing (first things first) to more involved, philosophical approaches like defining and refining my purpose in life. Recently, a friend related an interesting approach which I’d heard previously expounded upon by Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of … More Thought, Word, and Deed
I’ve been less than consistent with the blog over the past few months, despite the best of intentions. An apology–and a brief explanation–are in order. We have left Paris and are now living in the French countryside. The purchase of a run-down house in the Loire-Atlantique region was an odyssey unto itself, but not quite … More A Brief Explanation
My apologies for the gap in posting. A series of out-of-town guests, numerous work projects, and a short trip to Nantes have interrupted the usual workflow. Our foreign correspondent David was in Paris recently. We had a coffee at the cafe across the street from my office and discussed all manner of things: solutions to … More Recommendations Update: The Rolex Dilemma
I have a complicated relationship with Tatler magazine, the British magazine that breathlessly chronicles the latest goings-on of the royals, high society, and well-heeled wanna-be’s. On the one hand, they have published some interesting articles on how to raise children in an affluent environment, estate planning, and other more grounded subject matter. On the other … More In Defense of Red Pants
August is upon us here in Paris. A majority of the residents have fled for the coast, the mountains, or the countryside. Parisians who still remain–healthcare workers and those in hospitality–ask my wife and I where we’re going for vacation. When we reply that we’re staying in Paris, they look at us as if we … More A Few Updates from Paris and Elsewhere