Ravi Ratan

I'm a huge fan of cufflinks. And, my favorite are made my Jan Leslie (www.janleslie.com), a former Wharton graduate. I also love Aaron Basha's line (www.aaronbasha.com) but they are wicked expensive. Lately I am seeing more and more of Ravi Ratan (www.raviratan.com) and I have to say his cufflinks are pretty well made and not too profligate. Check them out online. An easter gift perhaps?

I have a dream - Vinyl Mania

For years, I visited downtown records and vinyl mania to listen and buy my favorite recordings. Those days are gone, and the stores, sadly, have folded. But there's been a revival ofLarry Levan's paradise garage, Rubell's Studio 54, and Brooklyn's own Joe Causi on satellite radio. Tune in to the strobe for that old school vibe. I've been listening to some of that vintage wax on my rides up and down Route 206. Here are my top 10 recommendations.

1. Hold Tight - Change
2. Gonna Get Over You - Viola Wills
3. Thank God it's Friday - Love and Kisses
4. Take it to the Bank - Shalamar
5. Native New Yorker - Odyssey
6. Caught Up in a One Night Love Affair - Inner Life
7. There But for the Grace of God - Machine
8. Runaway - Salsoul Orchestra
9. Outstanding --The Gap Band
10. Somebody Elses'Guy - Jocelyn Brown

I have a dream that one day I will finish my book and that Spielberg will buy the rights to it. If so, I plan to have a contractual clause that includes these 10 songs as the soundtrack to my movie. Ciao.

Keeping Dry

I've had drama around rainy days. Do I wear my leather drivers, or sneakers to work before I change out into formal shoes? And, what about a Mackintosh (www.mackintoshrainwear.com) raincoat? Should I get one soon? Perhaps I'll ponder these thoughts throughout my OCD infested summer, but I have to make the case for SWIMS this season. Their stuff can be found on http://www.swims.com/ and they make some of the dopest raingear I've ever seen. Most interesting is their colorful line up of galoshes and their automatic fold umbrella. Check them out today.

Bally

My father was a big fan of Bally shoes. He liked the ones that were made in Switzerland, often flexing them in front of me and proudly declaring their softness. In fact, many of the folks who wear Bally shoes, are incensed by their obduracy of the shoe's fit and feel.

I never was a big BALLY fan, but I've been blown away this year. I ran into Suzanne Ellis from Bally at Saks a few weeks ago. She's in sales for the company and she walked me through their newest lines, including the deerskin mocs that are unbelievably soft and comfortable. But for me, the real twist this spring is Bally's take on the wingtip oxford. They've built a work of art with the most amazing pattern - subtle white dots on the inside and white laces on a beautiful black base. They've even got some lovely slip ons this season and a $1000 shoe care kit to boot.

Check out the latest styles on www.bally.com. Exquisite.

Air Force One

On Sunday, my United flight taxied toward the runway for my trip back from Chicago to Newark. But was I in for a surprise. The stewardess, told us to look out of the window to see - parked in all its pristine glory - Air Force One. I've never see that Jumbo before, but it is awe-inspiring with its beautiful colors and all. I own a pair of airforce one cufflinks. You should get one too. The new ones even have the President's signature on the back.

Dermalogica

I love the Dermalogica brand -- fresh, exciting, good. And I have been using their face wash and skin cleanser for a pure, clean feel. Go to www.dermalogica.com and check out their offerings for men. Great line that you will enjoy using.

Can Do

I've started a grueling gym routine after finding my double chin on the bathroom counter four months ago. And the gym I go to is awesome. It's called Cando (http://www.candofitness.com/) and has a spa that's attached called Koi Spa (http://www.koispa.com/). The spa is awesome and takes Spa Finder gift cards. But what I LOVE is that Cando sells e-shave products (http://www.eshave.com/). Go try this line, especially the rose scented shave cream. I think it's comparable to Geo Trumper's and only half the price. They also make an awesome badger brush.

Smileceuticals

So Blue Mercury in Princeton has my number. I mean literally. They called me up and said that I needed to stop by to try the new line of Go Smile products. So I went over last Saturday and was introduced to this awesome line. Just visit http://www.gosmile.com/gosmile/ and see for yourself. I bought some vials of their after meal tooth cleanser and breathalyzer and I'm seriously in love. The taste is minty and oh so refreshing. Try this line some time. Aaaah...

The Inauguration & Fashion

Ok. So I saw the crowds cheering for Obama and Biden. But I was more interested in their suits and ties. I have spent many a time on the Metroliner sitting next to Joey (Joe Biden) in the cafe car. I have admired his JRB cufflinks, and his choice of beautiful Hermes and Ferragamo ties. I also think he wears his suits brilliantly, the right cut, the right length, and just enough sleeve to showcase his fine links. Today, he looked superbly crisp with his gorgeous blue tie.

But I think the President can learn from Joey. I don't think President Obama's suits fit him well. Not sure he goes to the right tailor, but the fit around his shoulders is poorly tailored. I also think he should dump the three-button suit for a more trendy single button, double vented look. And, flat fronts with flares are where he needs to go. I was horrified during the campaign trail, when he wore shoes with holes in the sole. Not cool. I suggest he send them to me. I'll fix em for a small fee and send them back to 1600 Pennsylvania.