The Great Procrastinator

You are about to embark on a journey...

...to the mall.

With so many people rushing to get their last minute gifts.

Shoving...pushing...panicking...

There is no answer why we do it.

Don't fret! You are in the twilight zone.
-----------------------

I hate last minute Shopping.

"The Pope Wears Prada"

Subject over Capuccino and Espresso chat: "Pope Prada" has a penchant for fancy ecclesiastical tailoring.

During Pope Benedict's first public appearances, his cassock was way above the ankle, revealing white socks and bright red shoes.

After the international press showed photos of him in his bright red Prada loafers,



the papal's hemlines were lowered a few inches, although he still prefers a sporty around-the-ankle look instead of having the cassock draped over the shoes.

The Gucci shades that Benedict was spotted wearing in a popemobile last spring also brought talk.

Donning a deep red velvet cape trimmed in ermine called a "mozzetta" has also been part of the papal attire. This is a reminiscent of a time of papal political power some prefer to relegate to history books.


The bright fur-trimmed stocking cap that could have passed for a red Santa Claus cap, called a "caumaro," certainly has a distinguished papal pedigree (showed up at his weekly public audience in St. Peter's Square)


The 78-year-old Benedict may not have his predecessor's, John Paul's natural charisma and sensitive eyes, but one thing that Pope Benedict XVI has is ecclesiastical fashion sense. He is his own man when it comes to dressing. Perhaps the trappings of Vatican splendour may be a way to compensate.

That doesn't add up for Pope Benedict, though, as he insists Christmas should be about simplicity and poverty, he may have a hard time selling his ideal vision of the season.

The Pope's watch is believed to be a Cartier, as are his reading glasses.

Hmm...So....he was seen with red Prada loafers under his cassock, riding his popemobile with Gucci shades on, revitalized some vestments that have not been seen for a while, like the caumaro (head covering) or the mozzetta (velvet cape). In addition to designer shoes and sunglasses, the Pope has favored padded quilt jackets, jumpsuits, a black beret, and black overcoat.

The Vatican says all the designer items were presents and don't conflict with the church's doctrine. ~"HUH??"~ I say, tell it to the millions of starving Catholics.

I hope he does his own Gucci or Prada ads in Vogue magazine.