Rebecca Groff, our go-to for all things PR, and copywriter Charles Hodges sat down last week and talked all things holiday cheer.
Rebecca Groff: What’s your ‘go-to’ holiday party outfit?
Charles Hodges: You know, it’s an interesting question, and one that I’m always thinking about for any kind of festive event. I always want to be original, but in an understated, relaxed kind of way. I used to have a go to turtleneck and sweater combo. It worked great with a beard and some non-prescription glasses, but it required to much emotionally. Lots of “funny” faces in pictures, a regrettable choice overall when I really think about it. But that was during my high school years in Reno.
RG: You went to high school in Reno?
CH: No, I went to high school in Charlotte.
RG: Why did you just lie?
CH: I don’t know.
RG: Charlotte’s pretty conservative in its dress, is it not?
CH: It depends on where you hang out. Actually no it doesn’t. Yeah, it’s pretty conservative. It’s like living in a turn of the millennium issue of Hammacher Schlemmer.
RG: The magazine that sells expensive, yet quirky gifts?
CH: Yeah.
RG: Are there people in those?
CH: Yeah, like when they are showing you a picture of the remote control doggy door there’s a person in the background smiling without a care in the world.
RG: And that’s what Charlotte is like?
CH: Pretty much. But I love Charlotte and, obviously, still dress like I am from there.
RG: Speaking of which, who (brand) are you wearing to the Holiday party?
CH: Oh jesus, where do I begin? I think I’ll be going with a white oxford shirt from J. Crew, dark jeans from J. Crew and a mohair blazer.
RG: Mohair blazer?
CH: Dillard’s, Spring 02.
RG: Is that it?
CH: I might wear a tie and some suede bucks from Cole Haan.
RG: Sounds like you might look like an English teacher.
CH: I’m comfortable with that.
RG: So no risks?
CH: That you’ll be able to see.
RG: Gross.
CH: Sorry.
RG: What are your tricks to staying fit during the holidays?
CH: Every morning I wake up, I drink a muscle milk shake. It helps get my metabolism going and sustains me through lunch. If I don’t have to work late, I’ll try to go to the gym. Sometimes I’ll run a few miles and lift some weights.
RG: Other times?
CH: I’ll just go to the gym, walk around, drink a bunch of water and just kind of think about nothing. Then I’ll come home, drink two beers and eat some frozen Sour Patch Kids while I watch something on instant Netflix.
RG: How often do you do that?
CH: More often than I do the muscle milk shake, real workout thing.
RG: Thanks for being honest that time.
CH: You’re welcome.
RG: What’s on your wish-list this holiday season?
CH: A weekend away from the office.
RG: What’s on your wish-list this holiday season that isn’t some “witty” professional response?
CH: One of those hats that has ear flaps, but not the furry kind, the kind that looks like a regular hat and then just happens to have ear flaps.
RG: Any advice for newbies tonight at the party?
CH: Yes. Don’t do anything that you would get you fired or fake fired.
RG: For example…
CH: Don’t put an executive creative director in a headlock.
No matter what you celebrate, may you get the gift equivalent of Charles’ cap with a flap.
Happy Holidays from all your friends at WK.
(Holiday party photos coming soon)