Bag from WANT Les Essentiels De La Vie: Things I Have

Moving to a new city, and starting a new job, I felt I needed a "grown up" bag. Especially in a place like NYC where this a lot of walking, and I need something to carry whatever I'll need for the day.

Before I had left L.A. I had seen a beautiful bag by WANT Les Essentiels De La Vie, at Opening Ceremony. But I didn't get it... so this week I stopped by Barney's on 60th and the first thing to catch my eye was another WANT bag.

I loved the deep caramel color, how soft + supple the leather was, and the general shape and size. It zips closed (one of my criteria) and has inside pockets (another criteria). Not wanting to buy the first bag I set my eyes on, I went upstairs and did other shopping... before returning to the accessories counter and taking it home!

I'm so happy with my bag and have already enjoyed using it around the city. Check out WANT offerings on their website...

Brooks Brothers x Social Primer Bowtie: Things I Have

Talk about a welcome to a new city... on my first day in Manhattan, I was gifted something I've had my eye on for a while -- a Brooks Brothers x Social Primer bowtie!

I think the collab between these two is fantastic + the result gives such a fun and playful twist on the bowtie. I'd previously written about the camo version... and I just love the color mix (pink/green and blue/white) of the one I received.

Cannot wait for the right occasion to debut it!

Go to the Brooks Brothers site + check out the rest of this rockin' (and pattern intense) collection! And a big thank you to my friend Richard for the thoughtful gift!

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012: Things I Want

Literally right off today's runway at Paris Fashion Week, Kim Jones showed his inaugural menswear collection for Louis Vuitton. I am admittedly not normally drooling over the men's collections from LV but this one had so much that was so good!

There was a very safari-esque vibe, but with some streetwear mixed in, and a lot of scarf action. One of my favorite pieces was this varsity jacket with the "V" emblem on it... and given how many Parisian men I saw wearing varsity jackets last month, they need to get this one to market as fast as possible.

I also really liked the oversized blue and red scarves and they way they were tied to totally envelope the models. I also liked the blue and red shirt -- some nice pattern on pattern.

While these were my two favorite looks, the rest of the collection definitely deserves a view...

Tartan Ties from David Hart: Things I Want

If you're into great ties, then hopefully you saw the recent interview I did with David Hart, for wonderMode. Hart is becoming known for his well-crafted and well-designed neckwear, and for being willing to do something with a little flair (case in point... The Lobster).

Yesterday I received the latest video lookbook for Fall 2011 and the theme is tartan! There are some really great colors and patterns in here and I can't wait to see them in person.

David Hart & Co. - "Tartans" from Jeremy Nelson on Vimeo.

Once you check out the video to know what to expect for Fall, go to the David Hart site + see what you can get today! (I am waiting with baited breath for those navajo ties!)

Moncler Gamme Bleu Spring '12: Things I Love

No one who follows my fashion musings will be surprised to read that I loved Thom Browne's recent collection for Moncler Gamme Bleu. As with past seasons, it showed a true collaboration between the brands -- key elements of Browne's aesthetic (stripes, red/white/blue, lots of side buttons on shirts and pants) but also really stayed in line with the athletic and active feel of Moncler.

Showing a few of my favorite looks here (was obviously really into the stripes, and loved the buttons up the side of the sweater in this first look)... there were also a lot of cod-piece action, another theme prevalent in Browne's work, and a lot of quilting (again, a Moncler hallmark).

Style.com has the whole collection for you to view (and drool over).

Steven Alan Tennis Shorts: Things I Have

Over the weekend I stopped into Steven Alan, as I was looking for some new shirts. I ended up taking home two great white shirts (one with a club collar, that I am very excited about). But I also had to buy these fantastic tennis shorts!

Now they may be considered a "short short", as they hit mid-thigh, but I thought they had a really great fit. I also liked that the light cotton will make these perfect for summer...

And in fact, I've already worn them... to my going away party! (My friend Carlo is also wearing a great Steven Alan shirt he picked up that day.)

Go check them out at the Steven Alan site!

Straw Bowtie from Alexis Mabille: Things I Have

I decided to do a little shopping over the weekend (shocked, right?!) and popped into Opening Ceremony. I found some really great items but one that stood out was this fantastic straw bowtie by Alexis Mabille.

I've previously written about the other piece I have from Mabille, and so when I saw this tie I jumped on it! Love the innovative use of material and the silk ribbon it's attached to... very much the alternative bow!

Very excited to wear this + will need to find the perfect event for its debut!

Men's Threads is moving to NYC!

An announcement that has been a long time in the making... Men's Threads is moving East!

In just over one week, I'm packing my bags in L.A. and heading to NYC where I'll start a new job, find a new (smaller) apartment, and do even more great coverage of menswear both here and at wonderMode.

Hope you'll continue to follow the adventures of Things I Want, Things I Have, and Things I Love... plus the lowdown on what is happening in the ever growing men's fashion space.

Stay tuned for more,

Matt

Working Bag from Lotuff & Clegg: Things I Want

I'll admit that I have a problem with bags... I have rarely seen one I didn't have to have. Usually the problem is that I have some need to fill and none of my current bags will do. This is exactly why I am now salivating for this black working bag from Lotuff & Clegg.

I will be transitioning to city living in a couple of weeks (yes, sorry, LA is not considered 'city living'), and I need something to hold everything I'll need during the day.

Handmade in New England, the Lotuff & Clegg bags and briefcases are simple yet elegant, and are guaranteed for life. At this point it's really just a matter of deciding on the exact size and color (red sounds kind of fun, no?)...

Visit their site for the full collection and great information about the guys behind the brand.

Shorts from Trina Turk: Things I Have

In my shopping spree a few weeks ago I picked up some fantastic white shorts from Trina Turk. They're a great cotton/linen blend that I think will be light and cool for summer.

They are also white... which for a klutz like me is dangerous. But I shall do my best to keep them clean + pristine!

I really liked the length of the shorts, and the back pockets (with buttons) were a nice addition.

Go to the Trina Turk site for more of their rockin' menswear selections!

Blue Blazer from Trina Turk: Things I Have

Last weekend I was taking a stroll along West 3rd Street and passed by the Trina Turk store. I've long been a fan of Trina, her bright prints, and very Palm Springs/Palm Beach resort aesthetic.

So I was thrilled to see male mannequins in the window and a sign directing (yes, directing) me to come in and see the Mr. Turk collection. And I'm sure glad I did...

I tried on quite a few things, as I am drawn to bright colors and prints. But in the end this (more basic) blue blazer was a must have. It can be a staple in my wardrobe yet has some fun touches that makes it pop. I really liked the slight texture in the fabric, almost like a very subtle waffle or seersucker. And of course the gold buttons really put the whole thing together!

I can't wait to start wearing this (and the white linen shorts I also bought)! Go to the Trina Turk site for more of the Mr. Turk collection.

Michael Bastian for Gant Madras Shorts: Things I Have

I always love when I can turn something "I Want" into something "I Have". Tonight I picked up the Michael Bastian for Gant madras shorts I had written about in April.

They have a slim leg and fit perfectly! While I still do want the coat to have a complete madras-fied look, I am so excited to get these shorts some beach, BBQ, poolside time this summer.

In case you (somehow) missed it, here's my original post. MB for Gant continues to consistently 'wow'!