Striped Pendleton Blanket: Things I Have

Yesterday I made my first foray into the San Francisco location of Unionmade Goods. They stock a huge selection of apparel, footwear, accessories: Levi's Made & Crafted, Alden, Unis, Folk, Aesop there is a long list of quality (and quite often made in the U.S.) goods on offer.

While there were quite a few items that caught my eye (these Made & Crafted chinos with the wooden buttons?!), I couldn't resist this fantastic wool blanket from Pendleton. I loved the stripes and the color palette, but also loved how thick and warm it will be when the weather in NYC turns to full-on winter blast.

You'll see on top of the blanket I also picked up the latest Free & Easy, one of my favorite Japanese menswear magazines. I've been missing Tokyo, and missing my days of flying through Narita and loading up on 30 lbs. of fashion goodness.

If you can't get to a Unionmade store (SF, Marin, Los Angeles) then get on their website and do some perusing there.

Leather Briefcase Options: My Brother's Shopping List

This week my brother asked me for some suggestions on a briefcase. He wanted something that looked nice for work, that was classic and could be used for a while, and that was reasonably priced.

I definitely have my favorites when it comes to leather goods... but in the spirit of meeting his criteria I've come back with what I think are three great options.

1. First up is a favorite brand of mine, Billykirk. Made in the U.S., they do great collections each season and are gaining quite a following. I really liked the simplicity of the Billykirk Schoolboy Satchel that I found on Bonobos, definitely a classic look.

2. I went to my go-to retailer's website to see what they had. While there were some bags that I loved, they weren't all suited for my brother. But this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag caught my eye. I liked the various textures of the leather, the front pocket, and the simple clasp. Available at Barney's.

3. Next I went to J. Crew, because I know they not only have a well edited men's mix, at a great price, but they also bring in other brands to round out their offerings. In this case, their own Montague Leather Satchel seemed like a nice fit for my brother.

Some good options to be sure, and hopefully one of them will soon be in my brother's hand!

Wingtips from Walk-Over Shoes: Things I Have

I've been on the hunt for a new pair of wingtips and have to say that I became slightly obsessed with this pair on the Walk-Over website. So when they kindly offered to send me a pair, I definitely agreed!

I wore them last night for the first time and not only are they super comfortable, I love the detailing and the stitching They also have a significant heel, and give me some lift! I don't own much black, but really like the color of these and am excited to incorporate them into my winter wardrobe.

At last night's event I had multiple requests for photos of my shoes, so they're obviously going to get some attention!

Check out the Walk-Over website to see all of their offerings... I am definitely impressed with the craftsmanship of these shoes and can't wait to check out other styles.

Striped Tie by Lanvin: Things I Have

Recently I needed a tie last minute before an event... so I ran over to Jeffrey's (thankful it is close to my office) and checked out their selection. I had a really cool Band of Outsiders tie in hand, until the sales person pulled this one off the rack...

I loved the very traditional blue and green stripes, with the gold outline. It was exactly what I needed, I grabbed it, and ran!

Just wore it to an event tonight and thought it worked quite nicely.

Sweater with Leather Sleeves from Givenchy: Things I Want

This may be a little off the reservation for some of you, and perhaps I'm drawn to it because of my interest in Riccardo Tisci and the fantastic stuff he's been doing at Givenchy...

But whatever it is, I'm all about this crewneck sweater with leather sleeves. I like the relative simplicity of the body, in wool, with the contrast coming from the sleeve. And not just the different material, but the length of the sleeve helps it stand out (between you and me, the proportion of the sleeve was a selling point).

Once the weather actually drops to wear you can wear this, I say jump on it!

You can get Selectism's opinion here too (in case you were curious). But then go to SSense and buy it!

Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen: Things I Want

I've been talking for a while about needing some boots (I mean, it's about to be my first NYC winter!). Been looking at the Julius boot from Peter Nappi, and then my friend Jeff suggested the Alden Indy... both amazing options.

Today though I came across the Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen. I love the color, the height, the construction, the stitching... but really, I was sold with the strap (it's always the details, eh?).

From a Japanese designer who has the boots hand-sewn in Canada by indigenous craftsmen. Local artisan manufacturing meets Japan? What else do you need.

Available from those purveyors of all that is cool... Opening Ceremony.

Thom Browne Shoes: Things I Have

Okay so here's a follow-up to my insane Thom Browne trend of the past week... I told you I picked up some great shoes at the sample sale. Well, here they are!

I am loving these saddles shoes. Black, white, and awesome all over!

Of course, not without the trusty red/white/blue tab at the back. #IfYouKnowYouKnow

Thom Browne Seersucker Suit: Things I Have

Last week was the Thom Browne sample sale. Of course this gives a brand fan like me chills... and has me start plotting how I am going to get there, find some amazing buys, and leave as quickly as possible. Think about the show Supermarket Sweep...

Anyway, I made a stop after work on Friday, by which point most things were gone. However I did pick up a couple of great shirts, some shoes (more on that to come), and an amazing seersucker suit.

When I tried on the coat at the sale, it fit me perfectly and I was so excited. Utilizing Thom Browne's usual red, white, blue stripe it is light and perfect for warm weather. I cannot wait for Spring to come, so I can wear this out!

The inside pocket, lists the size as "Sample". And the buttons came in this really cute manila envelope with a "TB" label on it.

As soon as I got home I tried it one, and it all fit like a glove. I am ready to go!

Thom Browne Moleskine Pants: Things I Want

Realizing I already wrote this week about a Thom Browne blazer I received, and knowing that the Thom Browne sample sale is currently happening in New York, and that yesterday I saw my friend Richard and he was wearing all Thom Browne...

But this morning BG's men's homepage had a Thom Browne takeover and so I couldn't resist talking about this item I've been coveting for Fall. The Bergdorf's men's store has had these burgundy moleskine pants and every time I go in I ask if they have them in my size. And every time, alas, I'm told they don't.

Even on the BG site they don't have my size, so I think next week I'll have to take a trip to the TB mecca, 100 Hudson, and pick them up there. These are an essential for my Fall/Winter wardrobe!

Hand Made Leopard Bowtie: Things I Have

I think it shows my sartorial versatility that I can write about Thom Browne one day, and show off a leopard bowtie the next.

Okay, just kidding... in fact this fantastic bow is another gift from my aunt, who hand makes ties for me. I just received it and cannot find the right occasion to wear! So fun and wild, I think it'd go great for a black tie event, or with jeans and boots.

And I have to admit the leopard is giving me some hints of Givenchy Men, which is never a bad thing.

Thanks to my Aunt Diane for another great creation!