Saddle Shoes from Walk-Over: Things I Have

I recently wrote about the rockin' Zachary boot from Walk-Over shoes, and before the holidays got quite a few wears in... but as I headed to California last week to see family, I brought along another pair they had kindly sent, the Walk-Over saddle shoe.

Been wanting saddle shoes for a while -- a very classic piece that has been on a resurgence. I gave them a whirl in the 'burbs of San Francisco and found them to be super comfortable...and super stylish.

I'm all about the color contrast, and the texture contrast between the suede and leather. Both help the shoe stand out, without taking over the look.

Here I styled them with a Thom Browne shirt, Black Fleece cardigan, and Uniqlo denim.

Of course in a very comfortable 50 degree California winter, I started out going sockless... so easy to wear with jeans for a casual day out.

But then I tried on a pair of Happy Socks for a little kick...

Check out these and some other great saddle color combinations on the Walk-Over site...

Cable Crewneck from Ami: Things I Have

While in San Francisco this week I did a little post-holiday perusal at Barney's. Without intending to (isn't that always the case), I walked away with a few things... one of which was this great cableknit sweater from French label Ami.

I'd been at the Ami launch at Barney's in NYC and had been impressed with the collection. This sweater fits perfectly, the sleeves are a little long (which is perfect for winter wear), and it is super soft. I haven't taken it off since I bought it.

There are some good deals on Ami right now, go check it out on the Barney's site...

Jimmy Choo Boots for Spring: Things I Want

I've been keeping my eye on the Jimmy Choo men's collections since they launched last year... there have been some fun styles (although Choo & Loub are starting to cross over a bit in the men's space).

But this morning the Spring 2012 offering jumped off the page at me -- brightly colored boots, and of course anything in yellow goes right on my want list!

Found these on Hypebeast (naturally) who found it on Honeyee (naturally) and I love the prices in Yen.

Specs from Eyebobs: Things I Want

Ever since Nick Wooster included them as part of his holiday gift guide, I haven't been able to get these specs from eyebobs out of my head!

Founded in 2001 the company offers a huge array of frames for men and women... but after looking through them all, I still loved the same pair that Wooster had selected (I mean, his eye is famous for a reason!).

Really like the thick rims, the marbling of the color, and the relatively small nature of the overall frame. Definitely think these will be on my 2012 want list!

Check out the eyebobs site for more options!

Behind The Scenes: Loden Dager

As a follower of menswear there are two things that never fail to excite: seeing a collection on a runway and meeting with a designer in their studio.

The former is pretty obvious -- there is the music, the crowd, and seeing the pieces as the designer envisioned and styled it. The latter is the most unique opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation about the line, but also to see the environment that drives their work... fabric swatches, sketches, samples.

So when I had the invitation to meet with Loden Dager designer Paul Marlow in the brand's studio, I didn't hesitate to accept. I'm a longtime fan -- smart tailoring, unique detail + function, and a well balanced infusion of color and prints.

Sitting in the studio, surrounded by the aforementioned swatches, buttons, and Fall 2012 samples (my lips are sealed), I got to dive into what the brand is up to, and where they're headed.

Marlow (right) with Oliver Helden

The customer: "They want consistency", Marlow explained. Taking key silhouettes each season and changing the fabric or the details gives men reassurance the pieces will always fit as they expect, but keeps their look updated and fresh.

The collection: "I started making the pieces I'd want to wear...", but as the brand matures it seems important to Marlow that while everyone may not identify with each piece, the entire collection fits what his customer is looking for.

The production: "It makes it really easy having most of the collection produced seven blocks away", allowing for tweaks and modifications that would otherwise take a plane ride or a month of e-mail. Certain items are done in Los Angeles, Peru, Portugal based on the core production strength of those regions.

The show: "It really takes you away from everything", commenting on the subterranean venue where they've been holding their runway spectaculars (including personal fav Clement Chabernaud).

What's next: All I can say is... it's exciting. From what Marlow described about his plans for Fall 2012, as well as some expanding categories they are looking at, there is definite growth and excitement coming from the Loden Dager camp.

Stay tuned to more news via their blog, and for my recap after their Fall 2012 show in a few weeks!

Zachary Boot from Walk-Over: Things I Have

I may be coming a little late to the boot game, but I've been looking around for a good pair and definitely had some viable candidates (like these!)...

When the folks at Walk-Over shoes (remember these beauties) offered to send me a pair of their Zachary boot, I jumped at the chance.

Just from the photos online I liked the look -- it has wingtip design elements that to me adds sophistication but doesn't detract from the overall intention of the boot, and makes it a great city shoe.

I gave them a try at home and not only were they super comfortable, they started to work in nicely on the first go... given how much I romp around the city, day-long wearability is important!

Here I put them with some Thom Browne moleskine pants (and pink argyle socks) but last night I wore them with jeans, for an equally great effect. An easy entry into my wardrobe rotation!

Have already been receiving looks and compliments and can't wait to keep wearin' the Zachary boot throughout winter. Check them out on the Walk-Over site...

Pleated Trouser from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

I've had my eye on this pair of trousers from Gant Rugger ever since they released for Fall. But every time I was either in the Rugger store or at Barney's, they were always sold out of my size.

So I was pretty excited this week when I popped into Barney's Beverly Hills and they had them! Grabbed them and ran...

It's a great lightweight trouser, with a mild pleat. Very slim tailoring and I love the fit.

They're available on the Barney's site, go check them out!

Green Corduroy Tie from Unis: Things I Have

I landed in L.A. this afternoon and made a beeline to the new UNIS store on La Brea. Sure, I'm very familiar with their store in NYC but being both a retail and menswear junkie, I wanted to see what they'd crafted on the West Coast.

Maybe it was the Southern California sun streaming in the front window, or the exposed beams and sparse furnishings... but something about the space just clicked and I found it incredibly well done.

While there I picked up the latest Inventory, a Le Labo candle, and this really great green corduroy tie.

Their selection of ties came in a variety of colors, and I've been on the hunt for a solid tie to replace the Tom Ford one I left on the 1 train (a very long story)...

Check out GQ's coverage of the store opening, with some great pics!

Spring 2012 Preview: Tallia Orange

Last week I stopped by the Tallia Orange showroom, to see their Spring '12 collection. Created as the private label of menswear manufacturer Peerless Clothing, Tallia (the orange mannequins speak the color story for themselves) is about basics with a twist. Patterned collars, small details, printed jacket linings, there are a myriad of ways the brand delivers some unexpected fun.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces -- I really liked colorful coats (no surprise there!). The red gingham (which also came in blue), was very lightweight and unconstructed, making it a really flexible piece for summer days at the office, at a picnic, or both. The red two button blazer was super sharp, with slim tailoring. And there was the really awesome double-breasted linen suit. The contrasting white buttons made that jacket stand out!

Spring also had some great washed paisley jackets, and a nice offering of basic suits. Check out their site to find out where you can buy, and get some color in your closet next season!

Tommy Hilfiger 2011 Holiday Video: Things I Love

Last year Tommy Hilfiger launched a holiday campaign centered around a (quite large) family named The Hilfigers. There were the patriarch and matriarch, a smattering of members in their 20's, a few kids, and a dog.

The campaign started with a clever commercial involving a picnic and some canine-induced disaster. It was catchy, but what really impressed me was how omnipresent the campaign was... you saw it in print, at retail, and every Tommy touchpoint. That family was everywhere!

Since then there've been quite resort and spring ads, and now they've released holiday for 2011. And I have to say, I love it!

Again utilizing all of the family members, humor, and remaining very true to the Hilfiger brand identity. It's modern prep and it works!

Not sure I'd dance shirtless in my family 's living room... but that aside, great job!