Late Winter Coat Shopping: A Review

Today I was asked to recommend a price-conscious yet cool overcoat... now it's the time of year where anything heavy + wool is on sale. It's also the time of year where I feel you should start looking towards Spring, and picking up a coat that will give you some warmth, but also suitable for rain (and more generous temps).

So with that, here are a few ideas that came to mind... first up, this wool lined trench from Todd Snyder. Black, so it goes with everything, cotton outer so it's not too heavy. And hello, it's Todd Snyder so it's going to be that right mix of rugged sophistication. And it's on sale.

 

Next I had to include the Structured Mac from A.P.C. Every season I ogle this coat for it's slightly rounded shoulders, slightly cropped cuff, and just general great fit. It comes in beige but I far prefer the dark navy.

 

So this next pick is a bit on the heavier side, but for the cross between quality + price, you can't go wrong. The Mayfair Topcoat from J. Crew, produced in a blend of wool and cashmere. Soft, warm, soft, warm... it'll do it all. Here I really loved the Saddle color, and it's on sale for a deal you can't (and shouldn't) miss.

And finally, another lightweight (and rain appropriate) option in the Club Monaco 3 Layer Mac. With a subtle gray herringbone pattern, this coat is super versatile and can go with a suit or jeans. Adam Levine has been turning out great stuff over there, and with the price, it's a great addition to your closet.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 4

This morning the forecast told me it would be getting chilly this afternoon, so I opted for my Black Fleece tartan wool blazer (Thom Browne designed, obviously). 

I picked this up a couple of months ago and had it taken in on the sides, and a nudge up on the sleeve length. The print is fantastic -- muted yellows mixed with red and navy. There are three buttons and the top one goes just high enough to turn the lapel a bit, making it feel a little like an outerwear piece, which I love.

Paired it with a tie from The Tie Bar, a vintage lapel pin, and my go-to Uniqlo oxford.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 3

Well it's warmed up here in NYC and so today I broke out my Thom Browne moleskine pants. I had my eye on these for months last year, and finally picked them up. The pants are a deep burgundy, with gold rimmed buttons on the side tabs (with a red, white, blue elastic strip -- naturally). 

I got them with a three inch cuff, and a three inch break above my ankle... I figure if you're going to wear Thom Browne, then wear Thom Browne!

Paired it today with a TB wool tie, Uniqlo oxford, and a rugged pair of Walk-Over wingtips (similar here).

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 2

For Day 2 of a week of wearing Thom Browne I went to a "vintage" piece... this beautiful jacket gifted to me by a friend. With blues, blacks, and grays it creates a striking yet subtle pattern. As an expected TB touch, I love the grosgrain tipped collar, sleeves, and pocket.

By far one of the warmest pieces I own (thanks to an infusion of cashmere), I figured it'd be perfect for today's mixed temps.

Paired it with Docker's Alpha Khakis and a navy knit tie from The Knottery. 

Tomorrow's going in a little different direction, excited to show you what Browne creation I'll be sportin' then!

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 1

Last week after First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom coat made for her by Thom Browne, I decided to pay homage to Mr. Browne and wear pieces designed by him this week. 

After all, I am a longtime fan -- whether it be his own collection, his work at Black Fleece, or at Moncler. 

So this morning I started off with this cable knit cardigan from Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers. Besides being the warmest knit I own, I love the elongated arms, mother of pearl buttons, and grosgrain lining on the cuff (both Browne trademarks). 
 

Wearing it with a handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's ties, Todd Snyder x Gap cargo's, and a Uniqlo oxford.

Stay tuned for the Day 2 look tomorrow!

MSGM: Things I Love

I love that moment of discovery -- finding a new brand (or new to me) that strikes a chord and piques your interest. For me it was a few weeks ago while perusing Fucking Young and coming across some pictures from Italian brand MSGM.

Founded in 2008 they produce both men's and women's collections, full of prints and patterns and wholly unafraid of color. So of course I loved it.

Designed by Massimo Giorgetti (and tagged by Vogue Italia as "Who's On Next" in 2010), there is a definite youthfulness to the men's selections. I started to see influences from Dries, Frankie Morello, Jeremy Scott, and Marni. 

Here a few of my favorite looks from the soon to be released Spring '13:

A mind-bending green and yellow dot print, shawl collar, and cropped just enough pant makes this a perfect bright + light suited look for Spring.

Multi-colored knit that is eye-catching but not overpowering, paired with a red and navy print short, cuffed for a neat and tidy look.

This jacket really did it for me -- either paired with the black and white shirt seen here, or just a black shirt and cropped white shorts. 

Now for the tricky part, finding MSGM in the States. Frankly, good luck (especially for men's). But check out their website + perhaps your upcoming European travels will score you some fun additions for Spring!

Just Two Looks: Z Zegna Fall 2013

While I don't tend to get overly excited by pieces from Zegna or it's more modern leaning offshoot Z Zegna, I have always respected the quality + craftmanship they deliver. 

However for Fall 2013 Z Zegna designer Paul Surridge created some fascinating looks based on both aesthetic and technical modernity.

This quilted suit was a standout, the subtle texture created by the stitching giving it an eye-catching pop from afar and something you just want to reach out and touch when up close.

 

This standout print was shown in both a black/gray tone as well as with this pop of orange (the color being shown strongly here, as it was seen often in last week London Collection shows).

Two favorites from Milan, and you can see the rest of Surridge's work here at Style.com. Stay tuned while I share some of the best from this week's Paris shows!

Just Two Looks: Neil Barrett Fall 2013

Seeing photos of the Neil Barrett show from Milan, I really enjoyed the coats he sent down for Fall '13... but what really caught my eye were the mixed media knits.

I loved the ones below -- the way Barrett pieced together the different materials, the use of leather, and the general geometric visual of each one. I will say that these and a few other pieces in the collection seemed inspired by Riccardo Tisci's past collections at Givenchy, and a smattering of Dries too.
 

But overall I think it was nicely done, and encourage you to check out all of the pics (and Matthew Schneier's review) at Style.com

Just Two Looks: Kenzo 2013

Since taking over creative control for Kenzo, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have (IMHO) really turned it out. They've streamlined the look of the line and introduced a great modernity to it. Today they showed Fall '13 as special guests at Pitti Uomo and the streak continued -- I loved some of the rounded shoulder jackets, wild prints, and slim tailoring.

I couldn't choose just one favorite look from the season so the two that won are these amazing striped pants (reminding me of Dries Fall '12) and this shiny slim-fitted pleated suit, with matching cap. I would do the whole look!

Get over to the folks at Fucking Young for all of the looks and keep an eye out for more great things to come from Kenzo.

Pitti Uomo: Quote of the Week

I was fascinated with this statement today from Tom Kalenderian at Barney's, in reaction to some of the luxury offerings at this week's Pitti Uomo: 

“Without question, the taste level of the luxury exhibitors is exceptional; however, it is geared for the local market more than international,” said Tom Kalenderian, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of men’s wear at Barneys New York. 

“The sportswear is the biggest issue. We would be able to buy more if it was styled in a more contemporary way. There is tremendous opportunity as there is a great audience for luxury and good taste, but while the product is beautiful, with exquisite materials and details, they haven’t been able to translate it into a modern lifestyle. 

When you think about what Brunello Cucinelli, Massimo Piombo and Zegna, who is not showing here, have been able to do…it’s about filling this void; the younger guys really do appreciate luxury, but they still want it to fit in a modern way.”

... via WWD

Fall 2013 Obsession: Ducks

I'm officially declaring ducks as an obsession for Fall 2013. I was recently reading the current issue of Garden & Gun magazine, where they highlighted the work of artist Bradley Gordon. He focuses on painting animals from the Southern U.S. and does so with a method of using chopsticks that adds depth and texture to his work.

Billy Reid is also a fan of Gordon's work and when recently in Atlanta I saw one of his pieces in the store.

Taking a closer look this week hrough Gordon's library of work I was struck by this one of three flying ducks. I pinned it and moved on.

A couple of hours later I saw this image from the Richard James Fall 2013 runway show, in London. While the label Agi & Sam used dogs as their animal motif for Fall, James incorporated ducks -- and I was obsessed. The patchwork jacket is pretty awesome too.

As these things go, I know they'll be more duck inspired items coming my way soon -- just need to keep an eye out for it, and will definitely plan to incorporate into my Fall wardrobe.

Just One Look: Margaret Howell Fall 2013

I've always enjoyed the quiet understated nature of Margaret Howell's work. She speaks about a focus on clothes that can be "worn in the real world, where good design is about living with thoughtful style." And this is evident season after season.

For Fall 2013 there was continued English inspiration, and a muted palette. My favorite look included this chunky rollneck sweater -- well fitted throughout but with enough opening in the neck to give you some breathing room. Paired with gray pinstripe rousers, and a beret to finish it off.

You can see the full collection at WWD and check out Howell's site for more information.

Topman Design Fall 2013: Things I Love

The London Men's Collections have kicked off, showing Fall 2013 today from a variety of designers. While I'm unfortunately not in London, I did stay tuned throughout the day from various press sources. 

One of shows with some standout looks came from Topman Design. Not a brand I've shopped too much in the past, but have definitely had my eye on -- and this monochromatic styling could be fun for next Fall. Some of my favorites below...

First, I'm all about winter whites. So bring on this cream jacket and turtleneck, paired with stark white pants. While I'm not sure I could pull off the drop crotch/tucked into boots look, I'll definitely do the top half.

Also really enjoyed this shock of orange! It was a color seen a few places in today's London shows and I like pulling it all together like this.

The big collar of this coat is speaking to me -- I'm on the hunt right now for a winter coat with a huge enveloping collar (realize I'm late to just now be shopping for cold weather gear), so this one might be a good get for next Fall.

One of my resolutions for 2013 was to wear more suits, and another was to buy more double-breasted jackets. With that in mind, this look stood out -- knowing it'll be price-conscious but with European tailoring that will help when you're looking for a slim fit.

The kind folks at Topman sent over all of the looks from the show, but you can also find them at Fucking Young.

Givenchy Pre-Fall Accessories: Things I Love

Well Riccardo Tisci does it again... Givenchy just released their Pre-Fall accessories and I had a really tough time choosing my favorite. The collection includes a great mix of pouches, wallets, and totes in a variety of prints and fabrications.

Two favorites (there was no way to pick just one)... I am digging this red tartan, it catches your eye but has subtle branding.

Another fav was the two-tone denim... a bit of a throwback-meets-today-and-still-cool take.
 

The ever-chic Spaniards at Fucking Young have the whole collection for you to check out. Stay tuned for when I decide which of these I'll be picking up!

Spread Collar Shirts from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last week I was briefly in Atlanta, en route to Florida beaches to ring in 2013. While in town, I had to make a stop by Sid Mashburn, the venerable men's shop with some of the best merchandising around. 

While there I decided to pick up a couple of spread collar shirts from Sid's private label. I loved the colors of this one -- they call it a cheery "childrens-book plaid". The flannel was thin enough that I can wear it with a tie, but still give some winter warmth. Small but thick buttons dress it up a bit, and the cut is slim enough so as not to billow under a jacket.

I also grabbed this great tattersall in wine and black -- a little more dressy than the flannel (and I felt a little more suited to Spring), but the colors stood out to me.

My last time in Atlanta I ordered a beautiful Made to Measure gingham suit from Sid, and picked up a few items for my mother at his wife's store -- Ann Mashburn. Since that visit the two stores have combined, they're now connected by a clever back hallway that allows you to move back and forth and keep you in a total Mashburn induced haze.