GQ X Gap Collaboration: Things I Have

Ever since GQ announced this year's Best New Designers in America I've been anxious to see what these designers would create in partnership with Gap, who was the co-sponsor for this year's awards.

The list of those selected included a number of my current favorites: Todd Snyder, Saturdays Surf, Ovadia & Sons, Ian Velardi...  so it was with no small amount of anticipation that I got up today to finally buy some of the pieces at a Gap store.

Since the GQ October issue included a 12 page spread showing all of the pieces available, along with photos of the designers wearing some of them, I had made a mental list of what I was after. And after a brief chat with GQ Fashion Editor Garrett Munce, I ran in and made a grab!

First up was this ampersand sweatshirt in green, from Saturdays Surf. These guys have far expanded from their well known line of tees, but the icon hash mark or the constant play on their logo have given them an easily identifiable visibility. The sweatshirt's simplicity is its brilliance and it fit me perfectly.

Next on my list were the cargo pants from Todd Snyder. I can't seem to stop talking about this guy and how much I enjoy his well designed and crafted collections. I threw these on and they were slim but with enough room to move around. And I grabbed a 30 inch length to keep them a little above the ankle.

The other TS item I'd been eyeing was this uber-soft and perfect for Fall patch crewneck sweatshirt. Even though I knew it would fit I tried it on in the store and decided it may bump my James Perse sweatshirt out of the "most comfortable thing I own" category.

There were a lot of other pieces I could've grabbed but tried to restrain myself. Be sure to get online or to a nearby Gap store to check it all out for yourself!

A Peek At Capsule Show: My Three Favorite Pieces

Last night before they closed for the day, I tucked into Capsule Show, the fantastic trade show run by the folks at BPMW Agency. It's been growing each year, with more and more brands, and a bigger presence... and this week it's all about menswear!

There were a lot of great pieces from folks like Ovadia & Sons (fell in love with a yellow waffle knit sweater), Won Hundred (clean Scandinavian aesthetic), Vanishing Elephant, and Fahlgren (Brett Fahlgren's new neckwear line).

But oddly my top three favorites were all outerwear.

First was this amazing wool coat from NUMBER:Lab. Really enjoyed the deep color, the sophistication of the overall design, and the blending of a 'technical' touch with the clasps. The hood is tipped in leather, and there is great construction throughout. Couldn't stop looking at this coat!

My second favorite was from Mark McNairy New Amsterdam. I'm not alone in my reverence for what McNairy's been doing lately and there were some great pieces in his Fall collection.

But this jacket (in three colors) just stood out. First the boldness of the color really caught my eye. Then the fabric was incredible -- honestly felt like a softened Kevlar. Stiff yet pliable, with a little edge to it. Must get one of these jackets for Fall 2012.

The third was from a brand I was not familiar with... Loyal. They had a lot of wool coats, but of course the one in bright blue caught my eye. When I saw the anchors painted in white, I was sold (I'm nothing if not predictable). Great cropped pea coat but the color and nautical theme breaks it out of the pack.

Definitely a lot more to share on Capsule, so stay tuned...

McNairy Longwings for Engineered Garments: Things I Want

I'll be the first to admit that I have fallen onto the Mark McNairy bandwagon, head over heels. Everything he's been doing lately has been incredible. Still kicking myself that I didn't pick up the two-tone derby I tried on in Hong Kong.

Well, it is no surprise that I would love these longwings he did for Engineered Garments.

The deep rich color caught my eye, as well as the classic detailing. These shoes are definitely added to my top 10 for Fall '11.

And what I didn't notice at first (until Selectism pointed it out), is that the left and right shoe are slightly different. It took me a minute to find what that difference once, but it is subtle enough that you'll be the only one who knows.

Check out a few more pics at Selectism, and then go to Tres Bien shop and snatch them up!

Mark McNairy Saddle Shoes: Things I Want

Last weekend when I was (briefly) in Hong Kong I went on a saddle shoe mission. I ran over to I.T and tried on four or five different pairs. Of those, I really loved these tone-on-tone with white eyelets by Mark McNairy.

McNairy is everywhere right now -- his New Amsterdam line, designing for Woolrich Woolen Mills, a collaboration with Club Monaco. I am totally enamored with his footwear, and many call him the best in the business.

This pair was great because of the contrast the white eyelets and white sole provide. Totally perfect for Spring/Summer.

Ultimately I decided to wait on these because I didn't think they'd fit in my bag. So now I'm on the hunt to find them stateside, because I definitely do want them!

You can find them right now at Bows + Arrows, if you can't wait!

Woolrich Woolen Mills Coat: Things I Want

This is my 201st post! Good times!

Okay... so I have already picked out my winter coat for next year. It's this beaut from Woolrich Woolen Mills. Since Mark McNairy's taken the reins, the brands has really stayed on a great course. I know I'm a sucker for styling (and a cute model) but this coat is really fantastic. Love the really wide lapel and collar, the length, the thick wool, and well just everything about it.

Am guessing that by next winter we all won't rollin' our pants quite as much, but I'll take that coat with some dark denim, a white shirt, colorful scarf and I'm set.

This image via those amazing folks at BPMW... see their We Are the Market post for more shots!