Transition to Fall: A Style Guide

While items for Fall have been trickling into stores for a while now, it can be hard to visualize why you need that great new sweater when even the thought of going outside makes you sweat. 

But I felt it was time for a story on transitional dressing into the new season and how to create versatile looks. The key word is: versatility. With a few key pieces you can easily be comfortable in and out of work, and even continue wearing some of it once winter approaches. 

To that end I relied heavily on two retailers that have been focusing on growing their men's business: Club Monaco and J. Crew. Each are accessible and provide a mix of basics and more seasonal trend driven items.

Look #1: 

In colder months I love using texture to create a standout look. Here the heft of the tweed jacket contrasts against the formality of the slacks. Using a small-checked shirt provides  pattern-on-pattern with the striped wool tie. While the burgundy brogue may not be for everyone it is a rich color and stands out.

Jacket: Aubin & Wills (similar), Shirt: Club Monaco, Pants: J. Crew, Tie: Fahlgren, Shoes: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

For a more casual day I swapped out the blazer for a shawl collar sweater. I'm a big fan of a shawl collar as it provides a nice smooth visual line around the neck. In a cream color this one lightens up the whole look, and while the sweater keeps the whole outfit business ready it is also a comfortable alternative.

Shawl collar sweater: Club Monaco (similar)

Look #2:

Again using texture was important, as seen with the quilted vest and corduroy tie. I used a white oxford and ginger khaki as the base so there would be more neutral colors to contrast with the shock of yellow. I have always been drawn to a bright hue like this, and think it is perfect for the transition into Fall. It also serves as the fashion piece that helps pull together your basics. We kept the brogues as again that rich color provided a nice blend with the rest.

Quilted Vest: Club Monaco, Oxford Shirt: Uniqlo, Pants: Club Monaco, Tie: Unis (similar), Shoes: As above, Bag: Model's own

For the variation here I replaced the vest with a cotton shirt jacket. The navy darkens the whole look -- and while I personally haven't worn any camo, everyone else seems to be, and the collar is a nice surprise. To take him from the office to canvassing design showrooms, we switched out the footwear to a bold red sneaker. Still holds its own with the rest of the look!

Shirt Jacket: Unis, Shoes: Nike

Look #3:

Now I don't subscribe to "no white after Labor Day" and received some looks when wearing white jeans during fashion week. But I think when changing seasons it is perfectly acceptable. Paired with a gray heathered shirt for a soft and nubby feel, and with a military inspired khaki tie. I kept the shirt jacket which can stand in for a casual blazer, and those red sneakers just wouldn't quit.

Shirt Jacket: As above, Shirt: Club Monaco, Jeans: Uniqlo, Tie: Todd Snyder, Shoes: As Above, Bag: As Above

As seen here it didn't require a whole new closet to create a lot of different looks -- you can even pull from what you already have. Everything shown can be worn in any number of ways -- encouraging layering, mixing up colors, and making it your own! 

Photo Credit: Mikey Kay

Model: Jon Call

Men's Threads + Bureau of Trade: Flight of the Concorde

It's here, it's here! My first collection with Bureau of Trade. Like I mentioned yesterday, I've been very intrigued with the thematic product stories, nods to popular culture, and the ability to find the most obscure men's lifestyle item. 

So today launches my first collaborative effort with them -- I am heading to northern Spain this weekend, and so I thought what better than to talk about some of the items I'd love to pack. 

The Warby Parker sunnies, a vintage Ghurka bag, Unis khakis, and Rancourt camp mocs. What else could you need (well the Concorde matches are pretty cool too)... 

Go on over and check it 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!

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.

Green Cotton Pants from Unis: Things I Want

I stopped into Unis today, a favorite label of mine, but also a store that does a great job of presenting their wares (and a nice mixture of other's as well!).

There was a really great summer feel in the shop -- Nantucket rope bracelets, anchor printed scarves, and some scuba finds in the window. And of course, Unis' famous cotton pants in a range of bright colors.

I really liked the Grass Green, not so in your face that people get scared, but definitely something that stands out. And of course they fit like a dream...

If you are in NYC I suggest swinging by to get the whole "ready for summer" vibe. If you're not... then make sure to check out their website.

Jacket from Unis: Things I Have

I've done some previous coverage of Unis, the NYC based menswear label started by Eunice Lee. They offer a great casual urban aesthetic + have been picked up by Bloomingdales (so I can actually find it in L.A. now!).

So of course while I was just in NYC I had to make a stop by their store on Elizabeth... and as luck would have it, they're having a sale. I tried on a few different jackets (I'm on the hunt for a Spring blazer) but really fell in love with this cotton double-breasted shawl collar jacket.

It is so comfortable, fit me great, and the collar was large enough to cover my neck and keep me warm. I also really liked the plaid lining, giving the piece a little unexpected kick.

Go to their site and check out other items they have on sale... not to late to get some Unis for yourself!

Things I Want: Doppelganger edition!

The label Unis just released their S/S 2010 Lookbook and I immediately thought two things: first, the model on the bicycle looks like me, in an outfit I would wear, and with something similar to my glasses; second, does it start to become difficult to differentiate between Unis and Company of We and J. Crew?

Either way, I dig the canvas jacket, which seems like a great length for Spring days or Summer evenings. And I am still searching for some new shorts, and like the look (and length) of the ones pictured here.

Go to Hypebeast and check out the rest of their post, including more photos: http://hypebeast.com/2010/05/unis-2010-springsummer-lookbook/.

Ride on my friend, ride on!