Cashmere Blazer from Eidos: Things I Have

I've been waiting for a while for Eidos, the new label from uber-luxe Italian company Isaia. Helmed by a Michael Bastian alum, Creative Director Antonio Ciongoli has a sophisticated yet approachable point of view, and a price point that is a bit easier to swallow than it's brother brand.

So it was with a lot of excitement that I stopped into Carson Street Clothiers last week and fixed my attention on the rack of gorgeous cashmere blend blazers. 

I tried on this deep green one first and fell in love. Beyond the obvious softness of the fabric, the soft shoulder silhouette and front pockets help keep it a little more casual. 

After a few nips from the tailor I was ready to throw it on for a California wedding and felt like a pro. Highly recommend you stop by Carson Street to see the goods in person (and they just launched MTM suiting), or peruse their website. 

Lapo Elkann for Gucci: Things I Love

Lapo Elkann, Fiat heir, CEO of Italia Indepenent, and all around style icon has now collaborated on a capsule collection for Gucci. It's well, a pretty robust capsule with both suiting and separates.

And for me it evokes an amazing throwback to Lapo's grandfather Gianni Agnelli -- wide lapels, spread collars, rich fabrics -- and an aesthetic that Lapo himself has largely adopted.

Here I've picked my three favorite looks, starting off with this great one button blazer paired with a wide collar button-down shirt, and very Gucci looking trousers. The beautiful carryall doesn't hurt either.

In the suiting department I loved the light windowpane for Fall, and the styling of the wider-than-currently-trending tie helps anchor the spread collar shirt. Office ready for sure.

And for a more formal night out -- this velvet double breasted tuxedo is the epitome of luxe. Staying on the wide collar trend, I feel like this jacket could sprout wings and fly, but I love how neatly tailored it is on the sides. Velvet is a bold choice for a tux, but that wasn't always the case -- again showing a nice look back at Italian fashion legacies.

All images here... and definitely a collection to watch for in-store.

Ovadia & Sons Fall 2013: Things I Love

The brothers of Ovadia & Sons continue to deliver the necessary pieces for a gentleman's wardrobe -- high quality, well crafted, classic pieces. But they deliver these collections season after season in a way that makes men of all ages want to look sharp and thoughtful about what they're wearing. 

Fall 2013 is no exception -- suiting, jackets, outerwear, knits -- all designed and styled to be completely approachable and easy to mix with anything else you've already got. There was also some whimsy -- jacket and pants with two-tone panelling gave an optical treat, and zig-zag striped ski sweaters took me back to the 1970's.

A key look for me was this navy blazer layered with red and black sweater and gray trousers. Simple yet neat. The double breasted military style coat in the background could easily be thrown over it all as it gets colder.

From the looks of it three-piece suiting is on a rise, and this version with the high-buttoned vest seems a good investment.

Finally, I couldn't resist the windowpane suit (so good), the tartan shawl, or the beret... the francophile in me just leapt at this whole look. 

You can see the rest of the collection here... all shot by rising star photographer Justin Chung. and given the Ovadia brothers are now also designing York Street for J. Press, expect to see more of them and their work.

Raleigh Denim Fall 2013: Just One Look

Yesterday brought my first show for NYFW Fall 2013... I happily hit Raleigh Denim, a line that I've seen mature season after season. As they continue to produce great jeans (and have a rockin' store in Nolita to showcase them), the full collection has evolved.

Keeping a toehold in the Southern roots, there was definitely a nod to workwear. Raleigh also rolled out some great tailoring pieces that started to remind me of Billy Reid meets Steven Alan... but with their own locally produced point of view.

My favorite look was this pocketed vest -- a superb layering piece, and I loved the crop that kept it nice and clean. Styled with a long sleeved knit, denim, and a huge scarf to round out what you'll need for a perfect Fall day.

GQ has the rest of the men's looks, and they're definitely worth a peek. And if you're in NYC check out the Raleigh Denim store!

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 5

For my final day of wearing Thom Browne this week, I went with another blazer from Black Fleece. Navy with white seersucker stripes, it is a little "Spring" for today's 30 degree weather... so I layered it with a Todd Snyder x Gap sweatshirt and Sid Mashburn flannel.

As with the rest of my Black Fleece pieces it has a cropped sleeve, and is tailored on the sides to fit me perfectly.

Those mother of pearl buttons... a Thom Browne trademark! I also love the high placement of the top button (same as with yesterday's tartan blazer).
 

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 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!

The River Spring 2013: Things I Love

Today I came across the Spring '13 lookbook for a Japanese brand I hadn't heard of before -- The River. Now I am always complaining about the great lines in Japan that don't make their way Stateside, and (at least for now) this seems to be another of them.  

But I was really taken with the styled looks, and a couple of the pieces really stood out. This loosely constructed shawl collar blazer caught my eye -- really liked the color (trying to change up my navy obsession) and there is a subtle texture to the fabric.

This tri-color -- or just "striped" sweatshirt -- was an interesting use of camo and I liked the yellow breaking up the piece.

Head over to Selectism to see more from the lookbook and keep your eyes peeled for U.S. distribution.

Double Breasted Blazer from Band of Outsiders: Things I Have

To readers of this site, it will come as no surprise that I have been searching for a great double breasted blazer. Last Spring I thought I'd found one in linen, only to discard it as too seasonal (and too prone to wrinkling). So my search continued... until now. 

I was recently doing some Fall shopping at Barney's and came across a beautiful DB from Band of Outsiders. As soon as I tried it on I knew I'd found a winner... it fit perfectly throughout the shoulders and the arms, and with Band's tendency towards cropped jackets, the length is just as I like it. 

There are suede elbow patches, and it is lined in the classic blue & white stripe that the brand is known for. However the best part of all is that it is made from a wool and cashmere blend, making it the warmest sturdiest softest blazer I may ever own.

I wore it for the first time this week and whether buttoned (where it fits perfectly snug) or unbuttoned (where the drape of the jacket adds great dimension), I have definitely invested in a piece I will have and wear for a long time to come. 

Burgundy Blazer from Carven: Things I Have

Ever since Guillaume Henry took over the design reins at Carven I've become a big fan. The Fall line continued to impress and while at Barney's last month I tried on the "Paul" jacket and pants in burgundy... a color that seems to be everywhere and was called out by GQ as a seasonal trend.

Well I went back to Barney's over the weekend + picked up the blazer. It's cotton gabardine and so perfect for transitional Fall temps. It also has the cropped silhouette that I've found in much of the Carven pieces and which I tend to gravitate towards

I already wore it for the first time, paired with a burgundy knit tie and striped oxford. Ready for Fall!

Check out the rest of the Fall collection + you can head to Barney's like I did to pick up one for yourself!

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

Double-Breasted Blazer from Boglioli: Things I Want

Yesterday I wrote about the burgundy Carven suit I tried on (and loved) over the weekend... well the color trend continues with another piece I really fell for, this Boglioli Double-Breasted blazer.

I put this on at Bergdorf's on Sunday afternoon and found it fit me almost perfectly. It was comfortable through the shoulders, trim in the waist, and the length (always an issue for me) hit just below waist level.

The blazer is Double-Breasted and with a peak collar, which would normally give it an air of formality. However it is a wool/nylon blend and unstructured, allowing it to form to your body and keeping it a little more casual. I think this adds to the versatility -- dressed up as a great suit, or used as a sweater type layer on weekends.  

Mr. Porter is carrying it on their site, where you can see more pics and details.

Blazer + Pants from Carven: Things I Want

Last weekend as I was checking out the new Fall goods I came across a fantastic blazer/pant combo from Carven. You may remember how excited I was to get a blazer from their Spring collection when I was last in Paris... the line continues to have a great subtle French influence and a nice slim and cropped fit.

The burgundy color of these pieces is the first thing that caught my eye, and I could definitely see myself mixing and matching this color as the season changes. When I tried it on the jacket fit well -- perhaps a little snug for some, but I liked the shorter length and high arm holes. The pants also worked well, and were just short enough that when paired with my Tretorns it had a nice pulled together but casual vibe.

 

I tried it all on at Barney's but you can find out more (and see other Carven for Fall) over at Mr. Porter. 

Carven Spring 2013: Things I Love

Both here and on Twitter I've been extolling the virtues of Guillaume Henryand his work on the Carven menswear line. I really love the subtle French influence, the boxier cut on a lot of the pieces, the fun patterns + colors he's used. 


And I found it totally understandable that he was invited to be showcased at Pitti Uomo this year. 


For Spring '13 he continued the success with suit/shorts, great prints, and the same cropped/French influence he's used thus far. Here are a few of my favs...


Never one to shy from prints, i loved this shirt, jacket, short combo.

 

This peacoat in a light green has a nice length and the color works well for warmer weather.

I really enjoyed this contrasting shirt, paired with the light blue pants and red loafers -- perfect Spring look!

Always a fan of the crop, and I love the check on these pants. Also the jacket seems similar to the Carven one I bought this Spring, which means I'll love the fit.

You can find the rest of the (incredible) collection at Style.com.

Blazer from Barque: Things I Want

Perusing the new arrivals at Stag's online store and came across a fantastic unconstructed blazer from Barque.


This is lightweight and being unconstructed is the perfect piece to roll up in your weekend bag for a versatile vacation wardrobe.


A washed navy, with white embroidered detail and buttons, it's also very gently priced (as my friend Lorin would say) and an easy grab for summer.

You can pick it up here, and also see other Barque pieces on offer.

Striped Seersucker Jacket from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I already wrote this week about my new Black Fleece duffel, which I can't wait to start using this summer. Well while I was buying it, a jacket caught my eye, that I had to try on...  blue and white stripe, in a really subtle cotton seersucker. The puckering is really just on the white stripe, not the whole piece, which I like.

Mother of pearl buttons, great lining... all of the details you expect from Mr. Browne + Brooks Brothers. 

I tried it on, it fit perfectly, and I knew I was buying it... fantastic tailoring, it has a strong shoulder seam, and high armholes, plus the back is pinned just enough that it doesn't billow. Perfect. 

Here it is from the Black Fleece site:

Of course I wore it the very next day... paired with a navy, white, and red striped tie. I liked the result!

Check out more info on this jacket, and see the rest of the Spring collection!

Double Breasted Blazer from AMI: Things I Want

I decided to do a little Spring browsing at Barney's over the weekend and tried on quite a few things... Band of Outsiders, Dries, Shipley Halmos. But the one piece I tried that I can not stop thinking about is this double breasted blazer from French label AMI.

It's really lightweight, had a great texture to the fabric, and fit perfectly. No surprise I was drawn to yet another navy jacket, but I really fell in love with this.

This shot is from the label's lookbook and doesn't really do it justice... you have to go in and try it on!

Am definitely going to keep this on my want list... another great delivery from Alexandre Mattiussi at AMI.

Blazer from Carven: Things I Have

This weekend I took a quick trip to Paris... I needed some inspiration, some fun, and some croissants. While at Printemps Homme I came across a great Carven section, something I have yet to see in the U.S.

I'm a fan of what Guillaume Henry has done since joining the house and tried on a few pieces. Later that day I saw more great Spring items at L'Eclaireur. And after that even more at colette. So I knew I had to take some Carven home with me...

Enter this amazing blazer that I loved as soon as I tried it on. It fit me perfectly, was nicely cropped, but a little boxier than what I've been buying lately (which I liked). Also it wasn't navy, which speaks to my need to branch out color wise.

Unfortunately, pocket protector not included.

Now I can't wait to work it into my wardrobe and wear it! Here it is on the colette site...

Spread Collar Shirt from Thom Browne: Things I Have

Last weekend I decided I needed to do a little shopping... and so stopped by Odin in SoHo. I walked away with pants, shoes (as shot by Tommy Ton) and this fantastic Thom Browne shirt.

In my quest to stray from everything navy, I really liked the subtle red and white check, and definitely got behind the spread collar. Tried it on, fit like a glove, and I was sold!

I wore the shirt this week with my N. Hoolywood blazer and the spread collar contrasting with the navy shawl collar on the jacket was perfect.

It's a great addition to my wardrobe and can't wait to get more wear out of it!

Gant by Michael Bastian Fall 2012: Things I Love

While I was at the Michael Bastian show on Monday, I couldn't make it to yesterday's Gant by Michael Bastian presentation. Which is a shame because a) they're always very festive and b) I'm slightly addicted to both the MB and Rugger lines from Gant.

But I did follow the live tweets from Michael Hainey, Nick Sullivan, and Ray Smith at the event, which itself was quite lively. For yet another season Bastian has seamlessly integrated the two brands -- incorporating the sophistication and detail of MB with the more casual preppy playfulness of Gant.

My favorite piece in the collection (slightly hidden by the overcoat) was a deep red blazer. Tucked Style tweeted a photo of it, and the color just really spoke to me. As someone who only buys navy jackets, this piece would be a welcome addition.

There were definitely a lot of layers in each of the looks, as you can see here. I loved the texture on these pants, the subtle grid giving it some depth (and reminding me of some key MB collection pieces!).

And of course, I had to call out a DB blazer. This one, with the pattern and the notched lapel was too cool to pass up. I assume it's wool (wish I'd been there in person to find out!) and would be a great piece to layer over a sweater come Fall.

Now I've given you a taste (and your eyes are going bonkers from the Mod set), check out the rest of the collection at GQ.