Orange Pullover Anorak from Filson: Things I Want

Over the weekend I was in Atlanta and had the pleasure of stopping by Sid Mashburn. The one, the only. While the trip was meant to shop for others and not myself (in which I was strangely successful), I did spot a fantastic piece of outerwear that I'd love as Fall approaches.

This pullover anorak from Filson, when styled with the blue gingham shirt (and in my case finished out with some wool pants and Gucci loafers), definitely came across as a more stylish piece of rain gear.

I loved how many pockets there were, and the adjustable cuffs would definitely come in handy for layering.

While I couldn't find this piece on the Sid Mashburn site, it's easy to find if you're in Atlanta and go into the store. Otherwise Filson's website stocks it in two colors (although I prefer the more unusual orange).

Madras Short Suit from Black Fleece: Things I Want

Over the weekend I decided I couldn't wait any longer to see Black Fleece Spring '13 in store. So I went on over to the Bleecker street store + started trying it on... 

The banana leaf motif was especially fun, and definitely something you won't see elsewhere.

There was (unsurprisingly) a lot of madras and I loved it all... this light cotton cut-away jacket was a standout. The weight will be perfect for warmer weather and as with most things designed by Thom Browne it fit without much need for alteration.

Then I thought, why would I just want the madras jacket when I could get the shorts and have  a new Spring suit! The matching bermuda shorts are also lightweight, and with the knee-length I could get away wearing it to a dressier occasion. 

The shorts hadn't yet arrived in my size, so you're seeing it here on a model and not on me... yet! But stay tuned, I'm excited to grab this look for sunny days soon.

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.

Todd Snyder Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Over the weekend I got into a vigorous debate about Todd Snyder's Spring collection. Some felt it was too safe and similar to his past work. My opinion is that Snyder continues to deliver high quality, well tailored pieces in a tight collection that are consistent to his core aesthetic, with seasonal variances. 

For Spring he did just this, keeping within the arena for which his popularity is growing, but through an inspired lens... in this case the film The English Patient.

Since the v-neck tee I bought from his Spring '12 collection is the softest and most comfortable I've ever owned, I definitely gravitated to this lightweight long-sleeved sweater with a chest pocket. Paired with white shorts with low slung pockets, it is casual but with an obvious luxury and refinement.

Another area that Snyder has excelled is outerwear. In fact I just tried on a fantastic quilted reversible cropped jacket for Fall that I may just have to buy... with that in mind, this cropped navy jacket for Spring caught my eye. With the khaki/khaki shirt and tie combo (which I already own from him), this jacket would get a lot of wear.

I think my favorite piece from the collection was this double breasted jacket. Snyder's suiting has been a staple of the line (as seen through his recent pop-up at Odin) and I am confident this will also fit perfectly. The color keeps it versatile, and worn here with shorts and boots shows you can definitely dress it up or down.

Needless to say, I remain a fan of Todd Snyder and will be shopping Spring when it hits stores. Get over to GQ for a full set of photos.

Cotton Sweater from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

I really think that Gant Rugger is not only staying consistent and on brand, but getting better and more refined each season. So it was no surprise that Christopher Bastin was just named Creative Director at Gant.... well deserved.

Recently I popped into the Rugger store on Bleecker street and picked up this great sweater from Fall '12. It's a really lightweight cotton and silk blend, a perfect transition piece between seasons.

And while it came in a few different colors, I of course went with the yellow. Couldn't help myself!

I wore the sweater for the first time last week over a white tee, but really like how they styled it for the lookbook... given how light the sweater is, it creates a transparency that lets you see the shirt + tie combo underneath.

You can see all of the colors (plus other great Fall finds) on the Gant site...

Snap Cardigan Sweatshirt from American Giant: Things I Have

Last week I had the chance to meet with the folks from American Giant, a San Francisco based label that is tapping into the resurgence of domestically made goods. Wholly produced in Northern California, they launched with an offering of sweatshirt styles, all in an effort to create the "next level of well made American sportswear", according to the company's founder.

The nexus of American Giant is delivering high quality basics that can be had for a fair price. Given the opportunity to touch and feel the crewneck, hoodie, and snap cardigan pieces I was really impressed with the quality of the material (14.8 oz cotton). There were also some fantastic design details such as ribbed side panels and twill elbow patches.

Having recently acquired my father's old Russell sweatshirt, the one I always remember him wearing as a child, it was great to see the American Giant crewneck evoked that true basic look and feel.

And I was thrilled to receive one of their snap cardigans in the mail -- complete with an American flag sticker to reinforce the Made in the USA message.

The snap cardigan is a fantastic piece, and I wore it all weekend long (and received a lot of compliments). With the ribbed side panels it fits me perfectly. With the thickness of it, I wore it just over a t-shirt and was plenty warm.

Right now you can only get the American Giant goods on their own site (it's another way they keep prices low). I definitely recommend you go check it out -- and stay tuned for more news to come on this brand.

Striped Blazer from Dries van Noten: Things I Want

With the strangely warm weather this week in NYC, I've started thinking more and more about Spring... and it doesn't help when new deliveries are coming into my favorite retailers. Thom Browne has some great Spring pieces out (don't worry, more to come on that), as does Gant Rugger.

But while perusing Tres Bien Shop I came across this fantastic blazer from Dries van Noten. I'm a sucker for color, and for stripes and this will contrast so nicely with a crisp white shirt. I like that the jacket is in cotton and unlined, it'll be perfect for a warm day.

A little closer look at what I consider to be signature Dries design with the stripes, the aubergine mixed with blues, and the nice sheen... it's a great piece!

Find it here from Tres Bien, and check out their other new arrivals!

Steven Alan Tennis Shorts: Things I Have

Over the weekend I stopped into Steven Alan, as I was looking for some new shirts. I ended up taking home two great white shirts (one with a club collar, that I am very excited about). But I also had to buy these fantastic tennis shorts!

Now they may be considered a "short short", as they hit mid-thigh, but I thought they had a really great fit. I also liked that the light cotton will make these perfect for summer...

And in fact, I've already worn them... to my going away party! (My friend Carlo is also wearing a great Steven Alan shirt he picked up that day.)

Go check them out at the Steven Alan site!

Shorts from Trina Turk: Things I Have

In my shopping spree a few weeks ago I picked up some fantastic white shorts from Trina Turk. They're a great cotton/linen blend that I think will be light and cool for summer.

They are also white... which for a klutz like me is dangerous. But I shall do my best to keep them clean + pristine!

I really liked the length of the shorts, and the back pockets (with buttons) were a nice addition.

Go to the Trina Turk site for more of their rockin' menswear selections!

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!