Buckle Brogue by Thom Browne: Things I Want

There is a lot of good Thom Browne news lately... first I found out he is launching a new lower priced line called Thom Grey (can't wait to head to Barney's to check that out). Now I've come across these brogues he's done for Fall. And I'm hooked.

Nothing too crazy about the shoe itself, just a great classic black brogue. But I love the silver buckle with the TB-esque grosgrain strap. Such a subtle but cool touch to the shoe.

They're available now at oki-ni for 850 GBP (definitely an investment shoe), but read more over at Hypebeast.

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!

Bureau of Trade: Things I Love

I've never been very adept at searching eBay for things I want. When I was looking for some vintage Marais chairs I tasked my friend John with finding them for me. My friend Jeff dutifully sent a number of links for a vintage Rolex... but I could never quite get behind it myself. Until now.

Launched this year is the answer to all of your sartorial and lifestyle needs (although you may not know you need it yet)... Bureau of Trade. Pulling in items from eBay, Craigslist, Etsy, and full priced niche vendors, they provide a veritable treasure chest of men's items across multiple categories.

 

This week I came across these great Bally boots... part of their "August Camping in the Great Lakes" story.

Also in the story -- this fantastic vintage Omega watch. Love it!

When I first spoke with the BoT team my first question was -- what if I love this Omega watch but someone gets to it first? Well they've thought through that, and present multiple (well selected) alternatives. As I was assured, there is a watch for you.

So after poking around the site the past few weeks I've decided to give the whole thing a try... starting this week you'll see the first Men's Threads collection at Bureau of Trade. I hope you like it + there'll be more to come. Enjoy + happy shopping!

Leather + Rubber Lace-Ups from Prada: Things I Want

Last Friday I decided to go check out the new shoe floor at Barney's -- they've turned the fifth floor into a mixed men's and women's shoe palace... 

I have to admit I was really impressed. The space is beautiful, well laid out, and there was an interesting mix of men's shoes available.  Definitely an opportunity for Barney's to grow and expand in this category. 

While I was exploring I saw some amazing Rick Owens hightops, the Balenciaga sneakers I've been ogling, and these amazing Prada lace-ups.

These are incredible -- a leather lace-up with a rubber outer layer applied to the sole and the bottom third of the shoe. The pointed protrusions on the sole are a little much for me, but I could get over it just based on the novelty.

I feel like I'd need a Prada suit to go with these shoes, or something very classic that can handle the shocking red rubber... but I'd be willing to give it a try! Check them out here on the Prada site.

Yellow Yellow Yellow: Things I Love

Most of you know that I have two color obsessions... yellow and navy. I can't get enough of either (as evidenced by the yellow sweater I just bought from Gant Rugger).


Well to celebrate the vast number of colors they've used since 1941 Coach is starting a really cool project called ColorTag. It's a way to identify with your favorite color, see the products it was created with, and more.

Of course when they asked which color I would choose, YELLOW popped right off the page. So here it is!


Check out the Facebook page they've created where if you're obsessed with color charts like I am, you'll have a blast... enjoy!


 

Thom Browne Inspired Street Style: Things I Love

I am such a huge fan of Nam, the photographer that captures amazing street style during men's fashion week events around the world. 

Today he posted a fantastic group of photos focused on folks wearing the designs of Thom Browne... pre-show, post-show, in between shows -- in both collection and Moncler Gamme Bleu. It is amazing to see the way these pieces get styled, and to see the very focused aesthetic of Mr. Browne throughout everything he does.

As someone not afraid to show some ankle, this was my favorite shot...

Followed closely by Matthew Foley rockin' a TB seersucker look (with the imperfection of his collar flying away).

Get over to Nam's site and check out the rest of these amazing shots!

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...

Anchor Bracelets from Miansai: Things I Have

Ever since launching his accessories brand Miansai, Michael Saiger has been attracting a lot of followers. Using designs of woven ropes, anchors, and fish hooks there is a nautical theme running through many of his handmade pieces.

Given my predilection for anything nautical, I have been a fan of a lot of Saiger's work, so was thrilled to receive some of them for my recent birthday.

I have to admit I was really pleased with how soft the leather is, and I really liked the color contrast, making them easy to mix and match on my wrist. 

While his website has a full offering of products, Barney's carries quite a few of them online and in-store as well. 

Kane fit jeans from J Brand: Things I Have

This summer I've found a new favorite pair of jeans -- the Kane from J Brand, in the Sid wash. When J Brand asked to send me a pair, I had an idea in my head of pairing this jean with a white oxford and a seersucker jacket (more on that later)...


Last night I wore them and kept getting asked where they were from, so figured I would share! 


I already knew I liked the slim straight fit of the Kane, but the worn in feel of the Sid is a fantastic addition. There are rips at the knees, and a softness in the legs that gives a great texture to the jean.

Last weekend I wore them paired with an oxford and a (Thom Browne) seersucker blazer, and loved the whole look! Summer goodness...

For everyone who wanted to know where to get 'em, head here to the J Brand site and pick up a pair.

Striped Bowtie from Hackett: Things I Have

My friend Mitchell, an intrepid traveler, recently returned from London and sent me a great striped bowtie. He picked it up at Hackett the British brand founded in 1979.

The blue in the stripe is light enough for summer, and the tie has a great texture to it.

 

I am always a fan of stripe-on-stripe action, so I paired it today with a red and white Shipley & Halmos shirt.

Can't wait to keep wearing this new tie through the summer... cheers!