Givenchy Pre-Fall Accessories: Things I Love

Well Riccardo Tisci does it again... Givenchy just released their Pre-Fall accessories and I had a really tough time choosing my favorite. The collection includes a great mix of pouches, wallets, and totes in a variety of prints and fabrications.

Two favorites (there was no way to pick just one)... I am digging this red tartan, it catches your eye but has subtle branding.

Another fav was the two-tone denim... a bit of a throwback-meets-today-and-still-cool take.
 

The ever-chic Spaniards at Fucking Young have the whole collection for you to check out. Stay tuned for when I decide which of these I'll be picking up!

Spread Collar Shirts from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last week I was briefly in Atlanta, en route to Florida beaches to ring in 2013. While in town, I had to make a stop by Sid Mashburn, the venerable men's shop with some of the best merchandising around. 

While there I decided to pick up a couple of spread collar shirts from Sid's private label. I loved the colors of this one -- they call it a cheery "childrens-book plaid". The flannel was thin enough that I can wear it with a tie, but still give some winter warmth. Small but thick buttons dress it up a bit, and the cut is slim enough so as not to billow under a jacket.

I also grabbed this great tattersall in wine and black -- a little more dressy than the flannel (and I felt a little more suited to Spring), but the colors stood out to me.

My last time in Atlanta I ordered a beautiful Made to Measure gingham suit from Sid, and picked up a few items for my mother at his wife's store -- Ann Mashburn. Since that visit the two stores have combined, they're now connected by a clever back hallway that allows you to move back and forth and keep you in a total Mashburn induced haze.

Leather Baseball Cap: Things I Have

Last summer a friend was wearing a navy leather baseball cap, I loved it and I wanted one. Alas the store he had gone to was sold out and so my 'want' went unfulfilled.

But yesterday I opened a few early Christmas presents and there it was -- navy leather cap!

 

You can find it here...  and of course I couldn't wait to try it on!

More holiday gets + surprises to come...

Holiday Travel: Perfect Weekend Bags

Yesterday I received a question about finding a weekend duffel bag, for under $200. Challenge accepted!

There are a few out there that I've had my eye on -- rough and rugged, made in the U.S., and at a great value.

First is the Filson Small Duffel. Water repellent, inside pockets, and leather handles and pulls this is a well made bag. I have the Filson tote and love it. Price: $225

Another great choice is the Sutton duffel from Herschel. Denim colored fabric lined with red paisley, this bag is a basic and can be used for almost anything. Price: $79.99

For something a little more rugged, the large Tough Duffel from L.L. Bean is incredible. It's made from waterproof tarp and built to keep moisture out. Price: $149

If you don't need something quite so robust for a weekend away, the Port Canvas Yachtsman Duffel is a good way to go. Considered a 5 day bag for winter trips, you can take it skiing, or can hold even more during the summer months. You can customize the bag with additional interior or exterior pockets. (via Well Spent)

Win a Handmade Holiday Bowtie

Well it is holiday giveaway time here at Men's Threads... I just received a one of a kind handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's Ties, perfect for the holidays, and I am gifting it to one of you! 

You just have to tweet at me (@mensthreads) and Aunt Di's Ties (@auntdisties) about how you would wear this awesome snowflake bow. What would you pair it with? Where would you wear it?

This is a 24 hour contest -- I'll pick the winner with the best answer on Friday morning (12/14) and get the tie in the mail to you the same day. 

So get thinking on how you would show this off, and let me know... good luck!

Number:Lab + Men's Threads Rockin' Holiday Promotion

“For the athletic side of the discerning man” – this is the mantra for menswear brand Number:Lab. With a focus on blending technical fabrics and meticulous construction, each season brings innovation in outerwear and activewear. 

I have been a fan season after season, calling out their signature pieces as some of my favorites, and picking up a quilted jacket (that converts to a vest) and some of the most comfortable gym shorts I own.    

But I’m not the only one who is a fan – this year Number:Lab was selected to participate in the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} a testament not only to their prior efforts but also to the potential of what they bring to the men’s marketplace.

So I am excited to announce this week that Men’s Threads has partnered with Number:Lab to offer our readers a great promotion. From Wednesday (12/12) through Friday (12/14) spend $100 on Number:Lab merchandise and receive $25 off your order, or spend $300 and receive $100 off your order! 

Spend $100, get a $25 credit (use code: MT100)

Spend $300, get a $100 credit (use code: MT300)

This awesome deal is available through their website, or if you are in New York, you can get the same discount at the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} sample sale (12/13-12/14, 209 W 38th St. #308). Just mention the Men’s Threads code.

The blocked transformer jacket unzips to become a vest

This Fall '12 jacket is reversible + a favorite of mine

Also reversible, this jersey + thermal hoodie is perfect for the weekend or the gym

Now go get shopping for some amazing sportswear, either for you or to gift some this holiday season. And stay tuned for more great things to come from Number:Lab!

Strap Billfold from Black Fleece: Things I Have

Well my CdG zip around wallet fell apart a while back, I reverted back to the Goyard credit card holder, and I have been on the hunt for a new wallet to take its place. 

I tried out a few including this bright one from Dior, and this cube print from Pierre Hardy, but none of them seemed right. 

Then I came across this strap billfold from Black Fleece. Not that I need more accessories from this Thom Browne designed line in my possession, but I couldn't get it out of my head. 

With a french calf lining, pebbled outer, and elastic strap in the quintessential Browne red, white, and blue. It has plenty of room for cards and cash, and fits easily in my back pocket.

Needless to say I took it home and have started using it... so far so good! Check it out along with other accessory offerings from Black Fleece. 

Penny Loafer from Rancourt: Things I Have

This past weekend I stopped by this year's Pop Up Flea, newly located in Chelsea and showcasing an even stronger group of brands than last year. One of the booths I stopped by was Rancourt, the shoe company crafted in Maine that in addition to its own line produces for Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco.

Perusing the wares, their Beefroll Penny Loafer caught my eye and I had to try them on. They were so comfortable and fit perfectly, it was an easy decision to take them home. Handsewn in the U.S. -- and from everything I've heard, amazing customer service to keep them repaired and in great shape for as long as they're in my closet.

I already took them out for a spin (above), and here is another look from the Rancourt site.

Be sure to check these out, plus the other great styles they offer (and they do Made to Order)!

Fashion Dream Team Tees: Things I Love

Just this morning I came across a line of tees with the names of designers and the year they were born on the back, made to look like a sports jersey. From Les Plus Dores, it is the "dream team of fashion". Included are McQueen (RIP), Dolce, Simons, and others... but my personal favorite is Tisci!

 

I am such a fan of the Givenchy designer and definitely want to rock this out... get over to Hypebeast for more info and a full list of available names.

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.