Birds for Spring: Things I Love

Walking to work this morning, in 18 degree weather, I decided it was time for some warmer weather. Or a glimpse of Spring. 

These bird-themed accessories that I'd seen recently came to mind. Herschel has this fantastic backpack that I'd be more likely to tote around the city than on an Audubon hike, but it definitely spoke to me of Spring.

Another bird related piece is this navy five baseball cap from Ami. Perfect for a picnic in the park, a run along the water, or a day at the beach.

I definitely want to rock these two together, and find some bird shorts to go with them! Shorts weather can't come soon enough...

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.

Cable Crewneck from Ami: Things I Have

While in San Francisco this week I did a little post-holiday perusal at Barney's. Without intending to (isn't that always the case), I walked away with a few things... one of which was this great cableknit sweater from French label Ami.

I'd been at the Ami launch at Barney's in NYC and had been impressed with the collection. This sweater fits perfectly, the sleeves are a little long (which is perfect for winter wear), and it is super soft. I haven't taken it off since I bought it.

There are some good deals on Ami right now, go check it out on the Barney's site...

Menswear for Friends: AMI Launches at Barney's

It is always fun when you are one of the first to see a collection at retail... not only touch the fabric and see the detail, but also experience the merchandising and display. So, I was excited to be invited to do just that this week at Barney's, for French menswear label AMI.

I had previously written about AMI and their inaugural collection for Fall 2011, and it was great to see the pieces in person! They have a window right now at the NY flagship, as well as a significant in-store display.

In my conversation with designer Alexandre Mattiusi, he reiterated how the line is filling the void he and his friends felt in the existing menswear offerings. By literally calling the label 'friend' he makes it clear that "my friends are my inspiration" and that when designing he "makes sure I can wear it".

"I want to be the first customer", Mattiusi relays, and the easy yet well fitting pieces evoke just that. I particularly liked the sweaters, and was also very interested by the camel coat.

When asked what we can expect for Spring the designer shared that his outdoor presentation (complete of course with his friends) showed more color and softer, lighter cottons. Get to Barney's now (or online) to see the rest of AMI for Fall.