Scotch Grain Loafers from Sid Mashburn: Things I Want

Yesterday as I was wearing my navy Sid Mashburn loafers I decided another pair may be in order. I get comments all the time on the color, and they are super comfortable. 

In perusing his other footwear offerings, I came across these scotch grain loafers. I love how they already look slightly worn, the burnished toe contrasting with the leather grain.

Made in Maine, these beauts will be joining my closet very soon.

Fall 2013 Obsession: Ducks

I'm officially declaring ducks as an obsession for Fall 2013. I was recently reading the current issue of Garden & Gun magazine, where they highlighted the work of artist Bradley Gordon. He focuses on painting animals from the Southern U.S. and does so with a method of using chopsticks that adds depth and texture to his work.

Billy Reid is also a fan of Gordon's work and when recently in Atlanta I saw one of his pieces in the store.

Taking a closer look this week hrough Gordon's library of work I was struck by this one of three flying ducks. I pinned it and moved on.

A couple of hours later I saw this image from the Richard James Fall 2013 runway show, in London. While the label Agi & Sam used dogs as their animal motif for Fall, James incorporated ducks -- and I was obsessed. The patchwork jacket is pretty awesome too.

As these things go, I know they'll be more duck inspired items coming my way soon -- just need to keep an eye out for it, and will definitely plan to incorporate into my Fall wardrobe.

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.

Gingham Suit from Sid Mashburn: Things I (Almost) Have

I'd written earlier this week about my incredible visit to Sid Mashburn, during last weekend's trip to Atlanta. While I wanted to check out the store for myself, my friend Ankur also wanted to get some new suits, so we were on a mission... 

The store was crowded when we arrived but all of a sudden someone comes from the back and asks if we need help, and it was Sid himself. The next three hours were the most inspiring a menswear nerd like myself could ever have.

Sid brought swatch book after swatch book, until we settled on the three fabrics Ankur wanted. He did the fittings himself and was so incredibly helpful. 

During the whole process I had come across a gingham swatch that I fell in love with. Something about it caught my eye + I knew I'd end up with it... 

I told Sid I wanted a full suit in the gingham -- and off we went! Did the fitting, made adjustments to the pockets, the pant cuff (I went a bit higher than most), and the buttons (I wanted a navy horn versus the standard black).

Now have a 4-6 week wait for the suit to arrive, and I cannot wait. I also cannot thank Sid and his team enough for their patience, insight, and overall awesomeness. I'm definitely a fan.

And I'll definitely be sharing pics when I wear it out for the first time!

Navy Loafers from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last weekend I was in Atlanta and made sure to keep my Saturday free for a trip to Sid Mashburn. The store is incredible, so well merchandised and appointed, and the sales team is beyond knowledgeable. 

On this trip my friend and I were helped by none other than Sid Mashburn himself... but more on that later (when I write about the amazing new suit I bought).

Before I'd arrived I did a little research on their website and had seen a great pair of navy loafers. So of course during the course of my store visit I had to try them on. I loved the color -- a really dark navy (which Sid recommended polishing with black). A rubber sole, and a really simple and clean design.

And they are so comfortable, so I couldn't resist wearing them on my first day back in NYC... and of course received numerous comments and compliments.

Handmade in Italy, these are a gently priced + will make a great shoe for Summer as well as transition into Fall. Check them out here for more info (and pick up a pair for yourself!).

Filson Duffel from Sid Mashburn: Things I Want

Yesterday I stopped by the Sid Mashburn store in Atlanta... unfortunately I didn't make it until Sunday, when the store is closed. So I stuck my nose up to the glass and peered in!

One of the first things I noticed was a group of very handsome canvas bags. Ever since the demise of my Tumi duffel I've needed a replacement, and these bags seem rugged enough for my global travels, but also smartly designed.

Since Sid launched e-commerce, I can grab this duffel (and maybe the tote as well) there... and it's definitely on my want list.

Get to the Sid page to check out more goods you'll be wanting!