Leather Tote from Black Fleece: Things I Want

A few months ago I saw a preview of Brooks Brothers and Black Fleece collections for Fall 2013. Some really great stuff, especially from Black Fleece which followers of this site know I have a slight obsession with... 

Apart from continuing with strong apparel pieces also love the accessories Thom Browne designs for the line (guilty disclosure: I have two duffels already). This pebbled leather tote caught my eye -- using the now signature red, white, and blue stripe it is simple yet exudes quality and craftsmanship. 

The tote comes in black and brown, and it's definitely on my "want" list for Fall. Check out more of the Black Fleece offerings here... 

Sweatshirt from Tim Coppens: Things I Want

As most of you know, I've become slightly obsessed with the designs of Tim Coppens since he launched his label a few seasons ago. His outerwear for Fall '12 was incredible with a use of stitching, mixed materials, and the highest quality hardware I've seen.

When he showed his Spring '13 collection I was equally wowed and had a few standout pieces -- bomber jackets, a continued infusion of technical fabrics, and stitched leather.

So yesterday when I made my bi-weekly trip to Barney's, I was thrilled to see some pieces from this Spring collection in the store. I picked out this navy and black sweatshirt with leather arm panel.... it was (unsurprisingly) incredible. 

Fairly lightweight despite the layering of materials, it fit me perfectly, and was extremely comfortable. The leather pocket on the sleeve, with Coppens now signature gold hardware, was a mix of fashion and function that made the piece stand out.

Now when Coppens showed it in his Spring presentation it was paired with quilted leather shorts, that I was salivating over (and still am). 

Barney's didn't get those in yet, but I will put both pieces on my wishlist... and here's to hoping! See all of Tim Coppen's Spring collection here.

Wingtips from Walk-Over Shoes: Things I Have

I've been on the hunt for a new pair of wingtips and have to say that I became slightly obsessed with this pair on the Walk-Over website. So when they kindly offered to send me a pair, I definitely agreed!

I wore them last night for the first time and not only are they super comfortable, I love the detailing and the stitching They also have a significant heel, and give me some lift! I don't own much black, but really like the color of these and am excited to incorporate them into my winter wardrobe.

At last night's event I had multiple requests for photos of my shoes, so they're obviously going to get some attention!

Check out the Walk-Over website to see all of their offerings... I am definitely impressed with the craftsmanship of these shoes and can't wait to check out other styles.

Sweater with Leather Sleeves from Givenchy: Things I Want

This may be a little off the reservation for some of you, and perhaps I'm drawn to it because of my interest in Riccardo Tisci and the fantastic stuff he's been doing at Givenchy...

But whatever it is, I'm all about this crewneck sweater with leather sleeves. I like the relative simplicity of the body, in wool, with the contrast coming from the sleeve. And not just the different material, but the length of the sleeve helps it stand out (between you and me, the proportion of the sleeve was a selling point).

Once the weather actually drops to wear you can wear this, I say jump on it!

You can get Selectism's opinion here too (in case you were curious). But then go to SSense and buy it!

A Series on Leather Craftsmen: Lotuff & Clegg

I was recently fortunate enough to be sitting with Joe Lotuff, of the leather goods company Lotuff & Clegg, for what was an all too brief 45 minutes (the brevity was my fault).

In that time though I learned so much about the New England brand, that Joe's passion for the craftsmanship and product definitely rubbed off. We discussed the way in which the cow hide is inspected for quality, how Lotuff & Clegg looks to use large swatches of leather versus stitching together two smaller ones, and how the rounded edge finishing is done by hand (no small feat) by a leather artisan. I also learned about how the leather is treated, without the use of chromium, to create the right texture and patina. While this takes additional time, it is something that Joe felt was part of the brand's integrity.

The design of each piece, and how that design may evolve, was another fascinating point of discussion. Lotuff & Clegg focuses on the functionality of each product, and design oriented additions should enhance that function. This was evidenced in the extra long zipper on a duffle bag, which allows for the bag to be fully opened. Joe also shared that through customer feedback they are able to make adjustments to a design, improving both its function and appeal.

The Leather Lock Briefcase

While the conversation focused on the brand in general, there was also this beautiful brand new leather briefcase in front of me, which required a lot of inspection! It was the Leather Lock Briefcase, in black, and I have to say I fell in love. It was so evident that all of the elements Joe had discussed: craftsmanship, detailing, design were all there.

The handle, designed to fit your hand just right

Close up of the hardware and the pebbling of the leather

Inside, with pockets, pen holders, and a zipped pouch

The briefcase, in all its glory

Now while I saw (and covet) the briefcase, Lotuff & Clegg had a wide offering... and from what it sounds like, their popularity is causing a bit of a wait list! So get over to their site, and check out the totes, portfolios, and other pieces you will definitely love (and own for a lifetime).

Beckett Specs from Warby Parker: Things I Have

Last week I had the privilege of visiting the Warby Parker HQ in NYC, and see their current collection and some upcoming releases. It was a fantastic visit, the whole team was fantastic, and I was finally able to get a new pair of specs (something I've been wanting for a while).

Today in the mail came my Beckett in Black Matte, and I am so excited! They're a great shape, and I really like the matte finish.

If you're not familiar with the Warby Parker concept, they not only offer you great frames that are all very well priced (umm, just $95 with lenses!) and for each pair you buy they donate a pair to someone in need. It is truly a win-win model and I'm thrilled to start rockin' my new specs!

Working Bag from Lotuff & Clegg: Things I Want

I'll admit that I have a problem with bags... I have rarely seen one I didn't have to have. Usually the problem is that I have some need to fill and none of my current bags will do. This is exactly why I am now salivating for this black working bag from Lotuff & Clegg.

I will be transitioning to city living in a couple of weeks (yes, sorry, LA is not considered 'city living'), and I need something to hold everything I'll need during the day.

Handmade in New England, the Lotuff & Clegg bags and briefcases are simple yet elegant, and are guaranteed for life. At this point it's really just a matter of deciding on the exact size and color (red sounds kind of fun, no?)...

Visit their site for the full collection and great information about the guys behind the brand.

PF Flyers High Tops: Things I Have

I was looking on Gilt recently, trying to feed my high top addiction, and came across a PF Flyers sale. I was totally into a few of the styles they had, but really fell for these black ones.

I loved the vinyl quilting on the back heel and the red strap across the top. So cool! And the price wouldn't be beat...

Since I was on the road when I ordered them, it was a very nice surprise to come home to, and I already wore them out last weekend. Rocked 'em with my black jersey shorts from Vanishing Elephant!

Here's the PF Flyers website so you can check out what else they have going on!

Things I Have: Feiyue

Whenever I arrive in Shanghai I pick up one of the local English magazines, which provide news and events for around the city. On this trip I read an article about Feiyue, a Shanghai produced sneaker that has been made since 1959.

Like many retro items that are coming back, the Feiyue brand was picked up by a Western entrepreneur who modified the shoe a bit and started selling them in France and the U.S. The article I read mentioned you could get them now at Fred Segal for $50.

However... there is a small shop in Shanghai that still sells the original. The low cut version is the equivalent of $4 and the mid-top shown here are $7.

So yesterday I hopped on the metro and went to find me some Feiyue! The shop selling them is a very typical local place, a very tiny storefront with merchandise packed inside. The woman inside looked at me (the only Westerner for miles) and immediately knew what I had come for.

And that's how I walked away with a pair in white and in black for a total of 96 RMB. Incredible!

Things I Want: Alife Slip-ons

I recently bought my first pair of Alife sneakers -- gray high tops with an aqua sole (see post). I've received a lot of compliments on them... and while I have a slight obsession with high tops at the moment, these news slip-ons from Alife's Spring 2010 range look very cool.

Love that there are no shoelaces and they've only outlined the lace holes. Love the simple black upper with the very Common Projects-esque writing on the back right of the shoe. And I think the hint or red on the heel is a really nice touch.

In general, a very simply but well designed shoe that I could wear all over the place!

Check out this and more Spring styles from Alife at: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2010/02/23/alife-spring-2010-footwear-public-naval-leather-and-everybody-high-lux-suede/#more-97018

Things I Want: Dior Homme High Tops

I've had a thing lately for high tops (umm, prior post about my new Alife kicks!) and was checking out some rockin' Lanvins at the Webster in Miami.

Today though I saw these from Dior Homme and I love the wrap around laces and the height of the shoe. Very cool and makes me want some skinny jeans that I can tuck inside!

Now due to the cost these are definitely on a *wish* list... but here's to hoping!

More photos from Selectism here: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/02/dior-homme-hi-top-sneakers-for-spring-2010/

Things I Want: Black watch by Tsovet

After years of rockin' only stripes and patterns and plaids, I have lately be focusing on solids. Today for example I wore a bright pink v-neck sweater with my yellow Nixon watch (you may remember it here).

I also have an affinity for big rubber watches. I have a Diesel one in black, Alessi in blue, and again the Nixon in yellow.

Now the watch below, from Tsovet is not rubber but it is still very cool. I love the black and black face and the silhouetted hands. Very cool indeed + I'll add it to my wish list for the next watch purchase.

You can read more about it from the good people at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/01/19/capsule-tsovet-svt-nm85-flat-black/