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... 

Madras Short Suit from Black Fleece: Things I Want

Over the weekend I decided I couldn't wait any longer to see Black Fleece Spring '13 in store. So I went on over to the Bleecker street store + started trying it on... 

The banana leaf motif was especially fun, and definitely something you won't see elsewhere.

There was (unsurprisingly) a lot of madras and I loved it all... this light cotton cut-away jacket was a standout. The weight will be perfect for warmer weather and as with most things designed by Thom Browne it fit without much need for alteration.

Then I thought, why would I just want the madras jacket when I could get the shorts and have  a new Spring suit! The matching bermuda shorts are also lightweight, and with the knee-length I could get away wearing it to a dressier occasion. 

The shorts hadn't yet arrived in my size, so you're seeing it here on a model and not on me... yet! But stay tuned, I'm excited to grab this look for sunny days soon.

Black Fleece Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Frequent readers know how fanatical I've become about Black Fleece, the Thom Browne designed collection for Brooks Brothers. It is a fantastic integration of Browne's unique design aesthetic positioned for the BB customer. The line was featured prominently in my Week of Wearing Thom Browne -- so I was excited to see what would be on offer for Fall 2013. 

Maybe I'm becoming too accustomed to the Browne's style, and am less "shockable" because I found next season to be somewhat muted. Especially when considered with some of what is in store for Spring!

This black and white jacket and trousers was part of a large story Browne did in that palette, contrasting the use of each color to have it really pop.

Seems I can't get enough tartan in my life -- this double breasted jacket and shorts was my favorite look of all. I loved the rich colors for Fall and the v-neck sweater underneath complements it nicely.

Continuing the black and white, here in more refined suiting, can also produce dizzy spells. I actually liked the subtlety of it from afar, and how you get a different sense of the houndstooth up close. It reminded me of the black and blue gingham suit I ordered last year from Sid Mashburn.

I've acquired quite a few of the accessories Browne designs with the collection: here, here,  here. The pebbled leather pieces are especially great, and so this tote for Fall quickly became a must have. Pebbled brown leather + the Thom Browne red/white/blue stripe, a winning combination.

Overall I found the collection to be a strong continuation of the brand and perhaps focusing on converting even more Brooks Brothers loyalists. Austin Wong at Why You Mad blog has more photos.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 4

This morning the forecast told me it would be getting chilly this afternoon, so I opted for my Black Fleece tartan wool blazer (Thom Browne designed, obviously). 

I picked this up a couple of months ago and had it taken in on the sides, and a nudge up on the sleeve length. The print is fantastic -- muted yellows mixed with red and navy. There are three buttons and the top one goes just high enough to turn the lapel a bit, making it feel a little like an outerwear piece, which I love.

Paired it with a tie from The Tie Bar, a vintage lapel pin, and my go-to Uniqlo oxford.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 1

Last week after First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom coat made for her by Thom Browne, I decided to pay homage to Mr. Browne and wear pieces designed by him this week. 

After all, I am a longtime fan -- whether it be his own collection, his work at Black Fleece, or at Moncler. 

So this morning I started off with this cable knit cardigan from Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers. Besides being the warmest knit I own, I love the elongated arms, mother of pearl buttons, and grosgrain lining on the cuff (both Browne trademarks). 
 

Wearing it with a handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's ties, Todd Snyder x Gap cargo's, and a Uniqlo oxford.

Stay tuned for the Day 2 look tomorrow!

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. 

Just One Look: Black Fleece Spring 2013

Last week Black Fleece showed its Spring '13 collection and yet again Thom Browne delivered the right mix of classic Brooks Brothers pieces (infused with his own silhouette) and a slew of punchy, colorful, and print laden looks.

For Spring '12 I purchased quite a bit (too much?) of Black Fleece, including a seersucker striped jacket, rollneck sweater, and canvas duffel and so was curious to see what next year's version would include.

Moving into Spring there was a tropical inspiration with bright madras + large printed palm fronds. For me the look that stood out was this mix of stripes + prints -- the jacket is a classic that has been re-worked, paired with patterned shorts and a diamond-print shirt. The tote bag was a nice addition, incorporating Browne's red/white/blue core. Hopefully they will roll the design out to a variety of bags, like they did this Spring, to provide some summer luggage options.

Essential Homme has all of the looks -- start brainstorming where your palm frond suit will make its debut!

Striped Seersucker Jacket from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I already wrote this week about my new Black Fleece duffel, which I can't wait to start using this summer. Well while I was buying it, a jacket caught my eye, that I had to try on...  blue and white stripe, in a really subtle cotton seersucker. The puckering is really just on the white stripe, not the whole piece, which I like.

Mother of pearl buttons, great lining... all of the details you expect from Mr. Browne + Brooks Brothers. 

I tried it on, it fit perfectly, and I knew I was buying it... fantastic tailoring, it has a strong shoulder seam, and high armholes, plus the back is pinned just enough that it doesn't billow. Perfect. 

Here it is from the Black Fleece site:

Of course I wore it the very next day... paired with a navy, white, and red striped tie. I liked the result!

Check out more info on this jacket, and see the rest of the Spring collection!

Duffel from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I've been thinking lately about all of my upcoming summer travel, and that I don't really have a good bag to take on a weekend trip. Sure, I have a Tumi roller bag, and I have an extra-large duffel from Osklen (that could fit four bodies), but nothing I can just throw some things in and go.

Last weekend I visited the Brooks Brothers store in Georgetown and saw a fantastic bag from Black Fleece. It's their Macintosh Duffel in either khaki or navy (no decision there), with Thom Browne's traditional red, white, and blue stripe in leather on the side. 

I waited until I got back to NYC and then went to the Bleecker Street store on Saturday to pick it up!

It's the perfect size for a few days away, has a great lining, convenient side pocket, and comes with a shoulder strap. Here it is when I got it home...

And from the Brooks Brothers site, where you can better see how much it holds!

Head over + check it out, as well as the other great accessories Black Fleece is offering for Spring.

Summer 2012: Swimsuit Review

It's that time of year... the annual swimsuit hunt. I had started looking a few weeks ago, compiling in my mind the list of suits I liked, and thought I'd do a little share. 


I normally have a few guidelines -- has to be a box cut, no Speedos, and nothing too long (my Osklen board shorts being the lone exception). So here are a few I've seen that I am considering for the season...


First up is this pair from Saturdays Surf, their Ennis boardshort. I popped into their store recently and really liked this two-toned look. Not too long, subtle colors, and easy to wear in and out of the pool.

Another option I am looking at is the J. Crew Portofino Trunk. This one is in their "tidal stripe" and the 5" length is perfect for me. Also appreciate the side pocket for phone, keys or other accessories... as long as I don't forget the phone is in there, which happened last summer!

Who is not talking about Orlebar Brown these days. They are everywhere, and in a good way! Bringing great shorts that can be worn on the beach or on a hike, in a variety of lengths and colors. They also did a great collab with Nick Wooster! 

I'm a big fan of their Setter, which is another 5", and how could I not jump at the bright yellow ones. So good!

As you know, I can't stay away from prints no matter how hard I try. From Peruvian produced  brand Olasul comes the Geo Blue 5" short that I am totally drawn to! Nice length, quick drying, and some eye-catching goodness. 

I couldn't resist a look at these seersucker shorts from Thom Browne for Black Fleece. I tried these on yesterday and not only did they fit really well, they have the Thom Browne details like mother of pearl buttons, black silk buttons on the waist, and an overall elegance about them. But it's a swimsuit... that I could wear with a bowtie!

I've been drooling over Burberry Prorsum's Spring collection and when I saw these vinyl shorts at Bloomingdales I was smitten. Another print heavy option, and something that will standout. I liked the subtle black and white patterned background with the yellow and blues popping out over it.

Stay tuned for me to share which of these suits I end up with (or perhaps mutiple!) for some summer fun!

Navy + Striped Bowtie: Things I Have

The nice thing about writing about my interest (putting it lightly) in bowties is that I get gifted some really great ones! Today I arrived home to a FedEx package from my youngest brother, with a really awesome striped tie.

As previously mentioned I love navy, and I really dig the colored stripes... it's adds some color and fun, and always keeps the tie versatile when pairing to an outfit.

Will definitely be getting some wear out of this one! Stay tuned for pics...

Striped Bowtie from Brooks Brothers: Things I Have

It was this blogger's birthday over the weekend + I was thrilled to receive another bowtie to add to my repertoire!

From my friend Richard, this navy with stripes from Brooks Brothers, which I love. I'm a huge fan of anything navy but also like the flat ends to the tie, which will give it a great slim shape when I have it on.

Stay tuned for pictures of me rockin' this tie -- it's a good one!

Coat from Black Fleece: Things I Want

Brooks Brothers released some images of the Black Fleece collection for Fall and (shocker!) I like a lot of it. The collab with BB is where Thom Browne presents a more commercial version of his (IMHO amazing) vision.

I was really drawn to this navy coat with the gold buttons. It looks very tailored and cropped (a la Thom Browne). I also love the large front pockets and the belt. This is a great piece for Fall -- it's basic enough to wear for a few seasons, but with enough design + detail to keep it interesting.

Selectism has more shots from the collection... check 'em out!

Brooks Brothers x Social Primer Bowtie: Things I Have

Talk about a welcome to a new city... on my first day in Manhattan, I was gifted something I've had my eye on for a while -- a Brooks Brothers x Social Primer bowtie!

I think the collab between these two is fantastic + the result gives such a fun and playful twist on the bowtie. I'd previously written about the camo version... and I just love the color mix (pink/green and blue/white) of the one I received.

Cannot wait for the right occasion to debut it!

Go to the Brooks Brothers site + check out the rest of this rockin' (and pattern intense) collection! And a big thank you to my friend Richard for the thoughtful gift!

Oxford x Camo Bowtie: Things I Want

I'm not sure how it happened, but lately I am so into camo! I think I used to only see it on a pair of too baggy cargo shorts and just couldn't deal. But now... whether it be a tote bag, tailored shorts, or hightops I am diggin' the camo!

Now, Brooks Brothers has collaborated with Social Primer to do a collection of reversible bowties. And below is the Oxford Sidewheeler meets Camo style... and I want it!

Now to be fair, most of the collection is fantastic... check it out here, and if you don't go for this version get one of the others!

Things I Want: Black Fleece

Anyone who knows me knows my fascination with Thom Browne. I'm such a fan of his work -- not only his own line but also what he's done for Brooks Brothers via their Black Fleece line. And now Thom is doing a range with Moncler! Incroyable!

Just saw a few images (via Selectism) of the latest Black Fleece collection. Check it out & snatch it up!

From Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2008/10/28/thom-browne-for-brooks-bros-black-fleece/