Carven x Porter Backpack: Things I Want

Two of my favorite brands -- Carven and Porter, have collaborated on a backpack. Dream come true. 

I've been obsessed with Porter for years, and on my last trip to Japan picked up a couple of pieces... the "problem" is that Porter collaborates with so many different brands, designers, artists that there is always something to want. Saturdays Surf, Margaret Howell, Comme des Garcons, the list goes on.

This piece with Carven is awesome -- I love the quilted body, leather pocket, and fabric side panels.

More info at Hypebeast, and you can pick one up at Matches.

Burgundy Blazer from Carven: Things I Have

Ever since Guillaume Henry took over the design reins at Carven I've become a big fan. The Fall line continued to impress and while at Barney's last month I tried on the "Paul" jacket and pants in burgundy... a color that seems to be everywhere and was called out by GQ as a seasonal trend.

Well I went back to Barney's over the weekend + picked up the blazer. It's cotton gabardine and so perfect for transitional Fall temps. It also has the cropped silhouette that I've found in much of the Carven pieces and which I tend to gravitate towards

I already wore it for the first time, paired with a burgundy knit tie and striped oxford. Ready for Fall!

Check out the rest of the Fall collection + you can head to Barney's like I did to pick up one for yourself!

Double-Breasted Blazer from Boglioli: Things I Want

Yesterday I wrote about the burgundy Carven suit I tried on (and loved) over the weekend... well the color trend continues with another piece I really fell for, this Boglioli Double-Breasted blazer.

I put this on at Bergdorf's on Sunday afternoon and found it fit me almost perfectly. It was comfortable through the shoulders, trim in the waist, and the length (always an issue for me) hit just below waist level.

The blazer is Double-Breasted and with a peak collar, which would normally give it an air of formality. However it is a wool/nylon blend and unstructured, allowing it to form to your body and keeping it a little more casual. I think this adds to the versatility -- dressed up as a great suit, or used as a sweater type layer on weekends.  

Mr. Porter is carrying it on their site, where you can see more pics and details.

Blazer + Pants from Carven: Things I Want

Last weekend as I was checking out the new Fall goods I came across a fantastic blazer/pant combo from Carven. You may remember how excited I was to get a blazer from their Spring collection when I was last in Paris... the line continues to have a great subtle French influence and a nice slim and cropped fit.

The burgundy color of these pieces is the first thing that caught my eye, and I could definitely see myself mixing and matching this color as the season changes. When I tried it on the jacket fit well -- perhaps a little snug for some, but I liked the shorter length and high arm holes. The pants also worked well, and were just short enough that when paired with my Tretorns it had a nice pulled together but casual vibe.

 

I tried it all on at Barney's but you can find out more (and see other Carven for Fall) over at Mr. Porter. 

Carven Spring 2013: Things I Love

Both here and on Twitter I've been extolling the virtues of Guillaume Henryand his work on the Carven menswear line. I really love the subtle French influence, the boxier cut on a lot of the pieces, the fun patterns + colors he's used. 


And I found it totally understandable that he was invited to be showcased at Pitti Uomo this year. 


For Spring '13 he continued the success with suit/shorts, great prints, and the same cropped/French influence he's used thus far. Here are a few of my favs...


Never one to shy from prints, i loved this shirt, jacket, short combo.

 

This peacoat in a light green has a nice length and the color works well for warmer weather.

I really enjoyed this contrasting shirt, paired with the light blue pants and red loafers -- perfect Spring look!

Always a fan of the crop, and I love the check on these pants. Also the jacket seems similar to the Carven one I bought this Spring, which means I'll love the fit.

You can find the rest of the (incredible) collection at Style.com.

Sports Coat from L.B.M. 1911: Things I Want

While in Chicago this week I decided to scout out the local menswear scene... enter Haberdash. They have multiple locations around the city, and I stopped in at State Street. And one of the first things I noticed was a row of cool cotton sports coats.

The sales director told me they were L.B.M. 1911, a line I was previously unaware of (although now upon doing a quick search, I see that Josh Peskowitz was talking about these guys over a year ago).

From Italy, these coats all start out white and are hand-dyed and pre-washed. As a result the color is a bit softened, they're extremely comfortable, and really simple to care for. In my continued quest to introduce other colors than navy into my closet, I tried on the emerald.

The fit was perfect and it was easy to see how I could throw this on for any occasion and get a great look. Here's the lookbook photo Haberdash has...

Since I just picked up that amazing Carven blazer last week in Paris, I didn't walk out with this one, but I wanted to! Read more about them on the Haberdash site.

Blazer from Carven: Things I Have

This weekend I took a quick trip to Paris... I needed some inspiration, some fun, and some croissants. While at Printemps Homme I came across a great Carven section, something I have yet to see in the U.S.

I'm a fan of what Guillaume Henry has done since joining the house and tried on a few pieces. Later that day I saw more great Spring items at L'Eclaireur. And after that even more at colette. So I knew I had to take some Carven home with me...

Enter this amazing blazer that I loved as soon as I tried it on. It fit me perfectly, was nicely cropped, but a little boxier than what I've been buying lately (which I liked). Also it wasn't navy, which speaks to my need to branch out color wise.

Unfortunately, pocket protector not included.

Now I can't wait to work it into my wardrobe and wear it! Here it is on the colette site...