Sweater by Gant Rugger: Things I Have

What can I say... Gant is blowing up right now! What a resurgence into the U.S. market. Between their Collection line, Rugger, and the amazing pieces from their collaboration with Michael Bastian (the subject of a future "Things I Have" post), Gant has really leveraged the prep/trad trend, the clamoring for heritage, and the exact right price point to keep customer engaged.

Last month I was in New York and visited the Gant Rugger store on Bleecker. While small, it exuded a great sense of the brand. I initially was so enthralled with the lacrosse print green sweater from the MB collection but at the Rugger store I felt the cream and blue sweater shown below had more versatility. I was sold.

I think the fit is great. The warmth of the wool is a bit much for the L.A. weather but I am sure my winter travels will take me to a worthy climate.

As you can tell from this glowing report, I would suggest you check out the Gant Rugger website: http://www.gant.com/gantrugger/#/collection but for sure find a store near you that carries the line. It is on fire and you'll quickly see why!

Enjoy!

GQ Russia September 2010: Things I Love

One of my favorite blog discoveries is The Fashionisto, which scans and shares amazing editorial, new models, and fashion photography from around the world. I know I've referenced them many times before, and I couldn't resist another turn when they recently posted shots from GQ Russia's September issue.

I mean this whole spread is just amazing! First of all they're using a face I keep seeing around, and who is definitely growing on me, AJ Abualrub. He is just so versatile in the looks he pulls off!

Second, they pulled in some simple and clear pieces that really showed off Fall 2010, with looks from Tom Ford, Phillip Lim and Prada (shown below). In fact the pic I posted here is a coat I have been obsessing over for a while... Prada just outdid themselves with this one.

You have to check out the rest of the photos at: http://thefashionisto.com/aj-abualrub-james-hampson-helge-gjerstad-by-walter-chin-for-gq-russia-september-2010/#more-76529. Enjoy it!

Dior Couture Fall 2010: Things I Love

So the Fall 2010 Couture shows just happened in Paris... Givenchy, Armani, Chanel, Elie Saab, and more. But I think hands down the most amaaaaaazing collection was from John Galliano for Christian Dior. Amazing.

The whole collection was floral (as was the set) and you got inspiration of petals and colors and textures. The models had their heads wrapped in cellophane (like a bouquet perhaps?). And their hair was flipped and high and beautifully styled.

I've pasted a couple of my favorite looks below:

Total brilliance!

Check out the rest of the collection at Style.com: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010CTR-CDIOR

Things I Want: Coat from Prada

What a great coat for next Fall! From Prada's Fall 2010 collection there were quite a few pieces I liked. The short sweaters with the rounded neck were also a favorite (I am particular to the one in watermelon).

But the item I liked the best was this jacket. The blue + orange pattern plays so well, it's eye-catching but not overly loud.

Go to GQ and see the rest of the Fall offerings out of Prada: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-PRADAMEN

Things I Want: Michael Bastian (Everything!)

I've been anticipating the Gant by Michael Bastian line for a while and so was thrilled to see photos from last week's presentation. I love it! It totally melds both Gant's design point of view with a classic Michael Bastian perspective. And I'm guessing the price point will be more amenable than that of Michael's signature collection.

Below you can see a glimpse of the Gant pieces (I love the green lacrosse sweater), and you can read more at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/14/gant-by-michael-bastian-autumnwinter-mmx/

Now, not to ignore Michael Bastian's own line... it was pretty fantastic too. Great sweaters and sports coats and patches (things he is always strong withi). But I especially drooled over the combo below...

And yes, his track record on handsome models is pretty good too! Check out more photos from his show here at GQ: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-MBMEN

Things I Want: Yellow Coat from Duckie Brown

Fashion Week is starting in NY (yeah!), so hopefully there will be a lot of great stuff to write about. Although first I'll take a pause * * to remember Alexander McQueen, who passed today.

Today Duckie Brown showed their F/W 2010 collection and there are some great pieces. I know I said that I was moving on from yellow being a key color for me, but I just can't let go. So here we are... a hot yellow coat, with a nice short length.

There was also a lot of tartan on the runway today, and I was digging that too (but of course just can't get away from yellow!)... so go to Racked National (their brand new site) and check out more photos: http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/02/11/liveblogging_the_shows_duckie_brown_2.php

Things I Want: Peacoat from Dries van Noten F/W 2010

I know I've been posting more about things I 'want' recently than things I 'have'. Well I'm on a bit of a spending freeze from the holidays... so right now it's more about lusting after items than actually acquiring them.

But don't worry, I'm heading to Asia in two weeks and will surely be doing some browsing.

As I've been running through the coverage from the recent men's shows in Milan + Paris there are some definite favorites. I already wrote about Balmain (want those pants!)... another designer I am all about for Fall is Dries van Noten.

I've long been a fan of Dries... and was excited to see that one of my favorite blogs (What I Saw Today) is too! Here is one of the sketches, which just happens to show the toggle coat my good friend John has already requested as an early birthday present.

Now for me, I'm all about this wool peacoat. The length is great, the color is perfect for Fall, and it looks like the usual meticulous Dries tailoring.

GQ is offering many more shots from the show, check them out here: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-DVNMEN

Things I Want: Balmain F/W 2010

I've really gotten into Balmain the past couple of years, starting with their recent explosion with their women's collection. But their last two men's collections have really started to pull me in.

I especially like the translation of the iconic tough military shoulder from their women's jackets into a piece for men. And I LOVE the kneepad/riding pant design in the look pictured below.

Sign me up for this whole thing!

More to see from the F/W '10 Balmain collection at WWD: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/mens-fall-collections-2010/review/balmain-mens-rtw-fall-2010-2427522?city=paris#/slideshow/microsite/mens-fall-collections-2010/2427522/2427536/paris

Things I Love: Moncer Gamme Bleu (by Thom Browne)

If you follow me and the things I like, you will not be surprised to see another post about Thom Browne. The man is amazing! And his collaborations with Brooks Brothers (via Black Fleece) and Moncler (through Gamme Bleu) have been such an outstanding melding of his signature style with the character inherent to each of those brands.

And so from Milan, here is a vide of his recent Moncler Gamme Bleu show. I love the artistry of the show -- it's never just models walking down the runway (actually I think last S/S show at the swimming pool was my favorite).

I love the puffy coats with the Thom Browne elements, and I think the gray body suits are a must-have for cold winter nights. Done + done!

Everyone in the fashion blogosphere has been talking about this show, but Hypebeast was the first place I found the video: Moncler Gamme Bleu Winter 2010. You must check it out!

Things I Want: Sweater from Commonwealth Utilities

I first became aware of Commonwealth Utilities because of some work connections... then last season they showed their collection at a barber shop in NY, which I thought was brilliant. Then I tried on a trench coat at Fred Segal and l-o-v-e-d it!

So today I was very excited to see some preview photos for F/W 2010!

Since I recently purchased some fantastic plaid pants at Uniqlo, I think the blue mock-neck sweater below would be a perfect addition!

You can see the rest of the photos courtesy of Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2010/01/commonwealth-utilities-2010-fallwinter-collection/