Shawl Collar Cardigan from Grayer's: Things I Want

It's getting cold and that always means time for sweaters... so I went to look at the offerings from Grayer's, one of my favorite new brands. And given my penchant for anything shawl collar, it was no surprise this caught my eye.

Their Blair Shawl Collar Cardigan, cotton/poly blend, not only sports a shawl collar, but is double breasted as well. An opportunity to wear it casually (as shown) or dress it up with a shirt and tie, and wear it as a sort of blazer. Give it a try!

More Grayer's available here... 

Fall Styling: Three Looks from Ports 1961

I definitely have an affinity for Fall. The opportunity to buy sweaters, jackets, and all things wool is something I just can't resist. So it was without hesitation that I took Details magazine up on the offer to style a few Fall looks from the expansive closet of global brand Ports 1961. 

It was hard to actually settle on just three, but I loved what I was able to come up with, and hope you do too!

First up -- I saw this cashmere rollneck sweater in their lookbook and knew I had to include it in my pull. The heathered red mixed with the solid swoops stood out to me and it's a piece that you'll see from across the room.

I paired it with wool pants and amazing keltie loafers. These are the pieces I'd put together on a snowy day when staying warm (and looking good) is paramount.

Next, there was a windowpane suit that caught my eye. I am seemingly always on the hunt for a new suit, and this one fit like a dream. But before we dive in there, I threw on this fantastic coat.

Navy (my go-to color), light enough for a Fall day, and I loved the paneling on the back. It was a feature in a lot of the Ports 1961 pieces from this collection and I thought it was a great subtle touch.

Now, about that suit... have to love something off the rack that fits you this well. Great attention to detail and the pattern was classic yet compelling. Another pair of keltie loafers (these in blue on blue) rounded out the look.

The finale was an unstructured green jacket, wool pants, and pebbled leather boots. One of the reasons I had to try the jacket was how well it can go from casual to dressed up. Large front pockets, soft shoulders, and a rich color make this a perfect Fall choice.

The wool pants included more of the paneling seen in the navy jacket above, and went really well with the leather boots. I also grabbed this beautiful leather tote bag -- it's important to have something to throw your scarf, gloves, and other Fall necessities in.

Talk about a fun day... it was such a pleasure to get to experience Ports 1961 and have an advance look at some of my major wants for Fall. 

And finally, here's a quick behind the scenes video shot on set... enjoy!

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... 

Navy Tuxedo from Todd Snyder: Things I Love (And Wore)

With the CFDA Awards approaching a few weeks ago I was a little worried about what I was going to wear. Luckily the good folks at Todd Snyder came to the rescue, hinting they had a pretty cool tuxedo available. Was that an understatement!

It's funny because during his Fall 2013 presentation I noted the navy tux and how cool it was. Great peak black lapel, and a dark rich navy to contrast with it.

So I was blown away at being able to wear the tux yesterday to the CFDA Awards. Without any alterations it fit perfectly -- hit on the shoulders, tucked in the back, and showing just enough cuff. All the signs of impeccable craftsmanship (and someone who's been doing this for a while).

Was asked quite a lot who I was wearing... but it's from Fall '13 so you'll have to wait just a little bit longer to pick one up for yourself!

In the meantime, head over to the Todd Snyder site to see what you can grab right now.

2013 CFDA Swarovski Menswear Nominees: Just One Look

Last night the CFDA announced their nominees for the 2013 CFDA Awards... and while on the women's side there were no real surprises, I was excited to see some of my favorite names in men's. Michael Bastian, Thom Browne, and Duckie Brown were all nominated for Menswear Designer of the Year. I've been longtime fans of all three, and I was interested to see Duckie make the jump to nominee this year, as they just started a much talked about collaboration with Perry Ellis.

For the Swarovski Award for Menswear, the nominees were Todd Snyder, Tim Coppens, and Public School. All so different in their aesthetic, and all three I have been talking about incessantly as of late... so am really excited to see each of their names!

Thought I'd share a favorite look of the Swarovski nominees' Fall 2013 collections, as we wait for the June award ceremony to see who takes the prize.

Tim Coppens showed quilted shorts for Spring and I loved it even more as pants for Fall:

This shearling-collared belted jacket blew me away at Todd Snyder's Fall presentation:

The layering and street-influenced look at Public School always impresses:

Images: Fucking Young, Selectism

The Tents at Project: My Favorite Brands to Watch

Wishing I was in Vegas this week for the Project trade show, and specifically to check out The Tents. Billed as a new show that offers a highly curated selection of brands, The Tents also happen to include some of my favorite men's brands... so I thought I'd share a few that I wish I was there to see!

Michael Bastian: his ability to weave together a story in one collection is inspiring, moving from beautiful suiting (below) to leather pants and fur lined coats.

Billy Reid: continues to bring the Southern gentleman to points North and West, and does so with increasing success. A favorite look from his recent show, I loved the color and texture of these pants for Fall.

Ian Velardi: Bringing together luxury + comfort with his smoking jackets, sweatpants, and tailored pieces. 

Todd Snyder: I left his presentation totally blown away -- he definitely took the collection to a darker place, but it remained refined and beautifully executed. This coat with shearling collar was by far my favorite piece from Fall. 

Public School: I've been a fan of these guys since they launched, and the accolades keep coming. There is always a dark palette and a street wear eye that they stay true and consistent to. 

Grayers: A recent discovery, I'm so intrigued by another Southern based brand, Grayers. Bringing a casual look with a great attention to detail, at an accessible price these guys have gone after an interesting part of the men's market. Cannot wait to see what they deliver for Fall '13!

Stay tuned for how my favorite brands fare this week in Vegas, and check out the Project site for more information on the show. 

Michael Bastian Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Before showing his Fall 2013 collection, Michael Bastian hinted it would be about the darker side of New England. And there was definitely an edge to his looks on Tuesday night -- from eyeliner on the models, to a more somber palette, and some styling techniques (read: skinny suspenders + buttoned up polos) that gave me a little British goth influence. 

Bastian delivered on the amazing suiting he has become known for -- here with this double-breasted version worn by model Tom Bull (who has been everywhere this season). The tartan duffel is nice complement, and would be a spirited bag for Fall.

In a more casual suited look, this styling is pure Bastian -- the pants a little low-slung, the iconic belt buckle, and layered vest.

Here was another sweet spot -- gorgeous knits infused with an eye-catching pattern. Paired with these shockingly red pants and light overcoat complete a rainy day look, and one that I could definitely see myself in.

An example of the 'darker' side of this collection, this quilted black jacket (with extensive fur collar, naturally) and black leather pants. While Bastian's version of the pant is a little less fitted than what I saw at Todd Snyder, it's an interested trend for Fall. I also like the stitched knees (something Bastian also used on the Gant side for Spring).

Overall a strong continuation of the Michael Bastian brand, seen through such a clear lens that you see it and just know it's him. The edgier side is a nice translation for Fall and is in line with what a number of men's designers are channeling... go here for all photos of the collection.

Tim Coppens Fall 2013: NYFW Review

For Fall 2013, Tim Coppens was inspired by periods of his adolescence and particularly around skateboarding and graffiti. It meant showing a paint splatter graffiti print + voluminous sleeves like "the padding and volume of a youth's skateboarding gear". 

But all of that was rooted in silhouettes and design themes Coppens has slowly laid out each season... so back were the leather shoulders, the folded over collars, strong and robust hardware, and seams that create a paneled geometry. 

To the point of evolving from some already determined themes -- the zippers and rounded copper buttons on this shirt are being revisited from seasons past, creating a look one starts to identify strongly with the label. And these quilted pants caught my eye and were instantly added to my 'want' list. Seen a lot of quilting this season, but these pants (with the elastic cuffs) are too good.

This wool and leather jacket definitely stood out -- again a take on a piece Coppens delivered for Fall '12, but pushed out into the skater inspiration for this collection. I'm always taken with how he mixes materials, and uses seams and stitching to create texture and contrast.

My third favorite look was this navy cashmere and leather snap varsity jacket. Again, great use of materials and the leather shoulders are a Coppens trait seen season after season.

What I liked the most was the continuation he took from Spring '13 -- with a crossover on the color palette, where I felt I could definitely wear this sweatshirt I recently tried with the quilted pants for Fall. A more refined collection + excited to see where he goes next! All of the looks here... 

Billy Reid Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Billy Reid's knack at delivering classic silhouettes with an infusion of Southern tradition was on full display again for Fall '13. Included were rugged leathers, layers in a range of browns and oranges, and more of the outerwear that Reid did so well in Fall '12.

A standout look for me was this gorgeous overcoat and the amazing red/rust colored pants. Must have those pants! The slim leg with a slightly larger ankle opening is perfect for the boots Reid puts out regularly... but the color has a subtle wear to it, toning it down but still catching your eye.

If you now me, you know I can't resist a shawl collar. So this was a no-brainer -- plus the toned pattern and sheen make this a perfect black tie jacket. Although even here, where it's paired more casually, it totally works for a less formal night out.

Another shawl collar -- this one all black, and styled with black pants (again with a slightly wider ankle opening) and a black knit. I appreciated the simplicity of these pieces all together, and how they conveyed such confidence... helped of course when worn by Clement Chabernaud.

I definitely steered more towards the tailored looks in Reid's collection -- but get over to GQ to see the full lineup and his breadth of Southern goodness.

Ian Velardi Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Braving the onset of Winter Storm Nemo, last night I made my way to Lincoln Center for the Fall 2013 collection by Ian Velardi. Recently named as the menswear winner for Ecco Domani's Fashion Foundation Award, and a nominee for GQ's Best New Menswear Designer of the Year, Velardi is establishing himself as a strong player in the men's space.

For Fall he continued this streak with a mix of American influenced tailored comfort -- beautiful jackets shown with sweatpants, "USA" emblazoned sweatshirts and hats, and outerwear equally suitable for Manhattan or Maine.

What I loved most about this collection was Velardi's continuation of belted jackets -- in Fall '12 it was the quilted robe, and now it is the smoking jacket. Here is my favorite look, the cord smoking jacket (with satin lapel, naturally) worn with a chambray military shirt, flannel pants and an ivory beanie. Talk about confident sophistication.

The smoking jacket was also done in a tartan plaid, with the navy lapel. I'm always a sucker for a good tartan, so it would be a tough call on which of these I'd take home (is there room for both?). Worn with grey panel sweatpants, a cashmere scarf (luxury + comfort), and a USA ballcap.

Part of the lineup -- gives you a sense of the very cool mixing of dressing up, dressing down, and throwing it all together that Velardi put forth.

I am always fascinated by casting and how models are used for different designers. Velardi had Brazilian model Rodrigo Calazans in a rugged look... 

More to come from Ian Velardi and definitely one to watch. 

NYFW Review: Todd Snyder Fall 2013

Since launching his eponymous line, I've been a huge fan of Todd Snyder. Given how many people tell me they've bought his collection because they've heard me talk about it, I'm glad others are becoming TS converts!

Showing his Fall '13 collection yesterday at Lincoln Center, Snyder continued to impress -- venturing into a little more edge than seasons past while still delivering on the outerwear, suiting, and classic tailoring we've come to love.

I think my overall favorite piece, it literally made me pause, was this double breasted coat with (huge) shearling collar. Just amazing, and I love the shine and deep color combined with the contrast of the (warm) shearling.

Another standout was that Snyder moved past leather jackets and into... leather pants. Seen styled a few different ways (by the one and only Bruce Pask), this look stood out because of the windowpane cardigan and black shirt. Plus it was modeled by a favorite of mine, Clement Chabernaud.

This knit was fantastic, with the two pockets and neck closure. Given how often I have been layering this winter and going without a coat, I could definitely see wearing this next Fall just as it's shown here.

At first this striped sweater caught my eye, and then I noticed the other pieces -- these slouchy gray pants and the navy neckerchief. Rounds it out for a pulled together look that offers a lot of comfort. Was also really into the custom Vintage Shoe Company boots seen throughout...
 

I got a quick snap of part of the lineup -- where you can see the continuation of what Snyder rolled out for Fall... leather jacket, navy tuxedo (yes, please!), and a pony hair coat.
 

Todd Snyder continues down a very strong path -- bringing a well-rounded collection filled with tailored suiting, strong outerwear, and more casual pieces that give something for everyone. Can't wait to see this hit stores -- that double-breasted shearling coat will be mine! Check out the rest of the collection...

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.

Just Two Looks: Z Zegna Fall 2013

While I don't tend to get overly excited by pieces from Zegna or it's more modern leaning offshoot Z Zegna, I have always respected the quality + craftmanship they deliver. 

However for Fall 2013 Z Zegna designer Paul Surridge created some fascinating looks based on both aesthetic and technical modernity.

This quilted suit was a standout, the subtle texture created by the stitching giving it an eye-catching pop from afar and something you just want to reach out and touch when up close.

 

This standout print was shown in both a black/gray tone as well as with this pop of orange (the color being shown strongly here, as it was seen often in last week London Collection shows).

Two favorites from Milan, and you can see the rest of Surridge's work here at Style.com. Stay tuned while I share some of the best from this week's Paris shows!

Just Two Looks: Neil Barrett Fall 2013

Seeing photos of the Neil Barrett show from Milan, I really enjoyed the coats he sent down for Fall '13... but what really caught my eye were the mixed media knits.

I loved the ones below -- the way Barrett pieced together the different materials, the use of leather, and the general geometric visual of each one. I will say that these and a few other pieces in the collection seemed inspired by Riccardo Tisci's past collections at Givenchy, and a smattering of Dries too.
 

But overall I think it was nicely done, and encourage you to check out all of the pics (and Matthew Schneier's review) at Style.com

Just Two Looks: Kenzo 2013

Since taking over creative control for Kenzo, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon have (IMHO) really turned it out. They've streamlined the look of the line and introduced a great modernity to it. Today they showed Fall '13 as special guests at Pitti Uomo and the streak continued -- I loved some of the rounded shoulder jackets, wild prints, and slim tailoring.

I couldn't choose just one favorite look from the season so the two that won are these amazing striped pants (reminding me of Dries Fall '12) and this shiny slim-fitted pleated suit, with matching cap. I would do the whole look!

Get over to the folks at Fucking Young for all of the looks and keep an eye out for more great things to come from Kenzo.

Pitti Uomo: Quote of the Week

I was fascinated with this statement today from Tom Kalenderian at Barney's, in reaction to some of the luxury offerings at this week's Pitti Uomo: 

“Without question, the taste level of the luxury exhibitors is exceptional; however, it is geared for the local market more than international,” said Tom Kalenderian, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of men’s wear at Barneys New York. 

“The sportswear is the biggest issue. We would be able to buy more if it was styled in a more contemporary way. There is tremendous opportunity as there is a great audience for luxury and good taste, but while the product is beautiful, with exquisite materials and details, they haven’t been able to translate it into a modern lifestyle. 

When you think about what Brunello Cucinelli, Massimo Piombo and Zegna, who is not showing here, have been able to do…it’s about filling this void; the younger guys really do appreciate luxury, but they still want it to fit in a modern way.”

... via WWD

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.

Just One Look: Margaret Howell Fall 2013

I've always enjoyed the quiet understated nature of Margaret Howell's work. She speaks about a focus on clothes that can be "worn in the real world, where good design is about living with thoughtful style." And this is evident season after season.

For Fall 2013 there was continued English inspiration, and a muted palette. My favorite look included this chunky rollneck sweater -- well fitted throughout but with enough opening in the neck to give you some breathing room. Paired with gray pinstripe rousers, and a beret to finish it off.

You can see the full collection at WWD and check out Howell's site for more information.