Orley Fall 2014: NYFW Review

Well this NYFW I am unfortunately missing the bulk of my favorite shows due to a last minute work trip to Seattle. But that doesn't stop me from poring over show reports, Instagram images, and back stage photos to see what I've missed in person!

Yesterday the team at Orley showed their first full rtw collection in what is a brilliant leap from what started as a (beautiful) offering of knit ties. I've been a fan since they launched said ties, but what they've accomplished for Fall '14 is incredible.

One of my favorite looks included this jacket -- I loved the off-white color for Fall and the attention to detail with the leather trim on the collar and around the sleeves. 

Another standout was this cream knit turtleneck with a complex stitch pattern as seen from the front... but with a really clever surprise in the back (click the link, it's definitely worth a look).

But I think my favorite look was where they centered on their sweet-spot and then blew it up. Knit sweater x knit pants with a really great grid pattern. As Bruce Pask just wrote about the trend in luxe sweat pants, the Orley version should not be ignored. 

I am super excited to see this hit stores but more importantly to see what comes next for the team at Orley! Full collection images at Fucking Young...

Lemon & Lime Shirt from Gitman Vintage: Things I Want

On what is a truly crappy weather day here in NYC, I had to share this bright & fun Gitman Vintage shirt that I came across in Barney's San Francisco last week.

Short sleeve, slim fit, and with enough pop to brighten any dreary day -- this will be a must-pack for my end of Winter/early Spring beach and warm weather destinations. 

More details (or you can just go ahead and buy it) here at Barney's.

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... 

Cashmere Blazer from Eidos: Things I Have

I've been waiting for a while for Eidos, the new label from uber-luxe Italian company Isaia. Helmed by a Michael Bastian alum, Creative Director Antonio Ciongoli has a sophisticated yet approachable point of view, and a price point that is a bit easier to swallow than it's brother brand.

So it was with a lot of excitement that I stopped into Carson Street Clothiers last week and fixed my attention on the rack of gorgeous cashmere blend blazers. 

I tried on this deep green one first and fell in love. Beyond the obvious softness of the fabric, the soft shoulder silhouette and front pockets help keep it a little more casual. 

After a few nips from the tailor I was ready to throw it on for a California wedding and felt like a pro. Highly recommend you stop by Carson Street to see the goods in person (and they just launched MTM suiting), or peruse their website. 

Osklen Fall 2014: Things I Love

So I've been a fan of Osklen ever since my first trip to Brazil. I would walk into their store on Oscar Freire in Sao Paulo and feel transported... the scents, the sounds, the feel of the clothes. As a result I've been made some great purchases (including a one-off enormous leather duffel created for their runway show) along the way. 

For Fall '14 the brand has gone full force with color, and I love it. Staying true to the casual meets luxury core of the brand, yet updated with a strong punch of vibrancy through the color and prints being used.

I loved this look with the green on green, and the wide neck sweatshirt. 

Already owning a number off white/off-white pieces from Osklen, I thought the combination of this collared shirt with a slick pair of pants presented a sophisticated look.

A simple use of black and white, but something that stands out, stays true to the brand, and is definitely something I would wear for summer (north of the equator that is).

Overall a strong continued showing from Osklen and I can't wait to shop their Soho store once this collection arrives. Full images at Fucking Young!

Orange Pullover Anorak from Filson: Things I Want

Over the weekend I was in Atlanta and had the pleasure of stopping by Sid Mashburn. The one, the only. While the trip was meant to shop for others and not myself (in which I was strangely successful), I did spot a fantastic piece of outerwear that I'd love as Fall approaches.

This pullover anorak from Filson, when styled with the blue gingham shirt (and in my case finished out with some wool pants and Gucci loafers), definitely came across as a more stylish piece of rain gear.

I loved how many pockets there were, and the adjustable cuffs would definitely come in handy for layering.

While I couldn't find this piece on the Sid Mashburn site, it's easy to find if you're in Atlanta and go into the store. Otherwise Filson's website stocks it in two colors (although I prefer the more unusual orange).

Todd Snyder Spring 2014: NYFW Review

It's no secret I am a big fan of Todd Snyder (and not just because I was able to wear one of his tuxedos to the CFDA awards this year). Since launching, he has stayed on a consistent path with each collection, diverging slightly for a number of well-placed collabs -- Champion, Gap (for GQ Menswear Designer), suiting by Southwick.

For Spring '14 he continued on the consistency track, with a solid showing of everything from casual tees to printed blazers, and awesomely tailored pants and shorts.

My first favorite look was this striped tee paired with navy trousers. Loved the simplicity of the pieces together + I can already tell those pants will be a great addition to my Spring wardrobe.

Second on standouts from the presentation was partially due to the man wearing the clothes. I was really taken with this model and the attitude he exuded -- definitely felt right for the brand. But that aside, I loved the light button down with the plaid pants. The blues and greens make this a great transition piece as it could easily move into Fall.

And my third favorite was this blue coat -- a nice update from a traditional navy trench. The pleated shorts are another Spring must-have (yes, pleats done right are back).

While getting into the actual Todd Snyder presentation was a harrowing experience (Jenna Lyons, Frank Muytjens, and a couple of Jonas Brothers were there), it was definitely worth it. You can see the full collection here.

David Hart Spring 2014: NYFW Review

I've been a fan of David Hart since he launched amazing neckwear. I interviewed him, saw some pre-season inspiration, and definitely purchased a number of fantastic ties. 

So I was excited last season when he expanded into apparel -- and his inaugural collection did not disappoint. This week he presented Spring '14 and I loved how rooted Hart has quickly become in use of key fabrics, and rooted in a nostalgic yet current point of view. 

My absolute favorite look was this 'lava' colored mohair suit. The deep rich color, the fit on the pants, and the fact that the fabric will surely be out of this world. 

The second look I gravitated towards was this custom printed shirt -- the horizontal colored bars actually reminded me of a pattern Loden Dager did a few seasons back, and it paired nicely with the linen pants and sandals. Perfect 'dinner on vacation' outfit.

Finally you have to love Hart's use of exquisite fabrics to create evening wear. I loved this shawl collar tuxedo jacket, the woven pattern, and slim cut. Of course if I picked up every tuxedo I was drawn too it'd be all I wore, but this is one to keep an eye on for a very special occasion.

This second collection was very wearable, didn't cling too closely to it's vintage inspiration (Jet age Hawaiian holiday), and is hopefully the beginning of more to come from David Hart. All images 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!

Lapo Elkann for Gucci: Things I Love

Lapo Elkann, Fiat heir, CEO of Italia Indepenent, and all around style icon has now collaborated on a capsule collection for Gucci. It's well, a pretty robust capsule with both suiting and separates.

And for me it evokes an amazing throwback to Lapo's grandfather Gianni Agnelli -- wide lapels, spread collars, rich fabrics -- and an aesthetic that Lapo himself has largely adopted.

Here I've picked my three favorite looks, starting off with this great one button blazer paired with a wide collar button-down shirt, and very Gucci looking trousers. The beautiful carryall doesn't hurt either.

In the suiting department I loved the light windowpane for Fall, and the styling of the wider-than-currently-trending tie helps anchor the spread collar shirt. Office ready for sure.

And for a more formal night out -- this velvet double breasted tuxedo is the epitome of luxe. Staying on the wide collar trend, I feel like this jacket could sprout wings and fly, but I love how neatly tailored it is on the sides. Velvet is a bold choice for a tux, but that wasn't always the case -- again showing a nice look back at Italian fashion legacies.

All images here... and definitely a collection to watch for in-store.

Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt + Shorts: Things I Want

I've been waiting for this to drop ever since I read about the Todd Snyder collaboration with Champion. Already doing some awesome sweatshirts on his own (and the one he did with Gap is my go-to), this seemed like a very natural fit.

Offering sweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts, knits, and tees the collaboration uses Snyder's classic touch and blends in Champion's heritage.

The two pieces I'm dying to pre-order -- the off-white pocket sweatshirt and sweatshorts in oatmeal...

 These would definitely get a lot of gym, errand, lounging use and the Todd Snyder quality ensures a long life... the whole line is available here!

Fashion Dream Team Tees: Things I Love

Just this morning I came across a line of tees with the names of designers and the year they were born on the back, made to look like a sports jersey. From Les Plus Dores, it is the "dream team of fashion". Included are McQueen (RIP), Dolce, Simons, and others... but my personal favorite is Tisci!

 

I am such a fan of the Givenchy designer and definitely want to rock this out... get over to Hypebeast for more info and a full list of available names.

Men's Threads Press: What To Wear to Work

The Wall Street Journal did a story this week on what people who work in fashion wear to work... and they included me, Men's Threads! The story commented on my sockless look (of course) and on my rolled pants...

You'll recognize all of the pieces I am wearing -- especially the bandana tie, for which a lot of you have commented, and requested one of your own. Also wearing a Uniqlo Oxford, another Men's Threads fav. And my N. Hoolywood blazer...

Was definitely excited to see the whole look in print -- you can see the digital version here!

Mensthreads Fashion Collage by JustJr: Things I Love

A while I ago I came across a site that was doing brilliant fashion collages. I shared it with some of our designers at work, who were also awed and inspired by the creativity + connectivity of these pieces.

Well recently JustJr did a collage inspired by this blog, mensthreads! I can't even describe what an honor it is, to be referenced in this way by someone whose work you admire....

And Jamie at JustJr knows me so well because he included Nick Wooster, a bowtie, some Black Fleece (hi Thom Browne!), and a nod to France. I love it!

You have to check out the rest of his work here.

JustJr Collages: Things I Love

I've been following JustJr through multiple site + format iterations and have loved it from the beginning. I have printed some of their collages (of course the ones about Thom Browne) and hung them at my desk, for constant inspiration. I've also gotten our designers at work to follow the site.

The way the images are compiled, the great colors, and the obvious homage to its subjects makes each collage fascinating to just stare at for a while.

Below is one of the site's more recent works, titled Ivy League... I'm a big fan of Diptyque, I am in the market for a leather weekend duffel, and have bow ties coming out of my ears. So there was definitely a resonance here!

Make sure you check out the full site to see the rest of these fantastic fashion collages!

Karl Lagerfeld Voodoo Doll: Things I Have

Yes, I bought a Karl Lagerfeld voodoo doll. But I need to learn the opposite of voodoo... where I can channel positivity and even further fashion brilliance via my doll.

This story started two days ago, while I was in Brazil on a business trip. Walking through a department store at the Iguatemi Mall, I came upon a pop-up shop full of curious items. It is apparently an extension of Sao Paulo Fashion Week and was chock full of accessories, design gadgets, and voodoo dolls.

They had Audrey Hepburn, David Bowie, Madonna, Lady Gaga (in her bubble dress) and of course the Kaiser. I just couldn't resist. And not only is Karl keeping me company as I continue my trip, I figure he can become my own talisman, who I photograph at each of my global destinations.

And to start it off, here he is pictured on the window sill in my hotel room in Buenos Aires. Hola Karl!