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!

Todd Snyder x Seavees Sneakers: Things I Want

Todd Snyder is on a roll... each of his collections is better than the last, he had a collab at the Gap last year (creating the only pair of cargo pants I'd be willing to wear), and an upcoming partnership with athletic wear brand Champion.

So it's not a surprise that I want his latest release -- sneakers, produced with Seavees. The low sneaker (below) is covered in gray jersey, and I'm obsessed with the thick leather laces.
 

Evoking a bout in the boxing ring, I can easily see wearing these with khakis on a casual Friday, or for a ride in the park. Very cool -- and limited edition, so snatch them up now!

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. 

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 5

For my final day of wearing Thom Browne this week, I went with another blazer from Black Fleece. Navy with white seersucker stripes, it is a little "Spring" for today's 30 degree weather... so I layered it with a Todd Snyder x Gap sweatshirt and Sid Mashburn flannel.

As with the rest of my Black Fleece pieces it has a cropped sleeve, and is tailored on the sides to fit me perfectly.

Those mother of pearl buttons... a Thom Browne trademark! I also love the high placement of the top button (same as with yesterday's tartan blazer).
 

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!

GQ X Gap Collaboration: Things I Have

Ever since GQ announced this year's Best New Designers in America I've been anxious to see what these designers would create in partnership with Gap, who was the co-sponsor for this year's awards.

The list of those selected included a number of my current favorites: Todd Snyder, Saturdays Surf, Ovadia & Sons, Ian Velardi...  so it was with no small amount of anticipation that I got up today to finally buy some of the pieces at a Gap store.

Since the GQ October issue included a 12 page spread showing all of the pieces available, along with photos of the designers wearing some of them, I had made a mental list of what I was after. And after a brief chat with GQ Fashion Editor Garrett Munce, I ran in and made a grab!

First up was this ampersand sweatshirt in green, from Saturdays Surf. These guys have far expanded from their well known line of tees, but the icon hash mark or the constant play on their logo have given them an easily identifiable visibility. The sweatshirt's simplicity is its brilliance and it fit me perfectly.

Next on my list were the cargo pants from Todd Snyder. I can't seem to stop talking about this guy and how much I enjoy his well designed and crafted collections. I threw these on and they were slim but with enough room to move around. And I grabbed a 30 inch length to keep them a little above the ankle.

The other TS item I'd been eyeing was this uber-soft and perfect for Fall patch crewneck sweatshirt. Even though I knew it would fit I tried it on in the store and decided it may bump my James Perse sweatshirt out of the "most comfortable thing I own" category.

There were a lot of other pieces I could've grabbed but tried to restrain myself. Be sure to get online or to a nearby Gap store to check it all out for yourself!

Quilted Slipper from Gap 1969: Things I Want

On a recent trip to L.A. I popped into the Gap 1969 store on Robertson. The 1969 segment of their business has been a standout -- great denim (they had some awesome colored jeans for Spring) and a nice mix of other brands/items on offer.

The first thing I noticed when I walked through the door was these quilted slippers. I loved the pattern and the simple construction. I definitely knew I could wear them with shorts and a tank top. Except... they were only made for women.

So my plea to Gap is to source these in men's sizes -- from the response to the tweet I sent out that day about this slipper, I know they'd have a lot of takers.

In the meantime, if you're in L.A. or NYC check out a 1969 store to see what other gems you can find.