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.

Sporting Life: New Picks from Bureau of Trade

The folks over at Bureau of Trade never stop. Scouring thousands of products and creating the perfectly themed mix of vintage and new goods... Always with an exacting eye, their recent curation Japan Rising had me drooling over (obviously) cool pocket squares, vintage hantens (a type of winter coat), and locally produced bags.

Today they launch the next edit, The Sporting Life. From sailing to equestrian to gambling there is something for every fan. They gave me a sneak peek at the goods and I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

As regularly evidenced by my picks here, I'm a fan of anything nautical. So the selections from The Keelboat Skipper were perfect.This Seamaster watch by Omega, with it's striped band and navy face stood out as perfect for summer.

And no one goes sailing (or to the beach) without a bottle of rosé to keep cold. So the Insulated Sailing Wine Duffle is a must-have for summer trips to the Hamptons and Provincetown.

Another of the events, The Racetrack Tout spoke to another interest (or fanaticism) of mine -- the horse-bit. Starting with my Gucci loafers (now vintage themselves), the icon of the Italian house always catches my eye. This Vintage Gucci Horse-bit Tie will pair with a white oxford and jeans for warm weather parties, and the subletly of the bit will only be caught by the keenest eye.

Also on offer was a selection of horse lapel pins, which I almost snagged for myself, but decided to leave for one of you to enjoy.

Now there is a lot more to check out -- not just within Sporting Life, but on the Bureau's larger selection of products as well. So head over + see what treasures you can find!

Clement Chabernaud for GQ Style Germany: Things I Love

It's no secret that I'm a fan of model Clement Chabernaud. There's an ease about him that translates well regardless of what he's doing. He's all over the place now -- fronting for brands, walking every men's show from New York to Paris to Milan to London, and in a ton of editorial. 

This morning I came across some snaps of a shoot he did for GQ Style Germany and loved the 50's-esque styling with a French flair, shot in Palm Springs. Quite a combination.

A favorite color trifecta -- navy, yellow, and white. Love the bright jacket and blue neckerchief.

Super chic poolside with a simple one button jacket, buoyant pocket square, and (of course) Gucci loafers.

While I don't think I'd pull off the sheer top, I was into the lightweight styling for Spring.

You can see more from the shoot here + more of Clement here!

Shorts Suit from Raf Simons: Things I Want

As the temps climb in NYC, I've been discussing with colleagues the viability of a suit with shorts to combat the heat. While I have some nice shorts, and no shortage of jackets, nothing in my closet that is polished enough for office wear.

The other trend noticed coming out of last week's Milan menswear shows is the strong solid colors in suiting: Gucci had some great ones, and as I write this the Twitter feed out of the Dries show is saying the same. 

Bringing these two together... Raf Simons, in this week's Paris show. I am obsessed with the bold green and blue he chose. It is stronger than what was shown at Gucci, not quite as pastel, which for me means more cross-season versatility. 

I also love the shorts -- the length is perfect for me, and the front slit adds a great dimension to the overall look.

You can see the rest of Raf's Spring '13 collection here -- and stay tuned for me rockin' a shorts suit next year!

Loafers from Gucci: Things I Want

The favorite shoe in my closet is a Gucci loafer I bought in Copenhagen way too many years ago. They're a fantastic caramel color, with the horse bit across the top. My shoe guy in L.A. used to lament that one day he wouldn't be able to clean, re-sole, or keep them in wearable shape... and I fear that time has come.

So I took a cruise through Mr. Porter and found these! While a little darker, and with a silver bit, they're still a great replacement shoe. I like the simple stitching and lightly rounded toe.

Adding these to my want list -- would be perfect for sockless summer days! Check out the rest of the Gucci offering at Mr. Porter.

Loafers from Billy Reid: Things I Have

I am always on the lookout for new shoes... and in the back of mind know that someday my beloved Gucci loafers will have their final days.

So when Billy Reid tweeted that there was a huge sale on their website, I quickly went over and took a look.

Found these loafers, which I thought were great for the dual texture -- a suede-like tongue, and the wingtip toe. While I think they're better suited to Spring, I want to get some use of them as we leave Summer and go into Fall.

Great addition to my closet and excited to wear 'em out!

Get over to the Billy Reid site and see what is on offer from his Fall collection...

Gucci Loafers: Things I Want

I know I've told this story before... but I have a pair of Gucci loafers that I bought at their store in Copenhagen. 8 years ago. Yes, these shoes have been with me all over the world and I love them. Whenever I take them in to be cleaned or re-soled, Sam (my shoe repair guru) tells me that one day he won't be able to fix them up... and I tell him I know.

So in preparation for that day, I think I'll take these gorgeous loafers from the Spring '11 collection. They're very similar to the ones I have, with the horse bit and a very simple design.

I love that these shoes have such simplicity yet are so stunning... they are definitely ones I want to add to my closet. Just don't tell my other shoes that they'll have to squeeze.

Go to Hypebeast to see these and other accessories for Spring.

Florsheim by Duckie Brown Wingtips: Things I Want

There are a pair of Gucci loafers I've had for almost 8 years. They are by far my favorite shoes and I continually take them into my local shoe repair to get them cleaned or re-soled. Sam (the owner of said shoe repair) warns me that one day he won't be able to fix them and I will have to just replace these amazing loafers that I've walked in all over the world.

So in an attempt to see what could be a viable replacement, I've started scouting shoes. I recently came across some items from the Florsheim by Duckie Brown collaboration, and have to say there were some good options! I've always enjoyed Duckie Brown's collections for their own label and their work with Florsheim is a great extension of that.

Of everything I saw, these laceless wings were my favorite. They come in a variety of colors but I'm partial to navy. I really like the detailing, keeping these like a traditional wingtip. But then they've left out the laces and put in an elastic tongue, which I think gives the shoe that subtle design pop.

You really should check out the rest of the collection (the brogues were also pretty awesome), here at the dedicated Florsheim by Duckie Brown website. Happy shoe hunting!