Summer 2013: Swimsuit Review

Well it's time for my annual swimsuit review. Where I take a look at what's out there, make a short list to share with y'all, and then pick one of them to wear this summer. Putting my picks together I realized I can't stay away from something loud and colorful -- so get ready for what's to come.

First up are the High Tides from Bonobos. These were an Americana inspired standout -- 5" length and with a variety of white, blues, and reds.

While continuing my search I found these eye-catching trunks at thecorner.com. Continuing with the dot pattern he used for his Spring collection, Jonathan Saunders green and yellow design, while pricey, are fantastic.

Ever since meeting one of the founders of Aloha Sunday last year in Palm Springs, I've been taken with both the brands they carry and their private label offerings. The Manitou trunk contains a few irresistible favorites -- seersucker and anchors. Preppy trappings done in a cool and wearable way.

Over at Opening Ceremony were these contrasting gingham shorts from Frank's. Looked to me like someone took a picnic tablecloth and spilled yellow paint on it. And I think it works!

The last pick for my review is another nautical piece -- these shocking yellow sailboat board shorts from Club Monaco. Again tying back to my love for all things nautical, and in a favorite color of mine, these will definitely make a statement poolside.

Stay tuned to see which of these I take home -- and for pics of me rockin' them this summer!

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.

Behind The Scenes: Loden Dager

As a follower of menswear there are two things that never fail to excite: seeing a collection on a runway and meeting with a designer in their studio.

The former is pretty obvious -- there is the music, the crowd, and seeing the pieces as the designer envisioned and styled it. The latter is the most unique opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation about the line, but also to see the environment that drives their work... fabric swatches, sketches, samples.

So when I had the invitation to meet with Loden Dager designer Paul Marlow in the brand's studio, I didn't hesitate to accept. I'm a longtime fan -- smart tailoring, unique detail + function, and a well balanced infusion of color and prints.

Sitting in the studio, surrounded by the aforementioned swatches, buttons, and Fall 2012 samples (my lips are sealed), I got to dive into what the brand is up to, and where they're headed.

Marlow (right) with Oliver Helden

The customer: "They want consistency", Marlow explained. Taking key silhouettes each season and changing the fabric or the details gives men reassurance the pieces will always fit as they expect, but keeps their look updated and fresh.

The collection: "I started making the pieces I'd want to wear...", but as the brand matures it seems important to Marlow that while everyone may not identify with each piece, the entire collection fits what his customer is looking for.

The production: "It makes it really easy having most of the collection produced seven blocks away", allowing for tweaks and modifications that would otherwise take a plane ride or a month of e-mail. Certain items are done in Los Angeles, Peru, Portugal based on the core production strength of those regions.

The show: "It really takes you away from everything", commenting on the subterranean venue where they've been holding their runway spectaculars (including personal fav Clement Chabernaud).

What's next: All I can say is... it's exciting. From what Marlow described about his plans for Fall 2012, as well as some expanding categories they are looking at, there is definite growth and excitement coming from the Loden Dager camp.

Stay tuned to more news via their blog, and for my recap after their Fall 2012 show in a few weeks!

Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen: Things I Want

I've been talking for a while about needing some boots (I mean, it's about to be my first NYC winter!). Been looking at the Julius boot from Peter Nappi, and then my friend Jeff suggested the Alden Indy... both amazing options.

Today though I came across the Maine Guide Strap Boot from Yuketen. I love the color, the height, the construction, the stitching... but really, I was sold with the strap (it's always the details, eh?).

From a Japanese designer who has the boots hand-sewn in Canada by indigenous craftsmen. Local artisan manufacturing meets Japan? What else do you need.

Available from those purveyors of all that is cool... Opening Ceremony.

Prints Prints Prints from Agi & Sam: Things I Want

Today I came across a label I wasn't familiar with... agi & sam, created by Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton. Having worked for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Carolyn Massey, the duo have released images for their third collection, entitled "Tabasco, Tequila, and Tomato Juice".

It is definitely a print heavy, bold collection with a very artistic approach. Given my adoration of anything bright and printed, I took to some of the pants, as well as the yellow coat shown below.

Currently without U.S. distribution (although I could definitely see this line at Opening Ceremony), I will be keeping an eye out for future work from agi & sam.

You can see more photos from the collection at Hypebeast.

Pushing Boundaries at Patrik Ervell: NYFW Review

On Sunday at Milk Studios, Patrik Ervell faced a packed house... eagerly anticipating not only his Spring '12 men's collection but also his first foray into women's.

Across the board there was an influence of Hawaiian print, riding caps, fantastic duffel bags and totes, and (thankfully) an appearance by Clement Chabernaud.

While I can report that the women's range definitely fell squarely (and beautifully) into Ervell's aesthetic, what of course really kept me engaged were the men's looks.

One of my favorites was this rubberized cotton hooded raincoat in navy. The texture and sheen really stood out, and I liked the simplicity of the construction.

Ervell always does great suit. Here I liked the dark palette but with that pop of color on the tote bag (which of course I want).

This brick-red blazer in tropical wool caught my eye near the end of the show, and is definitely a piece that's on my list for Spring. 2-button, thin lapel, it's one I know will fit me perfectly.

And finally this jungle jacket in twill, with a hand-braided horsehair belt. I mean... how could you not get excited for this?

Ervell is a master at playing within his key design elements but really pushing the boundaries in texture and technique, and he did it again here. A stellar showing and I can't wait to shop this at Opening Ceremony come Spring!

Go to Style.com for the rest of the collection photos...

Wallet from Commes des Garcons: Things I Want

Back in March I bought a Commes des Garcons leather pouch, as my carry-all for flying. It holds my passport, iPod, breath mints.... everything I need in-flight!

Now of course, I want the wallet to match. My current CdG wallet (in tartan) has started to fall apart from overuse, and so I want to grab the fantastic brown embossed version!

Everytime I am in Opening Ceremony I check for it, but it is nowhere to be found. And even on their website it is on backorder. Boo!

So I will sit and wait. Patiently. Sort of.

Straw Bowtie from Alexis Mabille: Things I Have

I decided to do a little shopping over the weekend (shocked, right?!) and popped into Opening Ceremony. I found some really great items but one that stood out was this fantastic straw bowtie by Alexis Mabille.

I've previously written about the other piece I have from Mabille, and so when I saw this tie I jumped on it! Love the innovative use of material and the silk ribbon it's attached to... very much the alternative bow!

Very excited to wear this + will need to find the perfect event for its debut!

Commes des Garcons Pouch: Things I Have

With all of my travel, I decided I needed something to hold all of my essentials... passport, phone(s), iPod, etc. Initially I was just using my Cathay Pacific business class amenity kit (I mean, it was designed by Agnes B.) but it just didn't feel right.

So this week I picked up a great pouch from Comme des Garcons. Brown leather. My favorite pattern. And I love it! Just used it from LA to Sao Paulo and it perfectly fit everything, was easy to grab out of my bag, and stylish to boot.

I picked mine up at Opening Ceremony, which has a great selection of CdG products.

Ombre Denim Shirt: Things I Want

I guess this is me jumping on the color-dipped bandwagon that seems to be everywhere right now. But I really liked this denim shirt from Opening Ceremony -- it's a classic shirt with a fun (but still subtle) twist.

Of course given my penchant for color, I wouldn't mind if the bottom was a bright yellow fade... but that's me.

As is this shirt is great to pair with some shorts, roll up the sleeves, and head to the beach. Or I'd wear it to work with my APC khakis.

Here's the link to Opening Ceremony, where all of your ombre desires can be met: http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=1&designerid=362&productid=19047

Things I Love: GQ's Trends for Men

This morning I read Jim Moore's top trends for men, over at GQ.com. He pulled out some great stuff from the recent men's shows in NY (a lot of Michael Bastian's work, yeah!).

What made me smile was how many of the items are things I've been rockin' lately (or hoping to rock)... I'm just saying!

One trend was tuxedo jackets. Now this is possibly the blurriest photo ever, but I took it while I was in Miami for Art Basel, on my way out to some parties. I threw on my navy Patrik Ervell tuxedo jacket, with a tailored white shirt and dark Uniqlo jeans. Plus my favorite yellow Nixon watch.

Another trend was dark khakis, which is something I just picked up when I was in Shanghai last week (in a sort of washed olive color). Wore them to work this week with a white shirt.

He also mentioned waxed jackets, which I bought last year (J. Lindberg jacket) and have been using in colder climates ever since.

And then there was the corduroy suit. This is something I have been wanting for a while, most recently when Opening Ceremony collaborated with Levi's. So fun!

Now you better go read the whole article to find out what Jim calls out, so you can start shopping: http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201003/trend-report#slide=1.

Things I Want: Phillip Lim Travel Set

Given how much I travel, I am always on the lookout for great on-board accessories. For me I've found that the trick to resting on a flight is a good eyemask.

So I was very excited to see this travel set by Phillip Lim, sold at the Ace Hotel's new Opening Ceremony curated shop. A very soft and comfortable looking eye mask, and a blanket that doubles as a shawl or a hoodie. I love it! How warm + snuggly would that be on a plane.

From what I've read the new Opening Ceremony at the Ace New York has some fantastic finds, but you can start by reading more about the Lim travel set here: http://www.openingceremony.us/entry.asp?pid=562

Things I Want: Opening Ceremony x Levi's Corduroy Suit

Hot off the fashion presses! From the collaboration between Opening Ceremony (which I have to admit has dethroned Barney's as my favorite retail experience) and Levi's... a 3 piece corduroy suit. Amazing! I love corduroy (my Bonobos pants are the most comfortable things ever) and to have shirt, pants, and jacket would be so fantastic. And all in tone-on-tone! And it comes in 7 colorways! I can't wait!

Here's a sneak peak but I am sure we'll get more photos shortly... stay tuned.

More details and photos about the suit here: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/03/levis-cords-for-opening-ceremony/

Things I Want: J'aime Rodarte Sweatshirt

Those sisters behind Rodarte are growing + growing! They just launched menswear with a few sweaters, being sold at Opening Ceremony (for the low low price of $2400 each).

But there are also a few t-shirts and sweatshirts at Opening Ceremony that make plays on the label's name (RADARTE is a personal fav).

Get me this sweatshirt + it'll keep me warm and smiling this winter...

You can see the other designs here: http://www.openingceremony.us/entry.asp?pid=462

Things I Want: Fall Buying Guide from Men.Style

One of my favorite spots for fashion news is men.style.com -- which unfortunately is going away, as Conde Naste separates it into distinct GQ and Details sites.

But they've just released a Fall buying guide, compiled from the buyers of some hot men's departments around the country. I have three fav's that I would love to have for my Fall wardrobe!

First, I am a huge fan of Opening Ceremony. They just plain rock! And (at least in the L.A. store) the sales staff are amazing... great knowledge of fashion and designers, and they are so helpful. You may remember my recent story about scoring a Patrik Ervell tux!

So here is a quilted dress shirt they've done as part of their private label collection. I love the quilting and the color -- perfect for Fall.

Next is a piece that no one who knows me will be surprised by. Gamme Bleu for Moncler... aka, designed by Thom Browne. Obsessed! I love this blazer because it evokes themes that are quintessential to each both Moncler and TB but remaining trim enough for a cool Fall day.

And the last item is a great pair of dress shoes from Common Projects. I have long been a fan of their sneakers, and I think the wingtips are just fantastic. I am so in need of a pair of brown shoes for work... these would be just great. I could also totally see wearing them for the end of summer, sockless, with my pants a bit rolled up.

You can check out the full guide here: http://men.style.com/theupgrader/style/features/buyers-guide-fall-2009

Enjoy!

Things I Have: Tuxedo by Patrik Ervell

I fell in love with this tuxedo the moment I saw it at Opening Ceremony. I'm a huge fan of Patrik Ervell... and the navy jacket with black lapel was perfect. Tried it on, loved the fit, but couldn't justify owning another tux.

Then I stopped into Opening Cermony last month and randomly asked if by any chance they had any of the tuxedos left. Somehow they had one, and it was my size. Fates had aligned and I bought it on the spot.

Now the photo here is from the lookbook... I haven't modeled it yet because I still need to take the pants in to my favorite tailor (Dina, at Sweetzer/Beverly).

But soon, very soon, I will be rockin' this amazing look!

That is all.

Things I Have: Sweater by Opening Ceremony

I was at Opening Ceremony recently and they had a ton of great stuff! One of my favorite finds there were bags by Porter, which are so hard to find in the States. I also tried on a great suit by Loden Dager, was drooling over a handmade tuxedo by Patrik Ervell, and was disappointed that they didn't have my size in the quilted Band of Outsiders vest.

All of that aside, I did leave with an awesome sweater by the Opening Ceremony home label. It is wool and has a great collar that sort of rolls around your neck.

I've received a lot of compliments on it so far...