Carven x Porter Backpack: Things I Want

Two of my favorite brands -- Carven and Porter, have collaborated on a backpack. Dream come true. 

I've been obsessed with Porter for years, and on my last trip to Japan picked up a couple of pieces... the "problem" is that Porter collaborates with so many different brands, designers, artists that there is always something to want. Saturdays Surf, Margaret Howell, Comme des Garcons, the list goes on.

This piece with Carven is awesome -- I love the quilted body, leather pocket, and fabric side panels.

More info at Hypebeast, and you can pick one up at Matches.

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!

Summer 2012: Swimsuit Review

It's that time of year... the annual swimsuit hunt. I had started looking a few weeks ago, compiling in my mind the list of suits I liked, and thought I'd do a little share. 


I normally have a few guidelines -- has to be a box cut, no Speedos, and nothing too long (my Osklen board shorts being the lone exception). So here are a few I've seen that I am considering for the season...


First up is this pair from Saturdays Surf, their Ennis boardshort. I popped into their store recently and really liked this two-toned look. Not too long, subtle colors, and easy to wear in and out of the pool.

Another option I am looking at is the J. Crew Portofino Trunk. This one is in their "tidal stripe" and the 5" length is perfect for me. Also appreciate the side pocket for phone, keys or other accessories... as long as I don't forget the phone is in there, which happened last summer!

Who is not talking about Orlebar Brown these days. They are everywhere, and in a good way! Bringing great shorts that can be worn on the beach or on a hike, in a variety of lengths and colors. They also did a great collab with Nick Wooster! 

I'm a big fan of their Setter, which is another 5", and how could I not jump at the bright yellow ones. So good!

As you know, I can't stay away from prints no matter how hard I try. From Peruvian produced  brand Olasul comes the Geo Blue 5" short that I am totally drawn to! Nice length, quick drying, and some eye-catching goodness. 

I couldn't resist a look at these seersucker shorts from Thom Browne for Black Fleece. I tried these on yesterday and not only did they fit really well, they have the Thom Browne details like mother of pearl buttons, black silk buttons on the waist, and an overall elegance about them. But it's a swimsuit... that I could wear with a bowtie!

I've been drooling over Burberry Prorsum's Spring collection and when I saw these vinyl shorts at Bloomingdales I was smitten. Another print heavy option, and something that will standout. I liked the subtle black and white patterned background with the yellow and blues popping out over it.

Stay tuned for me to share which of these suits I end up with (or perhaps mutiple!) for some summer fun!

Saturdays Surf x Porter Tote: Things I Want

This past weekend I was cruising around SoHo and stopped into Saturdays Surf. I'm a big fan of the space, and of the brand, and the guys have been getting a lot of (deserved) press these days. Plus they just opened a store in Japan! 

While I was drinking my espresso I ran into Richard Haines, the venerable fashion illustrator who in addition to projects with the NY Times and J Crew, runs the What I Saw Today blog.

Moving on through the store, I came across the bags they did in collaboration with Porter. If you regularly read me, you'll know I am a Porter fanatic... so imagine my reaction to these totes.

They come in four colors and have a great waterproof snap top, so it's ready for beach use. A fantastic bag and one I hope to be using this summer!