Uniqlo x Michael Bastian Polo Shirts: Things I Have

I'd been waiting for yesterday to arrive ever since the collaboration between Uniqlo  and Michael Bastian was announced. May 20 was the release date for the polo shirts the designer had done with the Japanese retailer. In a seemingly endless combination of colors, prints, and styles -- and all for $19.90 -- I knew I had to stock up for summer.

While scanning the perfectly stocked shelves at Uniqlo on 5th Avenue, I was impressed with the small tweaks and attention to detail. One style had pearl buttons and chest stitching for a "western" look; another was a series of v-necks with striped collars. 

These are the three I picked up yesterday, but Selectism has photos of (most) of the overall options, for your perusal. And Uniqlo has a somewhat limited selection that you can purchase online. 

Listen, you're getting Michael Bastian's expert eye and design aesthetic at a great price, so grab a few of these + enjoy them this summer!

Surf Ivy Tee from Beams Plus: Things I Want

Surfing and loafers... what's not to love. Via the recently announced collaborations between Mr. Porter and global brands comes this rockin' t-shirt from Beams Plus.

The collection for the retailer is called Surf Ivy (appropriate) and features a small selection of tees, chino shorts, and shirts.

You can get more info from the folks at Selectism, or directly from Mr. Porter.

The River Spring 2013: Things I Love

Today I came across the Spring '13 lookbook for a Japanese brand I hadn't heard of before -- The River. Now I am always complaining about the great lines in Japan that don't make their way Stateside, and (at least for now) this seems to be another of them.  

But I was really taken with the styled looks, and a couple of the pieces really stood out. This loosely constructed shawl collar blazer caught my eye -- really liked the color (trying to change up my navy obsession) and there is a subtle texture to the fabric.

This tri-color -- or just "striped" sweatshirt -- was an interesting use of camo and I liked the yellow breaking up the piece.

Head over to Selectism to see more from the lookbook and keep your eyes peeled for U.S. distribution.

Coat from Taishi Nobukuni: Things I Want

On one hand I am preparing for my first NYC winter and want a warm coat. On the other, I can never get myself to move away from really wild and eye-catching prints... merge these two and you get this amazing piece from Japanese designer Taishi Nobukuni.

Besides the great print (the red/white/blue makes me think of a psychedelic Thom Browne), I liked the double breast and the large collar.

Could definitely see myself wrapped up & warm in this when the snow hits!

The good folks at Selectism have more shots of the collection, which are definitely worth a look.

Quilted Tote Bag from Bonfanti: Things I Want

The bag addict in me perked up when I saw this quilted tote bag from Italian brand Bonfanti.

I was just talking about how I needed to transition into a new bag for Winter, one with a different color and texture, and I think this could do it. I like the puffiness of the quilt, the gray with the black leather accents and handles.

Bonfanti offers three styles (of course the tote is my favorite) and in three colorways. Check it out at Selectism.

United Arrows Fall Lookbook: Things I Love

Japanese retailer United Arrows always impresses me... every time I am in Tokyo I have to stop by and check out their wares.

For Fall they've done a really fantastic lookbook bringing together pieces, colors, textures.

This was my favorite -- loved the hat, overcoat, and the vest:

But check out the rest of the images over at Selectism.... you won't be disappointed.

McNairy Longwings for Engineered Garments: Things I Want

I'll be the first to admit that I have fallen onto the Mark McNairy bandwagon, head over heels. Everything he's been doing lately has been incredible. Still kicking myself that I didn't pick up the two-tone derby I tried on in Hong Kong.

Well, it is no surprise that I would love these longwings he did for Engineered Garments.

The deep rich color caught my eye, as well as the classic detailing. These shoes are definitely added to my top 10 for Fall '11.

And what I didn't notice at first (until Selectism pointed it out), is that the left and right shoe are slightly different. It took me a minute to find what that difference once, but it is subtle enough that you'll be the only one who knows.

Check out a few more pics at Selectism, and then go to Tres Bien shop and snatch them up!

Sportswatch from Nike: Things I Want

This may be a slight departure from my fashion-focused 'wants' but I loved the design of this watch from Nike. I am a fan of large rubber watches (I have a growing collection...) and I thought the huge display on this one was really cool.

The watch was done with TomTom (the GPS company) so you can accurately track your distance and route while running. I'm not a big runner... but hey, you never know.

You can read more on Selectism... check it out!

Lapel Pin by Vanities: Things I Want

Always looking for new accessories, and this lapel pin caught my eye. The grosgrain bow is pretty cool on it's own, but I liked the addition of the skull. Sort of sets the whole piece off, and would make a great addition to my favorite navy blazer.

I also feel we'll be seeing this rocked out by Kurt's character on Glee. I'm just saying... he has a flair for the flair!

This gem comes courtesy of Vanities, and you can see more photos at Selectism.

Tote from Archival Clothing: Things I Want

In my never ending quest for tote bags I have found yet another "want". This fantastic bag from Archival Clothing. I really like the shape, the rugged construction, and the long handles.

Looks like a bag that can take a beating + it's super functional.

Found this on Selectism, check it out there!

Swimwear from Warriors of Radness: Things I Want

This is not my first post about Warriors of Radness (nor do I suspect it will be my last). It's no surprise the label was nominated for GQ Best New Menswear Designer of the Year. Just really great stuff season after season.

And while it is currently 20 degrees in NYC, I am heading to Sydney in two weeks... and boy do I want this swimsuit from their S/S 2011 collection.

Love the way they've mixed up the rainbow, which also ties into the Gay and Lesbian Surf Association (GLSA) references designer Rick Klotz shows throughout the line. Read more about that here in his recent GQ interview.

I picked up this preview from Selectism. You should check it out too.

Pants from Ts(s): Things I Want

Pants are a constant source of problem for me. I struggle to find the right fit, the right fabrics, and often end up dissatisfied. Thus far Uniqlo and Bonobos have been the two exceptions to that rule, but I am always on the look out for something new.

From the good people at Selectism I came across these pants from the Spring collection of Ts(s). I'm not too familiar with the label... but since Selectism found it via a Japanese website, chances are it's not available Stateside. Again, another great find we can't get! Trip to Tokyo anyone?

I really liked the gray heathered look of these pants, guessing they're a light cotton or linen blend. And probably something I could wear to work, out to dinner, or for a weekend of errands.

Ts(s)'s collection also included a fantastic tartan jacket, so be sure to see more images here!

Levi's x Billy Reid Coat: Things I Have

There has been a lot of talk lately about Billy Reid. He won GQ Designer of the Year and then just recently was named the winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Those are some pretty big nods!

Coming out of his GQ win, Reid did a collaboration with Levi's. I hadn't actually seen any of it in store yet (I pretty much shop for a living, how did this escape me?), until I was at Bloomingdale's this week (more on that later -- I was impressed with the array of labels they offered).

Today I went back and tried on a piece from the Levi's x Billy Reid collection that had caught my eye, a thick black wool coat. It was amazing.

It's a short coat, hitting at the waist, and has great structure around the shoulders so fits perfectly. I tried it on with just my t-shirt, with a hoodie, and with a sweater and it looked great with each.

Needless to say I grabbed it and ran, and am now super excited to wear it as the weather gets colder. All in all, there were some really great pieces from both the Levi's collab and Reid's signature line. And I will now keep checking into Bloomingdale's to make sure I see the next arrival!

Go to Reid's website and see this and the rest of his great work. And congrats Billy on all of the recent accolades!

Kitsune S/S 2011: Things I Want

I've long been a fan of Parisian based label Kitsune. I still dream about the shoes they collaborated on with Pierre Hardy. And their super fun promotional videos for new collections (Video by Kitsune).

So now... they've released images from their S/S 2011 collection and I love it! Casual, fun, man about town with a slight European flair.

My favorite look was definitely the two toned jacket, shown below. I love the soft colors and the light to dark contrast.

Check out the rest of the collection at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/07/22/kitsune-springsummer-2011-collection-the-reporter/.

Enjoy!

Things I Want: T-Shirt from Olasul

Today one of my favorite sites (Selectism) posted about a new surf inspired line (yes, yes, I know... I am surf crazy right now) from NYC called Olasul.

They have some really great trunks and shorts for summer, and a t-shirt design that I think is new + different. The washed look of the shirt keeps it casual, but the contrasting colored pocket really stands out.

I loved the photo from the lookbook, where they've paired it all with some navy espadrilles (which I just happened to have picked up in France last summer).

Here is another look at the shirt... very cool!

Read the whole article at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/05/04/olasul-springsummer-2010-swimwear/ and also check out the brand's own site: Olasul.

Things I Want: Silver Collar Stays

I used to have a pair of silver collar stays, that I received as a gift. And I loved them. They hold your collar so much better than the plastic ones, and I think it adds a touch of (albeit hidden) sophistication.

Now I find these very cool silver stays... that have added functionality! One of them is a flathead screwdriver, another is a bottle opener. How handy is that.

You can see a few more pictures here: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/04/titan-multitool-collar-stays-with-screwdriver-and-bottle-opener/

Things I Want: Anchor Wallet from Jack Spade

More anchors! This is from Bread & Butter (happening in Berlin), a preview of Jack Spade's collection for Spring '10. The problem is I don't want to wait! I want this wallet now!

Anyway, very cool stuff...

You can read more about it on Selectism.... http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/07/02/jack-spade-springsummer-2010-preview/

Things I Want: Anchor Sweater from A.P.C.

As a lot of people know, I am going crazy over "nautical" right now. Anchors, wheels, yellow, stripes... so of course I fell in love with this Fall sweater from A.P.C.

Anchors away!

You can read more about it, and the rest of the collection, at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/07/01/apc-autumnwinter-2009-preview/

Things I Want: Sneakers by Bottega Veneta

I am a more recent convert to Bottega, especially as they've expanded their offerings. Was really close to getting their credit card holder as my new wallet, but as readers of this blog know, settled on the CdG tartan instead.

Now I see these rockin' sneakers, using the weave they're known for but with a splash of color with the orange sole. Pretty cool!

You can check them out at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/02/28/bottega-veneta-springsummer-2009-trainer/