Things I Want: Cole Haan Shoes

I've been seeing Todd Selby's work in a lot of places (with good reason!), most recently showcasing at colette.

Then today I came across this photo shoot he did for the Cole Haan Spring catalog. And I love it! The first shot I saw was a man with his feet on the dash of a car, pants rolled up, and a fun saying scrawled on the dash.

But then I got to this picture and these amazing blue and white two-tone shoes. They are calling my name! Perfect for Spring...

Check out the rest of the spread via Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2010/03/todd-selby-cole-haan-2010-springsummer-ad-campaign/, and get excited for Spring!

Things I Want: Ballantyne Spring 2010

I'm sorry but I can't say I've ever paid much attention to Ballantyne (apart from reading last year that Phillipe Starck and his wife were going to collab on a few pieces with the label).

But I am dying over their Spring 2010 lookbook. Can I please have all of it!

I've copied in a few of my favorites here (the blue sweater with the boat is amazing) and I am drooling over the take on the argyles in bright colors.

Found these at that Bible of men's fashion photos (Fashionisto, naturally)... go there for more from the Ballantyne lookbook: http://thefashionisto.com/blog/2010/03/07/ballantyne-spring-2010-jakob-wiechmann/.

Things I Want: Alife Slip-ons

I recently bought my first pair of Alife sneakers -- gray high tops with an aqua sole (see post). I've received a lot of compliments on them... and while I have a slight obsession with high tops at the moment, these news slip-ons from Alife's Spring 2010 range look very cool.

Love that there are no shoelaces and they've only outlined the lace holes. Love the simple black upper with the very Common Projects-esque writing on the back right of the shoe. And I think the hint or red on the heel is a really nice touch.

In general, a very simply but well designed shoe that I could wear all over the place!

Check out this and more Spring styles from Alife at: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2010/02/23/alife-spring-2010-footwear-public-naval-leather-and-everybody-high-lux-suede/#more-97018

Things I Love: Givenchy Couture S/S 2010

There were some amazing designs shown during the Couture shows last week for S/S 2010. I think my favorites were from Givenchy, a house I don't normally gravitate to.

But hello feathers and frills and a really fantastic color palette full of vibrant and rich tones.

This dress was my absolute favorite. I love the sheer and sparkling bodice and then the cascading purples down to the floor.

Go check out the rest of the collection here: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-shows-reviews/fashion-designer/givenchy-8178/givenchy-couture-spring-2010-2435232. You won't be disappointed!

Things I Want: The J Crew Catalog

I was recently in J Crew and found some great items in their Men's shop. Some of it seemed a little premature (given it is officially winter) but I was assured that it was part of the Resort collection and not officially S/S 10.

That said, I am tempted to pick these three items up right now!

First is this awesome madras shirt. I love the blend of colors -- it is not as pastel focused and soft as most madras, and could actually be good for winter (in a warmer climate).

Next is this gingham shirt (I kept referring to it as the windowpane shirt). They have this shirt in a smaller gingham pattern as well, but I really liked the large squares and how that scale looked. No surprise that I gravitated towards the blue version, I have a terrible addiction to that color.

Third item... seersucker shorts! I've long been a fan of seersucker (and would one day love to own a suit) and so these looked so great for spring.

Now what you should do is go to the J Crew Men's store online and do a little research (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Men.jsp) and then head in-store! Enjoy!

Things I Want: Converse x Barney's

Funny, I was just looking in my closet the other day and thinking about how I need to filter out some of my sneakers. I have a pair of Converse by John Varvatos that are so old even my college aged brother turns up his nose when I wear them.

And for this Spring what would be more fun than a new pair of Converse, done in collaboration with Barney's (best store ever)! And the nylon upper sounds so cool. Looking at the colorways below I'm thinking either yellow (which was my color for S/S '09) or green (which I have chosen to replace yellow for S/S '10).

You can read more about this fun upcoming release at Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2010/01/converse-barneys-nyc-chuck-taylor-ox-collection/

Things I Want: Umit Banan S/S 2010

Today everyone seemed to be talking about Umit Banan, with photos of his S/S 2010 collection. And listen, if I could get the jackets + shorts in this photo, I'd be talking too!

Very cool look... the shorts remind me of a Shipley & Halmos pair I tried on last summer. I like that the shorts are short, and the flaps with buttons add a nice touch. The jacket (with the slouchy white tee) has a very light + casual feel and paired with the shorts makes a perfect outdoor dinner party/BBQ outfit!

Please please check out the rest of the collection at: www.umitbanan.com

And you can read a short interview with the designer courtesy of Valet Mag: http://www.valetmag.com/style/profiles-features/2010/3-questions-for-umit-benan-011110.php/

Things I Love and Want: Close Up and Private Editorial

So this post falls into two categories that I blog about... things I love and things I want! Through Selectism (which I adore) I came across Close Up and Private, an edtorial done by Sergei Sviatchenko.

Here are a few selects that I particularly liked:

1. In general I've been rockin' the tucked in shirt with no belt look. I sometimes get comments, or strange looks, but there it is. And if it works for you, then go for it!

2. Love the beret with the pink background.

3. These paint splattered paints are awesome! I want a pair! Or I could just get some old buckets of paint and make some myself.

Please go check out the full spread here: http://closeupandprivate.com/site/index.php?/-spring-summer-2010/

Things I Want: Metal Flecked Coat from Patrik Ervell

I've long been a fan of Patrik Ervell. Great fit for my slim frame, classic looks but with a fun modern twist. Take, par example, this coat from his Spring/Summer 2010 collection.

Unfortunately I wasn't at the show to witness it in person, but apparently Patrik used a new technique in this collection of infusing the pieces with flecks of metal. Sounds complicated... but I love the result.

I want this coat!

But this is just one of a number of nice items Patrik showed for Spring... check out the rest via Men's Style: http://men.style.com/fashion/collections/S2010MEN/complete/thumb/PERVMEN

Things I Want: Michael Bastian S/S 2010

As Fashion Week wraps up, I have been looking at photos over the past week of both the men's + women's shows. There have been some great pieces and I will be writing about more them in the next few days... but first I had to, had to post about Michael Bastian's show for S/S 2010.

Can I just say that I think it is AMAZING! Michael really pulled it out with such a fantastic mix of casual shirts, shorts and hoodies (his staples) with some great suiting, and a few really nice coats. I am loving the whole collection (well maybe except for the camo shorts... that's just something I can't get behind).

Here is a photo of my very favorite shirt from the collection. It's funny because knowing that Michael will be desiging for Gant, I can see where this shirt could be a great bridge from his own line to Gant's.

Anyway, enough ranting from me. Just go to We Are the Market and check out the rest of their photos.... and then come back here and see what else I loved from the recent shows.

http://www.wearethemarket.com/2009/09/ny-fashion-week-michael-bastian-ss2010.php

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/

I'm back... and some Dries for Spring '10

I know, I know... I have taken a long break from this site. But fear not, while I've been gone I have been accumulating a lot of great things that I want, a few that I love, and a couple that I have (Patrik Ervell tuxedo, what?).

To start it off, I had to post about Dries van Noten, who just showed his Spring '10 collection in Paris. I've long been a fan, and my affection continues with these amazing prints. Must. Have. The. Shirt.

You can see more from our friends at Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2009/06/dries-van-noten-2010-spring-rtw-collection/.

Enjoy and you'll be hearing more from me soon...