Awesome Polos + More from Shipley & Halmos: Things I Love

I have some warm weather trips coming up, and was just thinking this morning that I needed to grab some new Shipley & Halmos polos. They are by far (by far!) my favorite polo out there, and I pick up a couple of new ones every year.

So it was perfect timing to also find out today that the brand has re-launched their website, including a stellar new design and additional content. Am totally into the Unknown Artist editorial, with nautical wares that I'll definitely be wanting for Spring.

Am a longtime fan of these guys and excited to see their Spring collection + this rockin' new site... stay tuned for more (and photos of me on the beach in my new polo).

BWGH Sweatshirt: Things I Want

I've been tracking new label Brooklyn We Go Hard (BWGH) since last year -- having spotted it in a men's shop in Biarritz. Started by two Parisians, they're known for their "Brooklyn Parle Francais" sweatshirts, as well as an assortment of embellished shirts, and relaxed pants.

For Spring they've released some new styles, and one that stood out to me -- "Brooklyn From Paris" with the Brooklyn bridge and bowling pins. Tres cool. Also love the blue elbow patches and stretched out collar.

Available from the Hypebeast shop, and see what other deliveries they have in stock...

Birds for Spring: Things I Love

Walking to work this morning, in 18 degree weather, I decided it was time for some warmer weather. Or a glimpse of Spring. 

These bird-themed accessories that I'd seen recently came to mind. Herschel has this fantastic backpack that I'd be more likely to tote around the city than on an Audubon hike, but it definitely spoke to me of Spring.

Another bird related piece is this navy five baseball cap from Ami. Perfect for a picnic in the park, a run along the water, or a day at the beach.

I definitely want to rock these two together, and find some bird shorts to go with them! Shorts weather can't come soon enough...

Sweatshirt from Tim Coppens: Things I Want

As most of you know, I've become slightly obsessed with the designs of Tim Coppens since he launched his label a few seasons ago. His outerwear for Fall '12 was incredible with a use of stitching, mixed materials, and the highest quality hardware I've seen.

When he showed his Spring '13 collection I was equally wowed and had a few standout pieces -- bomber jackets, a continued infusion of technical fabrics, and stitched leather.

So yesterday when I made my bi-weekly trip to Barney's, I was thrilled to see some pieces from this Spring collection in the store. I picked out this navy and black sweatshirt with leather arm panel.... it was (unsurprisingly) incredible. 

Fairly lightweight despite the layering of materials, it fit me perfectly, and was extremely comfortable. The leather pocket on the sleeve, with Coppens now signature gold hardware, was a mix of fashion and function that made the piece stand out.

Now when Coppens showed it in his Spring presentation it was paired with quilted leather shorts, that I was salivating over (and still am). 

Barney's didn't get those in yet, but I will put both pieces on my wishlist... and here's to hoping! See all of Tim Coppen's Spring collection here.

MSGM: Things I Love

I love that moment of discovery -- finding a new brand (or new to me) that strikes a chord and piques your interest. For me it was a few weeks ago while perusing Fucking Young and coming across some pictures from Italian brand MSGM.

Founded in 2008 they produce both men's and women's collections, full of prints and patterns and wholly unafraid of color. So of course I loved it.

Designed by Massimo Giorgetti (and tagged by Vogue Italia as "Who's On Next" in 2010), there is a definite youthfulness to the men's selections. I started to see influences from Dries, Frankie Morello, Jeremy Scott, and Marni. 

Here a few of my favorite looks from the soon to be released Spring '13:

A mind-bending green and yellow dot print, shawl collar, and cropped just enough pant makes this a perfect bright + light suited look for Spring.

Multi-colored knit that is eye-catching but not overpowering, paired with a red and navy print short, cuffed for a neat and tidy look.

This jacket really did it for me -- either paired with the black and white shirt seen here, or just a black shirt and cropped white shorts. 

Now for the tricky part, finding MSGM in the States. Frankly, good luck (especially for men's). But check out their website + perhaps your upcoming European travels will score you some fun additions for Spring!

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.

Just One Look: Black Fleece Spring 2013

Last week Black Fleece showed its Spring '13 collection and yet again Thom Browne delivered the right mix of classic Brooks Brothers pieces (infused with his own silhouette) and a slew of punchy, colorful, and print laden looks.

For Spring '12 I purchased quite a bit (too much?) of Black Fleece, including a seersucker striped jacket, rollneck sweater, and canvas duffel and so was curious to see what next year's version would include.

Moving into Spring there was a tropical inspiration with bright madras + large printed palm fronds. For me the look that stood out was this mix of stripes + prints -- the jacket is a classic that has been re-worked, paired with patterned shorts and a diamond-print shirt. The tote bag was a nice addition, incorporating Browne's red/white/blue core. Hopefully they will roll the design out to a variety of bags, like they did this Spring, to provide some summer luggage options.

Essential Homme has all of the looks -- start brainstorming where your palm frond suit will make its debut!

Michael Bastian Spring 2013: NYFW Review

I still remember the first Michael Bastian show I attended, in a cool warehouse building. He ran the show multiple times, so you could arrive at any time and see it. Well, times sure have changed!

Bastian's show is now one of the most anticipated on the NYFW men's circuit, and his move from Exit Art to Milk this season has amped it up even more. And as expected, Spring 2013 did not disappoint. Partially inspired by being poolside in Fire Island, there was a definite ease and flow, which was seamlessly integrated into the suiting and knitwear. 

The first thing I noticed in the collection was the use of cross-body kimono style tops. I liked how they felt more loose and casual, but fit right into the Bastian aesthetic.

 Double-breasted knitwear. That's all I needed to see and knew I'd want it.

Continuing with the double-breasted, this single button jacket really stood out. It continued the relaxed feel of the collection and I could imagine pulling on this beautiful piece with a pair of shorts and having lunch beach side.

There were also some really interesting knits in the mix for Spring -- while the giraffe spotted shoulders got a lot of attention, I really liked this one with the soft mix of color and the jagged lines.

The final look was this fantastic evening jacket with a slim black shawl collar. Worn by Noah Mills, with giraffe print Stubbs & Wooten slippers, it was not what I'd wear to dinner on Fire Island, but definitely got me in the mood for summer soirees.
 

Overall another very strong showing from Michael Bastian -- a collection that was consistent and very on-brand, while stretching and expanding so as to remain fresh and new. Can't wait to see it in stores come Spring and have that single button DB high on my want list! 

Check out the rest of the collection at GQ...

Just One Look: Public School Spring 2013

Okay, well actually two looks... I am definitely coveting the jacket with leather sleeves, below. But the dinner jacket with shawl collar also caught my eye.

Public School was high on my list to see for Spring '13, as I'd really enjoyed the vibe they showed during their re-launch last season.

So about this dinner jacket... the favorite piece currently in my closet is a Patrik Ervell navy tuxedo, and the jacket has a black satin shawl collar. So how could I not obsess on this version from Public School.

And given that Noah Mills closed the Michael Bastian show in his own version of a light colored dinner jacket with black shawl collar, this is looking like a trend for Spring.

But for me the real winner in the collection, and a piece that seemed to connect to the brand's ethos, is this cotton jacket with leather sleeves. It's not your regular dark denim jacket: the washed fabric gives it a well-worn look. And the color of the leather sleeves is light enough to keep the contrast from being too harsh. 

This is definitely a jacket perfect for Spring, and one that can be worn any number of ways.

GQ has all of the looks from Public School and stay tuned for more info via the brand's website.

Rhett Bonnett Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Last season I had come across the first collection from designer Rhett Bonnett while at Project, and was interested by the styling (he also shot Cory Bond for the lookbook). So this season when I had the chance to stop by Bonnett's studio and see Spring, I was curious to check it out.

The collection was inspired by a photo of Paul Newman, looking young and relaxed in a polo shirt. Bonnett mentioned that while he will always have a red, white, and blue core to his line, here he introduced other colors -- including a seafoam green.

One of the first pieces is this cotton peacoat, with a striped cotton lining. The vintage looking white buttons etched with an anchor caught my eye (as always, a sucker for anything remotely nautical).

I also liked this navy jacket, with a cinched waist and detachable hood. The type of thing you take boating in Nantucket, or for a rainy Spring day in the city.

Sticking to the red/white/blue game, this striped shirt was simple yet stood out (and there is a matching tie... see below).

For Fall, Bonnett had sweatpants that he paired with sweaters and outerwear. With Spring he showed this washed striped tank with a matching pair of shorts. A muted take on his core color palette was a nice way of showing it differently and softening the look.

And now the neckwear... the striped tie to go with the shirt above; a vibrant blue and some seersucker rounded out a nice accessories story.

You can find out more about Rhett Bonnett and points of distribution on his website. I am interested to see what comes next!

Todd Snyder Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Over the weekend I got into a vigorous debate about Todd Snyder's Spring collection. Some felt it was too safe and similar to his past work. My opinion is that Snyder continues to deliver high quality, well tailored pieces in a tight collection that are consistent to his core aesthetic, with seasonal variances. 

For Spring he did just this, keeping within the arena for which his popularity is growing, but through an inspired lens... in this case the film The English Patient.

Since the v-neck tee I bought from his Spring '12 collection is the softest and most comfortable I've ever owned, I definitely gravitated to this lightweight long-sleeved sweater with a chest pocket. Paired with white shorts with low slung pockets, it is casual but with an obvious luxury and refinement.

Another area that Snyder has excelled is outerwear. In fact I just tried on a fantastic quilted reversible cropped jacket for Fall that I may just have to buy... with that in mind, this cropped navy jacket for Spring caught my eye. With the khaki/khaki shirt and tie combo (which I already own from him), this jacket would get a lot of wear.

I think my favorite piece from the collection was this double breasted jacket. Snyder's suiting has been a staple of the line (as seen through his recent pop-up at Odin) and I am confident this will also fit perfectly. The color keeps it versatile, and worn here with shorts and boots shows you can definitely dress it up or down.

Needless to say, I remain a fan of Todd Snyder and will be shopping Spring when it hits stores. Get over to GQ for a full set of photos.

Just One Look: Billy Reid Spring 2013

I couldn't make it to the Billy Reid Spring '13 show last Friday evening, but I did have intrepid reporters there, texting updates and pictures. It was nice to see the double-breasted suiting Reid showed, some of it in a wider silhouette.

The drapy nature of some of the pieces was on trend from what I've seen for Spring, nice and loose and light. 

But my favorite look was this one... this paneled knit sweater that is almost sheer on top, with a dark copper colored pant that has a fantastic shine and polish. Finished up with the jacket the whole thing reminds me more of Cary Grant than southern gentleman, but it's a nice move forward for Billy Reid.

Check out the rest of the show images at Fashionisto!

Raleigh Denim Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Earlier this week Women's Wear Daily ran an article about menswear made in the U.S. -- and they should have featured Raleigh Denim. Produced in their North Carolina workshop, using local materials, the brand produces great denim as well as a growing assortment of apparel.

I hit their Spring 2013 presentation earlier this week and was again impressed with the wares...  held in a cool space in the West Village with lighting that really helped the line stand out.

As I was saying, apart from the denim there were some other standouts... like this green jacket that's a perfect light layer for Spring.

And I think my favorite item to pair with some dark denim is this washed oxford. Love the color and it looks so comfortable + easy to wear!

Overall another solid offering from Raleigh -- and as my eyes turn more and more to Southern based brands, one to definitely keep an eye on. GQ has all of the looks here!

Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Yesterday I was able to catch the presentation of Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen -- which always brings a street-ready youthful collection. Spring 2013 was no different: cool prints, cotton varsity jackets, camo pants, and a band rockin' out in the corner.

One of my favorite looks was this two-tone sweatshirt, with matching shorts. It tied nicely into Cohen's inspiration of "streetwear's athletic influence". Definitely a weekend look for me, but I liked the marled nature of the fabric offset by the solid colored arms.

The second standout was the cotton varsity jacket, shown in both the navy/red colorway below and a navy/grey.

Another consistent showing from Micah Cohen and looking forward to picking up some of these pieces come Spring.


Image Source: Fucking Young

Tim Coppens Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Last season I saw a lot of great menswear for Fall 2012, but there was one show in particular that stood out... Tim Coppens. I said as much in my profile with Fashion We Like, and waited anxiously to see it hit stores.

For Fall I loved Coppen's outwear -- the stitching detail, the panels, the mixed material. So I was definitely excited to see what he delivered for Spring 2013, the third collection under his eponymous label.

Inspired by post-World War II pilots, the collection was titled "Gentlemen of the Sky". Coppens evoked color as a major story: "dust blue, rust, ivy green, sepia, sand, midnight, and ivory." It was on the whole a darker palette than his first Spring collection, but one that had more continuity to Fall and felt like a step forward as a result.

Components I was drawn to last season were here again: bomber jackets, a strong use of stitching to separate out elements of a piece, well crafted hardware, and the use of paneling to give a technical bent (no surprise given Coppen's background at RLX).

A standout was this bonded leather bomber jacket with the use of bright gold hardware.

Bags were done in collaboration with Masterpiece Japan and the use of quilted panels tied it back to the jackets also being shown. 

While a number of pieces stood out, the shorts below were a favorite... jet black, quilted, and with leather pockets. A subtle tone-on-tone juxtaposition that Coppens creates without seeming overdone.

I am really excited by the execution and the progression in Coppens work + can't wait to see it in stores... Get over here for more pics.

Image Source: Fucking Young

Striped Bowtie from Hackett: Things I Have

My friend Mitchell, an intrepid traveler, recently returned from London and sent me a great striped bowtie. He picked it up at Hackett the British brand founded in 1979.

The blue in the stripe is light enough for summer, and the tie has a great texture to it.

 

I am always a fan of stripe-on-stripe action, so I paired it today with a red and white Shipley & Halmos shirt.

Can't wait to keep wearing this new tie through the summer... cheers!

Yellow Suit from Woolrich John Rich & Bros: Things I Want

Spring 2013 for the Woolrich label John Rich & Bros. has a great blend of traditional silhouettes mixed with technical fabrics and detail.

It was enhanced (for me at least) by a lot of yellow incorporated across the collection. I was particularly drawn to this three piece suit...

I really loved the color but also the waxy/shiny texture of the fabric which definitely helps it stand out (although just the color could probably do that), and keeps it well aligned with the general Woolrich aesthetic.

Overall the collection had a lot of interesting pieces, check them out at The Fashionisto.

Maison Kitsune Spring '13: Things I Love

I was recently commenting on the frequency of shorts suits being shown in Paris and Milan for Spring '13 -- and Maison Kitsune's collection for the season is no exception. And to be clear, I like it! It ties in well to my own tendency towards a cropped look and also helps to beat the summer heat.

This first look from Kitsune is a favorite of mine, with a great shock of plaid. Together it really stands out, but you could take each piece separately and put together a great look.

If you know me, you know I'm a francophile and so the use of the tricolor on this polo will get me every time.

 

Another (more tame) shorts suit, this one more aligned with traditional suiting, and perhaps a more acceptable option for the office.

Now that Kitsune has a store here in NYC, I've been dropping by to check out their wares in person... but you can get on their website to see more!

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!

Cape from Moncler Gamme Bleu: Things I Want

This is not the first time Thom Browne has designed a cape for Spring... although the last one I saw was for his collaboration at Black Fleece. 

In Milan this week he showed Moncler Gamme Bleu for Spring '13 and had a few hooded capes. It was the quilted gray with the Thom Browne hallmarked red, white, and blue stripe that caught my eye.

Suitable for summer rainstorms, or a windy day at the beach!

You can see the rest of the collection at Fucking Young...