Calder Trunks from Onia: Things I Have

I recently did my annual swimsuit review for Summer 2013, and while it had some great entries, it was definitely not exhaustive. Shortly after posting it I came across these Pocket Swimmers from Owner Operator that I loved. I also had the chance to see Onia's release for summer, which included an amazing digitized paisley and a range of bright + vibrant solids.

To that end, the kind folks at Onia sent me a pair of their Calder trunk, so I could give it a try as I head out for Memorial Day weekend. It arrived with three different sizes of plastic sleeves, allowing me a way to transport it wet and to fold it down to almost playing card size for easy packing.

The Calder comes in a range of colors but I went for Azure... since I normally gravitate towards navy I felt this was a nice change and a little brighter for summer.

I also chose the 5" short, although it also comes in a 7.5" and 10", if you like it a little longer.

Check out the rest of their offerings here, and I'll keep you posted with pics of me wearing these in over the summer!

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!

Seersucker Tie + Pocket Square from Aunt Di's Ties: Things I Have

With Memorial Day around the corner it's time to start dusting off the seersucker. Well, for the rest of you at least. I don't abide by the timed rules on when to wear it, so as soon as the sun starts shining in Spring, mine comes out.

But... if you're just getting ready to don your lightweight fabrics, I have some great news in the accessory department. I just received an amazing green seersucker tie and pocket square from Aunt Di's ties. 

Opening the package I could smell the starched goodness and feel the crips texture of the fabric... and it made me think of summer. 

I'm super excited to give these a wear! Get over to their site and check out what else is on offer... or make a special request for your own seersucker goodness.

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!

Sporting Life: New Picks from Bureau of Trade

The folks over at Bureau of Trade never stop. Scouring thousands of products and creating the perfectly themed mix of vintage and new goods... Always with an exacting eye, their recent curation Japan Rising had me drooling over (obviously) cool pocket squares, vintage hantens (a type of winter coat), and locally produced bags.

Today they launch the next edit, The Sporting Life. From sailing to equestrian to gambling there is something for every fan. They gave me a sneak peek at the goods and I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

As regularly evidenced by my picks here, I'm a fan of anything nautical. So the selections from The Keelboat Skipper were perfect.This Seamaster watch by Omega, with it's striped band and navy face stood out as perfect for summer.

And no one goes sailing (or to the beach) without a bottle of rosé to keep cold. So the Insulated Sailing Wine Duffle is a must-have for summer trips to the Hamptons and Provincetown.

Another of the events, The Racetrack Tout spoke to another interest (or fanaticism) of mine -- the horse-bit. Starting with my Gucci loafers (now vintage themselves), the icon of the Italian house always catches my eye. This Vintage Gucci Horse-bit Tie will pair with a white oxford and jeans for warm weather parties, and the subletly of the bit will only be caught by the keenest eye.

Also on offer was a selection of horse lapel pins, which I almost snagged for myself, but decided to leave for one of you to enjoy.

Now there is a lot more to check out -- not just within Sporting Life, but on the Bureau's larger selection of products as well. So head over + see what treasures you can find!

Anchor Print Foulard from Officine Generale: Things I Want

I have a well documented obsession for anything that has an anchor on it. Shorts, ties, sweatshirts, bracelets, tattoos the list goes on. And so it was only natural that this white and blue silk foulard from Officine Generale spoke to me.

Being carried at Unionmade the line evokes everything a francophile like myself loves -- but the nautical inspired scarf tops the list. #anchorsaway

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).

Kane fit jeans from J Brand: Things I Have

This summer I've found a new favorite pair of jeans -- the Kane from J Brand, in the Sid wash. When J Brand asked to send me a pair, I had an idea in my head of pairing this jean with a white oxford and a seersucker jacket (more on that later)...


Last night I wore them and kept getting asked where they were from, so figured I would share! 


I already knew I liked the slim straight fit of the Kane, but the worn in feel of the Sid is a fantastic addition. There are rips at the knees, and a softness in the legs that gives a great texture to the jean.

Last weekend I wore them paired with an oxford and a (Thom Browne) seersucker blazer, and loved the whole look! Summer goodness...

For everyone who wanted to know where to get 'em, head here to the J Brand site and pick up a pair.

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!

Tee Shirt from Todd Snyder: Things I Have

I have been following menswear designer Todd Snyder since he launched his eponymous line, and have enjoyed the aesthetic: put together but not too much so, military influences, and a very high quality product.

A couple of weeks ago I visited their summer pop-up at Odin, where fantastic suits (and a tux) are available... and I couldn't resist grabbing a tie while I was there.

This past weekend I went back to Odin, to try on a few summer shirts and fell in love with the Todd Snyder tee. It has to be the softest, most comfortable tee I've tried on. I love the wide neck, the slouchy fit, and the heathered color. 

Couldn't resist taking it home + now it's packed for next week's Turkish cruise! Odin has more Snyder for you... check it out!

Orlebar Brown x Slim Aarons Swimsuit: Things I Want

I've definitely been swimsuit crazy in the lead up to summer. First I did a review of the suits I wanted, then I picked up some new trunks from Vilebrequin, and another new pair at Saturdays Surf.

But now comes a new entry from Orlebar Brown that is too good to pass up. They are launching a series printed with pictures from Getty Images, including the amazing Slim Aarons photo used below. Too cool!

Check out Bruce Pask's review of the line here and then get over to Orlebar later this week (the series launches May 24) and get a pair for yourself!

Swimsuit from Vilebrequin: Things I Have

A few weeks ago I posted a swimsuit review -- showing some of the styles I was looking at for summer. 


It was admittedly not an exhaustive list... and so when folks representing French beachwear company Vilebrequin suggested I check out their wares I was definitely open to it. I'd been gifted a Vilebrequin suit a few years ago and lost it, so a replacement sounded like a good idea!


Last week I stopped by their store on West Broadway for what a fantastic personal shopping experience... I tried on quite a few different pattern and color combinations in two different styles. 


In the end the Moorea cut had a great mid-calf length, and I really loved the Whirlwind print... a nice blend of colors that stands out but isn't too much.

Can't wait to wear this on one of my upcoming beach adventures... check it out here for more info!

Blazer from Barque: Things I Want

Perusing the new arrivals at Stag's online store and came across a fantastic unconstructed blazer from Barque.


This is lightweight and being unconstructed is the perfect piece to roll up in your weekend bag for a versatile vacation wardrobe.


A washed navy, with white embroidered detail and buttons, it's also very gently priced (as my friend Lorin would say) and an easy grab for summer.

You can pick it up here, and also see other Barque pieces on offer.

Striped Seersucker Jacket from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I already wrote this week about my new Black Fleece duffel, which I can't wait to start using this summer. Well while I was buying it, a jacket caught my eye, that I had to try on...  blue and white stripe, in a really subtle cotton seersucker. The puckering is really just on the white stripe, not the whole piece, which I like.

Mother of pearl buttons, great lining... all of the details you expect from Mr. Browne + Brooks Brothers. 

I tried it on, it fit perfectly, and I knew I was buying it... fantastic tailoring, it has a strong shoulder seam, and high armholes, plus the back is pinned just enough that it doesn't billow. Perfect. 

Here it is from the Black Fleece site:

Of course I wore it the very next day... paired with a navy, white, and red striped tie. I liked the result!

Check out more info on this jacket, and see the rest of the Spring collection!

Striped Tee by A.P.C.: Things I Want

It's almost May and the build-up of my summer wardrobe continues. I came across this striped tee from A.P.C. on Mr. Porter and loved the shock of color.

A nice variety of stripes (especially the big yellow block) that allow this to be worn with any combo of jeans, shorts, swimsuits this summer.

Definitely on my want list!

Duffel from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I've been thinking lately about all of my upcoming summer travel, and that I don't really have a good bag to take on a weekend trip. Sure, I have a Tumi roller bag, and I have an extra-large duffel from Osklen (that could fit four bodies), but nothing I can just throw some things in and go.

Last weekend I visited the Brooks Brothers store in Georgetown and saw a fantastic bag from Black Fleece. It's their Macintosh Duffel in either khaki or navy (no decision there), with Thom Browne's traditional red, white, and blue stripe in leather on the side. 

I waited until I got back to NYC and then went to the Bleecker Street store on Saturday to pick it up!

It's the perfect size for a few days away, has a great lining, convenient side pocket, and comes with a shoulder strap. Here it is when I got it home...

And from the Brooks Brothers site, where you can better see how much it holds!

Head over + check it out, as well as the other great accessories Black Fleece is offering for Spring.

Sunrise Loafers from Osborn Studio: Things I Want

I'm obviously on  a kick to ready my summer wardrobe... because when I saw these loafers from Osborn Studio I knew they'd fit right in. 


The yellow Riviera Club sweatshirt, a new pair of swim trunks, and these cotton silk screened shoes would be a great poolside look.


With the sun, palm tree, and water motif these lightweight slip-ons are perfect for warm weather + definitely add a little kick.

Check them out at Need Supply... 

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!

Yellow Sweatshirt from Riviera Club: Things I Want

I recently went to have a re-see at Southern California based label Riviera Club's Fall offerings... more on that soon, there are some great things there.


But while I was cruising around I saw a few Spring items and one that definitely caught my eye. This yellow sweatshirt, with what I can only call a boatneck (or, it's-been-sitting-on-a-hanger-too-long-neck). 

Between the softened color, the super soft material, and that wide neck I could definitely see this as an addition to my beach bag. 

Riviera Club calls this the Mira Mar and also agree this is "the kind of sweatshirt that you can live in.". Check it out on their site!

Burberry Prorsum Print Duffle: Things I Want

It's no secret that I've been really impressed (a polite way of saying obsessed) with Burberry Prorsum both for Spring and Fall 2012. The beading, raffia, and great prints for Spring followed by the amazing knits, trenches, and suiting for Fall has me really wanting to add some pieces to my closet.

But there's an accessory for Spring that stopped me in my tracks when I saw it in the store window on 57th/Madison. This fantastic tote (well Burbery calls it a duffle)... great colors, zig-zag stitching, and a really simple leather handle.

Definitely something I can carry around the city this summer but also take on my beach weekends or when I head on vacation. Has the capacity to hold anything you'll need, on almost any occasion.

Be sure to check it out on the Prorsum site, and also see the other great accessories from Spring.