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!

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 4

This morning the forecast told me it would be getting chilly this afternoon, so I opted for my Black Fleece tartan wool blazer (Thom Browne designed, obviously). 

I picked this up a couple of months ago and had it taken in on the sides, and a nudge up on the sleeve length. The print is fantastic -- muted yellows mixed with red and navy. There are three buttons and the top one goes just high enough to turn the lapel a bit, making it feel a little like an outerwear piece, which I love.

Paired it with a tie from The Tie Bar, a vintage lapel pin, and my go-to Uniqlo oxford.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 3

Well it's warmed up here in NYC and so today I broke out my Thom Browne moleskine pants. I had my eye on these for months last year, and finally picked them up. The pants are a deep burgundy, with gold rimmed buttons on the side tabs (with a red, white, blue elastic strip -- naturally). 

I got them with a three inch cuff, and a three inch break above my ankle... I figure if you're going to wear Thom Browne, then wear Thom Browne!

Paired it today with a TB wool tie, Uniqlo oxford, and a rugged pair of Walk-Over wingtips (similar here).

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 1

Last week after First Lady Michelle Obama wore a custom coat made for her by Thom Browne, I decided to pay homage to Mr. Browne and wear pieces designed by him this week. 

After all, I am a longtime fan -- whether it be his own collection, his work at Black Fleece, or at Moncler. 

So this morning I started off with this cable knit cardigan from Black Fleece for Brooks Brothers. Besides being the warmest knit I own, I love the elongated arms, mother of pearl buttons, and grosgrain lining on the cuff (both Browne trademarks). 
 

Wearing it with a handmade bowtie from Aunt Di's ties, Todd Snyder x Gap cargo's, and a Uniqlo oxford.

Stay tuned for the Day 2 look tomorrow!

Transition to Fall: A Style Guide

While items for Fall have been trickling into stores for a while now, it can be hard to visualize why you need that great new sweater when even the thought of going outside makes you sweat. 

But I felt it was time for a story on transitional dressing into the new season and how to create versatile looks. The key word is: versatility. With a few key pieces you can easily be comfortable in and out of work, and even continue wearing some of it once winter approaches. 

To that end I relied heavily on two retailers that have been focusing on growing their men's business: Club Monaco and J. Crew. Each are accessible and provide a mix of basics and more seasonal trend driven items.

Look #1: 

In colder months I love using texture to create a standout look. Here the heft of the tweed jacket contrasts against the formality of the slacks. Using a small-checked shirt provides  pattern-on-pattern with the striped wool tie. While the burgundy brogue may not be for everyone it is a rich color and stands out.

Jacket: Aubin & Wills (similar), Shirt: Club Monaco, Pants: J. Crew, Tie: Fahlgren, Shoes: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

For a more casual day I swapped out the blazer for a shawl collar sweater. I'm a big fan of a shawl collar as it provides a nice smooth visual line around the neck. In a cream color this one lightens up the whole look, and while the sweater keeps the whole outfit business ready it is also a comfortable alternative.

Shawl collar sweater: Club Monaco (similar)

Look #2:

Again using texture was important, as seen with the quilted vest and corduroy tie. I used a white oxford and ginger khaki as the base so there would be more neutral colors to contrast with the shock of yellow. I have always been drawn to a bright hue like this, and think it is perfect for the transition into Fall. It also serves as the fashion piece that helps pull together your basics. We kept the brogues as again that rich color provided a nice blend with the rest.

Quilted Vest: Club Monaco, Oxford Shirt: Uniqlo, Pants: Club Monaco, Tie: Unis (similar), Shoes: As above, Bag: Model's own

For the variation here I replaced the vest with a cotton shirt jacket. The navy darkens the whole look -- and while I personally haven't worn any camo, everyone else seems to be, and the collar is a nice surprise. To take him from the office to canvassing design showrooms, we switched out the footwear to a bold red sneaker. Still holds its own with the rest of the look!

Shirt Jacket: Unis, Shoes: Nike

Look #3:

Now I don't subscribe to "no white after Labor Day" and received some looks when wearing white jeans during fashion week. But I think when changing seasons it is perfectly acceptable. Paired with a gray heathered shirt for a soft and nubby feel, and with a military inspired khaki tie. I kept the shirt jacket which can stand in for a casual blazer, and those red sneakers just wouldn't quit.

Shirt Jacket: As above, Shirt: Club Monaco, Jeans: Uniqlo, Tie: Todd Snyder, Shoes: As Above, Bag: As Above

As seen here it didn't require a whole new closet to create a lot of different looks -- you can even pull from what you already have. Everything shown can be worn in any number of ways -- encouraging layering, mixing up colors, and making it your own! 

Photo Credit: Mikey Kay

Model: Jon Call

Men's Threads Press: What To Wear to Work

The Wall Street Journal did a story this week on what people who work in fashion wear to work... and they included me, Men's Threads! The story commented on my sockless look (of course) and on my rolled pants...

You'll recognize all of the pieces I am wearing -- especially the bandana tie, for which a lot of you have commented, and requested one of your own. Also wearing a Uniqlo Oxford, another Men's Threads fav. And my N. Hoolywood blazer...

Was definitely excited to see the whole look in print -- you can see the digital version here!

Striped Anchor tie from Haberdash: Things I Have

While in Haberdash (the Chicago menswear store), I picked up a little piece of Spring. Well at least that's the best description I can give to a blue and white striped tie, with red anchors on it.

My fascination with anchors (or all things nautical, really) hasn't subsided and so when I saw this I knew I needed to add it to my S/S '12 rotation.

Yesterday it was forecast to hit 61 degrees in NY and so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to give my new tie a wear... here with a Uniqlo oxford and Loden and Dager blazer.

Stay tuned for more Spring looks as temperatures increase...

Oxford Shirts from Uniqlo: Things I Love

I've been a big fan of Uniqlo well before they hit Stateside... when I worked in Asia I started (and still do) get most of my denim there. They're great for basics in fun colors, and the Japanese slim tailoring is perfect for me.

Recently I had an emergency for a white shirt and bought a Uniqlo oxford. And I loved it! It fit me so well, was easy to wear, and totally flexible to dress up or down. Paired the white one with my new AMI sweater, which was a big hit.

I've since gone back and bought it in 3 of the 5 colors they offer (two shown here). My younger brother commented on how much he liked mine, so he got one too.

While they now have three stores in NYC (one dangerously close to where I live), that's it for their U.S. retail presence, and they currently don't offer e-com in the States. So for now, just go to their site and drool (or ask me to pick something up for you!).

Saddle Shoes from Walk-Over: Things I Have

I recently wrote about the rockin' Zachary boot from Walk-Over shoes, and before the holidays got quite a few wears in... but as I headed to California last week to see family, I brought along another pair they had kindly sent, the Walk-Over saddle shoe.

Been wanting saddle shoes for a while -- a very classic piece that has been on a resurgence. I gave them a whirl in the 'burbs of San Francisco and found them to be super comfortable...and super stylish.

I'm all about the color contrast, and the texture contrast between the suede and leather. Both help the shoe stand out, without taking over the look.

Here I styled them with a Thom Browne shirt, Black Fleece cardigan, and Uniqlo denim.

Of course in a very comfortable 50 degree California winter, I started out going sockless... so easy to wear with jeans for a casual day out.

But then I tried on a pair of Happy Socks for a little kick...

Check out these and some other great saddle color combinations on the Walk-Over site...

Denim from J Brand: Things I Have

My denim affections have fluctuated over the years. At one point I solely wore Diesel. Then more recently I was all about Uniqlo. However I've started to realize that 100% loyalty may not get me the best pair of jeans.

Months ago I heard colleagues talking about J Brand, a label founded in 2004 and based in sunny Southern California. While starting out with women's, they've been jumping into men's -- and recently I noticed their version of a slim cargo featured in GQ.

So when I was asked if I wanted to try a pair, I jumped at the chance. And I have to say the Kane fit, in Raw, is a great addition to my denim collection. I love how the waist sits, I like that they're a little long so I can easily cuff and roll, and the wash is fantastic.

Here they are on the J Brand site... go check it out!

Note: The denim were a gift from the brand.

Slim Cargo Pants: Things I Have

I've had a long standing aversion to cargo pants. As worn in the past they were overly baggy, sloppy, and had so many pockets it seemed like they only meant for a wildnerness weekend.

Well, no more... while in Hong Kong recently I tried on a pair of the slim cargos that Uniqlo has been offering (and heavily promoting). They were actually almost too slim for my liking but I ended up really liking the cut and the comfort.

This week I test drove them at work, paired with a white shirt and wingtips, and have to say they looked (and felt) great! Got a lot of compliments, and am now excited to do a more casual look next time around.

Go to the Uniqlo site + check them out (they come in multiple colors, and in a women's version).

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!

Things I Have: Kickass Uniqlo T-shirt

On my recent trip to Shanghai I picked up a few things (see prior posts on shoes, t-shirts, jeans). One of my buys had been a really cool striped t-shirt from Uniqlo, which my brother Adam subsequently said he wanted.

So... I decided to give it to him and get a new one for myself.

Enter this awesome + kickass shirt with cool Japanese illustration and an exclamatory phrase whose meaning escapes me. Kiiiiiiin!!

Can't wait to rock this around L.A. as an addition to my tees from Japan that no one here has.

Check it out on the Uniqlo Japan site: http://store.uniqlo.com/jp/CSaGoods/289399-16-002

Things I Have: Uniqlo T-Shirt

In my recent excursion to Uniqlo (see my previous post about my new gray jeans) I also picked up this really cute striped t-shirt.

Uniqlo is known for their awesome t-shirt range -- crazy Manga shirts, Polaroids of Terry Richardson, funny phrases. They have it all. I liked the various colors on this one, and it was on sale for 99 RMB. Can't go wrong!

But this weekend I am venturing to Shanghai's Super Brands mall, where they have a Uniqlo flagship, and hopefully I can find a few more goodies.

If you want this shirt, here's the link from Uniqlo's Japanese site. You can also use it to see all of their current t-shirt designs: http://store.uniqlo.com/jp/CSaGoods/293421-00

Things I Have: Jeans from Uniqlo

Since I started traveling to Asia regularly, three years ago, I think all of the staples in my wardrobe come from Uniqlo. They have such a great variety of basics, in fun colors, and at an amazing price.

Last week I stopped by the Uniqlo near my office in Shanghai (and let's talk for a second about the flagship they're opening this summer near the hotel I stay at!)... and I picked up these light gray jeans.

I've found that their 001 style (Slim with Straight leg) fit me so well and I always get comments on them. I have the jeans in a dark rinse but also in colors: dark gray, light blue, and now these light gray ones. And they rang up for only 199 RMB (about $25). How could I say no!

You can check out all of the colors + styles on offer at Uniqlo through their website: www.uniqlo.com. Have fun!

Things I Have: Sweater vest from Uniqlo

I have been singing the praises of Uniqlo for a long long time.  Ever since I started traveling to Asia... and even though they now have a store in NYC, I am more frequently in China, Hong Kong, or Japan and so stock up there.

I love the fit (nice & slim), I love the bevy of colors on offer (a lot of bright and eye catching shades!), and I love the price.  Picking up a crewneck merino wool sweater in four colors is an easy pick for Fall.

And while I did do that, I also bought this great button down cardigan with a fun argyle print.  Can't wait to layer this over my white J. Crew oxford...  as soon as the temp drops a bit.

And since the J+ line (designed by Jil Sander!) is dropping next month, I may have to venture out to Manhattan to check it out.  

In the meantime, peruse the Uniqlo Fall range here: http://www.uniqlo.com/us/explorer.html#/code:057899-000-08/

Things I Want: Jil Sander for Uniqlo

I am such a fan of Uniqlo (and so happy to be back in Asia, so I can stock up!)... I love how they have a basic sweater or shirt or pair of pants, and they carry it in a dozen colors. And the price is right. And it fits me so well!

So now I cannot wait for the designs by Jil Sander for Uniqlo. Below is the dress shirt, but I've been seeing a few other images crop up and I cannot wait for the launch on October 1.

You can read more here: http://www.selectism.com/news/2009/07/08/j-jil-sander-for-uniqlo/#more-19021