Flamingo Sweatshirt from WAW: Things I Want

Recently came across a new line of tees, tanks, and sweatshirts from a brand called WAW Like Our Grannies Made Them. Now, I can't quite admit to being clear on the name... although it might have something to do with the fact that instead of screen printing all of the objects are embroidered. Just like your Granny used to do!

My favorite from the small collection was this flamingo on a black sweatshirt. Simple, great color contrast, and something not a lot of folks would wear.

The pieces (only 100 of each style) are slated to go live today, so head over here to see 'em all!

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!

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

Japanese Leather Wallet from Damasquina: Things I Want

One of my favorite California men's stores, Unionmade, has launched a small collection with Japanese leather goods brand Damasquina. Using vintage leather and brass hardware, the patina and craftmanship on these pieces is incredible. Make it in navy and add a nautically inspired anchor strap, and you have me sold. 

The large accordion wallet is super functional with space for cash, receipts, and the assorted oddities that accumulate...

But the kicker is the removable coin pouch, an awesome addition that lets you store cards or change within the wallet.

Check out the rest of the collection at Unionmade and head to Acquire for more coverage.

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!

Anchor Bracelets from Miansai: Things I Have

Ever since launching his accessories brand Miansai, Michael Saiger has been attracting a lot of followers. Using designs of woven ropes, anchors, and fish hooks there is a nautical theme running through many of his handmade pieces.

Given my predilection for anything nautical, I have been a fan of a lot of Saiger's work, so was thrilled to receive some of them for my recent birthday.

I have to admit I was really pleased with how soft the leather is, and I really liked the color contrast, making them easy to mix and match on my wrist. 

While his website has a full offering of products, Barney's carries quite a few of them online and in-store as well. 

Nautical Sweatshirt from Robinson Les Bains: Things I Want

I can never stay away from anything remotely nautical... anchors + ropes are my downfall. So when I saw this sweatshirt from Robinson Les Bains I wanted it immediately.


A great rope pattern on navy, with contrasting sleeves, and white-tipped collar and cuffs this is a great piece.


It's an Editor's Pick on Park & Bond, where Josh Peskowitz echoed my thoughts: "... no sweatshirt says 'I've been on the water' quite like this one...". 

This would be a welcome addition to my rope shorts, anchor sweatshirt from APC, and assorted other nautical items already in my closet!

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...

A Peek At Capsule Show: My Three Favorite Pieces

Last night before they closed for the day, I tucked into Capsule Show, the fantastic trade show run by the folks at BPMW Agency. It's been growing each year, with more and more brands, and a bigger presence... and this week it's all about menswear!

There were a lot of great pieces from folks like Ovadia & Sons (fell in love with a yellow waffle knit sweater), Won Hundred (clean Scandinavian aesthetic), Vanishing Elephant, and Fahlgren (Brett Fahlgren's new neckwear line).

But oddly my top three favorites were all outerwear.

First was this amazing wool coat from NUMBER:Lab. Really enjoyed the deep color, the sophistication of the overall design, and the blending of a 'technical' touch with the clasps. The hood is tipped in leather, and there is great construction throughout. Couldn't stop looking at this coat!

My second favorite was from Mark McNairy New Amsterdam. I'm not alone in my reverence for what McNairy's been doing lately and there were some great pieces in his Fall collection.

But this jacket (in three colors) just stood out. First the boldness of the color really caught my eye. Then the fabric was incredible -- honestly felt like a softened Kevlar. Stiff yet pliable, with a little edge to it. Must get one of these jackets for Fall 2012.

The third was from a brand I was not familiar with... Loyal. They had a lot of wool coats, but of course the one in bright blue caught my eye. When I saw the anchors painted in white, I was sold (I'm nothing if not predictable). Great cropped pea coat but the color and nautical theme breaks it out of the pack.

Definitely a lot more to share on Capsule, so stay tuned...

Dr. Romanelli x Converse Sneakers: Things I Want

I can always go for a new pair of sneakers, and this pair released as a collab between Dr. Romanelli x Converse are pretty cool. Nautical theme -- check. Anchors -- check. Mid-top with red-striped ankle -- check.

Now as far as collabs go, this one is pretty complex. It's called Beetle vs. Popeye, because the other shoe in the line is a fatigues inspired "Beetle Bailey". Of course I'm siding with Popeye...

Hypebeast has a great interview with Dr. Romanelli, and more looks at the collab.

Things I Want: Anchor Sweater from Billy Reid

I am on a business trip to Asia and haven't been able to post. Started in Shanghai, then to Tokyo, now Seoul... and tomorrow Hong Kong. Whew.

But I have been trying to catch up on my fashion reading and came across this ANCHOR sweater, posted by the rockin' site We Are the Market.

Of course I am totally in love with anchors right now and this sweater would be perfect for fall/winter. It is from Billy Reid, who I am not too familiar with.

You can see more of the collection here: http://www.wearethemarket.com/2009/08/a-dose-of-capsule-vegas-talking-with-billy-reid.php

Things I Have: Anchor Sweatshirt

So, I recently posted about an APC sweatshirt that I wanted. Well... thanks to the Bon Marche in Paris, I now have it! Found it there on my recent holiday and had to pick it up. While I had initially posted about the gray, I ended up with blue.

It's a great piece -- well fitted, and not too thick. And it continues my obsession with the nautical theme!

You can check it out, plus the rest of their Fall collection at: http://uscheckout.apc.fr/browse.cfm/4,362.html?type=1&look=7&piece=1&prevpiece=4%2C320&nextpiece=4%2C348

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/