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).

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!

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.

Regatta Tote from Head Porter: Things I Want

I'm always a sucker for a good tote bag, and with Spring (hopefully) coming I'll need some pool and beach-side very soon. And a good tote from Head Porter is too hard to resist... I mean, they do call it the "Regatta" collection.

Made from a waterproof tarp material, the two-toned bags are in four colorways. I can't decide if the black/blue or white/yellow is my favorite. I think I'd prefer a custom black/yellow option!

But either way, more goodness from the folks at Head Porter. Check out Hypebeast for more info!