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!

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!

Thom Browne Shoes: Things I Have

Okay so here's a follow-up to my insane Thom Browne trend of the past week... I told you I picked up some great shoes at the sample sale. Well, here they are!

I am loving these saddles shoes. Black, white, and awesome all over!

Of course, not without the trusty red/white/blue tab at the back. #IfYouKnowYouKnow

Brooks Brothers x Social Primer Bowtie: Things I Have

Talk about a welcome to a new city... on my first day in Manhattan, I was gifted something I've had my eye on for a while -- a Brooks Brothers x Social Primer bowtie!

I think the collab between these two is fantastic + the result gives such a fun and playful twist on the bowtie. I'd previously written about the camo version... and I just love the color mix (pink/green and blue/white) of the one I received.

Cannot wait for the right occasion to debut it!

Go to the Brooks Brothers site + check out the rest of this rockin' (and pattern intense) collection! And a big thank you to my friend Richard for the thoughtful gift!

Blue Blazer from Trina Turk: Things I Have

Last weekend I was taking a stroll along West 3rd Street and passed by the Trina Turk store. I've long been a fan of Trina, her bright prints, and very Palm Springs/Palm Beach resort aesthetic.

So I was thrilled to see male mannequins in the window and a sign directing (yes, directing) me to come in and see the Mr. Turk collection. And I'm sure glad I did...

I tried on quite a few things, as I am drawn to bright colors and prints. But in the end this (more basic) blue blazer was a must have. It can be a staple in my wardrobe yet has some fun touches that makes it pop. I really liked the slight texture in the fabric, almost like a very subtle waffle or seersucker. And of course the gold buttons really put the whole thing together!

I can't wait to start wearing this (and the white linen shorts I also bought)! Go to the Trina Turk site for more of the Mr. Turk collection.

Mark McNairy Saddle Shoes: Things I Want

Last weekend when I was (briefly) in Hong Kong I went on a saddle shoe mission. I ran over to I.T and tried on four or five different pairs. Of those, I really loved these tone-on-tone with white eyelets by Mark McNairy.

McNairy is everywhere right now -- his New Amsterdam line, designing for Woolrich Woolen Mills, a collaboration with Club Monaco. I am totally enamored with his footwear, and many call him the best in the business.

This pair was great because of the contrast the white eyelets and white sole provide. Totally perfect for Spring/Summer.

Ultimately I decided to wait on these because I didn't think they'd fit in my bag. So now I'm on the hunt to find them stateside, because I definitely do want them!

You can find them right now at Bows + Arrows, if you can't wait!

Shoes from Jil Sander: Things I Want

When you dream about owning a pair of shoes, it is really telling. Telling you that you need to buy them! Last night I dreamt that these amazing Jil Sander derbys were mine. All mine.

Alas I woke up this morning without them in my closet, but it's a sign that I am obsessed with these shoes. I am never afraid of rocking some color, but until now haven't done so in a leather lace up. These are perfect for Spring, and I love that the upper and sole are in the same color. Well done Raf!

You can get these beauts directly from Oki-Ni -- or if nothing else, see more drool worthy photos of them. Then maybe you'll dream about 'em too!

Theory Sportscoat: Things I Have

On last weekend's shopping excursion I tried on a great sportscoat from Theory. I've been addicted to sportscoats the past couple of years and now have a nice array in my closet.

This one from Theory was nice and light (for Spring), blue and white stripes, and fit me so well. Actually everything from Theory fits me well... often when I wear their dress shirts I am asked if they were custom tailored for me.

So how could I pass this up, especially given it was on sale. Well... I didn't.

I got mine at Barney's (aka Mecca), but you can look at it on the Theory website: http://www.theory.com/mens-sportcoats-royden-emanate/A0184125,default,pd.html?dwvar_A0184125_color=BW3&start=3&cgid=sale-mens-sportcoats

Check it out!

Ombre Denim Shirt: Things I Want

I guess this is me jumping on the color-dipped bandwagon that seems to be everywhere right now. But I really liked this denim shirt from Opening Ceremony -- it's a classic shirt with a fun (but still subtle) twist.

Of course given my penchant for color, I wouldn't mind if the bottom was a bright yellow fade... but that's me.

As is this shirt is great to pair with some shorts, roll up the sleeves, and head to the beach. Or I'd wear it to work with my APC khakis.

Here's the link to Opening Ceremony, where all of your ombre desires can be met: http://www.openingceremony.us/products.asp?menuid=1&designerid=362&productid=19047

Things I Want: Coat from Prada

What a great coat for next Fall! From Prada's Fall 2010 collection there were quite a few pieces I liked. The short sweaters with the rounded neck were also a favorite (I am particular to the one in watermelon).

But the item I liked the best was this jacket. The blue + orange pattern plays so well, it's eye-catching but not overly loud.

Go to GQ and see the rest of the Fall offerings out of Prada: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-PRADAMEN

Things I Have: Wallet by Porter

With all of the fashion, design, art blogs I read there are a lot of mentions about Porter bags.  All of the collaborations they do, how functional yet cool they are, that they're from a company with a long history.  And that they are from Japan.  This is the kicker... because I have had a lot of problems finding them in the U.S.  Of course Opening Ceremony (which I LOVE) carries a few of the pieces, and I even saw Barney's pick up a few.  But not in a wide selection.

So when I was recently in Tokyo I went lookin' for some cool Porter bags.  And I found a ton.  They were great --- materials, colors, shapes + sizes.  I dragged my poor colleague all over Tokyo, but still couldn't decide on which one to get.  

Thus I did some research on where to find Porter in Hong Kong (my next stop) and dragged another colleague to the Sogo in Causeway Bay.  There I found this really great wallet.  It's compact, it's a bright blue, I love the white zipper. Done.  

Whew, that was a long story to talk about a new wallet... but I am definitely a huge fan of Porter.  Now they just need more distribution in the U.S.