J. Crew Fall 2013: Just One Look

Yesterday Frank Muytjens showed J. Crew's Fall '13 for men, with an update on their classics. There were some colorful knits, solid suiting, and an awesome shiny waxed coat. 

But if I had to pick one look that was my favorite, it was this denim x denim rust colored jacket and jean combo. Not the first time they've shown something like this, but I loved the color, accented with the navy coat and scarf. I think I'd wear it with a colorful tie, for some pop.

Hypebeast has all of the looks here -- it was hard to choose just one favorite, so check them out.

Raleigh Denim Fall 2013: Just One Look

Yesterday brought my first show for NYFW Fall 2013... I happily hit Raleigh Denim, a line that I've seen mature season after season. As they continue to produce great jeans (and have a rockin' store in Nolita to showcase them), the full collection has evolved.

Keeping a toehold in the Southern roots, there was definitely a nod to workwear. Raleigh also rolled out some great tailoring pieces that started to remind me of Billy Reid meets Steven Alan... but with their own locally produced point of view.

My favorite look was this pocketed vest -- a superb layering piece, and I loved the crop that kept it nice and clean. Styled with a long sleeved knit, denim, and a huge scarf to round out what you'll need for a perfect Fall day.

GQ has the rest of the men's looks, and they're definitely worth a peek. And if you're in NYC check out the Raleigh Denim store!

Givenchy Pre-Fall Accessories: Things I Love

Well Riccardo Tisci does it again... Givenchy just released their Pre-Fall accessories and I had a really tough time choosing my favorite. The collection includes a great mix of pouches, wallets, and totes in a variety of prints and fabrications.

Two favorites (there was no way to pick just one)... I am digging this red tartan, it catches your eye but has subtle branding.

Another fav was the two-tone denim... a bit of a throwback-meets-today-and-still-cool take.
 

The ever-chic Spaniards at Fucking Young have the whole collection for you to check out. Stay tuned for when I decide which of these I'll be picking up!

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

Just One Look: Public School Spring 2013

Okay, well actually two looks... I am definitely coveting the jacket with leather sleeves, below. But the dinner jacket with shawl collar also caught my eye.

Public School was high on my list to see for Spring '13, as I'd really enjoyed the vibe they showed during their re-launch last season.

So about this dinner jacket... the favorite piece currently in my closet is a Patrik Ervell navy tuxedo, and the jacket has a black satin shawl collar. So how could I not obsess on this version from Public School.

And given that Noah Mills closed the Michael Bastian show in his own version of a light colored dinner jacket with black shawl collar, this is looking like a trend for Spring.

But for me the real winner in the collection, and a piece that seemed to connect to the brand's ethos, is this cotton jacket with leather sleeves. It's not your regular dark denim jacket: the washed fabric gives it a well-worn look. And the color of the leather sleeves is light enough to keep the contrast from being too harsh. 

This is definitely a jacket perfect for Spring, and one that can be worn any number of ways.

GQ has all of the looks from Public School and stay tuned for more info via the brand's website.

Raleigh Denim Spring 2013: NYFW Review

Earlier this week Women's Wear Daily ran an article about menswear made in the U.S. -- and they should have featured Raleigh Denim. Produced in their North Carolina workshop, using local materials, the brand produces great denim as well as a growing assortment of apparel.

I hit their Spring 2013 presentation earlier this week and was again impressed with the wares...  held in a cool space in the West Village with lighting that really helped the line stand out.

As I was saying, apart from the denim there were some other standouts... like this green jacket that's a perfect light layer for Spring.

And I think my favorite item to pair with some dark denim is this washed oxford. Love the color and it looks so comfortable + easy to wear!

Overall another solid offering from Raleigh -- and as my eyes turn more and more to Southern based brands, one to definitely keep an eye on. GQ has all of the looks here!

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.

Quilted Slipper from Gap 1969: Things I Want

On a recent trip to L.A. I popped into the Gap 1969 store on Robertson. The 1969 segment of their business has been a standout -- great denim (they had some awesome colored jeans for Spring) and a nice mix of other brands/items on offer.

The first thing I noticed when I walked through the door was these quilted slippers. I loved the pattern and the simple construction. I definitely knew I could wear them with shorts and a tank top. Except... they were only made for women.

So my plea to Gap is to source these in men's sizes -- from the response to the tweet I sent out that day about this slipper, I know they'd have a lot of takers.

In the meantime, if you're in L.A. or NYC check out a 1969 store to see what other gems you can find.

Denim from J Brand: Things I Have

Over the summer I wrote how J Brand had sent me some jeans... their Kane fit, which quickly became my go-to denim.

Recently they offered to send me another pair, and with Spring coming I selected the Kane but it a lighter, more casual wash. More on that to come... what they also kindly sent was a pair of their Johnny fit.

I have to admit, I am not a fan of 'skinny' jeans. I like a straight leg, maybe with a little taper, but I don't want anything too tight or constricting. But I threw these on the day they arrived and loved them.

They fit really well throughout the leg, and while the ankle is slimmer than I'm used to, it worked really well with my boots.

I took these with me to Paris a couple of weeks ago and they were easy to wear for any occasion -- the dark rinse made it okay for dinner at a bistro, and then for a lot of walking the next day.

You can see the Johnny here, and then get to the J Brand Men's offering for the other thing I have my eye on -- some colorful chinos for Spring.

A Bright (And Tropical) Spring at Michael Bastian for Gant: NYFW Review

I've seen the future (or at least Spring '12) and it includes yellow denim and zinc oxide. For his latest collaboration with Gant, Michael Bastian took us to Hawaii, and I don't want to leave.

The whole presentation was fun and playful, and stayed so well within the Bastian aesthetic and the Gant range.

First thing I noticed when I walked in was this plaid cotton blazer paired with the over-dyed yellow jean. I loved the colored lips on the women, reminding me of applying brightly colored Zinka on the beach.

I was really drawn to this tonal seersucker blazer (I never say no to seersucker) and the printed turtle shorts.

Another super blazer (I mean, my whole closet may just become jackets), casual and light with the elbow patches to add some contrast.

Okay fine, another seersucker look... this time in both the jacket and pants. And I loved the sandals!

Style.com has the full collection for your viewing pleasure...

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.

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: APC x Supreme Jeans

I have found that my best fitting pants are from APC. There's something about the cut in the thigh and the shape of the rear that suit me. But those are mostly twill or cotton pants... I don't actually have any denim from APC.

I'm also a huge fan of Supreme and all of the fantastic collaborations they do. So what a better intro for me into APC denim than through this collab they're doing with Supreme. Love the stitching on the back...

Some of my favorite jeans are from WESC and a combination between APC x Supreme seems like it may have a similar style + fit. I am down to give it a try!

Read more about this at Men's Style (before they go away...): http://men.style.com/news/blog/2009/09/what-makes-a-pair-of-apc-jeans-different-from-a-pair-of-apc-x-supreme-jeans.html