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!

Gingham Suit from Sid Mashburn: Things I (Almost) Have

I'd written earlier this week about my incredible visit to Sid Mashburn, during last weekend's trip to Atlanta. While I wanted to check out the store for myself, my friend Ankur also wanted to get some new suits, so we were on a mission... 

The store was crowded when we arrived but all of a sudden someone comes from the back and asks if we need help, and it was Sid himself. The next three hours were the most inspiring a menswear nerd like myself could ever have.

Sid brought swatch book after swatch book, until we settled on the three fabrics Ankur wanted. He did the fittings himself and was so incredibly helpful. 

During the whole process I had come across a gingham swatch that I fell in love with. Something about it caught my eye + I knew I'd end up with it... 

I told Sid I wanted a full suit in the gingham -- and off we went! Did the fitting, made adjustments to the pockets, the pant cuff (I went a bit higher than most), and the buttons (I wanted a navy horn versus the standard black).

Now have a 4-6 week wait for the suit to arrive, and I cannot wait. I also cannot thank Sid and his team enough for their patience, insight, and overall awesomeness. I'm definitely a fan.

And I'll definitely be sharing pics when I wear it out for the first time!

Gant Rugger "Nouveau Prep": Things I Love

I haven't been shy about my admiration for Gant Rugger and what designer Christopher Bastin has done for the line. I'm a huge fan, both for the collection itself as well as the overall styling and in-store experience.

For Spring '12 they've gone with "Nouveau Prep" and when I first saw the looks last week I couldn't stop scrolling through it... the pieces were definitely in the prepster category, but with a spin on the detailing that causes Rugger to stand out.

The light color palette in this look really got me into the Spring mood -- the canvas blazer over the cream colored crewneck, with a navy striped tie that stands out just a bit.

Another top look was this gingham shirt in red paired with a gingham jacket in blue (I love a pattern x pattern scenario), which goes so well together when done with the solid green pants.

Something about this blazer (the buttons? the color?) called to me. Keeping it simple with a white shirt and striped tie, this was probably my favorite look in the whole book. Casually preptastic.

You're going to want to check out the rest of the collection for yourself. And if you head there right now you *might* see some F/W pieces that are drastically reduced... and you *might* walk away with some of those too!

Spring 2012 Preview: Tallia Orange

Last week I stopped by the Tallia Orange showroom, to see their Spring '12 collection. Created as the private label of menswear manufacturer Peerless Clothing, Tallia (the orange mannequins speak the color story for themselves) is about basics with a twist. Patterned collars, small details, printed jacket linings, there are a myriad of ways the brand delivers some unexpected fun.

Below are a few of my favorite pieces -- I really liked colorful coats (no surprise there!). The red gingham (which also came in blue), was very lightweight and unconstructed, making it a really flexible piece for summer days at the office, at a picnic, or both. The red two button blazer was super sharp, with slim tailoring. And there was the really awesome double-breasted linen suit. The contrasting white buttons made that jacket stand out!

Spring also had some great washed paisley jackets, and a nice offering of basic suits. Check out their site to find out where you can buy, and get some color in your closet next season!

Handmade Gingham Bow Tie: Things I Have

Last month I had a long overdue catch up with my Aunt Diane and was telling her about my growing bowtie collection. My aunt is crafty, creative, and very good with a sewing machine... she asked, if she made me a bowtie, what would I want.

Well... a few weeks later the result arrived! A brown gingham for Fall! I am so excited, it is exactly what I wanted + I can't wait for the weather to change so I can wear it... I think it'll be perfect with my new Gant Rugger tweed blazer.

A huge thanks to my aunt, for this handcrafted bowtie for Fall 2011!

Things I Want: The J Crew Catalog

I was recently in J Crew and found some great items in their Men's shop. Some of it seemed a little premature (given it is officially winter) but I was assured that it was part of the Resort collection and not officially S/S 10.

That said, I am tempted to pick these three items up right now!

First is this awesome madras shirt. I love the blend of colors -- it is not as pastel focused and soft as most madras, and could actually be good for winter (in a warmer climate).

Next is this gingham shirt (I kept referring to it as the windowpane shirt). They have this shirt in a smaller gingham pattern as well, but I really liked the large squares and how that scale looked. No surprise that I gravitated towards the blue version, I have a terrible addiction to that color.

Third item... seersucker shorts! I've long been a fan of seersucker (and would one day love to own a suit) and so these looked so great for spring.

Now what you should do is go to the J Crew Men's store online and do a little research (http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Navigation/Men.jsp) and then head in-store! Enjoy!