Todd Snyder Spring 2014: NYFW Review

It's no secret I am a big fan of Todd Snyder (and not just because I was able to wear one of his tuxedos to the CFDA awards this year). Since launching, he has stayed on a consistent path with each collection, diverging slightly for a number of well-placed collabs -- Champion, Gap (for GQ Menswear Designer), suiting by Southwick.

For Spring '14 he continued on the consistency track, with a solid showing of everything from casual tees to printed blazers, and awesomely tailored pants and shorts.

My first favorite look was this striped tee paired with navy trousers. Loved the simplicity of the pieces together + I can already tell those pants will be a great addition to my Spring wardrobe.

Second on standouts from the presentation was partially due to the man wearing the clothes. I was really taken with this model and the attitude he exuded -- definitely felt right for the brand. But that aside, I loved the light button down with the plaid pants. The blues and greens make this a great transition piece as it could easily move into Fall.

And my third favorite was this blue coat -- a nice update from a traditional navy trench. The pleated shorts are another Spring must-have (yes, pleats done right are back).

While getting into the actual Todd Snyder presentation was a harrowing experience (Jenna Lyons, Frank Muytjens, and a couple of Jonas Brothers were there), it was definitely worth it. You can see the full collection here.

Madras Short Suit from Black Fleece: Things I Want

Over the weekend I decided I couldn't wait any longer to see Black Fleece Spring '13 in store. So I went on over to the Bleecker street store + started trying it on... 

The banana leaf motif was especially fun, and definitely something you won't see elsewhere.

There was (unsurprisingly) a lot of madras and I loved it all... this light cotton cut-away jacket was a standout. The weight will be perfect for warmer weather and as with most things designed by Thom Browne it fit without much need for alteration.

Then I thought, why would I just want the madras jacket when I could get the shorts and have  a new Spring suit! The matching bermuda shorts are also lightweight, and with the knee-length I could get away wearing it to a dressier occasion. 

The shorts hadn't yet arrived in my size, so you're seeing it here on a model and not on me... yet! But stay tuned, I'm excited to grab this look for sunny days soon.

Super Chic Super Mart from Marlon Gobel for Spring '12: NYFW Review

I've been following Marlon Gobel's work since he first launched his eponymous collection. I always enjoy the consistent themes each season, the the complete attention to detail, and the introduction of color and boldness to the men's shows.

For Spring '12 Gobel decided to explore the theme of Super Mart, that place where the beauty is in the symmetry and repetition of color in product merchandising.

With a backdrop of Lay's products (how fitting), we saw a tightly done collection that brought out fruit prints (can only Stella McCartney play with produce?) that caught your eye and held it.

Suiting done with the usual Gobel attention to detail and fit. The models were outfitted with brightly soled derbys from heritage brand Walk Over (seen here in white).

Really loved this sheer shirt (Gobel definitely dabbled in mesh this season, as did Robert Geller and Simon Spurr), and digging the hexagonal stitching, a subtle nod to his branding.

Closing the show, in what has to be my favorite piece... a madras tuxedo. I am so into this, cannot wait for the Spring delivery! Oh and yes, the model is wearing ostrich loafers with a black grosgrain bow.

Since I wasn't in the pit (and had my mouth open throughout this high energy show), these pics are from GQ. Go there for the rest of the show and then check out Gobel's own site for more great content for Spring.

Michael Bastian for Gant Madras Shorts: Things I Have

I always love when I can turn something "I Want" into something "I Have". Tonight I picked up the Michael Bastian for Gant madras shorts I had written about in April.

They have a slim leg and fit perfectly! While I still do want the coat to have a complete madras-fied look, I am so excited to get these shorts some beach, BBQ, poolside time this summer.

In case you (somehow) missed it, here's my original post. MB for Gant continues to consistently 'wow'!

Madras Coat + Shorts: Things I Want

While I was at Barney's over the weekend looking for a swimsuit, I also perused the Michael Bastian for Gant selection. I saw this fantastic madras coat (with gray elbow patches), and then I saw the matching shorts.

Had. To. Try. Them. On.

The result was totally amazing. These two items just rocketed to the top of my "want" list for S/S '11. With a white shirt and some loafers this would be *the* outfit of the season.

Given they pieces were designed by Mr. Bastian, they of course fit perfectly. The shorts were snug around my waist, but not too tight in the leg. The jacket hit me right in the shoulder and was not too boxy.

For now I'll just imagine myself at a summer party rockin' this look...

Images from Barney's, go check these items (and the rest of the MB for Gant range) there.

Gant Rugger Swimsuit: Things I Have

I'm heading to Palm Springs for the Easter weekend and decided it was time for a new swimsuit. So of course I headed right to Barney's to see what they had.

No surprise that the first suit to catch my eye was from Gant Rugger. I loved the fun madras print, the front and back pockets, and the square cut. Tried it on and it fit perfectly!

I always love a little color and so this mix of navy, yellow, and white is a great match. Super excited to rock this out in a few days...

Check out the Gant site for more from their Spring '11 collection.

Thom Browne S/S 2011: Things I Love

Where do I begin... I think I've written after every single Thom Browne show to say that I wish I could have been there. It is so much more than just seeing a collection -- it is an experience. From his Pitti show with 40 models sitting at desks, to showcasing a S/S collection at an indoor swimming pool, to models sleeping on cots to open the show... Thom does it all!

This season he moved the show for his own line (versus the collection he does for Moncler) to Paris. And he put the models in spacesuits. And they had yellow glitter lips (an evolution from his last NY show where they all had a black striped down their lips). And it all looked amazing!

Really liked the variation on the jacket and shorts -- a lot of stripes, use of Thom's core palette (white, blue, red, gray) and a very playful streak.

I've included photos from two of my favorite looks... sharks and some fun yellow madras. And while I want both, I know Thom's price points and firmly believe these will remain in my dream closet, and not my real one.

You can check out all of the looks at Style.com: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011MEN-TBROWNE. You can also see a video of the show from the T Magazine blog: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/now-screening-thom-browne-2/.

Enjoy!

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!