Fall Styling: Three Looks from Ports 1961

I definitely have an affinity for Fall. The opportunity to buy sweaters, jackets, and all things wool is something I just can't resist. So it was without hesitation that I took Details magazine up on the offer to style a few Fall looks from the expansive closet of global brand Ports 1961. 

It was hard to actually settle on just three, but I loved what I was able to come up with, and hope you do too!

First up -- I saw this cashmere rollneck sweater in their lookbook and knew I had to include it in my pull. The heathered red mixed with the solid swoops stood out to me and it's a piece that you'll see from across the room.

I paired it with wool pants and amazing keltie loafers. These are the pieces I'd put together on a snowy day when staying warm (and looking good) is paramount.

Next, there was a windowpane suit that caught my eye. I am seemingly always on the hunt for a new suit, and this one fit like a dream. But before we dive in there, I threw on this fantastic coat.

Navy (my go-to color), light enough for a Fall day, and I loved the paneling on the back. It was a feature in a lot of the Ports 1961 pieces from this collection and I thought it was a great subtle touch.

Now, about that suit... have to love something off the rack that fits you this well. Great attention to detail and the pattern was classic yet compelling. Another pair of keltie loafers (these in blue on blue) rounded out the look.

The finale was an unstructured green jacket, wool pants, and pebbled leather boots. One of the reasons I had to try the jacket was how well it can go from casual to dressed up. Large front pockets, soft shoulders, and a rich color make this a perfect Fall choice.

The wool pants included more of the paneling seen in the navy jacket above, and went really well with the leather boots. I also grabbed this beautiful leather tote bag -- it's important to have something to throw your scarf, gloves, and other Fall necessities in.

Talk about a fun day... it was such a pleasure to get to experience Ports 1961 and have an advance look at some of my major wants for Fall. 

And finally, here's a quick behind the scenes video shot on set... enjoy!

Specs from Tom Ford: Things I Want

Just last week I was thinking I could use a new pair of specs... I'm loving the Warby Parker's I have now but something a little more unique.

This morning I came across these rockin' frames from Tom Ford (quelle surprise). Mix of a light navy around the eyes with a tortoise type print on the sides. Love the contrast and how it stands out.

Definitely keeping an eye (no pun intended) on these -- they're listed at Restir but currently sold out. More info from the good folks at Hypebeast.

Navy Tuxedo from Todd Snyder: Things I Love (And Wore)

With the CFDA Awards approaching a few weeks ago I was a little worried about what I was going to wear. Luckily the good folks at Todd Snyder came to the rescue, hinting they had a pretty cool tuxedo available. Was that an understatement!

It's funny because during his Fall 2013 presentation I noted the navy tux and how cool it was. Great peak black lapel, and a dark rich navy to contrast with it.

So I was blown away at being able to wear the tux yesterday to the CFDA Awards. Without any alterations it fit perfectly -- hit on the shoulders, tucked in the back, and showing just enough cuff. All the signs of impeccable craftsmanship (and someone who's been doing this for a while).

Was asked quite a lot who I was wearing... but it's from Fall '13 so you'll have to wait just a little bit longer to pick one up for yourself!

In the meantime, head over to the Todd Snyder site to see what you can grab right now.

Spring Neckwear from Orley, Givenchy, Jil Sander: Things I Have

I've been feeling a little sparse in the neckwear department and so last week headed out to do a Spring replenishment. 

My first stop was the new (and very well appointed) Carson Street Clothiers. I'd been to their Opening Night party and spotted a few amazing Orley ties. So I went back to pick up their Houndstooth Tie in Olive (below far right).

Next I headed over to Jeffrey, the store I try to avoid because there's always incredible designer picks I want. I tried on a really cool short sleeve Jil Sander sweater (more to come on that), but ended up taking home a green Givenchy Paisley print tie (far left below) and a Jil Sander Hexagon print in navy (middle). 

I also grabbed the matching pocket square for the Jil Sander print, and can't wait to wear them together for an (overly) coordinated look.

Scotch Grain Loafers from Sid Mashburn: Things I Want

Yesterday as I was wearing my navy Sid Mashburn loafers I decided another pair may be in order. I get comments all the time on the color, and they are super comfortable. 

In perusing his other footwear offerings, I came across these scotch grain loafers. I love how they already look slightly worn, the burnished toe contrasting with the leather grain.

Made in Maine, these beauts will be joining my closet very soon.

Japanese Leather Wallet from Damasquina: Things I Want

One of my favorite California men's stores, Unionmade, has launched a small collection with Japanese leather goods brand Damasquina. Using vintage leather and brass hardware, the patina and craftmanship on these pieces is incredible. Make it in navy and add a nautically inspired anchor strap, and you have me sold. 

The large accordion wallet is super functional with space for cash, receipts, and the assorted oddities that accumulate...

But the kicker is the removable coin pouch, an awesome addition that lets you store cards or change within the wallet.

Check out the rest of the collection at Unionmade and head to Acquire for more coverage.

Ovadia & Sons Fall 2013: Things I Love

The brothers of Ovadia & Sons continue to deliver the necessary pieces for a gentleman's wardrobe -- high quality, well crafted, classic pieces. But they deliver these collections season after season in a way that makes men of all ages want to look sharp and thoughtful about what they're wearing. 

Fall 2013 is no exception -- suiting, jackets, outerwear, knits -- all designed and styled to be completely approachable and easy to mix with anything else you've already got. There was also some whimsy -- jacket and pants with two-tone panelling gave an optical treat, and zig-zag striped ski sweaters took me back to the 1970's.

A key look for me was this navy blazer layered with red and black sweater and gray trousers. Simple yet neat. The double breasted military style coat in the background could easily be thrown over it all as it gets colder.

From the looks of it three-piece suiting is on a rise, and this version with the high-buttoned vest seems a good investment.

Finally, I couldn't resist the windowpane suit (so good), the tartan shawl, or the beret... the francophile in me just leapt at this whole look. 

You can see the rest of the collection here... all shot by rising star photographer Justin Chung. and given the Ovadia brothers are now also designing York Street for J. Press, expect to see more of them and their work.

Sweatshirt from Tim Coppens: Things I Want

As most of you know, I've become slightly obsessed with the designs of Tim Coppens since he launched his label a few seasons ago. His outerwear for Fall '12 was incredible with a use of stitching, mixed materials, and the highest quality hardware I've seen.

When he showed his Spring '13 collection I was equally wowed and had a few standout pieces -- bomber jackets, a continued infusion of technical fabrics, and stitched leather.

So yesterday when I made my bi-weekly trip to Barney's, I was thrilled to see some pieces from this Spring collection in the store. I picked out this navy and black sweatshirt with leather arm panel.... it was (unsurprisingly) incredible. 

Fairly lightweight despite the layering of materials, it fit me perfectly, and was extremely comfortable. The leather pocket on the sleeve, with Coppens now signature gold hardware, was a mix of fashion and function that made the piece stand out.

Now when Coppens showed it in his Spring presentation it was paired with quilted leather shorts, that I was salivating over (and still am). 

Barney's didn't get those in yet, but I will put both pieces on my wishlist... and here's to hoping! See all of Tim Coppen's Spring collection here.

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 5

For my final day of wearing Thom Browne this week, I went with another blazer from Black Fleece. Navy with white seersucker stripes, it is a little "Spring" for today's 30 degree weather... so I layered it with a Todd Snyder x Gap sweatshirt and Sid Mashburn flannel.

As with the rest of my Black Fleece pieces it has a cropped sleeve, and is tailored on the sides to fit me perfectly.

Those mother of pearl buttons... a Thom Browne trademark! I also love the high placement of the top button (same as with yesterday's tartan blazer).
 

Leather Baseball Cap: Things I Have

Last summer a friend was wearing a navy leather baseball cap, I loved it and I wanted one. Alas the store he had gone to was sold out and so my 'want' went unfulfilled.

But yesterday I opened a few early Christmas presents and there it was -- navy leather cap!

 

You can find it here...  and of course I couldn't wait to try it on!

More holiday gets + surprises to come...

Yellow Yellow Yellow: Things I Love

Most of you know that I have two color obsessions... yellow and navy. I can't get enough of either (as evidenced by the yellow sweater I just bought from Gant Rugger).


Well to celebrate the vast number of colors they've used since 1941 Coach is starting a really cool project called ColorTag. It's a way to identify with your favorite color, see the products it was created with, and more.

Of course when they asked which color I would choose, YELLOW popped right off the page. So here it is!


Check out the Facebook page they've created where if you're obsessed with color charts like I am, you'll have a blast... enjoy!


 

Navy Loafers from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last weekend I was in Atlanta and made sure to keep my Saturday free for a trip to Sid Mashburn. The store is incredible, so well merchandised and appointed, and the sales team is beyond knowledgeable. 

On this trip my friend and I were helped by none other than Sid Mashburn himself... but more on that later (when I write about the amazing new suit I bought).

Before I'd arrived I did a little research on their website and had seen a great pair of navy loafers. So of course during the course of my store visit I had to try them on. I loved the color -- a really dark navy (which Sid recommended polishing with black). A rubber sole, and a really simple and clean design.

And they are so comfortable, so I couldn't resist wearing them on my first day back in NYC... and of course received numerous comments and compliments.

Handmade in Italy, these are a gently priced + will make a great shoe for Summer as well as transition into Fall. Check them out here for more info (and pick up a pair for yourself!).

Blazer from Barque: Things I Want

Perusing the new arrivals at Stag's online store and came across a fantastic unconstructed blazer from Barque.


This is lightweight and being unconstructed is the perfect piece to roll up in your weekend bag for a versatile vacation wardrobe.


A washed navy, with white embroidered detail and buttons, it's also very gently priced (as my friend Lorin would say) and an easy grab for summer.

You can pick it up here, and also see other Barque pieces on offer.

Striped Seersucker Jacket from Black Fleece: Things I Have

I already wrote this week about my new Black Fleece duffel, which I can't wait to start using this summer. Well while I was buying it, a jacket caught my eye, that I had to try on...  blue and white stripe, in a really subtle cotton seersucker. The puckering is really just on the white stripe, not the whole piece, which I like.

Mother of pearl buttons, great lining... all of the details you expect from Mr. Browne + Brooks Brothers. 

I tried it on, it fit perfectly, and I knew I was buying it... fantastic tailoring, it has a strong shoulder seam, and high armholes, plus the back is pinned just enough that it doesn't billow. Perfect. 

Here it is from the Black Fleece site:

Of course I wore it the very next day... paired with a navy, white, and red striped tie. I liked the result!

Check out more info on this jacket, and see the rest of the Spring collection!

Nautical Sweatshirt from Robinson Les Bains: Things I Want

I can never stay away from anything remotely nautical... anchors + ropes are my downfall. So when I saw this sweatshirt from Robinson Les Bains I wanted it immediately.


A great rope pattern on navy, with contrasting sleeves, and white-tipped collar and cuffs this is a great piece.


It's an Editor's Pick on Park & Bond, where Josh Peskowitz echoed my thoughts: "... no sweatshirt says 'I've been on the water' quite like this one...". 

This would be a welcome addition to my rope shorts, anchor sweatshirt from APC, and assorted other nautical items already in my closet!

Double Breasted Blazer from AMI: Things I Want

I decided to do a little Spring browsing at Barney's over the weekend and tried on quite a few things... Band of Outsiders, Dries, Shipley Halmos. But the one piece I tried that I can not stop thinking about is this double breasted blazer from French label AMI.

It's really lightweight, had a great texture to the fabric, and fit perfectly. No surprise I was drawn to yet another navy jacket, but I really fell in love with this.

This shot is from the label's lookbook and doesn't really do it justice... you have to go in and try it on!

Am definitely going to keep this on my want list... another great delivery from Alexandre Mattiussi at AMI.

Pleated Trouser from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

I've had my eye on this pair of trousers from Gant Rugger ever since they released for Fall. But every time I was either in the Rugger store or at Barney's, they were always sold out of my size.

So I was pretty excited this week when I popped into Barney's Beverly Hills and they had them! Grabbed them and ran...

It's a great lightweight trouser, with a mild pleat. Very slim tailoring and I love the fit.

They're available on the Barney's site, go check them out!

Wool Coat from A.P.C.: Things I Have

Last weekend a rainy Saturday had me seeking refuge at Barney's... as soon as I stepped onto the fifth floor I saw this amazing wool coat by A.P.C.

Tried it on, and it fit perfectly... I've been looking around for a winter coat, and since I seemingly only buy navy (side note, every single thing I purchased on Saturday was navy), I felt it'd work well.

I also loved the leather insets on the shoulders. Gives the coat such a different look.

Here it is on the A.P.C. site, where you can zoom in for more detailing!

MB for Gant Double-Breasted Blazer: Things I Want

Perusing through Park & Bond tonight and came across a great fall look... all by Michael Bastian for Gant (quelle surprise!).

I'm hooked on getting a navy double-breasted blazer for Fall, and I love this one, in moleskine. Makes it just casual enough to pair with the camo pants (which I also love).

To be honest, I'm never one of those "shop the look" guys... I prefer to buy pieces and put them together myself. But whoever did this one (Mr. Wooster perhaps?) rocked it out!

See the whole look at Park & Bond.

Cable Knit Cardigan from S.N.S. Herning: Things I Want

I guess it's a shawl collar cardigan kind of week... recently posted about a great Thom Browne sweater, and then came across this cable knit from S.N.S Herning.

Of course it's navy, my go-to color, and I am such a shawl collar fan. This sweater is hand signed by the person who knitted it -- not just a fun addition, but something that goes towards the quality and craftmanship of the brand.

Fall is coming + I want this in my closet! See a lot more detail at Mr. Porter.