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.

David Hart Spring 2014: NYFW Review

I've been a fan of David Hart since he launched amazing neckwear. I interviewed him, saw some pre-season inspiration, and definitely purchased a number of fantastic ties. 

So I was excited last season when he expanded into apparel -- and his inaugural collection did not disappoint. This week he presented Spring '14 and I loved how rooted Hart has quickly become in use of key fabrics, and rooted in a nostalgic yet current point of view. 

My absolute favorite look was this 'lava' colored mohair suit. The deep rich color, the fit on the pants, and the fact that the fabric will surely be out of this world. 

The second look I gravitated towards was this custom printed shirt -- the horizontal colored bars actually reminded me of a pattern Loden Dager did a few seasons back, and it paired nicely with the linen pants and sandals. Perfect 'dinner on vacation' outfit.

Finally you have to love Hart's use of exquisite fabrics to create evening wear. I loved this shawl collar tuxedo jacket, the woven pattern, and slim cut. Of course if I picked up every tuxedo I was drawn too it'd be all I wore, but this is one to keep an eye on for a very special occasion.

This second collection was very wearable, didn't cling too closely to it's vintage inspiration (Jet age Hawaiian holiday), and is hopefully the beginning of more to come from David Hart. All images here...

Wearing Thom Browne: Day 3

Well it's warmed up here in NYC and so today I broke out my Thom Browne moleskine pants. I had my eye on these for months last year, and finally picked them up. The pants are a deep burgundy, with gold rimmed buttons on the side tabs (with a red, white, blue elastic strip -- naturally). 

I got them with a three inch cuff, and a three inch break above my ankle... I figure if you're going to wear Thom Browne, then wear Thom Browne!

Paired it today with a TB wool tie, Uniqlo oxford, and a rugged pair of Walk-Over wingtips (similar here).

Blazer + Pants from Carven: Things I Want

Last weekend as I was checking out the new Fall goods I came across a fantastic blazer/pant combo from Carven. You may remember how excited I was to get a blazer from their Spring collection when I was last in Paris... the line continues to have a great subtle French influence and a nice slim and cropped fit.

The burgundy color of these pieces is the first thing that caught my eye, and I could definitely see myself mixing and matching this color as the season changes. When I tried it on the jacket fit well -- perhaps a little snug for some, but I liked the shorter length and high arm holes. The pants also worked well, and were just short enough that when paired with my Tretorns it had a nice pulled together but casual vibe.

 

I tried it all on at Barney's but you can find out more (and see other Carven for Fall) over at Mr. Porter. 

E. Tautz Spring 2013 Collection: Things I Love

Back from vacation and catching up on the recaps from last week's Men's Fashion Week in London... and there were quite a few standouts. But my consistent favorite was E. Tautz, presented by designer Patrick Grant.


I am used to see detailed tailoring from this line and so was initially surprised by the flow of pieces, as well as the bold use of color. But I definitely enjoyed both and really feel like it's a great direction for Spring '13. 


This colorful look with the loose sleeves is perfect for summer

Also seeing the easy flow in these fuschia colored pants -- and complemented with a semi-sheer navy sweater.

I'm always up for yellow and navy, so the combination is a sure win! A slimmer fit on these pants but really love the pop they give.

Can't say the shirt dress is for me -- but I do appreciate how it works in with the flow and ease of the other pieces.

This being E. Tautz there was of course some great suiting, and a generally well rounded line. Check out the rest of the collection at The Fashionisto.

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.

Embroidered Pants for Fall: Things I Love

Picked this up from the Prep Blog and had to share... the rainy Fall weather in NYC this week, coupled with embroidered pants is giving me major inspiration for my A/W wardrobe!

Makes me want to head to Rugby and pick up their skull/crossbones version!

Green Cotton Pants from Unis: Things I Want

I stopped into Unis today, a favorite label of mine, but also a store that does a great job of presenting their wares (and a nice mixture of other's as well!).

There was a really great summer feel in the shop -- Nantucket rope bracelets, anchor printed scarves, and some scuba finds in the window. And of course, Unis' famous cotton pants in a range of bright colors.

I really liked the Grass Green, not so in your face that people get scared, but definitely something that stands out. And of course they fit like a dream...

If you are in NYC I suggest swinging by to get the whole "ready for summer" vibe. If you're not... then make sure to check out their website.

Slim Cargo Pants: Things I Have

I've had a long standing aversion to cargo pants. As worn in the past they were overly baggy, sloppy, and had so many pockets it seemed like they only meant for a wildnerness weekend.

Well, no more... while in Hong Kong recently I tried on a pair of the slim cargos that Uniqlo has been offering (and heavily promoting). They were actually almost too slim for my liking but I ended up really liking the cut and the comfort.

This week I test drove them at work, paired with a white shirt and wingtips, and have to say they looked (and felt) great! Got a lot of compliments, and am now excited to do a more casual look next time around.

Go to the Uniqlo site + check them out (they come in multiple colors, and in a women's version).

Pants from Ts(s): Things I Want

Pants are a constant source of problem for me. I struggle to find the right fit, the right fabrics, and often end up dissatisfied. Thus far Uniqlo and Bonobos have been the two exceptions to that rule, but I am always on the look out for something new.

From the good people at Selectism I came across these pants from the Spring collection of Ts(s). I'm not too familiar with the label... but since Selectism found it via a Japanese website, chances are it's not available Stateside. Again, another great find we can't get! Trip to Tokyo anyone?

I really liked the gray heathered look of these pants, guessing they're a light cotton or linen blend. And probably something I could wear to work, out to dinner, or for a weekend of errands.

Ts(s)'s collection also included a fantastic tartan jacket, so be sure to see more images here!

Bootlegger Khakis from Bonobos: Things I Have

You might get tired of hearing me talk about Bonobos. They rock. Their pants (and shorts) are amazing. The fit is incredible and the funky fabric linings keep me smiling whenever I wear them.

So since I've been on the hunt for some new cotton pants that are good enough for work, but that I can also wear casually, I headed to the Bonobos site.

Their site is super easy to navigate, and they make it really simple to select your pants based on fabric, fit, and color. I just picked up these Bootlegger khakis and love them...

You should do yourself a big favor and check out their offerings. Bonobos has expanded from pants into suits, shirts, and they also curate goods you'll love from other labels. These guys do it right!