Spread Collar Shirts from Sid Mashburn: Things I Have

Last week I was briefly in Atlanta, en route to Florida beaches to ring in 2013. While in town, I had to make a stop by Sid Mashburn, the venerable men's shop with some of the best merchandising around. 

While there I decided to pick up a couple of spread collar shirts from Sid's private label. I loved the colors of this one -- they call it a cheery "childrens-book plaid". The flannel was thin enough that I can wear it with a tie, but still give some winter warmth. Small but thick buttons dress it up a bit, and the cut is slim enough so as not to billow under a jacket.

I also grabbed this great tattersall in wine and black -- a little more dressy than the flannel (and I felt a little more suited to Spring), but the colors stood out to me.

My last time in Atlanta I ordered a beautiful Made to Measure gingham suit from Sid, and picked up a few items for my mother at his wife's store -- Ann Mashburn. Since that visit the two stores have combined, they're now connected by a clever back hallway that allows you to move back and forth and keep you in a total Mashburn induced haze.

Maison Kitsune Spring '13: Things I Love

I was recently commenting on the frequency of shorts suits being shown in Paris and Milan for Spring '13 -- and Maison Kitsune's collection for the season is no exception. And to be clear, I like it! It ties in well to my own tendency towards a cropped look and also helps to beat the summer heat.

This first look from Kitsune is a favorite of mine, with a great shock of plaid. Together it really stands out, but you could take each piece separately and put together a great look.

If you know me, you know I'm a francophile and so the use of the tricolor on this polo will get me every time.

 

Another (more tame) shorts suit, this one more aligned with traditional suiting, and perhaps a more acceptable option for the office.

Now that Kitsune has a store here in NYC, I've been dropping by to check out their wares in person... but you can get on their website to see more!

Suits from Ana Locking: Things I Love

I've been following label Ana Locking for a while and was excited by their Fall '12 collection. And no, not because they featured Clement Chabernaud (well, maybe a little).

I am always attracted to color and pattern, and they did a great job here of blending it with classic pieces and a buttoned up "gentlemanly" aesthetic.

There's great tailoring, and I'm really into the three piece suits, especially the red plaid shown below. Of course the pops of yellow are also a draw, and I think an interesting color selection to bring into Fall.

Overall a concise collection that stays true to it's theme... and I'm going to keep my eyes out for that red suit (and raffia wrapped briefcase!). More info via Hypebeast...

Vintage Plaid Blazer by Thom Browne: Things I Have

Anyone who knows me knows that I have been a long time fan of Thom Browne. I love to wear his cropped and shortened aesthetic, and my eye can catch his red/white/blue striped grosgrain tags a mile away.

I was recently gifted an extraordinary blazer by Mr. Browne... from so many collections ago, that I like to refer to it as 'vintage'.

The blazer is a cashmere/wool blend tipped on the collar and cuffs with (of course) a grosgrain finish. I love the muted color palette of the plaid, so perfect for Fall.

Inside it is lined with a striped silk and finished with the sewn-in Thom Browne label.

This blazer is now making the rest of my jackets jealous, as they know they've been usurped... it is really a prized piece and I'm so thrilled to be able to wear it!

Plaid Wool Tie from Thom Browne: Things I Have

While in L.A. the past week I did some shopping (hello, Filson bag). One thing I saw and could not resist was this plaid shetland wool tie by Thom Browne.

I loved the red/white/blue plaid (not surprising from TB) but also the texture and chunkiness of the wool. It'll be perfect to wear as Fall approaches and the temperatures drop.

Now I found mine at Barney's but this photo is courtesy of Park & Bond. Go see what else they have from Mr. Browne!

Things I Want: Plaid Bowtie

I've always been a fan of plaid and in the past year have really gotten into bowties.  So this is a perfect combination.  Made in NYC, I have been reading about these particular ties, by David Hart, a lot recently.  You can check his site out at: www.davidhartnyc.com.