Seersucker Tie + Pocket Square from Aunt Di's Ties: Things I Have

With Memorial Day around the corner it's time to start dusting off the seersucker. Well, for the rest of you at least. I don't abide by the timed rules on when to wear it, so as soon as the sun starts shining in Spring, mine comes out.

But... if you're just getting ready to don your lightweight fabrics, I have some great news in the accessory department. I just received an amazing green seersucker tie and pocket square from Aunt Di's ties. 

Opening the package I could smell the starched goodness and feel the crips texture of the fabric... and it made me think of summer. 

I'm super excited to give these a wear! Get over to their site and check out what else is on offer... or make a special request for your own seersucker goodness.

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!

Just One Look: Black Fleece Spring 2013

Last week Black Fleece showed its Spring '13 collection and yet again Thom Browne delivered the right mix of classic Brooks Brothers pieces (infused with his own silhouette) and a slew of punchy, colorful, and print laden looks.

For Spring '12 I purchased quite a bit (too much?) of Black Fleece, including a seersucker striped jacket, rollneck sweater, and canvas duffel and so was curious to see what next year's version would include.

Moving into Spring there was a tropical inspiration with bright madras + large printed palm fronds. For me the look that stood out was this mix of stripes + prints -- the jacket is a classic that has been re-worked, paired with patterned shorts and a diamond-print shirt. The tote bag was a nice addition, incorporating Browne's red/white/blue core. Hopefully they will roll the design out to a variety of bags, like they did this Spring, to provide some summer luggage options.

Essential Homme has all of the looks -- start brainstorming where your palm frond suit will make its debut!

Thom Browne Inspired Street Style: Things I Love

I am such a huge fan of Nam, the photographer that captures amazing street style during men's fashion week events around the world. 

Today he posted a fantastic group of photos focused on folks wearing the designs of Thom Browne... pre-show, post-show, in between shows -- in both collection and Moncler Gamme Bleu. It is amazing to see the way these pieces get styled, and to see the very focused aesthetic of Mr. Browne throughout everything he does.

As someone not afraid to show some ankle, this was my favorite shot...

Followed closely by Matthew Foley rockin' a TB seersucker look (with the imperfection of his collar flying away).

Get over to Nam's site and check out the rest of these amazing shots!

Kane fit jeans from J Brand: Things I Have

This summer I've found a new favorite pair of jeans -- the Kane from J Brand, in the Sid wash. When J Brand asked to send me a pair, I had an idea in my head of pairing this jean with a white oxford and a seersucker jacket (more on that later)...


Last night I wore them and kept getting asked where they were from, so figured I would share! 


I already knew I liked the slim straight fit of the Kane, but the worn in feel of the Sid is a fantastic addition. There are rips at the knees, and a softness in the legs that gives a great texture to the jean.

Last weekend I wore them paired with an oxford and a (Thom Browne) seersucker blazer, and loved the whole look! Summer goodness...

For everyone who wanted to know where to get 'em, head here to the J Brand site and pick up a pair.

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!

Thom Browne Seersucker Suit: Things I Have

Last week was the Thom Browne sample sale. Of course this gives a brand fan like me chills... and has me start plotting how I am going to get there, find some amazing buys, and leave as quickly as possible. Think about the show Supermarket Sweep...

Anyway, I made a stop after work on Friday, by which point most things were gone. However I did pick up a couple of great shirts, some shoes (more on that to come), and an amazing seersucker suit.

When I tried on the coat at the sale, it fit me perfectly and I was so excited. Utilizing Thom Browne's usual red, white, blue stripe it is light and perfect for warm weather. I cannot wait for Spring to come, so I can wear this out!

The inside pocket, lists the size as "Sample". And the buttons came in this really cute manila envelope with a "TB" label on it.

As soon as I got home I tried it one, and it all fit like a glove. I am ready to go!

A Bright (And Tropical) Spring at Michael Bastian for Gant: NYFW Review

I've seen the future (or at least Spring '12) and it includes yellow denim and zinc oxide. For his latest collaboration with Gant, Michael Bastian took us to Hawaii, and I don't want to leave.

The whole presentation was fun and playful, and stayed so well within the Bastian aesthetic and the Gant range.

First thing I noticed when I walked in was this plaid cotton blazer paired with the over-dyed yellow jean. I loved the colored lips on the women, reminding me of applying brightly colored Zinka on the beach.

I was really drawn to this tonal seersucker blazer (I never say no to seersucker) and the printed turtle shorts.

Another super blazer (I mean, my whole closet may just become jackets), casual and light with the elbow patches to add some contrast.

Okay fine, another seersucker look... this time in both the jacket and pants. And I loved the sandals!

Style.com has the full collection for your viewing pleasure...

Billy Reid Seersucker Shorts: Things I Want

I always feel like I never have enough shorts... so I am currently on the hunt for a pair of seersucker and some brown khaki shorts.

Yesterday I did some shopping at Bloomingdale's (who has, IMHO, one of the best men's departments right now) and tried on these seersucker shorts from Billy Reid.

They are fantastic! Great fit, and a very wide waist/beltline, which I really liked. They also are very lightweight (as seersucker should be) and I know they'll be cool for summer.

Since the focus of yesterday's shopping was for my friend, and not me, I left these shorts behind... but want to go back and snatch 'em up!

Seersucker Shirt from Weathered: Things I Have

On my recent trip to Sydney I did a little shopping. One day in Paddington I came across this fantastic store Incu. They stocked my favorite brands... Band of Outsiders, Warriors of Radness, Eastpak, Topman. And they had some great Australian brands too!

One of the items I purchased was this great short-sleeve seersucker shirt from the label Weathered. Really liked the slim fit, the refined seersucker, and that it will work in the upcoming Spring/Summer months in L.A.

Excited to start wearing this new addition to my wardrobe. Incu also offers online shopping, check out their full site!

Michael Bastian for Gant Spring 2011: Things I Love

If you haven't yet been convinced of the brilliance that is Michael Bastian's collaboration with Gant... well, here's one last shot. It's the video lookbook for the S/S 2011 release...

Bastian continues to inject core Americana into the line -- you definitely see his design DNA in there, all while staying true to Gant's history and branding. When you see this collaboration at retail it lives so harmoniously with both the Gant Rugger line.

After watching the video a few times, I am putting quite a few items on my wish list. But I think the seersucker pants are my #1 must have. After that I love the multi-colored panel striped shirt, the canvas jacket, and the worn denim.

Kudos to Bastian and his team, both for another fantastic collection and for the recent GQ Menswear Fashion Designer of the Year nomination!

Check out the video + then make your own S/S '11 wish list.

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!

Things I Want: Seersucker Coat by Hickey

I have always been a sucker for seersucker. It's so big in the South, and not so popular where I grew up, but I'm always drawn to it. And I have a thing for pink... so this coat by Hickey in both seersucker & pink is perfect.

Great item for Spring/Summer, keeping you looking sharp and staying cool. I think a paisley pocket square would finish this off just right!

I found this at Acquire Mag but here's the link to the Hickey site: http://www.hickeystyle.com/website/product.asp?s_id=2&prod_name=seersucker+sportcoat&pf_id=H91550051&dept_id=4165