Shawl Collar Cardigan from Grayer's: Things I Want

It's getting cold and that always means time for sweaters... so I went to look at the offerings from Grayer's, one of my favorite new brands. And given my penchant for anything shawl collar, it was no surprise this caught my eye.

Their Blair Shawl Collar Cardigan, cotton/poly blend, not only sports a shawl collar, but is double breasted as well. An opportunity to wear it casually (as shown) or dress it up with a shirt and tie, and wear it as a sort of blazer. Give it a try!

More Grayer's available here... 

Billy Reid Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Billy Reid's knack at delivering classic silhouettes with an infusion of Southern tradition was on full display again for Fall '13. Included were rugged leathers, layers in a range of browns and oranges, and more of the outerwear that Reid did so well in Fall '12.

A standout look for me was this gorgeous overcoat and the amazing red/rust colored pants. Must have those pants! The slim leg with a slightly larger ankle opening is perfect for the boots Reid puts out regularly... but the color has a subtle wear to it, toning it down but still catching your eye.

If you now me, you know I can't resist a shawl collar. So this was a no-brainer -- plus the toned pattern and sheen make this a perfect black tie jacket. Although even here, where it's paired more casually, it totally works for a less formal night out.

Another shawl collar -- this one all black, and styled with black pants (again with a slightly wider ankle opening) and a black knit. I appreciated the simplicity of these pieces all together, and how they conveyed such confidence... helped of course when worn by Clement Chabernaud.

I definitely steered more towards the tailored looks in Reid's collection -- but get over to GQ to see the full lineup and his breadth of Southern goodness.

The River Spring 2013: Things I Love

Today I came across the Spring '13 lookbook for a Japanese brand I hadn't heard of before -- The River. Now I am always complaining about the great lines in Japan that don't make their way Stateside, and (at least for now) this seems to be another of them.  

But I was really taken with the styled looks, and a couple of the pieces really stood out. This loosely constructed shawl collar blazer caught my eye -- really liked the color (trying to change up my navy obsession) and there is a subtle texture to the fabric.

This tri-color -- or just "striped" sweatshirt -- was an interesting use of camo and I liked the yellow breaking up the piece.

Head over to Selectism to see more from the lookbook and keep your eyes peeled for U.S. distribution.

Michael Bastian Spring 2013: NYFW Review

I still remember the first Michael Bastian show I attended, in a cool warehouse building. He ran the show multiple times, so you could arrive at any time and see it. Well, times sure have changed!

Bastian's show is now one of the most anticipated on the NYFW men's circuit, and his move from Exit Art to Milk this season has amped it up even more. And as expected, Spring 2013 did not disappoint. Partially inspired by being poolside in Fire Island, there was a definite ease and flow, which was seamlessly integrated into the suiting and knitwear. 

The first thing I noticed in the collection was the use of cross-body kimono style tops. I liked how they felt more loose and casual, but fit right into the Bastian aesthetic.

 Double-breasted knitwear. That's all I needed to see and knew I'd want it.

Continuing with the double-breasted, this single button jacket really stood out. It continued the relaxed feel of the collection and I could imagine pulling on this beautiful piece with a pair of shorts and having lunch beach side.

There were also some really interesting knits in the mix for Spring -- while the giraffe spotted shoulders got a lot of attention, I really liked this one with the soft mix of color and the jagged lines.

The final look was this fantastic evening jacket with a slim black shawl collar. Worn by Noah Mills, with giraffe print Stubbs & Wooten slippers, it was not what I'd wear to dinner on Fire Island, but definitely got me in the mood for summer soirees.
 

Overall another very strong showing from Michael Bastian -- a collection that was consistent and very on-brand, while stretching and expanding so as to remain fresh and new. Can't wait to see it in stores come Spring and have that single button DB high on my want list! 

Check out the rest of the collection at GQ...

Just One Look: Public School Spring 2013

Okay, well actually two looks... I am definitely coveting the jacket with leather sleeves, below. But the dinner jacket with shawl collar also caught my eye.

Public School was high on my list to see for Spring '13, as I'd really enjoyed the vibe they showed during their re-launch last season.

So about this dinner jacket... the favorite piece currently in my closet is a Patrik Ervell navy tuxedo, and the jacket has a black satin shawl collar. So how could I not obsess on this version from Public School.

And given that Noah Mills closed the Michael Bastian show in his own version of a light colored dinner jacket with black shawl collar, this is looking like a trend for Spring.

But for me the real winner in the collection, and a piece that seemed to connect to the brand's ethos, is this cotton jacket with leather sleeves. It's not your regular dark denim jacket: the washed fabric gives it a well-worn look. And the color of the leather sleeves is light enough to keep the contrast from being too harsh. 

This is definitely a jacket perfect for Spring, and one that can be worn any number of ways.

GQ has all of the looks from Public School and stay tuned for more info via the brand's website.

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.

Shawl Collar Cardigan from Thom Browne: Things I Want

My fixation on Thom Browne continues, with this marled shawl collar cardigan for Fall. Spotted this piece at Odin a couple of weekends ago and thought it was great.

Of course with the usual TB elements -- the red/white/blue stripe around the collar and wrist, and the white armbands. The flecks in the gray add some nice dimension and texture to the sweater, and I could easily see pairing it with one of my Thom Browne oxfords.

Close up views available at the Odin site!

W.R.K Fall Collection: Things I Love

Today I came across the Fall 2011 collection for NY based W.R.K (standing for work, rest, karma). Designed by Matteo Gottardi, I have to say I was really blown away by this menswear line.

Fall had some great fabrics, textures, and colors... and some of my favorites included the shawl collar cardigan, the nubby "Spectator blazer", and the paneled two-tone jacket.

The line is carried at Neiman's and you can peruse it (and a lot of other great information) at the W.R.K site.

Jacket from Unis: Things I Have

I've done some previous coverage of Unis, the NYC based menswear label started by Eunice Lee. They offer a great casual urban aesthetic + have been picked up by Bloomingdales (so I can actually find it in L.A. now!).

So of course while I was just in NYC I had to make a stop by their store on Elizabeth... and as luck would have it, they're having a sale. I tried on a few different jackets (I'm on the hunt for a Spring blazer) but really fell in love with this cotton double-breasted shawl collar jacket.

It is so comfortable, fit me great, and the collar was large enough to cover my neck and keep me warm. I also really liked the plaid lining, giving the piece a little unexpected kick.

Go to their site and check out other items they have on sale... not to late to get some Unis for yourself!