Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt + Shorts: Things I Want

I've been waiting for this to drop ever since I read about the Todd Snyder collaboration with Champion. Already doing some awesome sweatshirts on his own (and the one he did with Gap is my go-to), this seemed like a very natural fit.

Offering sweatshirts, sweatpants and shorts, knits, and tees the collaboration uses Snyder's classic touch and blends in Champion's heritage.

The two pieces I'm dying to pre-order -- the off-white pocket sweatshirt and sweatshorts in oatmeal...

 These would definitely get a lot of gym, errand, lounging use and the Todd Snyder quality ensures a long life... the whole line is available here!

Flamingo Sweatshirt from WAW: Things I Want

Recently came across a new line of tees, tanks, and sweatshirts from a brand called WAW Like Our Grannies Made Them. Now, I can't quite admit to being clear on the name... although it might have something to do with the fact that instead of screen printing all of the objects are embroidered. Just like your Granny used to do!

My favorite from the small collection was this flamingo on a black sweatshirt. Simple, great color contrast, and something not a lot of folks would wear.

The pieces (only 100 of each style) are slated to go live today, so head over here to see 'em all!

Inspired by the Sea: TwoThirds x Emil Kozak

Spanish brand TwoThirds, based out of the northern city of San Sebastian, puts a keen emphasis on eco friendly practices. From the fabrics they use, to their production techniques, the company's name is derived from the percentage of the Earth that is comprised of water.

They recently launched a small collaboration with artist Emil Kozak, and since I cannot get enough of anything remotely nautical, I was immediately drawn in. Aptly named "Sea You Soon", the collab includes tees and sweatshirts and fits well within the brands own collection.

Overall great pieces from TwoThirds and I love their philanthropic model -- check out the rest of it here.


 

BWGH Sweatshirt: Things I Want

I've been tracking new label Brooklyn We Go Hard (BWGH) since last year -- having spotted it in a men's shop in Biarritz. Started by two Parisians, they're known for their "Brooklyn Parle Francais" sweatshirts, as well as an assortment of embellished shirts, and relaxed pants.

For Spring they've released some new styles, and one that stood out to me -- "Brooklyn From Paris" with the Brooklyn bridge and bowling pins. Tres cool. Also love the blue elbow patches and stretched out collar.

Available from the Hypebeast shop, and see what other deliveries they have in stock...

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.

Ian Velardi Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Braving the onset of Winter Storm Nemo, last night I made my way to Lincoln Center for the Fall 2013 collection by Ian Velardi. Recently named as the menswear winner for Ecco Domani's Fashion Foundation Award, and a nominee for GQ's Best New Menswear Designer of the Year, Velardi is establishing himself as a strong player in the men's space.

For Fall he continued this streak with a mix of American influenced tailored comfort -- beautiful jackets shown with sweatpants, "USA" emblazoned sweatshirts and hats, and outerwear equally suitable for Manhattan or Maine.

What I loved most about this collection was Velardi's continuation of belted jackets -- in Fall '12 it was the quilted robe, and now it is the smoking jacket. Here is my favorite look, the cord smoking jacket (with satin lapel, naturally) worn with a chambray military shirt, flannel pants and an ivory beanie. Talk about confident sophistication.

The smoking jacket was also done in a tartan plaid, with the navy lapel. I'm always a sucker for a good tartan, so it would be a tough call on which of these I'd take home (is there room for both?). Worn with grey panel sweatpants, a cashmere scarf (luxury + comfort), and a USA ballcap.

Part of the lineup -- gives you a sense of the very cool mixing of dressing up, dressing down, and throwing it all together that Velardi put forth.

I am always fascinated by casting and how models are used for different designers. Velardi had Brazilian model Rodrigo Calazans in a rugged look... 

More to come from Ian Velardi and definitely one to watch. 

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.

GQ X Gap Collaboration: Things I Have

Ever since GQ announced this year's Best New Designers in America I've been anxious to see what these designers would create in partnership with Gap, who was the co-sponsor for this year's awards.

The list of those selected included a number of my current favorites: Todd Snyder, Saturdays Surf, Ovadia & Sons, Ian Velardi...  so it was with no small amount of anticipation that I got up today to finally buy some of the pieces at a Gap store.

Since the GQ October issue included a 12 page spread showing all of the pieces available, along with photos of the designers wearing some of them, I had made a mental list of what I was after. And after a brief chat with GQ Fashion Editor Garrett Munce, I ran in and made a grab!

First up was this ampersand sweatshirt in green, from Saturdays Surf. These guys have far expanded from their well known line of tees, but the icon hash mark or the constant play on their logo have given them an easily identifiable visibility. The sweatshirt's simplicity is its brilliance and it fit me perfectly.

Next on my list were the cargo pants from Todd Snyder. I can't seem to stop talking about this guy and how much I enjoy his well designed and crafted collections. I threw these on and they were slim but with enough room to move around. And I grabbed a 30 inch length to keep them a little above the ankle.

The other TS item I'd been eyeing was this uber-soft and perfect for Fall patch crewneck sweatshirt. Even though I knew it would fit I tried it on in the store and decided it may bump my James Perse sweatshirt out of the "most comfortable thing I own" category.

There were a lot of other pieces I could've grabbed but tried to restrain myself. Be sure to get online or to a nearby Gap store to check it all out for yourself!

Yellow Sweatshirt from Riviera Club: Things I Want

I recently went to have a re-see at Southern California based label Riviera Club's Fall offerings... more on that soon, there are some great things there.


But while I was cruising around I saw a few Spring items and one that definitely caught my eye. This yellow sweatshirt, with what I can only call a boatneck (or, it's-been-sitting-on-a-hanger-too-long-neck). 

Between the softened color, the super soft material, and that wide neck I could definitely see this as an addition to my beach bag. 

Riviera Club calls this the Mira Mar and also agree this is "the kind of sweatshirt that you can live in.". Check it out on their site!

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!

Snap Cardigan Sweatshirt from American Giant: Things I Have

Last week I had the chance to meet with the folks from American Giant, a San Francisco based label that is tapping into the resurgence of domestically made goods. Wholly produced in Northern California, they launched with an offering of sweatshirt styles, all in an effort to create the "next level of well made American sportswear", according to the company's founder.

The nexus of American Giant is delivering high quality basics that can be had for a fair price. Given the opportunity to touch and feel the crewneck, hoodie, and snap cardigan pieces I was really impressed with the quality of the material (14.8 oz cotton). There were also some fantastic design details such as ribbed side panels and twill elbow patches.

Having recently acquired my father's old Russell sweatshirt, the one I always remember him wearing as a child, it was great to see the American Giant crewneck evoked that true basic look and feel.

And I was thrilled to receive one of their snap cardigans in the mail -- complete with an American flag sticker to reinforce the Made in the USA message.

The snap cardigan is a fantastic piece, and I wore it all weekend long (and received a lot of compliments). With the ribbed side panels it fits me perfectly. With the thickness of it, I wore it just over a t-shirt and was plenty warm.

Right now you can only get the American Giant goods on their own site (it's another way they keep prices low). I definitely recommend you go check it out -- and stay tuned for more news to come on this brand.

Vincent Schoepfer Spring 2011: Things I Want

A couple of years ago I came across shots from Vincent Schoepfer's lookbook, right around the time he started showing at Capsule. I thought the photos were really fun & playful, and the clothes looked right up my alley.

Since then I've been following the season-by-season merriment that Vincent puts out and I have to say he does a great job keeping it whimsical!

Now I was recently going through his latest collection and I really love the athletic nature of the shoot and the pieces, a couple of which reminded me of Alexander Wang's whole 'football' theme last year.

I've included my favorite below -- the quilted stitching of the shirt, with the mesh shoulders. So cool! I want it!

Check out the rest of the collection here at Fashionisto, or go to the designer's website and enjoy his past collections too!

Things I Want: Sweatshirt from WeSC

I've long been a fan of WeSC, a label that melds skateboarding and snowboarding cultures, in a really fun and cool way. The apparel always has a great mix of some urban edge but with total wearability.

They've now teamed up with a graffiti artist to collaborate on a small collection. Perusing through the items, I really liked this sweatshirt! The design isn't overwhelming but adds a great touch to the item.

You can read more about the collaboration and see photos of the other pieces at Highsnobiety: http://www.highsnobiety.com/news/2010/02/09/wesc-x-mode-2-capsule-collection/wesc-x-mode-2-capsule-collection-01/

Things I Want: J'aime Rodarte Sweatshirt

Those sisters behind Rodarte are growing + growing! They just launched menswear with a few sweaters, being sold at Opening Ceremony (for the low low price of $2400 each).

But there are also a few t-shirts and sweatshirts at Opening Ceremony that make plays on the label's name (RADARTE is a personal fav).

Get me this sweatshirt + it'll keep me warm and smiling this winter...

You can see the other designs here: http://www.openingceremony.us/entry.asp?pid=462

Things I Have: Anchor Sweatshirt

So, I recently posted about an APC sweatshirt that I wanted. Well... thanks to the Bon Marche in Paris, I now have it! Found it there on my recent holiday and had to pick it up. While I had initially posted about the gray, I ended up with blue.

It's a great piece -- well fitted, and not too thick. And it continues my obsession with the nautical theme!

You can check it out, plus the rest of their Fall collection at: http://uscheckout.apc.fr/browse.cfm/4,362.html?type=1&look=7&piece=1&prevpiece=4%2C320&nextpiece=4%2C348