Leather Tote from Black Fleece: Things I Want

A few months ago I saw a preview of Brooks Brothers and Black Fleece collections for Fall 2013. Some really great stuff, especially from Black Fleece which followers of this site know I have a slight obsession with... 

Apart from continuing with strong apparel pieces also love the accessories Thom Browne designs for the line (guilty disclosure: I have two duffels already). This pebbled leather tote caught my eye -- using the now signature red, white, and blue stripe it is simple yet exudes quality and craftsmanship. 

The tote comes in black and brown, and it's definitely on my "want" list for Fall. Check out more of the Black Fleece offerings here... 

Black Fleece Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Frequent readers know how fanatical I've become about Black Fleece, the Thom Browne designed collection for Brooks Brothers. It is a fantastic integration of Browne's unique design aesthetic positioned for the BB customer. The line was featured prominently in my Week of Wearing Thom Browne -- so I was excited to see what would be on offer for Fall 2013. 

Maybe I'm becoming too accustomed to the Browne's style, and am less "shockable" because I found next season to be somewhat muted. Especially when considered with some of what is in store for Spring!

This black and white jacket and trousers was part of a large story Browne did in that palette, contrasting the use of each color to have it really pop.

Seems I can't get enough tartan in my life -- this double breasted jacket and shorts was my favorite look of all. I loved the rich colors for Fall and the v-neck sweater underneath complements it nicely.

Continuing the black and white, here in more refined suiting, can also produce dizzy spells. I actually liked the subtlety of it from afar, and how you get a different sense of the houndstooth up close. It reminded me of the black and blue gingham suit I ordered last year from Sid Mashburn.

I've acquired quite a few of the accessories Browne designs with the collection: here, here,  here. The pebbled leather pieces are especially great, and so this tote for Fall quickly became a must have. Pebbled brown leather + the Thom Browne red/white/blue stripe, a winning combination.

Overall I found the collection to be a strong continuation of the brand and perhaps focusing on converting even more Brooks Brothers loyalists. Austin Wong at Why You Mad blog has more photos.

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!

Saturdays Surf x Porter Tote: Things I Want

This past weekend I was cruising around SoHo and stopped into Saturdays Surf. I'm a big fan of the space, and of the brand, and the guys have been getting a lot of (deserved) press these days. Plus they just opened a store in Japan! 

While I was drinking my espresso I ran into Richard Haines, the venerable fashion illustrator who in addition to projects with the NY Times and J Crew, runs the What I Saw Today blog.

Moving on through the store, I came across the bags they did in collaboration with Porter. If you regularly read me, you'll know I am a Porter fanatic... so imagine my reaction to these totes.

They come in four colors and have a great waterproof snap top, so it's ready for beach use. A fantastic bag and one I hope to be using this summer!

Burberry Prorsum Print Duffle: Things I Want

It's no secret that I've been really impressed (a polite way of saying obsessed) with Burberry Prorsum both for Spring and Fall 2012. The beading, raffia, and great prints for Spring followed by the amazing knits, trenches, and suiting for Fall has me really wanting to add some pieces to my closet.

But there's an accessory for Spring that stopped me in my tracks when I saw it in the store window on 57th/Madison. This fantastic tote (well Burbery calls it a duffle)... great colors, zig-zag stitching, and a really simple leather handle.

Definitely something I can carry around the city this summer but also take on my beach weekends or when I head on vacation. Has the capacity to hold anything you'll need, on almost any occasion.

Be sure to check it out on the Prorsum site, and also see the other great accessories from Spring.

Regatta Tote from Head Porter: Things I Want

I'm always a sucker for a good tote bag, and with Spring (hopefully) coming I'll need some pool and beach-side very soon. And a good tote from Head Porter is too hard to resist... I mean, they do call it the "Regatta" collection.

Made from a waterproof tarp material, the two-toned bags are in four colorways. I can't decide if the black/blue or white/yellow is my favorite. I think I'd prefer a custom black/yellow option!

But either way, more goodness from the folks at Head Porter. Check out Hypebeast for more info!

A Series on Leather Craftsmen: Lotuff & Clegg

I was recently fortunate enough to be sitting with Joe Lotuff, of the leather goods company Lotuff & Clegg, for what was an all too brief 45 minutes (the brevity was my fault).

In that time though I learned so much about the New England brand, that Joe's passion for the craftsmanship and product definitely rubbed off. We discussed the way in which the cow hide is inspected for quality, how Lotuff & Clegg looks to use large swatches of leather versus stitching together two smaller ones, and how the rounded edge finishing is done by hand (no small feat) by a leather artisan. I also learned about how the leather is treated, without the use of chromium, to create the right texture and patina. While this takes additional time, it is something that Joe felt was part of the brand's integrity.

The design of each piece, and how that design may evolve, was another fascinating point of discussion. Lotuff & Clegg focuses on the functionality of each product, and design oriented additions should enhance that function. This was evidenced in the extra long zipper on a duffle bag, which allows for the bag to be fully opened. Joe also shared that through customer feedback they are able to make adjustments to a design, improving both its function and appeal.

The Leather Lock Briefcase

While the conversation focused on the brand in general, there was also this beautiful brand new leather briefcase in front of me, which required a lot of inspection! It was the Leather Lock Briefcase, in black, and I have to say I fell in love. It was so evident that all of the elements Joe had discussed: craftsmanship, detailing, design were all there.

The handle, designed to fit your hand just right

Close up of the hardware and the pebbling of the leather

Inside, with pockets, pen holders, and a zipped pouch

The briefcase, in all its glory

Now while I saw (and covet) the briefcase, Lotuff & Clegg had a wide offering... and from what it sounds like, their popularity is causing a bit of a wait list! So get over to their site, and check out the totes, portfolios, and other pieces you will definitely love (and own for a lifetime).

Zippered Tote from Filson: Things I Have

I've been getting so many compliments (and photos by Tommy Ton!) on my leather bag from WANT, but with the weather changing I wanted something that could better withstand rain or snow.

When I was recently in Atlanta and peered through the window of Sid Mashburn I saw a huge (and glorious) pile of Filson bags, of all sizes, and knew that's what I wanted.

Yesterday I stopped by Barney's and voila... the Filson zippered tote is mine!

Can't wait to give it a spin around the city! Check out the Filson site for their full range of bags (and other great products)...

Filson Duffel from Sid Mashburn: Things I Want

Yesterday I stopped by the Sid Mashburn store in Atlanta... unfortunately I didn't make it until Sunday, when the store is closed. So I stuck my nose up to the glass and peered in!

One of the first things I noticed was a group of very handsome canvas bags. Ever since the demise of my Tumi duffel I've needed a replacement, and these bags seem rugged enough for my global travels, but also smartly designed.

Since Sid launched e-commerce, I can grab this duffel (and maybe the tote as well) there... and it's definitely on my want list.

Get to the Sid page to check out more goods you'll be wanting!

Pushing Boundaries at Patrik Ervell: NYFW Review

On Sunday at Milk Studios, Patrik Ervell faced a packed house... eagerly anticipating not only his Spring '12 men's collection but also his first foray into women's.

Across the board there was an influence of Hawaiian print, riding caps, fantastic duffel bags and totes, and (thankfully) an appearance by Clement Chabernaud.

While I can report that the women's range definitely fell squarely (and beautifully) into Ervell's aesthetic, what of course really kept me engaged were the men's looks.

One of my favorites was this rubberized cotton hooded raincoat in navy. The texture and sheen really stood out, and I liked the simplicity of the construction.

Ervell always does great suit. Here I liked the dark palette but with that pop of color on the tote bag (which of course I want).

This brick-red blazer in tropical wool caught my eye near the end of the show, and is definitely a piece that's on my list for Spring. 2-button, thin lapel, it's one I know will fit me perfectly.

And finally this jungle jacket in twill, with a hand-braided horsehair belt. I mean... how could you not get excited for this?

Ervell is a master at playing within his key design elements but really pushing the boundaries in texture and technique, and he did it again here. A stellar showing and I can't wait to shop this at Opening Ceremony come Spring!

Go to Style.com for the rest of the collection photos...

Quilted Tote Bag from Bonfanti: Things I Want

The bag addict in me perked up when I saw this quilted tote bag from Italian brand Bonfanti.

I was just talking about how I needed to transition into a new bag for Winter, one with a different color and texture, and I think this could do it. I like the puffiness of the quilt, the gray with the black leather accents and handles.

Bonfanti offers three styles (of course the tote is my favorite) and in three colorways. Check it out at Selectism.

Working Bag from Lotuff & Clegg: Things I Want

I'll admit that I have a problem with bags... I have rarely seen one I didn't have to have. Usually the problem is that I have some need to fill and none of my current bags will do. This is exactly why I am now salivating for this black working bag from Lotuff & Clegg.

I will be transitioning to city living in a couple of weeks (yes, sorry, LA is not considered 'city living'), and I need something to hold everything I'll need during the day.

Handmade in New England, the Lotuff & Clegg bags and briefcases are simple yet elegant, and are guaranteed for life. At this point it's really just a matter of deciding on the exact size and color (red sounds kind of fun, no?)...

Visit their site for the full collection and great information about the guys behind the brand.

Tote from Archival Clothing: Things I Want

In my never ending quest for tote bags I have found yet another "want". This fantastic bag from Archival Clothing. I really like the shape, the rugged construction, and the long handles.

Looks like a bag that can take a beating + it's super functional.

Found this on Selectism, check it out there!

Plaid Vinyl Tote: Things I Have

In the "high/low" accessory contest, this definitely falls on the low side. But I love it. Today while in a Buenos Aires supermarket, I came across these great bags. In a variety of colors and patterns (I bought this one and a red/white striped version), it will become my grocery, beach, errands tote.

Was really into the patterns, the small handles, and the very "local" nature of the totes... including the "made in Argentina" tag at the top.

Supermarket chic!

Pierre Hardy Tote Bag: Things I Want

Currently traveling in South America and it's weird to be ahead of NY for a change... so instead of perusing millions of tweets this morning, there were just a few. And one of them was from Hypebeast, which led me to my newest source of salivation.

I totally love Pierre Hardy's geometric pattern -- on shoes, wallets, and now on this awesome tote bag.

Not much else I need to describe my lust for this... pretty self-explanatory I think!

Hypebeast sends you to a Japanese online store where the bag can be yours for only 90,000 Yen. Or about 4500 Argentian Pesos. Or 1000 USD.

Canvas Dyed Tote Bag: Things I Want

I can never turn down a great tote bag. There are about five on my "want" list right now, and this half-dyed canvas one below will make it six.

From Paris label Teddyfish, I just loved the functionality of canvas and the eye-catching red dye. Perfect bag for Spring!

You can read more at Kempt (including how this bag is, sadly, currently sold out).

Sophnet Tote Bag: Things I Want

I have an obsession with bags -- I have a closet full of them, and rotate around depending on the occasion. So yesterday I was thrilled to see two different bags that I loved.

One was in a new accessories release from Dries van Noten, and the other was this monogrammed + striped piece from Sophnet (yes, of course, it's from Japan).

I really liked the simple construction of the bag and the light monogram pattern. And the stripes were the finishing touch that got me.

Now getting my hands on this tote is another matter... but I will see what I can do!

Things I Want: Porter x Margaret Howell

This item encompasses two of my obsessions... bags & Japanese design. Could Porter do any more collaborations? Maybe? I feel like there are new ones every week (and I love it!).

I'm not that familiar with Margaret Howell, but after seeing this line of bags she did with Porter, I want to know more. I love that it is simple, and like the colored zipper and zipper pulls. Give me this tote!

Everyone has been blogging about this (Selectism, hyrcollective, highsnobiety) so I'll just send you to the All Beams site where you can buy it: www.allbeams.com