Fall Styling: Three Looks from Ports 1961

I definitely have an affinity for Fall. The opportunity to buy sweaters, jackets, and all things wool is something I just can't resist. So it was without hesitation that I took Details magazine up on the offer to style a few Fall looks from the expansive closet of global brand Ports 1961. 

It was hard to actually settle on just three, but I loved what I was able to come up with, and hope you do too!

First up -- I saw this cashmere rollneck sweater in their lookbook and knew I had to include it in my pull. The heathered red mixed with the solid swoops stood out to me and it's a piece that you'll see from across the room.

I paired it with wool pants and amazing keltie loafers. These are the pieces I'd put together on a snowy day when staying warm (and looking good) is paramount.

Next, there was a windowpane suit that caught my eye. I am seemingly always on the hunt for a new suit, and this one fit like a dream. But before we dive in there, I threw on this fantastic coat.

Navy (my go-to color), light enough for a Fall day, and I loved the paneling on the back. It was a feature in a lot of the Ports 1961 pieces from this collection and I thought it was a great subtle touch.

Now, about that suit... have to love something off the rack that fits you this well. Great attention to detail and the pattern was classic yet compelling. Another pair of keltie loafers (these in blue on blue) rounded out the look.

The finale was an unstructured green jacket, wool pants, and pebbled leather boots. One of the reasons I had to try the jacket was how well it can go from casual to dressed up. Large front pockets, soft shoulders, and a rich color make this a perfect Fall choice.

The wool pants included more of the paneling seen in the navy jacket above, and went really well with the leather boots. I also grabbed this beautiful leather tote bag -- it's important to have something to throw your scarf, gloves, and other Fall necessities in.

Talk about a fun day... it was such a pleasure to get to experience Ports 1961 and have an advance look at some of my major wants for Fall. 

And finally, here's a quick behind the scenes video shot on set... enjoy!

Michael Bastian Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Before showing his Fall 2013 collection, Michael Bastian hinted it would be about the darker side of New England. And there was definitely an edge to his looks on Tuesday night -- from eyeliner on the models, to a more somber palette, and some styling techniques (read: skinny suspenders + buttoned up polos) that gave me a little British goth influence. 

Bastian delivered on the amazing suiting he has become known for -- here with this double-breasted version worn by model Tom Bull (who has been everywhere this season). The tartan duffel is nice complement, and would be a spirited bag for Fall.

In a more casual suited look, this styling is pure Bastian -- the pants a little low-slung, the iconic belt buckle, and layered vest.

Here was another sweet spot -- gorgeous knits infused with an eye-catching pattern. Paired with these shockingly red pants and light overcoat complete a rainy day look, and one that I could definitely see myself in.

An example of the 'darker' side of this collection, this quilted black jacket (with extensive fur collar, naturally) and black leather pants. While Bastian's version of the pant is a little less fitted than what I saw at Todd Snyder, it's an interested trend for Fall. I also like the stitched knees (something Bastian also used on the Gant side for Spring).

Overall a strong continuation of the Michael Bastian brand, seen through such a clear lens that you see it and just know it's him. The edgier side is a nice translation for Fall and is in line with what a number of men's designers are channeling... go here for all photos of the collection.

Ovadia & Sons Fall 2013: Things I Love

The brothers of Ovadia & Sons continue to deliver the necessary pieces for a gentleman's wardrobe -- high quality, well crafted, classic pieces. But they deliver these collections season after season in a way that makes men of all ages want to look sharp and thoughtful about what they're wearing. 

Fall 2013 is no exception -- suiting, jackets, outerwear, knits -- all designed and styled to be completely approachable and easy to mix with anything else you've already got. There was also some whimsy -- jacket and pants with two-tone panelling gave an optical treat, and zig-zag striped ski sweaters took me back to the 1970's.

A key look for me was this navy blazer layered with red and black sweater and gray trousers. Simple yet neat. The double breasted military style coat in the background could easily be thrown over it all as it gets colder.

From the looks of it three-piece suiting is on a rise, and this version with the high-buttoned vest seems a good investment.

Finally, I couldn't resist the windowpane suit (so good), the tartan shawl, or the beret... the francophile in me just leapt at this whole look. 

You can see the rest of the collection here... all shot by rising star photographer Justin Chung. and given the Ovadia brothers are now also designing York Street for J. Press, expect to see more of them and their work.