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!

Clement Chabernaud for GQ Style Germany: Things I Love

It's no secret that I'm a fan of model Clement Chabernaud. There's an ease about him that translates well regardless of what he's doing. He's all over the place now -- fronting for brands, walking every men's show from New York to Paris to Milan to London, and in a ton of editorial. 

This morning I came across some snaps of a shoot he did for GQ Style Germany and loved the 50's-esque styling with a French flair, shot in Palm Springs. Quite a combination.

A favorite color trifecta -- navy, yellow, and white. Love the bright jacket and blue neckerchief.

Super chic poolside with a simple one button jacket, buoyant pocket square, and (of course) Gucci loafers.

While I don't think I'd pull off the sheer top, I was into the lightweight styling for Spring.

You can see more from the shoot here + more of Clement here!

Yellow Yellow Yellow: Things I Love

Most of you know that I have two color obsessions... yellow and navy. I can't get enough of either (as evidenced by the yellow sweater I just bought from Gant Rugger).


Well to celebrate the vast number of colors they've used since 1941 Coach is starting a really cool project called ColorTag. It's a way to identify with your favorite color, see the products it was created with, and more.

Of course when they asked which color I would choose, YELLOW popped right off the page. So here it is!


Check out the Facebook page they've created where if you're obsessed with color charts like I am, you'll have a blast... enjoy!


 

Cotton Sweater from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

I really think that Gant Rugger is not only staying consistent and on brand, but getting better and more refined each season. So it was no surprise that Christopher Bastin was just named Creative Director at Gant.... well deserved.

Recently I popped into the Rugger store on Bleecker street and picked up this great sweater from Fall '12. It's a really lightweight cotton and silk blend, a perfect transition piece between seasons.

And while it came in a few different colors, I of course went with the yellow. Couldn't help myself!

I wore the sweater for the first time last week over a white tee, but really like how they styled it for the lookbook... given how light the sweater is, it creates a transparency that lets you see the shirt + tie combo underneath.

You can see all of the colors (plus other great Fall finds) on the Gant site...

Yellow Suit from Woolrich John Rich & Bros: Things I Want

Spring 2013 for the Woolrich label John Rich & Bros. has a great blend of traditional silhouettes mixed with technical fabrics and detail.

It was enhanced (for me at least) by a lot of yellow incorporated across the collection. I was particularly drawn to this three piece suit...

I really loved the color but also the waxy/shiny texture of the fabric which definitely helps it stand out (although just the color could probably do that), and keeps it well aligned with the general Woolrich aesthetic.

Overall the collection had a lot of interesting pieces, check them out at The Fashionisto.

Striped Tee by A.P.C.: Things I Want

It's almost May and the build-up of my summer wardrobe continues. I came across this striped tee from A.P.C. on Mr. Porter and loved the shock of color.

A nice variety of stripes (especially the big yellow block) that allow this to be worn with any combo of jeans, shorts, swimsuits this summer.

Definitely on my want list!

Summer 2012: Swimsuit Review

It's that time of year... the annual swimsuit hunt. I had started looking a few weeks ago, compiling in my mind the list of suits I liked, and thought I'd do a little share. 


I normally have a few guidelines -- has to be a box cut, no Speedos, and nothing too long (my Osklen board shorts being the lone exception). So here are a few I've seen that I am considering for the season...


First up is this pair from Saturdays Surf, their Ennis boardshort. I popped into their store recently and really liked this two-toned look. Not too long, subtle colors, and easy to wear in and out of the pool.

Another option I am looking at is the J. Crew Portofino Trunk. This one is in their "tidal stripe" and the 5" length is perfect for me. Also appreciate the side pocket for phone, keys or other accessories... as long as I don't forget the phone is in there, which happened last summer!

Who is not talking about Orlebar Brown these days. They are everywhere, and in a good way! Bringing great shorts that can be worn on the beach or on a hike, in a variety of lengths and colors. They also did a great collab with Nick Wooster! 

I'm a big fan of their Setter, which is another 5", and how could I not jump at the bright yellow ones. So good!

As you know, I can't stay away from prints no matter how hard I try. From Peruvian produced  brand Olasul comes the Geo Blue 5" short that I am totally drawn to! Nice length, quick drying, and some eye-catching goodness. 

I couldn't resist a look at these seersucker shorts from Thom Browne for Black Fleece. I tried these on yesterday and not only did they fit really well, they have the Thom Browne details like mother of pearl buttons, black silk buttons on the waist, and an overall elegance about them. But it's a swimsuit... that I could wear with a bowtie!

I've been drooling over Burberry Prorsum's Spring collection and when I saw these vinyl shorts at Bloomingdales I was smitten. Another print heavy option, and something that will standout. I liked the subtle black and white patterned background with the yellow and blues popping out over it.

Stay tuned for me to share which of these suits I end up with (or perhaps mutiple!) for some summer fun!

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!

Prints Prints Prints from Agi & Sam: Things I Want

Today I came across a label I wasn't familiar with... agi & sam, created by Agape Mdumulla and Sam Cotton. Having worked for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Carolyn Massey, the duo have released images for their third collection, entitled "Tabasco, Tequila, and Tomato Juice".

It is definitely a print heavy, bold collection with a very artistic approach. Given my adoration of anything bright and printed, I took to some of the pants, as well as the yellow coat shown below.

Currently without U.S. distribution (although I could definitely see this line at Opening Ceremony), I will be keeping an eye out for future work from agi & sam.

You can see more photos from the collection at Hypebeast.

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...

Timex Weekender Watch: Things I Have

For the past two years my go-to casual watch was a bright yellow Nixon. I loved it + got a lot of compliments... but it was starting to feel stale and I needed a change!

So the last time I wore the Nixon, someone complimented me on it and I gifted it to them. Which meant I needed a new watch! Timex has been doing some really fun stuff (starting with their inclusion at J Crew stores) and the price point is definitely right.

The Weekender was featured on Por Homme (a favorite site of mine) and I snatched one up.

When I went to the Timex site, they were offering 20% off... hurry up!

Red Sperry Boat Shoes: Things I Have

Today I went with my friend Carlo to do a little shopping... well it was me helping him pick out some basics for his closet. But I ended up (of course) getting a few things for myself.

Stopped by the Sperry Topsider store and tried on these red two-eye boat shoes, and the yellow nylon style from Band of Outsiders.

They were both great, but I went with the classic... super comfortable, treated with salt water so they're already a bit worn, I am super excited to wear these this summer!

You can get a better look at the Sperry website!

Chair from Canada: Things I Have

Falling into more of 'design' than 'fashion', here is a new chair I bought for my bedroom.

I walked passed the store OK over the weekend and saw the chairs displayed outside, in a bevy of colors. Gray, blue, green, and of course my favorite... yellow! I couldn't resist! I stopped by the store three times that day (luckily it is around the corner from my house) to look at the chair and then finally had to buy one.

Knowing me, it wasn't much of a decision on which color to get. I loved the brightnesss of the yellow and knew immediately it would sit in the corner of my bedroom (as pictured below).

The salesman told me it is made in Canada and that the design has been produced since the 50's. The plastic seat just fits onto the ring-shaped frame, and then you are set to sit.

Now, yellow was my first color choice but I may go back and get more of these chairs. Then the quandry will become, what color is next...

In the meantime, check out OK's website for more home and gift inspiration: http://okstore.la/gallery.php

Thom Browne S/S 2011: Things I Love

Where do I begin... I think I've written after every single Thom Browne show to say that I wish I could have been there. It is so much more than just seeing a collection -- it is an experience. From his Pitti show with 40 models sitting at desks, to showcasing a S/S collection at an indoor swimming pool, to models sleeping on cots to open the show... Thom does it all!

This season he moved the show for his own line (versus the collection he does for Moncler) to Paris. And he put the models in spacesuits. And they had yellow glitter lips (an evolution from his last NY show where they all had a black striped down their lips). And it all looked amazing!

Really liked the variation on the jacket and shorts -- a lot of stripes, use of Thom's core palette (white, blue, red, gray) and a very playful streak.

I've included photos from two of my favorite looks... sharks and some fun yellow madras. And while I want both, I know Thom's price points and firmly believe these will remain in my dream closet, and not my real one.

You can check out all of the looks at Style.com: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011MEN-TBROWNE. You can also see a video of the show from the T Magazine blog: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/28/now-screening-thom-browne-2/.

Enjoy!

Things I Want: Yellow Coat from Duckie Brown

Fashion Week is starting in NY (yeah!), so hopefully there will be a lot of great stuff to write about. Although first I'll take a pause * * to remember Alexander McQueen, who passed today.

Today Duckie Brown showed their F/W 2010 collection and there are some great pieces. I know I said that I was moving on from yellow being a key color for me, but I just can't let go. So here we are... a hot yellow coat, with a nice short length.

There was also a lot of tartan on the runway today, and I was digging that too (but of course just can't get away from yellow!)... so go to Racked National (their brand new site) and check out more photos: http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/02/11/liveblogging_the_shows_duckie_brown_2.php

Things I Want: Visvim Yellow Backpack

I have blogged about some Visvim items before... the very cool Japanese label that recently opened a showroom in Paris. They have some pretty amazing shoes but I have to say I was also sold on this backpack. And hey, it's time for back to school, so you need a new pack.

Made of ballistic nylon and available in a variety of colors, although y'all know there's only one color that caught my eye. Yellow.

You can check out the story and see more photos at the rockin' site Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2009/08/visvim-ballistic-backpack/

Things I Have: Yellow Nixon Watch

It is not news that I am all about yellow right now. And I also have a thing for rubber watches (already have two -- one from Diesel, one from Alessi).
But then I was just in Paris, at colette, and saw this one by Nixon... in yellow! I had to have it and so I did.

You can see it here (plus all of the other colors they have): http://www.colette.fr/#/eshop/article/133205/nixon/95/

Things I Want: Quilted Vans

I am loving these Vans! Great colors and the quilting is very cool. I definitely want to add these to my (growing) Vans collection... I think yellow (naturally!) and the black would work well in my closet. Oh, maybe red too.

You can read more about these lovelies at Hypebeast: http://hypebeast.com/2009/06/vans-2009-fall-quilted-slip-on-pack/

Things I Have: Belt by Phillip Lim

I think Phillip Lim is great... both his women's and men's lines (I found the cutest shirt of his at Harvey Nick's in Hong Kong... it was just one size too small). Totally a fan of the epaulets and the gold buttons he uses everywhere.

So, I picked up this rockin' yellow belt! I am so into yellow (I have yellow shoes and hopefully soon a yellow trench). For now the belt is enough & keeps me bouncin' throughout the day.

You can check out his collection at: http://www.31philliplim.com/