the look book

As I plan my trip to New York at the end of this month, I’m trying to prepare for my first time in NY in the winter.  I know I’ll be doing a lot of walking so I’ve been exploring some warmer clothing.  I found a couple fabulous winter friendly items on The North Face website.  Take a look at these:

This one is very cool because it’s reversible!  Black on the other side.  But at $350, I may hold off since I know I’d only wear it a season or two and get sick of it.

I really like this one because it doesn’t look like a typical warm weather jacket, and at $130 it’s priced just right!

Keep warm!

Sometimes designers and shops will style the children in their catalogs in way that can be a full of color, pattern, design, and over all a lot more fun!  Whether it’s an interesting lining or a yellow shoelace, I often can find inspiration from children’s style.  Here’s a great example of it on Polo’s Italian site:

http://ralphlauren.it/global/V2/default.asp?cid=15&langid=7&ab=int_fd_italy

Click on the ‘RL Gang’ link in the lower left hand corner.

I really like the little handkerchief with the buffalo plaid flannel.  Cute!

I really do love simple outfits.  Where the cut shines above the color or accessories.  The outfit below was my inspiration for my outfit today.  Simple. The slim fit jeans and high tops give it a nice edge.

Something that is often forgotten is how refreshing nautical clothing can be for fall.  Right now St. James fall line has some great elements that can bring some fresh salty air to your fall wardrobe.

http://www.saint-james-tricots.com/men-2010-collection.php?num=0&id=00001058

Jcrew’s fall line has quite a few nautical pieces and at prices you can afford.  Here’s their ‘Deck Jacket’ at $118, this will get its use all fall and then you can bring it back on those cool spring and summer nights!

One of my favorite places to find inspiration is from stars.  I look at it this way, they have a team of people helping them create and maintain their signature style, so I can easily piggy back on the labor and creativity used in helping them create their look.

This last week, I’ve been inspired by Bruno Mars.  His look is a subtle mix of James Dean and what you’d think a contemporary R&B/Pop star may wear.

Here you can see him wearing fitted jean jacket, black jeans and a fedora.  The ray bans and fedora really give him that classic star look and mix well with the jean jacket and casual boat shoes.

This photo is a great example of his versatility.  He kept similar classic elements with the Ray Bans, Buffalo Plaid shirt, and white v-neck, but by adding the flat rimmed hat he updated his look and created a bit of an edge to it too.  Another succesful marriage of classic and contemporary.

For the last few years I have been completly impressed by Jcrew’s direction.  It’s focus on vintage inspired clothing and accessories and it’s partnernerships with some of the most well known and prestiges companies continue to inspire me.

Here’s a glmpse into Jcrew’s current parnerships:

http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/ingoodcompany.jsp

One of Jcrew’s newest partners is a company called C.R. Daniels.

http://www.crdaniels.com/

C.R. Daniels has a line of bags made from thick sturdy canvas.  They use the same canvas for their DANDUX line of clothing carts.  You know those carts you see at hotels filled with dirty towels.

Jcrew had C.R. Daniels create a bag for them inspired by on of their most famous bags, it was called a coal bag, pictured here:

I wanted to get the original bag so I contacted C.R. Daniels and they sent me the bag, it was about $35 all together with shipping expenses – a great deal considering the Jcrew one was over $100.

It’s a great bag, stands up by itself and will age very well.  The only downfall is that the handles aren’t big enough for over-the-shoulder carrying, but it’s still a fabulous bag!

I am completely excited that Filson has decided to partner up with Jcrew and Levi’s.  I fell in love with Filson a few years back when I saw an article in GQ featuring their canvas tote.  Since then I have purchased their medium and small duffel and their computer bag, but the bag I use most is the tote:

Here’s the tote featured on Levi’s website:

Filson on Jcrew:

I’m not certain why Jcrew added $15 to the price of the tote, but they did!

I’m really loving what ALEXANDER MQUEEN is doing!  Love the suspenders, ascot, holsters, hats, and all things MQUEEN!

Check him out online:

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Menswear.aspx

I really want to buy a holster and rock that out very soon, I need to check some army thrift stores tomorrow.  That was a suggestion by a facebook friend!

Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Recently, I’ve been feeling the excitment of fall! The cool weather, the layering options, and some of the trends that are showing up for fall! Remember wearing flannel, Doc Martens, and a sweatshirt around your waist? So very 90′s and much of those elements are back! I’m really excited for the boots!! Some of my favorite ones are at J Crew, Redwing, and Polo.

Also! I’m loving the bowties! Do you have yours yet?