WEEKEND WATCHING - The Kooks Music Videos

Rocker chic meets home movie in The Kooks' music videos. After watching them all, I feel like I really get this band. They're laid back, stylish, rock & roll kids in every sense. If they aren't truly that way in person, so be it, but I'm content with living in their fantasy world where you get to wear effortless clothes, sing in abandoned lofts overlooking the river, and bounce around the globe holding auditions and meeting girls.

SAVE - Jack Spade Sale

This is just a quick picture I snapped of my very own Jack Spade bag I bought last year at their summer sale. While they decided to discontinue this specific model after customer feedback suggested it was too big (myself, I think it's the perfect size), there is a similar version, along with a host of other bags, small leather goods, accessories, and ready-to-wear at deep discounts in both their Soho and West Village locations. Make sure to check it out this weekend while you're enjoying the wonderfully cool weather. Save.

SAVE - The Herschel Supply Co. Backpack - $55

I just ordered this bad boy from Need Supple Co. the other day and it just arrived. In addition to its space, durability, and style, this backpack is also full of functional details like an interior iPod pocket with a hole for the headphones, a leather handle, and a large front pocket. And at $55, it's a no-brainer. Save.

SPLURGE - Weekend Warriors: Saturdays and Warriors of Radness Collaboration

I just realized that I haven't dedicated a post to Saturdays OR Warriors of Radness yet... Well lets knock them both out with one post!

Saturdays is a modern surf company (I say modern to rid your mind of images of below the knee board shorts and over-done graphic tees) based out of Soho. In addition to their own line of swim suits, tees and the like, they also carry great surf and skate inspired brands such as Vans and Lightning Bolt, as well as surf boards, wax, and coffee, in their flagship. Warriors of Radness, for something completely different (not), is a colorful surf brand that tends to crank out collections somewhat resembling what a hipster would wear in an 80's workout video. They have great tees and swim suits, as well as a stamp of approval from the hipster Mecca, Opening Ceremony, where they are carried.

Together, it's pure bliss. Tanks, tees, and swim suits in black, white, blue and red, all with variations of the Weekend Warriors logo. They are perfectly branded, and from what I can say about them only judging by the Saturdays tee I own myself, exceedingly comfortable. The collaboration is available exclusively at the Saturdays Surf location at 31 Crosby St. While I don't know prices just yet, I'm sure you'll want to scoop more than one of these items up, so lets consider it a splurge for now.

SPLURGE - Aviator Nation Hoodie - $150

When you get bored of the white/black tee and skinny jeans, throw an Aviator Nation Hoodie into the mix to add a little color to the ol' wardrobe. Though they may be a little pricey, I'm officially declaring them the new Free City, and those puppies are expensive (around $248 to be precise). If the sweatshirt isn't your thing, make sure to check out their sweatpants and tees as well. Splurge.

SAVE - Sperry Bahama Shoe - $55

Looking for the perfect fall shoe that goes with everything? Aren't we all. Well I think I found it. It's the new Sperry Grey Wool Bahama shoe. I know, you're thinking, "Aren't Sperry's typically boat shoes? What good are they going to do me in the winter?" Well let me tell you two things my friends: 1) I wore my blue lace up Sperry's into the ground all last year and they look great with almost everything, and 2) This Bahama model is winter appropriate. If you don't believe me, order a pair and see for yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed.

WHAT I'M WEARING - Casual Friday

I'm looking outside my window and it's gloriously sunny, but according to The Weather Channel is is going to thunderstorm later... Well I guess I'll bring a packable rain jacket just in case.

Jacket: Uniqlo J+

Shirt: Shipley & Halmos

Jeans: Vintage Levi's

Belt: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Shoes: Sperry Topsider for J. Crew

A few quick notes on these items. Get them all! Let's start from the top down. This Uniqlo J+ jacket is light, and water tight. Its chic shade of green will go great with jeans, and its futuristic fabric is shiny enough to make its simple and clean design stand out. The Shipley & Halmos shirt is probably the best looking and fitting shirt I've ever owned. I bought it just yesterday at Scoop, on sale for $69! The jeans: I promise I will do a post on them later. The Marc by Marc Jacobs belt is a classic, thick brown leather belt. I think it was maybe $30... Not sure, I got it so long ago, but it's still going strong. The shoes I've been over.
Have a great weekend and try not to get drenched.

WEEKDAY WATCHING - CNN Revealed, Dolce & Gabbana

20 years in the menswear business ain't no joke, and neither are Dolce & Gabbana. Likewise, their brand, after two decades, has truly established itself as a juggernaut in the men's market. Though that may seem intimidating to the average customer - sorry, luxury customer - judging from this video of the two in action, they are nothing but sweet, welcoming people genuinely enamored with their work in design. Enjoy the video from CNN's Revealed series and make sure to check out their beautiful Spring 2011 collection.

INSPIRATION - Yves Saint Laurent

I was looking at some old Arrow ads and found this outfit. Notice anything? Well if you were following the coverage of the Spring 2011 shows you should see a similarity between this look and a slew of looks from YSL. It seems Stefano Pilati took his inspiration from the 30's... Just thought it was interesting.

LOOKBOOK - Band of Outsiders - Fall 2010

One of my favorite menswear brands, Band Of Outsiders, has just released their Fall 2010 lookbook. Polaroids are shot in their informal and cadid style, and the looks are preppy with a modern twist, all classic Band of Outsiders. Though the price tags on most of these items are likely to be hefty, those looking for the perfect blue blazer or rugby shirt are sure to find the perfect fit in an option from Band of Outsiders. Find the full lookbook on their website.

SPLURGE - Spring 2011 Pre-Orders

I know, I know, I have been doing a lot of splurges lately, but can you really blame me for this one? I go for a quick view of luisaviaroma and discover that they have pre-orders for the Spring 2011 collections online already! And by look! I always think it's exciting to see what actually makes it into stores after the runway shows, and judging by the selection on luisaviaroma, it's a fair amount, but under half of the runway offerings (at least so far) for the majority of the collections. Anyway, I went through it all and pulled my favorites from the Dior Homme, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, KrisVanAssche, Dsquared², and Neil Barrett shows. The prices are out of control, but there is no doubt that these are some beautiful garments (and shoes). Splurge - come Spring.

(Burberry Prorsum Coat - $2,495.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Belted Leather Jacket - $3,899.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Side-Zip Sweater - $1,095.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Trench - $2395.00)

(Dior Homme Jacket - $2,258.20)

(Dolce & Gabbana Ripped Faded Jeans - $544.90)

(Dolce & Gabbana Faded Jeans - $461.00)

(Dolce & Gabbana Lace-up Shoes - $527.10)

(Dolce & Gabbana Shorts - $522.20)

(Dsquared² Double-Breasted Jacket - $1,836.00)

(KrisVanAssche Belted Jacket - $1396.00)

(Neil Barrett Khaki Jacket - 1,032.90)

BRAND PROFILE - Acne

A new (and exciting!) category is making its debut on Natty NYC: Brand Profiles. From now on, I'll be picking my favorite brands and profiling them for you guys, as well as choosing a few of my favorite items and sharing them with you. In honor of their new store opening in London, I decided to dedicate the first post to one of my favorite brands: Acne. I know the joke has been made about the unfortunate name, but don't let that turn you off, because if you do, each season you'll be missing out on an amazing collection of garments that offer incredibly designed and constructed basics, as well as more avant-garde pieces.

If you are unfamiliar with the brand, start with a quick peruse of their online store. It's one of my favorite, not just because of all of the fashion porn on display, but because they truly upload every single piece that is produced. Doesn't it bother you when you see something in an ad or a magazine, and the brand doesn't have it listed on their e-commerce site, even though they clearly sell it? Well it bothers me, and this is just another reason why I love Acne: you see it, they got it. Online. Every time.

Next, lets talk about the clothes. Oh the clothes! They really speak for themselves. Classic pieces reworked with clever details, features, and fabrics, all incredibly comfortable with a modern fit. Examples: A perfecto leather jacket lined with thick shearling, a grey cardigan with fingerless clove inserts, and high-top moccasins with leather panels meant to look like metal plating. Apart from these, there are simple chinos, sweatshirts, turtlenecks, blazers, and tees that would be great additions to any man's wardrobe.

And then there are the jeans. Originally, Acne got its name for their denim, and looking at their selection, it's certainly not hard to see why. There are a variety of interesting washes in addition to the everyday blue, black, white, and grey offerings, as well as a collection of fits.

I know the price point may seem a little "exclusive," but I really believe that the design and construction of these garments makes them worth every penny. So head down to their location on Greene St. in New York and check out the new collection. Below, find a couple of my favorite looks for fall/winter and some shots of their new store, curtesy of Susie Bubble.







Sources: Style Bubble, Acne Studios

SPLURGE - 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Jacket - $1,100

Looking for that perfect leather jacket? I have been for a couple of years now. I'm looking for that jacket that isn't too flashy, yet isn't run-of-the-mill, especially if I'm going to be required to hand over a hefty sum of cash. Basically it needs to be a long lasting, good quality, and good looking piece. I've found candidates a few times, but for some reason it never works out (too expensive, they don't have my size, etc.).

Well, this time I did it guys. I found it! Yes it's expensive, but this is it. The perfecto leather jacket is handmade of lambskin and modernized by one of my favorite designers: Phillip Lim. It's super warm, yet not too heavy. Slim fitting, but I can still lift my arms over my head and layer a sweater underneath. Anyway, I could gush about it for years, but here it is. Good thing my birthday is in a few weeks and the paychecks are still rolling in because the purchase of this one is definitely going to be a team effort; team Dad and I.

Normally, this is the part where I would say "splurge," but at the rate this jacket is selling out, there is no way I'm recommending anyone purchase it before me!


Oh fine here's a better view from Bergdorfs' website. Leave me a size small!

SPLURGE - Salvatore Ferragamo - $495

As a result of the rain, I decided to go for these thick rubber soled Ferragamos from my Dad's closet. Though he is a size or two smaller than I am, the Ferragamos still carried me comfortably through about 3/4 of the day...that was when the size problem came in. Yet even two sizes too small, these shoes were one of the most comfortable pair of dress shoes I've ever worn. Though I was a little resistant to their chunky look when my Dad first brought them home, I've decided that they create an interesting look with a slim pair of khakis. A look that is officially on trend for spring 2011 (see: Prada). Though I know it's a little early for next year, they are pretty pricey, so start saving! Find them at select Saks Fifth Avenue Locations or online here. Splurge.

SPLURGE - Moncler at Bloomingdales - EXCLUSIVE Preview

I sat next to the nicest buyer from Bloomingdales on the Luxury Liner out to Southampton today. Apart from discussing the retail industry, she also gave me a sneak peak of their Moncler buy for Fall/Winter 2010. They bought 25 styles all together, but these are my three favorites. They are all new this season, and one is even exclusive to Bloomingdales, so head over to their 59th street location when they arrive in August and pick up one of these super warm coats for this winter. Splurge.

This model is reversible and also comes in navy. My favorite!

SAVE - Spring Sales - up to 60% off

Ah, yes. It is that wonderful time of year. The time for spring sales. It seems so ridiculous, though, that spring/summer is on sale when the season hasn't even ended, right? Well it is. How can stores manage to sell through when seasonal merchandise is only in stores for three months before new merchandise arrives? They can't, that is if they place a normal sized order. To compensate for the ever shortening selling period for each season, and the economic downturn's effect on consumer spending, stores are condensing their orders, effecting designers who rely on the store orders to make make money as well as get their product in the public eye.

The only group that this wacky schedule benefits is the consumer. Not only do we get a rotation of new goods every three months, but we get deep discounts on those items we didn't feel like paying full price for, and we don't even have to wait for the season to end. This means I can buy a chic Steven Alan plaid shirt from Barneys that is meant for spring/summer in July for $99, down from $205, and still get another two months of wear out of it, and if I purchase wisely, maybe even carry it into fall (all of which I did!).

I took a few pictures (taken secretly) of my favorite items on sale this season from Barneys and Bloomingdales. I was mostly on the look out for modern basics that were seasonless. Hope you like. Save.

BARNEYS:

Frank & Eileen Plain Button Down - $79

Chimala Grey Jeans - $169

Chimala Green and Navy Stripe Tee - $59

James Perse Khakis - $129

BLOOMINGDALES:

Ernest Sewn Ripped Jeans - $170 (Modeled by me)

Richard Chai Parka - $250

Acne Plaid Button Down - $135

* All prices listed are sale prices
** Confession: I purchased the Frank & Eileen shirt, as well as a Barneys Co-Op cashmere sweater ($99 people!), the Steven Alan Plaid shirt, and a Save Khaki Green Military Jacket (not on sale, unfortunately), all of which are not pictured. And I'm going back for those Ernest Sewn ripped jeans. Don't Judge me, I still have half of my second pay check.

Lady GaGa GMA Concert - Friday, July 9th, 2010

Yesterday I was invited by a good friend of mine to attend the Lady GaGa Good Morning America Toyota Concert Series concert with VIP tickets. Of course I said YES! So I got up at 4:30 A.M. this morning (kill me...) and headed over to 30 Rock. After a little wandering around we got our passes and were escorted into the mosh pit on the left side of the stage.

The view was great and I got some stunning pictures! Lady GaGa is truly one of the most amazing performers of our time. The earlier pictures are from the rehearsal that she did an hour before the actual show. Her voice was seamless right out of the gate and when she came back for the actual show it was even better.

2 songs into her set the skies opened and after a short break she was right back, writhing on top of the piano. But then the clouds returned and this time it was a rough. Instead of calling it off though, she used it to make the show even more dynamic. Watching her sing and dance in the rain, totally focused and intense, was one of my favorite New York moments.

While her rehearsal costume was essentially lingerie, her performance costumes ended up as the same thing once the blazers came off (which they always did). Though a tad underwhelming compared to the kind of outfits we see her go to the airport in, she looked great and the whole experience was once of a kind.