SPLURGE - Balmain Shearling Jacket - $4,787

Balmain or four months rent in one of the most expensive cities in the world? For some, this is a tricky question. As scary as that might sound to some of you, take a closer look and try to understand why those with deep pockets and the weak conscious necessary to spend upwards of $3,000 on a coat, choose Balmain. Making shearling for men look rugged and masculine is no small fete, but Christopher Decarnin pulls it off in a functional coat the is dripping in sexiness. (Sell an organ and...) Splurge.

SPLURGE and SAVE - Marc by Marc Jacobs Leather Jacket - $798, down to $480

A leather jacket is essential for Fall/ Winter, and boy have I found you guys a great one. This Marc by Marc Jacobs piece is the classic perfecto jacket with a subtle design approach that results in a slimming, badass, and lightweight leather jacket without too many bells and whistles. And if you act quickly, you can get it 40% off (down to $480 from $798) at Saks Fifth Avenue! Splurge and Save.

A quick history of the classic Perfect Leather Jacket:

First produced by Schott NYC in 1913 and named after the designer Irving Schott's favorite cigar, the Perfecto® leather jacket has been a fashion staple of everyone from The Sex Pistols, to icon James Dead, to West Village hipsters. The classic style has been adapted by a range of designers, in both women's and men's models, since its inception.

SPLURGE - Yigal Azrouël Leather Jacket - $1,475

I know I shouldn't say this but...forget Phillip Lim! Remember when I told you I had found it (it being the perfect leather jacket) a couple of weeks back? Well I spoke too soon because this time, I really found it. This Yigal Azrouël piece is everything you could want in a leather jacket. It's beautifully crinkled black leather looks worn in yet refined with pockets in just the right places and a leather hood that can be rolled up into a high collar. Its adjustable zip-up sleeves are an edgy touch and it's warm as shit.

Even the sales man who rung me up (YES I DID IT, but it was a both a birthday present and two pay checks) admitted to purchasing one for himself when the fall shipment arrived a few weeks earlier, adding that he usually reserves Yigal's leathers each season because they go quick. This is really the definition of an investment piece, and I already have big plans for it this winter.

Above, find the look on the runway next to a snapshot of me after I took it home. The ironic thing is that the first leather piece I ever fell in love with was Yigal's leather from last fall (which I have posted below, even though I know it's a tease considering it's no longer available). Considering the fact that he has no formal design training, Mr. Azrouël has done an amazing job perfecting the grungy and modern look. I always enjoy supporting young designers who make their garments in America, and I highly suggest stopping by his location in the Meatpacking District to check out his other wears. Splurge.

(Yigal Azrouël, Fall/Winter 2009)

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!