Red, White, and Green

Who else is feeling the military trend this season? No, it's not just for girls. I just got a new Edun military parka from Bloomingdales (post to come once I get proper photographs) and I'm loving it. This season all of the designers are doing them from Acne to Marc by Marc Jacobs to Gap, which means there are plenty of options at plenty of price points [coats in collage (clockwise from top, center): Club Monaco, Burberry, Paul Smith Jeans, Barbour]. Pick one up and pair it with some jeans and boots and your good to go!

Collage by me, photos courtesy of: VMan, Details, GQ.com

FALL MAILERS (Continued) - Barneys CO-OP

Here are a selection of my favorite pages from the most recent Barneys CO-OP mailer. CO-OP always does a great job of styling their clothes in interesting and urban looks that, while not necessarily my style, definitely show off the offerings. A great shoot always makes for clothes that I want to buy, and these pages have both.

(From Left to Right, guys standing) Woolrich Woolen Mills, Stone Island, Duvetica

PS Paul Smith, Paul Smith Jeans

Rag & Bone

JunyaWatanabe Man, Comme des Garçons

Gant by Michael Bastian

Fall Buy - Barneys, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman

Earlier this week I hit my three favorite B's (Barney's, Bergdorf, Bloomingdales) for you guys in search of the best buys for Fall 2010. This fall will be all about the play on workwear and military inspired garments mixed with lush knits. I've tried to find garments that are not too trendy and will give you the most wear for their price.

Barneys:

My trip to Barneys began and ended with my search for the perfect toggle coat. While the classic Barbour or Peter Elliot option is certainly viable, I'm looking for something a little bit more modern, and a little less bulky.

This Gloverall coat was interesting, but still restrained with the exception of the leather panels on the upper chest. At almost $600, I was hesitant.

The search was over, though, when I came across this Oliver Spencer version. Priced at $100 less than the Gloverall (probably the best price in the whole store), this option is much more intriguing (plaid with contrasting brown leather detailing), light, and fitted. Ladies and gentleman, we have a winner! Sorry the picture is quite blurry, but I had to be secretive. Barneys is strict about the whole taking photos thing in case you didn't know.

Bloomingdales:

Bloomingdales has really stepped it up this season. Usually their men's selection is one of three things: extremely basic (they specialize in mountains of Theory, always for sale), incredibly outlandish ($2000 Marc Jacobs vests anyone?), or cheap. I guess I didn't give them enough credit because their fall men's wears are, for the most part, reasonably priced, on trend, and chic. Here are some examples:

John Varvatos Toggle Cardigan (Around $700)

Michael Kors Khaki Jacket with Grey Hoodie Insert (Around $325)

Comme des Garçons Parka ($1,100)

Paul Smith Fair Isle Sweater (Around $275)

Moncler Hidden Hood Parka (Around $780)

I think the John Varvatos sweater is a great statement piece, the Michael Kor's jacket is warm and the perfect take on workwear, the Comme des Garçons parka is full of design details (EX: a plaid patch on the upper back and rich brown leather elbow patches), the Paul Smith sweater is chic and phenomenally priced, and the Moncler coat is comfortable and simple.

Bergdorf Goodman:

BG was pretty dry with the occasional breath-taking piece that I could never afford, though I did manage to find a nice Lanvin scarf (still ridiculous at around $300), and some really cool bracelets.

At the end of the day, I'm going back for the Oliver Spencer Coat, the Paul Smith Sweater, and possibly a Moncler OR the Comme des Garçons jacket. Where the money is coming from for all of these is still a mystery...

UPDATE: A better look at the Comme des Garçons parka courtesy of Trés Bien Shop.

Paul Smith - Spring 2011 - Review

Paul Smith takes the middle road, somewhere between that of Versace and John Varvatos, for spring 2011's rockstar trend. Though Mr. Smith is known for his rocker worthy clothing, this season he shifts away from the slim, brightly colored suits and dresswear he is famous for, and into a moody color palette of relaxed garments fit for attending, or performing, a concert under the stars.

The only shot of color this collection receives is through two psychedelic prints, one of purple, pastel green, and red, the other of purple and orange, both utilized in tees, dress shirts, and pants to add to the signature Paul Smith flamboyance. Though this flamboyance does manifest in the form of button-down pirate shirts with bow ties, an almost metallic silver trench, undone cuffs turned up over velvet blazers, and short shorts paired with boots over socks (an almost construction worker-like look), this collection was one of his more wearable for the common bowery bum.

My favorite pieces included a black leather jacket early in the collection, a grey one-button blazer with black detailing on the pockets, a pair of skinny black pants, and all of the scoop neck vintage tees.

I enjoyed the collection because of its playfulness and cohesive message, but I can't help but get a little turned off by the heaviness of these garments that are meant for spring, especially while I am writing this review from a smoldering New York City. On the other hand, the darker palette means that these pieces will carry into the fall/winter season quite well, especially the tees and blazers, which will be perfect for layering. I guess at the Paul Smith price point versatility is always a plus.