SAVE - New Balance for J. Crew 1400 Sneaker - $130

I still have fond memories of my first pair of grey New Balance sneakers from when I was a kid. They go with everything and add a sporty but sophisticated look to any outfit.

This 1400 model, a special collaboration between New Balance and J. Crew (available only at J. Crew) that was originally only available in Japan, comes in both green and navy suede. Additionally, these sneakers are hand made in the USA and are extremely comfortable. And trust me, they only get better with age. Save.

SPLURGE - Missoni x Converse - $200

Missoni and Converse enter their second season of collaboration with two new high top models for Fall. Each comes with a distinctive black and white Missoni print and brown leather detailing on the tongue, toe, and interior. I'm partial to the more zig-zag print (above), but I think both look great. At $200, they aren't that bad as far as designer sneakers go. Be sure to check them out this fall at the Missoni store on 78th and Madison. Splurge.

Best Accessories - Milan - Spring 2011

The men's collections in Milan have turned out a variety of accessories for spring 2011. Let's start with the footwear. I used to believe whole-heartedly that mandals were the biggest style offense, and now I am eating my words. Both Gucci and Bottega Veneta have successfully re-interpresented the fashion faux pas to create mandals that I could see working as easily with a summer suit as a bathing suit. Prada also produced a fancy pair of footwear in the form of lace-up wing tips with platforms. Though they will probably be expensive, and probably not entirely wearable, that doesn't stop them from looking great on the runway.



Large man-bags are also in for spring 2011. Whether it's a large woven tote at Bottega Veneta, or a large leather carryall at D&G, the Italians sure know how to make a great bag. Definitely worth the investment for these carefully constructed and timeless products.



Designer sunglasses are crazy expensive so I would suggest waiting until the styles trickle down to lower priced lines (becuase at the end of the day, they are all made the same way with the same materials), but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a sneak peak at what we'll all be wearing on the beach come 2011.


Off the runway, Tommy Ton at GQ visited the showrooms in Milan to scope out the hottest accessories. Tod's turned out, as always, amazing sneakers and driving shoes in every color of the rainbow. In addition to footwear, they also produced great woven leather bracelets in different color combinations. Though I'm not into man jewelery myself, these bracelets look surprisingly masculine.



Ally Capellino produced some amazing bags for spring 2011. Known for her durable construction and quiet branding, Capellino created a collection of beautifully timeless pieces in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors.

SPLURGE - Lanvin Sneakers - $734.40

I will probably never own a pair of Lanvin sneakers, but I can dream can't I... Splurge.