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.

TO SPLURGE OR TO SAVE - Finding the Perfect Pair of Sunglasses

You may notice that even though this is a "to splurge or to save" post I haven't really included any saves. This is primarily because there is no need to post the saves. Anyone can go down to Canal Street/ their local gift shop and buy a pair of cheap knock-offs, and that is definitely a valid choice in the face of sunglasses that cost well over $500 in department stores and online, but when investing (and its definitely an investment at these prices) in a pair of sunglasses, you need to do your research.

For example, it is said that people with round faces look better in squarer frames, whereas people with squarer faces look better in rounder frames. Experiment with different models and brands; while most brands make a wayfarer or an aviator, they're all different. Make sure to feel the weight of the sunglasses as many have heavy frames that can begin to way on you after a couple hours of wear. Also access the durability of the frames: will they be good for sports and activities? Can they survive a fall on the ground? Will the loose their shape over time?

When spending into the hundreds of dollars on anything I feel questions need to be asked about the product. On that note, enjoy the sunglass "porn" I have posted below.


KBL Eyewear Sunglasses ($135)

Balmain Sunglasses ($622.40)


Ray Ban Sunglasses ($182)



Oliver Peoples Sunglasses ($360)


Super Sunglasses


Oliver Peoples Sunglasses ($390)

**** fun fact: most of these sunglasses probably cost less than $10 to make