Menswear: Current Heavy Hitters

Here are a few things I liked from Forever 21 Men's and Urban Outfitters.
You can sort of play with the idea of these things and reinterpret it to fit your personal style.

Denim Vest $18.00




Armory Tee $14.00


Tie tee $13.00

I like the abstract tie idea. I'd wear it with this...

Short Sleeve Cardigan $14.00


Flannel Shirt $21.00


Slim Chino Pant $29.99


D Collection Prep School Blazer $128.00



There are different things you can do with these pieces. Think layers, texture and color play. These are all great individual pieces and I really think that denim vest is killer especially when paired with the blazer and those chinos.

New York Cares...

After One Year In New York - Kara

Kara, Feb 2007


Kara, Aug 2007


So I'm walking down the street in Soho the other day and see a young lady that would be great for a photo.

I introduce myself but she is already talking to me like she knows me. While she is talking (how was Sweden....blah, blah) I'm completely distracted trying to figure out how I know her. Finally she mentions that I had taken a photo of her last February at the Proenza Schouler/Target sale at Opening Ceremony.

So I take the picture and that night I look up the older photo she described and I was STUNNED.

I could not believe is was the same girl - I never would have recognized her.

All the big smile and Midwestern charm (she is from Oakbrook, Chicago) from the first picture are still there but now they are wrapped in a more sophisticated, urbane exterior.

She had mentioned she emailed me once about an internship so I found the email and replied asking how she had created such a dramatic change.

She mentioned the usual stuff like better stores (less mall shopping) and being inspired by the streets of New York (and my blog) and that New York just helped her be who she really felt like she was.

Actually the line that I think was the most telling but that she said like a throw-away qualifier was "I didn't know anyone in New York when I moved here...."

I think that is such a huge factor. To move to a city where you are not afraid to try something new because all the people that labeled who THEY think you are (parents, childhood friends) are not their to say " that's not you" or "you've changed". Well, maybe that person didn't change but finally became who they really are. I totally relate to this as a fellow Midwesterner even though my changes were not as quick or as dramatic.

I bet if you ask most people what keeps them from being who they really want to be (at least stylistically or maybe even more), the answer would not be money but the fear of peer pressure - fear of embarrassing themselves in front of a group of people that they might not actually even like anyway.

If you were really honest with yourself and really wanted to change your style what is keeping you from doing that? Is it really the cost? Is it really your psychical shape? availability of goods? Or is it not fitting in at your office, or PTA, or skateboard park?

Anyway, I have another example of this "New York effect" that will blow you away.

You have seen her recently on the blog and the difference between the first shot and the recent shot is shocking.

After One Year In New York - Kelly

Spring 2006


Summer 2007

Source: The Sartorialist


This is so true... This is why I love the city so much.
But look at the difference in those girls. There is a difference in attitude, confidence and sophistication. On point.
I was in New York interning for a month this summer... As soon as I returned home I donated and sold most of my clothes and shoes. I could no longer relate to them. New York is so inspiring...

Bensimon

I love these shoes. So many colors to choose from. I want the hightops.

Gap European Collection

The Sweater Dress $78.00

I love this blue color and the silhouette.

The Leather Bomber $350.00


For more of the Gap European Collection click here.

J. Lindeberg | Fall 2007

I love this look. It's so relaxed but still cool.


I like the synthetic fabric combined with the buttoned up shirt and the collar barely showing. Small details like that make all the difference in menswear.


The rolled cuff with suede grey shoes. The high waist on men is clearly amazing. Guys look into that. The belt is perfect.


Layering with a trench and amazing dark brown leather shoes.



Johan Lindeberg declared his ambition for this collection to bring his signature line to "a new level of luxury and personal expression." There is unexpected play with proportion and volume. Lindeberg showed high-waisted, button-fly, loose-legged pants; long shirts layered under cropped jackets and pea coats; an elongated patent bomber jacket; and sweeping greatcoats.
Source: men.style.com

Late Nights @ Target.com

So I was doing some late night browsing at the Target website. And I found a few fun and interesting things.
I'm in back to school mode... mainly because I have to be up in 3 1/2 hours to go to my first class.
And here are a few things I was digging on a very early monday morning.

If you're kinda fabulous...
Mango Tango Faux Croc Laptop Bag $47.99


For a more classic approach...
Mango Tango Quilted Faux Suede Laptop Bag $44.99



If youre more of a minimalist...
Varsity Tweed Notebook Computer Sleeve $29.99

This looks like a good pillow.. that is, if you ever needed a pillow and happened to be carrying this bag. Good for weekend road trips or for a busy day in the city.
I like the colors... and its mad cheap. The tan has got me hooked.
Two-Tone Satin Duffle Bag $6.49


I know but it's pretty cute. Someone you knows needs this!
Orange Crush Lunchbox $9.99


As much as I don't drink soda, I'm a still a sucker for Dr. Pepper.
...you can always put this on your new duffle.


Libertine Trench Coat $39.99