Menswear Obsession: Wings + Horns Fall Winter 2010

My theory about a summer of bad menswear yielding an autumn teeming with good taste seems to have been proven true, if the Wings + Horns Fall/Winter '10 collection is any indication of what's to come. Among its offerings, I've found more than a few covetables to stalk. I've got my eye on the coats and jackets in particular, which are rich in texture and feature interesting design details without drowning in excessive doodads. You can check out the lookbook at the W+H site, but Blame it on the Bogi also has some great product shots:

 Beautiful, beautiful shirts, but alas, they bear the cursed button-down collar. WHY???

This lattermost is the blue I so badly want bf to wear. It would look so great on him, but I think he might have an aversion to it due to the fact that it resembles the hue of hospital scrubs.

Photos: www.blameitonthebogi.tumblr.com

New Gilles + Maurice Tees Pay Homage to French Culinary Contributions

It's been a minute since a graphic tee caught my eye (I usually cringe or sigh at their awful attempts at irony with idiotic slogans or faux-vintage junior high school mascots), but French design duo Gilles and Maurice recently released a collection of tees bearing gorgeously rendered illustrations of classic French pairings. Featured combinations include wine and cheese, coffee + a Gauloise, and a baguette with saucisson.  The best part? You can enjoy them without the calories (although looking at them may trigger cravings). Available for 39 euros a pop, they're currently only available at Auguste, but I'll keep my eyes peeled for stateside arrival.

Photos: www.augusteparis.com

Feeling Minnesota: J.W. Hulme's Bags Are Fit for a Rugged Outdoorsperson (or Just Looking Like One)

It's been an age since I did a men's post and a few of you have called me out on it, but the plain and simple explanation is that I just haven't found anything worthy of sharing. There was nothing particularly new or exciting in the world of menswear to inspire me, and I refuse to recommend stuff I'm not in love with just for the sake of posting. After a summer of inexplicable blandness (or just plain ugly) in the mens department, I'm really hoping this fall will be full of crush-worthy covetables. While catching up on A Continuous Lean, I came across a glimmer of hope in the form of J.W. Hulme, a century-old Minnesota bag company. A long-time ACL favorite, the heritage brand is back on the rise after nearly going under during the downturn.

Could this be my Fall weekender? My heart says yes, but the price tag says no. Medium Weekend Satchel in Graystone Canvas, $640 @J.W. Hulme.

The Sporting Originals collection is apparently just rolling into stores now (Steven Alan and Barneys). Classic Field Carry On Suitcase in Untraveled Canvas, $435 @Steven Alan.

Bottle guards, $100-340 @J.W. Hulme.

They also have this great little saddle bag that can be embossed with your initials. The leather is gorgeously rich and will probably age like a dream.  Legacy Handbag - Heritage Leather, $390 @StevenAlan.

Photos:
1-3) www.acontinuouslean.com
4) www.stevenalan.com

Holy Galoshes! Loeffler Randall Reissues the Matilde Rain Boot

Longtime readers may recall that back in '08, I scoured the far reaches of the internet for Loeffler Randall's Matilde rain boots, to no avail. I'm happy to report that after two years of waiting for a reissue, they're finally miiiiine! I spent damn near half an hour debating the merits of black vs. olive before eventually deciding on the noir slickers. It's a pity they weren't here for yesterday's epic mid-afternoon deluge, but I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities for splashing about with them this fall. If they turn out to be everything I hoped for and more, I'm going back for the olive, with the excuse that I've not once bought a pair of rain boots simply because I couldn't find a pair I liked.

UPDATE: Apparently, Active Endeavors has long been dead. Boo!
UPDATE 2: Aaaand we're live! If you don't live near a Neiman's, both the rain boots and booties are now available through Loeffler Randall's website in black, army green, and taupe. They won't ship out til 9/8, so if you were hoping to dodge the hurricane in style, you're out of luck. Also note that they're only available in full sizes, and although they recommend ordering a size up if you're a half size like me, my black pair is a bit too roomy in an 8, so I ordered a 7 in army.
UPDATE 3: The army ended up making me look a bit like a sanitation worker (as my bf so helpfully pointed out) so I'll be exchanging them for a pair of the booties.



Loeffler Randall Matilde Rain Boot, $195. Available in black, olive, and yellow.

Neiman's has the cute wedge bootie. Loeffler Randall Demi-Wedge Rubber Rain Bootie, $165.

Photos:
1-3) www.activeendeavors.gerobellumcom
4) www.neimanmarcus.com

Heavy Metal: The Return of Bling

I'm in the mood for bold, statement jewelry these days, but anything too flashy or ultra-shiny tends to trigger nightmarish flashbacks to Jenny-From-the-Block-era blinding excess (shudder, vom). Though oversized baubles have come back in a big way, they're not as nauseatingly in-your-face on this go round. A duller, gunmetal finish adds just the perfect amount of light-reflecting shine and prevents extra large adornments from looking extra tacky. Consider the following:

Graduated Hematite Bead Wrap, $24 @NeedSupply. The graduated sizing adds an interesting twist to a style we've seen before.

Old school glamour in a new school finish. Danni Jo Mariella Swarovski earrings in silver, $227 @ Otte.

Digby and Iona's Giant Cocktail Ring in gunmetal measures a whopping 1 1/4" x 7/8". The rough, faceted surface makes it seem more raw than precious. $170 @Catbird.

Oodles of links.  Paige Novick Knotted Chain Cuff in rhodium, now $230 (was $460) @Zoe. 

Photos: 
1) www.needsupply.com
2) www.otteny.com
3, 4) www.catbirdnyc.com
3) www.shopzoeonline.com

Autumn Calling: Falling for Fischer

Happy Monday (groan).  If you're feeling as bleary-eyed as I am this morning, here's a jolt of fresh, inspiring imagery to help banish the foggies. I came across these lovely looks from Fischer's Fall 2010 collection via Pia at the thinking tank, who very keenly observed that the model looks a lot like Julie Delpy. Love.

Designer Kristina Angelozzi studied menswear at Parsons so she's got the boys covered too:

More photos are available on the Facebook page, and from the looks of it, there's lots more to covet. 

UPDATE: I just heard from Kristina and she let me know that Thistle and Clover (a Shoptometrist fave!) will have 2 tops and the shorts and a few pieces will also be available online come October at The Clothing Menu, which will be launching it's webshop then, too.

Photos: Edwin Tse

Rhapsody in Grey: J.Crew's Fall Bags are TDF

As previously mentioned, I'm in no rush to see summer slip by, but I am growing ever more curious about the new Fall goodies. While stealing a peek at J.Crew's autumn accessories, I found a potential candidate for new BFF. With a quilted chevron pattern in a perfect goes-with-everything grey, a relaxed, slouchy shape and roomy interior, this bag is just begging to be taken along on all my autumn adventures.


Rhapsody hobo in carbon, $325 @ J.Crew. Also available in lovely shades of nutmeg and alpine moss. Don't the names just make conjure up the scent of hot apple cider and crackling fireplaces?

A shot of the roomy interior (shown in nutmeg) with contrast lining, built to accommodate your fuzzy mittens, neckwarmers, and perhaps even a pair of ice skates.

If you want a little more bling for your buck, the Rhapsody also comes in a chain-handle style for $285.

If you want something really warm and buttery, check out the Brompton hobo, which is available in the most gorgeous shades of espresso, carob, and henna, and for something cute with a bit of vintage charm, take a look at the itty bitty Jericho Pursette in deep Atlantic blue.
 
Photos: www.jcrew.com

Sunday Linkage: Guerilla Knitting, Lessons in Scarf Tying, and Summer in the Street

In which we take a break from shopping to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.  

It's been ages since I did a Sunday Linkage. Here we go again . . .

Hanneli Mustaparta snapped this girl (her name is Katy Smail and she's an illustrator), and the photo really captures New York summer style for me. Love the fading light, too -- it reminds me that the end of the season draws near :(

The lovely ladies of Vena Cava recently spotted this amazing work of yarn bombing:

All French women seem to come out of the womb knowing how to tie a perfect scarf, and now, thanks to a series of YouTube tutorials, you too can pull it off with the panache of a Gallic gal. Style Bubble recently posted a series of vids from Liberty of London, in which a charming French girl named Lauranne teaches you the ins and outs of a variety of styles, from the bow to the plaited headwrap (mon dieu!), in less than two minutes each. I happen to own several oversized scarves, but haven't the foggiest idea how to manipulate the large swathes of fabric to sit about my neck just so, and the video instruction worked marvelously. Somehow, Lauranne's thick French accent seemed to assist me tremendously in getting it right -- perhaps it channeled the necessary attitude?

Peekaboo Lace + Chiffon = Party-Worthy Look

On my last American Apparel bender, I picked up this frothy little number in black. I'm having it shortened into a mini dress to wear to an upcoming work soiree. The lace bodice and full skirt just scream party time. I plan to pair it with hair tied back in a low side pony and my favorite fuchsia lipstick.

I refrained from posting it in black, due to the braless, NSFW styling American Apparel chose to go with for that particular hue. Sleeveless Lace Chiffon Dress, $58. Available in black, peach (shown), tan, and lilac.

The back was the only part I could show:

My fave. Nars Semi-Matte Lipstick in Funny Face, $24 @ Blue Mercury.

Photos: 
1, 2) www.americanapparel.net
3) www.bluemercury.com

Going, Going, Gone: A Buffalo Horn Cuff is Forever

Made by the same horn jewelry maker used by Hermes, this little dose of arm candy is oh so timelessly chic I can't stand it.  It's been marked down to just $50 and there's only one left, so get on it!


Buffalo Horn Cuff, $50 (was $75) @ Gargyle.

Photo: www.gargyle.com

Never Can Say Goodbye: Summer Into Fall Dresses

Too suddenly, it's August, and the end of summer draws nigh. As you savor one last month of donning shoulder-baring sundresses and think forward to fall's fuller fare, you might want to pick up a few transitional pieces to ease your heartbreak. A few suggestions, via Urban Outfitters:

Dolce Vita's Carson Dress, with its hieroglyphic print and asymmetrical zip, looks summer fresh now with espadrilles, a pair of white sunnies, and an arm full of bangles, but come cooler climes, pair it with black tights, a long cardi, and some platform booties. $187.

Wear this delicate grey number as is for summer (I absolutely love how it's styled here) and throw on a chunky granny cardi for fall. Cooperative Sunday School Dress, $58.

Steven Alan's Lark and Wolff collab with Urban Outfitters yielded this gorgeous pintuck frock, which is sweet for summer, but embodies this autumn's decidedly more feminine silhoutte. Lose the braided belt and add vintage pumps, a cocktail, and an updo to turn it out for fall. $68.

Photos: www.urbanoutfitters.com

Shake Your Booties: More Loeffler Randall on Sale

Calling size 7's and 9.5's, if you've been covetously eyeing Loeffler Randall's Honey Perforated Booties on the feet of stylish passersby around town as I have, now's your chance to score them for more than 50% off (I'd do the math, but at two days in, it's already been a long week and my brain is short circuiting). The aforementioned sizes are on sale at Zoe for $220 (originally $550) and they look so great on that it'd be a shame to let them slip by.

Photos: www.shopzoeonline.com