City Stories: The Ghost That Wore a Stylish Trench

After a bleary-eyed peek through the blinds this morning revealed a moving canopy of umbrellas floating above rain-slicked pavements, I sighed in relief and happily threw on a comfy non-outfit consisting of black leggings, long cardi over black tank, and black rainboots (which I planned to keep on all day in order to avoid having to deal with pairing shoes to said non-outfit). As I've gotten older (read: sartorially apathetic), I've started viewing inclement weather as an excuse to dress like a slob. 21-year-old me would have fussed and fretted all morning trying to devise a cute outfit, insistent on braving the storm in 5-inch heels. I swear that the ghost of this 21-year-old me visited me this morning in an effort to save me by showing me what I've become.

As I sloshed my way to work through lake-sized puddles, I was stopped in my tracks by the sight of an immaculately dressed young man crossing Lafayette at Houston. Said young man wore a beautiful, perfectly fitted trench-style coat with loosely wrapped scarf showing through just so, his dark jeans tucked casually into duck boots. As I watched him effortlessly maneuver his way through a minefield of umbrellas, I was suddenly struck with shame. While it's not uncommon to see women in New York who somehow manage to look amazing in the thickest of blizzards, its not as often that you see a guy don the dapper-est of duds to go dashing through the snow.  That's what it took for me to realize that I was approaching a slippery slope -- one that could only end in Spanx, mom jeans, and sensible heels. So thank you, ghost-of-21-year-old-me-in-form-of-stylish-young-man, for punching me in the face. We'll see if the next rainstorm prompts me to make more of an effort, or at the very least, change out of my rainboots once at work. In the meantime, I'm going to try to track down that amazing trench, which looked a bit like this:

Kai-Aaakmann Grey Wool Trench, $325 @ Gargyle. It features horn buttons

Photos: www.gargyle.com

Mission Impossible? The Hunt for the Perfect Anorak

I've been searching high and low for a good army green parka or anorak for a long while, but every time I find one I like, it turns out to have some off-putting detail that just kills it for me -- it either looks hideous with my skin tone, is the wrong length, or is festooned with excessive doodads. However, this fall I've already come across two that look more promising than any I've seen before. Here's hoping one of them works (and here's hoping it's the less expensive one)!

Though I haven't bought anything by them since the 7th grade, Quiksilver's Evolution Jacket is the exact shade of olive I've been looking for! At a wallet-friendly $118, this one's a no-brainer. If you're as smitten as I am, hurry - it's already sold out at Need Supply, but you can still find it at Revolve.

On the more chic (and subsequently more expensive) end, we have this sophisticated Ali Ro Anorak Jacket. I love the way it's cut and the design details add interest without making it too busy. $325 @ Saks. It's much shinier in person than it appears in these photos, and has a very soft, silky texture.

Photos:
1) www.needsupply.com
2-3) www.revolveclothing.com
4-5) www.saks.com

Menswear Must-Have: The Dunderdon Jacket

Sigh. I love this brand (and perhaps all Swedish brands, I'm beginning to think). Dunderdon's outerwear for Fall 2010 perfectly exemplifies former carpenter/founder Per-Ivan Hagberg's guiding philosophy:

“Honest, simple designs are timeless. Our products should represent the highest craftsmanship and innovation, while never compromising on fit and style. We respect the past, but we don’t rely on it." 

Is it just my imagination, or have their price points dropped a bit from previous years? I don't remember it being this affordable. Whatever the case, snatch up one of these before you're left out in the cold:

Dunderdon Short Parka in Army, $195 @FrancesMay.

Lined in a cozy faux-sherling . . .

Dunderdon Outdoor Jacket in Navy, $186 at Frances May. This one takes you from fall to winter and back to spring with a button-out lining and button-off hood. UPDATE: I took bf to the Dunderdon Workshop and he left with this one in black. Looks so good on :)

Photos:
www.francesmay.com

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

J. Lindeberg's Spring Essentials: Ethan, Ives, and Travis

Boys, I'll try not to forget you as the shows steal my attention during Fashion Week. I will distractedly post some menswear finds for you while I'm in the grips of the mania that takes hold of the internet's fashion-minded populace twice a year.


Lucky for you, Tobi just got in a new shipment of J. Lindeberg and it's looking very, very good. Three pieces to covet for Spring:

1. A red-tipped cardi to keep you toasty til summer. J. Lindeberg Ethan Cardigan, $190.

2. A lightweight sweater with an electric stripe. J. Lindeberg Ives V-Neck Sweater, $160.

3. A windbreaker to fend off any lingering chill. J. Lindeberg Travis Jacket in Dark Blue, $205.

The contrast lining inside the collar is a nice little detail.

Photos: www.tobi.com

Guy Gifts Under $60: Toddland Track Jackets

Once upon a time, I had a major thing for 70's-inspired athletic looks, perhaps due to the influence of a father obsessed with the tennis stars of the era, whose weekend attire seemed to channel a Pakistani Björn Borg. In addition to an affinity for off-white polos, headbands, and sports goggles, I developed a particular weakness for a good track jacket. Though the vintage track jacket has been revived a few times, I've winced at these new incarnations, as they tended to be festooned with too many extra flourishes, and found their overtly retro look to be tacky. It was refreshing to discover these two clean, classic styles from toddland.


toddland - Men's Murph Fleece Track Jacket in Navy, $56 @ 80's Purple. Raglan style sleeves always make a guy's shoulders look better.

toddland - Mens Track Jacket in Blue, $59 @ 80's Purple. My dad used to have something almost identical to this, until I stole it from him in high school.

Photo credit: www.80spurple.com

Menswear Pick: Spiewak's Carson Field Jacket

A Spiewak coat is pretty tough to beat. If it's the make of choice for Iditarod sledders and Arctic oil riggers, chances are it's probably tough enough to handle a New York winter. What's more, the 105-year-old brand manages to marry its superior warmth and protection with modern, understated (but not boring) style, as exemplified in the Carson field jacket. I love the grey-olive hue.

Spiewak Carson Field Jacket in Shadow Grey, $211 @ Revolve.

 

Photo credit: www.revolveclothing.com

A Modern Take on the Detective Trench

The sharp shoulders and straight lines of this trench are more Inspector Clouseau than Jef Costello, less thug than private eye. It's just the thing for wandering through rain-slicked alleys under the orange glow of street lamps in hot pursuit of the Pink Panther, shoulders stiff and hands thrust deep into pockets, eyes darting back and forth while searching for clues to the whereabouts of the wily and elusive feline foe. It might be a stretch, but I can't help but think it's more than a coincidence that the style name for this Whyszeck trench is Peter (as in Sellers, perhaps).

Whyszeck Peter Trench, $289 @ 111vox.

Photo credit: www.111vox.com

Design Details: Cozy Linings

Fall is far enough advanced that one can appreciate the feeling of something soft against the skin with new and ardent gratitude. Though you may think you have a decent coat or jacket that does the job, it's at this stage that a comfy lining can be a godsend. Providing the body with extra insulation from the nipping cold and buffering it from scratchy winter woollens, a shearling hood, felt-lined pocket, or flannel collar can make a critical difference in a commute, rendering it manageable rather than downright miserable. Sliding my hands into my polar-fleece pockets on a particularly painful day causes me to silently whisper, "thankyouthankyouthankyou," to whomever thought of such a thing and hope some karmic goodness finds its way to them.  If you're looking to improve your life this winter, I highly suggest seeking out textural details that'll keep you toasty.  Here are three jacket recommendations for men (ladies, soon to come).

Don't be fooled by the lightweight look. Sherpa lining gives it chill-fighting powers. Heavyweight Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket, $98 @ J.Crew.

A nubby hood for your noggin. Obey Harken Jacket in dark indigo, $163 @ Tobi.

Bonus: sweatshirt lining throughout!

 

Fuzzy flannel to heat your bones.  Penfield Kasson 60/40 Cotton Nylon Parka Jacket, $165 @ Tobi.

Photo credit:
1) www.jcrew.com
2 & 3) www.tobi.com

Stayin' Warm. Lookin' Good.

How's a boy to look stylish when the temps make him want to crawl into a cocoon of down-filled, puffer-jacketed warmth? A couple of solutions, via Gargyle:

April77's Def Tank Jacket features a streamlined silhouette with a hood lined in faux-shearling to keep you cozy, and olive is a nice alternative to winter's ubiquitous black, grey, and camel. $275.

 

 

A similar silhouette: YMC's Foam Backed Cotton Twill Hooded Mac in navy, $215. I'm not exactly sure what "foam backed" is all about, but it sounds warm, no?

Photo credit: www.gargyle.com

New Fall Cozies from A.OK

My umbrella and I have had a rough day.  I'm sitting here, bitterly clutching a cup of hot cocoa and trying to psych myself up for several more months of this. Oak has just what I need.

Start off the season with something soft and snuggly. Smooth Company Black Steamer Terry Jacket, $99.

Lumberjack chic lives to see yet another season. People's Market Red/Black Dazed Check Jacket, $215.

The shawl collar has turned from passing trend into mainstay, so get used to it. This Shades of Greige Dark Grey Bricks Shawl Collar Cardi is a nice introduction for reluctant fellars. $224. 

Photo credit: www.oaknyc.com

Grey Days

As a peek into my closet can attest, I love all shades of grey. From almost-black denim to a pale silvery trench, I’ve probably got the entire Pantone range covered. Though I wear it year-round, I especially enjoy it in the fall, when it serves as the perfect neutral to complement a season exploding in color. A grey looks all the more lovely when set against the rich panoply of fall hues, amidst the yellow ochre, blood orange, and burnt red of the changing leaves falling away from tree branches to lay scattered at one’s feet.

These grey fall jackets are perfect for a stroll through the park:

Life After denim M65 jacket, $168 @ Need Supply.

Spiewak Emerson Coat, $211 @ Tobi.

Travel-Friendly Style from North Face

Since when did North Face start looking so good? I like the white on black contrast.  Performance gear that's actually stylish is a steal at $99, and also a wise travel tagalong, as it can be squished into a tiny ball in your backpack or carry on, and has a detachable hood with visor to keep you dry in case of sudden downpour.

North Face Venture Side Zip, $99 @ Need Supply.

Photo credit: www.needsupply.com

At Diesel, a Find Among the Fug

Once upon a time, Diesel was a place for a guy to find a pair of perfectly worn in jeans, a soft, lightly distressed tee, or a casual coat with just enough structure to carry over into a night out.  Nowadays, it's hard to turn left in there without encountering a wildly embellished jeans pocket or a jacket festooned with superfluous doodads. Last weekend, my bf and I got caught in the rain after brunch and ducked into the nearby Diesel store for shelter. After averting our gaze from more than a few baroque monstrosities, we happened across a tweed coat that was just right. The lovely warm grey-brown would pair nicely with both black and brown, the length was just right, and the classic styling rendered it timeless.  Although it was remarkably doodad-free compared to its companions on the rack, we both agreed that a tie waist wasn't really his style, and if he was going to get it, I'd have to carefully remove the belt loops.  As good as he looked in it, at $450 it was priced too dear, so we left without it, hoping to encounter it on sale in a couple of months.

Diesel Wittes Jacket in walnut/dark shadow, $450.

Ditch the floral hanky.

 

Photo credit: www.diesel.com

Little Blue Riding Hood: Cecilia Hammarborg's Fairytale Stunner

I was introduced to this strikingly beautiful coat by Cecilia Hammarborg via Refinery29's feature on the designer.  Aptly dubbed the Blue Riding Hood Coat, I imagine it would be worn by LRRH's bad-ass, mischief-loving alter ego. She would have shot the Big Bad Wolf right between the eyes, cooked him up for dinner, and fashioned herself a stylish stole from his furry remains. It's what Grandma would have wanted.

Blue Riding Hood Coat, £ 250.

Photo credit: ceciliahammarborg.com

Spring 2010 Fashion Week: Lusting After the Shipley & Halmos Lifestyle

My crush on Shipley & Halmos intensified this season. The presentation looked clean and crisp, and the casting was spot on -- they could not have picked a better model than Roy, who looked every inch the poster boy for their relaxed, preppy cool aesthetic, and I loved Lena (legs for days).  I could picture them all piling into a tiny convertible together after the shoot for a wild, dizzying joyride. There was a lot to love in this collection, but my favorite pieces were the bright blue men's parka and the oversized blazer/overcoat for the ladies. Some standouts:

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credit: Style.com