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

Summer Must-Haves: Men's Edition

Some suggestions for the gentleman's wardrobe this summer. Don't overthink it, as summer style is all about ease. Now get ready to hit Sunday Best barbecues, P.S. 1 Warm Ups, and shows at McCarren Pool, Prospect Park Bandshell, Summerstage, or South Street Seaport. Summer in NYC is the best.

I love Apolis Activism's shirts, so it's no surprise that they make these great utility pants. $132 @ Context.

The kefiyeh scarf thing makes us all groan whenever we walk down St. Marks, but here's a new take on a tired look. Lova Kefiyeh tee, $70 @ Context.

I like the snap button closure on this. Shades of Greige Military Polo in Bright Eyes Blue, $44 @ Context.

Photo credit: www.contextclothing.com

Low Budget Style: Men's Edition

As promised, here is my round-up of wallet-friendly options for the guys.

I like the slant pocket on this button-down. Urban Outfitters, on sale for $19.99.



Loomstate One Day At A Time Tee, on sale for $29 @ Tobi.


Tankfarm Landeck Military Jacket, on sale for $61 @ Tobi.

Now would be a good time to buy classic shorts on sale that'll see you through next summer. By Alpha Industries, $29.99 @ Urban Outfitters.

One great place to find affordable menswear is Uniqlo. I've extolled its hidden gems to any guy friend who visits and have turned quite a few into addicts. My baby bro is a fan of their undershirts, available in v-neck, crew, or beater styles in every color imaginable. They take up an entire section of the top floor in the 36,000 square ft. SoHo store (546 Broadway) and make great layering pieces. If you're not in the NYC area, you'll have to wait for one to open near you over the next several years, as the Japanese retail giant (which draws completely undeserved comparisons to The Gap -- it's way the hell more hip) cautiously continues to expand its presence stateside. They have everything from boxers to athletic wear to suiting, all in stylish cuts and colors and at amazing prices, and the quality is pretty decent, too.

Some looks from the fall lookbook.

Many of my style-conscious male friends also swear by Zara, where it's easy to find a nice button down, merino wool sweater, or tee without breaking the bank. I especially like their coats, so if you need one for dressier occasions but won't be getting much use out of it otherwise, you might want to try their stylish-yet-affordable offerings.

A coat featured in the fall catalogue.

Photo credit: 1, 4: www.urbn.com. 2, 3: www.tobi.com. 5, 6: www.uniqlo.com. 7: www.zara.com

Geometry Lessons

Speaking of computer love, geek-chic label Rhombus has some really great stuff out right now. Unleash your inner science nerd with patterns named "standardized test" and "binary."

The Windowpane dress shirt features snap buttons. $165 @ Unsung Designers.

Their signature pant in wool gabardine, $275 @ Unsung Designers.

The same, in cotton. Other colors also available. $194 @ Unsung Designers.
Photo Credit: www.unsungdesigners.com