Cut Outs

I have always found these sorts of images to be fascinating...I mean, who thinks to overlay a man in pants with a guy in a jockstrap whose getting up off the ground?! But seriously, these are amazing!

Japan: My Fashion Reaction

All eyes point West.  Having the opportunity to hang out and talk casually with a few editors today, a common topic of conversation began to emerge: the tragedy in Japan.  The earthquake that shook up the Pacific had a few people concerned.  After a long day of talking iodine pills and mutants [no comment, just stating facts], I began to digress and think about the tragedy in Japan and how it might affect fashion. 

History lesson:

Japanese design first made a real impression on the fashion world in 1982, when 12 designers showed their collections in Paris. Today's famous names, such as Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons have made a big impact on contemporary fashion.  Their use of inventive shapes and monochrome tones, particularly the use of black, shook up the fashion industry [no pun intended].  

Today, street fashion is shaping the fashion landscape, with much of the focus on Tokyo, however the established designers still play a big part in setting global trends.

I am obviously uncertain about what will happen over the next few years, but for right now, I will continue to pray for Japan, its leadership and the people that live there...and maybe I should go shopping at Comme.

Ivy PrepstAr

Inspired by the book Take Ivy by T. Hayashida [if you don't have it, buy it, NOW!] my friends tie line, "Ivy Prepster," updates the traditional tie.  The line transforms knit ties into woven patterns, taking inspiration from argyle, fair isles and textures.  The line also includes a well procured collection of refurbishes vintage ties which are very much up my alley.  So whether or not you are a single- or double windsor type of guy, I say go for it - check out the site here.

"STAY PREPPY MY FRIENDS"

Foodie Forever

I wouldn't consider myself a foodie per se, but I definitely love to wine and dine, and even more so, I love to be wined and dined. ;-)  Each year, Alan Richman, food correspondent for GQ Magazine, provides readers with a few "best of" lists - all of which tickle my taste buds.  I don't know when I'll make it to the West Coast, but as of right now the East Coast is offering up some really incredible dining options.  Trust me, Lincoln at Lincoln Center [ranked #1], and The Kitchen at Brooklyn Fare [the only restaurant in Brooklyn with a two-michelin star rating] are on my bucket list.

Check out the full list HERE.

Assouline

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a fashion treasure trove, and New Yorkers almost have it too easy.  Seeking to be an "engine of culture," Assouline book store, located on the mezzanine level of the Plaza Hotel, publishes some of the premiere monographs on photography, art and FASHION.   I recently wandered in, not intending to buy anything [of course], yet walking out with a copy of American Fashion Menswear.

This book is probably one of the most authoritative and exciting books on the evolution of menswear--period.  Get your copy HERE.

Espadrilles

I wore flip-flops while walking around NYC...once.  If you like the idea of nasty street dirt all over your feet, by all means, enjoy, but I personally enjoy the closed-toe shoe option myself.  The last few summers were all about the boat shoe, however, I see a trend a-brewin' on the horizon.  Call me a soothsayer, but have you slipped on an espadrille recently?  Don't get me wrong, I love a designer collaboration boat shoes in the summer, but espadrilles are swiftly picking up consumer attention...I swear!

For example:

HERMES [the name alone makes me smile] made a lace-up espadrille that was recently featured in Details Magazine.

[Image from Hermes.com]

PRADA [who is genius] made a lace-up wingtip oxford with espadrille sole.  Coveted by every fashionisto, these are a hot commodity.

[Image from Highsnobiety.com]

I have yet to personally purchase a pair, but rest assured it is on my spring 'must-have' list.

Arm Candy

I think I own 14 watches of various make and caliber, all of which sit in a drawer, in my dopp kit, in storage...somewhere.  I never really caught on to the whole "jewelry for men" idea, that is, until I went to a Details x David Yurman event.  I bought a bracelet.  It was steeply priced, but oh so gorgeous, and it helped with my cognitive dissonance when I realized that a percentage of the sales proceeds were going to Jeffrey Fashion Cares.

Last summer everyone was digging those yarn friendship bracelets.  Then, my roommate turned me on to a few Burkman Bros. versions.  I'm convinced that a Rolex, friendship bracelets, paper wristbands from last nights concert, and a prayer bead bracelet stacked on ones wrist is uber-chic: the grandest of fashion oxymorons, maybe.

Now I just need a Rolex.

[Image courtesy of GQ.com]

Favorite Quote

"Everything That's Popular is Boring" -Robert Hughes

Baseball Jackets

I have been spotting these more and more recently, and I'm not mad about it.  I think the baseball jacket is an iconic tribute to America's most beloved sport, and damn good looking, too.  Reminiscent of a letterman jacket [whose body is typically composed of boiled wool in a schools primary color with leather arms in its secondary color] and a letter sweater [predecessor to the letterman jacket], the baseball jacket is more casual, only requiring knitted cuffs, collar, and waistband.

More timeless than the letterman jacket, and much more versatile in ones wardrobe than a letter sweater, the baseball jacket is perfect for the transition into Spring.

[Can be found at Duffer]

[Can be found at Calvin Klein]

Workin' it OUT

A few things before I post my work out inspiration board...

1. I bought P90X.
2. Fried chicken is not the best form of protein.
3. River Viiperi walked in the D&G show.  That's it.

[All images from Thefashionisto.com]

Picture Perfect

Everything about this image is spot on...

[Image from GQ.com]

Summer Stylin'

I know I just posted a "Summer" story, but I've been feeling so inspired lately...so here's another one.

I recently had the privilege of attending the GQ Best New Menswear Designer in America event at the Ace Hotel in New York City.  Of the six designers that were chosen as candidates, one stuck out in my mind - Warriors of Radness.  Their laid back, nonchalant attitude about fashion struck me as quite odd.  Their garments looked out of place; too many colors, jersey instead of herringbone tweed, beanies...um, GQ, what were you thinking?  But then, I fell in love.

I am not a trend forecaster by any stretch of the imagination, but their garments [or similar] are what people are going to be wearing this summer in NYC.  I began seeing a little bit of this last year, but am certain that this year is going to be the year of bright, bold colors in a plethora of obnoxious prints.  I love all of their clothes.  I just wish they made a speedo.

[Check out their website here]

What IS Fashion?

Last night I watched "Exit Through the Gift Shop," a film that tells the story of Thierry Guetta and his obsession with street art.  From a chance encounter with his cousin, space invader, to his introduction to a host of other artists, and finally, eventual fame as a street artist, the film follows Guetta's obsession with the underground art world.  The lingering questioning at the end of the film is whether or not Guetta is in fact a street artists...

I'm sure that, what ever is happening with Galliano at Dior had something to do with it, but, when the film ended, I began applying that question to fashion - trends, ones personal style, etc.  Then this morning, I had a reminiscing session with a friend about just how "tragic" we dressed back in the day.

So I pose a question:  What is fashion, anyway?

Is fashion a double breasted suit with a crisp white oxford, bow tie, and spit shined monk-strap dress shoes?  OR, is fashion a pair of jeans, a logo tee and a pair of casual shoes?  Which one is more real?  Which one falls more into the "fashionable" column?  Who defines that column?

How does that relate to Thierry Guetta?  Well, Guetta had no vision, no artistic ability, no identity...he simply had a passion for street art and would do anything to be a part of it.  Fashion, IS part of everyone's life, and I personally think that fashion is whatever you want it to be, whatever you feel most comfortable in; fashion helps create identity, and allows for individual artistic expression.

I don't really know where this idea is going, just thought it was interesting. :-)

Summer & Simon

The weather is probably my least favorite topic of conversation, despite the fact that it is relevant and impacts everyone's life, I think it is just a means to avoid awkward silences.  That said, New York has been experiencing random spurts of warm weather, and has breathed new life and hope into my, what used to be dismal, days.  Michael Kors captures my mood and ideal of summer best in his most recent ad campaign, which I will share with you now.

I mean....

Lobster

...oh boy, now we are speaking my love language.  I recently had the opportunity to dine on said delectable dish and it touched me in all of the right places...enough to write a blog post about it.  See below for instructions on how to cook the delectable little crustacean.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon salt per 1 quart water added

One 2 pound lobsters

1 medium onion, rough chopped (approximately 3/4 inch square)

2 stalks celery, rough chopped

1 tsp cracked peppercorns

2 bay leaves

whole branches of fresh dill (if no dill, substitute tarragon or parsley)

Directions:

Cover vegetables and seasonings with 1 1/2 inches of water.  Bring to a boil and add the steamer basket with the lobsters in it and cover tightly (screaming might ensue, ignore).  Depending on the size of the lobster will determine how long you need to steam it:

Lobster Weight     Cooking Time

1 - 1 1/4 lb.          10-12 minutes

1 1/4 - 2 lb.          12-18 minutes

2 - 3 lb.                18-25 minutes

3 - 6 lb.                25-40 minutes

6-7 lb.                  40-60 minuest

To test for doneness, pull out an antenna.  If it comes out easily, it's done!  Served best with melted butter.