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.