Bimmer

I’m not a “car” person.  But today I fell in love with the BMW328i.  I get it now.  I understand the obsession.  Within twenty minutes of driving this machine I was hooked.  I have to have one.  The 328i has been on Car and Drivers 10 Best List for the last SEVENTEEN years! And after driving one all day, I completely understand why.  Soon, I’ll be the proud owner of a new BMW 328i!!

Read the full Motor Trend report on the 2009 3 Series HERE.

The Fall List

This year, for me, menswear is all about getting back to basics.  Let’s face it, we’re in a recession, in a war, the environment is in a pretty precarious place, and the election of our lives is almost upon us.  Fall signals a time for change, but also a time to find those things that comfort us.  And right now menswear is certainly reflecting that.  The nostalgia factor is amped at the moment, and rightly so.  So for me, its all about classic, chic, throwback, understated pieces.  Dropping big bucks on big names just doesn’t feel right at the moment, and in that spirit here are my top pics / trends for fall and where to look without breaking the bank.

1. Classic oxford shirts. Never out of style.  White, blue and pink.  Can’t go wrong. Where: GapJ.Crew.

2. Dark wash, straight leg denim. The kind your dad wore.  Where: Gap, J.Crew, Levis

3. The perfect straight leg chino. With a white t-shirt and cashmere v-neck sweater. Doesn’t get easier. Or more chic.  Where: Banana Republic

4. The trench. With a twist. Look for classic cuts in luxe colors.  I am in love with this from J.Crew.

5. The bag. Basic.  No big names. No bling.  A simple tote will do. Canvas even. There is a guy at my office who uses the Whole Foods reusable grocery bag to tote his essentials around, and it works.  Love it.  In lieu of the Whole Foods bag, there is the always classic Jack Spade.

6. White bootcut jeans. Not just for summer.  With a pair of motorcycle boots and a chunky sweater it’s classic, simple weekend wear.

7. Flannel. I’ve seen amazing puffer jackets, suits, and ties in flannel for fall.  Everyone has something. Check out THIS J.Crew suit.

8.  Shorts. I’m loving tweed (it’s a staple), and what a great way to rock the fall fabric but on a fab pair of shorts like THESE from Rugby.

9. The scarf. I am a sucker for a good scarf. And sometimes there is no better way to dress up or finish an outfit but with a scarf.

10. Boots and shorts. Yep, together.  With a pair of rag socks there is just something very comforting, classic and fun about this look.  Check out these boots here, here and here.

Pingg!

I just found the best site.  www.pingg.com Pingg is an online evite / event planning space, but done well.  No, seriously. Done VERY well.  It’s stylish, chic and totally fun.  Pingg let’s you design your invitation and a web page for the event, send an invite via email or print and mail, coordinates gift registries, etc.  It even let’s you place your invite on Facebook! Love it.

Delivered

Rugby promised a great new e-commerce experience, and they delivered.  The site is fabulous, fun, and interactive.  And as one would expect, a total Ralph Lauren lifestyle experience.  I’m loving several pieces from the fall line, including these tweed Bradford shorts.

Holiday. Celebratation.

Madonna is 50 today.  She has been a constant source of inspiration and can instantly put me in a good mood.  Here’s to Madonna, and looking forward to what is to come from the greatest entertainer on earth.

Yes, I am expecting a flood…

I am loving the high water look lately.  Showing a little ankle cleavege in the summer is fun, a bit retro, and a bit flirty. I’ve been rocking my new pair of Gap low rise straight fit jeans in a very dark wash cuffed with a pair of black penny loafers.  You may have noticed that for a while, all the models on J.Crew (see pic) were sporting the cuffed look. And the New York Times even had a piece back in May in it’s blog, The Moment.

Bring it.

For years Gap Inc. has been the world’s largest specialty retailer.  That title has now gone to Inditex, parent company of Zara International, thanks to first quarter results.  But perhaps not for long.  Gap’s loss in stature was primarily driven by the weak U.S. economy and the strong Euro.  THIS article from portfolio.com is my favorite on the subject and lays out why Gap may once again be back on top.

Fast European fashion is fun for now, but classic American sportswear is here to stay.

American Menswear Defined

Details put out this interview with Thom Browne, Michael Bastian and John Varvatos. The trio discuss the definition of American menswear, preppy, and personal style.

The Wedding March

I’m getting married in October, and what we thought would be a very simple, low key, low stress event has become anything but.  It became clear very early on that family and friends all had expectations and wishes for the event, and the pressure started to mount.  Some family members were insistent on a big event, while others had timing requests.  After several weeks of stress and anxiety over trying to avoid conflict and tension, we realized that this was our event. Our day.  So, we are doing exactly what we wanted to do in the first place.  A small (3 people and a dog) ceremony at City Hall.  Whew!

Well, at least I thought the stress was over.  I hadn’t really considered the (admittedly self-imposed) stress of: ‘What in the world am I going to wear?’  Which, let’s be perfectly honest, is the most important question.  I know what I don’t want. No tux (duh), nothing too traditional (um…gay wedding…). So I narrowed it down to what I thought were two choices: (1) THIS Banana Republic suit (was thinking the coat / vest and dark wash denim) or (2) THIS JCrew option (loving the blazer, shirt and tie).  I tend to have more of an east coast prep vibe, so I was leaning towards option 2, but now I am not sure.  Perhaps a Paul Smith suit?  Too much?  Or maybe just a classic white shirt, jeans and penny loafers?  Too casual? Oy vey….

I haven’t even begun to think about what my fiance will wear.  Okay, I think I need a cocktail…

Let’s Play Catch

Tom Brady

Tom Brady

Model much?  We’ll be picking up Esquire ASAP.  Does it make anyone else want to play catch…..?  Happy Friday to ya!