Bandwagon

band-of-outsiders-fall09bI’ve gotten a few comments / questions regarding why I didn’t cover the Fall ’09 Band of Outsiders collection. Well, simply put, everyone was already covering it.  The collection was so widly covered because it was stunning.  And if you haven’t seen it, you should. HERE.

Friday Inspiration

Classic.  There are no other words.  Paul had amazing, impeccable style.  The love and lives he and Joanne led are inspiration to us all.

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Marc by Marc Jacobs – NYC

So in love with Marc Jacobs.  Marc brought us back to the 80′s and gave us color for Marc by Marc Jacobs fall ’09.  Thank god!  We’ve been desperate to see some fun, saturated, vibrant color.  Marc can do no wrong in my book.

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Playlist

Yet another cold rainy day here in SF.  Anticipating fresh chili and some Sapporo while listening to a few great bands and catching up on the fall ’09 shows.

“Relief”  Cold War Kids

“Fortune Teller”  Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

“No You Girls” Franz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand for John Varvatos

Franz Ferdinand for John Varvatos

John Bartlett – NYC

I like John Bartlett.  Really like him.  He generally puts forth a great collection of American sportswear for real, “everyday” American men, and has some fun while doing it. There is always something fun, quirky, and irreverent in his show.  He didn’t let down with his Fall ’09 collection.  John showed us chic pieces inspired by the depression era (very appropriate) with exaggerated tailoring and hulking models that looked like they would bust the seams.  The show was fun, and while at points a bit impractical, it did exactly what a fashion show should do: inspire, lift the heart, and provide for some much needed distraction from reality.  Thanks, John. A few of my fav looks from the show.

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Gilded Age – NYC

The Gilded Age Fall ’09 collection was all about utility and comfort.  The nostalgia was amped and Stefan Miljanic brought us back to rustic mountains and the ski lodges of the mid to late 60′s.  The collection is simple, stunning, luxurious, yet accessible. It’s what, in these times, you want to wear on cold day.  The denim was fantastic (as always), and I swoon over the big, chunky boots…

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Michael Bastian – NYC

I am late on keeping up with the Fall  09 NY shows. A new dog in the house takes up all my spare time.  However; the pup’s asleep, and I seem to be able to spend some time wrapped up in the latest for fall 09.

First up, Michael Bastian.  I am a bit obsessed with the man.  He does classic American sportswear with a twist.  He’s impeccable, and gives us something to to look forward to each season.  Michael was clearly nostalgic with his collection for fall. It’s uber-masculine, and as always, layered well with great structure, texture, and mix of luxury (soft) with low (rough).  For those of us that love accessories and outerwear, he did not let down.  Fab collection, hard to pick my favs….

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Spring Shoes

I’ve been good lately, and have been staying out of the stores.  But spring is just around the corner and it is time for some new footwear.  So next week I’m going to go pick up  some great finds to help carry (walk) me into the fun (and optimism) of summer.  The nubuck chucka Sperry Top-siders are are great. You can dress them up and down, wear them with jeans, khakis, shorts, or a great wool trouser.  The Jack Purcell sneaker is just a classic.  Nothing looks better with a casual pair of jeans than clean white canvas tennis shoes.  And Banana Republic has a great new loafer for the warmer months.  I love them so much I am getting two pair.

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Gap Plaid

gap-plaidI’m all about plaid as we are coming out of winter, it’s a fun transition into spring.  And Gap has surprised me a bit with this one.  Check out THIS blazer.  Wishing it was a bit more structured, but still, it is exciting to see something like this from Gap.

The Row

olsen-twins-the-row-mens-collection-090209-51The Olsen twins are at it again.  After the success of their coveted women’s label sold in over sixty stores (Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, etc.) , the girls are making a foray into the complicated world of men’s wear.  The Row is known for its impeccable and unique tailoring, exquisite fabrics, and the influence of of menswear in the women’s collections.  The line has been widely received with rave reviews. The girls are very good at what they do.  This isn’t your run of the mill celebrity collection, the Olson’s are in full control in all aspects of the collection, and know more than a little something about fashion.  Kudos to them for what appears to be an iconic American brand in the making.

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