The White House & Beautiful People

November 30, 2009 by Drew Leave a Comment

It appears that Simon Doonan, the Creative Director at Barneys New York, has been selected by the Obama’s to decorate the White House for the Holidays.  According to the this New York Times article:

“Simon Doonan, famous for creating naughty yuletide window displays of Margaret Thatcher (as a dowdy dominatrix) and Madonna (not the holy one), has a new stage on which to present his brand of mistletoe mischief: he is decorating the White House for Christmas.”

If in fact true, we think this is BRILLIANT!  Simon, who as you may know is married to the incredibly talented Jonathan Adler, is simply one of the best visual artists, stylists, and authors out there.  We adore him.

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Mod Holiday Decor

November 30, 2009 by Drew Leave a Comment

We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in our house. David is Jewish, and I just like gifts and decorations! So we love that we can stock up at Jonathan Adler for both holidays with the most exquisite holiday decor. Jonathan has the best tree decorations I’ve seen all season, and absolutely my favorite menorah ever. We were at Barney’s New York the other day and I picked up the unglazed porcelain elephant ornament. I’ll have to pick up a few more before we put the tree up.

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J.Crew Friday

November 27, 2009 by Drew Leave a Comment

Photo from GQ.com


I hopped on GQ.com (ne’ men.style.com) this morning and was happy to see that GQ Creative Director, Jim Moore, had a review of J.Crew’s Spring 2010 collection complete with slideshow.  By now you all know what a huge fan I am of J.Crew, Frank Muytjens (head of menswear) and Jenna Lyons (creative director), and they certainly do not disappoint for Spring, which will be in stores beginning in January. Chambray continues to be a core piece in the collection, and I love the twist on the classic in red (shown here). It seems that Jim and I have very similar thoughts on J.Crew and the collection, so I’ll defer to his commentary in the GQ review.

Coincidentally, this morning I was just out of the shower and looking for something to wear downtown for Black Friday shopping when I happened to put on the Martha Stewart Show, and surprise, Martha had Jenna on to discuss the Holiday collection.  Jenna showed several looks from Holiday, discussed the creative process, and how the brand puts together those gorgeous catalogs that I look forward to every month.

After the J.Crew filled morning, I of course had to hit them up on my Black Friday shopping, and the store was, of course, mobbed.

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Cool Rocks

November 24, 2009 by Drew Leave a Comment

I came across the Brook Farm General Store yesterday and they have some great goods.  But these “Whiskey Rocks” stuck out in my mind. Pop them in your freezer and then into your favorite drink. They keep your beverage cold without diluting. Awesome.

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Holiday Gift Guide 2009 Part I

November 23, 2009 by drewanddavid 1 Comment

The holidays are upon us and we decided it was worthy of our first joint posts, the MD  holiday gift guide 2009 parts I & II.  A selection of what we think would make fantastic gifts for that special guy in your life (or you know, us!). First up, Drew’s list:

1. Original rag socks $35 from Sundance. Classic, simple and totally holiday. I love my rag socks, they’re perfect in boots or just for lounging around the house.

2. The Amsterdam Moof Bicycle $795 from Sundance.  You might remember that I’ve posted about this bike before.  It is simply design at its best, and sure to be a classic.

3. The Stanley Flask $24 from Restoration Hardware. Just what you need to help carry that beverage of choice to keep you warm on those cold Christmas and New Years nights.

4. The Cabin Hat $39.50 from Martin & Osa.  This rag marl topper makes me think of Norman Rockwell New England winters.  It’s workwear without all the flannel and plaid.

5. PF Flyers Bob Cousy All American sneakers $60 from Piperlime.  PF Flyer need no explanation.  Get them.

6. Wool Hooded Plaid Zip-up Jacket $108 from Gap.  A great alternative to dropping some serious bills on a Woolrich Woolen Mills coat.  Enjoy American heritage workwear this winter.

7. Jack Spade Felt & Leather D.R. Tote $295 from Jack Spade.  By now you know that I have a Jack Spade obsession, and an ever growing collection of Jack bags. This is the perfect gift for those bag obsessed boys (or me!).

8. Sun-washed Flannel Shirt, $69.50 at J.Crew.  Ah, the “Crew”…we love J.Crew.  This will certainly keep that guy cozy and stylish.

9. Want Organic for J.Crew Da Vinci 72-hour Travel Bag $695.00 at J.Crew.  Speaking of bag obsessions, have you ever seen anything more perfect?  I thought not. Have I also  mentioned my J.Crew bag collection? I know, I have a problem…

10. Baracuta Jacket $275 at J.Crew. Continuing with J.Crew, a favorite from last winter this standby is a must have for those of us on the left coast enjoying warm winters.

11. Selvege Authentic Fit Jeans (dark rinse) $88 at Gap. Absolutely the best jeans I own.  A must.

12. Harris Tweed Laptop Case $98.50 from ACL & Co.  Michael Williams, the man behind the fantastic blog, A Continous Lean, is now offering some amazing items in partnership with designers like Billykirk, Cole, Rood & Haan, Co. and Mark McNairy.

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Banana Republic Redesigns, Gets Raves

November 18, 2009 by David Leave a Comment

Banana Republic’s newly redesigned Soho store is decked out with its new store concept, and it’s getting some rave reviews.  At least from NYMag.com, who more often than not dishes out cynicism. I haven’t seen the new concept yet, but BR is in need of some freshness and invigoration.  Don’t get me wrong — the old store design is perfectly fine — but lacks a vibe that’s essential to retail success.  It’s a store but not an experience; I hope the new concept is much more experiential. Now back to the review…

The circular front section of the store is dedicated to Monogram, the limited-edition collection, where we found several chic dresses, tops, and bombers. Toward the back of the store, next to the classic Heritage collection’s washed scarves and denim, is a large corner devoted to the company’s jewelry line. The sparkly rhinestone pieces and stacks of bangles are displayed on vintage books in a cozy boutique setting. Up the grand open concrete staircase, on the second floor, lays menswear, where areas of shoes, sunglasses, and tables of apparel overlook Broadway through large glass windows.

They’ve accompanied the review with a slideshow of the redesign plus their pick of the goods in the store.

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Tim Gunn Dishes on Project Runway

November 17, 2009 by David Leave a Comment

Okay, not really.  If anything, Tim Gunn is diplomatic.  But in this Los Angeles Times interview, there are a few good bits of gossip.

He’s asked who the “villain” of the season is, and shares who he could not stand during past seasons:

This season there wasn’t really a person for whom I have antipathy, like Kenley [Collins].  Blech. Before that, Victoria Hong, before that, Vincent Libretti. Irina is tenacious. She really wants it. We had a very long lunch with Irina and her family, and, oh my God, talk about the nut not falling far from the tree. Her mother was saying things like, “If Irina doesn’t win, she better not come home,” and I could say she’s already a winner.  Also, Irina was my student.

After the jump, find out what Tim thinks of Nina’s runway judgement; why he hates Hermes bags; and what trash TV he loves…

Read more of this post

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Tyra Adds Kimora and Andre Leon Talley to ANTM?

November 17, 2009 by David Leave a Comment

I admit it: I’m a bit of an America’s Next Top Model junkie (to Drew’s endless annoyance).  But it’s getting a bit old and tired this season.  No worries, though: rumor is Tyra is about to shake it up big time.

First on the list?  Kimora Lee Simmons is set to join as one of the judges, says the New York Daily News. The News’s source says: “Apparently, the divas have remained friends despite rumors that Kimora was fired after her appearance on the show’s first season.”

But that’s not the big news: Andre Leon Talley is rumored to be replacing Miss J on the judging panel, as well.  The source said “”No one is sure why Miss J has been demoted from being a judge back to just doing the runway coaching.”  NYMag.com wonders why on Earth Vogue would be for this… so do I. ANTM is great junk TV, but it’s not Vogue-caliber TV.

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Gossip Girl Monday: Ed Westwick

November 16, 2009 by David 1 Comment

Tomorrow’s Monday, and that means Gossip Girl. Judging by our traffic stats, everyone is as crazy about Check Bass as is Drew.  Well, here’s some more Chuck Bass. That is, Ed Westwick, who graced the cover of Arena Homme+, shot by Alasdair McLellan.  Find out more from OhLaLaMag.com or Homotography.

XOXO.

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19th-Century Haberdashery, 21st-Century Wardrobe

November 14, 2009 by David 1 Comment

The New York Times has a wonderful article on the revival of 19th-century looks in today’s menswear and interiors.

Not long ago, big brass-buttoned military coats looked a bit extreme. So did high-button, high-lapel vests and slim tweed trousers. And so did guys who tucked said trousers into high, old-fashioned hunting boots. Now these clothes (along with those ever-present beards and mustaches) look like downtown defaults compared with fall runway looks like cardinal-red tailcoats at Ralph Lauren, capes and bowlers at Alexander McQueen and knee breeches at Robert Geller.

As with home design, where curio cases, taxidermy and other stylish clutter of the Victorian era have been taken up by young hipsters, many of today’s popular men’s styles have their roots in the late 19th century. There are the three-piece suits once favored by mustachioed Gilded Age bankers; the military greatcoats and boots of Union officers; and the henley undershirts, suspenders, plaid flannel shirts and stout drill trousers worn by plain, honest farmers.

The article is accompanied by a slideshow illustrating 19th-century looks modern counterparts, and another showing how you make a tintype (that is, a 21-century take on a 19th-century style photo like the one above).

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