just jackets and cool coats

We always seem to rush winter away.  And I must say, I'm ok with that.  I love warm weather, plenty of sunshine, being outside, and an abundance of fresh fruits, flowers, and long, warm summer nights.  For me, that lull between winter and spring is always a hard time for dressing.  I'm desperate for the brighter, warmer colors and freer fabrics we usually see in spring, but hate being unprepared for those still-looming cold, dreary days of wintertime. I often end up in shed-able layers and armed with extra accessories for warmth and winter weather protection.  Put an extra spring in your step with these crazy cool coats.  Your outwear is more than just a jacket when it's well edited, well tailored, and packed full of style.

Filson's Short Lined Cruiser is a water-repellent Tin Cloth jacket that's fully lined with Cover Cloth and has a hip-length hem for mobility.  Think fashion + function with style + class. US$325 at Filson and other fine retailers.

Barbour's iconic motorcycle jacket, the International, was created in 1936 and became the biker jacket of choice through the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Staying true to that heritage, the International Original is constructed in a heavyweight 8oz Sylkoil waxed cotton, offering a stylish matte finish and road-ready protection. Its robust front zip sits beneath a stud-fastening storm fly front, and the funnel collar is lined with corduroy for insulation and a luxurious feel against the skin. The lightweight cotton lining carries the signature Barbour tartan and is studded to take the optional Warm Pile Lining, for added versatility.

Traditional biker jacket details include the buckle-fastening throat strap, adjustable studded cuffs, a stiffened waist belt and the trademark four studded pockets - one of which is the authentic slanted map pocket, designed to give easy access while riding. Part of the World Tour collection, the International Original is available in classic Black with the infamous Barbour International logo to the chest.
 

 

Brunello Cuccinelli is simply sublime.  The design, the fabrics, the construction, I can't get enough or say enough good things.  The hooded parka above features Stretch natté cotton with monili detail and is made in Italia.  The jacket below takes the best of a techno-ski coat and a blazer, is made of Nylon outerwear with Thermore® padding, and also made in Italia. 

Ladies, if you don't already own a motorcycle jacket, buy one now.  It's the perfect way to throw some edge to your elegant evenings over a dress, or to revv up your jeans and plain white t.  Pick a tailored fit with long, lean arms.  The faux leather version below is a very accessible US$98 at from topshop at Nordstrom.

Influenced by car coats from the 1930s, the jacket below is fully lined design is made from Italian full-grain cowhide and heavily distressed for a vintage-inspired appearance, by RRL.  

Nothing is more cozy or comfy than cashmere.  It's the ultimate luxury, like 360 Cashmere's Eloise Sweater.  Add a bit of flirty fringe and you've got your new go-to for any chilly day.  The long, asymmetrical front is super flattering; the bold stripes add a sporty flair.  100% cashmere.  100% cool.  Available at modelcitizen. 

How do you stay warm and cheery?

a smorgasbord of international fashion

Ralph Lauren's Black Label denim. Everything you'd expect from a fashionable, rugged cowboy committed and slightly obsessed with luxury. The perfect mix of tailored fits, luxury quality, rugged style, intense character. Check out Vincent at the Ralph Lauren store on Robertson in Los Angeles. He's got great style and knows the inventory well. +310.274.0171



Loving the pops of red from Dolce & Gabbana's new collection. Red is one of my favourite colours, so I'm excited to see the trend again.

Unique, large, shaped bags for men. Giorgio Armani has an incredible crocodile bag in a classic shopper shape, but longer than expected and with the most elegant, rounded edges.

Giant, chunky, super cozy Hermes knit sweaters. Envelop in luxury.

Maybe because I've read GQ for more than half my life, but part of me gets super excited when the fashion bible likes brands I'm really loving as well. Like this month's pick of Woolrich Woolen Mills. I might possibly have been living in my navy blue, light weight trousers for the past year. With luxe fabrics, casual design, and impeccable tailoring and construction, their creations are perfect for paring with tshirts as they are for dress shirts and ties.

Gucci. Cinquecento. Made in Italy. Fiat. La Moda Italiana. Classic. Sexy. Iconic. Fiat's 500 Gucci edition. Must have.


Super exciting - the Fiat 500 Gucci version debuts in North America tomorrow at New York fashion week, and will be available in limited quantity in late 2011.

I can't get enough of Moods of Norway. I visited their store in Los Angeles and couldn't get enough. Imagine Ted Baker + Scandinavia + humour + quality + incredible wit = Moods of Norway! They had a giant golden tractor in the store - so fun and random. I love it. Here's their philosophy:

We believe in different clothes for different moods, that is why the collection is divided into three different parts: street, casual and cocktail. Just like a well casted boy band, there is something for everyone. Every product is made with lots of love and a few Norwegian details, telling the long lost stories from the country of the midnight sun. Our philosophy is happy clothes for happy people, so put on your dancing shoes, slip into something comfortable, and dance the night away.

Call, click, or pop in. +310.271.7172

When you think of Japanese fashion, a few thoughts pop to mind: kimonos, geisha girls, harijuku girls, and edgy street denim. So what could be better than smashing Japanese hip street wear + vintage Americana? Hence, Superdry, a British company that combines the best of both east and west. You all know I love fashion and love Tokyo, so naturally, I love Superdry, too.

Luxe Looks and Loves

Shirts and ties with vneck sweaters. Flip your cuff up just a little to expose some color and continuity from your collar. Looks great with your favourite denim and luxe loafers for a casually elegant night out.

I don't know why, but I love designer sneakers. Dior Homme always have the most desired metallics, and Dolce & Gabbana constantly play it cool.

Love sailing or yachting inspired outerwear. And in frigid winter weather, you'll appreciate those water resistant techno fabrics, Velcro tab cuffs, and double layered collars with hoods. Protect yourself in style.

Vintage accessories are back and bolder than ever before. Slim, but not skinny, knit ties. Vintage with a story and real character are all the rage - think of your Grandfather's cuff links or your Mother's favorite necklace. Ralph Lauren catalogue's the most storied pieces at his RRL stores. Catherine in West Hollywood's store will guide you tissues the Rolex officer's pocket watches from the 30s and 40s.

Speaking of watches, I can't get enough of the Bottega Veneta unisex BVX watch. 41mm of fabulosity and extreme luxury, everything about it screams timeless sexiness.



When the smartcar came to the states, it definitely made me nostalgic for Europe, but not enough to buy. The Mini Cooper got me actually seeing myself in the British classic. But I still didn't jump. But Fiat's 500? I think I'm ready to line up. Especially if my favourite Italian denim range Diesel brings their limited edition. Come se dice "style and class on the freeway"?!

It's in the Bag

Deerfield Leather Tote Bag

Price: US$1195.00

Style #3678216

A timeworn vintage quality exudes from our handsome leather tote bag, exquisitely crafted in Italy from soft, supple leather.

• Two canvas handles at the top are accented with antiqued metal stud hardware and leather reinforcement panels. Signature embossed leather Proprietor patch accents the front for vintage appeal. Leather reinforcement panels at exterior corners.
  
  
• Adjustable leather tab buckle closure with antiqued metal hardware secures the top. Snap closures at top exterior sides open to create a roomier silhouette.
  
• Twill interior features a full zippered pocket with leather trim, leather pull tab and "Ralph Lauren"-embossed leather patch at the back wall.
  
  
• Elegantly presented in our signature purple felt duster bag.
  
  
• 17" L x 6" W x 16" H. Leather. Made in Italy.

Luxe Looks and Loves

(in no particular order)

Military inspired, tailor fit dress shirts for both men and women (and also military inspired shirt-dresses).

The Diesel advertisement by Saks Fifth Avenue that shows two athletic/chiseled young men sailing on a boat with the caption "think about it... Triceps, too - it takes more than bicep curls to get summer tank-top arms.". Even on a boat, I don't favour tank-tops for men, but I do love everything else in the print ad. Especially the sail boat, the great denim (jeans and denim shirt jacket), and of course, the flipflops.

Neutral tones for a relaxed elegance with wrinkled suiting or dress shirts (on purpose!), lightweight summer scarves, zippers (as details on shoes, like Cole Haan, or as utilitarian elements from RRL (that's Ralph Lauren's Double-R-L collection of authentic vintage goods along with vintage-inspired pieces).

Gingham dress shirt with preppy repp-stripe ties.

Giant canvas tote bags. Especially nautical inspired warn in options.