Link: Hermès

Link: Thom Browne

Link: Dolce&Gabbana

In any case, at Prada, I’ve always found the cuts to be smart, the fabrics luxurious, and the construction built with quality. It reasons, then, that I’m always interested when Milan Fashion Week rolls around. And, scanning the photos from Prada’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection, this is definitely my favorite look.

I really like the contrast in pinstripe thickness between the pants and jacket. The accoutrements in the chest pocket are spot-on as well, adding color to an otherwise, somber palette.

Link: Prada (You can watch the show on their website)

For my black shoes…

I wish I did a before picture. In any case, check out the shininess on these guys! I started by rubbing the white, creamy Rénovateur all over the shoe, including the leather soles. With mink oil being the main ingredient, the leather became much more supple. After letting it sit, I followed up with applying and buffing the Créme (Cream Polish), which is made of beeswax, turpentine, shea butter, and seven other nutrient waxes. This helped to restore the color. Finally, I used Pate de Luxe , which features carnauba wax, to restore the glossy finish.

For the tan-colored shoe on the right (left foot) below, I only used Rénovateur and the neutral Pate de Luxe. The light brown Créme I got looked a bit too dark, and I didn’t want to risk it on these beauties. Maybe I’ll try it some other day. In any case, even with just the use of the two products, the left shoe (on the right) looks much more supple after absorbing the mink oil, shea butter, and other magical ingredients from the Saphir line.

Though it took me about an hour just to do these three shoes, I found the process to be very therapeutic – I was in the zone! Also, I’m pretty pleased with the outcome.

Cheers!

However, inside, it came with a bunch of useful tools.

There were ….

Two of these polishing cloths, which I’d use to give my shoes the final shine.

Two large horse hair brushes, one with dark colored bristles…

..and another with light-colored bristles. They each measured approximately 7.8″ x 2.65″. Pretty Solid. I use these primarily to remove any dirt before applying any of the shoe polishes or creams.

Two smaller horse hair brushes for applying shoe polish or creams. These were 6.5″ in length, with a 1.5″ diameter head.

Lastly, cans of black and dark brown shoe cream. Admittedly, I have no intention of using these shoe creams. Well, maybe, as a backup or as a last resort. Why? because in my research, I found other products, which I’ll review in another post, that were highly praised by shoe shining people worldwide.

Cheers!

 Link: Brooks Brothers

Link: Arfango

In the 19^th and early 20^th century, social interaction was a richly cultivated, well-mannered affair. The tool that facilitated these interactions was the calling card. Calling cards streamlined introductions and helped remind people of new acquaintances and needed visits. The calling card also served as a way to brand your social identity. The way your card looked and felt or the way you handed it to someone communicated your standing and relationship with the receiver.

… and it’s much easier and less awkward than having to write down info on a scrap of paper, or input digits in the mobile phone on the spot. I’d much rather hand out a card.

I kept mine simple, using the standard American business card size of 3.5″ x 2,”  with 3 lines – name, phone number, and email. To add a touch of elegance, I had my info Letterpressed in black ink, using Neutraface font, on Crane Lettra 220lb stock – love the heft and thickness. It feels solid in the hand. I kept one side blank for hand-written notes and messages. Finally, I had the edges colored in gold.

In addition to The Scoundrel, I got The Turncoat (Ivory) and The Villain (Charcoal Mohair). Despite being advertised at all being 1.25,” they did come in varying sizes – not a big deal.

Link: The Knottery

Link: Vivienne Westwood

Saw it and had to have it.

Link: AMI

Link: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Weejun, G.H. Bass and Co released the Linwood, a classic flat strap penny loafer in this rich, navy blue. Saw it, and had to have it.

Links:
Opening Ceremony
Bass 

What makes Fashion’s Night Out such a hit = free alcohol……. and apparently, a lot of the shops used Patina Catering. To take a break from all of the champagne that we were indulging in, had this gentleman make me a Bloody Mary; it was alright. He made a couple of gimlets for my companions, as well.

Prada.

Link: Fashion’s Night Out

…

They are not very comfortable to wear (could use some cushioning), but they do look good.

Link: Arfango

You may notice that the left cuff has been inadvertently sewed on backwards (the red stripes somehow found themselves on the inside), and is usually cause for alarm (and maybe why I was able to get it for relatively cheap). Instead, I find it amusing and part of its charm, similar to misprinted comic books. It’s a bit quirky and unique, like me… Ha!

Now, before I wear it out, I just need to get my hands on some (Kiwi) suede protector.

So, rather than put them back in the shoe box and out of sight, I studded the canvas straps with a few Standard English77 Cones, making them look cool, and effectively putting them back into the spring/summer rotation.

Really liked the texture….

and the fact that the body is unlined, making it lightweight and still wearable during the hotter months.

It was highlighted in Mr. Porter’s Behind the Brand feature of Band of Outsiders.

For sake of continuity, and those curious what those encircled numbers represent, here’s a Copy+Paste:

(02) THE CONSTRUCTION: This double-breasted blazer is unlined and loosely structured making it perfect for summer. The sleeves however, are lined with a high-quality cupro rayon. The jacket is made in Italy from a linen-cotton blend, and is fully stitched, not fused or glued. The close fit is characteristic of Band of Outsiders’ neat and contemporary aesthetic.

Mr. Porter’s Editor’s note:

Double-breasted navy linen-blend blazer from Band of Outsiders with golden buttons at the front, shoulders, back and sleeves, a notched lapel, three flap pockets and a slit breast one, epaulettes and a double vent. This piece looks dashing with neutral shades.

Indeed.

Icing on the cake: got it for 50% off =)

anyways, here’s a picture of me with an instagram filter, trying on this amazing 1-button jacket by Japanese label, N. Hoolywood, at American Rag Cie.

..did you know that you’re not allowed to take pictures in the store? =X

Link:
N. Hoolywood

Link: Vivienne Westwood

So far, I did the neck collar and lined the zipper along the lower arms, and I am really pleased with the outcome…

I’m undecided if I will continue doing the epaulets and the rest of the arms….we shall see….

When it comes to tuxedos, I’m more into shawl lapels, but this peaked version was amazing. The shopkeeper took a few photos for me. =)

.. given the time and cost of materials, i don’t think i’ll ever do this again.. hahaha.

Seriously, this little project took a good 8 hours or so (spread over a week), half of which was spent getting the spikes into the rubber toe area. Unlike studs which have pointy prongs, the spikes were screw-in, and the screws were all flat! So, I had to bust out my college dissection kit to make the holes.

These spiked converse make the Louboutin Rollerboys look tame…

I made these thinking that I’d wear them as casual kick-around shoes for the summer, but after trying them on, I’m not so sure anymore….. they’re heavy! It’s apparent that I didn’t think this through…I didn’t account for the added weight of the spikes…

… oh well…

tidbit: their jackets are hand tailored by Martin Greenfield in Brooklyn, NY.

Link: Y-3

It’s from the Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Collection.

When I saw it, I had to have it. Produced by world-famous Schott Brothers for Barneys New York, this jacket exudes cool luxury. Its shape is classic, and its build quality is apparent. Still, what had me whipping out the American Express were the details and features that diferentiated it from the standard Perfecto. 

For one, there is no belt to fasten the waist; this gives it a much cleaner appearance, at least in the front. Instead, this jacket can be cinched by side leather laces. There is also a kidney back extension.

Also, the jacket is lined with plaid cotton and features a leather tag for Barneys on the inner chest pocket.

However, what really appealed to me was the D-pocket on the left side of the jacket, a design feature borrowed from military jackets during the world wars. It was originally purposed to carry a gun or a map..  In any case, it just looks cool.

This is my second Schott jacket, (my first is a vintage brown 618 Perfecto) and it sure won’t be my last.

Cheers!

Links:
Schott

madame.. and her shoes… i think it’s a bowtie?

you’re not allowed to take photos inside… so, well.. =X … had to be extra sneaky with the iphone.

of the 20 dresses, this was my favorite and one that i could see the madame wearing… it was also pretty cool to see the tutus from the Black Swan film.

when we left, it got pretty packed with a lot of fashionistas and fashionistos…

and off we went to dinner…

ciao…

Link: Rodarte

…i’d probably grab some underwear too.

Link: Restir

Look 1: black leather biker jacket and black leather biker trousers by Burberry Prorsum, gray asymmetric wool cardigan by Alexander McQueen; black side zip leather boots by Balmain

Look 2: black washed leather cowboy jacket by Jean Shop; olive green cotton and cashmere blend henley t-shirt by PS by Paul Smith; gray cotton-jersey sweat pants by Bottega Veneta;  red chestnut suede driving shoe by Car Shoe

Look 3: double-breasted trench coat by Burberry Prorsum; gray loose collar t-shirt by Paul Smith; biker jeans by Balmain; dark brown side zip leather boots by Gucci

Link: Mr. Porter

It can also transform into a dress, but yea, I’m not really into that….

From the runway.

Link: Rad Hourani

They came with 4 different laces.

Currently rocking them with the Hermes ribbon-colored laces.

So Cool. They even made Hypebeast’s Top 10 Sneakers for 2010.

Link: Aloha Rag

..anyways, it’s made of waxed canvas, trimmed with Horween leather, and constructed by Amish people, no joke. I really like the handles and that the shoulderstraps can come off. Quality product.

Actually, this is what the bag looked like when it arrived at my doorstep. Notice, the luggage tag.

I took it off because it made it look too much like… well, luggage.

Instead, I attached a couple of my old, silver Chrome Hearts pendants that I have not worn in ages. A fleur de lis and Harris Teeter by Foti.

This is what it looks like inside. There are two pockets and a snazzy-looking label. Check out the frame around the opening; it adds structure and makes closing it a lot easier.

It also comes in a couple of other sizes and colors, which I may get for airplane rides or weekend getaways. I really like the bag and the brand…and um, that’s about it. Cheers!

Link: Billy Kirk

noticed that the designer also wears a chrome hearts ring. cool.

You can’t see it from this angle, but the sole is made of carbon, and is entirely replaceable. In fact, the SRS in the name stands for Sole Replacement System. However, more than the sole, the company makes spare parts for pretty much everything on the shoe.

In addition, as you might notice, this shoe features different kinds of straps all over it. There’s the special high security velcro near the toe, a Techno 2 buckle that kind of look like my contacts case, a pretty big caliper buckle system at the top of the tongue, and some kind of heal security system…. all of which are patented.

Want to know the real reason I got these? …. it’s because they looked cool =)

Link: Sidi

Link: Walter Van Beirendonck

Link: Miharayasuhiro

I’m also a fan of the trouser silhouette.

Link: Phillip Lim

- leather, simple, cool-looking, quality, limited.

Made of natural leather, it’s durable. I like that, over time, it will take on markings and develop a personality in response to my use and abuse. I’m looking forward to it turning into a rich, honey color, reminiscent of the handles of vintage Louis Vuitton monogram canvas bags.

Overall, it’s dimensions are only 8.75 x 4 x 4 inches, but by having a tie-closure and longer internal ”catch” panels, the volume of stuff it can carry is expandable. You don’t get this feature with traditional dopp kits that use zippers.

Inspecting the construction, it’s pretty amazing how simple it is to make – three panels and three stringy strips of leather. No metal at all.

To get an idea of how much this thing holds, here’s some of the stuff that I carry in the dopp kit – deodorant, toner, face cleanser, lip stuff, serum, shave cream, moisturizer, comb, extra razor blades….quite a bit of of full-sized products.

Pretty cool, huh?

The dopp kit can be purchased at Context.

Link: Kenton Sorenson

Subtly subversive.

Link: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

Really like the layering and mixture of textures.

….the Varvatos man is dark in mood, and consistently rock n roll.

Compared to standard Doc Martens. From the higher quality leather and narrower toe box to the all-black color scheme, it is evident that the Raf Simons boots are a premium product. Appreciating the craftsmanship that went into creating these boots, I think I got quite the deal!

=)

Featured in Duckie Brown’s Fall/Winter 2010-2011 Show

Link: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

See the foot? Cool, huh.

These were my main criteria:
> The bag could not be a tote.
> It needed to have a shoulder strap option.
> It needed to be big enough to carry all of my crap, yet still be carry-on size.
> It should be able to double as a weekender bag.
> It needed to have leather.
> It needed to look cool.

From Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
Prada Camouflage Duffle Bag, $1580. 21.0 x 11.0 x 8.0 inches
Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Large Duffle, $3920. 21.5 x 12.5 x 10.9 inches
Salvatore Ferragamo Duffle in embossed Gancio Calfskin, $1200. 17.7 x 11.0 x 7.8 inches
Louis Vuitton Roadster in Damier Graphite Canvas, $1550.  20.0 x 13.4 x 10.2 inches
Trussardi 1911 Suede Red Camo Duffle, $2000. 23.0 x 12.5 x 9.4 inches

Anyways, made from goat, this black leather hoodie was part of Austin Sherbanenko’s first runway collection. Despite being from a few seasons back, the shape is still relevant today. Slim fit and extra long sleeves. I like that the jacket has ”ninja” in its name too.

Got it at Gilt for over 50% off!……….stars aligned.

Link: Odyn Vovk

Top Row:
> Kartell Tati Table Lamp. Retails for $798. Found it on Amazon.com for cheaper, $765 (that includes shipping and no tax).
> Flos Gun Lamp designed by Philippe Starck. $948 at unicahome (free shipping and no tax).
> Marilyn Monroe 1 Print by Andy Warhol. Retails for $750 at Opus Art. Use ANDYW2 coupon code for 25% off.

Middle Row:
> Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair (LCW) in Ebony. Retails for $818. Amazon has it for $551 (free shipping and no tax).
> All Cone Bracelet by Eddie Borgo. Retails on the official site for $450.
> Bodum Chambord Coffee Press – 32oz. Amazon sells it for the cheapest, for $35.89 (free shipping and no tax).
> Converse Chuck Taylor by Cody Hudson. Aloha Rag is selling these shoes for $75.

Bottom Row:
> Alexander McQueen Skull Black Cushion by The Rug Company. Sells direct for $675.
> Martin Margiela Leather Traveling Bag. On sale at Aloha Rag for $995.
> The Selby Is In Your Place by Todd Selby. Amazon has it for $23.10

Liking the Zig Zag pattern and leather details. They also came with white laces, but I prefer them with black.

I just pre-ordered them from Aloha Rag. They’re a collaboration between the Aloha Rag boutique and Converse. Using the Jack Purcell Zips as a base, ARNY modified these sneakers with lots of leather, a heel spike, and a brass zipper. They also come with orange laces, which is how I plan on wearing mine… they’re limited to 150 pairs.

Link: Aloha Rag

i can understand now why the guy version is $300 more than the girl version. more leather and more spikes.

Link: Christian Louboutin

Tip: They run about 1/2 size big. So, size down.

Link: Christian Louboutin

And then, I came across this “coal-colored” (dark gray) version at Colette (Paris), and had to have it.

dark gray wool and black leather.

i love that the cuffs are in leather.

Link: Dior Homme

Barneys has this for 4,060 USD.

In the chaos, almost bought a jacket. Thinking about it, I might go back.. =X

Started in Beverly Hills (Saks Fifth Avenue Club) and ended in West Hollywood (Carolina Herrera). Lots of people liked the madame’s hair and outfit. Some random chiq even took her picture to put on a street fashion blog.

Link: Lanvin en Bleu

My 3 sentence review of A Single Man: To summarize, the story is about a man getting over a past love. It was slow at times, but beatifully shot. It’s worth a viewing, so long as you’re not a homophobe.

.. as far as finding its way into my wardrobe, i have my eye on the strappy one above. Slick!

Link: Louis Vuitton

Link: Carolina Herrera

Link: Burberry Black Label

Christian Louboutin Freddy Flat

Link: Kitsuné

Iván Navarro’s Swatch Art Special offers an intriguing look into the mind of the artist. In his work Navarro uses mirrors and light as a medium of thoughtful reflection, and in this work for Swatch he presents a contemporary variation. The smooth, matt black leather strap and loop and solid black plastic case are presented in stark contrast with the polished stainless steel 316L buckle and the mirrored surface of the dial. Navarro uses the inside surface of the watch glass to present a silver and black skull, beneath which thin wire crossbones with black arrows glide over the mirrored surface, marking time. You Stop You Die (GZ225) comes in a special sleeve.

Specs:

Created in 1965, they were the world’s first comfort shoe.

Link: Quai de Valmy

Link: General Idea

Picked them up on a whim at Neiman Marcus. Comfortable.

Very impressed with the quality craftsmanship and the excellent service from my last order that when the opportunity came knocking, I had to pick up another ring.

This time, it’s Ron Bryant’s signature El Jefe ring that he carved for his thriving label, One Too Many. Personalized with my initials, the date of its birth (order date), and the number in the series (40).

The El Jefe ring (left) is really substantial. It’s bigger and due to the thicker band and “filled” head, heavier than the Chompers.

Though both are skulls, they have their own character. Notice how nicely the Chompers has aged.

Cheers!

Link: One Too Many Design

Link: Trussardi 1911

Link: Mastermind Japan

Link: Woo Young Mi

Inside Louis Vuitton’s London Maison (160 New Bond Street).

Link: Bjorg

Link: Olebar Brown

Link: F. P. Journe

Link: Nordstrom

Link: Mark McNairy

Once I find a way to import this, will be mine.

Link: Barnabé Hardy

Link: Oliver Spencer

Monk straps are my favorite shoe type. I have many pairs of em, in a variety of colors, but none are blue. I want this.

Link: John Lobb

Link: Club Monaco

Link: Buy It

Link: Tomorrowland

We love a shoe with character. And with its shapely curves, distinctive green calf leather and burnished finish, the Russell has plenty. The top line gently rolls back so that the top of the lacing is spread apart, giving a peek of the tongue and a softer shape to the shoe. This is a very old-fashioned English detail given new life.

Link: Lodger

Link: Tomimito

Random: The above reminds me of this painting (Helix Object) by Futura I saw a couple of years back in Los Angeles. Right?

Pretty Awesome.