Monday, December 29, 2008

Things I Want: Porter x Margaret Howell

This item encompasses two of my obsessions... bags & Japanese design. Could Porter do any more collaborations? Maybe? I feel like there are new ones every week (and I love it!).

I'm not that familiar with Margaret Howell, but after seeing this line of bags she did with Porter, I want to know more. I love that it is simple, and like the colored zipper and zipper pulls. Give me this tote!

Everyone has been blogging about this (Selectism, hyrcollective, highsnobiety) so I'll just send you to the All Beams site where you can buy it: www.allbeams.com

Friday, December 26, 2008

Things I Have: Filippa K Waistcoat

Let me start by saying I own the Filippa K waistcoat... but I have it in blue, not black. And this model didn't come with it. I first tried it on at the Barney's Co-Op in Costa Mesa, loved it, but couldn't justify the expense.

Luckily... I saw it again at Barney's in Beverly Hills, on sale, and it had to be mine. I love it! The jersey is so soft, keeps it classy but casual. It is very fitted (great for a skinny guy like me).

This photo, and the opportunity to buy the vest in black can be found at: http://www.matthewizzo.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=100&products_id=3111

Things I Want: Glasses by Tom Ford

Just this morning I was thinking that it is about time for new glasses. I love the Oliver Peoples (which I got in Amsterdam) but they are three years old now and a change is needed.

Luckily I came across these outstanding specs by Tom Ford (yes, I know, I have a little crush). Cool shape, great color, and I love the metal nose bridge that is separated from the rest of the frame. Bring it on!

Learned about these from the super cool Jake Davis (http://jakedavis.typepad.com/jakedavis/).

You can learn more about the glasses (and other items by the illustrious Mr. Ford) at http://www.tomford.com/

Things I Want: Japanese Scarves!

While not very appropriate for the cold Shanghai winter, these scarves from Pure Blue are perfect for Spring in L.A. They're from Japan, which is no surprise since 99.495% of everything hot these days comes from there (except for Band of Outsiders of course).

I'd like to pick up the blue since it seems to be my signature color...

You can read more about them at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2008/12/24/pure-blue-japan-plaid-scarves/.

Things I Love: Ina Garten (aka the Barefoot Contessa)

I have long been a fan of Ina Garten, otherwise known as the Barefoot Contessa. Since I don't have cable, I haven't caught many of her television episodes but I am a total convert to all of her cookbooks. She has fun while she cooks, it is all about friends & family, and in many photos she has a bottle of champagne next to her. What's not to love!

Just before Christmas I prepared one of my favorite recipes, her Chicken Stew with Biscuits. It is amazing. So simple to make, but is such good comfort food. When I was living in Amsterdam this dish became a winter staple.

And then, voila! On Christmas Day my mother had given me Ina's lastest book... Back to Basics. I can't wait to read it!

You can learn more about Ina through her page on the Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/ina-garten/index.html

Things I Have: Ring by Martin Margiela

Have to admit... I am a bit obsessed with Martin Margiela, and as soon as I saw this ring on Oki-ni (www.oki-ni.com) I knew it had to be mine.
It is a steel key coated in white rubber (also comes in black). Brilliant!
The only problem is that the ring arrived, I tried it on, and realized I didn't like it on my pinky and it didn't really fit on my other fingers. So I'm slowly bending it out and will put it on a string, to wear around my neck. Regardless of how you wear it, it's a great accessory from a great man.

Things I Want: Natalia Brilli

I have been reading about Natalia Brilli for a couple of months now, and actually trekked around Hong Kong to try and find some of her awesome leather goods. Now you can pick the smaller items up at Barney's...

She does leather covered pieces like the watch below, or a helmet, a studded wristband, a skateboard. Pretty rockin' stuff & I am saving up to get the watch.

You can check it all out at: www.nataliabrilli.fr

Friday, December 12, 2008

Things I Have: Wallet by Comme des Garcons

Well I have been using my Goyard card holder as my "wallet" for a couple of years now. I love it. It's small & doesn't create a huge bulge in my pocket.

But I felt it was time to freshen things up, and I have had my eye on the tartan collection from CdG. It's a bit larger than the Goyard card holder, but I like the zipper around the side, and the leather pouch inside (where I put my cash).

Plus I got a great deal on it through the MOCA store (thanks John!)...

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Things I Want: Canvas Bag by Mismo

Quelle suprise... another bag I want! This one from Danish brand Mismo as part of their Canvas Collection. I love the simplicity, the one pocket on the side, and the black leather handles. Perfect "day out in the city" bag!


You can see it and the rest of the collection courtesy of Selectism:
http://www.selectism.com/news/2008/12/11/mismo-canvas-collection-bags/#more-6305



Things I Want: Accessories by Norsea

I saw a collection of accessories by Norsea posted on Men's Rag (http://mensrag.com/) and thought they were really cool. With the recent scarf obsesssion I have been seeing the use of pins or brooches (yes, on men) to secure the scarves.

I think these are great because they look pressed, and they are sterling silver. Now just need to find out how to order one (or three)!

You can see their accessory and apparel collection at: http://norseaindustries.com/norsea09.html

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Things I Love: Look Magazine photo by Milton Greene

While on a plane recently I read Vanity Fair (love that magazine) and came across an article about Milton Greene and a book being published of his photographs.

This one struck me immediately.  I loved the confluence of the stripes, and thought it just worked so well.  Update the outfit a bit and you could have a hot modern shot.

You can see the article at: www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2008/11/greene_portfolio200811

Things I Want: Converse by Thom Browne

I have to say it... Thom Browne is amazing.  I mean, really really amazing.  How else do you explain these sneakers he did for Converse's 100th Anniversary?  The blue/white/red weave on the outside, with a suede lining.  Incredible!

The best part (worst part for those of us Stateside) is that they're only being sold at Isetan.  I am hoping that Isetan Shanghai qualifies as a worthy outlet because I have to get a pair of these!



Of course every menswear blog had a post about this... but you can get more details from the peeps at Selectism:  www.selectism.com/news/2008/11/24/thom-browne-for-converse-100th-anniversary-sneaker/

Enjoy!