Thursday, August 29, 2013

Fall Styling: Three Looks from Ports 1961

I definitely have an affinity for Fall. The opportunity to buy sweaters, jackets, and all things wool is something I just can't resist. So it was without hesitation that I took Details magazine up on the offer to style a few Fall looks from the expansive closet of global brand Ports 1961

It was hard to actually settle on just three, but I loved what I was able to come up with, and hope you do too!

First up -- I saw this cashmere rollneck sweater in their lookbook and knew I had to include it in my pull. The heathered red mixed with the solid swoops stood out to me and it's a piece that you'll see from across the room.


I paired it with wool pants and amazing keltie loafers. These are the pieces I'd put together on a snowy day when staying warm (and looking good) is paramount.


Next, there was a windowpane suit that caught my eye. I am seemingly always on the hunt for a new suit, and this one fit like a dream. But before we dive in there, I threw on this fantastic coat.


Navy (my go-to color), light enough for a Fall day, and I loved the paneling on the back. It was a feature in a lot of the Ports 1961 pieces from this collection and I thought it was a great subtle touch.


Now, about that suit... have to love something off the rack that fits you this well. Great attention to detail and the pattern was classic yet compelling. Another pair of keltie loafers (these in blue on blue) rounded out the look.



The finale was an unstructured green jacket, wool pants, and pebbled leather boots. One of the reasons I had to try the jacket was how well it can go from casual to dressed up. Large front pockets, soft shoulders, and a rich color make this a perfect Fall choice.


The wool pants included more of the paneling seen in the navy jacket above, and went really well with the leather boots. I also grabbed this beautiful leather tote bag -- it's important to have something to throw your scarf, gloves, and other Fall necessities in.


Talk about a fun day... it was such a pleasure to get to experience Ports 1961 and have an advance look at some of my major wants for Fall. 

And finally, here's a quick behind the scenes video shot on set... enjoy!

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

New Specs from Steven Alan: Things I Have

Last week I had the opportunity to stop by the Steven Alan store in Chelsea, where they seem to continually expand their product offerings. Women's and men's, then home goods... and now eyewear!

This latest addition is called Steven Alan Optical and offers frames in a variety of colors and styles. I tried on a number of styles and settled with the Coleman in dark tortoise. It's a little different shape for me, and sits lower on the eyes than normal, but something about them felt right.


Once I'd selected my frames, I went through the checkout process via iPad and received a confirmation e-mail. I replied to that e-mail with my prescription and a few days later... 


Was definitely excited to wear them for the first time today! I love how the frames fit -- nice and snug -- and they came in a gingham lined carrying case. While the folks at Steven Alan comped this pair, I definitely recommend both the experience and the selection (and am already thinking about a second pair, as sunnies!).

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Lapo Elkann for Gucci: Things I Love

Lapo Elkann, Fiat heir, CEO of Italia Indepenent, and all around style icon has now collaborated on a capsule collection for Gucci. It's well, a pretty robust capsule with both suiting and separates.

And for me it evokes an amazing throwback to Lapo's grandfather Gianni Agnelli -- wide lapels, spread collars, rich fabrics -- and an aesthetic that Lapo himself has largely adopted.

Here I've picked my three favorite looks, starting off with this great one button blazer paired with a wide collar button-down shirt, and very Gucci looking trousers. The beautiful carryall doesn't hurt either.


In the suiting department I loved the light windowpane for Fall, and the styling of the wider-than-currently-trending tie helps anchor the spread collar shirt. Office ready for sure.


And for a more formal night out -- this velvet double breasted tuxedo is the epitome of luxe. Staying on the wide collar trend, I feel like this jacket could sprout wings and fly, but I love how neatly tailored it is on the sides. Velvet is a bold choice for a tux, but that wasn't always the case -- again showing a nice look back at Italian fashion legacies.


All images here... and definitely a collection to watch for in-store.