The cardigan sweater - what to choose and how to wear?

Converse by John Varvatos

My first memory of a cardigan is of my grandfather, he wore them quite a lot. He had some that were thinner in solid color that he wore at times under suits and some that were chunkier with big textured leather buttons that he wore out on on its own or under a jacket or even just at home to keep him warm. My guess is that almost everyone who is reading this have somewhat a similar memory to that of their grandparents, after all the cardigan is known as the grandpa sweater! My second memory happened many years later when Kurt Cobain sport the cardigan look, i especially remember the time when Nirvana played their MTV unplugged and he was wearing this green/yellowy vintage looking one over T jeans and snickers....that was Grange in its best (and also one of the greatest moments of Rock if you ask me...).

Amy way enough of my memories. The cardigan is a great item for transitional weather when temperature changes through out the day and layering is in order. I like that its easy to incorporate it into your day with any style whether you go casual or more dressy like Pep Guardiola (the Barcelona manager shown below) sporting it under a suit.

Pep Guardiola in action and style....

Now days there a lot of cardigan style to choose from, from a classic with leather buttons to a zip-up with cardigan and much more. below are some of the main styles you should concider:

Findings - Schoot for Barney's NY plaid Peacoat

Plaid Peacoat from Schoot for Barney's New York

WHY: If you are looking for a coat that will make you stand out...You just found it! Peacoats are everywhere almost every guy have one in his closet (i say almost cause i don't....). But they all have pretty the same version either black, grey or dark navy...well now you have a cooler much more fun option to choose from, this sophisticated mix of colorful plaids and the safe winter colors of grey and black guaranty to make you noticed and in a good way. Wear it with a skinny black jeans tacked into those red Florsheim boots and you will turn heads around everywhere you'll go....which again.... is not a bad thing!
INFO: Wool mixed plaid and solid melton double breasted peacoat with slash pockets with leather trim. Fully lined. Available in Red Multi. Made in U.S. Wool/nylon, poly lining, leather trim. Dry clean.
PRICE: $595.00
WHERE: Barneys NY

Findings - Florsheim by Duckie Brown wingtip boot

Wingtip boot from Florsheim by Duckie Brown at Barney's

 WHY: Fall is here (which means that winter is just around the corner) and fall color palate is really beautiful (if you haven't done it before take a drive to upstate NY this time of year, it is by far one of the most gorgeous views with all the red/orange leafs all over...) , its filled with rich, deep colors mostly in the red/orange range that just by looking at them almost as they are the adult and more sophisticated colors of the spring summer color palate and when it comes to materials these colors really shine in Suede, Velvet and so, the texture of these fabrics brings out the best in them. I have a short version of these boots in a blue suede from Florshiem which i really love and again the color is so vibrating in that material that it makes it so much fun to wear....these boots are a perfect stand out item, yes you might need to dare in your style to wear these but you can wear these just with jeans and a simple clean top and jacket in just a basic color and you are good to make your impact on any scene you are part of.... if you want to push it even more wear a skinny jeans and tack the bottom into these boots giving it a military twist, pair it with a trench coat and you will rock every party you go to....
INFO: Suede medallion toe lace-up wingtip boot on leather sole.
8" shaft
PRICE:$525.00  
WHERE: Barney's

Now the only question is..... will you dare to wear them????  I know I would....I'd like to hear from you too...

Findings - Havaianas, limited edition Flip Flops

Havaianas - limited edition Flip Flops from Barney's CO-OP celebrating the 2010 world cup

WHY: Simply because it is World Cup time! The biggest sports tournament in the world is starting tomorrow in South Africa and flip flops with your favorite team colors are just the perfect way to celebrate it this summer. I am a big fan of Football (soccer) as you might have noticed already, and this tournament is like heaven for me...a month of games and excitement mixed with both happy and sad moments with only one team to win it all! I have been watching the world cup games since 1978 and have not missed even one game in all these years no matter what time the games were played or who played....yes, its not easy at times, sometimes even challenging but by far it is the most exciting thing to watch....so go get your self a pair of these fun flip flops take a month off from work (or should i say from life all around???) turn on the TV and enjoy....
INFO: Havaianas flip flops are designed and manufactured in Brazil. The ultra-high quality of Havaianas is due to a top secret rubber recipe that makes the flip flops as soft as marshmallows. Limited Addition, Available only until July 11!
WHERE: Barneys New York
PRICE: $24

5 colors to keep your feet warm.....

If i didn't make it clear enough in my previous posts, I'll make it clearer.... I CAN NOT STAND THE COLD WEATHER!!! I'm just not build for it, my body is not build for it, better yet my feet are not build for it. Maybe it's because I was born in spring time (April) or maybe cause I grew up in a warm climate (Israel), what ever the reason is the fact remains the same: 13 years in the big city and I still can't get use to it...can anyone please explain to me why is the greatest city in the world have such a long and cold winters??? well....since I'm not the creator of the world all I can do is deal with it. For my feet though, its a bit harder to deal with... unless a thick, warm pair of socks like these Lambswool cable knit socks ($40) from CO OP Barney's New York, come to my aid.....they are thick as thick can be and they also come in fun colors like Olive, red, Light Blue, grey and oatmeal......I can already feel my feet defrosting.