Fall essentials - Velvet blazer!

There use to be this rule that you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day, we all know that is not the case anymore but there are other "rules" that just seem natural, and the one I'm talking about just feels right...wearing velvet in fall and winter!
When the temperature drops and you start layering the velvet sport coat is a perfect jacket to carry your style through fall and into winter. You start with layering it over a button-down shirt and than as its getting colder over turtle neck and finally you ad an overcoat ...perfect use for a Jacket.
The velvet fabric can be made out of few different materials such as silk, rayon or cotton. Most of us associate velvet as a luxury fabric and that would usually be the silk or rayon velvet, these will usually be more shiny, have a sleeker hand and drape softly while the colors look really deep. On the other hand the cotton velvet (usually called velveteen) is a not as drapey therefore is a much better chioce for blazers and sports coats, also the colors do not look as deep and shiny which makes the look of it a bit more casual, almost like corduroy. A cotton velvet jacket is a great chioce for every day's business man wardrobe who can than easily wear it with dark jeans and a button down shirt, add a tie if in the mood or a nice colorful silk pocket square for some added colors and he is ready to rock the city.
When you look for velvet blazer make sure its fits snag, mostly make sure the shoulders fits you right and not too big and loose, i would probably look for a 2 button and will probably only close the upper button, to emphasize your waist.  As far as colors go than go for a black, navy or brown although the darker greens can be really nice but not always go with everyone's wardrobe.

Barney's New york

Findings - All saints leather shirt

Emery leather shirt from All Saints

WHY: Nothing screams rock and roll like leather, never the less if its fitted and washed hugging your body like a second skin! And what else can a rocker ask for other than a BIG discount! Well all of the above combined in this cool fitted shirt from All Saints. This is about the only season you can feel comfortable wearing a leather shirt, so what a perfect way to end the year on with a rockish tune! So,  pull out your skin tight fitted jeans, your coolest leather boots, wrap your waist in this vintage wide leather belt you bought in a garage sell last weekend, grab a linen plaid scarf wrap it nonchalant around your neck but don't hide the antique silver pendant you girlfriend got you on your birthday, a worn soft white T under so the shirt wont get stuck to your body and your long military army coat on top and jump on stage cause the band is already rocking and the crowd is warmed up for your SHOW.....
INFO: 100% Leather. Slim fitting, unlined leather shirt with press stud front fastening and wire edges - garment washed with heavily burnished edges and seams and a crushed finish.
Color: Bitter Chocolate
PRICE: ON SALE NOW for $220 instead of $440
WHERE: All Saints

The Snood - A must have for the cold weather.

Chunky snood from Allsaints

I guess the snow storm out put in a real winter mood, staying warm inside surfing the web in search of what to wear to keep me from being cold ...but still stylish when I'm outside, this next item has a weird name but will definitely do both - the snood!

Carlos Tevez from Man city

Actually those of you who are Football (soccer) fans like me, (especially the ones who follow the English Premier League) have probably seen the snood hit the sports news lately, when more and more players started wearing it during the games, derided by commentators and creating a whole debate among players, managers and fans on whether players should or shouldn't be worn on the field. Which in my opinion was simply a drama to create more news...if it keeps players warmer what is the problem with that??? I haven't yet to see a goal scored using a snood....
Well than what is a Snood (also known as a headgear or a neck warmer)? - it is simply a tubular neck scarf often worn by skiers or motorcyclists that can be worn either pulled down around the neck like a scarf, or pulled up over the hair all the way to the nose to protect the lower part of your face. it actually not just protecting your face but also since it covers your mouth and nose you end up breathing into it which creates even more heat to warm your body.

Are there any cool stylish city snow shoes?

Snowy NYC

My bedroom window today

The big apple has its first snow storm of the season....its white, fluffy and anowy everywhere which is fun but the biggest problem with that (at list for me) is what shoes do you wear to go out??? Shoes/boots for snow are probably the hardest to find....actually let me rephrase this sentense - STYLISH city shoes/boots for snow are almost imposible to find! The reason is....there are barely any. I'm not really sure why but snow shoes (just like down coats) that will protect you from the snow and will still keep you stylish are something that brands just don't care for....yes i know that Canada Goose coats (you should have seen yesterday how stores were selling them like cupcakes...) and Sorel snow boots are everywhere and everyone have them and treats them as if they are the most stylish items out there (did anyone seriously thought that Ugg were stylish???)...but come on now let's face it they are perfect for this weather no doubt about that but they under no circumstances look good! They are bulky and make even the skinniest person look like a blimp with potatoes as feet and the colors they are offered in are just horrid (or at list for men cause i have seen some women's that are not bad)! And no i don't believe that they have to look like that, they can absolutely be designed to look more stylish and cool....So after ranking for a little bit here are my solution (which i will admit took a little while to find), featured shoes  in this post you will be able to comfortably wear for a snow storm in the city and keep your style COOL!

Timberland has a couple of nice not too bulky and colorful options: 

I really like these....

Findings - Oliver Spencer wool lookout coat on Bonobos

Oliver Spencer wool lookout coat on Bonobos

WHY: Finding a coat to wear over a suit or a bushiness casual outfit you need to sport for work is hard to find cause most of them are outdated and geared to the older, classic customer, the fit is too big and the style, fabrics and colors are just not fun, but this Oliver Spencer lookout coat got it all figured out! A perfect combo of classic style, sophisticated details, great fit and quality fabrics, all mixed in giving you the stage to show your smart sense of style and your unique personality even in your daily work! Once again a British brand shows us how its done! The great details on this coat are just phenomenal, and the design is multi dimensional, any way you turn there is something to look at, whether its the pockets and facing combo in the front or the back 'lovers' pockets or sleeves. I love the upper front pocket and the introduction of another color/fabric in the front facing, the under collar and the forearms (on the gray version only), while the choice of the herringbone textured fabric and the football leather buttons add that touch of quality that says i mean business!A perfect combo of traditional and contemporary for the modern guy!

Chunky scarves what to look for and how to wear them?

Rick Owens- OKI-NI

Winter is here and in 1week the holiday season will be over and all we would be left with for the next three and half months is cold weather......i don't know about you guys but to me this sounds DEPRESSING! Anyways all there is to do is enjoy the fact that we can play with much more accessories and clothing items than in any other season. One of my favorite winter accessories is the scarf! Especially the big, chunky ones.....(i guess after all size DOES matter...or at list in certain cases), therefore the heavier, thicker and for the most part the longer the scarf is the more you can do with it and the more impact it will have on your outfit... adding a new dimension and a touch of luxury to your look.
Heavy chunky scarves have been trendy for the last couple of seasons which makes it a bit easier to find them and if you have the patience you will find ones that are reasonably priced (especially starting next week when sale season is in full force...).
What to look for? Generally you want wool scarves, they tend to have a softer hand and will be warmer and look more expensive. Ultimately the softest you can find the better, so if you can treat yourself invest in a cashmere scarf, that is the best! You can always go for a solid natural color (black, gray, ivory etc.) scarf which will than go with about anything in your wardrobe, this way you get an item that is timeless and will be a good investment for the next few seasons. If you want to keep it classic but have a little twist go with a textured scarf like ribbed or cable knit, or even a tweed. I would suggest though getting more than one scarf, and get a 2nd scarf that has either a colorful pattern such as stripes or if you want to

Findings - Timo Weiland Hand knit sweater

Hand Knit Trench sweater from Timo Weiland

WHY: My computer is showing right now a temperature of 19 degrees Fahrenheit, which to me is just not a temperature suitable for people! Humans should not live in this cold... (sorry Alaska but i don't get it...). The only way to survive this is layering (especially if you run in and out as i do all day) as much as you can and with the heaviest pieces you can find, which most times means sacrificing style for comfort (to be honest i don't) but this big heavy knitted sweater is the ultimate solution, its heavy, big, warm and super cool and stylish.... it looks so comfy that all you want to do is cuddle into it wrap yourself inside of it like a blanket and sleep....it makes sense why bears sleep all winter ha????
INFO: 100% virgin wool, made in Uruguay, double breasted button front, front pockets, waist tie.
PRICE: $539.00
WHERE: Forward by Revolve

Findings - Burberry wool military coat

Military wool coat with button cuffs from Burberry

WHY: How can you say no to a coat like that??? I don't think i consider that a coat...this is ART WORK! When i posted about Burberry about a year ago i was drooling about the coats Christopher Bailey showed for this fall, so finally they are available and more so they are all on SALE! (needless to say they are still not the cheapest thing around and which is very understandable after taking one quick look at this coat...The fit of this coat is just amazing!, they way its being crafted and tailored is incredible...this is a lesson in how a coat should fit. In all honesty if i would to get this coat i would probably be afraid to wear it not to damage it. A coat like that holds a look by itself everything else you would wear with it has to be subtle and clean to leave the stage this piece of art. Yes the cuffs are not functional and i would assume they are probably quite heavy and i could do with out them and i to....

INFO: Double breasted pressed wool military jacket with cuffs embellished with multiple branded buttons. Epaulettes, long buttonable back inverted pleat and half belt. Hook and eye closure at collar, two oversize patch pockets and two interior welt pockets. Wool, Branded sateen lining, 39 1/2" long, Dry clean, Made in Italy.
WHERE: Burberry 
PRICE:  On sale for $2249 instead from $3195

Findings - Timo Weiland Tweed pant

Hair tweed pant by Timo Weiland

WHY: Winter is here making heavier warmer pant a necessity, and what better than tweed fabric to provide that. This fabric in this style has a vintage look somewhat of a 'grandfather pant' feel (when he was young and cool). The fit seems to be comfy and slouchy (especially with these pockets) although the leg is pretty fitted in the bottom. I love the way the pants are being worn in this photo with the folded hem and the those shoes, this look reminds me of the way we dressed in the 80's, i can see Morrissey wearing that back than.....
I would wear these pants with a slim white button down shirt and maybe a skinny tie or a fitted turtleneck sweater and a short motorcycle or bomber jacket. I feel that these kind of pants will look the best when they are paired with a top that shows the waist line because otherwise wearing a long or boxy jacket might make one look heavier than he actually is (unless it is a belted jacket).
INFO: 45% viscose 35% poly 10% wool 8% cotton 2% nylon, Made in China. Front and back pockets
WHERE: Forward by Revolve
PRICE: $297.00

Findings - ISAORA Riding Weatherproof Jacket

Riding Weatherproof Jacket in black and ivory big gingham from ISAORA

WHY: Looking for a waterproof jacket for this time a year that will make you stay dry in style? well you just found it. I love the big pockets and how they break the black and ivory big gingham design making it less conservative and more of a hipster like jacket. It looks comfy and puffy almost like a warm blanket, young and hip look that will keep you warm and dry, great  for your weekends.
INFO: Shell: 70% wool 15% poly 10% acrylic 5% nylon, Fill: 100% goose down, Lining: 100% polyethylene, Made in China, Zip front closure, Front zip pockets, Waterproof zippers.
WHERE: Forward by Revolve
PRICE: $649.00

Holiday gifts for men - 5 gift ideas under $100!

In this 2nd post i have for you 5 gift ideas that are under $100....

1. CASHMERE MULTI COLOR SCARF - $87.50 on Bloomingdale's

Pure cashmere now on Sale!

 2. PAUL SMITH JEANS BLOCK STRIPED GLOVES - $75 on Barney's

Wool gloves in contrast block stripes, made in Scotland.

Findings - A warm wrap wool scarf by Odyn Vovk

Black wool wrap scarf  from Odyn Vovk

WHY: I got up the last two mornings and i couldn't believe the temperature outside, i had to double check it a couple of times..... and unfortunately i was confirmed that winter is knocking real hard on our door. Over the years New York winter made me appreciate the importance of a scarf or better said a good heavy warm scarf. Before moving to NY and getting the "pleasure" of freezing my ass here for about 5 months every year, i thought of scarfs mostly as a decorative accessory, one that adds a splash of color and excitement to one's look, but that thought quickly changed on my first winter day in the city, i than realized how important it is to have a good warm scarf. Its the one accessory (maybe in addition to a hat) that seals the deal for me as far as warmth. Yes a warm coat is obviously essential but while most other accessories that will actually keep you warm will KILL your style, a good heavy scarf can do bot, keep you cozy and warm while support your personal style. For me this scarf is a a perfect example,its  made out of wool and is pretty long and quite wide allowing you to wrap it in style around your neck to store your body temperature in whether you'll tack it into your coat or just have it hanging long on your neck and although its just plan black the cool texture will still earn you good style points.

INFO:100% wool, Made in USA

PRICE: $385.00

WHERE:Forward by Revolve

Findings - Woolrich Woolen Mills ranger wool herringbone pant

Ranger wool herringbone pant from Woolrich Woolen Mills

WHY: With all being here and winter doing its way in fairly quick as well finding a great fitting wool pants is hard and actually the selection out there is not that big and is usually available in the classic colors of black, brown and grey.well.... Not anymore! These wool pants have it all, a slim fit that is tight around the waist and hips with a slim leg allowing them look dressed up or down if needed, great detailing such as the small right flap pocket in the front and the back pockets, the waist is higher in the back adding vintage sophistication and on top of it all a great pattern such as the herringbone in a dark blue color! i couldn't ask for more than that from a  winter pants! Pair  these pants with suspenders and a nice fitted cardigan and desert boots and you are all game!

INFO: 100% Wool, 100% Acetate Lining, Made in the USA 
PRICE: $271.00
WHERE: Contextclothing.com

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

Fall style - The motorcycle jacket

Pendleton at Opening Ceremony

I got my first (and actually my only one so far) motorcycle jacket about 20 years ago in India out of all places.... I was traveling there after my army service  and one day i went into a leather store in Delhi and had my eye on this black leather asymmetrical motorcycle jacket but since i was a tourist the guy at the store thought i should cover his annual sales and gave me a price that scared me away, but as i was making my way out of the store he kept on dropping the price to about fifth of the original offer ....so i went back and tried it..... the true is that i really had no intention of getting this jacket and that's why i walked away....but i guess it had my name on it!The motorcycle jacket got its big break into the fashion books after Marlon Brandon wore it in 1953 as Johnny Strabler in the movie The Wild One.

Marlon Brandon in The Wild One

Shortly after and over the years it was adopted as the classic rock n roll jacket portraying a rebellious image with a  rockish/punk/metal, bad boy bad ass feel (which off course made almost every

Ralph Lauren collection for team USA

New York city streets wore white this morning as if having a welcome ceremony to the upcoming Winter Olympic games (This Friday the 12th).... Fifth avenue looked like a ski slope, Union square was ready for some cross country skiing competition and every sky scraper looked like a ski mountain....everything was covered in a soft, bright white snow..... just beautiful and purifying! I'm not a fan of the winter, but i will admit.... the snow part is kind of cool! So, as i was flipping through WWD and putting on my snow boots (from Keen) i saw the uniforms for the US Olympic team designed by Ralph Lauren. I'm not a big fan of the RL style but there is no doubt that RL is a true American brand and it seemed only natural for this brand to to get the call for this job! ...and I think they did a great one, simple, classic, all American athletic look..... on the money! (well...except for the knit hats with the moose print.... i mean come on...Christmas was almost 2 months ago.... and even though i know its very trendy now i just CAN NOT stand those type of patterns.....).
The line is available for all on the Ralph Lauren site and stores, and includes down jacket, chunky wool/cashmere knit sweater, beautiful classic merino wool shawl cardigan (my favorite), a white cozy pima cotton fleece pant, some down vests and a bunch of other tees, hoodies, boots, ties and hats, all off course in the patriotic color scheme of red, blue, and white, decorated by the team USA's official logo and the pony Polo logo.
So go and shop to be inspired, relax on your couch and let the games begin........

The snow rover from keen

I have been looking forever now for the perfect winter boots…..I love shoes and especially boots and every year when winter is here I’m facing the same issue of finding a cool looking casual winter boots to wear with jeans and a dressier winter boots to wear with pants. While the last ones are really hard to find the first ones where much easier - The Snow rover from KEEN ($150) makes a great casual snow boot made of Leather and canvas upper and faux shearling lining they combine fashion and function in a winter boot. KEEN.WARM insulation keeps cold from seeping in. The dual climate rubber outsole hardens in extreme cold to bite into packed snow. The KEEN.DRY waterproof barrier keeps the weather on the outside for lasting performance. Available in 2 color ways dark shadow/warm olive and Potting soli/silver mink (in picture) which is the only down side about these great shoes……why not offering some kind of a grey/charcoal/ version as well???? btw they are available for women as well so here is your chance to keep your lady’s feet warm and dry as well…..
Available online