Burberry Trench Gets Studded for Colette in Spring 2010

Burberry designer Christopher Bailey continues his English sartorial brilliance this Spring 2010 with an exclusive collaboration with the Paris store Colette. My favorite of his new designs is this remix of the classic Burberry trench featuring Rock n' Roll-type studs on the collar. It hits Colette stores on February 22nd and starts at $2,800. Damn. If I were a rich woman I would definitely buy this and pop my collar everytime I wore it.

My Black (But Pleasant) Friday

Allow me to rewind back to Black Friday. It was a great day for me, not because I was able to capitalize on some great deals (I only scored one), but just because the main objective of the day was shopping. People line up at 4am just to catch the best deals and people storm department stores like there's no tomorrow. I actually had a friend who asked me to shop with her at 4:30am (at first, I agreed to, but then wised up). While many people may dread a day like this, I thoroughly enjoyed it. For one, I'm a people-watcher. I like to see what people do, what they wear, how they act, what they look like, etc. Secondly, I just love to shop and any excuse to ad new duds to my closet is cool with me.

I didn't go overboard on this day, as I am now constantly looking for quality, not quantity. I bought clothes from two of my favorite stores. Two sweaters from the Gap (they were buy one, get one free) and a nice, slim monochromatic-schemed blazer from H&M. It's one of my best buys of the year. I've displayed them below.

Rugby Striped Crewneck


Striped Sleeve V-neck Sweater


Winter Collection H&M Blazer

Apparel Watch: Abercrombie & Fitch Noonmark Cardigan

This weekend I went window shopping at the mall to see what was new at Bloomington's College Mall (which usually isn't much). However, when I stopped into Abercrombie & Fitch to browse around I was pleasantly surprised. Within 10 seconds of my walking in the doorway I noticed a these fine wool cardigans draped on some of the mannequins. I went up to them to feel the fabric (wool), buttons and stitching and I was very impressed. It was fitted, the sleeves didn't appear or feel flimsy and the buttons weren't loose. Also, they're priced at $98, which isn't bad considering the quality you're getting. I asked about the cardigan so I could try it on, but apparently those were just for show on the mannequins. In order to cop one I'd have to go online, and I will...eventually. Below are the site details.

$98
80% wool/10% nylon/10% cashmere, Supersoft, logo embroidery, logo embossed buttons ribbed cuffs and hem, front pockets, interior neck taping, tonal placket taping, Classic Fit, Imported

Martin Margiela Hi Top Sneaker

Caught these shoes on oki-ni.com and fell in love. I wish could get them, but too bad they're $519.49. I love the futuristic look of them and the color - too dope!



Martin Margiela hi top ‘Mix Up’ trainers in cherry red with a leather, suede and nylon paneled upper. Contrast laces and an extra-padded tongue give a retro feel to these shoes. They’re leather lined for comfort, have a leather insole and rubber sole. Really, really beautiful.

Adidas Y-3 Fall/Winter '09 Honja Hi Bark

I came across these shoes at hypebeast.com. These kicks are so dope! Adidas has teamed up with Y-3 to make a high fashion but sporty collection, which includes these high tops for the fall/winter 2009 collection.

According To Kurz...NFL Mock Draft

Here is my attempt at predicting what this year 2009 NFL Draft 1st round will look like, again I repeat: This is an attempt! I think there will be a lot of trades so the order may get mixed up, and I left some good players like Donald Brown, Larry English, Clint Singrim, and many others who may slip in the 1st round out of my mock draft. My hardest part was finding a spot for Aaron Curry surprisingly, because if he goes past 5, I don’t know where he will end up.


Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia
- Franchise quarterback with all the physical tools, but Detroit may ruin him before he can establish himself.

Rams: Jason Smith, OT Baylor
- With Orlando Pace gone and Alex Barron labeled a bust they need a tackle, and why not get a component to help your best player Stephen Jackson. Eugene Monroe could go here as well.

Chiefs: Aaron Curry. LB Wake Forest
- GM Scott Pioli is from New England so look for a trade, but he also likes to build with defense first. My surprise pick here would be Crabtree since new Head Coach Todd Haley just came from an offense with 2 superstar receivers.

Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
- Really they could go with a lot of choices here, but I think they want to protect Matt Hassleback first and have a replacement for LT Walter Jones when he retires.

Browns: B.J Raji, DT Boston College
- A trade could happen with Braylon Edwards or either of their QB’s, but if nothing happens I think they will want to build that defensive front with a strong D linemen. Brian Orakpo could go here as well.

Bengals: Andre Smith, OT Alabama
- They need a lot of help but they lost some good offensive linemen this off-season and Smith could fit in right away and protect Carson Palmer.

Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
- I think Al Davis will realize this is the best WR in this years draft and have 3 young stars on offense with Crabtree, McFadden, and Russell. But Coach Cable has been rumored to really like Jeremy Maclin.

Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
- If Sanchez is still on the board here I think we will see a trade, but the Jaguars desperately need to upgrade their receiver position. Also, Maclin could learn from veteran WR Torry Holt.

Packers: Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE Texas
- They will go with the player they feel most valuable that is left, but Orakpo gives them an edge rusher they will need for that new 3-4 defense. To me he is a boom or bust pick that could be like Terrell Suggs or more like Vernon Gholston.

49’ers: Mark Sanchez, QB USC
- I don’t expect him to be here if a trade has happened earlier, but if he is there is no way San Francisco can pass on him. They need a QB and he already knows the West Coast Offense. If he isn’t there a DE or OT would make sense.

Bills: Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
- They just lost a pro bowl LT in Jason Peters so Oher could come fill that void, and protect Trent Edwards in what could be a very powerful offense.

Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
- If Jackson is still here new coach Josh McDaniel’s must take him, he is a perfect five-technique for the 3-4 defense. Problem is Jackson has been rising on a lot of draft boards lately.

Redskins: Robert Ayers, DE Tennessee
- He is a little bit of a sleeper but he is a pure end in a 4-3 defense and could help rush the quarterback with DT Albert Haynsworth receiving a lot of double teams.

Saints: Brian Cushing, LB USC
- Sean Payton loves USC guys (last 2 1st round picks- Reggie Bush, Sedrick Ellis) and Cushing would fit right in at OLB with Scott Fujita on the other side and Jon Vilma in the middle. CB and S are also a concern, so maybe Vontae Davis or Malcolm Jenkins could go here.

Texans: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S Ohio State
- A pass rusher would make sense as well but that secondary got torched last year and Jenkins could play either Safety or Corner depending on the teams need.

Chargers: Rey Mauluga, LB USC
- This guy would fit right into that LB corps of nasty and high energy players, and could play inside linebacker in the teams 3-4. If Jenkins is available he could be the pick, or a RB that could compliment Tomlinson and Sproles would make sense.

Jets: Percy Harvin, WR Florida
- They do need a QB so that wouldn’t be a surprise, but Harvin could also serve as an explosive punt returner and kick return guy. Since Rex Ryan will most likely try to win with a powerful defense a weapon on special teams would make sense.

Broncos: Aaron Maybin, OLB/DE Penn State
- They will continue to add help to the defense and Maybin would give them a nice edge rusher, but could use a year or two in the weight room.

Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
- I am not sure of he will make it this far but if available he would be the choice. He has a big arm and is compared to Joe Flacco a lot, but they also need help at LB and DT.

Lions: Ebon Britton, OT Arizona
- A lot of mock drafts have them tackle a defensive player here, but I think they will follow Atlanta’s blue print from last year and get a player to protect their new franchise QB.

Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
- Chris wells could make sense as well but I think they like Moreno more and he would make a nice rotation of backs with the often injured Brian Westbrook.

Vikings: Kenny Britt, WR Rutgers
- They need a receiver to take some load off of Adrian Peterson and free Bernard Berrien of double coverage’s. I think Darius Heywerd-Bey could go here but his questionable hands make Britt the choice.

Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
- If this pick is right I will be surprised because no one can ever predict what they are going to do and they will take who ever they feel best fits their plans. But after looking at their roster they are very thin at the CB spot, but RB Donald Brown or OLB Clay Mathews could go here as well.

Falcons: Pierra Jerry, DT Mississippi
- A big space eater in the middle is what they need, and Jerry is exactly that but I am just not sure he will be available here. The falcons have a few spots to fill in their defense so an LB or a DB would also be a good pick.


Dolphins: Clay Mathews, OLB USC
- I think Parcells like his pedigree (see Bobby Carpenter when Parcells was in Dallas) and he is a great special teams player to go along with his pass rush abilities.

Ravens: Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
- The Ravens don’t have a lot of picks so they may trade out of this spot, but a weapon to help Joe Flacco would make sense. I am a huge fan of Pettigrew and to have him combined with Todd Heap would be dangerous.

Colts: Evander “Ziggy” Hood, DT Mississippi
- I think they will ask Peyton Manning if he wants any of the available WR or RB on the board and if he says no then Hood will be their guy. He is a good fit as a 1 technique in their cover 2 scheme, and takes some pressure of their DE’s.

Bills: Everette Brown, OLB/DE Florida State
- He would be a little bit of a project because he would need to learn the OLB in a 3-4 defense, but would provide speed of the edge. Larry English may go here as well; the Bills have a history of drafting “reach” players.

Giants: Darius Heyard-Bey, WR Maryland
- This gives them a big WR for Eli to throw to, but they may need to trade up if they want to get him because I am not sure he will fall this far.

Titans: Darius Butler, CB UConn
- They need a corner badly, but with Albert Haysworth gone they could use some D line help. Getting a Receiver in the first round would make sense as well, but they seem to refuse to do that.

Cardinals: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB Ohio State
- If he falls this far they must take him, his potential is too good to pass up. They have an unproven RB in Tim Hightower and an aging on in Edge, so he makes perfect sense. If he isn’t here then a pass rusher would be their selection.

Steelers: Max Unger, C Oregon
- A corner would be a good pick as well, but they some how managed to win the title with a below average offensive line, and Unger is a 6’4 center that proved he is a 1st rounder at the senior bowl.

Apparel Watch...Der Sammler Solo Printed Hold-all Bag

This hold-all bag is a part of the Der Sammler Solo Spring/Summer 2009 line of accessories. Der Sammler Solo designer Kinjiteramoto has always impressed with his unique usage of vintage materials and his ability to use them in designing something modern and hip. With this line, he's using a patriotic stars and stripes motif. Also included in his line are more unisex hold-all bags scarves with minimal brand detailing (meaning you won't find the brand name on the accessories). He's allowing the textiles and designs he's chosen to take over and speak for themselves - very refreshing. Looking at this hold-all (priced at £315.00 or about $460 in the US) makes me think of shooting fireworks for the fourth of July. This bag, along with other Der Sammler Solo accessories and clothes are now available at oki-ni.com.

Below are the details from the site.

Canvas holdall in the label’s season print in red, white and blue. Leather straps buckle and adjust and there’s a central strap the middle that fastens with a leather keeper to keep bag closed and secure. The bag can either be carried by two short handles or one long across the body strap. Inside there are three closed zip pockets for valuables and three larger open ones.

Measures approx 21” x 13”.

Apparel Watch...Supra Vaider Purple Patent Shoe

These shoes first caught my eye while I was sitting in one of my journalism classes about a month ago when one of my classmates strolled in wearing them. I should've known he'd wear some shoes like these because the guy has a style that's mad fresh. It was ironic because not long before that I had just been explaining to some of my fellow writers/editors at the IDS how I really want a pair of bold, purple sneakers. I failed to ask him where he bought the shoes, but I went and checked them out myself.

I found the shoes this past weekend at Zumiez in the College Mall here in Bloomington. Priced at $94.95, the shoes appear to be well worth it, as I thought they'd be closer to $150. One of the employees told me the shoes had been flying off the racks and they only had a limited amount of sizes left. When asked if they'd ever go on sale, she left me with little hope. Nevertheless, you can find them on numerous online shoe sites for the same price with all of the sizes available. The only downside is shipping and handling. The shoe details are below.

Features of this shoe include a high top with vulcanized sole, extra heel protection molded into comfortable high memory polyurethane insole, SupraFoam® midsole providing entire foot impact resistance, optimal shoe flex and board feel, ankle support and PU leather lining. New metal sliding tongue logo.

Apparel Watch...L' CINQUE Gourmet Sneakers

I found these sneakers on Karmaloop.com. I love the unique grey texture of these shoes. I've seen these shoes on a couple of different websites and would like to jump on (or in rather) a pair sometime this year.

Apparel Watch...Sid Mashburn Double Buckle Monk Strap Shoe

These might be the best shoes I've ever seen. I noticed them while looking at, what else, GQ Magazine. They're being worn by Atlanta-based designer, Sid Mashburn, who was named one of the "10 Most Stylish Men In America" by GQ. His style is classic, preppy and wholesome with a splash of modernism, or as he describes it as "kind of an amalgam of different things: European preppy, southern."

These monkstrap loafers are the symbol of spring/summer shoe perfection - though you can wear them anytime you like. They bring a solid, classic base to an outfit that far exceeds the simplistic quality of a simple regular loafer or boat shoe for anyone who has the effrontery to try such a bold, sleek shoe.

I would like to, one day, own a pair of these shoes, but priced at $595, I'm not getting my hopes up. But hey, a man can dream. The shoes can be found at sidmashburn.com

*You must click on the picture to read the details from the website and get an enlarged and detailed look at the shoe.

Apparel Watch...Kenneth Cole NY Moon Mission Sneaker

I ran across this sneaker as I was flipping through my March issue of GQ. In the ad, a model wore a slim-fitting grey suit, white shirt, navy tie, and these navy sneakers. While the suit was nice, it was the sneakers that caught my eye. I've always appreciated the idea of wearing sneakers with a suit as long as the sneakers were either monochrmoatic or stripped of any major eccentric details. To me, this shoe has just enough of both qualities to go well with a grey or navy suit - and of course you'd wear them with jeans as well.

They're currently priced at $175 on kennethcole.com. As you can see in the pictures above the shoe comes in navy, crimson and brown. The shoe somehow zips up on the side (I have yet to figure out how) which is probably different than most of us are used to. Nevertheless, it's pretty cool. Below are the details from the website.

leather sneaker
inner ankle zip closure
leather lining
man-made sole
imported

Once You Go White...

For the most part this spring will be all about color but I’ve always carried an appreciation for the monochromatic white look. You can go preppy with it or urban street or combine the two styles to make the outfit all your own. I’ve picked out a few items that I may think about putting together myself, mixing the urban brands (Urban Outfitters) with the preppy brands (POLO and Banana Republic).


Banana Republic Slim Fit Stretch-Poplin Dress Shirt

I have the short sleeve version of this shirt and it’s probably my favorite shirt. It fits close to the body and stretches well as you move. Though, I must say this shirt will fit best on those who are physically fit. Price: $59.50


POLO Classic-Fit Hudson White Jean

I’m currently looking for a nice pair of white jeans and during my search these preppy slip-ons caught my eye over everything else. Now, if only I can figure out how to keep them clean (steer clear of the sandbox). Price: $115


Banana Republic Heritage Suede Split-Buckle Belt

It’d be cool to go for a brightly colored belt with all white but in this case we’re sticking with the “milk” look (and I don’t mean the movie). Price: $49


Urban Outfitters Linen Oxford Shoe

When I buy a white dress shoe this spring I either want this one, or one just like it. If you’re a guy into trying the white dress shoes you should too. You might risk looking like a Mormon cowboy, but don’t sweat it, you’ll probably look more fashionable than most. Price: $78

Apparel Watch...Ralph Lauren Spring Argyle Cotton-Cashmere Vest

I haven’t been shopping in a while, so yesterday I decided to take a trip to Macy’s to window shop and quench my shopping thirst. I also wanted to check out what new Spring clothing lines Macy’s had in store. For the most part, not much jumped out at me except for the Ralph Lauren display (it always does). I’ve had my eye on a striking Ralph Lauren sweater vest that I definitely want to buy – once it goes on sale that is.

The light blue argyle print with navy and yellow mixed in really makes me think of Easter. This will go well with a pair of navy slacks, khakis or any color blue jeans. Priced at $125, it’s definitely worth the price, as it fits very well and doesn’t stretch after heavy use (I hate sweaters that become loose after a few wears). The sweater is made of cotton with a little bit of cashmere, making it all the more luxurious. Below are the details.

Classic sweater vest constructed in ultra-soft cotton and cashmere and designed in a preppy argyle pattern.
Solid ribbed V-neckline.
Solid ribbed armholes and hem.
85% cotton, 15% cashmere. Hand wash. Imported.

Apparel Watch...Thom Browne Converse Sneakers

I'm not even sure if this is a good to put in the "Apparel Watch" because these shoes are $1,800, but I'm doing it anyway. While master designer, Thom Browne, isn't doing a runway show this Fashion Week he is still making headlines in the fashion world. He has done a show off runway, but I'll get to that later.

Browne is known for his close, custom tailoring and design in his suits, but he has stepped outside the box - as he usually does - to team up with Converse to design a limited edition Jack Purcell sneaker. It's a patchwork grosgrain ribbon sneaker design that is reminiscent of the inner lining on many of Browne's tailored cardigans (see the detail picture from his Spring 2009 Show).

An original Jack Purcell Converse model will run you $40, but if you want a kick of Thom Browne you'll have to pay extra.

Apparel Watch...Italian Chino Suit

Go to your local menswear store and ask for a khaki suit. It’s very likely that they’ll bring out something in light brown or some type of olive color. That’s not what a young man needs to be a true fashion rebel this spring. A khaki suit should be, well, khaki. This cotton Italian chino suit from J. Crew is just that. I first saw it in GQ Magazine and fell in love with it. I plan on buying this suit or one similar to it for the spring and early fall months when the weather says “wear what you want.” The suit will run you $386 dollars but it's worth it.

The suit is slim, chic and manly. It’ll make you stand out wherever you go. I’m envisioning this suit with a light blue shirt, navy tie and a pair of loafers. Though, it would go with much more than that. Here are the details:

Blazer: Smooth cotton twill woven in Italy. Our classic cut, destined to be a wardrobe essential. Felt under collar. Two-button closure. Flap pockets, interior pockets. Nonfunctional buttons at cuffs. Center back vent. Fully lined. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

Pants: Smooth cotton twill woven in Italy. Silk-tie stripe piping at interior waistband. Zip fly. Off-seam pockets, back pockets. Half lined. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only. Traditional trouser fit, straight through hip and thigh, with a straight leg.

Kanye West Designing Kicks For Louis Vuitton

Mr. Kanye West, the self-proclaimed “Louis Vuitton Don” is back up but you’ve gotta love ‘em. Kanye, who was spotted recently sitting front row at the Spring/Summer Louis Vuitton fashion show in Paris, has designed a line of five LV sneakers. One of the sneakers was featured in the show – which was also the sneaker Kanye wore that day – a monochromatic mid-top with a quilted flap in the back, which makes it easier to tuck pants into (shown above). Two other designs – a sneaker/loafer type shoe in all white and one all white high-top with a pink sole - were featured on Kanye’s blog earlier this month.

Kanye says he wanted to do something different and was inspired by science fiction, Japanese pop art and a movie scene in “Dune” where an actor sported a jacket with a high collar.

I love the sneakers and wish I had the money to buy me a pair or two. The shoes are due out in June at Louis Vuitton stores.

The Associated Press was able to catch up to Kanye at the LV show. Here’s the video below.

Fashion Sense...Dee and Ricky

Take a look at the poster inside Kanye West's new album 808's and Heartbreak and you'll find Kanye sporting a wool Raf Simons suit (his apparel watch is coming soon) with a big red lego heart brooch - yes brooch, not broach - just above his suit pocket. It's kinda funky and unlike anything I've seen before in recent memory. I decided to look into where I could find a brooch such as this.

The brooch was designed by twin brothers, Dee and Ricky (seen above). They're a young, charismatic design, rap and dance duo from New York and a two-thirds of the dance group Jackson Swinton. Known as The Twins, they've managed to catch the love and attention of the fashion world and are ready to take it by storm. They've been photographed by The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman and have been seen in spreads by Nike and Puma among others. The Twins' other accessories - also lego-inspired including belts - were commissioned by top fashion designer, Marc Jacobs for his New York Fashion Week for his Spring 2008 runway show.

You can purchase the brooches and belts from Dee and Ricky here.

The hearts come in red, black, or multi-colored while there are numerous styles in the belts. I'm thinking a lego heart would be great for Valentines Day.

Apparel Watch...Navy Two-Button Patch Pocket Blazer

Today, my girlfriend, Whitney and I were walking through a South Bend mall looking for a dress for her to wear to my friend's wedding. While shopping, I decided to step into Banana Republic to see if they had gotten any of their spring collections in. Sure enough, as soon as I walked into the store I noticed a sleek, cotton navy blazer. I tried it on and Whitney's face lit up as she told me how great it looked on me. I wanted to buy it right then and there. Only the blazer was priced at $198 and I am not prepared to spend that kind of money...yet.

It has a tailored fit, which is essential. The navy color is very rich, not faded. It also has an inner pocket that holds any type of media player. It's a great get for spring and every man needs a nice, tailored, navy blazer.

Here is the description from bananarepublic.com:

The classic must-have blazer gets a design update with an interior media pocket that complements a life on the go. Tailored in fine, pure cotton.

Fabric & Care
-100% Cotton.
-Dry clean.
-Imported.

Details
-Notched lapel, two-button closure.
-Three exterior patch pockets, two interior pockets.
-Three button cuffs, single back vent.
-Interior pocket with buttonhole port accommodates an MP3 player or cell phone and cord.
-Elastic loop at neck for smooth cable route.
-Fully lined.