My Jacket of Dreams: The Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket

In many ways the Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket is what I aspire to be. It’s elegant, sophisticated, luxurious, and most of all, it’s so grown up. For about a year now, the shawl collar blazer has been on my “to buy” list. Really, it should be on my “you better buy that shit once you’ve made it” list, but can you blame me? I mean, look at it. When you wear one it says something. It’s a statement all its own. It’s the classic “you can’t tell me nothing” jacket.

Most recently, the jacket has caught my interest because Kanye West rocked it in his movie Runaway, which aired last Saturday. While he is my number one inspiration when it comes to anything creative, the jacket stays on my mind like a beanie in the winter time.

The jacket dates back to the 1860’s, when Henry Pool & Co. designed a short smoking jacket for the Prince of Wales to wear to informal dinner parties as an alternative to white tie dress. It didn’t receive the name “dinner jacket” until 1888.

While many are two-button versions, my favorite is the one-button design. The one shown (above and below) is the Band of Outsiders Shawl Collar Dinner Jacket said to be priced at $1,824. It’s hand tailored, made with natural cotton canvas, and features front flap pockets, back side vents, and functional buttons at the wrist. I love how you can dress up the jacket or dress it down. Ideally, I want one like the Band of Outsiders version here, and one in light gray with a black shawl collar. I’ll own them one day. Then, when I walk by people will fantasize and think, “Damn, that boy made it.”

Tommy Hilfiger "Icon Collection"

Tommy Hilfiger is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his label by launching his Icon Collection this month. The dope paintings you see were made by Marcos Zavros for the occasion. The 25 limited edition pieces are every bit of classic-driven preppy All-American sportswear with a modern twist. The inspiration comes from true American icons is blended into every piece of fabric from the James Dean-inspired leather jacket to the Jim Morrison-inspired leather jeans. Tommy also features traditional button-downs, denim shirts, and shawl cardigans. The collection is currently available at all Hilfiger retail stores and online at usa.tommy.com

Morning Muse: Beyonce's Fall 2010 Dereon Ads

"Wow, is that Beyonce?" They were the first words out of my mouth as I flipped through this Fall's issue of V Magazine. My mouth dropped. The baddest chick in the game just got badder. Sporting outfits and fake tattoos from her Fall 2010 Ads for her clothing line Dereon, Beyonce poses and stares daringly looking sexier than (or at least as sexy) we've ever seen her. Enjoy the pics.

Mad Men. Nice Style.

I've only watched Mad Men in passing. I know, I know. Big mistake on my part. While I may be late in becoming a regular viewer of the show, I've always admired the style. GQ and Esquire fell in love with the look, therefore, so did I. I've even adopted it with a couple of dark, tailored suites, crisp white shirts, and the famous straight, white pocket square. Word is the outfits have been slightly toned down for the season 4 premiering July 25.

If my roommate and I decide to get cable I will be watching it. Although I'm not sure I'll know what's going on, as I'll be drooling over Christina Hendricks.

Check out this video featuring Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant giving a preview of the clothes you can expect to see in season 4.

Designer Spotlight: Kelly Framel

What comes to mind when you think of jewelry, Texas, and fashion? Probably gaudy cuff links, pins, and topaz pendants. But rising jewelry designer/stylist/blogger Kelly Framel goes against the norm.

A native of Austin, Texas and graduate of the fashion school at the University of Texas in Austin, the 26-year-old Framel's style resembles very little of her Texan roots. She mixes styles from the 1920's through 1970's, loves a garcon look, caftans, chiffons, and vibrant prints. Her blog, theglamourai.blogspot.com shows off her personal style and sartorial prowess.

I've long admired Framel without really knowing anything about her. I saw a picture of her on a fashion blog over a year ago and it stopped me in my tracks. She was stunning, sexy, hip, and chic. She's an "it" girl. You can't take your eyes off her. She came to mind yesterday as I equated her looks to a friend of mine (and yes, she's stunning, too.)

Among others, Framel has worked for designer Naeem Khan, known for his impeccably cut dresses, gowns, and chic embroidery all done by hand. His long list of celebrity clientele include Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Michelle Obama, Elizabeth Taylor, and Queen Noor of Jordan.

Framel recently released her capsule jewelry collection for Shrimpton Couture. An assembly of avant-garde pieces with an elegant DIY spirit, she's designed something for every woman.

With her jewelry embodying her cool, chic, ambitious, free-spirited lifestyle it's safe to say she should be on your next shopping and gift-list. Even if her jewelry roots are from Texas.




Follow Kelly Framel on Twitter
Follow Me on Twitter

Paul & Joe Sister

This morning I’m finding myself fact-checking a short write-up on a new local boutique (you’ll have to pick up our May issue to find out which boutique) for Indianapolis Monthly. Out of curiosity, I decided to check out the collections of a couple of the featured designers. I was most impressed by the Paul & Joe Sister (not to be confused with Paul & Joe, their higher up line) collections. Here are a few of the pieces I liked most.

Studs & Spikes Are Definitely In

Christian Louboutin Freddy Flats


Comme des Garcons x Dr. Martens

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

Tragedy: British designer Alexander McQueen has committed suicide. He was 40 years-old.

Band of Outsiders Spring 2010 Lookbook

The Band of Outsiders Spring/Summer 2010 Collection is tailored, hip, fun, and functional - kinda like the stars featured in the lookbook - Dave Franco ("Scrubs"), Donald Glover ("Community"), and Leslie Mann. All the images are in the form of Polaroids, which I love. I have actually been thinking about buying a Polaroid sometime this year to document my times and surroundings. It gives things a cool, laid-back, old-school feel to them. Band designer Scott Sternberg described his brand as, "like what your dad wore but reinterpreted for the future." If the future looks this cool in the sun. I may need to move to SoCal.

For more pics click here.

Kanye. Louboutin. Paris

Kanye West donned the Christian Louboutin Rollerball Loafers at Paris Fashion Week. I remember him showcasing these on his blog at some point - I think around the Spring shows. If I had the money I'd definitely cop this, but at $995 a pair I think I'll have to pass on this trend. Studs are poppin' right now and I want in on the fun. Maybe I'll find something for cheap.

10 Essentials: Alexander "Spudd" Webb

Meet Alexander "Spudd" Webb, my friend, former teammate, and one of the best dressed people I know (and not to mention my number-mate in college). When it comes to streetwear and being up on the dopest clothes out he's the man. He just looks like somebody you just have to talk to. Catch him in skinny jeans, a plaid shirt, Raybans, a beanie, and the dopest sneakers out any day. Here are his 10 essentials.

MacBook Pro
My best friend. My sidekick. My partner-in-crime. My MacBook Pro gets me through the long nights of school work, the long hours of boredom, the long delays in the airport, whatever the occasion. I got it over the summer between my senior year in high school and freshman year in college as a gift from my dad after I had hinted at it for about a month straight. Once you go Mac, you never go back.

HTC G1
My cellular phone of choice. It provides you with all the functions and capabilities of the iPhone on a much more user-friendly operating system. If it weren’t for the Twitter app ‘Twidroid’ (available for free download) I wouldn’t be able to make it through some of the most boring of days and events.

Levi 506's
The 506's are a newer style from Levi called the “skinny taper.” They offer the same low cut feel of the regular skinny jean but with a more defined taper at the bottom of the leg. This aspect makes them even more perfect for your favorite pair of Dunks, Sk8-Hi’s, Blazers, etc. These are probably my favorite and most comfortable pair of pants.

Ray Ban Wayfarers
They're usually not worn right these days but they’re a classic. I grew up seeing them on television and my dad used to own a pair back in the day. I always had my eyes set on having a pair. I saw everybody else wearing the imitations once I got older and I decided as soon as I had the money I was going to buy the authentics.

North Face Apex
I like this piece because it’s very versatile. You can wear it with jeans; add a little bit of class by fastening the Velcro at the wrists and accenting it with a watch for a party or get together. You can throw a graphic tee with an opened-zip hoodie underneath it to rock a sneakerhead look. Even wear it over a dress shirt and slacks in a business casual setting.

RVCA Trooper II Bag
It delivers style and durability. I happen to own a black RVCA Trooper II bag. It offers a super-dumbed down armed forces style that doesn’t scream at you, but shows a bit of personality. They offer the durability and longevity you’d expect from a backpack. I got mine right before the start of freshman year and it’s still going strong.

Vans x Starter snapback
I copped this little gem back home at MODA3 in Milwaukee. Mine reads “AUTHENTIC” on the front in large white letters, bordered by silver on a black snapback hat with a white enclosure on the back. Just like the Starter caps we used to rock as kids, it has the traditional Starter logo right above the enclosure on the back in white and shows the Vans logo in white on one side as well. Don’t forget the green under the brim. It matches pretty much anything.

Playcloths beanie
I don’t have an epic collection of hats and beanies, but the ones I do rock with are definitely dope. It’s a more recent purchase I made for the cold, courtesy of Dope Couture. Sometimes I’ll wear it down over my ears or and other times wear it on the back of my head for style. When I pull it down over my ears and throw the Wayfarers on it has me feeling like I’m Pharrell or Kid Cudi.

Dope Couture x Jetsetters tee
If you’re a streetwear-head it’s about time you became acquainted with Dope Couture. It’s owned and operated by former IU student, Matt Fields out of the boutique in Bloomington and lives up to its name. Last year Dope featured a capsule collection highlighting the Jetsons in a line dubbed “Jetsetters,” picturing the classic cartoon family members with a streetwear/high fashion twist to their attire. It’s a killer, so rock it wisely and don’t waste it.

Casio G-Shock
Some say the G-Shock is played out, but those are only people whose style in general is played out. Watches never really grow old, especially if it’s the right watch and you know how and when to wear it. I own a matte black Baby G that gets me through the times. Smaller than most of the other G-Shocks, the Baby G doesn’t draw massive attention, doesn’t feel large or clanky on your wrist, and delivers both efficiency and style.

Megan Fox for Armani S/S 2010 Underwear/Jeans

One of last year's "It" girls Megan Fox is the new girl for Armani Spring/Summer Underwear/Jeans ad campaign. While I don't think these photos are overly beautiful or interesting, Fox can always spice up a shoot. Enjoy the underwear ladies!

V Magazine "Size Issue"

V Magazine's "Size Issue" hits newsstands today! I know there's been other size issues done by other magazines but this one is truly ground-breaking. It's a double cover issue with Dakota Fanning on one cover and "Precious" star Gaourey Sidibe on the other. In the pictures below models Crystal Renn (right) and Jacquelyn Jablonski (left) pose side by side in the same looks and poses. These photos are just a taste of what of what the issue has to offer with spreads shot by none other than Karl Lagerfeld and Terry Richardson among others. The issue is out to prove "fashion can flatter any figure." I'm hoping to pick up this issue today or this weekend.