Love this coat

Gallery Husky Quilted Peacoat

Death of the Gap

This post qualifies as a rant. A rant against The Gap.

Back in the day, The Gap stood for quality that stood the test of time. It was safe to purchase pretty much anything from the store because you knew it would last.

No longer. Perfect case in point. I was on the road and ran out of clean undershirts, due to an accident with a glass of wine. I ran to The Gap to purchase a pair of grey crew neck undershirts.

The neck of the T-shirt started to fray after the first wear. After the first wash, BOTH shirts developed holes in the front where the collar band met the material. Both of them. I'm sorry but an undershirt should last at least one wash before falling apart.

If The Gap can't make basics such as underwear that last, there's no hope.

The Future is Fabric

Yesterday's WSJ [paid link] had an article about changes in men's fashion, namely the increased emphasis on new fabrics/materials and forms. One of the items discussed I have blogged about before – Calvin Klein's foam coat that's due out in July.

This is a topic that is close to my heart due to a recent purchase of a jacket from the NY/Soho label – DDC Labs. NY's weather has a habit of exposing gaps in one's wardrobe and this year is no exception. I have lacked a mid to lightweight coat. Now given my austerity this year, it's not a gap I've been rushing to fill but it is something I've needed to get.

I picked up this really cool hoodie made from Polyester, Polyethylene, Lycra and Nylon. DDC calls it climate control as the jacket breathes and regulates the body temperature. They say it has a 20 degree effective range and it does in my opinion. It's incredibly comfortable and hugs the body.

DDC specializes in interesting materials such as bamboo and aluminum. They are worth a look for interesting and functional pieces.

Calvin Klein coat

I haven't seen a coat I love more than this Calvin Klein release. It is minimalist and modern. I particularly like the contrast created by the inset lines. 

Hat tip [Towleroad]

Are you a Rocker, a Minimalist or a Dandy?

One of the great things about living next to Soho is the ability to shop its gorgeous streetscape early in the day before the madness begins. It's especially gratifying in January when the tourists throngs are sparse, the service is high and the prices are low. 

I wandered into three of my favorite menswear stores to look for my perfect pair of casual everyday shoes. In Soho I went to J. Lindberg, John Varvatos and on lower 5th Avenue, Paul Smith; I had to be in the Union Square area for something else. Each experience offered something different with some more successful than others.

It seems as though every retailer these days is selling a big idea that extends past their category. Perfect case in point, Anthopologie, the womenswear and home goods retailer that sells dresses, dishes and children's coloring books alongside one another. Paul Smith was the most similar to this experience. The clothes are always amazing in that store but equally as interesting were the books, furniture and other goods that captures the spirit of Paul Smith – the eccentric English gentleman. I have my eye on a pair of sneakers there but I also found a set of plates that I liked; one of them would look great on my media shelf. I wanted to buy pretty much everything at Paul Smith. Hopefully one day my budget will allow that to happen. 

J. Lindberg was the most disappointing of the three. I love his clothes – great tailoring and fabrics. But the store itself is kinda boring and nondescript. The products came off a lot more junky and I didn't get a sense for what J. Lindberg stands for. Even the price points were a little all over the place. To me, Tretorn does a better job of communicating stylish Swedish minimalism. The experience hasn't soured me on J. Lindberg but in such a competitive retail environment, the store needs thinning out and smarting up. 

John Varvatos rocks, in more ways than one. The brand is all about rock-and-roll – well, successful rock-and-rollers not garage bandmembers – and you see it infused everywhere. Iggy Pop leaps off the wall. Mini stage-lights shine down on glossy jeans, furry jackets and quality shoes that manage to look old and new. There isn't much curation; the emphasis is on the clothes. In many ways, Varvatos speaks for the American Dandy, rooted in music and a bit rough around the edges. 

I want to check out his new store closer to me in the old CBGBs. That space has special memories for me. In college, I saw Human League there with a friend of mine; it was one of my first concerts. Great times. From what I've seen, he did a great job of converting the space. He also has more room to add some curation to the mix. Look forward to seeing what's important to John Varvatos.

Beautiful Narcolepsy

Stunning picture from Vogue Korea. Be sure to follow the link below for more from the same editorial. 

Hat Tip [Daily Decadence] 

My New Wellies von Tretorn

Tretorn is a brand that has really bounced back in the last few years. True confession, I know someone that works there so in my eyes, its' visibility is influenced by my association. But I know I'm not alone. 

A friend of mine visiting from San Francisco and I went to their store in Soho, where I picked up these boots. 

I love Chelsea Boots, as a style. I owned a pair from Jones the Bootmaker when I lived in London and I wore them out. I have another pair now but they have a sharp toe, which can get uncomfortable over time. I need to replace them.  

Anyway, I'm not much of a Wellies person but when I saw these, I knew I had to have them. They are incredible. Comfortable. Stylish. Understated. Warm. It's like walking in slippers. 

I look forward to rain.