Christmas Day Outfit

It is hard to believe Christmas is just two days away. I do not know about you, but I have been so busy that I have not had a moment to stop and take in all the holiday spirit and cheer. I took a moment this morning to think about what I want to wear on the big day. Nothing says Christmas quite like a little tartan and suede. I will pull the outfit together with classic loafers and a few accessories. This outfit is easy and comfortable making it great whether you are crawling around the floor with your little relatives or helping mother in the kitchen.

Loafers: Ralph Lauren // Bracelet: Hermes // Card Case: Goyard // Fragrance: Tom Ford // Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

What will you be wearing to celebrate the holidays? Wishing you and yours a very merry!!

For Women: Mini Bag Trend + Gift Idea

I recently posted a photo on the Skimbaco Fashion Instagram page featuring the Ralph Lauren Mini Ricky Bag which made me realize- the "mini bag" has become quite a trend in the world of women's accessories and would be a great Christmas gift. We have seen all the fashion "it" girls carrying mini version of some designers most iconic silhouettes. The Mini Ricky bag is one of my favorites, incorporating all the elements of the brand's iconic Ricky  Bag into a petite version. 

The mini bags usually take a classic silhouette and offer all the details of that bag in a smaller version with fun choices in color and fabric. Whether its a felt Celine Nano Tote or a bright studded Valentino Crossbody, you will be right on trend with any mini bag. In addition to my top gift picks for women, a mini bag is a great gift for the favorite lady on your list. 

Below are a few of my favorite mini version of some of the "it" bags in the fashion world right now:

1. Philip Lim Mini Zip Satchel- $695

2. Valentino Micro Rockstud Tote- $1875

3 Celine Mini Luggage Tote- $2730

4. Prada Flap-Top Mini Bag- $990

5. Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini- $1675

Holiday Party Season

December is the start of party season whether its your office holiday party or your own open house, looking good at all these festive functions is a necessity. A lot of great option exist to make a standout outfit so you do not simply blend into the crowd. I have created a simple outfit that would be perfect for any holiday party on the calendar.

For me tartan is a must when it comes to holiday party attire. I started this look with a blackwatch blazer . The tartan is very festive and preppy, and the black/green plaid colorway is a bit more subtle than some other plaid combinations. Make the blazer your statement piece by pairing only simplistic pieces is with. Layer a simple black turtleneck underneath for an understated look and pair refined wool trousers on the bottom. Finish the look with a great shoe such as a suede tassel loafer and accessorize with a seasonal pocket square- in this instance I chose red to compliment the green in the blazer.

However you may be partying this holiday season, remember, you can never be too overdressed!

Blazer: Club Monaco // Trousers: Dolce & Gabbana // Sweater: John Smedley // Shoes: Alexander McQueen // Pocket Square: Ferragamo 

Top Holiday Gift Picks for Women

I have always found it easier to shop for women rather than men....maybe because there is something out there that a woman will always want. Other the other hand, men have the famous line of "I don't need anything!"

As a follow up to my gift selections for men I have curated a list of my selections for women. I have included some of the top brands on their radar from Kate Spade and Tory Burch to Jo Malone. These gifts span an array of price ranges and tastes/styles.

From the wine lover to the fashionista, hover over the image below to shop my favorite gifts for women this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Selections for Men

With the biggest shopping weekend of the year behind us and in the middle of Cyber Monday, many have started their holiday shopping for the season. If you are like me, you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to check everyone off of your list. This year, I made a vow to get my shopping done a little bit ahead of schedule (hopefully).

To get a jump start on holiday shopping, I have curated a list of a few of my personal favorite items of the year spanning many price points and ranging from a classic wool sweater to modern timepieces and fragrance. Whether you are shopping for a boyfriend, brother, dad, or friend there is sure to be something for every man on your list.

Hover over the image below to shop my holiday selections for 2014:


Post-Shave Lotion- In an effort to elevate my shaving routine, I tried some new products from American Crew, one being this post-shave soothing lotion. I instantly fell in love with the product which has now become a staple in my routine. This would be a great stocking stuffer for that college student that is always running late and in rush, sometimes neglecting their shaving routine.

Personalized Toasting Box- This toasting set from Orvis is the perfect match for that true gentleman on your list. Crafted from wood, this toasting set which has room for 10 shot glasses and your favorite liquor makes a handsome addition to any celebratory event. I personally own the set and have thoroughly enjoyed, opting for the available personalization option. This set is sure to make a memorable gift!

Miansai Cuff- I have enjoyed the bracelet trend which has gained popularity in men's fashion and accessories. My go-to brand for modern, well made pieces has been Miansai. The screw bracelet has become their iconic piece, and my new favorite is the addition of the "Noir" collection to the lineup. These cuffs are a great pick for the guy who loves fashion and is on top of trends.

Diptyque Fragrance- Fragrance always makes a great gift, and the selections from Diptyque are simply amazing. This Paris based perfumer makes unique scents which are not available from other houses. I was exposed to their scent, Tam Dao, and have fallen in love with it. It is a mix of sandalwood, rosewood, cypress, and ambergris. It is sure to become his new favorite!

Breil Timepieces-  A timepiece always makes a memorable gift for any man. Breil offers modern, sophisticated timepieces at a reasonable price. This season, the Dome collection is very popular. The Dome collection for men is also exquisitely designed in Italy and is inspired by the city of Milan, celebrating the history and architecture of the Milan Dome — one of the city's main attractions. With its sapphire crystal dome shape, this collection offers a unique structural design for men this holiday season. Italian craftsmanship is honored with a patented new crown as well.

Irish Wool Sweater- You can never go wrong with something as classic as shawl collar sweater. This season, Orvis is offering an option crafted in Ireland from pure wool. This piece is part of my collection, and I personally love how classic the design and silhouette are. The quality shines throw in this genuine piece which is quite warm!

Holiday Evening Wear from Suitsupply

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are officially in the holiday season. This time of year usually means events, parties, and just wanting to look our best! It is also a popular time for many black tie dress codes at parties.

The black tie look for men, while classic, can be a little bit boring. The timeless black peak lapel tuxedo will always be a wardrobe staple for the true gentleman, however, this season, the Suitsupply evening wear collection introduces some new pieces which make that "dress: black tie" invitation a little more interesting.

Among the new cache are timeless options like their classic black tuxedo—which is cut from pure Vitale Barberis Canonico wool and detailed with silk on the button, peak lapel and trouser outseam—as well as all-new fashion options like a blue and navy Manhattan fit tuxedo. These well-defined suits are cut from pure cotton velvet by Pontoglio and Di Sondrio, respectively, and feature silk-trimmed jetted pockets, silk-covered single button and shawl collar, and a silk-lined outseam on the accompanying trousers.

For the more adventurous types, the line features a stand-out double-breasted fit. The blue Madison tuxedo features a widened, silk-covered peak lapel and 4-on-2 button placement. Cut with a well-defined fit, it carries a black watch pattern that’s bound to set you apart in the best possible way at any holiday or formal event.

Holiday events are also a great time to utilize fun accessories. Whether it is a great patent shoe or a whimsical tie or bow tie, now is the time! The evening wear collection has a  broad range of accessories like silk bow ties, separate silk-trimmed tuxedo trousers, white suspenders, cufflinks, and a dark grey shawl collar tuxedo jacket in pure cotton velvet—all to be topped off with our patent leather lace-ups or tassel loafers.

These pieces will be perfect for any holiday or end of year celebration! Below are some of my favorite looks:

Photos: Suitsupply

French Eyewear VUARNET Relaunched in US

I am definitely a sucker for a great pair of shades, explained by my drawer filled with at least 20 pairs of designer sunnies. I think they are a great addition to an outfit any time of the year, whether summer or winter. Additionally, all the different shapes and styles available today make for a vast amount of choices and an endless way to change up your look simply by adding a piece of eyewear.

When I was recently introduced to VUARNET, I knew I had to share. I was new to the brand and found the heritage to be quite interesting. VUARNET was founded in 1957 by French opticians, and since inception has been committed to the highest quality eye protection. The company owns its own lens production facility in France. As a result, VUARNET eyewear become the choice of the elite on Europes ritziest slopes in the 1960s.

With the 2014 relaunch in the US, the brand is still committed to this European design and quality which it was known for many years ago. CEO Sefano Fabris says, "We are beyond thrilled to be relaunching in the US where VUARNET is positioned to reemerge as the luxury leader in the eyewear industry."

The winter 2014 collection features a few different styles from clip-on to acetate lifestyle looks. I must say, I am loving the "jet set" look of all the pieces in this collection. Below are a few of my favorite glasses debuting in 2014:

Whether on the slopes of Courchevel or the streets of SoHo, these glasses are sure to make a fashionable statement. I know I am hoping to add a pair to my collection. VUARNET will be widely available in Los Angeles and New York as well as high-end optical boutiques in Boston, Miami, Palm Beach, Portland, Scottsdale, Salt Lake City, San Diego, and Aspen. 

Grooming with American Crew

Grooming for men is always a relevant topic, especially with the myriad of products on the market. I admit, that sometimes I may not care as much as I should regarding products and procedures for grooming, however, with the impending cold winter weather, it is an important time of the year to incorporate good skincare into your daily routine. 

I am excited to be incorporating new products from American Crew into my grooming regiment. American Crew is known for its commitment to men's grooming and is founded upon the desire to meet the needs of men who care about their appearance and style, especially in salons which have replaced the traditional men's barber shop. From shaving supplies to hair styling products, American Crew has a great selection of grooming products. 

I wanted to focus on improving my shaving regimen. This is where a selection of American Crew products came into play. Three products have elevated my routine for a better experience and are leaving my skin ready to head into the cold winter ahead:

Ultra Gliding Shave Oil- This non-greasy solution acts as a cushion for the skin for a close, effortless shave. This is perfect for those of us who find ourselves in a hurry more often than not as it acts as shield against nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs. I use the product as prep under my moisturizing shave cream.

Moisturizing Shave Cream- A good shave cream is essential. American Crew's cream features powerful antioxidants that protect and moisturize the skin. I found the cream to be pleasant against my skin and allowed the razor to slide smoothly over the skin.

Post-Shave Cooling Lotion- This is the step that I have always highly neglected, however, I have come to realize the importance of post-shave treatment. This step is crucial in reducing any irritation that may have been caused by soothing the skin and replacing moisture. The post-shave cooling lotion is refreshing on the skin from the mixture of key ingredients such as tea tree oil, pumpkin seed extract, and elder flower extracts. 

What is your normal shaving routine? Do you have any tips? If you are looking to elevate your shaving routine I highly recommend the line offered by American Crew. 

All opinions expressed are my own

Postcards from Paris

It was great to be back in the City of Lights and spend a few days immersing in everything Paris has to offer. It was a relatively short trip filled with shopping, sightseeing, and even more eating. I believe that Paris is one of those cities that speaks for itself, so here are a few of my favorite shots captured during my recent trip.

We had great weather for Paris standards thanks to the "Indian Summer" that everyone is talking about. It truly is one of the prettiest cities that I have traveled to....5 days just was not enough to see everything on my list. With a busy work schedule, I sure am missing afternoons people watching while sipping champagne!

Celebrity Hairstylist Chaz Dean Releases WEN MEN

Chaz Dean has become renowned in the hairstyling world not only for his celebrity clients but also for his innovative WEN hair cleansing line. Until now, there was not a specific line created with men in mind. Chaz Dean has recently introduced WEN MEN to the WEN line which is an exciting addition.

What makes WEN special? This product will replace your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as it is all-in-one product. It was nice having this as the only bottle in my shower, eliminating a lot of clutter! The secret to WEN is its ability to cleanse without any harsh chemicals that strip hair. The product does this without creating any suds. 

I have been using the product for a little over a week now, and while it was initially hard to get used to no suds, I am loving the product now. The scent is absolutely amazing with hints of tahitian vanilla and amber. WEN MEN has been leaving both my hair and skin very soft. I highly recommend giving this product a try if you are in the market for a new hair and body cleanser.

All Opinions Expressed are My Own

Fall Flannels

If there is one thing that comes to mind when I think of fall besides cool weather and pumpkins, it is flannel shirts. They seem to go hand-in-hand with the season serving as a mascot for fall. The flannel shirt is perfect for a relaxed weekend outfit or during the week if you are on campus. Comfy and warm, the flannel layers well under vests or seasonal quilted jackets.

When I need an easy fall outfit, a flannel paired with chinos and loafers is a go-to. Easy and simple. Whether you wear them traditional as I do or more modernly tied around your waist, these shirts are seasonal staples. Below are some of my favorites that will help make "flannel Friday" a little easier this fall.

1. POLO Twill Plaid Workshirt $98

2. Brooks Brothers Plaid Flannel Sport Shirt $79.50

3. Michael Bastian Check Flannel Shirt $595

4. Burberry Brit Flannel Check Shirt $295

How are you wearing flannels this season?

Maison Kitsuné Opens Second Parisian Boutique

French label Maison Kitsuné opened their trendy café earlier this year, and now has their second Paris address on the renowned Rue Madame on the Rive Gauche. The new boutique is airy and light with a gentle ambiance generated by the use of beige and powder pink tones on both the walls and the floors.

The concept of the space is half living room and half boutique. These home-inspired elements make the boutique and welcoming space with a friendly atmosphere. As do all Maison Kitsuné spaces, the new boutique unites the worlds of music and fashion. 

With the opening of the new store came the debut of the Madame Capsule Collection which was specifically designed for the label's second boutique in Paris. The Capsule collection was created by Gildas Loaec and Masaya Kuroki, co-founders and creative directors. The collection includes an assortment of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags. The collection uses tones of powder pink and mid-grey which echo the pastel tones of the boutique. The collection is available exclusively at the 38 Rue Madame Store.

Images: Maison Kitsuné

Interview with Criquet Shirt Founders

It is always great to discover new brands and support small companies. Criquet Shirts is a company founded in Austin, TX that crafts golf shirts from organic fabrics. The inspiration is rooted to their all-boys school days in New York City where they were forced to wear collared shirts. On the quest to make the perfect, sustainable polo, Criquet Shirts was born by Billy Nachman and Hobson Brown.

I was able to ask the founders a few questions about their start and inspiration:


LTPG: Could you talk more about your coming together to form the brand? While architecture and creativity were 2 different interests, was business a common interest? 

 Criquet Shirts: Our biggest common interest has always been a similar taste and respect for classic style. We knew since a young age that we wanted to start a business together but needed to find that perfect venture. In the end, it was really our complimentary skill sets that made it work. I had business school and previous start-up experience, while Billy was trained in a design as an architect.

 LTPG: Is your preppy style influenced by your experience in Prep School in NYC or were there other factors, such as favorite vacation spots? 

 Criquet Shirts: We have both been greatly influenced by our fathers, dapper men that have always known how to dress up or down without effort. Our Dads spent most of their adult lives in suits, but on weekends, could look just as put together in their vintage Lactoses and short shorts. Our experience at Hotchkiss, which also happened to be both our fathers; alma mater, fine tuned this classic look, which we have carried on and reinterpreted throughout various stages in our lives.

 LTPG: What was your biggest motivating factor for sourcing organic cotton for use in your products? 

Criquet Shirts: We chose to use organic cotton in our products for several reasons, not least of all a desire to do things the right way. Organic cotton not only feels better and wears better, but is safer for the environment and people who work the fields. We look up to brands like Patagonia that have made it a mission to live by these standards. We ultimately hope to create a brand that could be considered Patagonia’s brother— the brother that prefers the golf course to the highest peaks and the bar stool to the bivouac.

 LTPG: Who is the quintessential “Criquet Shirt” man? 

 Criquet Shirts: The Criquet man is a man of style and substance, a man who walks 36 and operates on global time. He takes care of business. He is no stranger to high ideals and is ready for anything, from snakes and calamities to Kardashians. The Criquet man spends his days on the green, more for the camaraderie than competition. He mixes up mean cocktails with the grace of a wizened saloon owner and knocks back beers with heroic gusto. He appreciates the good things in life, especially a fine shirt. Simply put, the Criquet man gives a damn.

I was truly impressed with the quality of the fabrication of the shirts. The cotton is super soft and feels great against the skin. Additionally, the attention to detail was great from the stitching along the pocket and placket to the collar stays under the collar....truly a great golf shirt! The whimsical touches like the drink recommendation for sustainable living on the tag was a great addition as well.

Shop the full assortment of products at Criquet Shirts

Transitioning

It might still be summer by the books (until September 22) but a lot of us are getting anxious for fall and making the transition from summer wardrobing to fall wardrobing. With the weather still feeling quite like summer, it can be hard to make the transition.

Transitioning into fall can be easy by incorporating some fall patterns or colors while still utilizing summer staples. I paired this madras sport coat by Ralph Lauren with kelly green summer weight chinos. To add a little more of a transitional feel, I paired the look with a navy polo versus a summer white or brighter, orange polo for example.

Look is still bright and preppy, but screams neither summer nor fall. The look was easily accessorized with an equestrian inspired belt by Knot Belt Co and classic brown loafer.

How are you incorporating elements of fall wardrobing into your daily outfits?

Jack Spade Spring 2015 Presentation

Fashion week is underway in New York for spring collections. A favorite here at Life Through Preppy Glasses, Jack Spade, recently debuted their spring 2015 collection dubbed "urban utility."

This collection drawers inspiration from minimalist painter Josef Albers who was an expert in the way color and the use of color can lend itself to sophistication. Pattern and placement can create a whole that is greater than its part.

In addition, one can see the mix of sport and American sportswear. The streets of New York are filled with outfits that are centered around mixing street wear with work clothes, whether this be a blazer over a sweatshirt or paired with a track pant. This trend is continued in the Jack Spade spring 2015 collection, lending the name "urban utility."

Below are a selection of my favorite looks from the collection:

Photos: Jack Spade

The Last of Summer

I was introduced to the menswear accessory brand, Rail + River, recently. They do great ties and pocket squares in whimsical prints, great fabrics, and classic styles, all handmade right in New York City. Jon of Rail + River was nice enough to send me some great ties and a pocket square to experience the brand hands on.

While their website has the new fall collection available, my one tie had me reminiscing about the summer with its white stripes and light blue fabric. I had a revelation that our days of wearing white pants are numbered with Labor Day right around the corner. Thus, I made an outfit that is a final tribute to the summer and summer whites. It is anchored with preppy pastels and classics such as an oxford and lightweight chinos. 

This look is perfect for that last minute summer wedding or dinner party. I left the tie loose for a more casual look and to make the blazer less formal. I love the light pink and blue combination. What are you donning for your last summer hoorah? 

Checkout the Rail + River Blog for great menswear inspiration and more!