Sporty Spring Look

The casual, contemporary looks are gaining popularity in the fashion world. This style exudes an effortless, downtown, relaxed short of air. Specifically, I have been loving the trend of tailored and detailed fleece pants- an updated, fashionable alternative to the otherwise undesirable sweat pant. Some may call them "designer sweats", but styled correctly, there is nothing traditional about these fleece pants.

Designers such as Philip Lim and Alexander Wang have been incorporating stylish fleece pants into their collections for a few seasons. This style of pant is an alternative to jeans in some settings, and not to mention highly comfortable! While I do not tend to put complete "downtown" looks together, I added a preppy flair to a pair of fleece moto pants by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

The sleek, slim-fitting silhouette of the pant gives this look an overall modern, updated aesthetic. I paired the dark navy pant with a cream polo. This look is absolutely effortless to say the least. Suede red tennis shoes add a pop of color and interest to the outfit. A nautical bracelet infuses more preppy aesthetic. This outfit would be perfect for running to the tennis court, a relaxed outside lunch, or running weekend errands.

Have you been wearing the fleece pant trend?

Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Polo: Polo by Ralph Lauren // Bracelet: Kiel James Patrick // Shoes: Cole Haan

Finding Spring Fashion Trend Inspiration

I love a good coffee table book- it can add interest to a room and also be a conversation starter. Not to mention, most are great sources of information as well. While I am not one to generally follow "trends" and tend to stick to more classic style and dressing, I do like to stay up to date on current colors, fabrics,  and styles. 

I came across a great coffee table book that compiles all the trends from Mercedes Benz Fashion week Spring 2014 into a book that is perfect for the living table, or in my case, on top of my vintage suitcases in the living room. The SFP look book series features all the renowned designers including Rebecca Minkoff, Michael Kors, J. Mendel, and an array of others and takes their runway shows and compiles them into high quality images. 

This perfect is perfect for perusing with a cup of coffee when you are looking for a little inspiration for that next outfit. If you are looking to add to your coffee table book collection and love fashion, I recommend the SFP fashion look book. This book would also make a great reference tool for a fashion student or someone who works in the industry.

Where do you search for your fashion inspiration?

Spring Summer Wardrobing with John Byron

Spring and summer dressing is one of my favorite seasons for dressing, something you may have heard me mention before. I discovered a men's custom shirting brand, John Byron, that has an array of sport shirts that are perfect for the upcoming seasons.

Why am I intrigued by John Byron? As their websites states, "Customization is standard." All of the shirts ranging from their resort to bespoke collections are custom made, meaning that the fit will be perfect. Customization is something that is usually thought of as expensive or unattainable, however, the prices at John Byron ranging from about $100-$220 for a custom fit shirt. Additionally, everything is made in the USA.

After browsing through the collections, I envisioned some great outfits in my head. For me, of course, the resort collection is my personal favorite. This collection is characterized with linens and colorful hues, perfect for a vacation to the south of France.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Resort collection:

Siena Linen Shirt -$145

Styled: You can never go wrong with a classic, light blue linen shirt. It is a wardrobe staple, especially in the summer months. For a casual, yet dressier look, pair this shirt with white pants and a bright colored driver or leather sandal. For a more casual look, perfect for a weekend, wear untucked with khaki shorts. 

Bianco Linen Pullover- $145

Styled: I have been seeing the pullover or sometimes called the "popover" everywhere recently. Its a casual take on the classic sport shirt, having only 4 buttons. Pair the solid white with any pastel colored chino, half tucked in or untucked for a fail proof summer look. 

The John Byron line also features traditional sport shits as well as formal shirts. For those occasions that call for a little something extra, you cannot go wrong with the prices for their, again, custom formal shirts. 

Pink Oxford- $114

Styled: Keeping with my thoughts of spring/summer outfits, I envision this pink oxford as the perfect piece for a summer garden party or summer wedding at the beach. Pair the pink with a traditional blue seersucker suit for the ultimate preppy summer formal look. Of course, a bow tie with complete the look.

Purple Sharkskin- $134

Styled: There is something about a blue formal shirt with a white collar and cuffs that I just love. I think it is highly refined and classic. This shirt would be perfect for a party in the Hamptons, paired with nantucket red pants and navy drivers, or for the office worn under a suit with oxfords or wingtips.

All Photos via JohnByron.com

An iPhone Attached at the Hip

The bag phone was out and brick phones were in, and then we went from Blackberry to iPhone. It seems like we have never been more connected and, dare I say, dependent on our phone than we are today, they are figuratively "attached to our hip". With Blacksmith-Labs, your iPhone can now be literally attached to your hip, in full-grain cowhide leather.

Leather goods are becoming more and more in demand as we see many synthetic materials flooding the market place. I always love coming across a new brand and hearing the story of how it came to life. Blacksmith-Labs was born on Kickstarter in October 2013. The founders really set out to make a case that was differentiated from others, mainly on quality of materials and construction.

The company has since grown and now features 3 different product lines- Barrett, Bruno, and Horween. I got my hands on the Bruno, and let me just say that it feels much nicer to have soft, supple leather in my hand versus hard plastic!

The Bruno is one of the company's signature items- featuring a minimalistic look and design that allows for the slimmest profile while hugging your iPhone. It also features hand-stitched leather and the brands signature metal alloy clip, something unique to Blacksmith-Labs.

Discovering new cases for the iPhone is always fun, and I enjoy being able to mix up the "look" of my phone by changing out cases. The Bruno was something different than I ever had. Note that the iPhone will only slip into the case without any sort of small plastic, protective covering on the phone. While I do not carry my phone on my hip, I do find that the clip is useful for inside a that may not have a lot of pockets, etc and the clip is also functional for traveling.

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Monday quickly came around once again. Even with a long weekend, it is just never enough time, especially when it was feeling like summer this weekend in the Northeast.

• Has anyone been to the Veuve Clicquot Polo hosted each year at Liberty State Park? Was it worth it...fun?
• I was never a huge fun of Gilt and similar websites, but recently they have been having some great sales and started browsing around again.
• Recently came across an amazing concept for luxury watches, Eleven James. Sounds like a potential graduation gift for me!
• I am interested in a wine club or wine delivery program- do you have any good recommendations or one that you use?
• The other week I featured one of my Pinterest boards, food. I thought it was fun and would occasionally feature others. Below is my favorite, the preppy board.

Follow Life Through Preppy Glasses's board Preppy on Pinterest.

Spring Brunch

In my opinion, spring is one of the best seasons to be outside- it is not too hot and, if early enough, you can avoid all the pollen and allergies associated with it! Brunch is one of my favorite activities (New Yorkers like to pride themselves on brunch being a verb). While going to a favorite brunch spot is always great, it can get very expensive very quickly. 

The weather was perfect this past Sunday which prompted an outdoor spring brunch. Instead of running out to a restaurant, it was hosted at home. Having a brunch at home does not mean you have to forgo the great outfits and good food. Invite your friends over and have some fun! I was reminded how much money one can save by eating at home after this brunch, and there was definitely not a shortage of food.

Plan a menu that is easy and does not take much time so you can enjoy time with your friends. Our menu consisted of omelets filled with arugula, tomato, and goat cheese with a small arugula salad and fresh toast. Very quick and simple. Additionally, we did hummus and pita chips, and of course, there seemed to be an endless amount of mimosas. Because what is brunch without mimosas?

Maison Ladurée SoHo

The famous French patisserie may have opened about 2 months ago in SoHo with their second flagship in New York, but recent visits reminded me of how much I love this iconic maison. The new SoHo location is a quintessential French tea salon. New York has been waiting to get its own Ladurée restaurant which can be found in other places around the world such as Paris and Switzerland. Upon entering, the the front is filled with a myriad of pastel colors pastries and a ceiling painted with a cloud motif.

The restaurant, a first for locations in New York, is calm and sophisticated. A fashionable crowd sips green tea with jasmine and indulges in an array of macaroons. Located in the heart of SoHo on West Broadway, the location is perfect for afternoon indulgences, a break from shopping, or a rendez-vous with friends.

In addition to the vast pastry list, this location features a full lunch and dinner menu and also does brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that sounds to die for. I highly recommend the millefeuille praliné or Saint Honoré Rose Frombroise...but then again you cannot go wrong with anything here!

Season Essential: The Quilted Jacket

Signs of spring are slowly beginning to show in the northeast with flowers popping up and milder days. With temperature still fluctuating quite drastically, being cold in the mornings and mild in the afternoon, dressing can become quite difficult during these transitional months. The quilted jacket becomes a staple this time of year- it is the perfect mix between style and function.

With temperatures changing throughout the day, I paired a classic quilted jacket with a cashmere sweater. If it gets too warm, the jacket can be removed and the cashmere still provides amble warmth. The bright yellow is perfect for the spring season and pairs well with a dark navy chino for the ultimate preppy look. I finished the look with a simple, suede loafer and nautical bracelet. 

Jacket: Burberry // Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren // Bracelet: Miansai

Menswear: Suitsupply

Perhaps I am a little late to the bandwagon, but I just recently had my first Suitsupply experience, and I now fully understand what all the hype is about. This place is heaven for the working man that wants to look dapper while remaining on budget, without having to compromise quality either!

Suitsupply was started in 2000 by a Dutch man who recognized the need for quality suits at good prices, and the company has just exploded ever since and continues to grow. The brand has received attention from every major media outlet, and my recent trip to the Philadelphia store confirmed everything about the brand- I am obsessed!

via @skimbacofashion instagram

The Philadelphia store was sleek and modern, with a beautiful tie wall, tailor, and sportswear located upstairs while the mecca of suits of located on the lower level. Sharp dressed sales associates that are highly knowledgeable about menswear are at the ready. 

The key to the Suitsuppy concept is its use of "verticalization" The brand sources fabrics from high quality mills in Italy, and produces the product offsite, eliminating the middleman. All of this means lower prices for you with exceptional quality such as hand finished buttonholes. Not to mention, the turn around time for tailoring for my friend's purchase suit- only 3 days!

I am looking forward to checking out the spaces here in New York, located on Madison Avenue as well as SoHo. There are more than a few pieces I have my eye on, including an amazing pair of double monk strap shoes. I did find the perfect bow tie, however, will my friend was getting their suit customized. It is a great plaid that I think will pair perfect with my spring inspired Ralph Lauren look.

Bow Tie: Suitsupply