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!

Garrett Leight California Optical Offers CYO

Sunglasses are one of my go-to accessories year round, whether its sunny and 80 degrees or sunny and 10 degrees. They add so much style to a look with minimal effort. Garrett Leight Optical California Optical has been crafting stylish, quality eyewear for quite some time. Their frames are simple and classic- I love the minimalistic designs to a lot of the pieces.

The company recently introduced what they are calling the "Mod Shop." The Mod Shop allows anyone to customize frames according to model, size, frame color, and lens color. Additionally, users can mattify any style, thus the options are virtually endless! The 3D rendering and 360 degree views create a refreshing online shopping experience.

Some of my favorite styles from GLOC are able to be modified, including the classic "Hampton Clip" which is iconic to the brand. This particular frame is perfect for that modern, preppy look. That being said, out with the standard and in with the custom!

Fall Essential for Summer Nights

With Labor Day weekend impending, summer nights (and maybe some days) are becoming slightly cooler. I noticed this the other evening while enjoying a bonfire with friends. Out are the sticky July nights, and in are light knits perfect for these cool nights.

The rugby is a preppy staple that is iconic in the fall, however, a lightweight cotton option is perfect for transitional days and nights. To stay in the moment and not acknowledge the approaching end of summer, I selected an option with a nautical navy & white stripe that is slightly reminiscent of summer days passed. Pair with a sleek jean and accessorize with simple pieces like a classic belt and bracelet for an easy look that is perfect for a late summer's night bonfire or stroll on the boardwalk.

Rugby: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Miansai // Belt: Ralph Lauren

If a rugby is not your style, there are a lot of great options out that as we transition into the fall with cool nights. I also love the atlantic terry sweatshirts from Ralph Lauren- they are perfect after a long day on the beach and super comfortable. If you are going for something casual, the jersey hoodies from Lacoste are a great alternative.

Enjoying the Last of Summer

Summer always tends to go by more quickly than anticipated, however, this summer has seemed to go by exceptionally fast. It was just a bit ago that we were planning out white outfits, nautical looks, and beach trips for a fun filled summer, and now the calendar already reads August 7th. 

With free time at a premium because of work schedules, I am making the most of the last days of summer before we find ourselves bundling up in cable knit cashmere sweaters. With the perfect weather, I could not pass up an afternoon by the pool. I donned my Lilly swim trunks, grabbed a good towel, and an even better bottle of champagne. 

How are you soaking up the last rays of summer?

Italian Heritage with Suitsupply Fall '14

It is already time to start thinking about Fall clothing...where has the summer gone?! For me, fall clothing has become one of my favorite seasons for dressing with tweeds, wools, and rich color palettes  of browns, charcoals, and greys. You may remember that I took a visit to one of my favorite menswear brands, Suitsupply, in the spring.

When I started to see photos of their Fall/Winter '14 collection pop up online, I really enjoyed what I was seeing. For this season, designer Murray Coetzee looked to archives of some of Italy's finest fabric producers for inspiration, and then took this inspiration and focused on it through a modern lens. The collection includes patterns ranging from subtle checks to bold windowpanes and classic houndstooth down in suits, coats, shirts, ties, and socks.

For me, texture is always a reoccurring "trend" when it comes to fall pieces. Suitsupply's collection includes a mix of cashmere blends and hardy tweeds which are done in a palette of burnt orange, ochre, and forest green with accents of neapolitan blues and deep navies. 

The Suitsupply concept is all about using the best fabrics while making their pieces accessible. CEO Fokke de Jong says in regards to the new fall collection, "It's about seeing the past through a modern lens- which is our signature approach to fashion." Designer Coetzee says, "We designed clothes for the contemporary guy who's serious about style, but like to have fun with it, too." Whether you are looking for a few classic pieces to fill in your wardrobe or a whole new look, I think the F/W '14 collection from Suitsupply will have a lot of options. 

The new collection is slated to be in stores and online by mid to late August. It truly does include some stand out pieces from a double-breasted overcoat to eveningwear done in corduroy. Which looks are you loving for the fall?

Images: Suitsupply