J.McLaughlin Spring 2016 Collection

The first few days may have felt more like January thus far, but it is certainly time to start thinking about spring clothing. I always love to check out the spring collection from J.McLaughlin as the clean, simple, and classic pieces are refreshing and evoke thoughts of warmer days in the sun. 

J.McLaughlin was started by two brothers in 1977 with the goal of creating a new American sportswear brand based in New York. Their stores have a "good neighbor" feel with the clothing representing an effortless, classic fashion. Some of their busiest stores are in the locals we escape to in the warmer months; Southampton, Martha's Vineyard, and Kiawah Island. 

The spring 2016 collection evokes the effortlessness of these popular summer destinations. With classic silhouettes and bold prints, the pieces are as preppy as they are classic. The collection makes throwing together a great look as easy as passing a day on the sand. Navy blazers for men and sundresses for women, this is J.McLaughlin. Below are some of my favorite looks from the spring 2016 collection. 

Have you started to think about your spring wardrobe? Share some of your favorite collections in the comments below!

Photos: J.McLaughlin

Five Timeless Bags for Men

Some things become overdone when worn too frequently- sunglasses, shoes, a jacket- but a great bag is something that, when done in a classic silhouette, can be worn day after day and season after season. A bag was essential when living in the city for carrying around a full days worth of "stuff", however, I continue to use a bag daily even while living in a more suburban setting. It just becomes very practical and easy to grab and go on my way out the door, knowing that everything I should need while at work is inside.

If you purchase a bag that is built upon craftsmanship and designed for timeless style, you will be able to enjoy it year round and season after season. Perhaps you pack it away one year and pull it out the next, still as "in" as it was the day you purchased it. From attaché to holdalls, the below are a few curations that are classic and timeless from brands that are known in the leather goods arena. Invest in one of these, and you will enjoy it for years to come.

Prada Saffiano Leather Portfolio- simple, whether for running around town or transporting documents for work and meetings - $1460 Neiman Marcus

Bottega Venta Woven Shopper- iconic of the Italian marque, this tote is great for work, travel, or play. - $3850 Bergdorf Goodman

Coach Bleecker Backpack- a slight rugged tone makes the backpack a versatile silhouette for many different individual styles- $698 Coach

Ralph Lauren Suede Weekend Duffle- whether you are going near or going far, a great holdall is a must. - $1250 Ralph Lauren

Globe-Trotter Attaché Case- reminiscent of James Bond, this handmade attaché will turn heads for decades. - $2250 Mr. Porter

Bespoke Menswear from Knot Standard

Bespoke or custom menswear from online retailers is nothing new in the world of men's fashion. In fact, I have tried some of these companies and additionally have seen presentations from companies in this area of the menswear market. 

In a time of men's fashion trends where silhouettes are becoming ever more tailored and refined, I think the need for affordable custom or bespoke products that are easily accessible is ever increasing. I know that I have a challenge finding shirts that do not balloon or pants that fit at both the waist and legs appropriately. While high-end designers tend to have superb fits, sometimes we are not always looking to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a new piece for our wardrobe. 

I was introduced to one of the fastest growing custom menswear brands, Knot Standard, and thanks to them, was able to experience their product and experience firsthand. Let me start by simply saying, if you are in the market for affordable, quality menswear, whether for work or play, and a great fit, Knot Standard meets all of these needs!

 The company was founded in 2010, and I love the entrepreneurial spirit behind it. It has evolved to one of the fastest growing companies as ranked by Inc. Magazine, with showrooms in New York, Washington D.C.,  Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Dubai. Additionally, spaces are slated to open in Chicago and Los Angeles in the coming months. 

Personal designers are on-hand in the showrooms to assist with fittings and selections, but the product is also available online. With that being said, what is the online experience like? In one word, I would sum up my experience as effortless. 

There are two major aspects of the online experience, namely selecting your garment and inputting your measurements to ensure the perfect fit. I, of course, find the first part to  be the hardest as I want everything! In the end, I opted for a classic blazer in an iconic herringbone pattern. 

After selecting your piece, there are two choices for getting your measurements into the Knot Standard system- building a 3D body scan using the computer's camera, or following a guided process of taking key measurements of your body so the computer can generate an image of your body, and as a result your pieces will be made to fit your exact measurements. I opted for the latter, and must say that the measurement process was very simple!

I really enjoyed the customization options Knot Standard gives you. For $375 you would not expect to be given the option to select the lining color, have a monogram, or working buttonholes; however, these are all options during the online customization process!

I received my blazer a few weeks after placing my order. It arrived in a nice garment bag, and when I opened the package to try on the piece, I was shocked. I have to be in honest in saying that I was a little skeptical of inputting various measurements and ending up with a blazer at this price point that would fit appropriately. Needless to say, when I slipped on the blazer, it fit like a glove! The fit truly rivals some of my $1,495 sport coats. 

With that being said, I encourage to move at a fast pace to check out Knot Standard!

Lacoste Launches Made in France Capsule Collection

Iconic French brand, Lacoste, is revisiting its root with its most recent capsule collection which is dubbed "Made in France." Lacoste's history goes back to 1921 when René won his first tournament followed by a win at the French Open in 1924. The famous croc logo which we all recognize as synonymous with Lacoste came about in 1926, embroidered on the blazer of René Lacoste.

The rest, as they say, is history, filled with classic styles and silhouettes. Lacoste has been one of my go-to brands for years as the brand's simplicity aligns with my style. The Made in France Collection, as the name indicates, features products that are made in France and incorporate stylistic elements that are an homage to Lacoste's heritage. This includes striped sweaters, contract collar polos, and twill chinos.

Below are some of my favorite pieces from the newest capsule collection. Hover over the image to shop the pieces.


Have you been a long time Lacoste fan?





Images: Lacoste

Autumn is Cardigan Season

The autumn season is in full season with pumpkin spice lattes and decorated porches serving as evidence. Every year I always get caught off guard by the arrival of the season. It seems like just yesterday I was wearing shorts and t-shirts and now the chilly air calls for one of fall's essentials: the cardigan.

I find myself wearing cardigans very frequently during the autumn season as they are the perfect layering piece for the seasonal temperatures. On a brisk morning, a cardigan functions as outerwear and transitions to a great layering piece while in the still air conditioned office environment during the day. 

The cardigan, a true classic, can be dressed up when done in a refined wool, such as this Thom Browne piece, or it can function as a great companion throughout more casual fall weekends. A chunky, shawl collar style makes for cozy studying in the library or a nice piece for running errands.

To step out into the slightly cool fall air, I paired a wool Rag & Bone Cardigan with pinstripe pants that are modern and attention grabbing. For modern, updated look, I recommend pairing v-neck shirts under your cardigans as opposed to crewneck styles. The top of the outfit remains neutral and muted, with Dries Van Noten pants taking the prize. 

Color can still be worn throughout the fall season. Reach for your more muted tones versus the bright hues you might have lived in during the summer. The deeper red accompanies the season well while offsetting the charcoal tones of the cardigan. This look would be perfect for the office as the refined wool elevates the cardigan. 

Styles with pockets make the cardigan even more functional. Whether you are throwing your phone, wallet, or keys into the front pockets, you will find yourself reaching for them often! 

Cardigan: Rag & Bone // Pants: Dries Van Noten // Sungalsses: Randolph Engineering // Fragrance: Creed

Last Summer Stripes

Its officially the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day has come and past, and the calendar is raining on your white parade. While many argue you can wear white year round, I stick to white shirts only and save the white pants and shorts for the summer seasons to come. (How many more days?)

This weekend, I donned the last of my summer stripes, in a traditional way. If there is one combination that I think is easy, yet classic and sophisticated, it is navy paired with white. The navy and white combination has a feeling of nautical ease. I paired a traditional and iconic Saint James knit with navy chinos for an effortless Labor Day picnic look. If you are not familiar with Saint James already, I highly recommend checking them out. The brand has its roots in France and is renowned for its striped knits, with a sailing heritage.

Simple accessories completed the look. I paired a red bracelet to complete the Labor Day feel of American colors. Sophisticated Hermes sandals mixed with modern Dior sunglasses finished off the outfit. I figured sandals were appropriate as this was probably the last weekend for running around the yard barefoot.

Shirt: Saint James // Pants: Ralph Lauren // Bracelets: Miansai // Sandals: Hermes // Sunglasses: Dior

While it is sad to see summer leaving us, fall is, perhaps, one of my favorite seasons for dressing...bring on the sweater weather!

J.McLaughlin Spring 2015 Collection

If you love classic styles with a modern, preppy appeal, then J.McLaughlin is most certainly already present in your wardrobe. The brand, started in 1977 by a pair of East Coast brothers, produces great sportswear with its unique and iconic use of color and print season after season. In J.McLaughlin's words, their brand is "rooted in the tradition of sport, work, and play with a signature element of surprise.

I really enjoyed browsing through the spring 2015 lookbook. All the great color and patter/print really have me in the mood for spring wardrobing...bring on the warmer weather! For spring 2015, the team shot the campaign in California and really captured the essence of the spirit of J.McLaughlin, namely sport, work, and play. 

The collection includes very signature, preppy pieces such as lace embroidered tunics and structured cigarette pants for her. For the guys, there is an array of versatile pieces such as gingham shirts, chinos, and on-trend, modern sweatpants for those more casual moments. Staying true to the whimsical side of the brand, each piece has an element of surprise, whether it be a grosgrain lining to spice up a tailored shirt or an unexpected thread to tie on a button. 

There is definitely a lot that caught my eye in this year's spring collection. One can never have to many spring colored oxfords! You can browse the full spring 2015 collection online. What are you most excited about for spring?

Images: J.McLaughlin Spring 2015 Lookbook

Lacoste for J.Crew

The iconic French brand, Lacoste, has teamed up with J.Crew for a collaboration on a new line of polos. Lacoste, started from inspiration on the tennis court, has become a staple in any preppy wardrobe. Whether you grew up wearing them on the tennis court or to school, the little alligator has become an unmistakable icon around the world. 

I think this is a great collaboration between two brands that are definitely staples in my daily wardrobe. For the partnership, J.Crew recreated the famous alligator logo to include "lacoste" in script and tonal alligators that match back to the colors of the polos.

Currently, the line is offered in three traditional colors: red, navy, and white. I opted to go with the navy as I truly believe you can never have too many navy polos...they simply go with everything and are a true classic. Overall, J.Crew has drawn on the long heritage of Lacoste to offer a lineup for men, women, and children that a truly iconic, classic pieces that can be worn for decades. 

Browse the Lacoste x J.Crew Collaboration online.

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!!

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?

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.

Custom Shirting Featuring John Byron

Custom made clothing seems to be the ultimate in menswear, whether it be a dress shirt, sport shirt, or suit. The custom segment, once viewed as unattainable, is making a come back in a strong way in the marketplace for menswear. I never experienced custom made clothing before meeting the John Byron brand, and now I can fully say I know why men love custom shirting!

If, like me, you find yourself looking like a "bubble" in an off the rack dress or sport shirt, custom shirting will fix all your problems of excess fabric and ill fit. It is important to state that the custom tailored, made in the USA options from John Byron are highly attainable with some styles of sport shirts starting as low as $133. Why pay upwards up $300 for a designer shirt off the rack that may not fit perfectly when you can get a custom tailored shirt for less?

I felt like a little kid on Christmas when I received my package of custom shirts after about a month wait (keep in mind, these shirts are cut to your specifics when you place an order so allow some extra time!). The presentation was beautiful, with sets of shirts in white boxes and tissue and a card specifying "Specifically tailored for" with my name hand written. I was highly impressed with the quality, as most of the shirts I selected are made from Italian fabrics that the John Byron brand tailors and makes here in the United States.

Perhaps what I had so much fun with was selecting my options for customization. The possibilities seem endless and truly do make the shirts very detailed. I, of course, love the options for monograms which are available in a myriad of colors, fonts, and placements, as well as the unique option to add quotes from famous individuals to the inside of the collar. Additionally, the brand offers up-to-date menswear trends for tailoring options such as Cut Away Collars and hidden button plackets. 

One of my favorite pieces that I ordered, a linen sport shirt, which I customized to have a 4-button placket and white collar and cuffs got me thinking about an upcoming trip to East Hampton. I am loving this new "pull over" style of sport shirt, and in the linen fabric I thought it would be the perfect piece for a casual summer look. 

The cut away collar makes it right on trend in terms of menswear details while the palazzi cuff adds interest as well. I envision the light blue color of the linen pairing well with a nantucket red pant or white pant as well. The perfect casual summer hamptons look would be completed with a colorful sandal for a pop of color.

Stay tuned for more looks with custom shirting by John Byron!