Make a Splash this Summer with Le Club Original

If there is an item that is a must-have for any summer wardrobe, it is printed swim trunks. The trend is certainly gaining ground with many brand showcasing bold prints in bright colors. I have always loved loud swim trunks in the summertime, but some of the best printed trunks cost upwards of $230. 

One of the best parts about staying on top of fashion trends is finding smaller, luxury brands that make great products and are waiting to launch into the next "it" brand. My new summer staple is coming from Miami-based luxury swimwear brand Le Club Original. The brand, established in 2012, is a mens and boys luxury swimwear line that draws inspiration from the colors of the vibrant Miami beaches and streets of Ocean Drive. 

The brand has been gaining traction, with department stores such as Bloomingdales housing the children's collection in all of its store. Additionally, the brand has expanded out of South Florida and into hotels in global destinations such as Aruba, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. 

For 2016, Le Club Original has introduced what it has dubbed the "Splash" collection. The concept behind the collection in quite interesting, centered around some pieces of the collection that are crafted in a new fabric that, when wet, changes from vibrant solids to rich textured patterns.

At first touch, I was quite impressed with the quality and durable feel of the fabric. I opted for the Mosaic Short, as the coral and blue color palette is perfect for the summer and pairing with a pastel colored top. Sizes run true to size with a small fitting a 30in waist. The prints of the trunks are fun and vibrant, and look great when paired with a polo to spend the day running around a beach town such as the Hamptons or Nantucket. The full 2016 Lookbook can be view online.

This would make a great Father's Day gift as a lot of the options come in a matching version for the little guy. That way, both Dad and son can look good while having fun in the sun together! So grab your Le Club trunks, some rosé, and get ready to make a SPLASH this summer!

This post was made possible by Le Club Original. All opinions are my own.

Scandinavian Minimalism from Mismo

A great bag is hard to find, and when you do find one, sometimes the switching costs seem to high, namely moving all your personal belongings from when bag and getting used to a new bag. I recently wrote about 5 timeless bags that would transcend decades, however, they tend to come with high price tags as well.

A great bag does not have to cause so much sticker shock. In fact, some times the $300-500 price range works well as you can find great style and functionality and not feel as guilty when you place the bag you paid a month's rent for in your closet if you change your bag often. I recently was turned onto the brand Mismo. The simplistic silhouettes, color palettes, and designs attracted me to their pieces. Leave it Danes to craft simple, beautiful products. From Ikea to Bang & Olufsen, Scandinavians truly have a knack for simplistic design and beauty.

Mismo calls itself the "the ultimate personal companion to the urban sophisticate." All of their designs or centered around leather as the backbone with durable canvas or other premium materials mixed in. I personally find this to be a great combination as the canvas material is quite durable while the leather adds a touch of timeless sophistication. I selected the N/S tote as it is a simple silhouette that holds quite a bit and can be worn with the long shoulder strap which I prefer. The AW15 season was inspired by the landscape of Iceland.

Apparently I am not the only one that is loving the Mismo line...it seems to be sold out at most places domestically, including Barneys where I purchased mine. I was able to find some in stock at East Dane. So if you are looking for a clean styling and premium construction, I highly recommend checking out Mismo. Perhaps it is the best bag brand you never heard of...until now!

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. 

Alex Maine: Made In America

As we get ready to celebrate the 4th of July, it is great to recognize those smaller brands that are made right here in America. Alex Maine is celebrating as well with the announcement of its acquisition by Tru-Line LLC, a sign of Alex Maine's American success thus far. 

President Bron Heussenstamm grew up around clothes in his parents' boutique, and today, is proud that his own label is made in America and sold in America- 100% American. Bron is a native of Los Angeles, and received a degree in Business Entrepreneurship from USC. Alex Maine hopes to expand their unique store experience across the country. The free standing store on Sunset Boulevard has been rated a top shopping experience in Los Angeles. 

The Alex Maine collection which can be shopped at alexmaine.us, consists of great neutral basics such as tees and sweatshirts in fabrics such as bamboo and heather. The pants come in an array of colors that are perfect for spring and summer. The pieces make for great staples to any wardrobe. 

Photo: BWR PR, Los Angeles

Trend: Printed T-Shirts

Spring and summer fashions are all about color, print, and lightweight fabrics. I have been seeing printed t-shirts all over this spring. Many designers sent spring/summer collections down the runway containing brightly colored t-shirts with eye-catching graphics. 

I must say, while I am not always a fan of trends, I do like a lot of the printed t-shirts I am seeing from designers such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana and my favorite, Givenchy. Givenchy has become an icon of the printed t-shirt. This season, Givenchy has incorporated Paisley into the designs- what's more to love? Paisleys are a preppy favorite. 

These all would make a great statement in the summer with their bright colors and fun prints. Paired with white denim, and pastel shorts, these shirts making creating a summer outfit quite easy. Are you loving the printed t-shirt trend?

Photos: Via Mr Porter.

New York Fashion Week: ØDD Fall 2013 Presentation

Last evening I attended the ØDD presentation for their fall 2013 collection entitled "People Have Weapons." This presentation marked the labels first women's collection which was showcased next to the men's line as well. The fall 2013 collection includes a mix of refined tailoring and what designers Judson Harmon and Jordan Klein describe as typical "ØDD silhouettes." For those unfamiliar, I would describe the ØDD vibe as very "downtown" and reminiscent of Rick Owens. 

The color palette was a mix of black and stained whites. Pieces ranged from blazers and skirts, to drop-crotch pants and tanks. 

 ØDD was first launched online, but only after a year, opened its first retail concept on Manhattan's lower east side. The store provides a mix of coveted downtown designers such as Mugler and Raf Simons and art installations. Now, Harmon will be showcasing his first namesake collection of womenswear alongside this other "downtown" brands. You can visit ØDD online or at 164 Ludlow Street.

Photos by (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

January Sales

Its the time to stock your closets with all those designer threads you have been lusting over all season. Every year around mid to late January some of the best department stores in the world have amazing sales with savings up to 75% off. 

Barneys New York. Contemporary Designers

Barney's New York and Bergdorf Goodman, two New York landmarks, are offering pieces from designers of the likes of Etro, Thom Browne, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta at 75% off the original price. You cannot beat that!

Furthermore, sites such as Neiman Marcus, Vineyard Vines, and Jack Wills are offering deep discounts with some having a sale on their sale. 

I took advantage of the sale at Bergdorf's and picked up some awesome oxfords from renowned Italian designer Etro.

If you are in the mood to shop, now is the perfect time! Happy Shopping.