Deal Alert: J.Crew Winter Sale

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If you have been following the J.Crew sale and holding off, or are just reading about their epic winter sale...now is the time to act! J.Crew upped the additional discount off sale styles to a whopping 60% off. Styles and Sizes are definitely limited, but you can find some great pieces and staples such as the 484 Slim-fit broken-in Chino which typically do not receive additional discounts.

We've rounded up some of our favorites that still remain...extra 60% off is set to expire at the end of day 1/17/22...get to shopping!

Use Code "EPIC" for extra 60% off at checkout. Additionally, earn an extra 1.5% cashback when you activate your Rakuten. (Not a member? Sign up here)

Escape to Malibu Giveaway with johnnie-O

LA-based lifestyle brand johnnie-O is offering an exciting fall giveaway to escape to Malibu. For those of you not familiar with the brand, johnnie-O is known for its west coast take on classic east coast preppy styles. The brand has recently ramped up its offering and is expanding across the country, and too celebrate their recent success, the brand is offering an exciting giveaway for the chance to win a trip to Malibu for 2!

Details:  A giveaway in celebration of its newly-formed partnership with Malibu Beach Inn and the much anticipated launch of johnnie-O’s revamped website.

As the kick-off to a series of new and exciting promotions, “Escape to Malibu” will offer johnnie-O fans the chance to win round-trip airfare to Los Angeles for two, a 2-night stay at the luxury oceanfront hotel, a round of golf with John O’Donnell, and $500 shopping spree at the johnnie-O ‘Love Shack’.

This comes on the heels of johnnie-O debuting it’s newly designed website, offering shoppers improved functionality and speed, an enhanced look and feel, shop-able look books, integration with a now shop-able Instagram, and the newly featured “Blue Room” blog (think behind-the scenes “Green Room” in show biz - where the real action happens off-camera) - giving readers insight into all of founder, John O’Donnell’s hot topics, from the best brews and signature cocktails to interviews with key leaders such as Rio Olympic golf course designer, Gil Hanse.

How To Enter: simply input your email address from now until November 13^th on the johnnie-O website here - Escape to Malibu Giveaway - for a chance to win this incredible trip and giveaway. (Rules and restrictions apply)

The Malibu Beach Inn is the perfect destination as johnnie-o has recently formed a partnership to further establish itself as a west coast lifestyle brand. The brand's partnership with the inn includes Malibu Beach Inn employees outfitted in signature johnnie-O apparel including polo’s, outerwear, and belts; selling select product in their hotel boutique; offering the “johnnie-O Light and Sunny” cocktail at the Carbon Beach Club bar; as well as promoting the “Summer of johnnie-O” special in which guests will enjoy premium beachfront accommodations and receive a johnnie-O polo and ball cap upon check-in.

Johnnie-O Brings the Best of Both Coasts

The West Coast fashion label, johnnie-O, has been developing their product offering and expanding on the east coast since launching a few years ago, offering up an aesthetic that is the perfect mix between east and west coast styles.

I previously wrote about johnnie-O and the great brand they were establishing, but if they are not on your radar yet, I highly recommend checking them out. The band attracts me for two reasons, namely the product and the quality. For those that feel that sometimes the true "east coast" prep look can be a bit much while the traditional "west coast" vibe is too relaxed, the johnnie-O product is perfect for you as it harmoniously combines these to offer up what is dubs, "west coast prep."

Headed up by John O'Donnell, the brand's aesthetic is inspired by his days in LA where he traded his penny loafers for sandals. O'Donnell is a strong believer in having what you love, and this is exactly what inspired the west coast prep pieces. He loved the preppy essentials of his Chicago childhood, but also loved the casualness of his time spent in LA and mixed these two looks to create the Johnnie-O line.

I have experienced the the product first hand, and can notably say that you can feel the quality of the fabric and the attention to detail. The fabrics feel soft yet substantial as opposed to some of the common prep brands with ponies or crocs. Additionally, the pieces still contain the details that smaller brands offer, one of the reasons I personally love finding new brands. My personal favorite feature on johnnie-O shirts is the "tweener" button, O'Donnell's answer to the ever present conundrum of do I button the second button or not? The tweener is a hidden button on the placket that offers the perfect "in between first and second button."

Overall the line of apparel and accessories for men and boys is based on the premise of an active lifestyle while retaining elements of tradition. One of their great new pieces is the Johnson "prep-formance" button down, crafted from performance fabric. The moisture wicking fabric makes it the perfect travel companion as it is wrinkle resistant and washable. Not to mention, the classic styling takings it from golf course to dinner....who doesn't love that?

I styled the button down shirt with classic, cotton twill Catalina shorts. The look is quintessentially prep, yet the fit denotes an air of relaxation, especially with the d-ring belt. This look is a go-to for weekends or rounds of golf with the shirt being versatile enough to wear to the office as well. Pair with your favorite preppy accessory, in my case Ray-Ban aviators, for the ideal look.

Shirt & Shorts: C/O johnnie-O // Belt: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

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.

Spring Edge

The spring season has shaped up to be an interesting one thus far. A week of 80s and sun in the beginning of April, followed by cooler temps and May commencing with a week of rain and temperatures barely in the 60s. While spring fever has us all wanting to pull out our bright chinos and leave the jacket at home, sometimes you have to face the reality...or weather...outside!

I have found that if there is one thing that is worth investing in in your wardrobe, it is your collection of jackets. From blazers to traditional outerwear to more edgy pieces, I find that my jackets are what really completes an outfit aside from serving their functional purpose. With the "spring" chill still in the air, a jacket is certainly necessary when heading out for the day. It is the weather that calls for a great spring jacket, namely something that keeps you warm enough if you are wearing short sleeves underneath, but is not heavy like a wool or down piece.

I have been reaching for a piece that is certainly more edgy that some classic styles, however, I find that outerwear is easy to wear whether it fits into your "defined" style or not. This jacket is actually a linen/cotton blend so it is the perfect weight for cool mornings, and sunnier afternoons that transition into chilly cool nights at a happy hour. The leather patches bring a "cool" edge to the piece as well as the motorcycle styling. I paired it with a pair of jeans, a simple v-neck, and boots for an easy, chilly spring look.

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // T-Shirt: Gap // Jeans: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Shoes: John Varvatos

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

For Men: Bergdorf Goodman Hosting Spring Made-To-Measure Event

If you are in the city this weekend, checking out the dapper made-to-measure event at Goodman's men's store is a must...especially if you have been thinking about updating your sartorial looks this spring! The event will run through Sunday March 13th and also features renowned photographer, James Houston.


Offering a glimpse into the store’s vast array of Men’s fine tailoring and luxury pieces, Goodman’s Men’s Store 5th Avenue windows will showcase world-renowned photographer James Houston. The windows will feature four photographs of James Houston’s series titled HORSE. Each photograph has been enlarged to fill the back wall of each window; one image per window. The windows will be completed on Thursday, March 3.

From left to right: Brioni, Giorgio Armani

“For the Spring 2016 Made-To-Measure Event, I thought the minimal, yet strong image of a horse would work well with proportion, scale and strength being hallmarks of both fine, tailored clothing and champion horses,” says Shane Ruth, Visual Director, Men’s Store & Decorative Home. This initiative was inspired by James Houston Design’s, Co-Founder and Head of Sales Michael Dimopoulos, which continues to help raise funds and awareness for the various causes Houston supports such as Global Green USA.

During the event, Made-to-Measure fees will be waived and participating designers will be offering a range of exclusive fabrics, custom details with experts on site to provide personalized assistance.

Tom Ford

On the Main Floor, Bontoni will be hosting a Trunkshow from Friday, March 4 – Sunday March 6. For the first time, Bontoni will also be offering a selection of belts for Made-to-Measure. Tod’s will be offering a “Gommini” customization event from Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 13.

Made-to-Measure Designers:
Cesare Attolini
Brioni
Belfast
Ermenegildo Zegna
Tom Ford
Isaiah
Kitten
Castangia
Gieves & Hawkes
Ralph Lauren
Giorgio Armani
Brunello Cucinelli
Goodman's Shirting Collection (Private Label)


Photos: Bergdorf Goodman

Suitsupply Launches Spring Summer '16 Toyboy Campaign

For me, Suitsupply ad campaigns are quite recognizable. They usually feature vibrant color combinations, and, of course, the dapper men in their awesome suits and sartorial looks. This season, Suitsupply has launched its SS '16 campaign which turns up the dial evermore for the attention grabbing aspect. 

Female models dressed in swimsuits with men all over them? I think the suits are already sold! The concept of this season's campaign is "Tomboys." It is based on the premise that, from a man's perspective, we live a in a world of beautiful, powerful, women that know what they want and are extremely powerful...so what are we to do? Sit back and have some fun!

In the words of the brand, they say: 

"So what's a guy to do? You're a modern gentleman, but the tables have turned. You have a certain way with the ladies...that is, until they have their way with you. You're a playboy, but what happens when the playboy becomes the plaything? 

Well, the water's warm, the women are beautiful, and the sky is drenched by the sun. And most importantly of all, you've got your best suit of armor on your back. Suddenly, it's obvious. There's nothing else to do. Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride."

I think the campaign is making a very strong, bold statement. It will be interesting to see the feedback and responses to the ads is they begin to circulate around the internet and social media world. I personally find it to be quite artistic, and thought the behind the scenes video gave some interesting insight into how the photos were developed.

Tropical beaches, bright colors, and beautiful suits....I think I like it! Here are some of the images from the new campaign.

What do you think?

Images, Video: Suitsupply