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

City Brunch Spot: Sarabeth's

Us New Yorkers take brunch, or "brunching" very seriously. For many, it is a verb and something that you a bound to be doing on either a Saturday or Sunday morning...especially after a long night out. As you can imagine, there are a myriad of places throughout the city that offer great brunches, unique in there own way. 

The spot I keep going back to, however, is Sarabeth's. They have 5 locations throughout the city, but I am partial to the TriBeCa location myself. Sarabeth's is my favorite because it reminds me of more of a traditional Sunday brunch as you would think of- an older crowd, well dressed, and relaxed. The restaurants definitely play host to a certain crowd. It makes for the perfect way to pass a late weekend morning. 

Sarabeth's is known for the preserves and jams, and their brunch menu is contains classics such as eggs Benedict, amazing waffles and pancakes, and omelets. My favorite part about the brunch menu is the drinks! Probably the best bloody mary I have had in the city thus far- it does not hurt that it comes in a giant goblet! They also offer a few variations on the typical mimosa that are quite interesting and tasty.

The next time you are looking for a new brunch spot, try Sarabeth's when in the city. Their website  is also home to an array of products available for ordering as well as recipes for those that cannot make it to the city.

Celebrating Steve McQueen at Belstaff

Last week, GQ and Belstaff celebrated actor Steve McQueen at Belstaff's Madison Avenue flagship in New York. I attended with other industry insiders, models such as Tyson Beckford, and fashionable New Yorkers to view the new retrospective by Barry Feinstein, Unseen McQueen.

The store was the perfect backdrop for the viewing of the photos. McQueen's style is quintessentially Belstaff, namely leather motorcycle jackets, leather biker pants, and chunky knits. His style is quite relevant today as distressed denim, biker jackets, and the like have become must-have pieces for that edgy, downtown style. 

The book is filled with photos of McQueen on a motorcycle, a shared passion of both the photographer and McQueen. A hardcover copy can be purchased in-store or online via Mr Porter.

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Spa Day: Ritz-Carlton Westchester

The Thanksgiving holiday was the perfect opportunity to enjoy for pure relaxation, taking a break from the books for the weekend. Instead of heading to the malls and stores and standing in long lines on Black Friday, myself and a few friends had a spa day at the Ritz-Cartlton in Westchester. 

Located within a short train ride to the city or the perfect go-to location when in the suburbs, the spa at the Ritz in White Plains offers a space of luxury and serenity to step away from the busy lives we lead.  The day spa features a rooftop indoor pool, multiple massage rooms, salon, shop filled with high-end products. 

The spa offers an array of services including skin, touch therapy, massages, facials, and body treatments. The full menu can be viewed on their website. I received a 60-minute full body massage. From the minute I stepped into the spa, I was in a serene environment from the plush robs, to the scents of lavender, to the relaxation room while I waited for my massage therapist to arrive. 

Swedish massages start at $85 for 30 minutes and range to $200 for 90 minutes. Other options such as stone therapy are also available. I think I found an excellent place to escape the bustle of the city while not going to far from home. 

Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Westerchester

3 Renaissance Square

White Plains, NY 10601

Lafayette: French Style Patisserie in New York

It is always an appropriate time for French pastries and coffee, and being transported back to a favorite trip to Paris. We all know the famous Ladurée for its macaroons, however, there is a new player located in the heart of downtown, Lafayette. This new bakery and café has quickly become a hot spot for "it" people in the fashion industry and food and coffee lovers alike. 

Located on Lafayette street in NoHo, the location offers the perfect setting to enjoy something from the patisserie after shopping in SoHo or strolling around the village. I received some items from the bakery as a recent birthday gift and was able to finally try it....it has been on my list of places to go! The sweets from Lafayette did not disappoint! 

Fresh macaroons in flavors like chocolate, pistachio, passion fruit, birthday cake, and the "lafayette flavor." It was needless to say I ate all 5 rather quickly!

The lune d'automne pastry was highly delectable. Made with blackberry mousse, apple compote, and hazelnut financier, it was light with a touch of sweetness. Perfect to pair with an afternoon espresso. 

If you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the bakery at Lafayette which can be found at 380 Lafayette Street, New York, NY.

New Music Seminar Held in New York

 

The New Music Seminar kicked off on Sunday and just concluded at the New Yorker Hotel here in Manhattan. Conferences kicked off Monday as Apple's rumors of launching a streaming music service came to an end with the announcement of iTunes Radio. Many music executives discussed Apple's decision, New Music Seminar founder Tom Silverman stated, "We are extremely happy that Apple has chosen to announce the launch of iTunes radio during the NMS. Apple's entry into this burgeoning market brings us another step closer to achieving the 100 billion dollar music business. 

Day 1 highlights included keynotes by notable figures in the industry such as Frank Cooper of PepsoCo, the president of Clear Channel, and Rio Caraff, CEO of VEVO. Additionally, one of my favorite music product companies, Bang & Olufsen, launched under their B&O Play label in conjunction with Danish Band, Mew, their new Sensory Space app. The vice president gave a preview of the new application for smartphones.

Most notable on day 2 was kicked off by the "Building the 100 Billion Dollar Music Business" presentation. The discussion looked at the ever changing trends of the music industry how to generate revenue in the new era of music by featuring a panel of forward thinkers in the industry. Expanding this point, an intensive led Adam Shore of The Daily Swarm identified the growing importance of the relationship between brands' sales and music. He points out that some of the brands that successfully work with music such as Red Bull Music, Converse, and Scion.

Many exciting things have come out of this year's NMS for those who love the music industry. It's an exiting event for the industry. I'm sure will all be interested in using iTunes radio specifically. 

Photos courtesy of Workman Entertainment Public Relations

Bang & Olufsen Launch at Mondrian SoHo

Bang & Olufsen is renowned for their Danish design aesthetic and quality when it comes to their products. B&O Play, a brand of Bang & Olufsen, hosted an exclusive VIP launch party of their new H6 over the ear headphones as well as their new H3 in-ear headphones at the Mondrian in SoHo.

Let me just say straight away: these headphones are going to be amazing! The sound quality was amazing, and of course they look amazing as well. I got to experience the new headphones that will be released this summer in the US while sipping cocktails and enjoying hors d'oeuvres. 

The over the ear model comes it 2 colors- black and tan. In addition, they are made from very high quality cowhide leather. This means they only get better with wear, similar to the handles of a Louis Vuitton bag. They will become your new travel companion. Priced at around $399, they a reasonably positioned in the market place. 

Keep your eyes (and ears) on the look for these in summer 2013!

Nespresso: For Coffee Lovers

I love, love, love my coffee. I not only love the taste of a rich, bold blend, but I also must admit that I do love the little jolt embodied in coffees and espressos. I have recently entered the world off home brewed espresso thanks to my friends at Nespresso. 

The Lattisima+ is the ultimate at home machine for any coffee lover. This model includes a milk frother, so I can now make cappuccinos and lattes at home...could not be easier! The machine is nothing less than luxurious as one would expect from a European brand such as themselves. I love the red color because it brings so flair to my kitchen counter. 

Im fully entering the Nespresso brand concept as I continue to stock up on pods, pod holders, and hopefully next some proper espresso glasses. I have been enjoying trying all the different varieties of flavors. The boutique offers a limited edition flavor which is currently Hazlenut. Needless to say, I have been stocking up on that flavor! 

image via

I am lucky to able to frequent one of the few Nespresso Boutiques currently in the States. I have been stopping by their SoHo location quite often since picking up my machine. The boutique offers a cafe on the lower level with dinning and espresso, and a shop upstairs offering an array of accessories, pod flavors, and Grand Cru tastings.