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.

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

Spring Fever

Spring Fever is officially beginning to set in. With longer days, the clock change around the corner, and this week of warmer weather, I cannot help but daydream of sun, green trees, and summer a few months away.

It has certainly been a mild winter, so while I cannot complain in that regards, I am ready to ditch the wool sweaters and heavy coats in exchange for light jackets and cotton sweaters....and certainly brighter colors!

Depending on where you are located, spring is definitely about layering- a jacket is necessary in the morning but by the time the afternoon sun rolls around you are rolling up your sleeves...especially as we get into the later months of the season. I used the warmer weather here as an excuse to break out some brighter colors and lighten the mood around town.

It is certainly not time for linen or thin cotton fabrics, yet. With that in mind, I pulled a sport shirt that is crafted from a cotton/cashmere blend so it soft to the skin yet slightly heavier than traditional cotton. I paired it with go-to chinos. Note the use of cream instead of stark white...are you an avid believer in the no white before memorial day rule?

The center of this outfit was my Stubbs &  Wootton slippers. They make quite the statement and are such a classic style from the Palm Beach brand. I finished the look with a bracelet to tie back into the red of the shoes, a preppy belt, and simple aviators.

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Chinos: Jack Wills // Belt: Jack Spade // Bracelet: Miansai // Shoes: Stubbs & Wootton

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.

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