Tech Meets Fashion at Pitti Uomo 89

Pitti Uomo 89 just concluded in Milan. The fashion event, renowned in the men's world, is one of the most important events around the global that showcases men's fashion and accessories. If you are a menswear fan, you have probably been following the awesome street style shots on Instagram over the past few days. 

The sartorial crowd did not come to Florence just to see ready-to-wear and accessories. Patti Uomo 89 featured some vendors that are the pinnacle of the fusion between high fashion and hi-tech. I think this is an area that will continue to grow as we become more conscious of not only the aesthetic of our style, namely our clothes selections, but also to our tech accessories as they are becoming a larger and larger part of every day life. We have seen designers collaborate with tech companies, such as the Hermes Apple Watch. 

One brand, PRYMA, is fusing style and Italian quality into tech accessories with its eye-catching line of headphones. Handmade in Italy, the PRYMA headphones by World of Macintosh combine world-class sound quality with high-end styling....making them a great choice for the most discerning music lover.

The line comes in five distinct designs, offering Italian leather removable headbands, die-cast aluminum ear cup body, removable double-socket cable, and copper and stainless steel buckles. Given the stylish appeal of these headphones, I think Pitti was the perfect setting to showcase the 100% made in Italy line.

Which color is your favorite?

Images: PRYMA

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!

An Unusually Warm Winter

The headlines have been saying it all...the weather this winter has been quite crazy across the entire country to say the least. If you live on the east coast, you are familiar with this very warm December that is quickly coming to an end. I believe in my area, there was one day in the entire month that came in average/below average. Christmas Eve day was 30 degrees above normal...shorts anyone?

With the warmer than normal weather, the heavy sweaters and jackets have stayed in the closet. Forget the big parka or ankle length coat, the weather calls for, perhaps, unconventional winter jackets. I am loving this quilted front, sweater back piece from Ralph Lauren Black Label. The piece is heavy enough for the 50-60 degree days we have been having, and the mixed media styling makes the piece fresh and modern.

While it may not be the normal coat that you will show up to a December meeting in, it certainly does fit the bill. I paired it with cotton pants (rather than wool) and classic suede chelsea boots. The modern Balenciaga bracelet adds of touch of interest while remaining subtle.

How are you adapting to the weather in your area?

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Balenciaga // Boots: John Varvatos

Holiday Gift Guide: Selections for the Stylish Guy

Eleven shopping days left until the big day- are you ready? In my series of gift guides, I am presenting a few selections for the stylish guy on your list. He may be at the cutting edge of fashion, seen sporting the most recent trends and modern silhouettes. He may not have a dress down moment, always running around town looking dapper. 

Below find selections that may fit into any aspect of his wardrobe from cold weather accessories to cufflinks for his cocktail soirées. These selections include on-trend items that are both classic (camel overcoat) and trendy (Fendi Monster Gloves) so you can tailor your selections to his unique preferences. Finally, every stylish guy has a signature scent, and I highly recommend Royal Oud from Creed...it is absolutely one of my favorites so I have included it with this curation.

1. J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Wool and Cashmere Overcoat - $450 Mr. Porter 

2. Fendi Monster Knit Gloves- $250 Bergdorf Goodman

3. Givenchy Embroidered Bouclé Blazer- $1,650 Mr. Porter

4. Ralph Lauren Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks- $395 Ralph Lauren

5. Creed Royal Oud- $385 Creed

6. Club Monaco Jacquard Knit Sweater- $150 Mr. Porter

7. Burberry Cashmere Check Scarf- $575 Saks Fifth Avenue

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan

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

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

Heat Wave Essentials

If there is one thing this summer has not lacked it is definitely heat and humidity. While the sun has not been overly present, the mercury on the thermometer has seem to have risen to new hots. Currently, a heat advisory is in place with a heat wave occurring over the next few days.

The most recent of heat waves has me thinking about how to stay (or attempt to stay) cool while remaining stylish at the same time. When it gets extremely hot, I am the biggest fan of tank tops. I will be taking advantage of a linen Dolce & Gabbana tank top that features a classic roman print that makes it a great statement piece.

Great sunglasses are always a summer must. Ditch the socks and loafers for a pair of sandals to keep cool and mix things up. Tip: use your cocktail shaker during the day for shaken iced lattes...my nespresso has been used in full force recently!

How are you staying cool during the dog days of summer?

sunglasses: Tom Ford // Tank Top: Dolce & Gabbana // Sandals: Ralph Lauren // Fragrance: Tom Ford

Summer Business Casual

After a long weekend, work is always on everyone's mind. I feel this is especially true for the Memorial Day weekend as it is the unofficial start to summer and makes us reminiscent of the summer's of our youth, carefree.

Dressing work can be a challenge in the summer with wool suits and heavy cotton oxfords so having the right gear is essential to staying cool during the summer heat and humidity. It is extremely humid in the northeast this week feeling more like late July than May, so the call to action was earlier than anticipated.

Find a great wool trouser that is lightweight and works well for the season. I love these slim-fit trousers from POLO Ralph Lauren which are done in an elegant, lightweight wool. The pant is thus dressy yet comfortable. The grey hue is perfect for the summer season as it pairs well with seasonal shirts such as light pink and lavender as well as with brown shoes and belts.

Pair your pants with a brighter top to align with the season and bring some color to your warm weather work outfits. Here, I paired a light pink check oxford to contrast the grey and completed the look with chestnut shoes and belt to finish the lighter color palette for summer versus traditional black wingtips.

 Shoes: Ralph Lauren

What is your key for staying cool at the office during the summer months?

What to Pack for a Trip to Cote d'Azur

I am exciting to be jetting off to the South of France to hopefully enjoy some sunny days on the riviera. The Cote d'Azur is one of my favorite places in the world as it just exudes natural beauty and truly is how Slim Aaron's depicted it in his series of photographs.

It will be an exciting to be on the riviera with the 68th Festival du Cannes commencing, however, it is also a tricky time in terms of packing. The spring season will call for more than just shorts, sunglasses, and t-shirts as the temperatures will remain mild during the day and cool in the evening.

I am one for which packing is always a dreaded task despite traveling frequently. I recently took a trip to Paris, however, the Cote d'Azur calls for a much more vibrant color palette, one to match the azur blue waters of the Mediterranean. Below are my suggestions for stylish trip to the South of France.

Sandals: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Armani // Wallet: Goyard // Trunks: Lilly Pulitzer & Ralph Lauren (similar) // T-Shirt: Hanes

If you are like me, the main appeal of going to the coast will be spending days lounging on the beach, at a beach lounge, or soaking up the sun in your favorite spot. With that being said, I recommend packing daywear that centers around statement swimwear (read my recent love for statement swimwear). Great swim trunks will be perfect for the beach, but when paired with a simple white v-neck and sandals, these trunks are the basis of a great casual outfit perfect for going from beach to cafe in town. 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Saint Laurent // Bracelet: Miansai // Cargos: Ralph Lauren (similar) // Sandals: Ralph Lauren

When transitioning for the beach & day to evening, I selected pieces that were colorful and light. Since temperatures are slightly cooler at night, I recommend light weight chinos and cargo pants for a more modern look. Pair bright hues with white for a simple, classic look. Accessorize with great sunglasses, eyewear, and a bracelet. Be sure to pack pants that match a myriad of your tops, allowing you to pack less and save room in your suitcase for anything you might pick up during your visit. 

Men's Spring Hairstyles from American Crew Expert

Everyone is refreshing everything with the spring season. From fresh wardrobes to new decor in the home, it is the new of year for new. I asked Patti Davenport, an American Crew All-Star Educator, what the top spring hairstyles are for men. In addition to her role as an educator for the go-to for men's grooming, Patti serves as the director of shaving and skincare at Groom for Men in Milwaukee, WI. Below are her picks for the top looks for short, medium, and long hair this season as well as tips on how to achieve them.


"Right now the classics are king, regardless of length. We are seeing men from all walks of life parting, combing and taking the utmost care in grooming today. The shapes and styles of our grandfathers’ era are definitely trending right now." 

For your shorter lengths think 'high and tight with a Don Draper twist,' meaning we are seeing fully exposed sides with either comparable length on top or extremely long pomps on top. Style with our medium to high shine puck products to achieve a variety of sheen options. My personal favorite on blondes and dark hair colors is American Crew Grooming Cream. This product will ensure the look lasts all day, reflects tons of light and holds regardless of humidity! For the guys with that longer disconnected pomp, a favorite is American Crew Alternator. It can be used as a finisher to hold it all together while keeping hair touchable.

Medium lengths are definitely still 'Don Draper-esqe.' This shape is the classic contour, a taper hugging the lower neckline and then “comb-able” lengths throughout. The key with this style is showing the comb lines, so keeping it very clean and academic and styled just right with the use of a pocket comb and NEW American Crew Liquid Wax. The best part about Liquid Wax is the ability to style with your comb right out of the shower, then let it air dry and it is complete! Holds all day, and if your client wants to take it from classic to more casual, he just needs to run his fingers through his hair to get a more lived-in texture.

For longer lengths.... shall I dare say man buns?! This is a definite phenomenon we are seeing especially when the 'undercuts' are growing into longer lengths on the top of the head. If this is your style, American Crew Alternator is king here! It holds all the hairs in place but also gives some texture to the surface of the hair so it is not so slippery when putting into a top knot. If your client is going for the Jared Leto look, spray in American Crew Alternator when damp, rake fingers through and let air dry.”

Exclusive: Interview with Lionstone Watches Founder Daniel Kampf

I always love the world of timepieces and exploring what is new. Watches are a great way to accessories any outfit, whether dressy or casual, and can make great heirlooms that stay in families for generations. While Baselworld just finished in Switzerland and showcased the true luxury world of horology, some of pieces are quite expensive.

I was recently introduced to Lionstone watches and immediately fell in love with the affordable luxury approach that founder Daniel Kampf is using to build his brand. Lionstone watches embody the idea of high-end, luxury without the high price tags that come with some brands. Kampf believes that everyone should be able to afford a beautiful, modern watch that is built to last.

The brand is launching a new superslim ceramic line which is made from high-tech ceramic resulting in a durable and stylish timepiece. The best part? This new ceramic line will start at only $149. I love the sleek design which gives the watch a contemporary feel that can be both dressed up or down. I asked founder Daniel Kampf a few questions about his brand, the new watch, and his vision for the future of the brand.

LTPG: How did you get interested in the fashion and specifically timepieces? 

DK: I have always loved fashion but I think my interest spiked when I left school and started to travel around Europe and Russia. The importance of fashion, in my opinion, is often underestimated. Dressing properly opens doors you didn't even know existed. I found that self-tied silk bow ties, for example, even work as a conversation starter. People are interested in you when you are dressed sophisticated. I got my hands on "The Preppy Handbook" a couple of years ago and never looked back.

For me, timepieces are an important part of fashion but there is more to it. I read somewhere that people check their wrist around 50 times a day on average. I certainly do. It is hard to describe but when you wear an alluring watch and you check the time, there is this short burst of pleasure and satisfaction that goes along with realizing what time it is. It's just a fleeting feeling, hard to grasp. But it's there. Some things go out of style but a beautiful timepiece never will. It will make you happy over and over again.


LTPG: What prompted you to start your own company and follow the path of an entrepreneur? 

DK: I come from an entrepreneurial family. When I grew up, everyone around me had their own business and I became accustomed to this way of life. I knew from an early age that this is the path for me. During my studies of Business Administration I briefly worked as a fashion consultant for Hackett London. I loved the interaction with the clients and enjoyed helping them look their best. I consulted a few grooms on their wedding outfits which are definitely memories worth having. But, life is short and you should do what makes you happiest. Everything else is a waste of time. Being an entrepreneur is, and always was, the only thing that makes sense to me.


LTPG: We all have seen prices rising over the years from major design houses and quality decrease. How are you committed to change this? 

DK: We change the issue of rising prices and quality decrease by not even starting with this habit. I always felt it is wrong to sacrifice build quality in order to turn a higher profit. Our timepieces are not expensive, and yet the quality is superior to almost everything else in our price segment. This commitment to excellent quality at a reasonable price is the very foundation of the Lionstone brand. We will keep prices steady and reasonable.

Furthermore, we really despise planned obsolescence. No one likes things that break after the warranty runs out. For us, it was never an option to go down that road. To underline this principle, we give our customers a 3-year limited international warranty on all of the watches that are purchased through our Indiegogo campaign. This warranty is going to be extended up to 10 years if we reach the right sales volume. When you grow up in Germany you really value quality and reliability. It was therefore natural for us to implement this into our brand.

LTPG: Why do you personally love the new ceramic watch?

DK: What I really love about our high-tech ceramic is how it feels on your wrist. You can't really compare the material to anything conventional. It is harder than stainless steel and yet it feels more cozy and warm when wrapped around your wrist. I like the sleekness as well. The case has a height of just 6 mm and this is what makes the Superslim Ceramic so contemporary and stylish. We took great care in taking the best photographs of our watch but we all feel that they still don't do it justice.

The best part about this watch is that our high-tech ceramic material doesn't allow for permanent stains. This is of particular importance when it comes to the women's Alpine White model. Even after several years of constant wear, the watch will look as shiny and bright as when you first opened the box it came in. The Superslim Ceramic is my first created timepiece and it will always feel special to me. I wanted to create a beautiful, reliable and reasonably prized watch and I feel that I succeeded with this model.


LTPG: Who is the ideal "Lionstone" customer?

DK: The ideal Lionstone customer is really everyone who wants a beautiful timepiece that is built to last. The details and materials that we have invested in our watches give them an eye-popping quality, yet the ceramic material is comfortable enough for casual, everyday wear. It's a great timepiece for anyone looking for a timeless, day-to-night watch.

Our watches are priced for someone who is not ready to spend half a month's salary on a watch, but enjoys owning something alluring but reliable that will keep him/her happy for years to come. This makes Lionstone a great choice as the first piece for a budding watch collector.

Because we are crowdfunding, our watches also appeal to fashion-forward people who are always ahead of the curve. We are a new brand with a mission to change the watch industry, and our Indiegogo campaign gives true trendsetters the first chance to own a cutting-edge accessory.


LTPG: How do you envision Lionstone expanding moving forward?

 DK: After the Indiegogo campaign we will work on increasing our customer base for our Superslim collection on an International level. At the same time we will start developing a new model with an automatic movement. We will test a range of different automatic movements for precision, reliability, shock absorption and destruction. An assessment center for automatic movements if you will. We are also looking into the possibility of creating our very own automatic movement. So whichever movement we will chose, the Lionstone brand's principles of quality, reliability and affordability will be perpetuated. As these things take a lot of time and dedication our automatic model will presumably be ready to hit the market in Summer 2016.

If you love the mission of Lionstone and want exclusive access to the new ceramic watch, you can support their IndieGoGo Campaign




Photos: Lionstone Watches

Garrett Leight California Optical Offers CYO

Sunglasses are one of my go-to accessories year round, whether its sunny and 80 degrees or sunny and 10 degrees. They add so much style to a look with minimal effort. Garrett Leight Optical California Optical has been crafting stylish, quality eyewear for quite some time. Their frames are simple and classic- I love the minimalistic designs to a lot of the pieces.

The company recently introduced what they are calling the "Mod Shop." The Mod Shop allows anyone to customize frames according to model, size, frame color, and lens color. Additionally, users can mattify any style, thus the options are virtually endless! The 3D rendering and 360 degree views create a refreshing online shopping experience.

Some of my favorite styles from GLOC are able to be modified, including the classic "Hampton Clip" which is iconic to the brand. This particular frame is perfect for that modern, preppy look. That being said, out with the standard and in with the custom!

East Hampton Coastal Style

Our East Hampton house was decorated in the ideal east coast coastal aesthetic. The home was inviting with dark floors and white walls with nautical touches of navy and white stripes throughout the home. Interior design was never a huge interest of mine, however, creating a great interior space that pulls together a complete look has become much easier with places such as C.Wonder and One Kings Lane.

When I think of Hamptons style, I think of easy and livable yet sophisticated. This of course includes of touch of refinement and modernity. The coastal aspect can be represented through the color scheme (blues and whites with accents of red) or small decorative accents throughout the home. I like the idea of anchoring a room with a large, light brown rug that plays well against the whites and blues. The element of wood can also be a great touch and also symbolic of the surrounding as the Hamptons does have a lot of trees and forest such as the north woods in East Hampton.

The nautical and coastal style theme has become a popular choice for decorative accents and is a go-to style for any beach home. Finding great pieces at good prices is fun and easy with the array of online home decor sites. Here are a few of my selections to incorporate a nautical touch into your home.

Pieces to Add Hints of Coastal Style in Your Home:

1. Sea Horse Table Lamp by Jonathan Adler: A lamp is a great way to bring a theme to a room. I love the subtleness of this lamp with its all white color scheme. 

2. Nautical Flag Coasters by C.Wonder: Any bar and end table is not complete without a set of great coasters. This set by C.Wonder is extremely affordable and who doesn't love a great sailor's flag motif?

3. Vintage Pond Boat: Bringing a bit of old into any interior design, especially when mixed with modern pieces, is a great look. This vintage boat would make the perfect accent on an foyer table and focal point in a sitting room.

4. Anchor Guest Towels by Mark & Graham: Do not forget to keep the theme running throughout the entire home...including the guests! These towels are an easy way to spruce up the bathroom.

5. Butler Tray Table by Jonathan Adler: This piece is stylish and sophisticated as well as versatile. Use it in the living room as an end table or near the bar or outdoors as a serving table for drinks. The bamboo-esque legs are reminiscent of a lush beach.

Colorful Sandals Perfect for Summer

I recently discussed a great summer shoe option, the slip-on, and have another style that I live in during the summer months- the sandal. The sandal has evolved into a style that can be either dressed up or dressed down with prices ranging from $50 to upwards of $400 for a designer leather sandal. 

I love the bright colors available in a sandal such as this one that match well with all the chinos and shorts in any preppy summer wardrobe. I found a pair of orange leather sandals by Ralph Lauren that are infused with a European aesthetic which makes them not only interesting but more sophisticated and "dressy" in my opinion.

A bright color, such as orange, pairs well with printed shorts. Orange is always a compliment to a nautical color theme. Here, I paired it with anchor printed shorts by Lilly Pulitzer and added a navy and white Kiel James Patrick bracelet to contrast the bright orange of the sandal. The ultimate weekend preppy "uniform" in the summer whether in East Hampton or down the shore.

Summer Street Style with Bonobos

I was excited when Bonobos reached out to me about teaming up to discuss my favorite summer style and street style. The online menswear company is known for their quality clothing and preppy, classic style so it is right up my alley. The recently released a new collection of garment dyed chinos that will be great for spring and summer weekends. These new chinos are casual with rich color and have a broken-in feel that makes them easy to wear. Whether you are going downtown, uptown, or "out east" for the weekend, these pants will be an easy go to.

So what is my favorite summer style? It is what these chinos embody- effortless, casual, yet still sophisticated. I recently wrote about iconic east coast style, and, for me, that is the perfect summer look. A good nantucket red pant paired with navy is a fail proof summer outfit. Additionally, chinos would pair well with the ultimate summer fabric, bright linens, and a pair of loafers for a super easy outdoor dinner party look or a casual afternoon lunch.

The team at Bonobos put together some great street style looks together with nantucket red if you are in the city. Both are the looks below are essential for summer in my books. The nantucket red pant can be worn slightly more sophisticated with a navy blazer or more casually with a white linen shirt. In both instances, a cuffed leg adds a bit of modernity and ease.

Sometimes the weather get quite unbearable here on the east coast during the summer. I have experienced quite a few heat waves in my life! Moreover, the heat gets to be excruciating in the city during this time. That being said, sometimes a super casual outfit is necessary for comfort- I am talking a tank top. Incredibly easy, cool, and perfect for the beach or the hot city sidewalks.

Going away for Memorial Day-perhaps the Hamptons? Any of these looks would work well for Memorial Day festivities, however you may be celebrating the unofficial kick-off of summer. Transition from a warm day in a tank top into a waterside dinner outfit with the nantucket reds and navy blazer. 

What is your favorite summer style?

Photos: Bonobos

New York Essential: Bean Boots

This winter has been quite relentless in the Northeast. We just received 11 inches of snow and or forecasted to pick up a few more inches over the new few days, with the potential for a major storm in a few weeks. 

Snow in New York is pretty for about 10 minutes, and then it turns into a slushy, brown mess. This time, with the polar vortex in place, this slushy mess is not going anywhere any time soon. This makes stepping out the door and moving around the city and nightmare...for your shoes that is. 

I will be living in my LL Bean Boots over the next 1.5 weeks as the streets continue to be wet and slushy. They are known for their exceptional quality guarantee and are actually quite versatile when it comes to making an outfit. Below I am wearing the original style, but also have the fleece lined style for when its very snowy- in fact, I packed them for a trip to Aspen last January. 

I put together an outfit that keeps my feet dry on the street, but also keeps me warm inside during the very cold weather we are also experiencing thanks to the heavy cardigan. I love the check pattern of the shirt and the elbow patch details on the cardigan. A wool toggle coat overtop would make this the perfect outfit to trek out in the aftermath of the storm and into the polar vortex. 

Shirt- Jack Wills (similar) // Sweater- Jack Wills (similar) // Denim- 7 for all Mankind Belt- Ralph Lauren // Boots- LL Bean