The Ascot

When I think of an ascot, I think of a true gentleman, sophisticatedly dressed, and perhaps sipping on scotch in the study. The ascot look can be worn, however, in a more modern, preppy fashion that brings a bit of interest to an otherwise traditional button down. 

I was inspired to use a pocket square as a little ascot or foulard while shopping at Ralph Lauren when I spotted it on a mannequin. It is easy to do, and pocket squares come in a variety of fun prints and colors to add interest. Just roll the pocket square, and tie around the neck for an easy ascot. For me, I love the air of European flair it adds to an outfit. Below, I've paired a yellow paisley with a black and white oxford for contrast.

Pocket Square: Polo Ralph Lauren (Similar) // Shirt: Ralph Lauren Black Label (Similar) // Belt: Hermes

Men's Bags with Jack Spade

A lot of men have a large hesitation about carrying and using a bag. I even wrote a piece at Skimbaco about perfect bags for work and travel that do not have that "murse" stigma. For me, a bag has become essential, especially when living in a city. Each day means lugging around computers, notebooks, moleskines, etc. 

I discovered the great bags that Jack Spade makes a few years ago, before it became the bag hanging on the arm of every young urbanite. They are the perfect, understated bag that gets the job done without being over the top. 

I tend to love the carpenter totes because they are extremely durable, made of canvas with a dipped bottom. This bag holds your daily essentials with some left over room as well. The simplicity in aesthetic is what attracts me to the bags, and they are also available in a nice variety of color combinations.

In addition to the popular totes, Jack Spade makes briefcases which are also available in all leather, messenger bags , and they also have a great line of clothing that is preppy and fun.

You can explore the complete brand online at Jack Spade.

Guys, are you loving Jack Spade?

A Focus on the Eye with Shiseido

We all have our own unique skin routine in the morning and night filled with our favorite beauty products. Mine generally consists of facial cleanser and the occasional detox facial mask. Some areas go without much attention, one of those areas being the eyes, especially for men. 

Shiseido has introduced a new total revitalizer eye serum specifically for men. I never used a product for my eyes, but was intrigued by the new product. It is designed to tackle dryness, sagging, and dark circles. All of these sounded very appealing, especially after a late night out followed by an early morning.  

I have been using the product twice a day for a week an can already see a reduction in my dark circles. The key ingredients in the new product are an eye bio complex and a damage defense complex. The cream is light, and easy to apply. 

The Men Total Revitalizer Eye is $45 and will be available from Shiseido starting in February. 

Note: This post was made possible by Shiseido. All opinions are solely my own

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Glad to say that January is almost officially over. One cold month down and only a few more to get through until spring and warm weather....but who is counting?

• Today marks the official start of my last semester ever. It it kind of weird, but I could not take it all in as I overslept an hour and literally ran out of my apartment within 15 minutes...lazy day chic?
• Sale season has been very hit or miss this year. I usually count on the Bergdorf Goodman "Grand Finale", but was quite disappointed in their selection this season. Needless  to say, I did a lot of damage with the end of season sales at Mr. Porter and Jeffreys in New York.....have you picked up any good sale finds?
• The countdown to the olympics is really getting down now. I always love to see the official outfits sponsored by Ralph Lauren. The signature opening ceremony cardigan is already sold out, but I love this turtleneck...so preppy and perfect for winter.
• I recently had dinner at Gemma, a favorite here in the city. I just cannot stress how great it is, and never disappoints. You must try when visiting the city!
• Finally, Skimbaco has released the first edition of a digital magazine, and would love for you all to check it out here!

Its been quite a Monday already...here's to hoping for a good week!

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

Tommy Hilfiger Launches Spring 2014 Campaign

With the change of seasons comes the change of ad campaigns for designers, one of the fun things to watch within the fashion industry. I always love to see what direction brands steer their new collections. For spring 2014, Tommy Hilfiger is launching its new campaign called "wést coãstiüs" 

This new campaign is all about the Hilfigers traveling to Malibu to depict their version of a spring break in the sun. I think the ad is unique as it instills a sense of prep on the coast of California which brings a newness versus the traditional "East Coast Prep". The focus sems to be on chambray shirts, sea glass coloring, and wave-washed shorts.

I am excited the see the new collection with this updated "west coast twist". The campaign will include multimedia videos as well and launch worldwide in January 2014. Ads will run in publications such as Vogue, Glamour, GQ, and, Esquire.

I am loving the spring 2014 campaign- what are your thoughts?

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger

Latest Styles from Raymond Weil

Swiss watch brand, Raymond Weil, has released some new styles for 2014 that I am loving. I selected some of my favorite pieces during the summer, and have found some new favorites in the recent releases. While the brand continues to stick to its core collections such as the Maestro and Nabucco collections, the collections receive new updates with both classic and sport styles available from the fine watchmaker. 

This season, Raymond Weil is placing an emphasis on its skeleton watches from the Freelancer Collection as well as sporty pieces from the Nabucco and Parsifal Collections. Below are some of my top picks from Raymond Weil.

Skeleton Freelancer

The Freelancer collection, drawing its name from the fact that Raymond Weil is one of the last free standing watch makers, is a collection that is always redefining itself. The skeleton model shown, featuring an automatic movement brings a bit of modernity in a subtle fashion with the window showcasing the movement on the dial. I see this piece paring well under a slim-fitting suit for an interview or business occasion as well as being worn on the weekend in a more sporty fashion.

Inverso Special Edition

This is, perhaps, one of the most eye-catching timepieces among my selections. I love the mechanical, sporty styling of this piece which is taken from the Nabucco Collection which is known for this edge. The Nabucco collection has been with the brand since 2007. This limited edition Inverso is made of steel and titanium and features a chronograph dial. I envision this timepiece being worn out on the boat in the summer and during apres-ski in the winter. The technical aspect is perfect for the active man.

Parsifal Automatic Chronograph

My last pick, while sporty, offers an air of classic aesthetics compared to the Inverso, perfect for the man that loves traditional style. The roman numeral dial and rose gold accents mixed with an alligator strap give off an air of quality and sophistication. The Parsifal Collection is all about staying true to classic aesthetics, and uses materials such as mother of pearl, diamonds, and rose gold in both the women's and men's collections.  My favorite aspect of this particular timepiece is its functionality (water resistant up to 100m) crafted in an elegant fashion. This watch can easily transition from the office or boardroom to the golf course or boat.

Which pick is your favorite?

Images via Raymond Weil