Mixed Materials

The trend of mixed materials or mixed patterns makes a bold statement. Just this week, designer Dries Van Noten sent his women's A/W '14 ready-to-wear collection down the Paris runway, and the collection was characterized by mixed patterns, textures, and colors. While his collection was quite bold, the mixed materials trend can be worn in an easy, low-key fashion.

I found a heavy canvas shirt in my closet fabricated from both leather and canvas. The rugged style of the shirt makes more casual and a perfect shirt for a weekend. While the shirt can also be worn as a jacket, being left open with something paired underneath, I wore it as heavy shirt for a cold day. The buttons infuse the look with a utility feeling. The shirt paired well with khaki denim and laceless oxford for an updated, modern look. 

Shirt: Rag&Bone // Denim: RRL

Maison Kitsuné Japanese Denim

Denim has always been one of those items that I have difficulty shopping for, whether it is the perfect fit or perfect style. That being said, having an array of denim options is important for me, and when I find a good pair I usually snatch them up. 

French label Maison Kitsuné has a line of premium denim made from high quality Japanese denim. Japanese denim is often regarded as the best in the industry and a favorite among jean connoisseurs. The most appealing factor of the Kitsuné denim is its "fit once worn" which is a result of the balance between weight and weave. 

Of course the brand infuses extra details with its attention to craftsmanship. Men's jeans feature a tri-color tag and red and blue selvage inside, a reminder of the brand's French heritage. When I am on the next hunt for the perfect pair of jeans, I will definitely be keeping Maison Kitsuné top of mind. 

5 Random Monday Thoughts

After a tease of spring weather which was much welcomed, the polar vortex is taking another plunge. Spring, can you get here to stay? 

• Margaritas, champagne, sun, and the Rittenhouse Hotel- ingredients that made for a great weekend.
• It is time to start thinking about spring fashion. I must say, I am loving the "urban safari" collection from Ralph Lauren. A lot of great transitional pieces to move from season to season. 
• I am always on the hunt for a good new scent, and recently fell in love with "Colonia" from the famous Italian parfumer, Aqua di Parma. I recommend the body lotion.
• On the hunt for a new cocktail recipe- share your favorite with me!
• So many shows coming out on Bravo...they all look a little out there to me. Have you seen any of the new shows coming out? 

Touch of Nautical

At this point all I can do is think about and hope for spring and warmer weather. Nautical stripes and nautical touches are one of my favorite touches on a piece of clothing, not to mention that it is a great preppy touch as well. I had a sweater hiding in my closet that is a great navy and light blue stripe with a buttoned neckline finished with anchor buttons. 

I loved the nautical touches on the sweater, and while it would be perfect paired with a light colored chino or white denim in late spring or early summer, I created a wear-now outfit by pairing it with tan denim. This makes the piece a little less "spring" feeling and perfect for the slush filled New York streets as there is still a chill in the air and bean boots are still an everyday essential. I finished the look with a gold metal bracelet and bold, orange leather wrap bracelet to compliment the dark navy of the sweater. 

How are you thinking of spring and incorporating it in wear now looks?

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelets: Miansai & Ralph Lauren

Clicquot in the Snow

There has been so much snow in the northeast its actually getting quite ridiculous. I think all of us up here have entered this weird state of mind where we are still shocked that we get at least 2-4 inches every 2-3 days but at the same time expect this uninvited party guest by this point. This past weekend was quite more, picking up 20 inches where I was. 

Fortunately I was able to escape the slushy, unable to walk around, city and get into the suburbs and buckle down for this big winter storm. With so much snow, I have learned to just embrace it and go with it because we will not be seeing a blade of grass any time soon. 

With Valentine's Day right after the big storm, what better way to celebrate than with a little champagne of course? Well we took advantage of the feet of snow on the ground, a warm fire, pretended we were in Aspen perhaps, and made the best of it. I cannot complain about a little (or a magnum) of Clicquot in the snow!

How did you celebrate?

Valentine's Day Gift Picks

Hard to believe Valentine's Day is only 2 days away. Here are a few of my top picks for gifts. Some for men and some that can be shared. A lot of sites are running promos on shipping right now for those last minute shoppers! 

What was on your wish list?

1. Amore Champagne Flute Set- I have been obsessing over this champagne flute set since I saw it on Red Envelope. I think they are very unique, and not to mention perfect for the occasion. This is a great gift to use and share with your loved one.

2. Dom Perignon- I am a champagne lover so it comes as no surprise that Dom Perignon would be on my top picks. Usually regarded as for special occasions, Dom would make the perfect bottle to enjoy with your loved one on Valentine's Day....in the amore champagne flutes perhaps!

3. Ralph Lauren Heraldic Crown Tie- I felt cliché selecting a tie, but there is always the type of guy that likes to stick to the "traditional" gifts so to speak one it comes to holidays. Ties are always a great option for the business type man. I love this one with crowns by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

4. Randolph Engineering Concorde Sunglasses- I love Randolph sunglasses, and this model is featured in a new tone- rose gold. The quality of their products is amazing and you cannot go wrong with the rose gold tone as it has become quite the trendy shade of metal. These glasses are actually plated in 23K gold! Available directly from Randolph Engineering.

5. Prada Card Holder- A cardholder is the perfect accessory for the man about town, especially in today's world of card based transactions. They are sleek and less bulky than wallets, yet very functional. I love the preppy undertone of houndstooth of this Prada option available from Bergdorf Goodman.

6. His & Hers Philip Stein Watches- A true luxury gift that two can share is this his&hers Philip Stein Watch set.  Made specially for Valentine's Day, the male version features a black calf strap while the female version features a diamond bezel. Both watches incorporate the natural frequency technology for which the brand is known. Available from Philip Stein.

ByMisha Presents Collection During New York Fashion Week

On Tuesday evening, design ByMisha presented her Fall/Winter 2014 collection at a trendy loft space in SoHo. The presentation was filled with stylish attendees sipping cocktails and viewing the new collection, filled with skirts, blouses, trousers, and dresses in silks, laces, and prints. 

The Fall/Winter 2014 collection takes on a feminine flair with its soft pastels yet incorporates that downtown flare we all love in details such as high-low hems, exotic looking cap sleeves, or relaxed versus tailored styles. The brand prides itself on fusing modern sophistication with timeless elegance which was definitely visible in the fall collection. 

Overall I think the collection will be perfect for the city girl that is looking for trendier pieces (such as the skirt shown above) and pieces that are perfect for running around SoHo or a night out on the town. I love the story behind the brand, with Misha, the designer, originating in London. The entire collection can be viewed online at ByMisha.