Milan Memories

Instagram Travel Thursday at Skimbaco Lifestyle prompted me to start thinking about memories from my end of summer vacation across Europe. I recently saw someone post a photo from the La Bar Rinascente in Milan, and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Italian city while visiting. 

This week for Instagram Travel Thursday, I am having memories of Milan. It was filled with gelato, amazing architecture, picturesque beauty, and of course, amazing shopping and fashion. 

Have you visited Milan Before?

I would love to return to the city during men's fashion week or in the winter. I heard it is a lot busier than the time in August when I visited. Most Europeans go to the coast during this time, but return to the city with the start of fall. 

Meet other bloggers with a passion for travel through Instagram Travel Thrusday!

Hosted at Skimbaco

Elbow Patches

It is not truly fall or winter until elbow patches are worn. They are a must that should be in every preppy wardrobe. I love the detailing that they bring to sweaters, cardigans, and blazers. I prefer the classic suede elbow patch, however, they can be found in a variety of fabrics and patterns. 

I paired a plaid sweater with sueded elbow patches and even a suede shoulder patch with a pair of olive colored denim. The sweater is warm and cozy in wool while the colored denim in  dark olive is perfect for the season. I finished the look off with a pair of simple, brown loafers. This outfit is great for running around campus, the weekend, or even a casual Friday at the office.

Are elbow patches a fall essential for you?

Sweater -Ralph Lauren (similar) // Denim -Ralph Lauren // Loafers -Ralph Lauren

Classic Northeast Prep

There are some things that remind me of quintessential northeast prep- Ivy League quads, the Radnor Hunt, the Main Line, to name a few. There are also certain outfits that I envision one wearing at any of the above places. For me, the Barbour jacket and cashmere cable sweater are among those items. 

On a chilly day last week, I put on a cashmere cable knit sweater and a classic Barbour jacket and thought to myself, "I am so northeast prep right now." The pieces are effortless yet exude a classic, timeless sense of style. 

Is your Barbour jacket and cashmere a go-to to compete warm during the cold fall season in the Northeast?

Featured:

Jacket: Barbour

Sweater: Ralph Lauren

Philip Stein Introduces New Collection For Men

Following the launch of a new collection for women, Philip Stein is introducing a new line for men as well. The collection is the most significant launch of their Signature men's collection in the brand's history. The new models come in an array of both single and dual time zones, and of course have the Natural Frequency Technology for which Philip Stein is known. 

The models are centered around a mixing and matching of texture and color. Dials will feature woven textures with pops of black, brown, silver, and navy. Hints of the holiday season are evident with red, black, and dark brown strap options available in alligator and calf skin. The Signature collection will range in size from 50 to 56 millimeters while the Signature Round Collection will be available in sizes ranging from 42 to a new 45 millimeter case. 

Featured in a 45mm round, black PVD case with rose gold accents

Signature dual time zone dial with a dark chocolate dial and brown Italian calf skin strap.

The new holiday collection will start at $575, making them perfect gift options for the sophisticated gentleman. 

Vineyard Vines Holiday Arrivals

Holiday collections are always a yearly favorite. They are usually filled with icons of the season, namely tartans, plaids, intarsias, and fun embroidery. The new holiday arrivals from Vineyard Vines include some great pieces for the season as we get closer and closer to calendars filled with dinner parties and soirées. Included in the collection are a myriad of fun, printed ties, oxfords in seasonal colors, and fun party pants. 

Here are some of my top picks from the new arrivals:

The navy pants embroidered with wreaths and the Vineyard Vines whale in a Santa hat are perhaps my favorite...who said dressing for a holiday party meant you had to be boring? The tweed blazer will become a go-to favorite, and the oxford in navy and red is vibrant yet appropriate for the season. As always, the ties never disappoint. 

Photos via vineyardvines.com 

The Sweater Jacket

Now that the clocks have been turned and it is dark by 5pm it is really feeling like fall, and dare I say winter. There is a strong chill in the air in New York, but its not quite time to dig out the down parkas. This weather is perfect for what I like to call sweater jackets- those sweaters that are very chunky and heavy enough to be worn as outerwear. This style of sweater has become a bit of a trend, and I think that they can make for some great outfits.

Below, I have created a very New York look in all black, reminiscent of this tonal outfit I wore a few weeks ago. I paired a heavy wool Ralph Lauren Black Label sweater that has a belt similar to a trench with black skinny cargo pants and a simple black v-neck.

The sweater jacket is very versatile, and when the temperatures are still not absolutely freezing, it transitions well from the street to the office (which is always freezing!). The sweater I am wearing has a bit of the "moto" edge to it with the multiple pockets on the front, making it perfect for Fall 2013. As always, the details of a sweater really make the sweater in my opinion. 

Shown:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Do you embrace the sweater jacket style? Share how you style yours below.

Philip Stein Launches New Watches For Women

We all know that I love a good timepiece. This time, the focus is on watches for women from the innovative brand Philip Stein. The lifestyle brand which incorporates wellbeing technology into their timepieces is launching a new holiday collection with pieces starting at $575 in both single and dual timezone models. 

Updates include the signature logo in the number 8 position on the dial and hints of rose gold throughout. The Signature and Prestige lines will be showcased with diamond accented dials and come with colorful straps in both leather and alligator. The Prestige will feature a white or black strap while the Signature collection introduces purples and greys.

The model above features the signature dual zone time displays, a trait for which Philip Stein is known. Rose gold accents throughout compliment the metallic white ostrich strap.

I love the color of the new purple being introduced. This model also features 52 diamonds around the bezel for a total weight of .78ctw completed with the Italian leather strap.

As always, both models include the revolutionary Natural Frequency Technology. This technology, similar to an antenna, channels natural frequencies towards the body for healthy living. 

I think these new models would make perfect gifts for the lady that loves watches as we (yes, already) approach the holiday season.  

Photos: Rubenstein PR