New York Fashion Week: my only favorites...

Fashion week felt really somber. Maybe its just me, but everything felt and looked a tad conservative. Whats happening? Richard Chai's selections looked as bland and pasty as the models wearing them. Max Azria's BCBGMAXAZRIA collection looked like everything was dipped in beige. Seriously...I know its the fall collection but where's the flair, the sheen, the plaids atleast?!

But nonetheless, a few designers got it right. Here are my two favorite picks:

Duckie Brown!
Design duo Steven Cox and Daniel Silver produced yet another beautiful collection reflecting their punk rock meets urban chic vibe. Their signature heavy scarves weren't as visible as their past shows but naturally made an appearance. I fell in love with their multicolored microtweed selections! Absolutely gorgeous. My only complaint were their seemingly "too late" moment with their plaid selections. Sorry guys, but its not 2007!


MIK CIRE by ERIC KIM
If you thought Monarchy had an edgy attitude, you've got to see Designer Eric Kim's Mik Cire label! Made for a true rocknrolla, Mik Cire's collection is a resounding echo of Kim's badass approach to look. Its rough, raw but at the same time refined. His tight-fitted biker jackets, waxed zipper jeans and knee high boots reflect the attitude you'll only find in a 1%er biker bar. Acompany to style was the impeccable sheen of the clothing. I may be bias here, but if it shines, i want it!


Well lets not be too judgy yet. Still waiting for an AWE moment which might not arrive till maybe the Paris Fashion week but I will keep you all posted!

Gilt.com - Designer goods at department prices

It's no secret, I get cocky about my fashion. I may not always look like a fashion-minded person but its one of my great passions. Unfortunately a crappy part-time job doesn't really give me the freedom to walk through boutique doors as regularly as I'd like and hunting sample sales is like seeking out a unicorn in Times Square. In comes Gilt, a semi-exclusive online club that caters to the needs of us busy, mid-earning folks out here.

Specializing in designer brand sample sales, gilt.com offers an average of 5 or so new brands per day equally for men and women. These can include clothing, accessories, jewelery, leather goods, home decor and even personal grooming products. I LOVE IT! The gear is usually about 50% and up to 70% off which practically blows store and boutique competition away!

My biggest complain though is the random item availability and shipping time. Items can vary considerably. For example I had bought two cardigans (one by Edun and one by KZO) and a Monteverde Pen. My cardigans arrived within the week's end but the pen took over a month to arrive. It can be a pain in the ass especially if you're buying the item for a time specific occasion but other than than this is pure gold people.

Also, another thing that irked me was that you have to sign up and then wait to be invited to join. Not a big deal but it feels a bit pretentious. If you do plan on joining though, here's a member invite that speeds things up for ya.

http://www.giltman.com/invite/greggyc - this gives you access to both men and women's sales.

Jimmy Choo: the H&M collection

H&M is by far the most accessible European fahion company within the U.S. but in all honesty it has never been my favorite brand. In fact, it would be just to say my history shopping there has been no more than a collection of let downs. Its not really cause of their styles(which are often fabulous and fashion forward), but more so due to their flimsy textiles and materials used. An example: I once bought a pair of cashmere gloves for a day of ice skating only to have them literally disintegrate about 2 hours in. Since then I've kept by distance for the sake of my money and fear of a "wardrobe malfunction" but looks like I'll soon be lured back.

H&M recently hopped on the bandwagon of the collab trends. Last year they teamed up with legendary designer Roberto Cavalli for a full women's collection that was a huge success and now their are teaming up with the equally great Jimmy Choo for another run for success. Thankfully, this time around there are womens AND mens!

This is a very aggressive move by both parties. H&M being that they are introducing(at least I hope they are) premium fabrics and material for their garments which will probably mean a higher production cost hence higher retail cost and Choo added a men's line to a name completely devoted to womens fashion and also risking his reputation by expanding his business in lower cost, mass production(meaning most of his stuff will probably be machine made/stitched instead of traditional handmade) markets he has not experienced yet. Nonetheless its a risk they're willing to take and judging by some sample shots, they hit the nail on its head. Check it out!






Fellas time to sharpen up that closet!

Things that irritate me: Taking picture of your possessions for no reason except to flaunt!

A lot of people may hate me for this but I'm sure a lot more will agree: The world does not care about your $300 sneakers! I just really hate when people insist on holding a photo shoot to show off their clothes yet never actually putting them on. It doesn't make you better than me. In fact I can take a picture of two pairs of my shoes and I'm sure they worth more than your entire closet...just saying. So please, if you got yourself a new pair of Gucci kicks, or an LV bag or maybe a bape tee: put them on, go out and pray a photographer takes a snap or two of you, at least you won't look like a tool showing the world your one single piece of luxury.

Greggy Sees: Fashion vol.2 - The Cardigan

Based on Wikipedia, the cardigan sweater was named after James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan. This would pit its creation somewhere around the early to mid 19th century. This makes sense since the traditional European garment has been famous for many, many generations. It's popularity among the upper class is undeniable and has even been associated with gentlemanly attire. However that has drastically changed!

These days cardigans are as common as tees and they are often worn along with tees. And with this new found relaxation of the style comes an onslaught of urban chic. As of fall 09 I'm pretty confident every label, big or small, department or designer has released at least one cardigan in their collection. This is great being that no matter what your "taste" is, you can find something that fits both your look and checkbook.

Unfortunately this also means possible fashion fiascoes! Here's a brief guide to what I usually look for in a cardigan:

Fabric
YES: Knits rock! Maybe I'm picky, but i love my knits! The best money can buy is Cashmere wool, then Merino wool and lambs wool. To a lesser extent there is cotton that tend to be much more durable especially for frequent use while maintaining a chic look. You can also get those thick cotton cardigans that can be worn as outwear.

NO: Jersey cotton sucks! Call me a hater if you must but the fabric, though strong often gives the garment a pale and overly vintage look. It can also be too rough or thick for some.

Pattern/design
YES: Solid colors or two toned patterns! Can you tell I'm a believer in minimalism? I think the best cardigans are solid colors. It can automatically define you overall look if paired with the right garb. However, if you want to add a little flair, grab a two-toned checkered or stripped cardigan to go with with you outfit, just remember to keep the patterns small.

NO: Flamboyant designs and prints! Do I really need to explain this on? Just avoid those grandma knits or crazy patchwork and prints as seen on Ecko and sadly Tim Hamilton silk experiments.

Cut
YES: tailored cut, sits on the hips! That's just how it should be, end of story. More so cardigans can be stitched to be either high or deep "V"ed, either is great, though I prefer deep.

NO: Bathrobe looking thing of horror! It can probably be pulled off by extremely skinny dudes but for a guy like me, I'll pass.

Other things to consider
Shawl cardigan: I love shawl cardigan! They add that extra bit of class to the occassion.

Rugby and varsity cardigans: These usually come in heavy pattern knits with different colored armbands and can add a good deal of character to the wearer.

Zip cardigans: These are tricky, I personally avoid them but its all up to personal opinion.

Double breasted cardigans: As much as I love the look of these, I have a hard time choosing how to wear it. The perfect scenario would be something like a casual morning weekend out with the family...not too businessish, not too casual, just enough classy

DOs

Clockwise from top left: Obey, House of Cassette, JohnVarvatos, im King

Don'ts

Clockwise from top left: OAK, Akademeks, Diesel

Greggy Sees: Fashion vol.1 - The Asymmetrical fad

So what is asymmetrical? Its when something, anything, is not equal on both sides. Its also the hotest aesthetic of fashion right now!

Now I’m not really sure where or how this style originated, but my first sightings of this cut was featured on Maison Martin Margiela’s f/w 08 with very light accentuations in a variety of their double breasted coats. By Spring 09 Diesel(who owns the Margiela label) began capitalizing the look on their black gold label and before you know it, every one and their mother began making these irregular zip and button coats.

Now I’m pretty sure this is one of those aesthetics that may have been around for a while but non the less its becoming incredible annoying! I understand the rough appeal that some styles may gain with wide lapels and asymmetrical zippers, but it seems like some just pushing it to the extreme. Here are some examples:

Do’s

Alexander McQueen - edgy and simple, it gives the wearer a snug fit and definition throughout the upper body

Don’ts

Juicy Couture Men - Way too much leather wasted. The button are over kill!

So there you have it…it is a good style to feed the inner badboy but just make sure you choose wisely when picking out that coat or jacket! I won't judge you i promise!