Calder Trunks from Onia: Things I Have

I recently did my annual swimsuit review for Summer 2013, and while it had some great entries, it was definitely not exhaustive. Shortly after posting it I came across these Pocket Swimmers from Owner Operator that I loved. I also had the chance to see Onia's release for summer, which included an amazing digitized paisley and a range of bright + vibrant solids.

To that end, the kind folks at Onia sent me a pair of their Calder trunk, so I could give it a try as I head out for Memorial Day weekend. It arrived with three different sizes of plastic sleeves, allowing me a way to transport it wet and to fold it down to almost playing card size for easy packing.

The Calder comes in a range of colors but I went for Azure... since I normally gravitate towards navy I felt this was a nice change and a little brighter for summer.

I also chose the 5" short, although it also comes in a 7.5" and 10", if you like it a little longer.

Check out the rest of their offerings here, and I'll keep you posted with pics of me wearing these in over the summer!

Uniqlo x Michael Bastian Polo Shirts: Things I Have

I'd been waiting for yesterday to arrive ever since the collaboration between Uniqlo  and Michael Bastian was announced. May 20 was the release date for the polo shirts the designer had done with the Japanese retailer. In a seemingly endless combination of colors, prints, and styles -- and all for $19.90 -- I knew I had to stock up for summer.

While scanning the perfectly stocked shelves at Uniqlo on 5th Avenue, I was impressed with the small tweaks and attention to detail. One style had pearl buttons and chest stitching for a "western" look; another was a series of v-necks with striped collars. 

These are the three I picked up yesterday, but Selectism has photos of (most) of the overall options, for your perusal. And Uniqlo has a somewhat limited selection that you can purchase online. 

Listen, you're getting Michael Bastian's expert eye and design aesthetic at a great price, so grab a few of these + enjoy them this summer!

Seersucker Tie + Pocket Square from Aunt Di's Ties: Things I Have

With Memorial Day around the corner it's time to start dusting off the seersucker. Well, for the rest of you at least. I don't abide by the timed rules on when to wear it, so as soon as the sun starts shining in Spring, mine comes out.

But... if you're just getting ready to don your lightweight fabrics, I have some great news in the accessory department. I just received an amazing green seersucker tie and pocket square from Aunt Di's ties. 

Opening the package I could smell the starched goodness and feel the crips texture of the fabric... and it made me think of summer. 

I'm super excited to give these a wear! Get over to their site and check out what else is on offer... or make a special request for your own seersucker goodness.

Surf Ivy Tee from Beams Plus: Things I Want

Surfing and loafers... what's not to love. Via the recently announced collaborations between Mr. Porter and global brands comes this rockin' t-shirt from Beams Plus.

The collection for the retailer is called Surf Ivy (appropriate) and features a small selection of tees, chino shorts, and shirts.

You can get more info from the folks at Selectism, or directly from Mr. Porter.

Todd Snyder x Seavees Sneakers: Things I Want

Todd Snyder is on a roll... each of his collections is better than the last, he had a collab at the Gap last year (creating the only pair of cargo pants I'd be willing to wear), and an upcoming partnership with athletic wear brand Champion.

So it's not a surprise that I want his latest release -- sneakers, produced with Seavees. The low sneaker (below) is covered in gray jersey, and I'm obsessed with the thick leather laces.
 

Evoking a bout in the boxing ring, I can easily see wearing these with khakis on a casual Friday, or for a ride in the park. Very cool -- and limited edition, so snatch them up now!

Summer 2013: Swimsuit Review

Well it's time for my annual swimsuit review. Where I take a look at what's out there, make a short list to share with y'all, and then pick one of them to wear this summer. Putting my picks together I realized I can't stay away from something loud and colorful -- so get ready for what's to come.

First up are the High Tides from Bonobos. These were an Americana inspired standout -- 5" length and with a variety of white, blues, and reds.

While continuing my search I found these eye-catching trunks at thecorner.com. Continuing with the dot pattern he used for his Spring collection, Jonathan Saunders green and yellow design, while pricey, are fantastic.

Ever since meeting one of the founders of Aloha Sunday last year in Palm Springs, I've been taken with both the brands they carry and their private label offerings. The Manitou trunk contains a few irresistible favorites -- seersucker and anchors. Preppy trappings done in a cool and wearable way.

Over at Opening Ceremony were these contrasting gingham shorts from Frank's. Looked to me like someone took a picnic tablecloth and spilled yellow paint on it. And I think it works!

The last pick for my review is another nautical piece -- these shocking yellow sailboat board shorts from Club Monaco. Again tying back to my love for all things nautical, and in a favorite color of mine, these will definitely make a statement poolside.

Stay tuned to see which of these I take home -- and for pics of me rockin' them this summer!

Hand Sewn Leather Slippers from Feit: Things I Want

The folks over at Feit are doing it right... hand made, small batch footwear and accessories. For a given project they measure a piece of leather (that they've carefully sourced for quality) and figure out how many shoes they can make from it. Once the number of pairs is pre-sold, they'll begin producing them.

I've been following (and drooling) over their craftmanship for a while now, but haven't quite committed to a pair. Yet. 

This week they released a hand-sewn slipper and I am obsessed -- with the soft rounded shape, the high last, the seam along the back connecting the leather to the welt and then to the sole. 

The design of this slipper reminds me of the kilim rug slippers I bought in Turkey last summer -- casual, inviting, and perfect for a warm day in linen pants or shorts.

As of this writing there are only 67 pairs left... so head on over and check them out!

Short Sleeve Sweater by Jil Sander: Things I Want

On the same day that I bought these rockin' ties at Jeffrey's, I also tried on a short-sleeve sweater by Jil Sander. And I loved it.

It's super simple -- white with different colored bands around the color and arms. 100% wool but very light and comfortable. And I loved it. 

However, I left it for another day and so it's currently just on my Things I Want list. Check it out here at The Corner. 

Spring Neckwear from Orley, Givenchy, Jil Sander: Things I Have

I've been feeling a little sparse in the neckwear department and so last week headed out to do a Spring replenishment. 

My first stop was the new (and very well appointed) Carson Street Clothiers. I'd been to their Opening Night party and spotted a few amazing Orley ties. So I went back to pick up their Houndstooth Tie in Olive (below far right).

Next I headed over to Jeffrey, the store I try to avoid because there's always incredible designer picks I want. I tried on a really cool short sleeve Jil Sander sweater (more to come on that), but ended up taking home a green Givenchy Paisley print tie (far left below) and a Jil Sander Hexagon print in navy (middle). 

I also grabbed the matching pocket square for the Jil Sander print, and can't wait to wear them together for an (overly) coordinated look.

Sporting Life: New Picks from Bureau of Trade

The folks over at Bureau of Trade never stop. Scouring thousands of products and creating the perfectly themed mix of vintage and new goods... Always with an exacting eye, their recent curation Japan Rising had me drooling over (obviously) cool pocket squares, vintage hantens (a type of winter coat), and locally produced bags.

Today they launch the next edit, The Sporting Life. From sailing to equestrian to gambling there is something for every fan. They gave me a sneak peek at the goods and I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

As regularly evidenced by my picks here, I'm a fan of anything nautical. So the selections from The Keelboat Skipper were perfect.This Seamaster watch by Omega, with it's striped band and navy face stood out as perfect for summer.

And no one goes sailing (or to the beach) without a bottle of rosé to keep cold. So the Insulated Sailing Wine Duffle is a must-have for summer trips to the Hamptons and Provincetown.

Another of the events, The Racetrack Tout spoke to another interest (or fanaticism) of mine -- the horse-bit. Starting with my Gucci loafers (now vintage themselves), the icon of the Italian house always catches my eye. This Vintage Gucci Horse-bit Tie will pair with a white oxford and jeans for warm weather parties, and the subletly of the bit will only be caught by the keenest eye.

Also on offer was a selection of horse lapel pins, which I almost snagged for myself, but decided to leave for one of you to enjoy.

Now there is a lot more to check out -- not just within Sporting Life, but on the Bureau's larger selection of products as well. So head over + see what treasures you can find!