This bag rocks! (An update)

I realized today, that I forgot the credit the killer bag that I posted yesterday. It is by Paul Smith, and available on his website for $455. If that astronomical price is out of your budget, a few options:
The wallet is available for $195



Not as cool, but this bag and wallet from Paul Frank are vers smart looking, and for less than half the price.



Bag, $115, and wallet, $3o. Both available at Urban Outfitters.

Would you? Could you?

Scrolling through fashion shows on style.com, I stumbled upon this.....

Initially intrigued, the printed blazer...the billowing pants, and then I blurted out "Are those Crocs???????" Indeed I think they are, as given away by the signature toe vents.

I understand the demand for such comfort, but couldn't Stefano Pilati sucked it up for his runway appearance?

What do you think? If you were the lead designer for YSL, would you rock the Crocs?

Jury's still out for me.

This bag rocks!

A perfect conversation piece to distract those who may think you are carrying a man purse. Get it at Paul Smith or paulsmith.com.

Les Musiques J'taime.

Whether back round music while I'm working, or my very own car concert- these are the songs that I am loving this week.

1. Heartbeats by Jose Gonzales
2. Hold Your Breath by The Acorn
3. Blank Slate by The National
4. This Time Around by Helan Stellar
5. Sixteen maybe less by Iron and Wine
6. Common People by Pulp
7. Apartment Story by The National
8. Taper Jean Girl by the Kings of Leon
9. Journal of a Narcoleptic by Dan Mangan
10. (Antichrist Television Blues) by Arcade Fire
11. Hold on, Hold On by Neko Case
12. Mistaken for Strangers by The National
13. Two by Ryan Adams
14. No ones going to love you by Band of Horses
15. When your mind is made up by Swell Season
16. Be Gentle With Me
17. Slow Show by the National
18. Things Have Changed by Bob Dylan
19. Where have you been? by Manchester Orchestra
20. Unnatural Progression by Dan Mangan
21. Going to California (live) by Led Zeppelin
22. How my heart behaves by Feist
23. Cello Song by Nick Drake
24. The Funeral by Band of Horses

Amp up your Style- the GQ way.

GQ is offering the chance to win a $25,000 wardrobe from Corneliani! By signing up for the contest, you will recieve daily emails from Jim Moore, creative director for GQ (and one of the more stylish men I have met), Glenn O'Brian and Adam Rapoport. On top of that- someone gets to head to NYC for their own photo shoot-AND appear in GQ!

GET ON IT- www.men.style.com and hit the GQ link at the top.

Less than thrilled.

Apparently with the release of the 25th Anniversary of Thriller, middle age men through out the Minneapolis skyway system are embracing their inner Michael Jackson. In my brief walk from my parking garage to my office, I saw three, yes...three men wearing white socks with black loafers.

Don't get me wrong, the idea that the King of Pop is still putting out records is fantastic- but these "Skyway moon walkers" have taken it too far. That is unless they are having a lunch time dance party!!! Hmm....

Up next: Where to buy non-white socks.

Make art.

When Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova arrived at the Oscars last night, I nearly didn’t recognize them. Glen, looking dapper in what I am guessing as Dior Homme, was almost unrecognizable- cleaned up scruff, hair done and ditched the indie duds for Couture.

But when they took the stage at last nights Oscars, I was floored. Not only was I pumped that they were performing, but Glen had changed into what he was comfortable in, and ditched the tux for a more casual suit.

The look was homespun and perfect- leather cords tied around his wrists and toting his much used guitar- with the charm and talent that won us over in “Once.” Well done Glen! (and Marketa too!) Make Art!

All Tied Up.

All photos: Scott Schuman: The Sartorialist.
If you always listened to your mother, than you know that when the cold months come around- that a hat on your head will keep your body heat in and the doctor away. While that is sound advice, I always felt bad for the “stepchild” of winter garb. This year, the scarf is getting the recognition it deserves.

Whether it’s a silky cravat, or a chunky knit scarf- finish the last month of winter with “le trend de jour.”

Detail Oriented-Jason Rabbitt

Although a little shy, Jason obliged to be the first "Detail Oriented" man of InDetail. I met Jason and his wife at the Best of the Best Party, held at the Walker last night.

It was the graphic hoodie that really caught my eye first. But then after talking to Jason for a bit- I started to notice all the other pieces of the ensemble- the blazer, the hoodie, the tie, atop a well fitting pair of jeans- and how well they all worked together. I walked away thinking that more guys should really take notice to the artful skill of layering (well!)

Take Flight

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. The story is simple, the Air Force needed shades and Ray Ban obliged. An instant classic, the design has remained the same for over 70 years and change is unlikely. Ray-Ban Aviators (below), $99. Available at ray-ban.com.
Photo: The Upgrader; Men.style.com

For a more design savvy silhouette, J. Crew paired up with luxury eyewear brand Selima Optique. Inspired by period details, these shades feature green lenses- the color preferred by pilots.
Photo: jcrew.com

Along with the "classic," must come the modernization of the classic. Featuring rosewood or resin rims with graduated lenses by Carl Ziess, these shades command attention. Tom Ford Pavlos, $2400. Tomford.com.
Photo: The Upgrader, Men.style.com

Oliver Goldsmith Carl, $340. Olivergoldsmith.com
Photo: The Upgrader, Men.style.com


Is designer isn't in the sun for you- there are plenty of options. Just peaking around UrbanOutfitters.com, I spotted several pairs that were blog worthy and under $20. If your anything like me, going through sunglasses like toothpaste- these should be right up your alley. Plastic Squares aviator, $18. Urbanoutfitters.com
Photo: UrbanOutfitters.com
Gold bridge Aviator, $18. Urbanoutfitters.com
Photo: UrbanOutfitters.com

To sweater vest or not to sweater vest?

Photo: J. Crew
I passed a very dapper looking gentleman in the skyway wearing an argyle sweater vest. Which raises the question- Are sweater vests cool? This winter I have seen very few men able to pull off this formerly nerdy look with ease. I would even go as far as saying that they looked cool. Mr. Skyway paired his vest with a crisp striped button down and navy trouser. Although the vest caught my attention, it was the converse sneaks hidden at the bottom of his otherwise preppy outfit that made me smile. Well done!

Pullover!

"No, its a cardigan...but thanks for noticing!"





I typically have a hard time shopping for my brother and this christmas was no exception. Everything that I have gotten for him, has either been too small (in his opinion), or too bulky (in my opinion). I had nearly given up on the idea that I could help him channel his inner style through my christmas presents. Then it hit me- if I could convince him of the trend that I was trying to push in the store, where the sales staff would be there to back me up, he may actually pick up on it.

At this point I have to mention, that my brother is the best dressed young man that I know and is fabulous at picking up on trends himself. However, he tends to be a little hesitant on my more fashion forward suggestions. This christmas' push- a cardigan. These formerly dowdy sweaters that used to be worn solely by grandpa and Mr. Rogers have re-emerged this spring as the must have classic. Locally, you can find great ones at J. Crew (shown above in hunter and navy stripe), Urban Outfitters and even the Gap. Dress it up with a button down, or dress it down with a Hanes v-neck.

Hip to be square.

As I was watching the Super Bowl last night, something kept catching my attention. It wasn't the massive R & M that Moss has tattooed on his arms (which is beyond me), nope...It was the fact that 2 out of the four commentators are embracing the new trend in pocket squares. Not only that, but when the camera scanned up to the box where the other Manning was sitting- he was wearing it too!

Pocket squares, once old and slightly out dated, have been given a new breath of life. Rather than showing the three points of a square as most of your fathers have done- it is now being worn flat and true to its name- a square. The key thing to remember if you are daring to embrace this trend as well, only let 1/4 of an inch peek out.