Christmas came early this year. Behold my third child/Hermés handbag, the elusive 40cm Veau Togo Etoupe Birkin. Ever since I was a little boy I have dreamed of obtaining three coveted colors of the Birkin: A shade of Bleu, Noir, and either Etoupe or Gold. My trio is complete and I couldn't be more excited! I once crossed paths with this rare color before; I was lacking the funds and the soft and drapey Taurillon Clemence leather was not my first choice. With such a delicate hue, I wanted the leather to be structured. Patience and hard work and eating cheap food paid off once again! My luck at the San Francisco store may have something to do with the fact that my daily route to work includes a stroll right in front of Hermés, but I saw the plastic wrapped, factory fresh, newly shipped box opened and knew it was time.
The Veau Togo Etoupe leather is absolutely brilliant. The grain of this Togo skin is just as fine as in a Clemence and somehow just as soft and spongy. Usually Togo leather is stiff and rigid but this structured bag is firm yet supple. I am in love! Surprisingly I pulled the trigger on the 40cm. I was waiting for another 35cm bag, but my obsession with the color had a "more to love" effect on me. Etoupe is the perfect color of elegance. It reminds me of trench coats, dewy mornings, smoke from an extinguished candle, and tea. Hopefully this will put a hiatus on my Hermés bag hunger, but that may just be wishful thinking. Here is to another year of saving. Like I have said before, Birkins are like children - AND I'VE ALWAYS WANTED A BIG FAMILY.
Here is the legendary mother Jerry Hall and her gorgeous offspring Georgia-May Jagger in the latest campaign for H&M. I am forever in love with Jerry's glamor, and it is no surprise her looks would be passed on to Georgia-May. Flawless, unique, blond bombshell beauty - true signs of rock royalty.
Speaking of H&M, the launch for the Versace collaboration is only a week away. There are a few pieces that I want but I am reluctant to wait in line and join the madness this year. It was different for Comme des Garçons and Lanvin because those menswear pieces were timeless and seasonless. Versace is anything but subtle. I feel like you must be cautious when selecting from this season's limited editions. If you show up to a party wearing a turquoise palm tree print shirt, there is a huge chance some other queen will too, and no one will NOT notice.
Zara Jacket, J. Crew Khakis, Lanvin High-Tops, Hermés Jewelry
My long time need for a letterman jacket has been temporarily sated by this piece from Zara. It isn't quite the quarterback special, but the contrast leather sleeves make this the big sister version. The proportions can be changed with a simple tuck, it wears quite differently from doing up the buttons. I love the shape of the neck as well. Applause for versatility!
As happy as I am about this jacket, I still want a nice letterman with my initials and a few patches. Let me know if you see something!! Obviously the prep and spike combo continues. I find myself wearing more black again, but I don't think I could ever give up color. There is much from my closet to be sold as I prepare to move to New York. I wonder what will make the cut and what will prove to be cases of fast fashion impulse buying...
Zara Tunic, H&M Trousers, Burberry Prorsum Loafers, Balenciaga Clutch
My obsession with the Céline silhouette continues. I may have missed out on the foulard blouse, but thank goodness for Zara and fast fashion. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT I GOT THIS CAFTAN/TUNIC/THING IN THE MEN'S SECTION?? I usually don't shop at this brand's men's department, but I was able to acquire the "limited edition" piece in New York. Zara has an approxiamte 2 week capsule turn around (introducing new looks every two weeks) so I am not quite sure what limited edition really means, but I could not find the tunic here in San Francisco. Perhaps limited edition pieces are only available at certain locations. This tunic is one of my new favorite daily staples. Not only does it fill the void in my heart closet of the Céline blouse, but it is also excellent for layering. The front-tuck is perfect for the long top. Also, behold my new Balenciaga envelope clutch. I was attracted to the anthracite color because it is a shade of blue/ocean that has a similarity to stone. The clutch is the perfect size for all essentials and daily use.
Summer is finally here. It is strange to not bring a jacket to work on account of having 80 degree weather. I hope it keeps up!!
Que The Stills' "Still in Love Song." The Céline SS2011 Foulard Print Blouse is one of those iconic pieces that I regret not being on top of while it was (rarely) in stores. I came close to acquiring a piece of that collection in New York during Bergdorf's annual sale. But there was only a geometric skirt left, and there was no way to adapt it to my wardrobe. I need to have one of the tops! And don't even get me started on the bottoms... The Foulard Blouse in emerald green was just made available on eBay... someone please BUY IT BEFORE I DO.
I mean, there is no other way to say it other than it is a $2,000 blouse. But I need it! This is going to be a stressful bidding period. Or someone please make me a cool alternative! #firstworldproblems
Aggy and Ash star in Dr. Martens' Fall 2011 Campaign. The rude boy styling is pretty sweet, and I think it is time to get some white socks again. These tasseled loafers are absolutely adorable! You know me, anything with tassels and a kilt and I am all over it. However, there is the small predicament that they are incredibly close to the Burberry Prorsum Tasseled Loafers I already have in black and white. Dr. Martens is confusing me with more options!
Check out these horrible pictures of two options for my next tasseled loafer. I already know that the thick gum soles are extremely comfortable on the Prorsum shoe. Dr. Martens are extremely resilient, but they are notorious for a lengthy break-in process. Is it silly to get two colors of the same shoe? I mean, my track record proves that I have no problem buying multiple colors of the same thing. Considering the fact that the Adrian is the color of a shoe I already DO have, I might already have my decision made. However, the price difference is a bit severe. #firstworldprincessproblems
How adorable is this new bag from Hermés?! Like the Chanel WOC, I think the size and crossbody strap make this little gem functional and practical. Now let's wait and see if the price is practical too...
Amongst a roller coaster ride of a day (literally), I am devastated by a terrible loss. Today, at Six Flags, my Burberry Prorsum Barbed Wire Ring was lost. I have worn it almost every day for almost 3 years and it is quite painful to be without it. The strange thing is that it my most secured ring, a true fit for my right pinky. Losing this treasure so dear to me is absolutely heart breaking and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I love you, ring, wherever you are.
When I lose something like this, I always wonder what will become of it. In this music video, Jerrica loses the earrings that allow her to become Jem. Strangely enough it is exactly what I am going through right now. Losing this ring is like losing a part of me and I have to think of where it is now. Like what happened to that huge sapphire in Titanic when Rose dropped it into the water? Unfortunately, my ring is probably covered in trash and scraps of funnel cake. I wish it a better fate, and a person worthy of wearing it.
The ring is from many seasons ago, so it is next to impossible to replace. I hope the powers that be will put one on eBay, or someone out there will see this and be able to sell me one. This one is going to take a while to heal :(
I have been holding off on blogging this piece because it took me a while to photograph it in ways to show off my favorite parts. I am no model, and my self-timer/tri-pod had a fun time trying to get it right. My Burberry Prorsum collection continues to grow as I welcome the SS2011 Studded Jacket to my closet. First of all, this piece is heavy. It has to weigh at least 10-12 lbs. So far it has broken 3 plastic hangars! The studs are solid metal, which adds most of the weight. It is interesting because the lambskin used for the jacket is so soft and delicate, so you can really see how it is affected by the hardware. There is definitely a distressed look created by the tension that you have to see up close.
I am not quite sure when exactly I am going to wear this piece, but when I saw it on sale, I knew I wasn't going to leave the store without it. The weight of the jacket alone is unpractical, but I don't think that is the point. There is something special about it. Having a studded biker jacket feels like you are wearing armor, or something special at the very least. I feel powerful when I zip it up. Usually biker jackets have strange sleeves, or are cropped in an unflattering silhouette. The cut of this jacket is perfect and flattering. WIN.
And yes, it is the male version of the jacket Britney Spears wears in her 'Till the World Ends music video. As Britney demonstrates, I am totally equipped for clubbing in a post apocalyptic society!
Mesh Polo, Gauntlet Ring and Biker Sandals by Burberry Prorsum, Khakis by J.Crew, Bracelet by Hermés
The first time I laid eyes on the Burberry Prorsum SS12 mesh polo, I knew it had to be mine. It is just enough GAY classic-meets-different to belong in my collection. The price tag was pretty steep so I had to let fate decide - wait until sale and see if it survives. Flash forward to sale season and it was SOLD OUT in my size in SF. But I am not a quitter. There was hope in a size larger, so I went for it anyway. Yes, the original fit me like a dream, but in retrospect, I am happy with the size up because I will inevitably need to wear something under the piece... though I don't plan to in New York! The color is a lovely pale, grayish olive that plays tricks in different lighting. I sometimes have this aching regret in my heart about not getting my size, but wearing something under the size up justifies my decision.
It is important to develop instincts about buying certain designer pieces. I try to weigh the pros and cons; the price and value versus the quality and mileage a piece has. This has saved me many paychecks... All of which I am going to spend in New York. So much to do before my trip! And it turns out, I will be working on an exciting project while I am there :)
For my 25th Birthday, I finally got the beautiful black Birkin of my dreams. It really is the most amazing bag in the world: timeless, unparalleled quality in materials, and iconic. The 40cm in black was always my dream Birkin, but for the longest time I lusted after the Togo leather with gold hardware. I suppose fate wanted me to see my options first. After spending much time with my first born (The 35cm Clemence Bleu de Malte), I fell in love with the versatility of the Palladium hardware and the soft hand and drape of the Clemence leather. A 40cm Birkin made in Clemence, when empty, folds onto itself like it has been well traveled. Fill it with your belongings, and it has all the structure of a Togo bag. It is the perfect balance!!
Thank goodness I waited, thank my parents for putting an end to the madness, and thank JESUS the perfect bag was in stock for my birthday. Lady luck was on my side, and it is already shaping up to be a wonderful year!! I am sorry it took so long to post a picture haha
Denim Jacket by H&M, Tee by Adam Kimmel, Jeans by J.Crew, Shoes by Prada, Bracelets by Hermés, Stole by Louis Vuitton
Runway pieces are fairly hard to come by. I am fortunate enough to live in San Francisco, a city not heavily populated by the fashion obsessed with large flagship stores offering runway collections from many major fashion houses. My sales associates at each store are at the ready after each show I view during fashion week. Building relationships with the people at the luxury stores in your area will help you secure hot items, just like the Prada Espadrilles. My sales person at Louis Vuitton came through, and now the Louis Vuitton X Scott Campbell stole is mine!
When I saw the Spring 2011 shows I knew that it was an expensive season. Thank goodness this is the final piece on my wishlist I will acquire for Spring before my birthday!. Louis Vuitton's menswear doesn't usually catch my attention. My affection for the house stems from their heritage and history with luggage, handbags, and accessories. During the Spring 2011 show, I took notice of the tattoos on the models and the graphic designs on the accessories. The stoles were particularly beautiful and versatile and I imagined layering the piece as on the runway. The color and hand of the marvelous accessory is very bewitching in person. The all-cotton stole drapes beautifully and is lighter than air. My Birkin fund has taken a massive hit this season but I think runway pieces are worth it, if not purely for exclusivity. There is a second color - Khaki - that still may be available at the SF store, but you're looking at 1 of 15 pieces in the country. This is my second Louis Vuitton Tattoo stole, and let me tell you I am a big fan!
Watch this video on the Louis Vuitton and Scott Campbell collaboration. You can see Campbell inking the drawings found on the stole. The design is based on Chinese astrology with a subtle LV monogram. His tattoo style is quite beautiful and flowing, perfect for the collection. The second video in this series showcases the design and realization for his custom tattoo kit by Louis Vuitton. I hope that one day I can get my own quality custom piece made from the house!
And while we are on the subject of fashion and tattoos, focus your attention exhibits A and B. On the left we have a model sporting Scott Campbell's (washable) tattoo design for Louis Vuitton's Spring 2011 menswear runway show. On the right we have an anonymous-yet-unfortunately-infamous LV monogram sleeve tattoo that has absolutely no context or personality. I mean, let's just hope this guy is a part of the LVMH family (judging by the chin strap, it doesn't seem likely). I may have a clear addiction to designer clothing but because I ain't ballin' out of control, I have to be careful with my luxury purchase choices. The same caution should be exercised to the 100th degree when getting a new tattoo. Perhaps it makes him happy; I certainly don't have the balls to do it. Bold move, sir.
Shirt by Uniqlo, See by Chloé Shorts, Sandals by Burberry Prorsum, Bracelets by Hermés, Handbag by Proenza Schouler
I finally got my PS1!! It took forever for the smoke color to be re-stocked at the right time for me to get it. Thanks again for all of your votes! I am glad that I went with the smoke leather. The color and hand of the leather is of the highest quality. Somehow the bag even smells wonderful. There are many pockets and compartments in the PS1, along with a convenient cross body strap. In the few weeks I have had it, my new bag has proven to be one of the most versatile pieces in my artillery. Definitely worth the wait! The beautiful leather will age nicely; imagine the patina of the smoke gray in the future :)
The Smoke PS1 is featured in a Charity Buzz auction to benefit Japan. The auction, "Includes: the opportunity to custom design a Proenza Schoulder PS1 bag with Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez." I mean that opportunity is priceless, but you would simultaneously be helping aid those effected by the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Click here to place your bid!
I finally obtained one of the sacred pieces in any Hermés collection: the black CDC with Palladium hardware. It is a true beauty with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. The leather is smooth and soft, and the gorgeous Palladium shines brightly. It is a flawless piece and I am happy to add it to the family. This is technically the CDC Homme, part of the men's jewelry collection. However, there is absolutely no difference in size when compared to the women's version. In fact, based on the past couple of days of wearing it, the CDC Homme may even be a little tighter on the wrist. This may have something to do with the leather. My suede CDCs have both stretched out a little so that they sit comfortably on my wrist using the notch of my choosing. The black calf leather of the CDC Homme is not stretching as easily. Luckily I have dainty woman wrists it still fits me quite well. I was informed by the buyer of Hermés San Francisco that all of the mens leather jewelry is black with silver hardware.
The black CDC is very difficult to find brand new in stores. I have considered purchasing it through eBay, but I was worried about the condition of the item, and its authenticity, etc. There are some that look legit, but I feel this is the sort of item you should buy new. Some of the CDCs I saw had loose rings and unsightly scratches and bends. A CDC is a leather piece that stretches to your body and changes color according to your lifestyle. It is a personal thing. I am glad to have waited for a new one, stamped with an "N" for the latest craftsmen series.
I am in love with the Collier De Chien. It is really a beautifully designed piece of jewelry. My luck with the color selection at my local store has been fantastic, but I really struck it big with the black and silver ONLINE. That's right, this rare gem was made available on the website for a few days. I think the fact that it was specifically labeled as a men's piece deterred many women from buying it, giving me more time to collect enough funds. Don't worry if you missed your chance. I am guessing that many people (myself included) thought that the CDC Homme was going to fit a larger wrist, so check with your local store for any returns. The CDC Homme is also part of the Spring buy for flagship stores.
Now all that is left to get are the red suede, crocodile, lizard, and full silver CDCs. But if I get a Birkin with gold hardware... Yikes.
There are certain things in life you just cannot live without, and for whatever reason life tries to throw some obstacles in your way. This month my checking account said, "DAYUM! Enough!" the stars aligned and I finally acquired two of the most special pieces in my wardrobe. I am excited to share them with you in all their glory, but only when the time is right and there are photos worthy of presentation.
I mean I thought it was peculiar that Jack and Lazaro were missing from all the latest Target Go International marketing collateral. Clearly Proenza Schouler is one of the most successful collaborations within the series, which is why some of their garments were included in the revival season. Maybe I am jumping to conclusions, but these might have something to do with it:
Check out these PS1 knock-offs by Mossimo. The similarities are too abundant to ignore. I can get passed the school boy satchel shape but the hardware and closure are practically the same. I would feel really betrayed too if a partner of mine made profits from a copy of one of my greatest works.
I NEED THE PS1 IN SMOKE. The color sells fast, but I have high hopes because of the bag's popularity. It-bag stigma be damned, the PS1 is forever.
Khakis by J.Crew, Socks by H&M, Shoes by Prada. Photos by Anthony Deeying.
Say hello to my new friends: the infamous Prada Espadrilles from the Spring/Summer 2011 Runway show. It was a total pain to get these shoes. First of all, the Prada mainline stores in the US have received different information on the production of the shoe itself. Apparently the shoes weren't bought for the US, then they were only available through special order. One person told me they might not get the shoes ever. The already jaded (and I am being REALLY nice when I say that) sales associates at the store here in SF were fed up with my inquiries and told me to go buy them elsewhere. So I did. I was fortunate enough to snag a pair from Saks Fifth Avenue in the tri-color option.
The shoe is available in a plethora of colorways. Luckily, this combo is a trio of beautiful and wearable statement colors. As much as I love the idea of a primary color combination, I am not sure if they suit my style. This gem stone palette of ruby, sapphire, and amber really works with my wardrobe. The surprising comfort of the Prada Shape Ups shoe is probably due to the rubber sole and traction; plus the espadrille platform really adds some height. I was told at the Prada store that there is a full double platform runway version of the shoe that will be sold eventually. Buyers have been saying that the full platform makes it virtually impossible to bend your feet when walking, so it is unclear how many will be produced if at all. If they are made available I think I will get the black version with wingtips! My first instinct was to go with the tri-color both for the aesthetic and iconic value. It is all about the brogue this season so I skipped the simple spazzolato leather version that is available (check out Neiman Marcus). NOTE: Like with any Prada shoe, the sizing is a hot mess. I am usually a EU43/US10, and the 8.5 fits me perfectly.
If you are an avid menswear online shopper like me, you would have already heard about the launch of Mr. Porter, the handsome boyfriend site to innovative internet fashion purveyor Net-A-Porter. The spawning of the mens site was highly anticipated amongst most fashionable males because of the great success of Net-A-Porter.com. The concept of the website is simple: allow worldwide access to desirable ready-to-wear (prêt-à-porter in French) styles and provide instant gratification despite the limitations of online shopping. Shipping is incredibly fast (3-5 business days max anywhere in the world, with a same day delivery option for New York) and returns are as easy as arranging for a pick up or dropping off the item at the nearest UPS store. The hassle free system revolutionized online shopping because it eliminated the anxiety of buying designer goods without trying them on first.
Net-A-Porter is designed like a magazine, guiding you through trends and highlighting key pieces along the year's fashion cycle. I was curious to see how MrPorter.com would compare to its trend-driven predecessor. A few days ago the site was revealed to select "founding" members of the site (those who registered early for updates and information). So here is a peek at the site if you didn't get to sign up in time.
My first observation was that everything from the merchandise to the features was geared toward wardrobe essentials. The concept of shopping through a magazine is still used as on Net-A-Porter, but runway trends are replaced with timeless classics and how to wear them in a variety of ways. This is a great strategy as a majority of men shop differently from women. When paying for luxury goods, straight men tend to justify high prices with quality and longevity instead of aesthetic value. Carefully selected merchandise on Mr. Porter reflects the ideology. After browsing through the goods, I toured the rest of the site and enjoyed the reading. There is a ton of information about what every man needs in his wardrobe and why. Imagery is taken from current street style and photos of male style icons. It sounds cliché but linking history and reasoning to a competitive selection of goods is effective.
Over all I am excited about Mr. Porter. Most of the offering centers on the classics with a generous sprinkling of modern cuts and embellishments. The selection is not as fashion forward as I would have hoped, but the site is still in the beginning stages. The knowledge of menswear that can be gained within one visit to the site will keep me coming back for more. My shopping habits are more like a woman's as far as desire for labels and aesthetic value, but when I buy luxury it is almost always for longevity. Mr. Porter hits that happy medium and I cannot wait to see what they bring to the virtual shopping place.
So here are my new precious babies in all of their glory: Hermès Collier De Chien in Vert Bronze and Bleu Indigo. Only the sun can bring out their true colors. Both are suede with palladium hardware. I am very lucky to have got them, as the Hermès store in San Francisco sells out of these almost instantaneously. The last time I tried one on was when I bought my Birkin, and trying to get one of these on top of a bag is a little insane when you're not ballin' out of control.
When I spotted the Indigo CDC, I knew it was going home with me. I mean, the various shades of Hermès Bleu speak to me, and this indigo just sings next to my Bleu de Malte Birkin. By chance the Vert Bronze CDC was returned to the counter as I went to pay. Of course it is the perfect everyday color to my current wardrobe palette! I am absolutely in love with the gorgeous luster of the hardware, the shape and size of the medor details, and the soft texture and grain to the suede. See how special the fasteners to the bracelets are! Luckily the womens leather jewelry fits me. After a few wears you can feel the leather give way and mold to your wrists.
I usually hate returning things. In fact I only take back merchandise if there is an unforgivable flaw I missed, or if there is an emergency. This was an emergency. Working in close proximity to Hermès is a blessing and a curse. On my lunch break I discovered that two Collier de Chien bracelets came to the Hermès boutique around the corner from my work. I tired them on and it was crystal clear I would not leave without them. Here is a small preview of the newest members of my family.
What is most surprising is that this is my second bracelet purchase in three years. I rarely wear anything on my wrists because I have a strange sensation whenever something is on them for a long period of time. These CDCs, along with the enamel bangles I purchased in Shanghai last year, are the only pieces that have felt correct when I put them on. They are comfortable and personal, and perfect.
In order to afford these new acquisitions, I had to return two Twillys so my entire paycheck wouldn't disappear before my very eyes to help foot the bill. I am not too upset because I was not so attached to them yet. The pink Pour Sortir Twilly I purchased online was much more hot pink in person, and the Brides de Gala from the first Twilly Tuesday of the year had not even been used yet. I may return for the latter at a later date because I am still in love with the color, but when opportunity knocks, you have to make it work. More coverage on my new dog collars soon!
