Clothing brands are dropping some very serious pieces for the warmer weather! It doesn’t even seem like Spring is right around the corner, with all the cold, inclement weather we have these days. DC is covered in snow and NYC is freezing so it’s about time for me to take a vacation very soon. But first, I’ll need to acquire a few things for my wardrobe. My first stop is going to have to be J.Crew. They have new pieces in store and online for men, women and children. The linen herringbone blazer, gingham shorts, and Persol sunglasses are must haves for my next vacation. There are a few women’s items I’m a bit jealous of, though. I really wish they made the white denim jacket and golden McCallister boots for men. The boys even got stuff that made me wanna be a kid again. That “greatness” sweatshirt is classic, as is the cashmere shawl collar cardigan for girls. Ok my J.Crew rant is over. Rugby’s Spring collection is a bit more colorful and preppy than that of J.Crew. There is a lot of red, white, and blue incorporated, like this fleece baseball jacket. A.P.C. took a more subtle approach and kept it very classic. The highlight of their collection for me is the shoes. These blue desert boots are sick! I think I’ll be ready for the next 3 Spring seasons after my next shopping excursion. How bout you?

That’s usually how I get dressed. I start with shoes and work my way up. I believe that shoes can tell you a lot about a person and mine usually reflect how I’m feeling and where I’m going on that particular occasion. Most of the windows I open on my computer are usually designated to different sites with shoes I like so I figured I’d share some things with you folks.

1: I was recently introduced to a shoe site for women that is so unique that I immediately got jealous because there isn’t anything like it for men. Run by Kim Kardashian, one of the most stylish (and most beautiful) women in the world, Shoe Dazzle defines “recession proof”. Ladies, if you aren’t already a member of this site, I suggest you get on it right now. It’s so simple and sooooo worth it. You take a survey, which is used by fashion experts to get to know your style. After that, you get to choose 1 from 5 pairs of amazing shoes per month for only 39.95 per pair. You aren’t obligated to purchase every month so you can just browse until you come across that must have pair of shoes. Real men love women with sexy shoes. Especially if they look expensive but really aren’t. You’re Welcome…

2: If you love shoes as much as I do, you probably know the importance of originality. Osborn Design shoes are the epitome of original. Using patterns and materials not usually seen on footwear, these aren’t just shoes; they are art. Run by Carla and Aaron Osborn, this Brooklyn based company is really pushing the limits with this very dope and affordable line of unisex footwear. Check out their shoes here.

3: The mocassin style shoe is very much in style for men these days so a lot of different brands are capitalizing on this. Complex Magazine recently put together a list of the 14 best mocassin inspired shoes for men. It features brands like Quoddy, L.L. Bean, J.Crew, and Visvim. I actually just ordered the SeaVees boots to add to my closet. They are my first pair of moccasin inspired anything and they look so comfy. I’ll let you know how they feel when they arrive. Check out the list here and be sure to get yourself a pair by the time Spring rolls around. Your style will thank you.

I have no clue where this year went but there is no time for me to dwell on that because I’ve got all of 2010 to look forward to! But before that, Holiday shopping must be tackled seeing how Christmas is in less than a month. I did a little research so that I could make the task of gift searching easier for all. It seems like every website that sells a product has put together their own gift guide so that your shopping can be completed with just a few clicks. J.Crew has got  the gifts for your children covered for as low as $25. It’s best to take advantage of recession proof gifts like the girls jersey turtleneck or the boys suede gloves. Looks good on your wallet as well as the children in your family. Neiman Marcus even got into the Christmas spirit and compiled a hefty list of gifts for her, below $100. Whether it’s assorted chocolates or a Tory Burch cosmetics bag, women just tend to love anything from Neiman’s so get on it. While these gift guides are great, my favorite has to be GQ Mag’s. They included gifts for pretty much everyone in your life, including yourself. The list consists of 50 gift ideas ranging from cashmere scarves to Canon cameras. Check it out here and try not to go crazy this year hunting for the perfect gifts!

Although they haven’t come out and declared a definitive union, it’s very clear that J.Crew has jumped on the Apple bandwagon. They have just released various accessories to accompany the 13″, 15″, and 17″ inch Macbook’s as well as the iPhone/iTouch. The pieces are a collaboration with Montreal based brand Want, and they are all exceptional. A bit pricey, but amazing nonetheless. The collaboration of the two brands also cranked out a travel bag, which I’d love for Christmas (hint hint). I could use it for my weekend trips to NYC! Check out the pieces here.

I doubt I could truly express how much I LOVE when the temperature drops and the leaves start to fall. Some people look at it as relationship season so they can cuddle up and stay warm but for me, ’tis the season to shop and get fresh!!! The more layers, the better, in my opinion. Brands start releasing some premium goods and bank accounts start to get emptied. The new J.Crew collaboration with Belstaff is a prime example. These 3 jackets may be pricey, but you get what you pay for. The detail in these pieces is amazing, from the trench style belts to the plaid lining. If you’ve got it to spend, be sure to go online and pick up one, if not all, of these beautiful creations!

The fusion of art and fashion is a beautiful thing. Essentially, it is just two art forms combined because fashion is art, just as much as painting or photography. J.Crew creates art for you to wear every season and this month, they are using artists as the canvas. Seven New York based male artists were photographed in their NYC studios, wearing some of J.Crew’s most current masterpieces. Not only can you shop the looks these great artists are wearing, but you can also make your way to some of their work through links provided on the J.Crew website. Check out the feature here! You’ve gotta appreciate genius!

 

 

1: Lauren London in Complex Magazine. This girl went from New-New to pretty much everywhere. She’s gorgeous and I’m going to take her out for dinner sometime in the near future. Watch me!!!

2: LateBoots is one of the best blogs running right now. They give me my daily dose of gossip, fashion, and its always fun following Sham and Marquis around while they live it up.

3:  Ida Ljungqvist is the 2009 Playboy Playmate of the year. She’s definitely worthy of the award but she made history, being the 50th Playmate of the Year and the first to have been born in Africa!! She’ll be on my arm the day after I take Lauren London out.

4: J.Crew has free shipping for their children’s line, Crewcuts, now through May 31st!!! My beautiful children, Avery and Brook-lynn, will be celebrating their 2nd birthday on May 11th so this promotion couldn’t have come at a better time. If there are any little ones in your life, you know where to shop!!

5: Rick Ross is the man. His beard is perfect, his money is right, and his newest album, Deeper Than Rap is an instant classic. He bounced back like a round ball from his beef with industry bully, 50 Cent. Kudos Ross.

6: Sea is one of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn. They now have a location in the Meat Packing District of Manhattan! I went for brunch the other day. Gotta love that Siamese fried rice.

7: Graphic tee-shirts are going to be a large part of my wardrobe this summer. I’ve already acquired a few from Brooklyn Circus but it’s only right that I explore other brands as well. I’ve got my eye on this 10 Deep tee with a graphic of Karl Lagerfeld on it!!

8: Converse Japan is so consistent with their footwear, it’s beginning to hurt my heart. Why does Japan get all the cool patterns and materials? Converse USA does well, but Japan is winning right now. Sigh. Guess I’ll see you all when I return from Japan.

9: It’s swimsuit time for V Magazine. And they blessed us all with more than one issue for the month. 6 issues with a different beautiful woman on each cover!!!  It’s a recession but I’ve gotta have em all!!!

10: The second colorway of Nike Air Yeezy’s was released last Saturday. I haven’t gotten my hands on any pairs but these are too smooth for me to not say anything at all about them. Ye!! Wassup with my pair man?!! You’re gonna come running when the Air Nicky’s drop!!