NYFW Fall 2013 Day 2

If you’re not in NYC, you may have heard about this little storm called Nemo. Not sure where this name came about but let’s just say it was not easy to dress for. I assumed everyone would be dressed down at least a little bit (after all, would YOU want to ruin a $1,500 pair of shoes?) but I was pretty wrong. I didn’t think I’d be the only one in jeans and a t-shirt with flat boots, but I was wrong. It’s probably the Chicago in me that wants to go utilitarian. But at least I didn’t look like the idiot outside Lincoln Center in a super short and tight mini dress, with no tights and platform pumps. Yes, this really happened. But let’s get to the real fashion now.

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Interview With Brad Goreski

Saturday afternoon I attended Brad Goreski’s book signing at Brooks Brothers and scored an interview with him before the event started. He was such a pleasure to talk to and as always…I was obsessed with his outfit. Wearing Black Fleece head-to-toe (except for a killer pair of Louboutins), how can you not love this?

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We started off chatting about Fashion’s Night Out and how I thought it was great he decided to come to Chicago for that stylish evening. That night in September was his first time here and he’s been back a few more times since. He says he loves Chicago now, and enjoys dining at Pump Room and going to Underground. Before our interview he had just finished brunch at Luxbar, which let’s be honest…you can never go wrong. I also told him his boyfriend Gary is one of my favorite people to follow on Twitter…and I’m kind of obsessed with his dogs, who get lots of air time on It’s a Brad Brad World.

So we all know Brad’s a stylist, has his own TV show and has written a book, but do you know his most prized fashion possession or favorite place he’s traveled? Well now you can find out!

What womenswear designer do you wish designed menswear?
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. I wore a head-to-toe Chanel outfit once and I wish he did more menswear. I’d also love to wear Jason Wu.

Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Tokyo for fashion. Greece overall. (where he met his long time boyfriend Gary)

If you had to choose a title for your second book, it would be…
Brad to the Bone.

What’s your process for getting dressed?
I start with one key piece and build everything around that. It’s similar for when I’m styling a client, except the key piece doesn’t always end up being the star of the look.

What’s your most prized fashion possession?
Right now I’m loving my Simon Spurr jacket with leather sleeves. It adds a little edge to my outfit.  But my Louis Vuitton duffle has the most sentimental value. 

Brad, I leave you with one question…when am I going to see this Spurr jacket?? It sounds like something I’d be very interested in borrowing.

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Be sure to pick up a copy of Brad’s new book Born To Be Brad on sale now!

Carlos Campos Fall 2012 Menswear

My only mens show so far at fashion week, Carlos Campos definitely is one to watch in menswear. He’s one of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalists this year (and if you haven’t watched the Making The Cut documentary, I highly recommend doing so…like now) and I’m very excited to see where this takes him.

When it comes to menswear, it really just needs clean lines and a great fit (sounds easy but it’s far from). Having some pops of color is a bonus. Carlos did it all perfectly by choosing well tailored coats and fitted jackets in neutrals like brown, camel and navy with various shades of maroon, burgundy and tangerine throughout. This burgundy color seems to be THE choice for Fall 2012 and I think it’s a great option for menswear as well.

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My Visit To Shrine Haberdashers

This weekend I visited Shine Haberdashers on Oak Street for the first time. I had met the owner Rafik when I was in New York for fashion week so I thought I’d stop by and see what they’re all about.

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So if you know me at all, you’ll probably know that menswear isn’t my forte. I always appreciate a well dressed gentleman but my knowledge for mens fashion isn’t even close to what I know about womenswear. Thankfully I had the helpful staff of Shrine Haberdashers to clue me in on what’s going on in the mens accessories world.

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What I found so interesting about Shrine is that it’s set up like an “upscale mancave” full of luxurious and stylish mens accessories. From ties and scarves to travel bags and cuff links, Shrine Haberdashers has it all…and it’s all awesome. Almost everything in the store is handmade, which is not something you see everyday. It’s just nice to see such well-made fashion sold at a place where people really know what they’re talking about.

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Here’s a look at some of the amazing merchandise Shrine Haberdashers has to offer…

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So everything I’ve said in the past about menswear…Shrine Haberdashers has completely changed my mind (at least when it comes to mens accessories). Each item in the store is clearly hand selected because they only have the best of the best. Plus, there is something to satisfy every style. The only way you’ll really know is by visiting yourself! Stop by 47 E. Oak Street and let me know what you think. I have a feeling you’re going to love it.