Want: Oak, Everything.

My last trip to New York was defined by my shopping extravaganza at Oak and Odin.  While I loved Odin I as absolutely floored by the beautiful unique variety of clothing at Oak.  The store is both simple and minimal and at the same time highly architectural in design.  I bought a four tanks and two pair of shorts after an incredibly pleasant experience with a salesperson.

If you know me at all you know I am absolutely obsessed with scouring the internet for menswear that is at once well designed, unique, and mildly affordable.  So one day after returning from New York in spring I went on Oak's website and was floored by the amount of merchandise they carry on their website.  It is one of the most comprehensive online stores I've ever seen.  The clothing is well styled and photographed, there are magazine quality clothing editorials, and they are constantly adding new clothes, shoes and accessories.

They carry everything from runway designers like Phillip Lim and Tim Hamilton to smaller startup lines like Wrath Arcane and Rochambeau.  The price point can sometimes be a bit high but the design is so worth it.  Perhaps you can't quite afford the Oak clothing?  Click the tab marked a.ok at the bottom of the right tab and you are shown their items with a lower price point!

I cannot express how much I love Oak and their ridiculous online store.  It is truly in a league of its own.

All Images Copyright Oaknyc.Com

Shop items at www.oaknyc.com

Wish: Lusting After Leather

I must admit, I've been feeling a bit tactile lately. But can you blame me? It's hard not to with sequins, velvet, fur, and leather lining the aisles. I already tend to touch nearly everything as I shop so it takes serious restraint for me to keep my grubby little hands off texturized pieces.

For some reason, I've recently zeroed in on leather. Yes leather, the textile that is only second in price to fur. Though my picks may be basic, leather pieces are out of my grasp at this point in my life. A leather vest or paneled skirt just wouldn't be sensible. There's no harm in wishing though. Here are a few basic pieces I'm currently coveting.

Vince Stretch Leather Mini Skirt, $595

Helmut Lang Jersey/Leather Combo Pants, $460

Rag & Bone Raw Edge Leather Dress, $995

Image credit: http://www.shopbop.com/

Runway: I'm A rag & bone Collector

Let me count the ways I love thee rag & bone.  To me rag & bone is the perfect melding of classic british fabrics (think tweeds or heavy wools) and a wholly New York City sensibility.   Designers David Neville and Marcus Wainwright are British expats who started their line just 7 short years ago because they couldn't find a decent pair of jeans in New York.

I can't even begin to count the things I love about this collection.  The effortlessly casual look is so expertly married to the pallet of military greens and slate blues.  As I've already mentioned in previous posts I'm obsessed with both the drop crotch harem trend and fleece pants tailored like jeans.  I have scowered every example of them from Tim Hamilton men's to Fifth Avenue Shoe repair.  I am worried that the collection looks a bit heavy for spring but I guess that just means buy it in EARLY spring and wear the hell out of it until it's absolutely too hot wear them any longer.

I think it's worth being noted that looking at these outfits as pieces they are incredibly wearable.  I have a feeling this collection is going to be a sell HUGE.

Have: Embellished Bib Necklace

The statement jewelry trend has certainly been in our faces this season—and I'm okay with that. Because I tend to choose classic, basic clothes without overt patterns or embellishments, statement jewelry really appeals to me.

One of the freshest subcategories of this trend is the bib necklace, a heavily embellished chest piece that often has a ribbon-tie closure. The downside to this trend is these necklaces tend to cost hundreds of dollars despite only being made of ribbon, beads, and crystals. So when I saw this "Cleopatra" necklace by Tasha at Nordstrom for a reasonable $48, I snatched it.

The photograph truly does not do the beautiful green color justice. Another plus is that it's fun to wear—and turns into a disco ball in the winter sun!

Available at Nordstrom.com (though not in green like mine)

Have: The Perks of Being a Harem Boy: Shades of Greige Harem Pant

As Sarah well knows I spent the better part of the last 6 months looking for the perfect pair of MENS harem pants.  I love the way that mens runways have picked up on the trend.  Yet, the problem is that most stores are too afraid to carry them thinking men won't buy them.  After long last, my search is over! Not to mention they were found at my VERY favorite of online stores Oak.

Shades of Greige thankfully made this rather affordable pair of graphite harem pants for just $132.  I love the fact that the pants are not overstated and gaudy.  There are soft pleats at the waist and a slimmer leg below the drop crotch.  So men (and women) I challenge you to find your own perfect pair of harems!

Pants can be bought at Oak NYC.

Want: Elizabeth and James Jewelry

Slowly but surely, I've developed a fascination with the Olsen's Elizabeth and James. And while items from their pricier, The Row, fall into the wish category, E&J pieces are a definite want—especially with my birthday next month.

Though several pieces from this season's collection have caught my eye, it's the jewelry that has really captured my attention. Many of the pieces are nature inspired and made from mixed metals, which makes them practical for daily wear.

The Snake Earrings, Feather Earrings, and Twig Cuff Bracelet are currently topping my list.

And with any luck, one of these will become a have by the end of next month.

Image credit: http://www.neimanmarcus.com/

Wish: Sheer Dreams of Kris Van

Where to begin... This slightly sheer plaid button up from Kris Van Assche's namesake collection epitomizes one of my favorite trends for menswear right now--Length.

I absolutely love the fact that we're seeing so many long backs or long shirts all the way around. It's a perfect look to pair with a nice pair of skinny pants or jeans.

Yet, at 600+ this beautiful vision in plaid must be relegated to my wish list.

Sam

Sold at ForwardForward.com