one coat, two ways

You guys have probably all seen this coat by now. You know the one - the oversized, drapey, perfect camel coat I've been posting all over Instagram for the past few weeks? Well that coat, a recent pickup by Stella McCartney via Saks Fifth Avenue, just happens to be my new favorite, and I don't feel at all guilty for showing it off. The fit is impeccable, the color is the perfect balance for a camel - not too pink, not too brown - and it's one of the softest coats I've ever worn. To be honest this coat was made for me, and it was my random dumb luck to have stumbled upon it, ON SALE no less, at Saks this past month.

I've been trying to find as many ways to style the piece as I can. Not because it's difficult to do, but because I keep wearing it so often that I basically have to mix the rest of my outfit so I don't look like an outfit repeater!

I thought it would be interesting to try the coat in two ways: one, a classic, streamlined look, and two, a more sporty streetwear-inspired style. Below, I show two ways I've been wearing this coat lately, and truthfully I can't decide which style I prefer.

What do you think - classic, or streetstyle? Let me know in the comments!

classic

coat Stella McCartney // sweater Michael Kors // pants Uniqlo // shoes Adidas

streetstyle 

coat Stella McCartney // sweater Zara // shirt Zara // jeans ASOS // shoes Lanvin // bag Louis Vuitton

the perfect shearling jacket

jacket Zara (similar here) // sweater Michael Kors // pants Uniqlo // boots Balenciaga (similar here)

Ya'll know I love a good jacket - I wear a jacket in basically every outfit ever, whether it's for the blog, or my daily life. I've said it before and I'll say it again, a good jacket can make an entire outfit. I found this faux shearling jacket (on sale!) recently at Zara and I knew I needed it. The cut was perfect, the two-tone color was perfect, and I absolutely loved the patent-like finish. Sadly, the jacket is no sold out, but I have linked a similar one above, so be sure to check it out!

I knew I wanted to style the jacket in an easy and clean way. I went with my go-to black turtleneck, which has been an absolute staple in my winter wardrobe, and slim grey trousers for a sophisticated but simple vibe.

To me, an outfit like this is perfect in its simplicity. Nothing overdone, no flash and all substance - just a well-fitting jacket, nicely paired with everyday staple pieces. How can you beat that?

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check me out

coat ASOS // sweater Michael Kors // pants Uniqlo // shoes Calvin Klein Collection (similar here)

This weather in New York has been so crazy. First it was a warm Winter, then it dropped to near record lows (11 degrees Fahrenheit!), and now things seem to be leveling off to normal Winter temperatures. But since no one knows what to wear right now, I wanted to share one of my favorite Fall looks that I haven’t posted yet.

You guys all know by now that I’m obsessed with layers. I wear jackets all year long regardless of weather. I just really feel like they add a little something to my outfits!

This look is centered around this amazing oversize prince of wales check coat from ASOS. The second I saw it I knew I had to have it! I love the slouchy shape, light pattern, and neutral color of course. I think a grey coat can be a little more interesting than classic black, but still goes with absolutely everything in your closet. Don't get me wrong, a tailored black topcoat should definitely fit in your closet! But adding a subtle-patterned grey coat to your collection is a real sign of style with ease.

Since oversized pieces are so trendy in menswear right now, I paired this coat with my new favorite slightly oversized wool pants from Uniqlo (tip: go a size up for an extra-wide fitting leg), and balanced it out with a more fitted merino turtleneck sweater.

What do you guys think of the oversized trend at the moment? Let me know in the comments!

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how to: master the camel coat

coat Michael Kors // sweater Michael Kors // pants Uniqlo // shoes Prada (similar here) // scarf Givenchy

I’m going to let you guys in on a secret. The easiest way to look polished in Winter is to wear a fitted, classic topcoat. Ok, so this might not be the juiciest secret out there, but it does help for those mornings you wake up freezing and need to run out of the house. 

A camel coat is perhaps one of the most classic and dapper pieces a man can add to his wardrobe. At once comfortable and refined, a men’s camel camel coat adds a touch of class to any look without being fussy. Especially in wool and preferably with a tailored fit, a camel coat truly is the perfect item to purchase for winter. Now to the good stuff, how to wear a camel coat?

The good news is that adding a camel coat to your wardrobe is fairly simple. They’ve become pretty mainstream in the past few seasons, and you should be able to find one almost anywhere - from places like Zara (on sale!), all the way up to designer versions from Acne Studios or Prada. Whichever route you choose, I recommend choosing one in a wool or wool blend to keep warm while looking stylish; extra points if you go for a wool/cashmere mix!

Ok, so now that I’ve rambled on about camel, how do you wear your camel coat? Well, as always I prefer to go for a simple, neutral look when it comes to camel. In fact, complimentary dark grays and even warmer camels or light tans and browns look great with the color. The key to the camel coat outfit is not to let the coat overpower you. Even when I wear a more oversized camel coat (like the one above from Michael Kors), you have to balance the look with complimenting pieces. Here, I chose a bit of a wider, looser-fitting pant to work with the oversized nature of this coat. On top, I chose a fitted sweater to balance the look and create some shape; finding where you can add some definition-enhancing pieces will help you avoid looking like a lump! A sleek Chelsea boot is the perfect shoe to complete the outfit.

And that’s pretty much it! Keeping it simple is key, and something I stay pretty true to. But most importantly, whether or not you’re trying out this kind of coat for the first time, wear it with confidence.

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The Ultimate Men's Gift Guide: Christmas 2017

the best gifts of 2017 he'll actually want

Clockwise from top left: Overose Candles, D.L. & Co. Skull Candle, Assorted Lab Series, Assorted Taschen Books

for the style savvy man

When you're shopping for the guy who already knows how to put an outfit together, it can be intimidating to pick pieces you know he'll want! If you have to buy something for this type of guy, or just want to treat yourself, stick to classics: cozy winter knits from Acne Studios or Gucci, sharp, fitted camel coats like this one from Mr. P, or sleek black accessories, like a wallet or backpack. I know I'll be picking up a few of the items above!

for the well-groomed guy

Clockwise from top left: YSL Y Fragrance, Aromatique Candle, Helmut Lang Fragrances, Kronaby Watch

I'm a huge fan of grooming products, as you guys should know by now! Above, I've put together some of my current favorite products on rotation. I'm especially loving this mud mask from Exuviance, and obsessed with the new line of Le Labo body care products. The new Y fragrance from YSL is also an amazing, warm fall scent that isn't too musky or heavy; and Perricone MD is a classic in terms of skincare - their new cold plasma line for the face and eyes are perfect for looking fresh in harsh winter weather.

for the shoe addict

Above: Common Project Sneakers

I'm a huge shoe addict, and sneakers are something I find myself wearing all the time. Lately, though, I've been looking for more edgy sneakers to add into the rotation. I'm obsessed with all the shoes above, but I think my standout pair next on my hit list are these sleek Givenchy sneakers from Mr. Porter.

for the tech geek

Clockwise from left: Overose Candles, YSL Y Fragrance, Helmut Lang Fragrances, Le Labo Shaving Products, Kronaby Watch

So truth be told, I'm not super tech-savvy. That being said, I love a shiny new toy, and I definitely have my eye on a few things this season. First off, I can't get enough of my Kronaby smart watch, and definitely need to get my dad a matching one for Christmas. I'm going to post a full blog shortly, but needless to say it marries the best parts of a stylish timepiece with the smartphone notifications you love (like steps, messages, etc.). I'm also definitely treating myself to a minimal Sonos speaker, now with Alexa built in, and Apple AirPods.

for the homebody

Clockwise from left: Overose Candle, Nest Fragrances Silver Matchbox, Crate and Barrel Marble Slab

With the winter weather in effect, I am definitely much more of a homebody than in the warmer months. This is the season of "If I'm already home, I'm not going out," so making my home as comfortable as possible is key. I try to surround myself with things that are cozy, like these amazing candles from Overose Paris and Nest Fragrances; or treat myself to an early night's sleep with a cashmere sleep mask. For those of you who love to stay in, or know someone who loves to hibernate, these picks are for you!

What's on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments!

Happy holidays, to you and yours.