I find myself reaching for my backpack more and more these days. Whether I’m going on a hike or off to the gym, throughout the years my backpack has been a staple in my closet. All 6 choices today will stand the test of time, click through to read more.
Read moreLuxury Apple Watch Bands
Before I start today, I wanted to wish all of you guys a Happy New Year & apologize for slacking off during the holidays on the blog! I took the season to disconnect and put my Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & website on the back-burner & concentrate solely on being present in the moment with friends & family! New Year, new start I say! So get ready for an exciting year & promise you this will be the best one yet on the site!
So over the holidays I saw a bunch of my friends either receive or gift themselves an Apple Watch. It really is no secret between my friends & I how much I’ve loved my watch since it launched last April, but my one gripe has always been its complete lack of individuality & pizazz. I know there are a multitude of colors & materials to choose from, but it really is hard to set yourself apart from the rest because chances are someone you know already has the same band.
Because of this dilemma I set out to find a unique & luxurious band that would make me proud to sport my Apple Watch while at an event or dinner out on the town. I stumbled upon The Strap Smith a couple of months ago and immediately fell in love. Creating custom leather watch straps from authentic leather handbags from the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton & Goyard, it was easy to see that this was my solution to my gadget conundrum.
Ultimately I chose a white LV Azur band with off white thread & a custom buckle. I was truly impressed how each band is hand made & stitched, meaning that the utmost attention to detail was used to create it. I highly recommend The Strap Smith to anyone out there looking for a unique & handmade band for their Apple Watch.
Unusual Leather Weather
Leather has been around for quite a while now, but never before have we seen it used in such interesting & novel way. From panels on denim jeans, to shoulder inserts on shirts, leather is having quite a moment right now. You can say that leather is kind of growing up from its traditional leather jacket days. From Saint Laurent to Helmut Lang, the way leather is being used right now is quite remarkable.
I kind of think of this new way of wearing leather as an easy way to add some edge to your look. Not everyone is born to wear a tough biker jacket, so incorporating leather in a unique way is the best way to sport it while still maintaining a polished look. The juxtaposition of classic pieces like sweat pants, denim & casual shirts with leather is truly one of my favorite trends of the moment. For myself I've been enjoying adding that touch of edge to my look lately without going overboard and looking like the Fonz.
Check out some of the style picks below I personally picked out for you guys to rock this chic trend. So tell me, is this a trend you're fond of or does it belong in the realm of UGGS & other cringeworthy ideas?
SHOP THE POST
Leather + Wool Jacket Trend
Add some edge to your fall wardrobe with some leather and wool. Both materials are staples for the cold fall air that is swiftly sweeping the US right now. The wool and leather combo make for a perfect fit in black, adding a biker vibe to any outfit. Not only does this combo look good, but it also ensures you stay warm as the cooler weather approaches. The following three picks are perfect examples on how to rock the Wool + Leather trend. The following three brands reimagined the look in their own particular way. My personal favorite of the tree picks, the Canadian brand Mackage's Sinclair Biker jacket. The jacket comes with two great looks in one, allowing you to remove the down nylon arms for a sleeveless vest look.
A.P.C. Kenickie Teddy Jacket
Mackage Sinclair Biker Jacket
Alexander Wang Bonded-Leather & Wool Bomber Jacket
Dillon des Prés Co. Mercer Case
iPads seem to the everyone's topic of conversation lately. Much attention is paid to our gadgets but not enough on how we keep them protected. Dillon des Prés Co. is a New York based American accessories brand who has handcrafted some exquisite bags and leather goods. The Mercer Case is perfect for iPad owners who always display their style and attitude even when it comes to housing their electronics. Dillon des Prés Co uses genuine American leather for all their products and is proudly crafted in the USA. The Mercer Case is perfect for those who are always on the go and keep their iPad with them at all times.
Outerwear Trends for Fall 2013
Fall is hands down my favorite season. Not only does the weather begin to cool down, but we get to bust out our favorite jackets and scarves and play around with layers. Creating the perfect fall look is as easy as starting with a great jacket or sweater to which your whole outfit will revolve around. Think of your jacket as the most important fall piece in your wardrobe to dress up or down for any occasion.
Varsity Jacket
It's hard to not feel stylish wearing a leather jacket, preferably one that is cut in a biker style. This Ferragamo green leather/suede jacket combines two of the biggest trends of the moment. While the traditional black leather jacket has been emulated time and time again, Ferragamo adds their distinctive touch of sophistication by making it in a green hue and adding suede to reinvent the biker style.
Leather Suade Biker Jacket
Michael Bastian is king of adding edge to the traditional preppy style. This cardigan is the perfect example of how Bastian adds touches to his timeless pieces that make you stand out from the pack. The wolves knit into this cardigan send the message loud and clear, this isn't something gramps would knit and put under your Christmas tree.
Cardigan
As seen in many designers collections, paneled leather is big this year. Think of paneled leather jackets as the little brother to the full on motorcycle jacket, it has the cool factor that a leather jacket has, but with a bit more of a collegiate and everyday look that makes it a go-to staple in the fall months. Gap has constructed this greatvarsity jacket with leather sleeves and the traditional ribbed collars and hems to recreate this school look. This jacket is light enough to wear in the first few weeks of fall or pair with a scarf to bundle up as the temperatures drop even further approaching winter.
Billykirk, American Heritage Leathermakers
Chris and Kirk Bray, brothers and founders of the leather goods and canvas label Billykirk, have in just the short amount of time of being in business (est. 1999) created a brand which has one of the most well-made leather bags and accessories made in America. This Tennessee-born, Minnesota-raised duo, captures in their brand a Midwestern charm to each of their pieces. Ranging from bags, wallets, hats, belts and most recently change trays being added to their line-up, every detail on their items showcases the fine craftsmanship and finesse in production.
Billykirk Medium Carryall, a set on Flickr.
An item to note that has been truly a hit throughout is their No. 165 Medium Carryall. The size makes it perfect to use daily, even fitting a 17” Macbook. The 16” frame that opens up to the inside of the bag harkens back to what a doctor from the Midwest would carry back when the Pony Express was still in use. Continuing with that theme, the hand-stitched leather tag, top quality leather trims and rugged Denier nylon lining, give the bag a great aesthetic that sets this bag apart from others. A sense of heritage is felt when carrying the bag, knowing that Billykirk creates American made products with premium construction that will stand the test of time.
Make sure to check back to their website in the coming weeks as they re-launch their site with a new look. Along with the brand new appearance, new items like the No. 236 Schoolboy Satchel, will finally be available for the first time through their site and new colors for their No. 165 Medium Carryall (see images above) will be available.
Billykirk Upcoming Items, a set on Flickr.
