Packing for Vegas

Manolo Blahnik Suede Roadster / Ferragamo Sneaker (similar) / Zachary Prell Ombre Shirt 

Bonobos Swim Trunk (similar) / J.Crew V-Neck & Shorts / UNIQLO x Michael Bastian Polo 

G-Star RAW Custom Denim (similar) / Charlie by MZ Speedo

When it comes to packing for a trip I like to think I'm fairly efficient. I don't like to check-in my luggage unless I really need to (for example a long trip) but when it's a weekend trip like today's mini-vacay to Vegas I try to make everything fit into my carry-on. To make this happen I like to pack a lot of solid colors that can mix well with each other, I'm not one to plan what to wear until I'm getting ready for what I'm going to do. Check out what some of the items I packed in my suitcase & follow me on Instagram to check out my photo updates while away! 

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Michael Bastian Spring/Summer '15 Collection

It's been quite a while since Michael Bastian has become one of my favorite menswear designers. Ever since the launch of his eponymous line in 2006, I was quickly hooked to Bastian's aesthetic, his search for the perfect chino created a tailored, clean & classic reinvention of the age-old menswear staple. When Bastian began designing for Gant a breath of fresh air was brought into the American classic brand. Since then Bastian has stepped down from Gant, created amazing collaborations with brands such as Randolph Engineering & Uniqlo & continued to create iconic pieces under his own label season after season.

The Michael Bastian Spring/Summer '15 collection gets its first look today & with it introducing us to Bastians recent inspiration & looks for the next year. Inspired by Arizona & the Southwest, the collection is full of bold colors, Native American inspired beading & tailored denim & pants. A few of my favorite Bastian touches are seen throughout the collection, like his famous knits with interesting embroidery (like a scorpion in this collection) & military inspired pants. Expect to see a lot of urban cowboys this coming year as Bastian has brought the frontier life to us. Check out more looks from the Spring/Summer '15 collection over at GQ.com. Jewelry pieces shown by George Frost.

UNIQLO x Michael Bastian Polo Shirts 2014

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Once again Japanese casual wear retailer, UNIQLO, has teamed up with NYC based designer, Michael Bastian, to create a line of polos that feature retro styled cuts made in bright colors and patterns. Last year in 2013 was the first time that UNIQLO and Mr. Bastian teamed up for a similar collaboration which quickly became one of UNIQLO's biggest hits. I remember sitting at on my Mac online when it launched and quickly seeing how almost every polo was selling out almost immediately, luckily I was able to snag a couple of polos which have become a major part of my daily everyday casual wear picks ever since. 

Again Michael Bastian's line for UNIQLO features bright colors that make anyone who is wearing them stand out and showcase their own unique personal style. When talking about his inspiration this year, Mr. Bastian said "I was really inspired by the enormity of Tokyo, the bigness of the culture, but also, there's always room for the tiny gesture, the tiny moment." At the affordable price of $22.90 for each polo, everyone will be able to wear this collaboration. Head on over fast before they sell out to check out this years UNIQLO x Michael Bastian polo shirt line over at the UNIQLO website.

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.

NYFW S/S14: Michael Bastian 360°

Many of New York’s fashionistas gathered at The Pierre Hotel at 3p.m. on the first day of New York Fashion Week to attend Michael Bastian’s Spring/Summer 2014 menswear collection. While there was plenty of action on the runway, all eyes were on social media. Creating hopefully a long-lasting trend, Michael Bastian has granted a full view of what goes on the day of a runway show through the social-media site Instagram. The social-sphere of Twitter and Instagram was buzzing with eager anticipation after the announcement of the #MichealBastian360 hashtag. In collaboration with Esquire Magazine, a behind the scenes look into the Michael Bastian show was documented throughout the lens of different members of the Michael Bastian team.

Those who followed the #MichaelBastian360 feed were able to see the in-and-outs of the Michael Bastian show from various members of the brands team, including VP and PR maven Eugenia Gonzalez’s (@bastiangirl), who shared a look into finishing up the seating chart for the show and a ‘selfie’ prior to the first model gracing the runway. Not only was Team Bastian taking part on the fun on Instagram, but also top male models Tony Chung (@tonychungmodel) and Eduardo Nueves (@nueves), who shared peeks into the rehearsals leading up to the show as well as views from their hair and makeup chairs. Once the show started, Esquire’s Senior Online editor Jonathan Evans (@MrJonathanEvans) took us front row and shared with us the experience of attending one of America’s leading menswear designer’s show. There was no exaggeration when this unique behind-the-scenes experience was described as a full 360 view. Hopefully more designers will take note and lift the curtains to show us a backstage look into more shows next season. Proving himself to always be ahead of the trend, Michael Bastian wowed us all with his up close and personal look of his SS14 show. (All Images from Instagram.com #MichaelBastian360) (Post originally written for Fashion Houston)

Must-Have Summer Polos

A well fitted, cotton polo is a great alternative to the heat trapping confines of a long sleeved shirt for the summer months. As the temperatures begin to rise as the days go by, a polo can be a savior from the heat while maintaining a formal look which can transition from day to night easily. The polo shirt has been a staple for golf and tennis players since the 19th century, with a resurgence in the 80s as a preppy must-have, but recently polos have begun to be accepted by all kinds of sartorial styles. This summer wear your polos with just about anything, stick to a more traditional look with straight cut khakis or pair with your favorite board shorts to add a touch of style to your poolside style.

Make sure to check out Uniqlo x Michael Bastian's just launched line of polos, which give a fresh take on the universally known polo shirt. With great prints and fits, Michael Bastian takes every detail in the construction of the polo seriously. My favorite detail is the button on the sleeves on the retro style polos which you can adjust to better fit your arm, a throwback to the 70s. Among Uniqlo, brands such as Aviator Nation and Rag and Bone bring a fresh take on the classic polo. With such great options to pick from, it'll be easy to find the perfect polo for your summer.