Hey, Nice Sweaters

From Ben Sherman Winter 2010

From Tommy Hilfiger Men's Tailored Fall 2010

From J.Crew Fall 2010

You may remember a "trend spot" post of mine from January regarding patterned sweaters. No? Click here to refresh your memory. I don't mean to stroke my own ego, but.... no, that's exactly what I'm doing here, let's face it. (I think I'm so cool.)

Trend Spot | The Pilgrim Belt Buckle

Pictured: Gap Oiled Nubuck Belt $29.50

I don't know if they are in fact called "pilgrim" buckles, but that is exactly what they look like to me. I'm seein' them in GQ, I'm seein' them on TV and in the mags and in ads, I'm seein' them sported by celebs like Brad Pitt. A confirmed trend if you ask me.

Trend Spot | The Sailor Stripe...

The sailor stripe. What exactly constitutes this stripe? I honestly can't say that I know. How thick does this stripe have to be? And how far apart? Does it have to be a blue stripe on white fabric? These are questions I have been asking myself lately. As I walk the streets and surf the interwebs, I point and think to myself is that a sailor stripe? Whether it's technically a "sailor stripe" or not, I've been seeing stripes - ya know, the blue and black kind, usually over white - all over the place.

Someone recently told me that the sailor, or nautical, stripe is popular every Spring. That may very well be true. Feel free to shed some light for the uneducated (me).

8 Timepiece Trends That Matter

Check out the first installment of GQ's 2010 watch preview here. Too lazy to check out the link? Look no further. The 8 trends are... ultra-thin, dark dials, vintage-inspired, nuts-and-bolts, time zone feature, neo-romans, complicated faces, and matte cases. For me the trick will be finding a watch with all eight (I like a challenge).

Trend Spot | The White Collar

I don't know that the white collared dress shirt ever goes out of style among professionals, but I do know that I've seen them more and more lately on the backs of the young and hip.

Trend Spot | The Shawl Collar

Shawl collar cardigans and sweaters are everywhere now. But you probably already knew this. Take a look at some of my favorites that won't break the bank. (Click on the photos to link to an online store).

Lands' End Button-front Shawl Collar Linen Cotton Cardigan • $55.60

J.Crew Rustic Shawl Collar Cardigan • $88

Martin + Osa Riviera Shawl Cardigan • $69.50

Standard Double Breasted Cardigan sold at Urban Outfitters • $54

BDG Professor Shawl Collar Cardigan sold at Urban Outfitters • $48

BDG Toggle Shawl Collar Sweater • now $29!

Club Monaco Fletcher Wool Sweater • ?

Gap Four-Pocket Cardigan • $69.50

The Olympics?!!

Yes, the 2010 USA Olympic team's uniform for the Closing Ceremony includes a red and blue shawl collar cardigan by Ralph Lauren.

Trend Spot: White Jeans in the Fall/Winter

Aside from these photographs, I've seen a few examples of this on the street and in ads this season.

All photos by The Sartorialist

Trend Spot: Patterned Sweater

This is simply a guess. Perhaps even a prediction. I haven't seen more than a few of these, but they have more or less caught my attention. The patterned sweater - nothing you haven't seen before. They are great. I can't say you shouldn't have at least one in your closet. But there is just one small problem with a sweater like this, and that is they become dated far too quickly.

Now I could dig deep in my closet and pull out an American Eagle patterned sweater I got for Christmas 10 years ago, but I don't want to leave the house dressed like I'm from 1999. If you don't own more than a few sweaters, I'd stick with solids. But if you're looking to change it up a bit, a patterned sweater might be just what you're looking for.


This last photo is of a sweater I found at Martin + Osa over the holiday. I want it. However, despite not trying it on, I have a sneaking suspicion that the fit would be a little off. Plus, I'd probably stop wearing it after 2 years because it would be old and DATED. Nevermind, bad idea. I'm not getting it.

Trend Spot: The Denim Shirt

I'm a little late on this one, but I couldn't resist. I see more and more denim shirts each month. Everyone is selling them now. I think I first started noticing denim button downs back in January. I thought it was an interesting trend, but not for me. Well, I finally gave in and decided to pick one up for a 'test drive'. I didn't want to break the bank on an item I was so uncertain about, so I first looked for one on sale at the Gap. I didn't really like what I found (or the price it was selling for).

Surprisingly, after shopping around for one for a couple months, I finally picked one up at Target of all places. It's a denim button down by Target's Merona brand. This brand is hit or miss, but lately, I've been finding some good stuff. I purchased the shirt for $19.99 but recently went back and found it on sale for $13.98. (Of course I went back in for a price adjustment).

I was unsuccessful finding a photo online, so below I've included a couple photos of denim shirts done right.

Trend Spot: Flipping the Bill

Trend spot: Adidas Gazelle

The Adidas Gazelle. Simple. Sporty. Comfortable. Classic.

I've been seeing these shoes all over the city. They're back. Or maybe they were never gone...

Funny story. I was shopping around for these online the other night. The next day, I showed up to work and my co-worker Mark was wearing the exact pair I almost bought. I couldn't believe it. He mentioned he'd seen them in a few tabloid magazines and decided to purchase them at Bloomingdale's a few days prior. I'm telling you, these are hot. I even saw these shoes on Finn in Glee the other night. So, believe it!