If you are bothering to consider a new Winter scarf, why not go all the way and Think Mink? These Lanvin beauties are certainly a step up from mundane wool. Backed with luxurious knit silk, they are petal soft. A timeless indulgence. Grey or Beige $3360 USD.

Available at Barneys NY here.

Though the weather is deliciously mild this week, I'm sure a cold blast is right around the corner, so I'm looking at scarves. These Jil Sander Astrakhan scarves in Black and Silver are so decadent and tempting. What a fabulous way to glam up a basic winter coat. $845 USD.

Available at Barneys NY here.

I fell so hard for the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2009 collection that I bought this Black blazer at Barneys NY. Until now, I didn't really have a great black blazer in my wardrobe, so that was my justification. Everyone needs one. I love the white flannel lining under the collar and the architectural roped shoulders. It fit perfectly off the rack with only a minor shortening of the sleeve length. Vaguely severe and totally modern, the razor sharp tailoring suits my attitude this season.

This clever design caught my eye because it is useful and simple. Just a short narrow ribbed knit cashmere scarf with a button closure to keep you warm and toasty. Elegant simplicity from Thom Browne. $345 USD.

Available at Barneys NY here.

Get ready men. Exclusively for Barneys NY, this Men's Fox Fur Hobo with metallic snake handles and strap from Leonello Borghi is completely over the top. What a way to tote your belongings as you saunter up Madison Avenue to window shop.

Quite large at 20" x 14" x 6" you could even pack for a weekend in Reykjavic. $2670 USD.

Available at Barneys NY here.

I love Gilt.com. I often get exposed to designers I don't see in my usual shopping jaunts. Richard Chai is a designer that I have watched for some time, but until now, I haven't found just the right piece. This tissue thin, ultra soft long sleeve t-shirt from Gilt.com is 90% cotton and 10% cashmere. The alternating bands of black and khaki are created with seams throughout the design.

The Uniqlo +J Wool Military Jacket was sold out on my first visit, but I was persistent enough on a return visit to snag one in Dark Grey. Sean O'Pry looked amazing in this jacket from the advertising campaign and it was the one item I really hoped to find from the collection. Persistence always wins.

This cropped, fitted Military Jacket in heavy 80% Wool/20% Nylon is perfect for Fall Vespa rides. The matte black metal zipper is hidden behind a snap over placket and the two slash pockets are perfect for keeping my hands warm once I hop off my scooter. There are two front breast pockets and a small zippered pocket just perfect for an iPhone. I like the stand up collar (which contains a shiny Polyester hood in the zippered compartment) and the motorcycle influenced zippered sleeves. The back is very shaped and there are even vent holes under the arms. Dior Homme meets Balenciaga meets Prada Sport. All for $129 USD.

Cheers to Uniqlo +J. When is the next collection? Jil Sander is back.

I was so busy with the shirts and jackets that I didn't really pay attention to the pants. Well, Eric tried on a pair and I was so impressed, I returned to choose some for myself.

The Stretch Satin Flat Front Trouser in Khaki is 97% Cotton/3% Spandex sateen (they also had Olive and Black). It features triple stitching along the slash pockets and the rear seam. The belt loops also feature a row of stitching down the center, which is a nice detail. The interior is finished beautifully with all the edges taped with black cotton. I got an extra pair of these for my friend (and reader) Christopher.

I also got the Wool Flat Front Trouser in Dark Grey in lightweight Stretch Wool 98% Wool/2% Spandex which match the notch lapel blazer from yesterday. They are also finished nicely, with two button through welt back pockets and on seam side pockets. Amazing. A suit for $179 USD.

Both pants are extremely slim/skinny/tapered fit with a medium low rise. Is it rude to say that they are butt enhancing? They really are.

I simply must share that Uniqlo hems pants and denim free of charge, even at these low prices. Pants are usually ready in one week. Now that is just ridiculously fabulous customer service.

Two of my readers (and dear friends) thanked me for turning them on the to the Uniqlo +J Collection by sending me modeling photos of their new +J shirts (inspired by my Monday Outfit posts, no doubt). I know that these shirts are just the tip of the iceberg of what they purchased over several return trips. Thanks J & G!

I would love to receive photos like these from my readers of outfits they love. Keep them coming!

I found these two slim fit blazers. The quality is outstanding when one considers the $129.50 USD price tag. Both are fully lined with three button (non-working) cuffs. The fit is very slim, with very high armholes and short body (but not crazy, trendy short).

The single breasted, two button, peak lapel, double vented Wool Flannel Blazer in Navy is 90% Wool/10% Nylon. It is such a dark Navy that I thought it was Black until I looked at the label to write this post. It is a heavier weight flannel with a soft nap that can double as lightweight outerwear. The subtle peak lapel sits high on the blazer and is neither narrow or wide---just perfect and totally modern. It looks fabulous with the collar turned up.

The single breasted, two or three button, notch lapel, double vented Wool Blazer in Dark Grey (I wore this yesterday) is 98% Wool/2% Spandex and is much lighter weight with a slightly more traditional vibe. There is actually a third button, which is sort of hidden behind the lapel, which is a Jil Sander signature, that can make the blazer a three button, which I will only use if I turn the collar up. For the most part, I hate three button jackets. This is your classic Grey Suit Jacket with a very slim/modern fit with a touch of stretch.

These are wardrobe staples that should last for years. Everyone should have a Navy and Grey blazer in their closet.

I was so impressed with the Uniqlo +J collaboration that we went three times and bought quite the haul. I'm going to have to break it down into several posts.

Let's start with the shirts. They are all slim fit and have working gauntlet buttons.

The stretch cotton broadcloth solids are 97% Cotton and 10% Lastol. Lastol (DOW XLA) is a premium stretch fiber from Dow used for non-iron shirts by Brooks Brothers and other manufacturers looking for shape retention and a bit of stretch. I chose Navy, Dark Purple and Dark Brown. They are extremely comfortable with amazing color saturation---perfect for under a blazer or cardigan and they even came with collar stays.

The two denim shirts in Charcoal and Navy are 100% Cotton--sort of an updated working man aesthetic with button down collars---they have a subtle elegant sheen. More casual than the broadcloth, but not so much so that I wouldn't wear them with a blazer--even more fitted than the broadcloth.

Finally, the check twill 100% Cotton flannel shirt is ultra soft with a subtle nap in a sophisticated palette of Black and Grey with Sky Blue accent---again, a working man look updated with a modern fit and traditional button down collar. I would wear this in the same situation as the denim shirt--a bit more casual, but not exactly lumberjack material.

All of the shirts cost an amazingly low $39.50 USD.

Update: I returned and found a Black Broadcloth shirt in my size for a total of 7! New shipments seem to arrive daily, so it is not too late to get your own +J.

Mark, this is for you. I was wearing all black today so I took the opportunity to take a quick modeling shot of the Lewis Leathers Lighting jacket I wrote about for an entire week here.

I bought a lot of basic black this season and I wanted something with a little color to help brighten up my wardrobe. I've always admired the Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf, but I thought that if I wasn't the first to get one, then I didn't want to be the last. Ultimately, I decided that it is a bit of a New Classic and gives an edge to my Fall look. The sheer silk chiffon drapes beautifully and the dark burgundy and black colorway makes it difficult to "read" the skulls, which is fine by me. Better late than never. Thank you Barneys NY.

While I am eagerly awaiting the Uniqlo +J collection, I could not resist this adorable black watch plaid wool melton pea coat from Uniqlo. The cut and quality are amazing for $99.50 USD (no sales tax in NY because it is under $110!). I tried on the black and red and Eric convinced me that it looked too "barn". I even picked one up for him in Navy. Also available in Charcoal Grey and a Grey Prince of Wales check. I bought an XS, so consider going a size down.

The much anticipated Jil Sander and Uniqlo collaboration will be in store October 1st. I can't wait to see how her design aesthetic has evolved since departing her eponymous label after she sold it to Prada Group. Jil Sander, the brand, is now designed by Raf Simons, the talented Belgian designer and is no longer owned by Prada. I am sure that "+J" is undoubtedly being used because Jil Sander no longer has the right to use her name.

From the website images, her razor sharp, modern tailoring is obviously evident. Her commitment to Luxury, Purity, Quality and Basics is even in the text. I can't wait to see everything.

Link here.

I attended the luncheon for Dries Van Noten at Cipriani 42nd Street, where he was honored with the 2009 Award for Artistry of Fashion by the Couture Council Advisory Committee, whose members include Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at F.I.T.; Pamela Golbin, curator of the Musée de la Mode; and Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York, among others.

I was also attended the Q&A for students of FIT, which was an intimate affair with less than 100 students present. I asked only one question, "You strike me as the sort of person who does not shop very much. But, I wonder which designers, besides yourself, that you purchase at retail?" I was surprised at Dries' answer. He said that he loves to shop, to see what is new and what is offered by other designers and to explore the environment of retail. He did admit that he is likely to only wear his own clothes, but mostly out of laziness. One visit to his warehouse and he is all set. At least we have shopping in common.

At the end of the Q&A, I was honored to personally meet Dries Van Noten and Dr. Valerie Steele. It was so exciting to meet someone that I have admired for so long.

Every once in a while something comes along that is too good to resist. These classic Martin Margiela pull on boots in dark brown vegetable tanned calfskin are exactly that. The leather is soft and sumptuous with darker degrade details on the heel and toe. This type of leather will age beautifully. Small scuffs can be blended in by just rubbing with your fingertips. I found them on ebay for less than a third of the retail price. They look surprisingly good with my jeans tucked in and are extremely comfortable. Even our Jeff Koons Puppy admires them.

Available on November 13th in the US, these are the latest photos of the Jimmy Choo for H&M Men's Shoe collection. Two styles of boots: a tough, urban casual Motorcycle style and a sleek, elegant dressy Chelsea boot. Perfect.

The Burberry Portrait t-shirt for Fall/Winter '09 is produced in a beautiful grey cotton wool blend that is semi-sheer and has long sleeves. Available at Burberry Worldwide $325 USD.

Zara is a favorite "inspired by" brand of mine that re-interprets runway looks at incredibly low prices. The fit and quality are very good, considering the cost. I tend to avoid buying direct copies, as I feel they are of questionable taste and are ultimately unfair to the original creators.

This Zara t-shirt is clearly "inspired by" the Burberry Prorsum one above, but it is not a direct copy. I will probably wear it with a vest or under a black cardigan. Notable differences include: larger portrait, more youthful subject, silver accents, v-neck, 100% cotton, etc. Zara portrait t-shirt, grey 100% cotton, short sleeves, $29.90 USD.

I want some dressy black boots. I also want to be 6 feet tall, so here's my pick of the best high heeled men's boots this season. Dior Homme: Classic chelsea zip boot with a semi-pointed toe box and a 2" heel. YSL Zabriskie Boot: Classic chelsea zip boot with a more pointed toe box and a 2" heel. Dsquared2 Spat Boot: 2" chunky heel with a curved up round toe box. YSL Jonny boot: The highest of them all and a Tom Ford tenure design, 2 1/2" heel with a sleek narrow square toe box and brogue detail. Alexander McQueen Brogue Boot: 2" chunky heel with a curved up round cap-toe with brogue detail.