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.

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.

Pharrell loves Hermès and has debuted his luscious Fog Grey Matte Crocodile Hoodie from the ultimate Luxury House's Fall/Winter 2008 Collection on his blog. I remember seeing this piece at the Madison Avenue Hermès flagship about a year ago. I wondered who would be fortunate and daring enough to wear a $75,000 USD hoodie (price approximate). Well, I finally have my answer. Just promise to keep it out of the rain! Ironically, though the reptiles spend most of their lives in water, after being tanned, crocodile skin (particularly matte) is permanently marked by water exposure.

Original blog post here.

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.

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 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.

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.

The Duckie Brown Men's show was a bit challenging, pushing a new silhouette of bubble shaped shorts. I didn't care for those, but I did love these looks from the talented team for Spring/Summer 2010. The jersey jacket looks so relaxed and comfortable. I love a belted Safari Jacket and the sheer printed shirt is gorgeous.

It was all attitude and sex at the Spurr Men's Spring/Summer 2010 presentation. Reminiscent of Tom Ford's early years at Gucci and influenced by the photography of Helmut Newton, these sexed up, yet perfectly tailored looks elegantly whispered of early 70s London Playboy. The best part is that Spurr did not get stuck in retro costumes. These looks were totally modern and one of my favorite NY collections. I would wear almost every look on the runway.

While I found the palette oddly dark for the warmer months, I did find some beautiful looks from Rag & Bone's Spring/Summer 2010 Men's show. They have move on from their military inspired looks to create something for sophisticated urban civilians.

I had a hard time choosing my favorite looks from Robert Geller's inspiring NY Spring/Summer 2010 Men's presentation. The proportions, fabrics and palette are fantastic. I love the tone on tone dressing in multiple shades of the same color. Fresh striped pants look smart.

My favorite looks from another talented NYC based designer, Richard Chai. I've seen a lot of sleeveless jackets lately, or is it a long vest? More of the double breasted jacket, which is being carried over from Fall/Winter--this jacket is more shapely, with high armholes and a noticeably shorter length. I love the sheer sweater and I wonder what the fabrication is like.

These are my favorite looks from Phillip Lim's fantastic Spring/Summer 2010 Men's show. I just realized that they are all monochromatic. Great bag and shoes as well.

To end a week that was all about Dries Van Noten, Brenda, my lovely SA at Barneys NY, gave me a copy of the Dries Van Noten Look Book for Fall/Winter '09/'10. Here are some images within the charming blue cloth bound book. Setting the scene are images of the show location: Place du Colonel Fabien, Paris, France. The architectural inspiration is evident in the uniquely austere collection for the designer. Kudos to Dries for casting an Asian model.