The Hamptons, Meet RRL

If you read Elle Decor, you may be familiar with a shortlist each issue, where they ask some design-savvy individual the "12 things he/she can't live without." Well, the December issue of Elle Decor features John Derian, a New York artist turned designer, who converted an East Village shop into a showcase for his eclectic creations. His expanding business includes a textiles annex and soon-to-be opened antique-and vintage- furniture showroom in Manhattan, as well as a summer outpost in Provincetown, Massachusetts. You may have also seen his name on a capsule collection for Target and a line of upholstered seating. In other words, this man has it going on. His taste is relatively impeccable. If you are wondering what the hell this has to do with anything, I just thought I would fill you in on the rabbit trail I followed to arrive at this post.

So here it is... in the fashion of flawless taste, Derian lists RRL clothing by Ralph Lauren as his #3 in the shortlist of 12. The following photos are of the relatively new RRL in East Hampton. Even though I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of Ralph Lauren, RRL is undeniable. I think I am drawn to this line because it is demonstrative of the real Ralph Lauren; Ralph Lauren the man, an icon of american fashion, not Ralph Lauren, a label on an irregular polo at TJ Maxx. As you can see by the fabulous photos, this is less prep and more americana, which suits me just fine. Anyway... I dare you not to drool. The exterior is enough for me, let alone the brilliant interior. Simply beautiful. -ian

All images by Brian Berman, courtesy of A Continuous Lean.

Acne A/W '08 Fashion Show

I thought it would only be right to give you a look into one of my very favorites in fashion (and further confirmation that I LOVE Sweden): ACNE. Above is the A/W '08 Collection in two parts. Take a moment to admire the simplicity and detail in every garment. They are the kind of company that makes me want to blow my entire fashion budget for a season on one outfit. I wouldn't mind wearing it every day. The problem is... what would I wear when I have to take it to the cleaners? -ian

Quintessential New England: The Home of Alex Carleton

Images courtesy of A Continuous Lean
Men's Vogue was wise enough to do a spread on Rogues Gallery (see our first post) creator Alex Carleton's stunning home in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. In the article, Carleton discusses his inspiration for the brand. The pictures really speak for themselves--Carleton is a man of authenticity when it comes to creating a company like Rogues Gallery. For years I've admired Rogues as a brand for taking cues from a dusty, mysterious maritime past. Now, after seeing this article, I love them even more. Plus, where do I move in? I could honestly spend hours exploring this man's house. It looks like the beginning to a great adventure! -ian

This Season's "It" Handbag

If Sex and the City was still filming, I'm sure that SJP would have shed her designer bags this season and replaced them with this season's "It" accessory, the reusable shopping bag. Some bags like the Feed bag are reusable and also raise money for a good cause. Some bags make a statement (literally) like the bags from Greenhome, or inject a little glamour into green like this one from ScoopNYC. Then there is this super cool bag from Hable Construction that could double as a decorative accessory. Lets lose the Prada and try something with a soul! -dann

The Moment's Fave Fashions

Images from OAK
I could die. These are examples of the wares of some of my new favorite brands: Endovanera, Unconventional, Alex & Chloe, B. Son, Anzevino & Florence, and Corpus. The highly avant-chic sweats by Corpus are pictured with the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Tatami Apollo Sandals - a striking combination. The beautiful Anzevino & Florence scarf and tank change color when activated by heat. Everything else speaks for itself. If you have the $$ and fast fingers, these are all a click away at OAK. The only problem will be getting them before they're gone, which is far from easy. -ian

It's All About The Accessories

Images from Rogues Gallery
Men love their accessories too, which is why we love Rogues Gallery. They do this New England Gothic thing that we are really into right now. Although Rogues make it very difficult to choose, their marine bags and jewelry are especially drool-worthy this summer season. (Of note, the bags are handmade in Portland, Maine from vintage sail cloth. Very cool.) Do yourself a favor and check out their lookbook for spring here. A very limited selection of their bags and nautical themed jewelry is available locally at Posh Boutique, 1809 21st Ave. S. or here. -ian