Fighting Old Man Winter with Top Notch Toppers - A Selection of Fine Men's Overcoats & Jackets

Inspired by the recent dip in temperature, I felt it was a fine time to present the overcoats that I have been enamored with as of late. One must always try to keep warm and look their best while having the presence of mind to select the correct coat for the situation at hand.

Cary Grant was always styled to perfection, with an attitude and panache to match. Mr. Grant's double breasted overcoat is an example of gentlemanly style that will never go out of fashion. You can't go wrong with basic black. Below is a modernized version of the classic black double breasted overcoat from Alexander McQueen, available here.

This gorgeous military style jacket from Balmain is quite appealing to shield you from inclement weather while maintaining the perfect balance between utilitarianism and high fashion. The collar's line is a perfect frame for the face. Available here.

The red accented collar of this jacket from Yohji Yamamoto sets it apart from the pack. Delicious.

A powerful jacket with military accents from Tom Rebl. An interesting combination of tough motorcycle style with high fashion. Very sharp. Available here.

Below, a unique and extremely ornamented jacket in black from Bolongaro Trevor, the Overjoy Military trench, perfect for the rockstar in you. Available here.

A candid shot of Michael Caine reaching for his cigarette lighter in a classic trenchcoat after passing through US Customs. The man always looks pulled together, even after a transcontinental excursion.

Below is a finely cut leather trenchcoat from Valentino.

Another wonderful piece from Valentino. Absolutely loving the sheepskin coat with its slim tailoring. This is a piece of art. Now to find one, since the jacket seems to have sold out everywhere.

French musical treasure Serge Gainsbourg looks right through you in his peacoat. Perfect for those cold Parisian days and nights alongside Jane Birkin. Assez chic.



Below, an incredibly handsome peacoat with red military stripe details and golden buttons from Polo by Ralph Lauren, available here.

Below, a wool blend jacket from Polo by Ralph Lauren in a traditional Navajo pattern. A great conversation starter. Available here.

Below, the Alto from Aether Apparel. A tasteful update to the classic English quilted jacket. A perfect choice for when the situation calls for subtlety while retaining a sense of taste and garment quality. Available here.

Below, a stylish and relaxed waxed cotton wooden toggle jacket from Olivier Spencer with red rope details and a plaid lining. Excellent for the cold and rainy days around a country house. Available here.

A sharp and warm piece from iconoclast Vivienne Westwood, the internal zip coat. Great British style with high functionality and military detailing.

The Spiewak Allerton Parka. Spiewak's coats are always a nice option for a reasonable price. Many of their pieces have some design quirk that makes for an appealing look. I've picked up a few through the years. This coat is nicely tailored and is eye catching with its fur and interesting pocket details. Available here.

Illustration from the Saturday Evening Post by Ray Wilcox

Above, a grey notched lapel overcoat from Maison Martin Margiela with a concealed three button closure and a contrasting grey collar. Always interesting and always perfect due to the famous Margiela attention to detail. Available here.

Last, but not least, refined outerwear by Brioni. A fine brown cashmere jacket with a faux fur peak lapel and a rear vent. Perfect for those nights on the town in the Piazza della Repubblica.

Bonne année et bonne santé!

                             Have a delicious New Year's Eve celebration and a happy new year!

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Mr. Redford wears a scarf with appropriate panache in character as the Great Gatsby in 1974.

Two excellent statement scarves from Alexander McQueen. The first with McQueen's signature skull, available here, and the second with a gorgeous fox print, available here. Great conversation starters.

Below, a vintage French ski poster.

  Armand Diradourian scarf. Quite lively with the contrast striping.

Gloverall striped scarf.

Below, two pieces from Moncler, perfect for spending the holidays in Paris. The scarf is available here.

Christmas in Paris. 

Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in excellent seasonal attire in "The King's Speech".

Paul Leinburd for Crown Cap fur scarf with cashmere lining. Classic, warm and attractive. Gives off the air of a royal huntsman. Would look great paired with an incredible Vicuña or camelhair jacket.

Love the above pair of gloves from Dents. Love just about anything with a red accent, actually - as long as it is tasteful.

Gorgeous unisex gloves from one of Europe's finest glovemakers, Roeckl. Picked up a pair of these in Germany a few years back and they are still as good as new. I highly recommend you pick up a pair.

Tibetan flag scarf by Roda. Available at Barneys.

Johnny Depp is always dashing in a fedora and scarf. Nicely played combination of accessories.

Above, a polka dot scarf from Marni - available from Mr. Porter.

Above, a gorgeous nautical themed scarf from Valentino.

Yellow, black and white graphic scarf from Bernhard Willhelm.

Alain Delon in Paris.

Above, a wool cap with eyeglass details from CP Company. 

Above, Christmas in Gstaad.

Below, a traditional style winter cap from Comme des Garçons Shirt. Old fashioned patterns are definitely making a comeback.

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost

Ode to Fallen Leaves - Current Inspiration and Exceptional Gifts for Gents

It has been a jam-packed season, darting around from one international terminal to another with hardly enough time to get fitted for a new winter wardrobe, but I make time because style comes first and the Alps aren't going anywhere...

While lingering over a stellar Armagnac, I peruse the overwhelming gift giving options presented to me. One must think thematically when choosing the perfect gifts. For instance, this year I am thinking about Bauhaus architecture and the French avant-garde. Maybe you visited a chateau over the summer and you just can't get the Chinoiserie out of your head. Play on these aesthetic themes when choosing the right gifts and it is no longer a chore, but an adventure.

Below, a gorgeous George II style giltwood mantel mirror available from N.P. Trent antiques. This would set off a modern fireplace with incredible panache.

Magis Proust chair designed by Alessandro Mendini, romantic baroque with a modern pop of color.

Below, the Arne Jacobsen Ox Chair, 1960s. Perfect for the end of a long day.

Gemini Towers, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Howard Hughes wasn't crazy. Just eccentric. Very eccentric. I'm crazy about this camel colored fedora made by Hückel of Czechoslovakia available from PearlModern.

                                                                                                                                     

Errol Flynn looks great above in his fedora, pipe in hand.

Above, a great hat and jacket combination from GQ, 1967.

Men need to have the guts to wear the animal print jacket below. Why be overly conservative?

Below, actor Gabriel Mann of television's "Revenge" sporting two seasonal looks with style.

Bill Nighy was very impressive in the Masterpiece Contemporary spy drama "Page Eight". Intrigue and great clothes alongside excellent performances from Michael Gambon, Judy Davis and Rachel Weisz. I'll take that scarf right now.



Below, one of my absolute furniture favorites, the Milo Baughman burled rosewood and maple campaign desk. This desk is well built, looks wonderful from all angles and anchors a room. There really should be a coffee table book of Mr. Baughman's designs featuring his innovations.

This outfit was worn by Steve Buscemi while portraying the infamous Nucky Thompson on HBO's "Boardwalk Empire".  Fine period styling and still wearable today. Below, a modern take on the lapel pin from Lanvin.

The photo above depicts an outfit I would like to see Werner Herzog (pictured below) wearing.

Werner Herzog book recommendation:

One should never attempt to read a book without the proper lighting. This Tiffany Studios Damascene lamp does the trick perfectly with understated style.                                                        Available Here

Below, Alexander Skarsgård's hair looks impeccable in this photo by Inez and Vinoodh.

Yves Saint Laurent presents his stern side while finely attired.

 A gentleman's classic car. The Muntz Jet from 1953. Wonderful lines.

Above, a handsome double breasted notch lapel jacket from Hentsch Man. This could be a go to piece for any man's wardrobe.

Below, a ribbed shawl collar sweater from Maison Martin Margiela.

A wonderful holiday gift from Hermès, the Samarcande Cristal paperweight. Elegant and useful.