//Acrimony

We’re starting a new feature on the blog called WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO…?. It’s exactly what you think it is. Answers to the everyday plaguing question of what you should wear to specific events. Every day seems to be a special day, with a specific event you’ve tailored yourself to. If you are ever in need of inspiration for an event no one seems to talk about, we’ll cover it. Some examples of what’s to come: WSIWT “meeting my GF’s parents,” WSIWT “the work BBQ,” WSIWT “the first date that’s not supposed to be a date,” WSIWT “the job interview at the non-corporate office,” and other ridiculous (but possible) scenarios where you just don’t know what to wear. Today’s post:

#WSIWT a casual outdoor wedding?

Wings + Horns Jersey Suit, Gitman Bros Vintage Chambray Shirt, Wings + Horns Sneakers, MAKR Shopper Tote. HERE»

Very few things are certain about the future. Lucky for you, I have a crystal ball and it’s speaking to me about your closet.

Peep a few SURE things about A/W12:

Bomber Jackets. The store is stocked with lightweight bomber jackets for Spring. Fall will require a heavier fabric. What about a bright orange snake print bomber?! If you can’t handle that madness, turn to a classic. (Minimarket // Alex Wang)

Cropped Turtlenecks. Lots of layering this Fall, as per usual. Think about pairing all the jumpsuits you bought for Spring with chunky knit turtlenecks in cropped fashion. (Back by Ann-Sofie Back // Rodebjer)

Neoprene Fabric. Wetsuits aside, the use of Neoprene stretch fabric hasn’t made much of an impression since the 90s. Imagine a party frock or these platforms to add texture in that cushie way. (Jeffrey Campbell // Alex Wang)

Sneakers. Spikes, studs, fur all up on your sneakers for Fall. Think about how to make what you already own seem sporty-cool, not sporty-Spice. Adding a good pair of sneakers makes it easy. (LD Tuttle)

Sleeve Accessories. Bracelets, stretchy materials, anything well-fashioned that can also double as a sleeve accessory. Every Swedish designer was using fasteners to keep the sleeves at 3/4 length. I think this one from Lady Grey will do double duty as it’s SO amazing even on its own.

Beanies. We’ll have a ton of beanies to choose from when Fall rolls around. But a beanie that stands straight up? That’s what you need. (Sunghee Bang)

Spikes! Go the glamourous route. Fall will bring back the spike, classy as all get down. Joomi Lim is remaking her classic spike bracelets in new colors, and introduced a spiked cuff that will blow you away. Jeffrey Campbell is making a hidden wedge sneaker (a la Marant) with a spiked counter. Probably not airport safe. (Joomi Lim // Jeffrey Campbell)

Looking forward to seeing time fly~

We were hyperventilating as we unpacked the new spring collection from VEDA because we had instant flashbacks to falling in love with these pieces in the showroom. It’s all classic VEDA (super soft leather; bad-ass, forward styling; killer fits; comfy ribbed sleeves) but there’s something really polished and refined about how Lyndsey’s newest pieces feel. There’s always been a tough edge to the collection, but these spring pieces are as elegant as they are edgy. As always, these guys go fast, so if you want to make sure you have the sickest leather jacket in town this season, get them while they’re hot.

The Cezanne Jacket

Who knew leather, linen, and silk would get along like the best of friends? We know one Mademoiselle who might be shocked (or is it pleased?) at the thoroughly un-girly style of this round-collared jacket. Hidden hooks-and-eyes, four pockets, and slightly flared open cuffs give this classic style a totally downtown feel.

The Washington Trench

We love the idea of a classic staple, but we hate the feeling of buying something just because it’s a “classic” and getting the most boring, lifeless version of it out there. Everybody needs a trench, but nobody needs the same trench as a million other women, so try the Washington instead. A double-breasted twill body gives it that classic look while cozy leather sleeves and a black contrast leather belt make it look like anything but another off-the-rack copy.

The Max Classic Leather Jacket

An absolute must for every girl, the motorcycle jacket is one of those pieces that’s an instant pick-me-up for whenever you’re having a hard time getting dressed in the morning. VEDA’s Max has been a perennial favorite at Acrimony for years and this season’s light and buttery lambskin version is lined in silk for a particularly weightless feel. Fitted to feel like a glamorous second skin, we’re waiting for these to disappear like they always do.

All VEDA pieces are available to buy online HERE and are sitting in store, waiting to be taken home, at Acrimony.

I’m not usually one for writing about big brands, but the buzz around Cole Haan’s LunarGrand wingtip has got me thinking about how comfy and worn in my Cole Haan oxfords have become since I bought them 3 years ago. They launched the Nike Air pump for the ladies a few years back, and while lacking in the style department imo, the comfort was definitely there. Leave it to Nike to figure out how to turn a 4-inch pitch into walking on clouds. The same has been done here  with the LunarGrand.

A classic dress brogue designed by Cole Haan, built upon an ergonomic Lunarlon outsole made by Nike. It looks pretty snazz…and considering I’m taking the turn for comfort this Spring, these big brand shoes are style approved. $248, available exclusively at the Cole Haan SoHo store.

Marcus says:

One of the best things I’ve ever experienced was sitting on a rooftop  with a cold drink stashed in a can of soda and peeking into the Greek Theatre watching Stevie Nicks do a solo show. My love for everything about her, from the scarves on her half-moon tambourine to the long hair to her ridiculous voice is deep and true. When this shirtdress, I instantly thought about her singing and twirling on stage. Do up all the buttons for a demure look or undo them up to your thigh for a graceful (and slightly wicked) slit that lets the skirt billow and float around you. The included slip and belt makes it easy to wear on its own, but my favorite thing is to wear it open over other pieces and let it wrap around you like mist on a dark night. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to write your own hit song while you’re wearing it!

The Addison Story, Chiffon Maxi Dress, $346 $173

The Travel Diary Continues in Paris. Peep just a preview of what’s to come for Fall:

I was lucky enough to have Marcus with me this time around. It’s really helpful to have someone dedicated and willing enough to travel with me and spend every waking minute in my presence. It’s no easy feat. Crepes make it a little easier:

Tranoi was our first stop, we really fell in love with this Italian sweater line run by some Japanese folks in Florence. Varsity style merino wool cardigans with these happy animals…we had never seen anything like it.

CA4LA also shows at Tranoi, it’s the only way to see them outside of Japan and London. There will be some really cool hats in store for Fall. A wool covered fedora may be in your future.

One of the most interesting things we found during our entire trip in Paris was this fragrance line, Pot-Pourri d’Apothicaire. They specialize in infusing fragrance into crystals and lava rocks. They work just like potpourri but WAY more elegant and sophisticated. Among our favorite fragrances: Tobacco, Figue, Amber and Szechuan Tea. Of course, the home fragrance comes packaged in this amazing (heavy ass**) iron tin. As soon as I figure out how to ship something like this to the US, it will be top shelf in both shops. 

We saw some cool shoes at the Opening Ceremony showroom. The guys are really gonna dig on these bad boys. (that little Lanvin foot is mine)

Exciting news! We’re bringing back Odyn Vovk for AW12. With nods to non-seasonal basics like the OV hoodie and Curve Seam T’s, we saw subtle updates in our favorite OV pieces. Be on the lookout for heavy 20 oz fleece outerwear, washed twill cocoon shirts and waxed canvas jackets. Overall the collection looked amazing. Bravo!

Oh hey, dessert!

DRKSHDW was as good as ever. The seasonal color was sky blue, a color I normally despise, but I quite liked it in the accessories.

I really appreciate how well designed each DRKSHDW piece is. So well designed that it can live in a collection for seasons on end, with only changes in fabrication. His jackets have become so identifiable that he’s created a style people refer to as “very Rick.” Every fashion dude in Paris is “very Rick.”

Hey, budddddy.

Off to see Henrik Vibskov. I’ve been following Vibskov since before opening Acrimony. Wild cuts, strong use of patterns and colors, very true to Danish styling. I’m excited that we’ll finally be carrying it in the shop. Bright socks and accessories for those less daring, or long oversized coats for those that can pull it off.

Me? This FUZZY WUZZY has my name all over it.

In between appointments and tradeshows, I was left pretty disappointed with French cuisine. Lucky for me, my favorite Parisian secret is a Mexican restaurant! Walk to the back, behind the kitchen at Candelaria (52 rue de Saintogne). We had tacos, nachos, and of course…MICHELADAS!!

We popped into Capsule Paris to see Chris from Gitman. Surprise! 2 fabrics we didn’t see in NY»

Then off to the MAN show where we saw P.A.M. and some other up & coming labels like Haerfest and Etudes. 

This was the first time meeting Chris, from P.A.M. They had a smashed out party (the MAN DISCO) where we drank 10euro vodka tonics with the Japanese guys from Visvim. 

The camera can’t go with us everywhere! Til future travels, au revoir!

Still, in my opinion, one of the most underrated labels in women’s fashion, BACK by Ann Sofie Back. As creative director for Cheap Monday and her own main line collection Atelje, Ann Sofie Back is busy pumping out 3 distinctly different looks. Acrimony is still among only 6 retailers in the US to represent her, remember seeing it HERE,  » HERE and HERE?  With a successful presentation in Stockholm this week, I can’t wait to actually see this collection in person. Personal favorites include the oversized mesh fabric and the heart shaped half suit. BAM!

All this talk about color and here I am, still wearing black and white. I was looking through old old photos from one of my first fashion trips to Paris. House of Holland was on the forefront of my cool brand list back then and for some reason it faded into the distance. This collection on the runway was so good, and I still covet some of these pieces (read: black furry jacket), to this day. Peep the amazing use of tonal colors, clean shapes, and crazy out there fabrics that still make sense. I have a deep, intense love for wacky designers that can make unassumingly easy pieces to wear.

House of Holland AW09:

Everyone seems to be happy at the prospect of spring weather.

acresf:

Give the gift of sweets. The fastest way to most hearts is through the stomach. This week, Pietisserie will be making Valentines Day mini pies. Try a pear cobbler, spicy pecante or classic apple crumb. Guaranteed to make any heart smile with pleasure. Call us for advanced orders or special quantities.

Introducing the LULU (no relation to this LULU>). New bright colors from Jeffrey Campbell, including our exclusive purple/blue combo.

If you read even just a few menswear blogs or publications you’ve probably seen every single new collection for Autumn 2012 released thus far. The problem with reading through 2000 posts is that half, maybe more than half of the collections are brands and looks you don’t care to see. It’s good to be educated on a broad range of designers, but I don’t think “showing at Pitti” is a simple qualifier for broadcast blogging. If you’re reading this blog, you probably like at least one brand we carry. That means you’ll really enjoy seeing this curated selection of brand previews for AW12. 

Japanese label J.S. Homestead, part of Journal Standard, put out a collection consisting of workwear favorites including more repros of the Brown’s Beach Vest. While I admire the detailing in reproduction, I really like this particular hand knit vest paired with gingham and denim classics.

Fall will be the season for knits. Chunky knit sweaters, vests, scarves, beanies, everything knit. These guys from Antwerp are making 100% wool scarves in these bold patterns. I’m really excited to add this to our brand line-up. Howlin’ by Morrison.

Fall will represent our 2nd season with ISAORA. Technical performance in the form of well designed outerwear and layering pieces proves to be one of my favorite recipes for success. Japanese Toray fabric camouflage shells, reversible PrimaLoft jackets, wool jersey henleys, and Porter collab backpacks make for a warm (good looking) winter. 

If Fall won’t be your season to splurge on an exceptional piece of outerwear, we’ll have tons of accessories to keep you fitted. Folk, born in London in 2001, has a compact offering of scarves, hats, and belts to complete your wardrobe. Available Fall 2012~

I’m excited to see that Billykirk is bringing back the laptop bag from a few seasons ago. With laptops acting as desktops and most people toting around an iPad instead, it would seem the laptop case would become obsolete. But not this one. We still get calls for this one. We’re also picking up the full leather style, and some new hats and keychains.

Robert Geller’s collection was definitely one of my favorites for AW12. He isn’t doing Seconds anymore, but you’ll see lots of basics (at good price points) infused into the main line. The concept is post-punk. The leftovers of the punk era with some subtle refinements. Polka dot shirts without the combat boots, plaids with short collars and buttoned high, shirt jackets and wide neck henleys. 

SILENT Damir Doma is surprisingly adding (more) color to the collection. On a personal level, I love the blacks and neutrals. But I guess a little color is deserving in the winter, especially in his luxe fabrications. There’s a leather jacket sub $900, an update to the Trennus hoodie, thicker cotton weights in the basic long sleeves, and a new backpack everyone is going to want. 

I also previewed the women’s collection: this long coat almost came home with me.

Gitman Brothers Vintage was just as impressive as ever. With references to 1979, we’ll see plaids from the Gitman archive as well as 1979 archival patterns from the Portuguese flannel factory. This season Gitman will also introduce the reverse brushed oxford. Brushed on one size, oxford flat on the other. And the shirts can be made with either side out. We’ll be choosing the best variants, I cannot speak for the other Gitman stockists. *wink. Also featured, a number of Japanese fabrics including chambrays, corduroy prints and selvedge poplins. Fall 2012 will represent the biggest assortment of Gitmans we’ve ever featured by season. You will not be disappointed.

As for Wings + Horns, I’m not allowed to post any images, even though they are circulating all over Hypebeast and other blogs. If you want to see images of the full range, pop into the store. In case you were wondering, it looks as good as expected for a Fall/Winter range. Lots of layering basics in updated colors (purple!) and the introduction of a camo print in shirting, polos and a bush pant style. This is the only (good/subtle) camo I’ve really seen so we’ll be buying heavy into it. The cashmere program this year is a little less “basic” with a better hand and more complex knit. You’ll be seeing a great jumper as well as cashmere blend accessories. There’s a black on black on black suede hi-top for Fall that will make your face melt off. We’ll be stocking that as well.

No trip is complete without one of these. You should know I’m obsessed with the Michelada, and have made it my mission to have one in every place I travel. This one comes from An Choi, the asian version of a Michelada made with Vietnamese beer and sriracha instead of Mexican hotsauce. Up next: Paris. Thanks for watching.

More random images from Acrimony travels on instagram»

Imagine dancing around in a semi-dark space in this number. We take the surprise out of what it’d be like. Now you really want to do it, don’t you?

VPL Bandeaux Tank Dress

Aside from the usual “work out more” “diet” new year’s resolution, I asked the staff at Acrimony and ACRE/SF to spill their new year’s fashion resolutions. Let’s keep watch to make sure there’s progress being made, no hands in the cookie jar, with fashion resolutions on track for the year. Let this be the year of no regrets…

Jenny:

1) Wear more leather: leather pants, leather sleeves, leather shoes (duh), leather backpacks, leather sunglasses, leather jewelry. Just not all together, obviously.

2) Find and wear a pair of boyfriend cut jeans that pair well with flats and heels. Have them become a staple in my wardrobe.

3) Always wear at least 3 pieces of clothing at all times, it’s not considered an outfit if you are wearing any less.

Lilly:

1) I won’t pass on any (shopping) opportunities when I see something I LOVE. I will buy and not hesitate because that just leads to regret and nightmares.

2) Own a pair of Alaia’s

3) Blog more on http://glamonthestreet.tumblr.com/ (considering the last post was Jul 21)

Marcus:

1) Try new textures

2) Explore fuller silhouettes

3) Wear jeans less often

Jared:

1) Wear more color and less black

2) Organize my life and look

3) Steer away from jeans

Isabelle:

1) Wear more dresses

2) Add more maroon to my wardrobe

3) Break in more denim

Brian:

1) Pay more attention to fit and proportion-Tailored Clothing

2) Wear bold prints

3) Buy Gitman