Foxtails

Last night Matt and I hung out with our friends Amy and Norris Fox in their SICK downtown L.A. loft (I kicked myself 1000 times for forgetting my camera, but next time it's ON). We started the night with an apéritif of Lillet blanc on the rocks with a splash of Perrier and an orange slice served in vintage whiskey glasses. Liquid heaven. I had never had Lillet on its own before, probably since it's also so good mixed into a Bond-fan's favorite, The Vesper. Lillet on the rocks is delicious, but beware friends, Lillet packs a lot more alcohol then you'd think, a whopping 17% actually, and I can attest that I feel like I've lost 17% of my brain cells this morning—and I'm sure that has nothing to do with the several generous pours of sake we had afterwards at the Vietnamese hot spot Blossom. Ouch.

Men's wedding accessories

Watches and links and shoes, oh my!
By Amy Fox, DESIGNwatcher's fashion correspondent

One of my favorite things to shop for, talk about, pair up with, save money for and spend money on, is undoubtedly the accoutrements! I've said it before and I'll say it again—it's all about the accessories. A beautiful watch, a classic pair of shoes, chic man jewels (cufflinks!) can take a more moderately priced suit (think J. Crew or H&M) and turn it into a real shining star. If you buy a classic iconic piece, you will always have a place to sport it: the office, a dinner party, the beach, or a wedding. They will never go out of style and will end up being a good investment and something to hand down to your children and grandchildren as well.

Here are some pieces I covet:

Vintage Rolexes. You can find a great selection online here or Steven Alan has a beautiful selection at their Venice shop. These watches can be dressed up or down. Wear it with your Tom Ford tux on the big day or with your beat up 501's from college. Although, maybe the gold one should be saved for special occasions only, it's a 9CT imperial Oyster from 1940's. The stainless steel is an Oyster Date Perpetual from 1950's, such pristine pieces.

Lizzie chiming in here for one sec: I am obsessed with these custom dial Rolexes from the 50s-80s. OBSESSED. So if anyone wants to get me one, I'll be your best friend for life. OK that's it. Back to Amy...


Cufflinks
Santos-Dumont cufflinks by Cartier. This style comes in many varieties—but I especially love them in in yellow gold and onyx (bottom pic). Alberto Santos-Dumont was a Brazilian aviation pioneer that proved controlled flight was possible in 1901 by circling the Eiffel Tower; he was one of the most famous men of his generation. I don't think his name-sake cufflinks will never go out of style.

Shoes
Women's shoes, Men's shoes, it's all the same. SHOES, I just adore. Here's the low down for a men's tux: Top left: Alexander McQueen's metallic Venetian green loafers ($1,085). What a beautiful pair of slip-on shoes. Perfect for the guy that's sporting the edgier look. This is for sure the shoe you wear with that custom-fitted tux—a gorgeous green that's not garish at all. Top right: John Lobb ($1500, avail. at Bergdorf Goodman). A word about John Lobb: English boot maker, started up his cobble work around the 1840's. Fans included Kings, Maharajahs, politicians, business moguls, and, this says it all, Frank and Dean. The detail on his signature oxford makes it a must-have. Bottom right: Church Alastair lace-ups (approx. $500). This patent dress shoe is a proper gent's lace up. Absolutely perfect to accompany a black tie dress code. Bottom left: Paul Smith Stan shoe (approx. $400). This formal shoe with a chisel toe front is also great for the rock and roll tux, but will also be good for a night out at the bars.

Men's wedding suiting

The first in a wedding series from DESIGNwatcher fashion correspondent Amy Fox!

Well Suited
By Amy Fox

I'm kicking it off with the gents first as I'm a big lover of men's suiting, furnishings and good ol' haberdashery. Maybe it all started when I was a window dresser at J. Crew? Anyway, I truly believe a man can buy a beautifully cut suit, tweak it out with the correct formal accoutrements and call it a day for his wedding ensemble—especially if the nuptials are more on the casual side—and why not save a buck when you can? For inspiration I always start with the above photo. Mr. Mick Jagger kills it in the style department today with the help of his current lady love, L'wren Scott as his stylist and of course in the photo with his first wife, Ms. Bianca Perez Morena De Macias. Such a perfect moment captured in such a casual way. Not staged and probably not even styled.

In regards to a modern wedding look with a vintage/British vibe, I'm a big fan of the following looks:

1. The Burberry slim fit suit which usually runs in the neighborhood of $1600. What I really think is smart about this suit isn't just the color and fabric, which is a beautiful light grey in a light-weight wool, but also that it's perfect for almost any time of year—and clearly can be worn more than just for the wedding. My favorite detail in any suit is the double vent in back, which this one has.

2. Paul Smith waistcoat made from hounds tooth check wool with a notch lapel (approx. $400). My advice when it comes to Paul Smith is to not buy online. You should really go to one of his shops, have a look around, chat up a sales gent and get properly fitted. He does men's suiting with such flair and love for detail, you really can't go wrong. Always timeless and tasteful.

3. The Banana Republic khaki suit (approx $500). This suit is so chic and simple, it's practically a blank canvas. Jazz this up with a Brioni or Prada tux shirt with pleats, a vintage waistcoat, a dark toned neck or bow tie (maybe in midnight navy, dark steel gray or hunter green silk satin), throw on some patent leather lace-up's and you've got a really smart look with that rocker edge. Plus you can take this suit on your honeymoon, pair it with a worn-in tee, some slip-on Vans and head on over to your first brunch as married sweeties! Have a bloody or two for me!

Stepping up the sneaker

A new installation from DESIGNwatcher fashion correspondent, Amy Fox!

Stepping up the sneaker
By Amy Fox

Sure everyone loves their favorite Chuck Taylor's, Jack Purcell's, Stan Smith's, Rod Laver's and Vans, but when you're ready to step-in to something a little more serious, check out some of the new wardrobe staples of the well-heeled. Counter-clockwise from top: Common Projects ($332 as shown) is making some of the most stylish sneakers out there right now. Above is their version of a cutting edge take on the classic hightop. I also love how their label signature is only the article number, color and size code stamped in gold on the heel. Supergas ($80 and up) are the must-have Italian sneaker. You can chose from hundreds of colors and patterns, but the original design dates back to the 1920s. Spring Courts (about $90) have been around since 1936 and claim to be the original white shoe. Perhaps the best way to describe them is the French Chuck Taylors—they revolutionized the game of tennis like Converse did to basketball; of course now they're a big hit with musicians like Thom Yorke and fashion icons like Kate Moss—who wears them with a wide leg trouser suit and simple tank. Very classic and very chic. Their website is not yet up for online shopping, but you can order them via phone from Steven Alan in Venice (310-452-3413) or from their Nolita shop in NYC (212-226-7482).