Look 'ma, I'm a football star!

It's the middle of fashion weeks the world over. And everywhere you turn, there's coverage of what we'll all be wearing next fall. I'll be back in the coming weeks with my favorite looks from the collections, but for now, all I want is warm weather! The smorgasbord we've been getting in NY has been frustrating. We get something new every day. Now, it's a bit of a wintry mix of rain and snow.

So I dream of calmer climes. I want it to be warmer so I can stop wearing heavy knits and jackets. Once we do reach the drier, hotter weather, I'll be back to  shorts, blazers and the like. I'll need to be creative and resourceful, because I've placed myself on a budget. I realize my spending has been out of control. I'll be more judicious with purchases while having more fun with what I have now.

Something I'm really coveting? This Anzevino & Florence shirt.

It has everything I like in a garment: a simple silhouette with quirky details. I can already picture how well this will blend into my wardrobe. One day it will be with denim cut-offs; another day with trousers. It's called the football tee, because of the incredible lacing on the shoulders. Amazing! 

(Photo credit: I don't like Mondays)

SHOE ENVY

Everytime I go to Europe, I become gripped with jealousy. Shoes there are just a lot more fun. The extensive selection of men's footwear completely trumps what I've come to realized is a paltry offering here in the US -- even in New York. Sure, some of these labels are available online, but I don't mess with shopping for shoes on the net. It's just not as enjoyable, and sizing is always tricky. I'm often between sizes, and I don't really want to order two or three different pairs. And again, there is no greater joy than purchasing an amazing new pair of shoes in person. NO GREATER JOY.

In any case, I've been stalking the amazing British label Mr. Hare for a number of months now. I often visit their site to check on new styles, and the spring 2010 collection is just jaw-droppingly amazing. Sadly, they are not distributed in the US at all. So, I shall have to stick to drooling over my laptop until I make it to London, or any of the other cities where they are sold. Bah. Sadness all around.

Below are my favorite styles for spring.

This one here is the FELA, and as you can see it's made with one cut of leather. I've yet to own a pair that's of a single cut, and I would love it if this were to be the one.  They also offer the PACHECO which is the same shoe but a Brogue.

How incredible is the BARRETTO? I love the leather and suede combination, and the cut-outs will offer ventilation for super-hot summer days. I can see it with a great white shirt and too-short shorts.

Saddle shoes are classic in every way. And the black and white JERRY LEE offers, per the site (and considering how much these things cost, I'm going to go ahead and believe them), perfect construction and unbelievable comfort.

For the rest of the collection, check out the site. Right now, you can only buy them in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Singapore -- and oki-ni.com. Darn my life!

(Photo credit: Mr Hare)

TIE DYE GROUND HOG

So that damn ground hog predicts six more weeks of winter. How depressing. It is mind-numbingly cold in New York -- I can barely stand it.

There's plenty to look forward to once warm weather is here. I can play more tennis; I can wear shorts again; and I won't need a coat to hide my outfits. As I mentally prepare myself for Spring, I can't help but reference the SS 2010 Menswear collection from famed Italian label Bottega Veneta. I remember seeing it on Men's Style (before it became GQ.com) for the first time, and my visceral reaction was entirely too spiritual. I loved everything about it. The colors and silhouettes were fantastic. It was masculine with just enough whimsy to make it absolutely magical. And the accessories? Amazing.

I will try my hand at being this Bottega man. I feel that I have the basics to make it work like the penny loafers, a large bag, scarves, etc. The colors are easy enough, too. But here's what I need to really personify the collection:

1. tie dye sweaters
2. shiny shorts
3. statement making weekender
4. floral print shorts (I don't think I can rock that print on full length pants)
5. a varsity jacket or safari jacket

I'm gonna try the usual suspects: Uniqlo, H&M and Urban Outfitters first. I hope to be this man full-time when my birthday rolls around in May.

Bonne chance a moi.