Gifted Gitman.

Yesterday Chris Olberding, creative director of Gitman Vintage, surprised me with a gorgeous hot pink plaid flannel shirt from Gitman's FW2009 collection. Not only was I thrilled to own my first piece by the storied label, I was also relieved to have something to wear to last night's lineup of holiday parties.


Gitman's shirts, crafted in beautiful Ashland, Pennsylvania and inspired by well-culled archives, are built for gents, but their narrow cut makes them ideal for ladies like me to steal. My wish for 2010 is to amass a small fortune in this American-made Technicolor plaid.

Against a sea of little black dress-bedecked ladies, I stood out at Butter, where I joined friends to support Guest of a Guest and the Tug McGraw Foundation's efforts to aid victims of brain tumors and trauma brain injuries. My dear friend Kate, shown above, joined me in killer vintage leather pants by Gap.

I think the key to wearing menswear-inspired looks like mine is to pile on the bright lipstick and jewelry. You'll never see a gentleman with a red lip or a bauble-stacked wrist or a neck draped in Lucite. I go wild with costume gems because, as a filly, I just can. 

To compliment my Gitman flannel, I also sported the following pieces, all by J. Crew:

• White vintage slim jean (to really make that pink POP)
• Gold laser-cut leather belt (no longer sold)
• Estate link bracelet (stacked one on top of the other)
• Golden ropes necklace
• Chandelier necklace (no longer sold)
• Harper crackle-metallic platform heel
• The ubiquitous boyfriend fatigue jacket

This shirt will look equally awesome next spring and summer when I pair it with cut-off denim shorts, Ray-Ban aviators, and a stiff, cold, rocks margarita. Or maybe belted over a chambray sun dress if I feel "formal".

Many thanks to Chris and Gitman Brothers for the gorgeous shirt.

L.L. Bean debuts its Signature Collection.

On Wednesday night I visited Hosfelt Gallery to celebrate the launch of L.L. Bean's Signature Collection. The line, designed by Alex Carleton, founder of Rogues Gallery, features ready-to-wear and accessories inspired by the brand's formidable history as our country's (and especially Maine's) preeminent outdoor outfitter. SupermodelMaggie Rizer (who became my first mannequin crush upon viewing her in, fittingly, a New England-themed spread in Vogue's February 2000 issue) serves as the face of the campaign.

This photo comes courtesy of James Wilson of Secret Forts. The peep-toe brogues are, obviously, mine. The nail polish is "Kennebunk-port" by OPI.

In a brightly lighted corner, past the inspiration board (as pictured below) and the oyster bar (built into an old canoe), a coterie of impeccably dressed bloggers swapped war stories and fabric swatches. I felt very, very honored and humbled to be part of this group - many of whom I have followed and admired as they built their mini style empires on the worldwide web. Among the dapper to whom I was newly introduced are Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean; Kate Jones, designer of Ursa Major jewelry (and previously at Rogues Gallery) and Freemans' hostess with the mostest; the electric and impossible-to-track-down Foster Huntington of A Restless Transplant; Emil and Sandy Corsillo of the Hill-Side; Kyle Hackett of Selectism; Sean Sullivan of The Impossible Cool; and Randy Goldberg and fellow Missouri alum Paul Underwood, both of Urbandaddy. Of course everyone present sported their all-American finest, but this boys' club (and Kate) took the Trad cake.

The collection itself was a mix of staid separates and all-American extras. I suppose the timeless quality was an homage to L.L. Bean's Waspy lineage, but Carleton spruced things up with contemporary Trad styling. Topsiders, Boat 'n Totes, and sneakers all stole the spotlight from chic but practical outfits, a madras shirtdress (which could have been a contender if not for the absence of some mysterious "It Factor", which Max and I debated but could not for the life of us identify), and an enviable Breton striped sweater, worn with shorts and TOMS.

The models appeared sufficiently bored, as models often do.

As usual I found the menswear far more inspiring: a particular pair of Nantucket red shorts set my heart aflame, as did a mishmash of blazers and button-downs. Nip in the waists, add some heels to those bluchers, and pass me a (bright red) lipstick. I'll make the boys' duds cocktail-worthy faster than you can say, "Lake Androscoggin."

Post-show we swilled and were swell at the Ace Hotel's gorgeous new bar, which cemented its status as my new favorite place in all of New York City when I looked up to find an enormous American flag nailed to the wall. If you visit (and you should) order an old-fashioned and the grilled cheese sandwich. You'll probably see me there, dancing on tables in my favorite winter whites (and the Boyfriend Fatigue Jacket).

Many thanks to Max Wastler for extending me the invitation to this swishy and long-awaited event. Check out more coverage and photos at All Plaid Out, Guest of a Guest, and Secret Forts.

Brooks Bros & Mad Men

On Tuesday I joined Max Wastler of All Plaid Out at Brooks Brothers' Madison Avenue flagship to celebrate the launch of their capsule collaboration with Mad Men. The limited line of suits created by Emmy-winning series costume designer Janie Bryant will be available through the end of the series' season.

Stepping off the elevator and into the label's second floor suit department was like stepping back in time. Tie clips and slick hair abounded, and the duds looked great (if a little safe, but that's fine with me. I have little need for fops and dandies and prefer my men traditional(ly dressed)).

For a much more informed analysis of the suits and the talent behind them, visit All Plaid Out.

My eye, however, was not on lapels and pinstripes, but on the guests present - almost all the young gents who work at Sterling Cooper. Salvatore! Campbell! Oh my lands! Outfitted in Brooks' finest they seemed perfectly "in character", save for artfully mussed hair. Michael Gladis' beard and Vincent Kartheiser's hipster shag, for example, were quite post-modern (although my phone number exchange with Vincent so that I might set him up with a dear friend was decidedly more old-fashioned). Draper and Sterling must have been at a board meeting because I searched and could not find them. Undeterred I knocked back another dirty and shot some stick with Kinsey and the boys. This good girl has gone Mad.