Diary No.3- The Fall/Winter 24 Wishlist

Dear Reader,

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the Fall/Winter Season is a truly exciting one during the year for fashion lovers. You may begin to think of the variety of colors that exist around you throughout this time, especially if you live in an area where the autumnal shades make the landscape look like it is consumed in beautiful flames. This may inspire you to see what tones of chocolate browns, mustard yellows, and oxblood (I don't know why, but I feel so refined when saying "oxblood") you may want to add to your collection. You may think of the layering accessories such as ties, scarves, or hats you want to sport as you stroll with a coffee in hand the lovely (and during this time not so smelly) streets of New York City, or any lovely area you call home. So to continue inspiring you to build the stunning Fall/Winter wardrobe you have in mind (and to encourage you not to shy away from using non conventional autumn or winter colors), here go my 5 wish list items for the Fall/Winter of 2024.

Elmhurst Light Gray Cinnamon Stripe Alpaca and Wool Ferla Suit (Suit Supply via Suit Review)

The moment I stumbled across this stunning suit on the Suit Review Website I truly fell in love. I can just imagine this styled with a rust colored turtle neck and some lovely loafers in a beautiful cognac shade (and why not some whimsical socks for personality, I am partial to cats) which would truly highlight the cinnamon colored chalk stripe details of this suit. It would truly make a statement and contrast beautifully with the fall colors around you. The best part is you do not have to shell out large sums of money at your nearest suit supply. This suit is currently available for just $599 USD on the suit review website which sources NWT or new condition suit supply pieces, selling them at more palatable price points. If there is a piece not in your size they will also custom order for you, which may be what I have to do myself.

Queens Crest Loafer

Aimè Leon Dore is one of those brands that have successfully created a feeling of luxury and exclusivity. These classic and yet statement loafers are a clear example of that. With the cream color contrasting the chocolate brown of the upper tab and the dark forest green of the rest of the shoe, you will no doubt turn heads and complete the most stately of outfits. To top it all off there is a small crest in the shape of the brand's logo that completes the look, setting these loafers apart from all others. It is all in the details, and for what they are (crafted in the finest of leather), they are reasonably priced at $395 USD.

Leather Hardcase Crossbody Bag

Also hailing in from the fine shelves of ALD is this leather hardcase bag. To say that this has been my biggest temptation of the year, and it has taken all within my power not to just purchase this item is an understatement. It reminds me of the tiny briefcases that I used to carry when I was a child (they were my book bags, what can I say my mom liked us looking like little old men, and I miss it) and the nostalgia along with the fact it can add an elevated element to even the most casual of outfits makes it a perfect accessory. Personally I would style this with a full cream look (cream cable knit jumper, cream colored pleated wool trousers, cream sneakers, and a cream coat draped over the shoulders) with this bag in black as a contrast color it would be the perfect winter outfit! It gives me Louis Vuitton Trunk without the price tag, coming it at $595 USD.

Pure Virgin Wool Scarf

This is where I say, using colors not common in the winter is always a way to make a good statement, you can make anything work as long as you wear the clothes, not letting the clothes wear you. Chartreuse is actually a color that has become one of my favorites thanks to my style icon wife (it is her favorite color). While I personally would not wear a chartreuse piece as the main part of the outfit, I would use it as a layering accessory like a scarf or tie. This Woolrich scarf is the perfect way to add a pop of color to a more toned down outfit. I love the way it has been styled here, personally I would just drape it around my neck with an all black outfit and top it off with the bag mentioned above. This scarf is also well priced considering the larger size and the fact that it is all wool, costing around $175 USD. However a bright scarf can be found at much more accessible price points from brands like Banana Republic and even on the pre loved market. Why break the bank when you don't have too.

Men's Kensington Gabardine Trench Coat

A trench coat is an absolute must during the Fall/Winter time especially if you want to look stylish while there is a light drizzle going on. Now I have posted the Kensington Trench from Burberry which at Neiman Marcus will set you back around $2,590 USD. I love the fit of this trench which says a lot considering I am a shorter man (thanks to my Hispanic heritage) but at 5'4", this trench did not swallow me up. I personally would style this with either a simple lightweight gray sweater, black high waisted slacks, and some black sneakers or lace up shoes if I am trying to give it a dressier look. In the tan, thrown over a nice brown tweed suit, the look would be phenomenal. The beauty of a trench is that it is both versatile and practical during the rainy Autumn and Winter months. With all this said, being a gentleman does not mean buying the most expensive brands or articles of clothing. If your trench must be Burberry but you are not trying to spend upwards of thousands of dollars (which is completely understandable) then you can always look on pre loved websites such as Vestiaire Collective where they have been spotted for around $600 USD. To be honest a trench from H&M or Mango can look just as stylish and be just as practical as long as it fits right and you love it!

A wish come true

So here we go, 5 pieces from my wish list for this season that I may or may not make come true. While some of them are beautiful, I do see the importance of using my funds wisely, and as a fellow gentleman you should too. With all this in mind don't shy away from pre loved sites, vintage consignments, and unconventional colors. Take a risk, never forgetting that as a gentleman you wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you.

Yours truly,

S.E. Vega

P.S. If you are by the Westchester NY area feel free to swing by Burberry at the Westchester Mall, they have some of the nicest staff that do not hesitate to treat you like what you are, a gentleman.