May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Grayers

Men's Style
#menswear, best men's accessories, chinos, grayers, men's accessories, men's cardigans, men's chinos, men's fashion, men's shirts, men's style, online shopping, online shopping picks, shopping picks, spring style, style, summer style
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Classic prep looks reinterpreted for the modern age.

Editor’s note: For more online shopping picks covering everything from great brands, gift guides and the best warm-weather blazers and shorts, head here.

With so many brands competing for limited time and money from consumers (who are ever more discerning with their purchases), the modern menswear company really has to be able to do it all across several different categories — from dressier pieces to casual tees and those in-between items, like versatile chinos. Grayers, founded by Ralph Lauren veteran Peter Georgiou, fills that niche pretty nicely for a fairly new brand. The company prides itself on classic, prep staples with a slight British edge — Grayers was the name given to gray wool flannel trousers in 1950s Britain, one of the first waves in menswear’s casual renaissance. You may recognize the brand from this site’s roundup of the best spring jackets a few months back, but the company does a lot more than outerwear. Five other pieces worth checking out from the company’s online shop are highlighted below. (Editor’s note: The brand also has some new arrivals in stock over at STAG Provisions’ Web store). Happy shopping!

#1. Belmont Slub Madras Shirt — $85

A summer plaid that uses indigo in a unique way.

For a casual shirt in a soft wash, that price is a notch above J. Crew prices. But this madras blend incorporates some bright bursts of color over an indigo yarn base, a pretty unique touch when it comes to using that deep shade of blue. It grabs the top spot on this list because it’s the perfect blend of dressy and casual — you could wear this with a lightweight navy or khaki blazer and chinos, or a pair of lightwash denim and white sneakers (sleeves rolled, of course). The lighter weight is also going to come in handy these next few months.

#2. Matthew Plaid Blazer — $131.30 (On Sale)

A sale price that makes this blazer mighty tempting.

You’d have to round up three dimes if you were paying for that blazer in cash, curiously enough. If the above shirt is a bit pricey, this plaid blazer is practically a steal at that price — we’re talking J. Crew Factory price levels here. But even at that discounted price, you get a heck of a lot of pattern in a warm-weather cotton poplin-lined jacket. It calls to mind other patterned blazers but plays down the scale of the plaid a bit. This is the kind of blazer you’d want to keep in the closet when wearing the above slub madras shirt — but with a crisp white buttondown, it’d look great.

#3. The Newport Chino in Gray — $52.80 (On Sale)

Four-season color and fabric at a manageable price.

While some of Grayers’ other chinos are running at full-price right now, this particular pair gets a fairly substantial sale knockdown. A pair of mid-gray chinos like this are often very underrated as a four-season pant — the style and fabric works with everything from a nice lightweight T-shirt in spring to a cardigan or V-neck sweater and winter boots when it gets colder. That mid-gray base would even allow you to wear the Matthew Plaid Blazer shown above, as it can anchor the bolder pattern.

#4. Marlowe Slub Pique Polo — $75

Slubby color and texture differentiate this from the typical pique color.

At full price, this polo is rather expensive when lined up against cheaper options — that much is true. This is the kind of piece that could really see lots of use in the spring and summer, though. It’s not as dressy as the Luxe-Touch polo from Banana Republic, and it’s got just a bit more character thanks to the slubby weave — but it’s still office-appropriate when paired with some crisp chinos or denim. The fit is listed as Slim, so that’s also promising, and the sand washing process should give it a unique texture.

#5. Blair Cardigan — $67.50

Design details like the shawl collar make this piece masculine and tough.

Recommending a cardigan? With warm weather on the way? Heck yes, I am — if only for the reason that the sale price here is almost too good to pass up. On top of that, the heather-grey fabric, shawl collar and double-breasted styling give it the feel of a knit blazer that you could style with everything from a T-shirt to a chambray shirt. It’s a cotton-polyester blend, so it’s not the most prime fabric combination, but the site says it’s lined in heritage flannel shirting, an added design detail that should also bring some significant warmth when temperatures start to drop — or if things get a little chiller than expected this spring.

Although this is just a cross section of the site, there are other areas worth perusing, too — including the brand’s knitwear and shorts. They’ve also put together a pretty extensive Sale section that offers up pages and pages of potential shopping picks. In the meantime, shoot me an email via the Contact page if you think I missed any key offerings!

Have you ever bought from Grayers? What are your thoughts on the brand?

May 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring & Summer T-Shirts

One of my favorite warm-weather T-shirts. Nautical printed shirt by J. Crew Factory. Navy herringbone shorts by Frank & Oak. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For more online shopping picks covering everything from great brands, gift guides and the best warm-weather blazers and shorts, head here.

A T-shirt’s a pretty simple item of clothing, right? Not too much to think about, certainly? When you look at it that way, any old graphic T-shirt will do. But so many brands and designers are upgrading this simple, iconic item of clothing with richer colors, better fabric and texture, more nuanced details and even wilder patterns that you would typically find on buttondown shirts. And that’s why it’s a better choice in this case to reach for something other than a plain ol’ white crewneck T-shirt or (particularly) a tank top. Some tanks are well-made and definitely work for some guys, but that’s beside the point — a T-shirt or short-sleeve henley just looks a bit better and could even be considered a bit more versatile. Here are five solid (non-tank) options to round out your warm-weather wardrobe.

#1. J. Crew Factory Slim Placed Stripe Tee — $24.50

An upgraded basic thanks to some small design details.

So this T-shirt will set you back a bit more than paying for a pack of classic white T-shirts — but there’s a reason for that upgraded price tag. J. Crew Factory’s quality is, by some accounts, on par with its elder sibling J. Crew when it comes to basics like this. This tee combines a slim fit with a nice shade of navy perfect for pairing with spring shorts or khaki chinos — the white, nautical-leaning stripe and chest pocket are also subtle design touches that differentiate it from a plain crewneck. Note that Old Navy has a nearly identical version of this piece for about half the price, although you lose out a bit on quality.

#2. Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley — $35

Changing up the typical crewneck or pocket T-shirt. Henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

The second option on this list isn’t a plain pocket T-shirt, to be sure, but everyone needs some diversity in their warm-weather wardrobe (this coming from a guy who’s got about three crewneck pocket tees in his closet). And a henley is a perfectly rugged way to break up the typical short-sleeve shirt rotation. This pick from Pistol Lake is as solid a choice as you’re going to get — made from soft, breathable 6 oz. jersey cotton, it’s sturdy and well-constructed. The price is a tad higher than a standard pick, but you support American-made ingenuity and attention to detail.

#3. Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Slouchier collar, rounded shirttail and a deep navy color — definitely not the standard crewneck.

For all the talk here about breaking things up visually with a solid chest pocket, sometimes there are, in fact, crewneck options sans pocket that work well. In this case, the navy crew slub tee from Buck Mason combines a slightly wider collar with an inky indigo color and slubby texture for some different visual details. The rounded hem is a touch also not seen on other T-shirts, and it’s got the kind of easygoing vibe that just works in the spring and summer. Its price, again, goes toward supporting made-in-America production, which seems to be missing a lot of places these days.

#4. Bonobos Yarn Spun Heather Printed Tee — $45

An eye-popping pattern and a rather eye-popping price, too.

A couple of things might catch your eye about this T-shirt — for one, the price is pretty darn high for a basic. And that pattern will absolutely turn some heads (it’s also available in a green floral option). Bonobos is definitely to be applauded for its commitment to breaking away from just making pants; this T-shirt in particular shows that. It’s the kind of pattern that will work for some … and might not work for others. But if you’re heading to the beach or a fun summer party, this is one way to upgrade a plain tee or tank top.

#5. Gustin Pocket T-Shirt 2 or 3-Pack — $28 or $42

Three colors of this pocket T-shirt were available in the first run. Photo courtesy of Gustin.

Now this next option here is slightly tricky owing to the nature of Gustin’s business model. The San Franciso-based, US-production-led outfit produces runs of items only when they’re 100 percent funded — so if an item funds quicker than expected (or if it doesn’t fund at all — very rare), you miss out on the chance to buy it. However, new varieties of everything from T-shirts to denim are being added nearly daily, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stock up on a 2 or 3-pack of pocket T-shirts. Currently, the company is offering up a 2-pack of black or white pocket T-shirts — that pocket is the ideal way to break up the plain-ness of a white or black crewneck, although something like heather grey would be more versatile when it’s on tap again for the brand.

In any roundup, and particularly ones involving a basic item made nearly everywhere, there are going to be some left out. Bonobos’ Yarn Spun Striped Pocket Tee in a soft-washed red is a covetable choice thanks to that sunfaded color and subtle stripes, and even Buck Mason’s Army Green Crew Slub Tee was tough to pass up. The Slub-Knit Pocket Tee from Old Navy was also a close finisher, but just missed the cut — keep in mind that places like GAP also do simple, affordably priced basics.

What’s your go-to summer T-shirt? Will you be picking up (or have you already bought) any of the above picks?

May 9, 2015December 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A trim fit and vintage details make this short-sleeve henley from Pistol Lake a winner. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

First things first — yes, that headline is correct. And no, this post isn’t a repeat! Although an outstanding long-sleeve henley from the team at Pistol Lake was featured as a style pick earlier this year, the one discussed here is in fact a completely different shirt (alright, it’s still a henley) from the same company! (In full disclosure, William, Shane and Andrew were kind enough to send me this particular piece for another post). The Los Angeles-based brand, for those who aren’t familiar, is a sportswear and vintage-inspired outfit making durable, rugged and stylish basics right here in America. The attention to detail and craftsmanship with each piece I’ve received has been second to none — and that’s something that’s not lost with this short-sleeve henley in either presentation or construction.

Attention to detail in craftsmanship and packaging from the Pistol Lake team.

It’s crafted from 6 oz. 100% cotton jersey fabric, although the weave of this shirt feels lighter and thinner (in a good way) than its long-sleeve counterpart. It’s also available in a vintage-looking, yellow-leaning white and a faded black but I went with the olive option — a perfect three or four-season neutral when layered right (say, with a spring jacket or a shawl cardigan when it’s chillier). The three-button placket doesn’t feel too flimsy or stiff, sometimes a problem when it comes to henleys. The fit is trim across the chest and through the body, and the unfinished sleeves, which can easily be rolled up slightly, are a detail that give this garment-dyed henley an even more rugged, vintage look. Details like double-stitching through the chest seams also help with a trim fit and solid construction. While it’s a bit pricier than a standard short-sleeve henley you might pick up elsewhere, the difference in price is absurdly small for such a jump in quality. Summer’s almost here, and this just might be the perfect casual shirt for the season.

Have you bought anything from Pistol Lake? How would you style this henley?

Editor’s note: Got your shirt game in line but looking to upgrade your bag as part of your everyday carry? Check out what the team at Issara is doing, making ethically crafted, beautiful leather goods!

May 8, 2015May 18, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Mother’s Day, Pop-Up Flea and Expensive Watches

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

This past week flew by, didn’t it? Maybe that’s just me? At any rate, it’s an exciting weekend coming up (it’s Mother’s Day, remember!? Last-minute gift guide here, fellas). It’s also an exciting time to be in New York City (or at least following the menswear community in general). Pop-Up Flea, a quarterly pop-up shop/traveling roadshow extravaganza of sorts devoted to mixing excellent heritage-type brands with quirky wares from new upstarts, is running from May 8 — May 10 here in NYC. Let me know if you’ll be there or if you’ll be following along — and in the meantime, peruse through the below articles just in time for the weekend.

The folks behind excellent menswear and lifestyle site Get Kempt offer up five cultural phenomena that have shaped their outlook this week — what they’ve been reading, watching, listening to … you get the idea.
Michael Williams of heritage-focused blog A Continuous Lean dishes on much-loved and much-coveted watch brand IWC and its 75th anniversary collection. For watches that won’t induce so much sticker shock, head here.
Speaking of telling time … this technically ran late last year, but the team behind upscale fashion & accessories site Need Supply Co. takes you through everything you need to know about watches.
Long Read of the Week: Narratively offers up a positively fascinating account about the lengths to which one man went in his love of the NYC transit system (yes, you read that right).

Still have a hankering for something to read?

If you’re interested in learning about Apolis and the brand’s mission of global advocacy merged with excellent clothing, I wrote a profile on the brand this week.
Thinking of buying something from this month’s Hunt Club offering via Frank & Oak? Check out a review last month’s crate here.

And a final note for you — looking to get in on the ground floor of a luxury leather goods project? Issara launches a premium line of accessories and bags later this weekend — sign up for early access here!

May 6, 2015May 12, 2015 by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Jack + Mulligan

The Newton Weekender from Jack + Mulligan — made right and made in the USA. Photo courtesy of Jack + Mulligan.

Editor’s note: The following profile features quotes and photos provided by the brand. No compensation was offered in exchange for this post. To check out other brand profiles, head here.

Spring and summer travel season is quickly approaching (or has already started for some of us), and if you’re hitting the road anytime soon, you undoubtedly need a stylish weekender bag (among other grooming accessories) to be travel-ready. That’s where Jack + Mulligan can absolutely help you out. You might recognize the name from an Esquire piece that ran last year, but they’re absolutely a brand worth getting to know more. The brand is selling at a number of stores in the U.S. and also through a few international accounts — I actually came across them a few weekends ago at The Lodge in NYC.

Founder Colin Gray launched the company a few years ago after working across the fashion industry in retail & magazines (among other stops) and later making small runs of leather goods to give to his friends. Along the way, he struggled to find a bag polished enough for the office but durable and well-suited for weekened trips — leading to a small collection of bags made and distributed to friends and family, and eventually, the creation of Jack + Mulligan; the brand’s name comes from Gray’s first dog, an Irish Water Spaniel named Mulligan, and three Jack Russell Terriers Gray had thereafter. Now, the company employs what you might call a tightly knit team of two full-time employees and a handful of part-timers. That hasn’t hampered their attention to detail, though.

One of the company’s knapsacks in action. Photo courtesy of Jack + Mulligan.

“Early on, I chose to hone in on those small details that I obsess over,” he said via email. “The fabrication, zippers, pockets, stitching and overall quality (of the bags). From the start, I focused on the details.” Gray was also focusd on making pieces that would stand the test of time in both style and durability.

“I remember the first time I saw someone on the street using one of our bags in Manhattan,” he said. “That was a great feeling.”

A twill briefcase in midnight and a line of dopp kits are also part of the brand’s offerings. Available at http://www.jackandmulligan.com

The brand now has a sizable amount of product (some of which you can see above), ranging from a navy knapsack with fine leather detailing to a run of twill and waxed canvas duffels (like this particularly nice olive duffel). The company is perhaps best well-known for its classic weekender bags, available in three colors and retailing for just under $300. For beach trips and the like, Jack + Mulligan’s tote bags would definitely be worth a look, as well. Perhaps their closest aesthetic competitor might be Herschel Supply Co. in terms of smaller bags, but J+M’s larger pieces are certainly on-par with brands like Navali and Everlane, construced from sturdy twills and featuring leather reinforced handles and zipper pulls.

The Kennedy Duffel in Olive. Grab and go to the gym or the beach. Photo courtesy of Jack + Mulligan.

The brand’s varied offerings really complement an overall lifestyle, Gray said, while also noting that higher-quality accessories are a reflection of a growing interest in men’s fashion overall.

“Guys are having more fun with getting dressed and interested in finding their personal style,” he said. “It’s cool that guys seem to care more about where and how a product is made. An increasing number of people I speak to are becoming educated about fabrics and construction, which is interesting.”

The eyecatching Thompson Tote. Photo courtesy of Jack + Mulligan.

That growing lifestyle interest is also reflected in the home goods the brand produces, like passport wallets and luggage tags. Jack + Mulligan’s water-repellent twill dopp kits also bring a unique combination of rugged style and function. And the brand has plans for the future, too — tapping into a growing customer base and exploring collaborations are both ongoing pursuits for the company, Gray said.

Jack + Mulligan partnered with shaving & grooming gurus Harry’s last year, and future collabs with like-minded brands are in the works — as are new category offerings, Gray notes.

While there are difficulties inherent in running a startup — especially building a brand from the ground up — Gray always tries to enjoy what he does.

“The whole thing is very challenging,” he said. “The most fun for me is the product, being able to take an idea and see it come to fruition.”

Tell me: Have you bought anything from Jack + Mulligan? What’s your favorite product from the site?

May 4, 2015May 4, 2015 by Beau H.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Enough said, right? (Editor’s note: Just a joke!)

Even if you’ve got your own personal shopping habits and interests covered, it can still be a little difficult to know what to get your mother, grandmother or significant other (or all three!) for Mother’s Day. Well, that day is quickly approaching (mark your calendars for May 10, in fact), so the team over at The Style Guide has put together a handy little guide for the sorts of gifts that convey thought, meaning and a little bit of fun. Of course, this is all dependent on who you’re giving the gift too, so the below suggestions might not work for everyone. If you need more general gift suggestions, head here. And in the meantime, best get to shopping if you haven’t already!

For The Homemaker: Dreambirds Dessert Plates — $16

Buy just one, or buy the whole set — your call.

These dessert plates come to you courtesy of Anthropologie. They’re small, functional and decorative, plus they’re a nice touch if you have a recipient in mind who enjoys nature and a touch of quirky color. While just one on its own is $16, a duo or a trio of plates could be the way to go. The Web site and physical Anthropologie store itself (if you happen to be near one) also stock all manner of excellent goods for the stylish women in your life, from smart & colorful bags to tech accessories that combine the stylistic touches of chic jewelery.

For The Small-Business Shopper: Silver Wrist Bracelet — $10 (via Etsy)

Small, understated and made using fine attention to detail.

Small, understated and made with fine attention to detail.

Etsy really has turned into a remarkable source for all manner of goods, from slim bracelets like the one pictured here to neat notebooks and other design-minded accessories. The best part about shopping through Etsy is perhaps the feeling and knowledge that you’re supporting a small business focused on personal touches and craftsmanship — some of that is lost by buying through other, larger retailers. A combination set featuring another simple piece (like a fun notepad or small picture frame) could make for a nice gift set.

For The Bookworm: The Girl on the Train — $14.82 (Hardcover) And a Local Flower Delivery

One of the more popular books this year to date.

Across the past few months, I’ve heard more about The Girl on the Train than perhaps any other. And if the mom(s) in your life are really into literature (or just enjoy a good read) and haven’t gotten around to picking it up yet, this would be the perfect opportunity to do it for them! While this tome is also available for purchase via the Kindle, it’s sometimes nice to hold a physical, sturdy book in your hands. The addition of flowers from your local florist would certainly be a fine complement to any of the gifts listed here — and it’s yet another way to buy local.

For The Entertainer: Monthly Wine Club Membership — $50/Month

A monthly wine club membership — the gift that keeps on giving.

A monthly wine club membership is an excellent way to recognize the recipient’s love of entertaining, fine wine and often, fine dining. Club W and other sites offer specific ways to customize the membership, including the method delivery and the inclusion of a special note. $50 is quite a lot for just one month (so one year does shoot up in price quite a bit), and in that case, a nice bottle of wine itself could perhaps be a good alternative. The WSJ Wine Club does offer a better price if you want to go the club route, however.

What do you think of these suggestions? Any categories or gifts you would add? What are you picking up for Mother’s Day this year?

Editor’s note: Looking to pick up something for yourself? Head here for a blog post by yours truly on a great spring trend — luxe, laidback joggers!

May 2, 2015May 2, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Cole Haan x Todd Snyder Hammond Wing Oxford

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for — sort of like the wingtips below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A spring and summer-appropriate suede wingtip.

The start of spring and summer brings lots of opportunity for mixing in newer, brighter colors and prints into outfits — but touches of texture shouldn’t be left out either. Suede is a material that works in the fall as well, to be sure, but it’s perhaps no more at home than on a standout pair of dress-casual shoes in the spring and summer. That’s what makese these Hammond Wing Oxfords from the Cole Haan x Todd Snyder collaboration such a stunner. The medium tan suede and darker brick-red sole would sit perfectly well under a pair of crisp chambray trousers and a lightweight blazer for working hours, and this is also the kind of shoe that can pair with lightwash or dark denim and a casual pocket T-shirt, too (if you’re willing to blur the lines between high-low style a bit). The suede wingtip would also work with a lighter grey chino and a crisp polo.

Two other color options are available in the same style — both equally ready for warm weather.

Now, there are certainly cheaper summer dress shoe alternatives out there (like these Kenton Suede Wingtips from J. Crew or an even simpler pair of oxfords from J. Crew Factory). However, Todd Snyder is running a private sale through this Sunday, and it looks like this style (as well as alternative color options like the above Navy or a medium grey Ironstone) get the 30% markdown — with a good range of sizes available, too (just use the code ‘PRIVATE30’ at checkout). In regards to that price, you’re really paying for quality and an innovative collaboration. The noted American designer has carved out a good chunk of his business from pairings with classic, sportswear-minded brands like P.F. Flyers and Champion, so this dressier-leaning footwear collaboration is a nice step forward. The fact that the above shoes could pair with multiple different outfits (from summer weddings to summer barbecques and the office in between) should hopefully make that higher price point worth it.

Have you picked up any shoes from the Cole Haan x Todd Snyder collaboration? How would you style these?

May 1, 2015May 1, 2015 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Google Fashion Trends, Sweatpants vs. Denim and Craft Beer

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and …. non-style (?) content. For more entries, click here.

So we’re back at it again with another Friday Read. It’s slowly inching closer to May (already!?) and with that comes some fun seasonal events, like the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo, for starters (if you need a great mint julep recipe for this weekend’s Derby, start here). Doing any traveling or hitting the town this weekend? Take advantage of your downtime in between and start the weekend off right with the latest and greatest pulled together by yours truly from across the Web.

ThinkWithGoogle, a division of Google Data, put its number-crunchers to the test and delivered a seasonal 2015 spring fashion trend report — the first in the company’s recent foray into the world of fashion. Some of the content is focused on women’s fashion, but there’s also some sections tailored (as it were) to men’s style and the rise of jogger pants specifically.
The excellent digital style crew over at Esquire offers up a piece on the pros-and-cons of sweatpants versus jeans — and makes the argument that a well-fitting pair of sweats could indeed replace your favorite dark denim.
GQ reports that Maxwell Osborne and Dao-yi Chao of high-fashion oriented, minimalist design darlings Public School are taking the reigns as creative directors at DKNY — a rather fitting move, as black-and-white has been a favorite brand color pairing for decades.
Long Read of the Week: This piece technically ran last week, but if you enjoy a great brew (or even if you’re just into a bit of an economics study as you sip on something else this weekend), Thrillist explores the growing potential for a craft beer pricing war.

Still need something else to read?

Another entry in my Buyer’s Guide series for VOUCH Mag ran this past week, tacklling the ever-versatile four-season chino.
My buddy Barron over at Effortless Gent breaks down the qualities and design details of a well-made, timeless suit.

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Month / May 2015