Month / May 2017

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Messenger Bags to Buy Now

As we always say at The Style Guide, it pays to do your homework when it comes to style upgrades — especially if that homework involves sifting through our Online Shopping Picks series.  From stylish dress shoes to the best men’s grooming products, we’ve covered a lot of ground on the blog — yet, today’s entry will be the first-ever attempt at chronicling the best men’s messenger bags. Yes indeed, we’re in this together today. A messenger bag is a sort of secret style weapon for the guy who prefers casual style yet still wants to look sharp. Although brands are indeed making stylish leather backpacks — the Jack + Mulligan Welles Backpack comes to mind — there’s still something that’s a bit too youthful about a backpack. However, a luxurious briefcase, no matter how nice, also might not work — it could be too dressy or hard to lug around (only pesky handles to hold). So, where do you go? I give you … the humble messenger bag. Still a favorite of actual bike messengers here in New York City, there are some durable, handsome and casually stylish options out there — and we’ll show you just the ones to buy today.  Pack it up and bring your favorite messenger bag on a spring road trip or fill it with everyday carry essentials on the go. Join in on the fun, shop away and leave any comments for me below or on Twitter, where I tweet about as much #menswear as I can. Enjoy!

#1. Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase — $234.98

Joshu + Vela

A durable, rugged and gear-friendly zip briefcase — a messenger bag, in my book.

OK, so is the Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase a briefcase, or a messenger bag? Traditional convention might dictate that a messenger bag fold over the top but hey … we’re not too picky over here. Either way, the durable, handsome and rugged Zip Briefcase is definitely an upgrade over your current backpack situation. Thick canvas and a beautiful bridle leather strap are made to age well and stand up to adventures aplenty, and this particular bag can house a 15-inch MacBook — pretty versatile and durable, ehh?

Sutro Shoes Inc.

An easy-to-carry, easy-to-use leather messenger bag from a great Michigan company.

The makers of the 810 Wallet also do a heck of a nice messenger bag. A personal favorite of yours truly, the Roma Messenger has accompanied me on adventures around Brooklyn and a winter trip back to Michigan, handling each trip with grace and great looks. It’s a surprisingly lightweight, unlined leather messenger bag — designed in the state of Michigan itself, my bag has aged quite well and held up more than alright through a long commute and a frigid New York winter. If you value quality and crisp style, the Roma Messenger is your bag.

Florsheim

Peak Design

The most popular camera bag in the history of Kickstarter — and a heck of a worthy messenger bag purchase.

If you value functional design that considers every detail, consider making the Peak Design Everyday Messenger your next messenger bag purchase. It really does have so much going for it — from the lifetime warranty to the whopping $4.7 million it raised on its initial Kickstarter funding run, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger is unlike any bag you’ve ever bought — from the waterproof waxed shell and seatbelt-style straps to the removable dividers and space for a full-frame DSLR, it’s got the goods to carry, well, your goods. Again, you might want to look into the Peak Design Everyday Messenger.
Filson Original Briefcase

One of the more recognizable everyday bags on the market — and a heck of an option for you to buy right now.

Yet another briefcase that’s not quite your traditional briefcase by any means, the Filson Original Briefcase  is an instantly recognizable heritage classic known and used the world over. It’s a favorite of a lot of guys here in New York City (and elsewhere) for its water-repellent exterior, handy two-way zipper and a  plethora of interior and exterior pockets. The USA-made construction is legendary — you’ll have this briefcase for years to come, seriously.
Owen and Fred

Yet another terrific upgrade to your daily carry.

Are you sick of reading about bags that are not quite technically messenger bags? Well, fear not — we’re almost done here. Owen and Fred really lives up to the brand’s motto — “men’s goods made great” — and from its Voyager Waxed Weekender to smaller pieces like the brand’s essential brass bottle opener, you need to get Owen and Fred on your radar. The brand’s Flight Brief, made out of stylish midnight waxed canvas and finished with handsome leather accents, is a terrific bag for work or play.
Hopefully, you’ve now filled up your shopping cart with a new everyday bag — ehh? While a piece like the Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase defies the traditional conventions of a messenger bag, it’s a handsome, durable and reliably stylish upgrade to your everyday carry. And the sleek silhouette and clean lines of the Owen and Fred Flight Brief also make it a worthy addition to this list. In terms of classic, rugged appeal, it’s very tough to top the Filson Original Briefcase  — and you’d do well to pick that one up, of course. For the more functionally minded guy, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger fits the bill more than nicely. Last but not least, the Michigan-designed Brothers Leather Supply Roma Messenger could be your new favorite everyday bag. With that being said — are you ready for your next commute or road trip? See you out there.
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Light Wash Jeans This Spring

So, you’ve picked up your new favorite pair of light wash denim — or at least, you’ve thought about it. Now, how do you wear those jeans? Well, there are a few moves that’ll help you take on spring in style — unlike pairing dark selvedge denim with sturdy leather boots and a thick shawl cardigan for winter, the focus today is on keeping things light, breezy and fun. That means we’re grabbing an essential spring polo and a classic cotton bomber jacket, all the while focused on dialing in the fit of your light wash denim. In the warm, breezy days of spring and summer, light wash denim just fits in with the weather and the atmosphere. Trust me on this: You’re going to want to wear light wash jeans as much as you can this summer — particularly when those jeans are made in a unique wash and feature a slim fit. That means that from spring road trips to summer music festivals, slim light wash jeans should be a go-to move — and it doesn’t get better than the Abercrombie light wash denim seen here. You know Abercrombie and Fitch for the brand’s stylish, durable winter gear, and that same attitude carries over to its spring line. If you have other questions on how to wear your light wash denim, or if you just want to get in touch, hit me up on Twitter or join me over on the ‘Gram for style inspiration on the daily.

Sutro Footwear

Mixing the sporty and the classic for essential spring style.

The Denim: Abercrombie and Fitch Super Skinny Jeans, $39 — If it’s slim, of-the-moment style that you seek, look no further than this vibrant pair of washed denim, made with a hint of stretch for comfort. For options that feature a more forgiving cut, look toward Straight or Slim options via Mott and Bow.

The Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond, $275 — We first brought this jacket to your attention in our post on how to dress for a spring road trip — and well, it’s back again thanks to its unique color and lightweight construction.
Greats

The Polo: Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy, $79 — For easily wearable style that looks sharp underneath a bomber jacket or on its own, it’s tough to top a classic navy polo like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt  — especially one made with organic cotton jersey fabric.

The Sneakers: House of Future Original Sneaker in White, $76.98 — Who doesn’t love a pair of classic leather sneakers? Especially the House of Future Original Sneaker — these are sharp and feature a crisp, slim profile for an agreeable price.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — No-show socks can be a surprisingly tricky item for which to shop — you want comfort and quality, and you get that with the Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks.

The Belt: La Matera Bariloche Belt, $145 — If you want to step up your #menswear accessories game in a big way, reach for a casual belt — say, the La Matera Bariloche Belt — that blends vintage fabric, a neat pattern and cool color.

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph, $275 — For handsome, smart and casual style that still looks extremely sharp and put-together, the Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph is the watch you need now.

The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $145 — For seriously cool style, reach for retro-inspired sunglasses that add some sporty appeal to the La Paz Ortigao Bomber.

Florsheim

Feeling comfortable with how to wear light wash denim now? At least a little bit more comfortable? If you haven’t quite come around to the idea of light wash denim yet, the key here involves taking pieces that you’d already wear in warm weather — like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — and mashing them up with sporty-yet-casual pieces (such as the La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond. Add in supremely classic and clean white leather sneakers like the House of Future Original Sneaker , and then accent that casual combo with the beautiful and just plain badass Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph. Oh, and don’t leave your shades at home — there’s no doubt that you won’t forget the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, what with a retro-inspired design and cool looks. In short, all of these pieces work on their own — and they particularly work well together for all manner of spring style pursuits, from a ballgame to a weekend coffee date to a spring road trip. Especially that light wash denim. Ya feel me on that? Good.

Let’s go to it!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Cinco de Mayo

Sidle up to the bar, folks! It’s time for a little Cinco de Mayo celebration — and the requisite #menswear to go with it, of course. Yes, the holiday to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory in the Battle of Puebla has turned into quite the occasion here in the U.S. (for better or worse). Seeing as it’s as great a time as any to hit up your first spring bar crawl, you might as well look stylish while doing it — right? We’re offering up picks today that harness the best of spring style — essential chino shorts, a versatile short-sleeve shirt and SeaVees slip-on sneakers that can go just about anywhere.  Just as with dressing for spring break or dressing for a road trip, the winning formula lies in upgrading your basic pieces and nailing the fit just right. Oh, and enjoying yourself along the way — that’s what it’s all about. Kick back, enjoy a Corona or a Tecate for me, and scroll through the below #menswear picks. Got any feedback for me? Hit me up over on Twitter. Bottoms up!

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt — $68

United By Blue

Style that goes toward a good cause and looks excellent for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

For style that’s at once more put-together than a T-shirt and yet more casual than your standard classic Oxford or dress shirt, reach for a slim chambray shirt — preferably the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. Made with sustainability in mind — your purchase helps the brand remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways — the mini-plus sign print is visually interesting, while the unique lighter blue color is a spring-appropriate style move. Yes indeed, this shirt is made for a few patio brews.

The  Shorts: Katin Patio Shorts — $49.98

Katin

Your go-to shorts for having a few spring brews — especially on Cinco de Mayo.

The prime function of the Katin Patio Shorts is … practically in the product title itself. They’re made for spring and summer patio evenings galore. And they’re a heck of a steal for under $50 — just the shorts you need to wear for spring and summer, what with a versatile khaki color and a clean fit. Add in the drawstring waist and you’ve got a bit of hidden comfort — ideal for moving from bar to bar or manning the grill. Again, it’s tough to top that combination of price and solid looks.
Get $30 off your first month of Style Plan and Free Shipping at Frank + Oak! *Valid only on Style Plan subscriptions until 5/31/2017.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Huntington Middie — $84.98

SeaVees

A sneaker that blends the ease of a slip-on with the style of a canvas lace-up.

See, told ya we’d be recommending some SeaVees slip-on sneakers for the occasion, did I not? The  SeaVees Huntington Middie is a unique option that’s A) Ideal for spring and B) Pleasingly versatile thanks to its slip-on construction and chukka-like cut. In short, it’s both perfect for beach trips and boardwalk strolls, along with a little Cinco de Mayo party action. The SeaVees Huntington Middie is definitely an upgrade over flip-flops, and you can wear ’em all summer long.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks –$29.98

Darn Tough No-Show Socks

Simple no-show socks that blend comfort with practicality.

Slip-on sneakers still call for no-show socks that provide comfort for your feet and extend the life of your footwear — agreed? And Darn Tough makes some of the best out there; sure, it’s just a hair under $30 for a two-pack, but these are a weather-appropriate way to upgrade your sock game — no white tube socks and sneakers now, ya hear?

The Watch: Szanto Military Field Watch — $150

Szanto Military Field Watch

A watch that can stand up to a little sun and maybe even a spilled drink.

A military field watch for Cinco de Mayo? Absolutely. When the name of the game is hopping from party to party or bar to bar, whether you imbibe or not, it’s still a good idea to step out in casual style that channels rugged vibes. That is to say: Leave the heirloom watch at home this go-round. Luckily for you, the Szanto Military Field Watch is clean and simple, with understated, casual style to match. The price ain’t half-bad, either — pick up my tab, will ya?
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses — $135

Raen Optics

Sunglasses that blend retro style and casual vibes — just what the doctor ordered for your next bar crawl.

If you’ve got the basics of this outfit handled, it’s OK to go a little more retro-inspired, or head-turning, with your accessories. The Wiley Sunglasses from Raen Optics are but one way to do this — they call to mind the sort of shades McQueen might have worn, with a more affordable price tag. And they’re a nice way to fit in with a casual chambray shirt and laidback shorts — these aren’t your average athletic sunglasses, nor are they a cheaper grocery store version. Just right.
Florsheim

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Vintage style that’s easily wearable and functional at the same time.

No one said it’d be all fun and games on Cinco de Mayo, right? There’s also the chance to catch a nasty sunburn after hours in the heat. So, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is going to keep the sun off your face, and do so in style. There’s no athletic logo in sight here — just a vintage-inspired ballcap that’s easily wearable with the basics, including a stylish chambray shirt. Wear it now, wear it on your next road trip and don’t forget to pack it with your stylish beach gear this summer.

The Bag: Billykirk Simple Tote — $184.98

Billykirk

A smart move that should prove quite useful and durable through this bar crawl and beyond.

If you’re questioning the necessity of lugging a bag to a bar crawl or party, well … where are you going to put your phone charger, and your bottle opener, and that six-pack? Answer: The Billykirk Simple Tote . Handsome, built to age well and last through plenty of seasonal adventures, and a heck of a casual bag to complement this ensemble. It avoids the cumbersome straps of a backpack, and yet it’s smaller and easier to carry when compared to a piece like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag.
NORDSTROM.com

 OK, y’all — who’s ready for Cinco de Mayo? This guy is. Casual, off-duty style can be simple and quite fun, particularly if you start with a shirt that’s at once polished and laidback — enter the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. And you’d do well to complement said shirt with equally laidback, wearable shorts; in this instance, the Katin Patio Shorts should have you all set for the day ahead. And crisp slip-on sneakers in a clean shade of white are an essential style move — enter the SeaVees Huntington Middie into your rotation. Practical touches, from stylish sunglasses to a vintage-inspired ballcap and a durable Billykirk tote are also must-have, especially if you’re hopping around town for hours at a time. And again, the key here comes down to nailing the fit and colors — and enjoying the day responsibly, of course. What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? Hopefully, they involve a few Coronas and a lot of fun.
Thanks so much for reading — enjoy!
-Beau