Month / June 2017

by Beau H.

Center Stage: Dressing in Style for NYC’s Governors Ball 2017

Stylish, breezy music festival gear, featuring a short-sleeve henley from Abercrombie and Fitch, linen shorts from Todd Snyder and the essential SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafer and my Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver.

If, per chance, you follow me on Instagram, you might be familiar with my love of live music. From road trips to see Local Natives and Lucius to The Head and the Heart, it’s a great passion of mine that’s taken me to some very cool cities. Yet, I didn’t have to go very far this past weekend to find my two favorite things (#menswear and live tunes) at NYC’s Governors Ball 2017 music festival. I attended last year’s Governors Ball with tough leather boots, stylish Mott and Bow denim and hard-wearing outerwear — and to take on a temperate-yet-breezy weekend, I took much the same approach this time around, with a big-time focus on stylish music festival gear. Now, we just talked about how to dress for a music festival on the blog last week — and it’s a good thing I had some of those essentials with me for three days of terrific music, tasty bites and a cold beer or two.

Governors Ball

For day one of Governors Ball 2017, breezy style proved key. My Abercrombie and Fitch Short-sleeve Henley teamed nicely with both my Levi’s Trucker Jacket and my SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafer. I added in a rugged Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver and I was set for the day.

Comfort and mobility are crucial when dressing for a music festival — you want pieces that can move with you, take on the weather and look sharp. That’s why I took on much of the weekend  with the essential, classic and yet slightly edgy Levi’s Trucker Jacket in a slim fit and light wash — it was an ideal, rock concert-ready combo teamed up with my Abercrombie and Fitch Short-sleeve Henley. Better yet, the pairing kept me cool as I broke out a colorful pair of printed linen shorts from Todd Snyder. They fit right in alongside my easy-to-wear, exceedingly comfortable SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafers — made with breathable mesh, these loafers were springy, light and stylish. For a sunny Friday that started with rollicking, energetic afternoon sets from Judah & the Lion and Canadian rockers The Strumbellas (plus Bleachers as happy hour rolled around), it was a fitting combination.

Nautica

Having seen Bleachers twice now at festivals — including a 2014 trip to Outside Lands — I’m a big fan of Jack Antonoff’s brand of bright, summer-ready and ’80s-inspired rock. It stands out in a sea of endless pop, and Jack & co. certainly deliver live — I didn’t want it to end, but I kept on time with my Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver (see what I did there?). For sustenance throughout the day, I chowed on tasty BBQ from Manhattan’s Mighty Quinn’s and a Golden Ale from Brewery Ommegang, a New York craft favorite — both big highlights.

Does it get any better than delicious craft beer, great food and standout live music? Only if Lorde brings down the house with a fun, upbeat and jam-packed set to close out day one in advance of Chance the Rapper (another energetic crowd-pleaser who delivered on a much-hyped set). That’s the way it went down, and it was a joy to watch her break out new songs from her latest album, “Melodrama.” She’s an act that really shot into the stratosphere with her debut album at just 16, and early indications are that her second album is no sophomore slump. I left the festival grounds wondering if day two could possibly top it. With another mostly sunny day in the cards for Saturday, I looked ahead to stepping out in rugged-refined and versatile music festival style — just as you should look to do!

Nautica

A classic Old Navy slim-fit chambray shirt and mobile Ministry of Supply Shorts proved crucial for moving around in the heat; perfect when teamed with shades from Component Sunglasses.

As Saturday dawned, I was looking forward to a stylish, rain-free day (ideally) and an excellent series of live shows (assuredly). As you dress for your next festival, know that it’s tough to misstep when wearing a slim chambray shirt — with its rugged texture and even more rugged appeal, it’s a summer style essential. With that in mind, I threw on the Old Navy slim-fit chambray shirt in a classic yet eye-catching shade of red. For seeing bands that epitomize laidback cool, like personal favorite Local Natives, it felt like the right style move to make.  I also wanted sneakers that could look sharp and stand up to just about anything — my trusty Legend Sneakers from SeaVees were absolutely the right choice, especially when worn alongside the mobile, tailored and breathable Ministry of Supply Going Places Shorts. I accented the casual combo with my durable, trusty MVMT Watches Calypso Watch from the brand’s adventure-ready (and refined) Modern Sport collection.

Kicking back in the 21-plus area! A breezy Old Navy chambray shirt, my classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket and sharp Ministry of Supply shorts made day two great.

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For enjoying tasty craft brews and more great bites at Governors Ball — along with a jam-packed day of music featuring everyone from the searing rock of Car Seat Headrest to joyful vibes of The Head and the Heart — I knew I was dressed the right way. And before I knew it, it was time for perhaps the best set of the day — a positively perfect early evening showing from Local Natives. If you haven’t yet checked out the the group’s excellent 2016 album, “Sunlit Youth,” … please do. Their set was jam-packed with crowd-pleasing numbers, including a cover of “Ultralight Beam” and an all-time favorite track, “Who Knows Who Cares,” to round out their performance. It set the stage for a really fun evening, to say the least. The nightcap included a triumphant return from French rockers Phoenix, riding a wave of energy behind soon-to-be-released new album “Ti Amo.” Without giving away too much, the group sounds as tight and polished as ever, particularly given that they’re ramping up behind their first live shows since 2014. There’s really nothing like hearing songs you’ve listened to on repeat for years. Was it just as incredible as day one? Absolutely. Was I ready for more live music on day three? Undoubtedly.

Gov Ball 2017

Breezy style from JackThreads (RIP), mixed with modern Clarks sneaker-boots and slim Abercrombie and Fitch denim — just what was needed for day three at Governors Ball.

Sunday — sadly, the final day of one of the year’s best weekends — brought with it rain and breezy weather during the day. That meant casual and laidback style once again proved essential, starting with my rugged Nautica sunglasses. Sunday also meant it was high time to break out a striped camp shirt from dearly departed Style Guide favorite JackThreads.  Although I was bummed that the brand recently closed its digital doors, I wasn’t bummed about checking out another excellent day of rock shows from up-and-comers like Chicago’s The Orwells or Scottish post-punk revival vets Franz Ferdinand — not to mention the chill vibes of Mac DeMarco to round out the afternoon. The rest of the day’s lineup proved eclectic and well worth watching, from the hard rock of Cage the Elephant to the stellar and sharp groove of Warpaint.
Timex

To take on showers, my Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket and Abercrombie and Fitch stretch denim proved crucial — as did my Clarks Trigenics Flex shoes!

I opted for style that was just as eclectic, from my stylish JackThreads camp shirt to slim Abercrombie and Fitch light wash denim and a key finishing touch — my Clarks Trigenic Flex shoes in a head-turning white leather colorway. Blending the weight and flexibility of a sneaker with stitching & design details more commonly found on classic moccasins, they were a reliably mobile and stylish option for a final day of music.  To prep for the rain, my Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket provided a durable top layer, and my sturdy Timex for J. Crew watch didn’t let me down  — it’s withstood the test of plenty of live shows (that goes for my February trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant, too). The next time you hit up an outdoor festival, make sure to pack sturdy outerwear and comfortable-yet-stylish sneakers, plus a rugged field watch.
Greats
As I look back on this weekend, I’m glad above all else that excellent, fun and enjoyable festivals like Governors Ball are just a quick — well, relatively quick — subway ride away. I’ll never pass up the chance to see inspiring, energetic and enjoyable bands like Local Natives or The Head and the Heart, and the opportunity to see global superstars like Lorde and Chance the Rapper is an experience I won’t soon forget. Every year, Governors Ball becomes more and more enjoyable — and I have more and more fun putting together looks, taking in live music and enjoying all things NYC. I hope your music festival experiences this season are just as enjoyable — don’t forget, we’ve got plenty of tips on how to dress for a music festival this summer, and you can stay tuned for a new #OOTD post on the blog tomorrow.

Thanks for reading — rock on!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Classic, stylish and easy-to-wear chukka boots via Astorflex, shown at the top right with travel essentials from Owen and Fred, Abercrombie & Fitch, Huckberry, Nautica, Herschel Supply Co. and Electric Sunglasses.

Is it just me, or is it time for a seasonal footwear upgrade with a pair of the best boots for men? Think: Something that’s not a sneaker, but not a burly leather work boot that’s uncomfortable to wear — something that’ll work for nearly every style situation, from a casual weekend barbecue to a stylish road trip. Who’s with me? Perhaps the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots come to mind — no? I recently took my own pair on a spring road trip to Indiana, and can definitely vouch for them.  They’re an updated take on the classic desert boot, crafted with a crepe sole, high-quality suede and the type of easygoing silhouette that pairs just as well with your favorite chinos as it does with slim light wash denim on breezy summer days. In fact, I’d hope you recognize the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots as seen above from a few posts on The Style Guide.

Namely, the rich Dark Khaki colorway seen here will work as you dress for Sunday brunch or look for ways to upgrade your casual shirt — don’t think you should shelve all of your chukka boots entirely just because the thermostat starts to climb. And know that these Astorflex chukka boots also come in the equally versatile Stone and Grey colorways. Indeed, with a blend of comfort, style and accessibility, the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots — just like the brand’s Astorflex Chelsea Boots —  are a seasonal must-have in any color. Trust me: That goes for spring, summer and fall. Seriously, keep them on hand to wear with a rugged chambray shirt and dark selvedge denim to a fall tailgate — it’s a winning combo if you’re looking for insight into how to wear chukka boots. But, back to matters of summer style — what makes these a must-buy?

For starters, it’s tough to find a chukka boot that features eco-friendly, handmade Italian construction out there — let alone with a sub-$150 price tag. And to find one that goes with everything from slim stone chinos to dark denim to slim light wash jeans in the summer can be tricky, too. That easygoing versatility is what sets these Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots apart in so many situations. Rather than resorting to minimal athletic sneakers, jeans and a slim pocket tee, try out these chukka boots and perhaps a tough dive watch — instant style upgrade in the making, and certainly one of the best men’s style moves you can make. And because they’re sold via Huckberry, you can be sure that they’re up to snuff in terms of quality and great looks. It’s also worth noting that the desert boot is a stone-cold classic silhouette — as if you needed another reason to buy these. In addition to real-life functionality for British soldiers, they’ve gained an iconic status — up there with classic white sneakers — that’s tough to top on the footwear front. So, despite summer weather finally catching up to us … there’s no reason not to wear a classic pair of desert boots like the affordable, easy-to-wear and stylish Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots.

How would you style these boots? To pick up inspiration from yours truly, check out my Instagram. And send me a note on Twitter if ever you have #menswear questions.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Backpacks, Governors Ball and Stylish Summer Sunglasses

Governors Ball

There’s no question I’m listening away on my JBL headphones today — and getting VERY pumped to see bands like The Orwells this weekend at Governors Ball 2017!

We’re comin’ at ya live from New York for today’s edition of The Friday Read here at The Style Guide — and if it’s June 2nd, that must mean one thing: It’s time for Governors Ball 2o17 here in the Big Apple! The three-day music festival is always a favorite of mine, and it’s the third year in a row I’m attending at least one day — including last year’s trip to Governors Ball . It brings in the best across indie rock, rap, electronic music — you name it, it’s got a home in NYC. It’s also bringing back acts that I’ve seen on the road near and far, from Local Natives to The Head and the Heart and Chicago rockers The Orwells.


I’m looking forward to new tunes from the likes of Phoenix, Lorde, Warpaint and plenty more, plus a fine helping of gourmet eats and tasty craft brews. It’ll be an excellent way to cap off a busy week — and it follows on the heels of a stylish Memorial Day weekend I spent with family and friends in Fort Myers. So, we’re truly experiencing some fun in the sun to kick off summer.  If you’d  like to keep up with all the men’s style and music action, follow me on Instagram and look for a full music festival style recap on Monday here on the blog. Until then — we’ll be talking about the best men’s backpacks and stylish summer sunglasses  via the below featured articles. With that being said: Turn it up, grab your beverage of choice and join me on another journey filled with excellent tunes and even better times.

  • Speaking of summer excursions and summer adventures: If it’s a new backpack you need, I’d say I’ve got you set — I covered the 35 best men’s backpacks for GearMoose! Read up and shop away.

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