Month / September 2017

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post Wander Box

From a helpful guide book to a nifty iPhone camera lens, this is the gear you need to travel with this fall. Image courtesy of Bespoke Post.

We’re taking a slight departure from our usual #menswear focus on today’s Style Pick of the Week — just a slight (if literal) departure. Because, let’s be real — who among us doesn’t love the thrill of adventure and the excitement of exploring somewhere new? For travel lovers and explorers alike the Bespoke Post Wander Box is a prime choice as this week’s Style Pick– like other favorites on the blog, it’s an all-in-one offering in terms of versatility and dependability. And if you’re looking for a bit of fall travel style, I’d urge you to pick up the Wander Box. Without a doubt, the Wander Box from Bespoke Post has everything you need to explore a new locale — with a few handy extras thrown in. The utility of the Wander Box — available for just $45 when you sign up for Bespoke Post –– starts with the essential Wildsam Field Guide.


These mini-encyclopedias fit easily in a bag or a coat packet and are jam-packed with all kinds of helpful info on a wide range of cities. The guides cover everywhere from San Francisco to Brooklyn to Nashville and Austin –it’s your call. And when I say jam-packed, I mean jam-packed. From insights on gourmet eats and craft beverages to a full set of personal essays and reflections on specific cities, each Field Guide is entirely customized by city — and again, they’re packed full of essential info. Heck, I used my Wildsam Field Guide on a fall trip to Nashville and absolutely loved the cool spots it turned up, from coffee to menswear. So, that’s one major benefit of the Bespoke Post Wander Box  — and the rest of the goods? They’re just as stellar.

Bespoke Post Wander Box

Using my Wildsam Field Guide to get around Nashville in style — this could be you! Or not. But it could be!

It’s the little details in every Bespoke Post box that make the difference, and the Wander Box gets those right, too. Namely, you get your pick of ebony or bamboo headphones from LSTN Sound Co. — crystal-clear sound quality and understated style, to boot. What’s more,  these headphones feature no-rub functionality (no twisted cords here), and they also come with an in-line microphone to take calls. Not bad, ehh? And the Wander Box doesn’t stop there — no sir. It’s complete with a Universal Smartphone Fisheye Lens, a  wide-angle smartphone camera attachment that should up your photo quality significantly. That’s a heck of a deal for just $45 — can’t believe it? Neither could I when saw the price tag. So, to recap the Wander Box — you get a brand-new camera attachment to capture the perfect Instagram shot, plus an amazing field guide to help you explore cool cities like Nashville … plus an excellent set of stylish headphones. That’s all too good to be true, yes? Well, Bespoke Post makes it a reality. Just pick your city, pick up the Wander Box  and get planning.

Will you be picking up the Wander Box  from Bespoke Post before you hit the road this season?  Let me know on Twitter! 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Taylor Stitch Giveaway, Portland Travel Tips and Stylish Sweatshirts

Is it just me, or has it been a long week? For your Style Guide author at least, it took a bit to recover from a fun trip out West to the lovely city of Portland! That’s  a long flight back to Brooklyn, but while in the City of Roses, I visited som excellent craft breweries, dined at a few great restaurants and took in a live show by the excellent synth pop band Future Islands! Again, you can read my trip recap and get some travel style tips of your own at that link. All very cool, exciting things to do on the road — and a nice way to cap off a month of travel, which also included a weekend trip to Nashville! Given all the hustle and bustle over these past few weeks, I’m definitely looking forward to a relaxing weekend exploring Brooklyn and of course, working on more #menswear content while listening to some excellent tunes and perhaps enjoying a refreshing cold brew. On that note, The Killers released a  new album, “Wonderful Wonderful,” last week — despite some mixed reviews, it’s on track to be the band’s first No.1 album in the U.S. How about that? Maybe give that a listen as you dive into the below men’s style news? And most importantly, enjoy the weekend and check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Cheers!

  • Let’s kick things off with news of an important giveaway — perhaps the most important giveaway you’ll enter all week! No, definitely the most important giveaway you’ll enter all week. GearMoose is giving you the chance to win a Taylor Stitch giveaway featuring pieces from the stellar Good Acre Collection. That includes a durable Chore Shirt or two, hard-wearing Chore Pants and plenty, plenty more — enter the Taylor Stitch giveaway at GearMoose and you’ll (hopefully) be rewarded! A heads-up — it runs for two weeks, so you’ve got plenty of time to again, enter this stellar Taylor Stitch giveaway.
  • What’s more quintessentially American than the crewneck sweatshirt? With athletic roots and a heritage that’s decidedly not high-fashion, this staple has stuck around for decades — and the stylish crewneck sweatshirt is being brought back in all kinds of forms by designers and brands new and old. You probably even know some (including the Todd Snyder x Champion Classic Pocket Sweatshirt, yes?). That’s why it was such a treat to write about the best men’s crewneck sweaters for The Manual — shop away and enjoy!
  • With roots in sporty and collegiate style — at least where I’m from in the Midwest — a stylish hooded sweatshirt can be tough to come by. But a hooded bomber jacket is an easy, grab-and-go piece that can actually look pretty smooth in more casual style situations — don’t take my word for it, though. Style Girlfriend tells you all about how to wear a hooded bomber the right way this season. It can indeed be done, friends!
  • Let’s end on another music-related note. Here in Brooklyn earlier this week, I had the pleasure of seeing the fantastic, fun and bright British pop duo Oh Wonder. They dropped their second album, “Ultralife,” earlier this summer, as it were — it’s filled with vibrant hooks, beautiful singing by Josephine Vander Gucht and some great live tracks. It’s an unexpected second album from a duo that never intended to make an album in the first place, and this Toronto Star profile captures the innovative, fun spirit that went into this album (and a heck of a show at Brooklyn Steel!).

We’re going to get the weekend started a little early today, my friends — we’ve got the Michigan State-Iowa football game coming up tomorrow, and I’d wager that we’ve got some men’s style and craft beer adventures around Brooklyn on the way, too. Follow along on Instagram for more, check back tomorrow for a new Style Pick of the Week and make sure you see us on Sunday for another See Now, Buy Now entry — #SundayFunday style.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Add to Your Fall Outerwear Rotation with the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Flint and Tinder

Your new favorite fall jacket? It certainly could be — Flint and Tinder is back, and better than ever.

Here’s the thing: You need a rugged jacket for everyday wear ASAP, one of the best jackets for men. And if you read The Style Guide, you recognize Flint and Tinder — and the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket by default. The made-in-America brand from Huckberry knows how to make a prime rugged fall layering essential or two, and here’s the great news, The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is back this season. Even better? The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is here in a new, improved and very seasonally ready shade of Havana! Isn’t that great? I think so, at least. It’s got all the specs you know and love from Flint and Tinder, from the sturdy, durable, American-made construction to the use of tough Martexin waxed sailcloth. And the result is a versatile and stylish fall jacket.  The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker also features the sort of silhouette that’s casual enough for fall weekend layering with a slim striped henley, yet equally ready to wear with an American-made Oxford and dark denim to the office on casual Friday (or casual … Thursday?).

And the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  packs quite the punch in terms of functionality, too. In addition to the weather-resistant exterior, it’s lined with herringbone cotton flannel, a warm feature that doesn’t look half-bad if you happen to flip back the sleeve cuffs. And the hardware? Why, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  is finished with antique metal buttons featuring the F&T logo — a neat touch that’ll get better with age. You can also pick up the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker in a sleek shade of Coal and a fall-ready shade of Whiskey, but for my money’s worth, I can’t get enough of the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker in the unique shade of Havana. Wear it with slim black denim, wear it with faded American-made denim or olive chinos … and don’t forget the rugged leather boots.

Are you adding the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  from Flint and Tinder into your fall outerwear rotation? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: These Are the Best Men’s Jackets for Fall

These are heady times we live in — busy times, too. If you’ve followed along with our Online Shopping Picks series on The Style Guide, you know that we’re all about getting you prepped for rugged fall style. And that continues today, in a big way. Putting together a rugged fall #menswear look is about the details — the big categories and the small ones, too. And in the way of essential men’s style for fall,  outerwear is a pretty big category. So, we’ll get you shopping and thinking today. The best men’s jackets for fall feature durable construction, essential warmth and pleasingly rugged-yet-versatile style — that combination is going to take you a lot of places.

Some of the below picks, like the tough Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket seen below, can work in both casual and tailored situations (try it with an American-made Oxford and a knit tie). And others — like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — fit right in with the rugged climes of fall. Regardless, this list of rugged fall jackets should have you set for the season. For more #menswear than you can shake a stick at, follow me on Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy fall — soon enough, anyways!

#1. Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket — $265 

A rugged and versatile piece that’s ideal for layering.

Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen … the Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket tops our list, and with good reason. It’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear during early fall and on through November. Made from a custom-developed two-way stretch windshell nylon fabric, the Albion Jacket is a positively versatile layering piece. It’s even lined in fleece and is water-resistant — it’s a stylish fall jacket for layering over a rugged striped henley and teaming with classic dark denim.

#2. Abercrombie and Fitch Shera-Lined Corduroy Jacket — $160

A cozy jacket that evokes classic, timeless fall style.

Abercrombie and Fitch — a Style Guide favorite — continues to come roaring back season after season, and the Sherpa-Lined Curdory Jacket is a prime example of that. It evokes the kind of classic fall jacket that your dad or grandpa might have worn to do yard work, except this number features a slimmed-down fit and just as much warmth — plus added style points. Again, a slim striped henley and suede chukka boots are ideal companions.

#2. Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket — $158

Flint and Tinder

This piece could very well be your new favorite denim jacket — agreed? Agreed.

Originally part of our See Now, Buy Now series, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket should be welcomed to this list with open arms. At least, I think so. Everyone needs a stylish denim jacket in their layering arsenal — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker features a crisp indigo color and the type of easygoing wearability that looks great with slim tan chinos and a white chambray shirt or a slim striped henley.

#3. Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — $238

A fall-ready color and durable cotton construction set this jacket apart.

If you’ve read our Style Guide Q+A with Portland lifestyle brand Bridge and Burn, you know they’re dedicated to making classic, straightforward pieces with a touch of Northwest style influence. And in this case, the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket channels the kind of rugged durability you need this fall, and tosses in a healthy dose of style, too. The hard-wearing cotton outer and quilted liner of the Thielsen Jacket provide protection from the elements, while the rich Acorn color is a fall-ready shade. Who’s ready to hit the pumpkin patch, people?

#4.  BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

BANKS Tombstone Jacket

Another warm, classic and durablly made piece of outerwear for the season.

The rugged fall style just keeps coming in spades with the BANKS Tombstone Jacket. A unique brand available via the great folks at Bespoke Post, the Tombstone Jacket channels classic style with a modern edge. Which is to say, the faded blue cotton exterior plays nicely off the golden sherpa collar, while the lined warmer pockets ensure you stay warm even at long, chilly tailgates. So, throw on the Tombstone Jacket and pass me a beer, will ya?

#6. Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

A handsome denim jacket that’ll only get better with age.

Another jacket from Taylor Stitch on our list of the best men’s fall jackets? Yes indeed, you bet. The Long Haul Jacket is a much-loved silhouette from the brand, harnessing a slick, slim design with the power of Cone Mills denim. That’s right — Taylor Stitch teamed up with the country’s foremost denim mill on a rugged denim jacket that you can wear now over a chambray shirt and wear later over a stylish crewneck sweater. And that’s just the beginning, I’d wager.

#7. Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — $148

A faded shirt jacket that layers with darn near anything in your closet — a job well-done by Taylor Stitch.

Hey, might as well round out this list with more rugged menswear from Taylor Stitch, yeah? The Maritime Shirt Jacket made an appearance in our #OOTD series earlier this year — specifically when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt — and it’s guaranteed to impress. The Maritime Shirt Jacket features a cool sun-bleached finish, sturdy construction and the type of fit that works with slim chinos and wingtip boots or black denim in equal measure.

#8.  Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt — $76.98

A durable, rugged silhouette with the strong fabrication to match.

Why exactly are we included an overshirt on this list of fall’s best jackets? Well, my friends — anything goes when it comes to stylish fall layering, and the construction and style of the Petrichor Overshirt is such that it can serve as both if needed. It’s an affordable stylish chore jacket that doubles as overshirt, and the densely woven cotton and cool khaki color make for a heck of a durable piece — so, sold on the Petrichor Overshirt yet?

Alright, friends — what’s your favorite pick of the above? Will it be the rugged versatility of the sturdy cotton Petrichor Overshirt or the sun-bleached cool of the Maritime Shirt Jacket? Is it perhaps the classically styled BANKS Tombstone Jacket or the rough-and-rugged  Long Haul Jacket? Yes indeed, from sherpa-collar corduroy jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch to a durable cotton number like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket, I hope you found this list helpful. It’s about finding the right fabrication and the silhouette that works for — because believe it or not, I’m sure once you try one of these rugged fall jackets, you’ll want to wear it as much as you can.

How’d we do with today’s post? What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to drop a note in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s Your New Favorite Blazer for the Season Ahead

Need a new blazer for fall? Better yet, need to know how to wear it? We’re getting down to business in today’s #OOTD on The Style Guide — as I always say, you’re going to like the results of this #menswear ensemble. Wearing a blazer in early fall is much the same as you might wear a blazer in the spring or summer, with a few key points of differentiation. We’re still relying on classic men’s style staples, from an American-made Oxford to slim charcoal trousers, but the differences comes in color and texture throughout this look — for instance, a pair of rugged leather boots from Hudson Shoes are in the mix today. Talk about rugged fall style, yes? And even the stylish leather watch from Timex that you see below features a bit more fall-ready texture and style. It’s all about dialing in the fit and making classic style essentials work for you — to your Style Guide author, this is the type of ensemble that works any day of the work week in September and October (and beyond!). You know what’s even better? You can easily layer up with a stylish crewneck sweater later this season as it starts to get chilly. How about that? Chime in with your thoughts on the below #OOTD in the comments or on Twitter — feedback is always welcome! Thanks, as always, for reading.

A cotton blazer matched with charcoal trousers and rugged leather boots — your ideal fall #OOTD.

The Blazer: Abercrombie and Fitch Utility Blazer in Olive, $120 — Nod toward fall with a rugged cotton coat that’s part utility jacket-part blazer — the olive shade is a unique, seasonally appropriate color, too. Feel free to wear it with a rugged striped henley if you’re feeling more casual.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $64.98 — As versatile as ever, this classic white Oxford  from perennial Style Guide favorite Flint and Tinder adds crisp style to this work-ready ensemble.

The Trousers: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Slate, $98 — These versatile five-pocket trousers should work any time of the year — and the charcoal color of the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant makes them particularly ready for fall.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Lennon Boot in Tan, $270 — As first seen in a See Now, Buy Now feature on this site, Hudson Shoes makes a perfect pair of rugged leather boots — the tan leather nicely offsets the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant.

The Belt: Whipping Post Officer’s Belt in Natural, $78 — The best way to get into the spirit of rugged fall style is with similarly rugged accessories – this richly crafted natural leather belt from Whipping Post gets it done.

The Socks: Anonymousism Slub Crew Sock in Navy, $18 — Stylish socks are an underrated, essential style accessory, and these textured navy Anonymousism socks fit right in with the rest of this stylish ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch in Red Wing Leather, $139— In keeping with the rugged fall vibes of this outfit, a stylish leather watch from Timex, featuring Red Wing boot leather, is a nice pick-up.

The Essential Accessory: Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set, $69 — To me, this outfit signifies work-ready, get-the-job-done style. So, you’re going to need to fuel up properly, ehh? This Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set should make just about the best pour-over coffee you can get at home.

So, I hope we’ve all got a better idea of how to wear a blazer for fall — I’ve got some ideas myself now! When you start with an easygoing cotton blazer with rugged styling details, the rest of the outfit falls into place. From slim charcoal trousers and an American-made Oxford to stylish leather boots from Hudson Shoes, these are the type of pieces you can wear again and again throughout the fall season. And when you consider the rugged style and affordability of the Timex Waterbury Watch, this outfit is that much better of a value. Even stylish socks from Anonymousism should provide both comfort and great looks, too. But there’s more! The rest of the season, you can also layer up the Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Blazer with plenty of other rugged style essentials. What’s your take on this #OOTD? If you want to see some real-time fall style tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

That’s all for now — thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Keep Portland Weird! A West Coast Weekend Adventure

Hanging out at TwentySix Cafe in versatile, rugged gear for exploring Portland. My Bridge & Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket, the Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt, All-American Washed Jeans from Flint and Tinder and my Grizzly Wheat President Boots from Thursday Boots worked out tremendously!

Before we kick things off in today’s latest travel style feature on The Style Guide, know that we’re not about to dive into a “Portlandia” parody (as outstanding as that show happens to be). No sir, this past weekend gave me the chance to head West — although I’d spent a weekend exploring Los Angeles and even made a trip out to Las Vegas for work last year, I’d never been to the City of Roses. I’ve been hearing great things about its balance of excellent #menswear, standout craft beer, a great culinary scene and of course, stellar live music — in my book, that’s more than enough reason to get out and adventure.


And the my long weekend brought with it the added value of an amazing concert — always a bonus! Yes indeed, seeing excellent synth pop band Future Islands play the renowned Crystal Ballroom was a heck of a treat on Friday night. Although it was quite the long trek to get out there following a long work week in New York, I did my best to pack in style (as you might have seen via my Instagram page). Come along for the journey!

Slim, faded denim, a durable Saddleback duffel bag, trusty James Dean Eyewear sunglasses … all that you need for a weekend out West.

Traveling in style and comfort can be a bit of a challenge — particularly on a long flight. That’s why I reached for my durable, pleasingly faded All-American Washed Jeans from Flint and Tinder. Made from premium cotton denim and finished with just a hint of stretch, my All-American Washed Jeans were a fine pair of denim to go from the airport to go to the hip, quiet and cozy TwentySix Cafe near my Irvington accommodations. And my uniquely detailed Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt worked just as well on the plane as it did trekking around Portland, particularly when teamed with the richly crafted Grizzly Wheat President Boot from Thursday Boots. To stay on time through it all, I reached for a brand-new, slim and refined Timex watch — the versatile leather strap proved easily wearable all day long. To shield my eyes from the sun in style, a new pair of James Dean Eyewear JDS100 Sunglasses looked great and proved up to the task. The next time your trip calls for exploring a new city on foot, reach for mobile denim, comfortable-yet-tough boots, a sharp watch and stylish, go-anywhere shirting. 

All the right details for exploring Portland, including a new Timex watch and my rugged Thursday Boots Grizzly Wheat President Boots.

And exploration was certainly the name of the game on Friday leading up to that night’s Future Islands show. Thankfully, my durable, rugged and extremely well-crafted Saddleback Rounded Leather Duffel Bag held up to the challenge of lugging around my favorite travel style essentials as I hopped from grabbing a crucial cold brew to the excellent Bunk Bar Wonder, one of a series of PDX locations offering gourmet sandwiches, excellent craft cocktails and a very solid beer selection. A hint — get the Molě Tator Tots, packed with delicious flavor. It was a great afternoon lead-in to a stop at the richly appointed Tanner Goods Flagship Store and the accompanying craft cocktail/beer bar & patio, The Wayback. This American-made brand has long been a favorite of mine for handsome leather goods, durable outerwear, stylish home decor and terrific attention to detail — it was a treat to finally stop by! So with coffee, menswear and craft beer on lock, that led to the night’s highlight: Future Islands bringing down a packed Crystal Ballroom with a stellar show! It helped that I dressed in comfort and style; I can simply never resist the chance to wear rugged leather boots to a concert, either.

The Baltimore-based synth pop band’s rise to fame has been a long one — they’ve played more than 1,000 shows across the country since 2006, often booking them on their own. And if you’re not familiar, I’d say you’ll recognize them from their 2014 appearance on Letterman playing hit single “Seasons (Waiting on You).” Believe me, frontman Sam Herring is every bit as energetic, passionate and enjoyable in person — I knew that from seeing the band play Panorama 2017 here in NYC! And their return to Portland was an anticipated one, coming as it did off the release of one of this year’s better albums, the emotionally packed “The Far Field.”

With an extensive discography spanning five albums and plenty of crowd favorites, a Future Islands show is full of highs and lows, joy and passion — it’s a sight to behold, from hits like 2017’s “Ran” and 2014’s “A Dream of You and Me” to fan favorites like “Seasons,” of course! And Crystal Ballroom, what with a historic interior and a tremendous craft beer selection — including choice selections brewed in Portland — is simply a quirky, cool, standout venue for a live show. Did it top my trip to Nashville to see Young the Giant and Cold War Kids? It’s tough to say – but Future Islands blew me away yet again. Even dealing with a bit of jet lag, it was still a heck of a way to cap off a big Portland day.

Durable Allen Edmonds boots, a finely crafted Abercrombie cotton shirt and a durable Timex x Red Wing watch — perfect Portland essentials.

So, with Friday night in the books, my Saturday kicked off in style — from the ground up, as it were. For getting around Portland with durability, rugged looks and sharp versatility in mind, my brand-new Allen Edmonds Caen Cap Toe Boots worked extremely well. Of course, I started my day right on time with my Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch, but stellar boots were just as critical. Coming from a brand mainly known for stylish men’s dress shoes, these rugged cap toe boots are a welcome addition to the Allen Edmonds line — and what’s more, they worked nicely in tandem with the crisp, easily wearable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants. Cut like a five-pocket pant and made from a blend of cotton and lyrca, my 365 Pants helped me grab a quick coffee at essential Portland stop Blue Star Donuts before kicking off afternoon shopping at Style Guide favorites Bridge & Burn. On the shirting front, I reached for a nice fall go-between — a new Abercrombie & Fitch Herringbone Shirt, courtesy of the brand. I can’t recommend the rugged versatility of Abercrombie & Fitch enough, and this soft-washed cotton shirt was able to withstand a full day out and about in Portland.

I packed a lot into an already busy day, including a stop at the excellent Kiriko Made shop — renowned for indigo textiles, excellent shirting and stunning attention to detail on items as small as pocket squares, Kiriko should certainly be on your shopping list if you get out to Portland.  And just as with my trip to Nashville, I had to hit up a renowned craft beer spot or two. The afternoon started with the Deschutes Brewery Portland location — a craft beer lover’s dream.  Lauded for rich, innovative and hard-to-find beers (at least back in NYC), I can’t recommend the nearly legendary Black Butte Porter or the Inversion IPA enough. It was a nice lead-in to another busy evening — centered, of course, around a trip to bustling sports bar The Independent to catch my beloved Michigan State Spartans take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish! And for a postgame brew, I headed to 10Barrel Brewing, another Oregon favorite that’s always a treat to sip.

Men's travel style

Heading back home in comfortable Standard Deviation denim, a classic Bridge and Burn tee and my trusty Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

To kick off my last and final day in style — and with a jolt – I stopped by the Ace Hotel Portland, a hip boutique hotel that’s also a favorite spot in NYC for post-work drinks and small bites. Oh, and the coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters? It’s excellent, too. I also made my final day count in terms of #menswear, from my Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki chukka boots to my slim, stylish and well-fitting Standard Deviation denim. Standard Deviation does it right when it comes to stylish denim — the brand’s Two-Part Solution allows you to try out two pairs for 15 days to nail down your perfect fit; when the time comes, you pay the discounted price of $78 per pair. Not bad, ehh? And certainly stylish for exploring Portland and heading to Ecliptic Brewing for a nice brew or two before a long flight back home.

I also dressed in laidback style with a new Bridge & Burn Basic Tee, a slim-fitting number made with a breezy cotton blend. The Heather Wine color  of the Basic Tee also played nicely off my Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki chukka boots. Luckily, my essential Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch ensured I stayed on time throughout the day.  For navigating a new city, reach for classic suede chukka boots and perhaps some favorite tunes, as I did when I plugged into stylish headphones from the Bespoke Post Vibes Box. With a busy, enjoyable and exciting weekend behind me, it was time all too soon to head hone. I appreciated Portland for its quiet atmosphere, its mix of amazing coffee, great menswear and live music, and the attention to detail in everything from food to craft beer. Is Portland “weird,” per se? It’s different than New York and Brooklyn, and that’s a great thing!

If you’ve got questions on the best things to do in Portland, drop me a note on Twitter. Follow along on Instagram for more men’s travel style tips, and check back tomorrow for a new #OOTD post.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Speckled Henley is an Essential Fall Layer

An ultra-premium henley that’s more than ready for fall layering. Did I mention it’s from Billy Reid?

We’ve been talking about men’s fall style essentials for a while now on the blog, and make no mistake, we want to get you prepped the right way. That’s why you need — NEED — the Billy Reid Speckled Henley for fall. Is that a bit extreme perhaps? Sure  — but if you argue that every needs a rugged henley in his fall layering rotation, then the Billy Reid Speckled Henley becomes that much easier to consider (and even buy!). And so it goes with another See Now, Buy Now entry – the Speckled Henley in particular is a welcome sight. It means that we’re that much closer to fall breezes, crisp morning walks through your favorite park, rich stouts on tap at your favorite brewery … you name it, and the Billy Reid Speckled Henley can take you there this season. It’s an accessible piece from a designer lauded for his runway shows and his richly crafted (and expensive) outerwear and tailoring — but rest assured, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is worth it.

Made in Italy from a 12-gauge knit heathered fabric, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley could be the most premium henley you own. That means you can wear it with a herringbone blazer and dark blue denim to the office on a casual Friday, and you can easily throw it on underneath a classic denim jacket or a black moto jacket and stylish Chelsea boots to head to a  rock concert. And with small details like a tubular neckline finish and high-quality horn buttons, this henley acts more like a dress shirt than a base layer. Crucially, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is going to retain its shape and look great even with repeated wear. Are you ready for fall yet? Hopefully, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley  helps get you in the spirit soon enough.

How would you wear the Billy Reid Speckled Henley? Will you be picking it up this season? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots

A classic in any season — especially fall.

Folks, let’s dive on into another Style Pick of the Week. More specifically, let’s talk rugged fall boots — as in the standout Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots. They’re investment-worthy and wish list-worthy, to say the least. Surely, if you’re a #menswear fan and have kept up with the industry, then you’ll recognize the durable, classic and resurgent style of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot. They were a trendy favorite in the mid-2000s as workwear and made-in-America goods surged back into play, but here’s the catch — Wolverine has made these boots a modern-day classic. Yes, the handsome, rugged and timeless silhouette of the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boot is just as relevant today. And what better season than fall to break out a pair of classic leather boots, after all? Wolverine has come up in the past on The Style Guide, specifically when talking the best boots for fall. Why not get ready for the season with the real deal, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot? Ehh? Yessir, Wolverine has nearly outdone themselves once again with this easily wearable, ridiculously well-crafted silhouette — and again, the time is just right to pick up the 1000 Mile Boots, my friends. And if I were you, I’d wear them to your next tailgate, on a bar crawl or to the office when paired up with a stylish fall blazer. They’re that good.

A tough silhouette that’s not too bulky — wearable with jeans or wool trousers in equal measure.

Like other Style Guide favorites — including the Original Chippewa Service Boots — this pair of 1000 Mile Boots is built to last right here in America. Wolverine uses uncompromising standards in crafting boots that can work with every single one of your fall menswear essentials, from rugged dark blue denim and a light blue denim shirt to faded black denim and a slim striped henley — and that’s only the beginning. The thing with the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots  is that they’re only going to get better the more you wear them. Heck, the pattern of the boots itself is recreated from 1914, when the original 1000 Mile Boots  launched. And the leather?  It comes from Horween, perhaps the country’s foremost leather crafters. Throw in well-considered details like flat waxed laces and a leather outsole, and you’ve got a stunning pair of boots that can certainly last … beyond a thousand miles. See what I did there? At any rate, the craftsmanship and rugged appeal of the 1000 Mile Boots keeps going and going. OK, we’re done now. Thanks for reading!

Will the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots be making their way into your footwear rotation this fall? How would you style the 1000 Mile Boots?

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Fall Boots, Portland and A Rugged Fall Jacket

Let’s turn the page on another week and hop right into the weekend here on The Style Guide. With another Friday Read comes another step closer toward fall. From football tailgates to breaking in new Chelsea boots all the way through to knocking back a rich IPA or an Oktoberfest beer at your local haunt, it’s a great time to prep for the season with perfectly rugged fall style. We’ve been talking a lot about those themes on the blog, from a new way to wear your denim jacket to the best men’s boots for fall, too.

If all of that #menswear doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will! I know I’m excited to break out some new seasonal favorites — you can follow me on Instagram for more there. And in the meantime, you might want to tag along this coming weekend; I’ll be hitting the road in style once again, this time on a West Coast trip to lovely Portland! It’s coming on the heels of a big fall event at my day job, so the trip is perfectly timed for a little rest, relaxation, craft beer, fall menswear and of course, some live music. Who exactly is on the docket? Why, passionate, energetic and plain fun synth pop band Future Islands! Give their new album, “The Far Field,” a spin as you relax with your weekend coffee and a few prime pieces of men’s style news — which, as always, you can find below!

  • As we talked about earlier, it’s the perfect season for a great pair of stylish leather boots — right? Right. And my picks for The Manual covering the best leather boots for men might just take the cake. At least, that’s what I think! Read up now, folks.

  • Fancy getting out of the city on a hike? I know I could use a getaway every now and then — and if you’re more outdoors-minded than this city dweller, one of the best pairs of men’s hiking pants, as written about by yours truly, could very well be of interest. Get out there and get to it!

Alright, we’re keeping it short and sweet today — although if I had to make one last recommendation, it’d be to read this neat Esquire rundown of why you need a denim shirt in your fall men’s style rotation. Get it? Got it? Good.

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up For Fall with the Rugged Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Just what rugged fall style calls for — great fabric, serious functionality and strong Taylor Stitch construction.

Let’s get one thing straight off the bat — the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt could be the new fall menswear essential you need now. Are we still slowly but surely transitioning into the chilly depths of fall? We sure are. But the beauty of #menswear lies in being able to plan ahead — and the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is a great place to start. San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch consistently brings great gear to the table, season after season and month after month. Whether we’re talking winter style picks like the ridiculously rugged  Rover Jacket or pieces that are fit for year-round wear, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you know that you’re getting durability, quality and classic style.

Certainly, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt checks each of those boxes — and that’s why it’s worth considering for early fall layering and beyond. It’s the kind of shirt you could team up with a rugged henley and American-made denim on a chilly fall night, and you could also layer it reliably under a slim topcoat as the depths of winter descend upon us. Heck, you could even pack it in your bag for one last trip to the beach — should it get chilly during an evening bonfire, you’re all set. The Utility Shirt‘s versatility and rugged good looks start, as always, with excellent Taylor Stitch fabrication.

Rugged details, tough fabric and a classic Taylor Stitch fit make the Utility Shirt essential fall shopping.

The brand’s use of Merino wool featuring a newly developed Serona fiber offers everything from durability to a hint of stretch to stain resistance — that makes the Utility Shirt sound too good to be true, right? Well, just know that it’s available for a decent price (under $150!) — that’s yet another classic Taylor Stitch move to be applauded. And in the way of other design details, Taylor Stitch also gets it right, from the button chest pocket to the powder-coated aluminum buttons. Take the fall-friendly Moss Herringbone, too. It gives the Utility Shirt  an earthy tone that teams well with everything from slim black denim and classic suede chukkas to tan chinos and brown leather boots for a play on the same color family. And with the brand’s essential, tailored cut — able to be worn tucked or untucked — plus double-stitch buttons and buttonholes, you’re getting a shirt with every detail considered. Would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? Surely not.  Snag the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt now while it’s around, and you’re one step closer to essential fall style.

Thanks for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau