Month / February 2018

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Pack Up for Your Next Trip with the Blue Claw Co. Leather Weekender Duffel

A handsome full-grain leather bag made to be taken on your next winter trip … and the next one. And the next one.

In need of a stylish everyday bag? Of course you are, my friend. And that’s why we’re gathered here today — to find you a handsome leather weekender bag that’s just as stunning as the #OOTD you’re wearing right now. But on a serious note, the difference really is all in the details when it comes to head-to-toe looks, and your accessories are as crucial a part of that as any. If you find yourself on the road a lot, as I tend to be, the right bag for travel is going to work wonders when it comes to packing, and it might even make travel a bit more fun. Well, folks — that bag is the Blue Claw Co. Bronson Leather Weekender Duffel, a standout bag that packs in durability, heritage-quality style and plenty of functionality in one package. Add it to your list of travel style essentials, and do so in a hurry. The Blue Claw Co. Leather Weekender Duffel is exclusive to our friends at Bespoke Post, so you know it delivers the goods (and that’s probably putting it lightly.

The BronsonLeather Weekender Duffel features full-grain chestnut leather, all the better to break in over time. The cotton ripstop liner is equally durable and sturdy, more than ready to keep everything on your packing list in fine condition. And the hardware? Why, it’s solid brass, my friends. Did I mention that it’s only one of 25? Yes, just 25. Seriously, what could make the Blue Claw Co. Bronson Leather Weekender Duffel any better? There’s truly not much. Ahh, but wait … it’s carry-on approved! Yes indeed, that’s it. So, to recap: The Bronson Leather Weekender Duffel is stylish, designed to break in over time, built to carry everything you need, and more than worthy of your cold hard cash. Sound good? Sounds good.

Are you picking up the Leather Weekender Duffel from Blue Claw Co. before you hit the road next time around? 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Take on Casual Winter Layering

We always love talking new and fun — well, hopefully fun — ways to wear your favorite men’s style essentials here on The Style Guide. In the case of today’s #OOTD,  that means taking pieces you’ve got in your wardrobe and mashing them up in a way that’s laidback, rugged and nearly ready for anything. We’ve talked consistently about pairing up pieces that you love with, well, other pieces that you love — it can make even the most seemingly basic outfits that much more fun to wear. As ever, using basic building blocks together in just one ensemble results in an outfit that’s weekend-friendly or ready to take on a casual final day of the week at the office — that’s exactly the direction you need to go when stuck in the winter style doldrums. We’re pushing through and nearly into March, so relief is in sight … and ideally, you won’t have to reinvent new ways to wear your favorite flannel shirt so often. At any rate, I think you’re going to like what’s on tap here, from a rugged slub henley to perfectly faded denim and tough leather chukka boots. Feel free to weigh in on the below #OOTD in the comments or via Twitter. To check out what I’m wearing, you can also head to my Instagram. For now, thanks for reading!

The perfect combo of tough and transitional layers.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket, $215 –Take a weather-ready canvas jacket out for a spin to kick this outfit off — we sure do love the Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket here on the blog.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Crater Flannel Shirt in Navy Plaid, $128 — Here’s your new favorite flannel shirt, as we mentioned before — the Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt combines a cool pattern and tough fabrication.

The Henley: Grayers Todd Slub Henley in Navy Heather, $65 — Grayers has a penchant for using excellent fabrics to make men’s style staples, like the Todd Slub Henley.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder One-Year Wash Jeans in Slim, $128 — When you reaching for laidback, rugged pieces like a stylish flannel shirt and a waxed canvas jacket, expertly faded jeans from Flint and Tinder are entirely acceptable (and recommended).

The Chukka Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, $230 — Casual leather chukka boots are a perfect complement to this outfit — grab the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka and go.

The Socks: American Trench Slub Crew Socks in Charcoal, $19.50 — With rugged leather chukka boots in the mix, stylish slub crew socks — especially American-made socks — are a worthy style move.

The Watch: Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch, $500 — Nezumi Studios is a new addition to the Huckberry roster, and a worthwhile purchase at that. The Bailene Watch is just the right balance between rugged and casual.

The Beanie: American Trench Ribbed Beanie in Charcoal, $110 — You’re going to need to top off your outfit the right way — with a durable beanie cap to help you fight winter’s chill.

That’s it, there’s your newest winter #OOTD! It comes down to using rugged-yet-casual and versatile pieces, like the Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt, paired up with similarly laidback essentials. Layering with the Todd Slub Henley adds both visual interest and warmth, while the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka offers durability and plenty of tough style points on the footwear front. You’re getting similarly rugged layering potential on the outerwear front with the Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket, while the American Trench Ribbed Beanie will also keep you warm during a chilly winter day.  And you’re going to need to step out with a stylish watch on your wrist, whether you’re heading to the coffee shop or your favorite brewpub — the Bailene Watch blends throwback style with tough durability. Plus, American-made socks are the new accessory move you didn’t know you needed (or perhaps you did?). Last but not least, we sure do love the Flint and Tinder denim on tap here. I’d love to see if you’d style these pieces together, or break ’em up and wear ’em separately — let me know in the comments below! As always, thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Look Toward Spring with these Top Men’s Gear Picks

Does it feel like the end of February snuck up on us? Just me? At any rate, the odd calendar set-up of this particular month means we’re starting to close out February with our third entry this month of The List, a full rundown of the best men’s gear picks for the season ahead. We’re starting to look toward spring just a bit, so the spring style essentials on tap reflect transitional, weather-ready style with just a dash of rugged appeal. Are you ready? Let’s do it.

Bridge & Burn Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket — $215

Your next spring outerwear purchase has arrived via Bridge & Burn.

Told you we’d focus on pieces that are tough enough for March weather, right? The Bridge and Burn Fraser Waxed Canvas Jacket gets the job done in that regard.
CIVIC The Oscar Sweater — $148

A unique fabric blend makes this sweater one to layer up with this coming spring.

CIVIC, an offshot of Taylor Stitch, takes an approach that’s just a bit more technical and minimal than its partner brand, but the well-made Oscar Sweater is the right layer to take you into March.
American Trench Slub Crew Socks in Charcoal — $19.50

Comfortable socks packed with rugged style, to boot.

Socks are just an afterthought, right? Not so with American Trench — the rugged-leaning Slub Crew Socks add warmth and comfort to any footwear combo.
Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka — $230

The durable construction you’d expect from Red Wing, along with the casual style you need for early spring.

Shoes that blend the functionality of a pair of Red Wing boots with the casual stylings of a classic pair of chukkas? That’s the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka for ya.
Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch — $500

A classically designed watch with plenty of modern style.

Nezumi Studios has outdone themselves with this tough vintage dive watch, the kind you’d find in many a cool, old-school style ensemble. The Bailene Watch might be my favorite of this crop.
American Trench Ribbed Beanie in Charcoal — $110

A well-made beanie cap to top off some of your favorite winter style essentials.

We’re sticking with more American Trench gear to cap off all of your winter style ensembles — this cashmere beanie is a welcome splurge. Go for it.

Blunt Umbrellas Metro Umbrella — $48.98

You need a new umbrella — trust me, you do. And this number from Blunt Umbrellas just might be the one.

Hey, those snow flurries are going to turn to rain showers at some point — you best be prepared when they do, and Blunt Umbrellas is going to have you ready in a way that’s stylish and effective.

Oxford Pennant “NYC” Banner — $44

A neat addition to your home, den or office — agreed?

Just like the great Interpol song “NYC,” maybe there’s just something about living here that makes me want this banner. Maybe you feel the same way, inside or outside of New York? Either way, Oxford Pennant stands for excellent quality.

Breda Zapf Watch — $80

A smart, sleek watch available at a heck of a price.

In contrast to the Nezumi Studios Baleine Watch outlined above, the Breda Zapf Watch is decidedly more affordable — that affordability could be up your alley, yes?

Taylor Stitch Moto Shirt — $148

A go-anywhere shirt that acts as a stylish outer layer, too.

The hits just keep coming for Taylor Stitch — they’ve yet again done an outstanding job with the rugged and tough-as-nails Moto Shirt, your do-everything spring layer.

OK, my friends — which of the above picks did you like the most? My money’s on the Bailene Watch from Nezumi Studios. That’ll wrap up today’s post!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Bayside Moc

A sneaker that’s going to prove a nice change of pace from winter boots? Sign me up.

Are you getting sick of your winter boots yet? No matter how much you might love to break out a pair of stylish men’s boots for these chilly times, it can get old after a few months. So, what’s a guy to do? Well, that guy — you — should reach for a pair of durable, winter-ready men’s sneakers like the SeaVees Bayside Moc. Yep, that’s right; you certainly can break out sneakers in winter, provided the conditions on the ground are right (shelve them during the polar vortex or when navigating snowdrifts on a blustery day). But most of the rest of the time, especially as we transition to spring, the SeaVees Bayside Moc is going to get the job done in rugged, casual fashion — the perfect respite from wearing boots day after day … after day.  It’s no secret that here at The Style Guide, we sure do love SeaVees; the brand draws on decades of California heritage to make sneakers that are classic and yet versatile enough to wear with your favorite style essentials. And yessir, that goes for winter style essentials as well — all thanks to the SeaVees Bayside Moc. This is a pair of grab-and-wear-anywhere sneakers, complete with classic chukka construction. They work especially well when paired up with navy chinos and a cable crewneck sweater to head to Sunday brunch or weekend coffee, in this writer’s opinion. That’s not all they have going for ’em, though.

A casually rugged profile, thanks to the classic moc toe stitching.

The specs on the SeaVees Bayside Moc are just what you’d expect from SeaVees, from the suede upper to the handsewn moccasin construction. Yet, there’s quite a bit of comfort built right into the Bayside Moc, starting with a comfort memory foam footbed designed to allow air flow and provide nice cushioning. It’s a pair of sneakers with comfort that’s going to pay off in the long run — after all, you can wear the SeaVees Bayside Moc quite a few places even in the winter. I’m talking a trip to your favorite brewery or a spontaneous vintage store shopping run (try it with a date sometime, perhaps?). At any rate, the Bayside Moc looks great with more casual style staples like slim dark denim and a rugged henley — as nearly all kicks from SeaVees just so happen to do. Again, it can take some work getting used to wearing sneakers in the winter, especially if you’re dedicated to your boot game. Give the SeaVees Bayside Moc a try sometime, though — they might just replace a pair of your boots the rest of this season.

Are the SeaVees Bayside Moc going to enter your footwear rotation soon? Let me know in the comments!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Boxer, Engineered Garments x Barbour and Grand Rapids

It’s everyone’s absolute favorite day of the week — Friday — and time for everyone’s absolute favorite blog feature, The Friday Read. We’ve been quite busy these past few weeks, telling you all about the best hiking boots to buy now, plus the best men’s gear to close out winter; it’s hard work to keep the lights on (figuratively speaking, at least). What’s on your radar in terms of gear purchases for these next few weeks of cold weather? There’s at least some light at the end of the tunnel — before you know it, I’m sure we’ll be talking about your spring style wish list and all the gear you can’t wait to break out for the weeks and months ahead. For now though, we’ve got some work to do. I’m back in Brooklyn this weekend after a winter trip to Grand Rapids, which was filled with cold beer, winter style essentials and great times with my family and friends. It’s not too often that I get to take those types of trips, so I certainly welcomed it. If you didn’t catch all the action on my Instagram, I’d suggest you check it all out (and maybe give me a follow — nudge, nudge). In the meantime, we’ve done the easy work of starting the weekend for you — let’s talk a bit of music, plus some highly durable (and coveted) outerwear. Cheers to the weekend!

  • One look at the photos here is all you need to know — the Engineered Garments x Barbour collaboration truly is something special, blending the unique touch that both brands have for taking quality heritage staples and mashing them up just ever so slightly. The one catch is that pieces from the collaboration don’t drop until fall 2018 — hey, a guy can dream until then, right?
  • If you follow The Style Guide regularly, you’re well aware of my passion for music (along with #menswear). That passion is perhaps no better exemplified than by the well-tailored members of my favorite band, The National! They sure do come up on this blog a lot, and with good reason. The indie rock group — formed in Brooklyn, but from Cincinnati, is curating its own festival back in Ohio this spring featuring fellow indie luminaries like Future Islands, Alvvays, Feist and Father John Misty. Oh, and another thing! They’ll be playing their iconic 2007 album, “Boxer,” in full that weekend. The news dropped this past week, and you can learn more at the link above. And another thing — I positively can’t wait to be there in April!
  • This next bit has been in the news these past few weeks — namely, the aftershocks from L.L. Bean ending its much-loved (and much over-used) lifetime return policy. Now, Esquire.com reports someone is suing L.L. Bean for ending its return policy. You can’t make this stuff up, folks.
  • Last but certainly not least — when is a gym bag … not just a gym bag? When it’s the Hard Graft Gym Bag, that’s when. I took a look at the stellar specs and standout style behind this piece recently for GearMoose.

That’s going to wrap things up for me today — how about you? Enjoy the weekend, and follow along with the rest of my adventures via Instagram, if you so choose!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Szanto Vintage Dive Watch Is Your New Go-To Casual Timepiece

A dependable leather watch with excellent specs,courtesy of Szanto.

Our See Now, Buy Now series here on The Style Guide covers all manner of durable, dependable everyday goods, from your next winter jacket to a handy set of everyday carry essentials. And yet, y’know what we haven’t talked about in a while?  A stylish casual watch . And the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is just what you need, packed with rugged, tough style and easy-to-wear looks aplenty.  As  a fan of everyday style essentials like a classic Oxford shirt, faded denim and durable suede chukkas, I think there’s little that the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch can’t when styled with pieces you already own and love — that goes for the depths of winter or the first breezy day of spring. Featuring a nicely sized 43mm diameter, this handsome watch is just part of a lineup of stellar, classically styled and ruggedly fabricated Szanto watches that team well with gear that we already recommend you own. Y’know, pieces like a waxed trucker jacket, rugged winter boots and your favorite henley for cold weather.

Rest assured, the specs of the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch go beyond just looks. It’s made with a waterproof leather strap, nearly unheard of in the watch community, and features details like a striking bronze-plated case and a sharp blue dial. It’s also waterproof to 200 meters, meaning this watch could even be worn to the boat or to the beach without missing a beat this spring and summer. The Japanese quartz movement should be reliable and durable, while the overall approach is as solid as it gets — this watch isn’t a cheap timepiece in terms of functionality, that much is true. Yes indeed, the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is but one watch to snag right now from the entire arsenal of Szanto watches — and I’d put my money on the fact that you’ll be seeing quite a bit of the brand around here in the future.

Are you a fan of Szanto watches, and will this one be making its way onto your wrist? 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style a Denim Jacket This Winter

When you think of winter style essentials, your mind probably doesn’t jump to a denim jacket … does it? After all, the denim jacket is a layering essential that’s ready for spring, summer and fall, but not winter. Right? Wrong. When worn the right way, a denim jacket can absolutely work in winter. Maybe not during a blizzard or as you dress for the polar vortex, but on a day with temperatures above freezing? The denim jacket can work wonders, folks — today’s #OOTD is going to show you how. It’s all about accessorizing accordingly, reaching for warm winter essentials like an American-made cashmere scarf and prepping accordingly with a stylish casual leather watch. We’re building it from the ground up with essentials like a rugged henley, slim stretch chinos and tough shearling-lined boots, for starters. And the rest of the picks? Well, you’ll just have to read up below. Let me know if this is a #OOTD you’ll be breaking out over these next couple weeks — good luck out there!

Pairing a denim jacket with a rugged henley is an A-plus style move, folks.

The Denim Jacket: Todd Snyder Made in Los Angeles Denim Jacket, $298 — Leave it to Todd Snyder to make a simply outstanding, well-cut, well-crafted denim jacket — ideal for layering up.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley in Natural, $68 — Taylor Stitch has the perfect winter henley for you, made from sustainable, durable fabric.

The Scarf: American Trench Cashmere Scarf in Charcoal, $180 — Because we’re still taking on winter weather, the handsome American Trench Cashmere Scarf is the one to buy now.

The Chinos: Grayers Newport Stretch Modern Fit Chinos, $98 — Slim tan chinos — especially the Grayers Newport Stretch Modern Fit Chinos — add a bit of casual refinement to this look.

The Boots: Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots, $365 —  Want stylish winter boots that are going to work twice as hard to keep your feet warm? The Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots are that pair precisely.

The Watch: Szanto Vintage Dive Watch 5205, $224.98 — Remarkably rugged, well-made and casually stylish, the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch nicely offsets your tough denim jacket and classic henley.

The Socks: CHUP Dia Socks, $35 — This outfit balances classic neutrals with rich texture — so, the CHUP Dia Socks add some nice pattern, comfort and style. Bingo!

The Beanie: Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie, $45 — What’s the perfect capper to this outfit? The warm, stylish Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie.

See, doesn’t it make more sense that a denim jacket can work in the winter? It’s all about what you pair it with — the rich, deep indigo of Todd Snyder’s made-in-America denim jacket pairs right up with the perfect winter henley
from Taylor Stitch, which in turn nicely offsets the Grayers Newport Stretch Modern Fit Chinos — is there a combo more classic than that? Hardly. Accessories like the crucial Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie and the well-made (but admittedly pricey) American Trench Cashmere Scarf are going to help you fight the chill accordingly. On the footwear front, it’s hard to go wrong with a rugged pair of winter boots, especially the remarkably tough Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots. Stylish socks are a must no matter the season, and the warm, visually interesting CHUP Dia Socks add just enough color and pattern to this outfit. Of course, a rugged casual watch is just what you need to bring it all home — the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch was practically made for pairing with an outfit like this one. So, what say you? Will you throw on this ensemble for winter in the weeks ahead? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page.

by Beau H.

The Road Back Home: A Winter Trip to Grand Rapids

Hitting the road to catch up with old family and friends is assuredly of my favorite things to do — although I do appreciate the hustle and bustle of NYC, it’s always nice to get back home. That’s the case whether it’s my adopted home state of Florida, the site of my last #menswear trip, or my native state of Michigan, which still plays host to plenty of beloved family and friends. Yes indeed, just as with a February 2017 trip back to Grand Rapids, I packed up my favorite winter style essentials this past weekend and got ready to see my brother and his family (hi, guys!), plus my lifelong friend (and groom-to-be), Mr. Chris Spyke. There was great craft beer to be had in Beer City U.S.A., to go along with rugged layering of pieces like my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket and classic suede chukkas from Astorflex. It was certainly an early Friday morning getting out of NYC, but it was well worth it — and I did my best to travel in style, of course.

Getting there was quite easy, all thanks to my dependable Voyager Waxed Weekender — packed with plenty of travel style essentials — from Boarding Pass NYC (always a road trip favorite).  The classic, comfortable Langdon Slim Denim from Abercrombie & Fitch helped me stay comfortable and yet stylish through my flight, while Astorflex came through once again with comfortable suede chukka boots that managed to go from airport to airport and the Grand Rapids beer scene quite easily. To fight the cold (and stay on point in terms of style) the Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket proved a handy travel jacket — gotta love those handy front snap pockets — and teamed nicely with an easygoing-yet-sharp, classic men’s shirt from my pals at Todd Snyder. Seriously, you can’t top a tailored weekend shirt in a soft fabric — it works for travel, the office and yes, happy hour brews.  And on the watch front, my Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Sport Watch was durable, versatile and travel-ready. When traveling on quick weekend trips, find pieces you love wearing — like classic slim denim and dependable chukka boots — and wear them time and again. Oh, and don’t forget the accessories — my reliable-as-always Huckberry Explorer’s Cap rounded out my ensemble for a laidback day hanging with my nieces and nephews (four in total!), plus catching up with Mr. Spyke and company  later in the day for the first weekend of the incredible (and well-timed) Grand Rapids Beer Month! An absolutely tremendous occasion, and a perfect way to kick off the weekend, complete with stops at spots like Mitten Brewing Co. to get Friday going.

As one might expect, Saturday proved an ideal occasion to break out some of my favorite winter style essentials, pieces that layer up nicely and work for on-the-go brewery-hopping (and some shopping). I layered up with my durable-as-ever Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, a highly coveted piece that I’d recommend you snap up before it’s gone. I also simply had to break out the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos for style that was polished and able to work all day long.  Again, Taylor Stitch consistently proves its value as a brand, whether grabbing brews in Beer City, U.S.A or hopping from the bar to a show in NYC. And on the watch front, it was easy to reach for the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, a consistent favorite that I find myself wearing more days than not — it can be tough to find a stylish leather watch at an affordable price, and Timex consistently delivers.

When you want to make it easy to pack your favorite accessories on the road, reach for a stylish timepiece (and other essentials) that you already love wearing.  Oh, and when it comes to getting around Grand Rapids, even in the snow? My CAT Footwear Abe Canvas Boots (as seen above) got the job done, blending durability with crucial style points. And we certainly had a busy day — there are absolutely some stellar spots you simply have to hit in Grand Rapids on a Saturday, from new brewery City Built Brewing to the Nordic-inspired Sovengard, an excellent spot for cocktails.

Sunday once again called for more citywide exploration, and a terrific brunch at soccer-themed bar SpeakEZ. I also loved the quiet tranquility of the city’s Grand Rapids Art Museum, always a pleasant weekend stop (and a nice way to relax on Sunday after a busy night out and about in GRA). We also grabbed coffee at the excellent Madcap Coffee, followed by beers at the always-tremendous (and continually growing!) Founders Brewing, a Michigan favorite. For a final day braving the G.R. chill, I again turned to CAT Footwear and the brand’s Chronicle Boots, featuring tough plain-toe construction and stylish brown leather that gets better with age. They worked more than admirably on a cold Grand Rapids day — I’d recommend similarly stylish winter boots enough for the remaining weeks (or months) of winter.

I had to complement my outfit yet again with a travel-friendly timepiece, the absolutely fantastic Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Sport Watch, featuring welcome new design touches like a domed crystal case, INDIGLO lighting and a sporty NATO strap, calling to mind throwback diving timepieces. In short, it provided some nice visual interest when it came time to layer up for the day — I again threw on my Mission Workshop Bridgeman Peacoat atop a rugged crewneck sweater from my friends at Pistol Lake, complemented by my classic Flint and Tinder denim. The combo helped me kick back, relax and enjoy a few more hours in one of my favorite cities (and it’s not just because of the beer!). When you want to get around a favorite city in the cold weather, layer up with a tough jacket, a sporty NATO strap watch and expertly faded denim for comfort on the road. 

It was unfortunately time once again to head back to NYC — all too soon, if you ask me. I’m grateful to be able to hop a quick flight back to Grand Rapids to see my family and friends, all the while exploring and finding out new things about one of my favorite cities. It’s also a plus to be able to pack and dress in winter style essentials, from made-in-America denim to tough leather boots, a stylish casual watch and a warm thermal shirt.  It’s not all about the packing list, though — I also find that Grand Rapids has something for everybody, from excellent coffee to great beer to a cool shopping and museum scene. Add in great company and times with lifelong friends, and you’ve got a recipe for success.

Are you heading to Grand Rapids soon? Let me know via the comments below, and feel free to say “Hi” via E-mail or The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap

A unique way to upgrade your outfit — throw on a cool, vintage-inspired hat.

Since when you do need a new ballcap? Since right about now, I’d wager. A ballcap is a somewhat underrated style move in the menswear world — and not everyone is a fan of wearing caps. Bear with me, though. When done right, the humble ballcap can add visual interest and even provide a bit of a talking point for your outfit (seriously, people love cool hats). So, which hat to pick up? Well, the Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is the ballcap you didn’t know you needed, complete with throwback style points and an air of vintage cool. Ebbets Field Flannels has experienced a resurgence in recent years, resulting in gear that nods to the past and looks great in the present — kind of like your other favorite men’s style essentials (I.e. the classic chambray shirt). It’s also just the right time to break out a stylish vintage-inspired ballcap like this one, provided it’s not a blizzard out there. Yes indeed, the finely crafted Ebbets Field Flannels hat is the right topper for your next winter weekend ensemble — even outside of the work week, we know that the small style details count in every single ensemble. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is also a one-of-a-kind offering, made exclusively for our pals at Bespoke Post to mark the site’s six-year anniversary (hence the use of the felt “B”). And the specs are to be applauded, from the tonal stitching to the hand-crafted construction and that distinctly cool feeling you get from snagging something that’s made in America.

A leather back fastener and nickel pull tab are a departure from regular athletic ballcaps.

Seriously, if you haven’t considered throwing on a ballcap the next time you head out to grab a weekend coffee, run errands or head to Sunday brunch, you can ease into it the right way. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap certainly checks off all the boxes — it’s low-key, it’s easy to style and it features much cooler design touches than a regular athletic logo ballcap. The Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap is the type of cap to throw on with a casual crewneck sweater, rugged moc toe boots and perfectly faded denim as you head out for a casual evening. It’ll also work nicely as a travel cap, offering protection from the elements and a bit of shade from the sun if you’re the type to head out on day hikes. No matter what casual ensemble floats your boat, this cap can likely pair up with it. And it just makes sense to round out your wardrobe with a casual, cool hat like this Ebbets Field Flannels ballcap — after all, why not cover all your bases in the menswear playing field?

Are you going to be picking up the Ebbets Field Flannels Bespoke Post Cap? And how will you be styling it? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Beer City U.S.A, The Winter Olympics and Neutral Milk Hotel

If you can believe it, we had to call an audible when it came to last week’s Friday Read given the hectic pace and scheduling of New York Fashion Week: Men’s. (Runway shows! Collection previews! Afterparties!). But I’m pleased to report that we’re back this week, and better than ever — well, hopefully. Who else is looking forward to the weekend? Was our guide to what to wear on Valentine’s Day this week helpful? You can be sure we’ll have more #OOTD content — and tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — on the way very soon. On that note, did you catch last week’s Style Pick of the Week? The Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is about as good as it gets when it comes to adventure-ready weekend style. And speaking of weekend adventures… this weekend is an exciting, busy one as well. I’m hitting the road back to Grand Rapids to see childhood friends, enjoy Beer City U.S.A (!) and visit my family (including four nieces and nephews!). It’s going to be a jam-packed, super enjoyable weekend, dovetailing off my trip last February to Grand Rapids (and quickly becoming a tradition for me?). At any rate, you can catch all the action live on Instagram and Instagram Stories (of course). In the meantime, enjoy the weekend — cheers!

  • So, the iconic, much-discussed and much-debated seminal indie album “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel turned 20 last week; can ya believe it? It might have been just a bit before my time, but it’s an album worth studying & appreciating — as Pitchfork noted in its review upon its reissue some years ago … a perfect 10! What’s your take?
  • The Winter Olympics are here — in the spirit of keeping you in the loop on the festivities, our pals at Esquire.com published the lazy person’s guide to the Winter Olympics; good enough, right?
  • Perhaps you’ve seen this news already, but last week, L.L. Bean announced it was changing its return policy, a famously accommodating one at that; will you be taking more care of your Bean Boots from now on?
  • Lastly, let’s talk what you’re drinking this weekend — the Samuel Adams Sam ’76 brew is my latest write-up over at GearMoose, and you might just want to track it down and raise a glass this weekend. Who’s with me?

Hopefully, the above features helped you start your weekend the right way — see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau