Month / February 2018

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Power Through Winter with the Natural Dainite Summit Boots from Oak Street Bootmakers

A surprisingly refined pair of hiking boots for the road ahead.

Let’s be clear here: Winter is still sticking around for a few more weeks — and likely longer — and there’s not much that any of us can do about it. One thing that can ease the pain of stomping through the snow again? Stocking up on men’s winter style essentials that’ll help you charge through the snow (or just stroll) while looking great. We’ve talked about Oak Street Bootmakers here on The Style Guide before, and the Natural Dainite Summit Boots are just as worthy of an addition to any lineup of rugged winter footwear you might have lying around. The Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Dainite Summit Boots play off the Chicago brand’s penchant for delivering beautifully made, versatile footwear — and the Dainite Summit Boots are that rare pair of hikers that are actually slightly … dressy, if you will? We’re not saying you can break these guys out with a navy flannel suit, but perhaps with some Donegal trousers and an American-made indigo overshirt? Certainly. And with the specs of the Natural Dainite Summit Boots, you can be sure they’re up to the challenge in terms of battling winter weather.

Made from outstanding Natural Chromexcel Horween leather and featuring Goodyear welt construction — allowing ’em to be resoled after heavy wear — the Natural Dainite Summit Boots are sleek and rugged all at once, a rare find when it comes to dependable winter hiking boots. The UK-made Dainite offers superior traction on slippery surfaces, all without sacrificing looks — clunky winter boots, these are not. The calfskin lining on the Natural Dainite Summit Boots is a comfortable, premium bonus, while the red laces nod toward outdoor heritage without detracting from the overall style of the Natural Dainite Summit Boots — not a bad package overall, right? And I’d wager that the Natural Dainite Summit Boots will only continue to get better with age; we’ve got plenty of winter left, so it’s imperative that you stock up — is it not?

If the Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Dainite Summit Boots end up in your closet, let me know! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Casual, Stylish Winter Weekend

We’re powering through winter in fine fashion still, right? Right? OK, well … it’s admittedly getting tougher to slog through the chill out there, but someone’s got to do it. And that someone, even when it comes to dressing for a casual winter weekend (a la today’s #OOTD) …. is you, my friend. Looking put-together and yet laidback is a tough balance to strike, to be sure. That’s where we at The Style Guide are here to help. It can certainly be done when you reach for textured basics, like slim navy sweatpants and rugged chukka sneakers, both of which should keep you warm (and upright) on a brisk winter’s day. Even if the only item on your agenda happens to be a morning coffee run and plenty of Netflix, let’s make sure we put our best foot forward (literally) in today’s #menswear ensemble. We’re going to get in going with the Nau Utility Down Field Jacket momentarily, but I’d urge you to follow me on Twitter or Instagram if you want more style-minded content and dressing suggestions. For now, that’s all I’ve got — onto the outfit!

A great jacket, warm sweatpants and a rugged henley are all you need in this weekend #OOTD.

The Jacket: Nau Utility Down Field Jacket, $305.98 — From the neat texture to the sustainable construction and warm down filling, the Nau Utility Down Field Jacket can really do it all.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley in Olive, $62 — When you’re layering up a rugged field jacket, your best bet is a tough henley from Flint and Tinder.

The Sweats: Outerknown Lowtide Sweats, $74.98 — Comfy, cozy sweats are a weekend style essential, and the tailored, well-made Outerknown Lowtide Sweats are a solid bet for yours.
The Sneakers: SeaVees Bayside Moc, $106 — Want the comfort of a sneaker and a build similar to that of your favorite chukka boots? The SeaVees Bayside Moc is the way to go.
The Socks: CHUP Dia Socks, $35 — In an outfit filled with solid basics, these stylish patterned socks add some welcome color to a winter-friendly ensemble.

The Watch: Komrade White Pointer Watch, $799.98 — Since this outfit is both durable and casual, a durable, casual watch like the stunning Komrade White Pointer Watch is the one to wear.

The Beanie: Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie, $45 — Before you step out of the house, make sure your rugged winter accessories are on point, capped off with the Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie.

The Bag: Matador Transit Tote Bag, $39.99 — A grab-and-go tote bag is an easy way to stow your everyday carry, and the Matador Transit Tote keeps things lightweight and functional.
Who else is ready for the weekend? Like, right now? When you’ve got stylish pieces that look this good and keep you warm at the same time, I’d wager we’re all looking forward to Saturday and Sunday. The Nau Utility Down Field Jacket really is a piece that can work during your 9-to-5 grind as well, but it’ll serve as a stylish topper to your Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley and those tailored, sustainable Outerknown Lowtide Sweats. And can you go wrong with ridiculously durable accessories like the investment-level Komrade White Pointer Watch, the casual-yet-versatile SeaVees Bayside Moc and the CHUP Dia Socks? Certainly not, my friends. I also love the Matador Transit Tote for its blend of sleek looks and dependability (on paper, at least). And to top it all off, throw on the Topo Designs Merino Wool Beanie. That’s all there is to it, folks. For now, stay stylish!
-Beau
by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Winter Style with these Top Gear Picks for February

It’s about time to get your credit card handy and step right up to peruse another edition of The List. We already kicked off last month (2018!) in style with the best men’s gear for January, and we’re back at it again today with another set of picks sure to take up more space in your closet. We’ve got handy accessories — like a rugged watch roll for storing your favorite timepieces —  and we’ve even got, well, your next watch purchase. That is to say, it’s all covered here on The Style Guide. Happy shopping, my friends (oh, and feel free to check in on Twitter if you end up making any purchases!). So, here we go …

Nau Utility Down Field Jacket — $305.98

A tailored silhouette, technical performance and a look that’s reminiscent of a modern take on the classic field jacket? Nau gets it right with the Down Utility Field Jacket, folks.

 

Worn & Wound Canvas and Leather Watch Fold — $95

A handsome and rugged watch roll for storing your favorite watches.

Worn & Wound has been in the accessories game for a bit now, and it’s not hard to see why when pieces like the Canvas and Leather Watch Fold are so well-made and sharp-looking.

Szanto Vintage Dive Watch 5203 — $249.98

A durably crafted, utterly “timeless” timepiece.

What watch are you going to store in your Canvas and Leather Watch Fold? Well, one of ’em should certainly be the Szanto Vintage Dive Watch, my friends. A beautiful and reasonably priced rugged leather watch.

Myles Apparel Elements Crew — $65.98

A dependable crewneck sweatshirt that blends functionality and classic styling.

The Myles Apparel Elements Crew is anything but a basic crewneck, crafted from Storm Cotton — it just so happens to be water-repellent. Definitely break out this rugged crewneck sweatshirt for your next morning run.
Tanner Goods Drifter Dopp Kit — $75

Tanner Goods makes everything — even its dopp kits — the right way. Rest assured of that.

Need a new dopp kit? Want a new dopp kit? Either way, the Tanner Goods Drifter Dopp Kit is going to keep all your men’s grooming essentials quite nicely organized on the road.

Outerknown Lowtide Sweats — $74.98

Tapered sweatpants in a neutral color, perfect for cozy weekend wear.

Outerknown reliably blends style and sustainability, and the brand’s Lowtide Sweats do so in a way that’s affordable and modern.

Oak Street Bootmakers Natural Dainite Summit Boots — $526

Remarkable boots, made with long-lasting performance and timeless style.

The folks at Oak Street Bootmakers sure can make a heck of a pair of boots — the Natural Dainite Summit Boots are evidence of that, to be sure.

Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford in White — $88

The right shirt to wear for … just about any occasion, truly.

If it’s a classic Oxford shirt you need in your wardobe, well, the Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford fits the bill in both name and styling potential.

SeaVees Bayside Moc — $106

Is this the perfect casual weekend sneaker? It just might be, it just might be.

Is it impossible to wear sneakers in the winter? Not necessarily, especially when they feature the moc toe construction of the SeaVees Bayside Moc, plus stellar (and casual) looks.

Taylor Stitch The Minimalist Billfold in Brown — $98

A well-crafted wallet that fits right in alongside your slim Taylor Stitch chinos.

Can Taylor Stitch do it all? Yes, yes they can — the Minimalist Billfold is a perfect example of the way they get the little details right, even in terms of accessories.

We only have one thing left to do now … solidify what exactly you’re buying from this round of The List! Chime in via the comments below to let me know what’s on your radar. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket

A remarkably well-made jacket that packs a serious punch in terms of standout style, too.

Alright, folks — given the hectic pace and jam-packed schedule of #NYFWM (that’s New York Fashion Week: Men’s), we forewent yesterday’s regularly scheduled Friday Read. However, we’re sure as heck not skipping this weekend’s Style Pick of the Week, not with so many crucial winter style essentials to discuss at this key juncture. And if at first glance the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket looks more like a jacket you’d throw on come spring or summer, rest assured that it’s got the specs to handle just about anything this winter. The Winslow Jacket‘s durability and style comes from the use of water and wind-repellant waxed canvas, a heck of a way to ensure that you stay warm and dry this winter. But if it’s just a waxed canvas jacket, how exactly is it going to keep you warm this winter? That’s where the wool-blend blanket lining comes into play — there’s really not too much like the  Winslow Jacket out there when it comes to covering all of your bases. And if you follow Taylor Stitch and read The Style Guide regularly, you know that all too well, ehh? Indeed. So when you’ve got specs that are that dependable and stylish, it certainly makes it easy to build outfits around it — shockingly easy, in fact.

The blanket lining adds a crucial bit of warmth and neat style.

I’m talking pieces that you already love to wear in the winter, like a rugged crewneck sweatshirt and your favorite pair of faded denim, plus the right pair of tough winter boots. Yessir, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is your new grab-and-go top layer — just be sure to accessorize it with a stylish scarf and a beanie cap to cover yourself completely for winter. The bright yellow color is also a bonus — a fun, slightly vintage-leaning way to break out of the gray winter doldrums. And if you’ve yet to experiment with punching up your outerwear in terms of color, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket can help you do that in a manner that’s not too far off base. It’ll add a pop of visual interest to normally more reserved or laidback outfits, including slim black denim a classic chambray shirt. Oh, and it also works as a handy travel jacket, packed with pockets for easy utility. Truly, the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket is a unique beast of a coat, more than able to take on what’s left of winter.

How do we feel about the Taylor Stitch Winslow Jacket? Let me know in the comments, and cheers! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Take on Winter Weather with the Life/After/Denim Bradley Crew Sweatshirt

A classically designed sweatshirt that’s really two in one.

When the going gets tough this winter — as in, really tough, like “It’s too cold to leave the house” tough — you’re going to want to layer up accordingly. And what better way to start that whole process than with the Life/After/Denim Bradley Crew Sweatshirt, which is really two pieces in one? Yep, that’s right. It’s a cool approach from Life/After/Denim, a brand that always focuses on great fabrics, classic-yet-modern designs and slightly sporty style staples — like the Bradley Crew Sweatshirt.  This sweatshirt is retro-inspired yet a true staple of the moment — you certainly need a rugged crewneck sweatshirt in your life this season. The Auburn color is rich and winter-friendly on the one hand, while the classic Heather Grey on the other side is made for easygoing weekend style — team it with layering essentials like a durable field jacket and your favorite pair of jeans, plus some beat-up brown leather boots. See — two for the price of one ain’t bad at all.

And this sweater can also work in situations that are a bit more buttoned up; I’m not suggesting you wear it in lieu of a tuxedo to your next black-tie affair, but underneath a tan herringbone blazer with some navy corduroys or black denim? Absolutely. The Life/After/Denim Bradley Crew Sweatshirt works over a broken-in pocket tee for a laidback weekend at home, just as readily as it layers up over an American-made Oxford and slim chinos.  It’s also made from merino wool for extra warmth and a dash of quality — that’s the Life/After/Denim way, after all. The  Bradley Crew Sweatshirt has that sort of old-school, Americana-esque style — it’s not hard to imagine someone like Paul Newman or Robert Redford kicked back on a movie set wearing a sweatshirt like this. Can I guarantee you’ll look that cool? Not quite — but it’s worth a shot, right?

Will the Life/After/Denim Bradley Crew Sweatshirt be on your back this winter? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: What to Wear on Valentine’s Day This Year

If you can believe it, Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us — an occasion that calls for your best effort on multiple fronts, from dressing to impress to planning a meaningful, memorable evening for your significant other (or heck, just yourself). We’ll be tackling a bit of a tailored style situation for Valentine’s Day in today’s #OOTD, one that’ll help you nail the right balance between dressed up and laidback — it’s no black-tie ensemble, to be sure, but it looks crisp, sharp and classic (at least, I think so). Note the use of slim dark denim — as versatile as it gets — and another classic style staple, the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket. We’ll keep things going with refined leather Chelsea boots and a stylish dress watch, too. I won’t spoil the good stuff — you can check out the full set-up below, and feel free to weigh in on Twitter with your feedback! Good luck out there.

Mixing up staples that you’ve already got, including a sharp navy jacket and clean dark jeans.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, $278 — Yes indeed, my friends — your trusty Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket was practically made for an occasion like this one (particularly a fancy-but-not-too-fancy dinner or night out).

The Shirt: Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt, $88 —  A cleanly designed, no frills white Oxford shirt is practically bullet-proof — the Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt is as good as it gets.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans, $128 — When cut slim and sharp, and done in a deep indigo color, classic blue jeans can certainly work for a night out — yes, even Valentine’s Day.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Free Fall Floral Pocket Square, $10 — This outfit could use just a bit of color and pattern — this subtly stylish floral pocket square is a strong move (but not too strong).

The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Tan Leather Chelsea Boots, $170 — Sleek, sharp Chelsea boots are a fine complement to the rest of this outfit’s straightforward-yet-stylish staples — step into ’em.

The Belt: Ezra Arthur No. 1 Belt in Tan, $100 — A slim, refined dress belt can be tough to find, unless you end up buying the Ezra Arthur No. 1 Belt. Keep those accessories on point, folks.

The Watch: LTHR Supply T3 Watch, $179.98 — What’s even more important than a stylish dress belt? A unique, stylish leather watch, like the LTHR Supply T3 Watch.

The Finishing Touch: Fulton & Roark Hatteras Solid Cologne, $42 — You need to consider all the small style details on Valentine’s Day (and other days, for that matter). The Hatteras Solid Cologne is one way to do that.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day — however much you might overthink the other aspects of it — your outfit should certainly be one less thing to worry about. In that regard, let’s go classic and straightforward, starting with the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket and the suitably appropriate Grayers Oakleigh Classic Oxford Shirt — two bulletproof options that look great any day of the week. The truly excellent Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans  are a great building block for this outfit, while the sleek Astorflex Bitflex Tan Leather Chelsea Boots are a suitably appropriate complement to the rest of the ensemble. Accessorize away with the Ezra Arthur No. 1 Belt and the LTHR Supply T3 Watch, two picks that could quickly become favorites outside of a dressy Valentine’s Day. Oh, and the Hatteras Solid Cologne helps keep your grooming game on point all through the night. So, that’s that. What do you think? And again, good luck out there, wherever the night might take you!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

The List: Keep February Going with The Best Men’s Gear to Shop Now

Ahh, yes — it’s time to dig into another edition of The List, your handy guide to all the best men’s gear to shop now … as in, right now. We’re cruising into February with some stellar picks below, including an investment-worthy watch, a stylish leather wallet and a casual weekend bomber jacket — that’s only the start, my friends. Without further ado, let’s dive right in — cheers!

Zodiac Sea Wolf Titanium Super 53 Watch — $1,295

A durable, rugged and expensive watch for all your outdoor adventures.

Told you we’d be going investment level when it comes to this rugged, casual watch — how do we feel about the Zodiac Sea Wolf Titanium Super 53 Watch, ehh?
Danner Mountain 600 Enduroweave Boots — $144.98

A versatile pair of lightweight, adventure-ready Danner boots — add ’em to your shoppping list!

Remarkably versatile, stylish and functional boots are what Danner does best — the newly introduced Mountain 600 Enduroweave Boots are simply Exhibit A.
Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket — $208.98

The Bonded Pile Jacket is your casual weekend layer, anytime and nearly anywhere.

Need a casual weekend jacket that you can just throw on without thinking about — and still look great? Maybe one to wear with slim joggers for a laidback brunch or coffee run? The Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket is the move, folks.

Ursa Major Exercise Freak Workout Essentials — $76

The right way to keep your skin in shape following a hard workout.

Perhaps in the past month or so, you’ve ramped up hitting the gym for the new year — ramp up your post-workout grooming regimen accordingly with the Exercise Freak Workout Essentials from Ursa Major, my friends.

 Proof Oxford Shirt — $98

An Oxford shirt that packs in classic style, mobility and functionality.

So, you’ve got your other essentials, from men’s grooming picks to a casual weekend jacket — the Proof Oxford Shirt is now an absolutely necessary addition to your wardrobe.
Taylor Stitch The Rover Jacket — $298

An exceptionally durable, stylish coat — just what the doctor ordered this winter.

Leave it to Taylor Stitch to make an absolutely beautiful version of a classic silhouette — the Rover Jacket is good enough for San Francisco breezes and NYC winter weather when layered up properly.
Tom Beckbe Canvas Weekender Bag — $449

A richly crafted weekender bag that gets all the details right. Job well done!

The perfect weekender bag to complement some of the other rugged gear picks on this list? The Tom Beckbe Canvas Weekender, an absolutely beautiful weekender bag that can go anywhere this winter.
Hestra Deerskin Wool Tricot Gloves — $125

Handsome gloves from a brand that makes ’em the old-fashioned way.

What should be high on your shopping list this winter? Why, stylish leather gloves. And Hestra makes some of the best on the planet — the Deerskin Wool Tricot Gloves are as good as it gets.
And with that, here’s the final curtain! When it comes to The List, at least with this edition, it’s all about quality — not quantity. What’s your favorite pick from this latest round? The Tom Beckbe Canvas Weekender is absolutely my favorite. As always, thanks for reading!
-Beau
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket

A simple, standard jacket? Far from it. Relwen does a nice job here with the Bonded Pile Jacket.

Lately, we’ve been all about durable, rugged and casually stylish layers here on The Style Guide. The thermostat isn’t climbing any higher these days, and that’s where the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket comes into play. It’s the type of easygoing jacket that you should (hopefully) have plenty of in your closet, the type of piece that works well on the weekends and even as a mid-layer on a blustery morning commute. The Bonded Pile Jacket is a recent addition to the Relwen product line as sold via Huckberry, and it calls to mind the type of classic, easy-to-wear jacket that you might find yourself reaching for after a hard day on the slopes. Yes indeed, the Bonded Pile Jacket just has something about it that calls to mind decades gone by — it’s slightly vintage thanks to the charcoal nep texture, but sleek and modern at the same time. That aesthetic fits in well with how Relwen does things, from outerwear like the Quilted Patrol Jacket to pieces like, well, the Bonded Pile Jacket.  The Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket is a piece that blends warm functionality with a classic, clean aesthetic, which is good news if you want to pair it with other men’s style essentials you’ve got in your wardrobe, like an American-made Oxford and classic blue denim. Between the blend of a soft knit outer and a warm fleece interior, you’ll hardly want to take it off (especially when you see how good it looks with classic menswear staples).

You’ve seen the outside of this jacket — now, get a load of the inside.

The Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket is the sort of subtly stylish jacket that it pays to keep around for the cold months, be it an unusually brisk morning stoking the fire on your back porch or dashing out for morning coffee. Yet, the Bonded Pile Jacket has the sort of straightforward look that can work during a casual Friday, too — especially when you match it up with other staples like a slim chambray shirt and classic tan chinos. It’s got a trim-but-not-too-tight fit, all the better for feeling great and looking quite polished in the process. The knit-ribbed cuffs, hem and neck offer protection from the elements, perfect for when you want to wear the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket as a top layer with durable chore pants and tough leather boots for a weekend park stroll. That’s but one of the places where the Bonded Pile Jacket is going to come in handy, however. I’m sure you’ll dream up plenty more #OOTD scenarios and outfits once you’ve got your hands on the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket.

Are you a fan of this casual, essential outerwear piece? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The National, J. Crew’s New Dress Shirts and WeWork

We’ve powered through the week and we’re staring down the weekend — that’s a heck of a good feeling, right? We kept busy at The Style Guide this week, serving you up an #OOTD that covers how to wear a crewneck sweater this winter (in a way that even works at the office, if you can believe it!). We also went behind the scenes on my latest men’s style road trip, this time to Florida for a birthday weekend at Disney World — a truly great time was had by all, to say the least! We stopped at countries “around the world” at Epcot, we checked out the wonders of Animal Kingdom and we even spent a jam-packed day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter — not bad at all, right? I’m now looking forward to a laidback weekend, likely featuring some craft beers at Gold Star Beer Counter, plus some time spent in Prospect Park (and a likely trip to my favorite coffee-and-menswear spot in the city, Upstate Stock). Before we get to that, we’re rounding a day in the office — and helping you do the same — with some choice links for your perusal (and potential listening pleasure). Sound like a plan? Without further ado, let’s get this going.

  •  Esquire.com will kick off this edition of the Friday Read for us, namely the lauded (if struggling) retailer’s take on new dress shirts — stock up, maybe? Or maybe not?
  • On a music-related note, this past week was a pretty big one for my favorite band, Ohio-born indie rockers The National — these well-dressed gentlemen took home the Grammy for Best Alternative Album! “Sleep Well Beast” was one of my favorite albums of this past year, and I think it’s a well-deserved accolade. Read more with the band’s Aaron Dessner at the link above.
  • I absolutely love me a great pair of shoes — especially retro-inspired high-tops like the Converse Chuck 70 Wordmark, which I wrote about for GearMoose. Step into ’em, lace up and get ready to step out in style!
  • I don’t know about you, but I found this Esquire.com piece on WeWork — the global “shared-space nerve center,” as Esquire says  — to be quite fascinating. What say you?

That’s going to close out this week’s Friday Read — until the next one (and until tomorrow’s Style Pick — enjoy your weekend!)

-Beau