Year / 2018

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe with these Picks for the Best New Men’s Gear

We’ve taken a bit of time away from The List, our ever-crucial #menswear series that covers the best gear to buy now … as in, right this very instant. Yours truly had gotten used to recommending durable leather boots and tough winter outerwear, but if you hadn’t yet looked into it yet … it’s spring! And it’s time to amp up your search for spring style essentials in earnest. Which leads me to … well, today’s post. Happy shopping, and join me on Twitter to talk all men’s style, all the time.

Line of Trade Cream Striped Throw Pillow — $40

A cool striped throw pillow to spruce up your couch.

Am I recommending you buy this Line of Trade throw pillow? You bet I am. Consider it spring cleaning, or a spring home upgrade? Yep.

W&P Design Pour Over Press — $45.98

As the brand says, this is a complete home coffee kit — perfect for those of us (all of us?) who need a caffeinated jolt to start the day.

Another home upgrade to kick off spring? Yes, indeed. Your spring weekends are going to be busy, so you best fuel up accordingly with coffee. Ehh?

Szanto Military Field Watch — $195

Stylishly designed and durably built — Szanto does it again.

Equal parts rugged and yet office-ready, the Szanto Military Field Watch is exactly the stylish casual timepiece to wear with a chambray shirt and slim olive chinos.
Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid — $185
Rancourt & Co.

Cotton canvas high-tops made in America the right way. Can you dig it?

I personally can’t get enough classic high-top sneakers — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are the right mix of old-school construction and dependable spring style.

 

Jack Mason Field Camp Watch — $195

A field watch that can actually work in slightly more dressed-up situations — trust me.

We’re continuing to fill out this list with stylish timepieces — the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is yet another timekeeper that merges the rugged and the slightly more refined.
Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans — $128

The right kind of jeans for spring — slim, lightweight and pleasingly faded.

You  can never have too many pairs of stylish light wash jeans for spring, can you? Nope — especially not the darn-near essential Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans.

Faherty Brand Marled Indigo Crewneck — $128

You’re going to be able to style this crewneck sweater many different ways this spring — believe me.

When you want a sweatshirt that’s quick to throw on and easy to look great in, you want the Marled Indigo Crewneck from Faherty Brand. It’s just a perfect shade for spring, my friends.
OluKai Kahu Lace Sneakers — $100

Add another pair of sneakers to your shopping cart, my friends.

Simple, easygoing sneakers with the ability to slip on and off are exactly what you need on your feet this spring. Wear ’em to the beach and kick ’em off once you hit the sand this summer, too. Consider them the low-top answer to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers.
Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White — $25.98

As classic and simple to style as it gets — take it from Flint and Tinder, you’re going to love this tee.

What are you going to wear with your classic sneakers? Why, a classic white T-shirt from our good friends at Flint and Tinder.
Onsen Bath Bundle (Large) — $156

Because your towels should be as nice as the rest of your gear — right?

Another home upgrade? Oh yes, assuredly. Onsen makes some of the best bath sets around, featuring premium long-staple cotton.
That’ll wrap up this quick, efficient and yet assuredly stylish rendition of The List. Who’s all geared up for spring? I am, I know that much — but not before I pick up the Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans (my personal favorite pick from this list). What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Casual Spring Weekend

Style is all about dressing in a way that stays true to yourself — and in a way that’s true to the situation, right? Right. There’s no sense in wearing a suit to the ballpark, for instance. The best style moves — from the classic Oxford shirt to the perfect pair of everyday denim — nail that tricky balance of classic-yet-versatile style, while working in any situation. And so it is with today’s #OOTD — we’re talking a specific situation (in this case, an easygoing spring weekend) and we’re talking picks that should fit right in with your wardrobe if you’re the kind of guy who values casual, laidback style with just a bit of retro cool. That’s what I call staying true to yourself, ehh? Spring is a time to shed extra layers and take it easy, so we’re stepping out in retro-inspired high-top sneakers, a classic leather watch and — perhaps most crucially — an ultra-cool short-sleeve shirt for the season. All of it adds up to an outfit that’s appropriate for a park picnic, a zoo visit, a stroll through an outdoor art fair or a visit to your favorite brewery … maybe all in one day? If you’ve got thoughts on this outfit, let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page or Twitter. Cheers!

Layering a stylish short-sleeve shirt with an easygoing tee and high-tops — that’s all there is to it!

The Shirt: Portuguese Flannel El Dorado Shirt, $125 — The purveyors of your favorite flannel shirts for the cold weather turn their attention toward a retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt — get yours now.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $25.98 — Are we layering a short-sleeve shirt over a tee? Heck yes, we are. This Flint and Tinder Slub Tee has a bit of a similar feel to something Armie Hammer might have worn in “Call By Your Name,” I’d say.

The Denim: Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Natural Indigo Selvage, $248 — Is this a pricey pair of light wash denim? It sure is. But Todd Snyder makes some of the very best denim around, easily. Roll these atop your sneakers or wear them with just one cuff. Speaking of sneakers …

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — Made-in-America high-tops like these spring-ready Rancourt & Co. sneakers are tough to come by — these should stand up with ease to bar crawls and park strolls alike.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks, $12 — While you could go with no-show socks here, these Anonymous-ism socks feature a neutral color and fabric that’s not too heavy — both spring must-haves.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — We’ve featured this Filson leather belt in a past #OOTD entry, and with good reason — it’s a dependable, stylish addition to your accessories lineup.

The Watch: Jack Mason Field Camp Watch, $195 — The Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is the timepiece you need for a spring weekend — it’s got just enough sharp style and just enough rugged appeal to go anywhere.

The Essential: ManCan 128oz. Picnic Keg, $44.98 — Is the ManCan Picnic Keg an essential? Well, only if you fancy having a park picnic … which I’d wager you do!

This outfit can go anywhere you go on a casual spring weekend — it’s pieces like slim light wash denim and those durable, retro-inspired Rancourt & Co. sneakers that get the job done when it comes to laidback style for the season. Layering a  retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt underneath a Flint and Tinder Slub Tee is also a slightly unexpected style move that gives this outfit some versatility and visual interest — it’s the kind of look that’s going to look particularly at home lounging on a patio with a margarita (or your drink of choice, that is to say). To stay on time through it all, the rugged style of the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch should help out admirably, while the ManCan Picnic Keg — funny name and all — is the essential to bring with you to a park picnic or a backyard party.  And the great thing about this outfit is the freedom of choice — you can rock it with or without the Anonymous-ism socks, for instance. So, where will this #OOTD take you this spring? What picks would you add or subtract? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers Can Help You Step into Spring

From the USA-made construction to the neat high-top silhouette, the Carson Mid checks a lot of boxes when it comes to spring style.

There’s a place in your wardrobe for the best men’s high-top sneakers, even outside of fall and winter (a time more traditonally associated with tougher footwear, yes?). That’s where the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers come into play, my friends. Spring is a season that calls for transitional footwear that still nods to the changing seasons — you need kicks that combine durability with substance and all-day versatility. That’s certainly essential when stepping through spring rains and transitioning from the office to happy hour (seriously, try wearing these kicks with slim tan chinos, a striped tee and an unconstructed cotton blazer this month). Again, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are a prime pick, without a doubt. The cotton duck canvas upper is unique and not frequently seen on sneakers — there’s really not much out there like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers. What’s more, the Natural Canvas color nods toward the lighter shades of spring while also injecting these kicks with a bit of throwback style (classic white high-tops being that throwback style reference, of course).

And that’s not where the buck stops in terms of the quality and styling potential of these unique Rancourt & Co. kicks. The company puts in the same kind of approach that makes its other footwear so essential (for starters, see the  No sir, we’re talking excellent construction and that USA-made attention to detail that’s been in the Rancourt operation for decades. The canvas that we mentioned earlier is water and stain-resistant, and genuine leather laces add some neat visual interest to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers — as if they couldn’t get any better. I’d say these handsome Rancourt & Co. sneakers will work with just about any combo you throw at them in the weeks and months ahead, from dark denim and an easygoing light blue chambray shirt to a striped tee and classic chinos. How will you style these essential transitional sneakers? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Szanto Military Pilot Watch

A rugged, classically inspired timepiece with both functionality and style in spades.

We’ve talked about a lot of standout essentials over the past few weeks when it comes to accessories — from a vintage-inspired ballcap to a pair of stylish casual sneakers, so let’s talk now about what’s on your wrist. The Szanto Military Pilot Watch should be your answer this time around, my friends. If you’re looking for a tough, rugged and yet perfectly versatile timepiece to carry you through into spring, look no further than this classic military watch. Don’t let the term “classic” fool you into thinking this timepiece is a relic from another era — no, it’s got modern styling potential in spades.  And spring really is a prime time to upgrade your watch game, as we shed layers and move toward wearing outerwear that allows you to show off some wrist action. Take the classic denim jacket, for instance. Throw on a short-sleeve henley, some timeless white leather sneakers and slim chinos, flip those jacket cuffs and rock the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to that first warm-weather patio bar outing. You needn’t worry about the specs or dependability of the Szanto Military Pilot Watch, either. At $250, it provides dependable value and sharp looks, plus added design features like a stainless steel case and two-chronograph functionality. That’s only the beginning, though.

It’s rare to find a watch with a hand-finished leather strap that costs what the Szanto Military Pilot Watch costs — you simply don’t see that around. And the aesthetic, from the handsome black-and-tan combo to the sharp white markings, goes great with casual style essentials aplenty. It’s the right watch to wear when you rock something more pared-down (like an off-white pocket tee, dark indigo denim and suede chukka boots). Believe me, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch stands out for all the right reasons. And when you fancy going a bit sharper, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch works with easygoing office picks like an unstructured cotton blazer, a grey pocket tee and slim tan chinos. That’s as good as it gets when it comes to Casual Friday in my book. If you fancy a watch with some added toughness and durability, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers a 46mm diameter — slightly large for some wrists, but at a decent middle ground for others. It’s likely that you don’t have a watch like this one in your collection, so the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers nice variety and versatility. What’s more, that price tag is more than agreeable. Can you go a season without adding the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to your watch rotation? I’d wager not — and spring is as good a time as any to start with it.

What’s your favorite current watch? And will this one be joining your rotation? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Gang of Youths, Spring Travel and Wes Anderson

First of all: Happy Friday, Style Guide readers? Are you ready for the weekend? Are you ready to close out March? Know that we’ve got plenty of spring style essentials, shopping picks and outfit suggestions coming your way across the next month. But for now, let’s turn our attention to another edition of The Friday Read. Most importantly, I’m hitting the road back to the Detroit area for the weekend today. I’m looking forward to exploring Detroit, visiting must-see spots like Third Man Records, and enjoying some excellent coffee, brunch and Bloody Mary’s (what more could you ask for out of a weekend!?). As I hit the road, I’ll likely be listening to a new favorite band of mine, Australian indie rockers Gang of Youths. I first saw this powerful, epic rock band last February and had the chance to see them again on Sunday at Bowery Ballroom — I’d recommend them, without a doubt. And in the meantime, I’d also recommend you check out this week’s featured reading — from my latest feature at The Manual to a piece that Wes Anderson lovers will surely enjoy, we’ve got something for everyone below. Enjoy!

  • Over at The Manual, I wrote about the essentials you’re going to need for spring — from crucial layering moves to cool sneakers and a great watch, I hope you find these picks helpful as we bridge the gap between seasons.
  • If you didn’t catch last week’s featured men’s style pick on the blog — that’d be the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket — well, here’s your chance. Read that piece, buy that jacket and step out this weekend (and every other weekend, for that matter!).
  • For lovers of both music and Wes Anderson films — of which I’m both — I thin you’ll greatly enjoy this excellent feature on the music behind his movies, and his overall approach. Some seriously cool stuff!

That’ll be the last of today’s featured articles, folks. Enjoy the weekend, and check back for our next Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Timex Weekender Chrono Is Your Next Casual, Everyday Watch

A heck of a versatile, casual watch from our good friends at Timex.

Join us for the second entry this week (!) in our See Now, Buy Now series, my friends. To start: Last month, we talked on The Style Guide about a rugged casual timepiece to stand up to the bolder, heartier textures of winter. Seeing as we’re now cruising right through March, it’s now only fitting to talk about a stylish casual timepiece that can suitably blend in with textured, yet breezier outfits for spring months. That timepiece, my friends, would be the Timex Weekender Chrono, featuring a slightly oversized face, a textured NATO strap (crucial) and a spring-friendly color combo. Timex is certainly a consistent favorite on the blog, all thanks to that critical blend of affordability and style that hits right down the middle of the fairway. The design details are sharp when it comes to the Timex Weekender Chrono, too.  The date feature and a chronograph that tracks down to 1/20th of a second are handy extra features, as is the INDIGLO nightlight. And stylistically? The Timex Weekender Chrono has all the chops you need when it comes to dressing for laidback spring style scenarios.

A casual BBQ spent wearing one of the best pairs of men’s shorts for spring and summer? Throw the Timex Weekender Chrono on alongside some classic Aviators and a short-sleeve henley. A casual day at the office works for the Weekender Chrono, too. Think a navy blazer, chinos and white sneakers — it’s as simple as that. And when you want to throw on that standby weekend uniform (a classic chambray shirt, dark denim and rugged suede chukkas), the Timex Weekender Chrono is there for you, buddy. The olive green NATO strap nods toward spring without going full-on floral (although I myself have a neat patterned watch strap from The Knottery — throwback!). At any rate, an olive NATO strap has real-life military heritage roots, plus a bit of versatile color to pair up with dark denim, classic chinos or chambray shorts. I’d certainly take the chance to wear the Timex Weekender Chrono as often as possible.

Is the Timex Weekender Chrono set to join your collection of Timex watches? Let me know in the comments! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Stepping into Spring in Business Casual Style

We talked a few weeks ago in our #OOTD series about how to dress for the office in transitional style. That is to say, using textures and pieces that nod toward colder weather (even in March), but are still packed with some streamlined, tailored polish. We’re taking that approach one step further in today’s #OOTD on how to dress for the office this spring. From a casual three-button sportcoat to a classic American Oxford and dark indigo jeans, this ensemble works in offices where you can go a bit more laidback while still throwing on a jacket. However, I’d urge you to keep this #menswear look in mind if your own office has recently relaxed its dress code — the Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans you see below are quite the sharp pair (if I do say so myself). At any rate, we’re also sticking with plenty of style essentials you’re going to love — those include classic suede chukkas, an investment-level watch and of course, a stylish knit tie. And the best part has gotta be the fact these pieces are light, classic and easy to style for spring. Say it with me: Seasonal style transitions! Easy as that. Good luck out there!

A laidback sportcoat, a classic Oxford and a knit tie make this outfit sing this spring (see what I did there)?

The Sportcoat: Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat, $165 — A three-button sportcoat in a bright spring color, fashioned with helpful, comfortable stretch? The Poindexter Sportcoat is excellent.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Soft Washed Oxford, $98 — Leave the crisp dress shirt at home — this laidback, American-made Oxford nails the best of in-between office style.

The Tie: Todd Snyder Classic Knit Tie in Olive, $78 — Change things up from the ordinary with an elegant knit tie in a slightly unexpected color.

The Jeans: Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans in Slim, $118 — To seal the deal on the business casual end of the spectrum, throw on slim indigo jeans in a pleasingly dark wash.

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Rough in Sand, $155 — While they’re different than sleek Chelsea boots or even a pair of the best men’s dress shoes, these classic suede chukkas are a cool, timeless style move.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Dress Belt in Cognac, $150 — A slim dress belt keeps with the high-low themes of this outfit, and it might be the last brown leather dress belt you ever buy.

The Watch: Shinola Runwell Chronograph, $750 — Does it ever get old featuring a watch like the Shinola Runwell Chronograph? No, no it doesn’t. Plain and simple!

The Socks: Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Crewneck Socks, $20 — While you could easily roll up those indigo jeans and go with some no-show socks, the premium Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Socks add cool visual interest to this outfit.

 The key to business casual style that nods toward spring and helps you into a new season? It’s gotta be the basics, the building blocks, as we always say. For instance, the Poindexter Sportcoat takes care of your spring sportcoat game with ease, from the neat color to the comfortable cotton fabric. A knit tie in a cool color like Olive teams very nicely with an American-made Oxford, while that whole combo is bolstered by classic suede chukkas and of course, slim indigo jeans that certainly add a nice, dressy touch. The Shinola Runwell Chronograph is potentially the perfect watch to throw on with this outfit, equal parts slightly rugged and more refined. Accessories like the Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Socks and the Tanner Goods Dress Belt are also every bit as crucial to bringing home the versatile, office-ready nature of this outfit, too. So, what do you say? Ready to throw on that sportcoat and head into your next presentation? I bet you are.
Thanks for reading!
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Grayers Poindexter Sportcoat Is Your Go-Anywhere Spring Sportcoat

No crazy bells and whistles here, just a versatile sportcoat packed with classic design.

A brand like Grayers is one that comes up with plenty of frequency here on the blog. The Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat is a perfect example of just exactly why that is. You want simple, easy-to-wear design? Yep. You want the kind of utility that transitions easily into spring? You got it. And you want an agreeable price for a sportcoat? The Poindexter Sportcoat has all your basics covered, and then some. It’s made with a rather unique blend of cotton and spandex, for one. If ever there was a jacket to grab and throw on as you head out the door in the morning, it’s surely the Poindexter Sportcoat. The three-button construction gives it a look and feel that’s a bit more casual — this is the type of jacket you could wear with jeans or chinos, and it’ll look equally at home. The Poindexter Sportcoat is also just a slightly different shade of blue from your average, dark navy sportcoat (although we here at The Style Guide are also big proponents of that style and versatility).

At any rate, it’s got plenty of benefits beyond just style. It’s also machine-washable, something you’re not getting from any other jacket in your closet (right?). Can you say “travel style”? Because that’s exactly what the Poindexter Sportcoat can provide — take this jacket, wear it with a white Oxford, dark blue denim and classic suede chukkas, and get ready to hit the road for a business trip or a weekend away. Seriously, it feels good (dare I say, cool?) to fly or travel via train when wearing a blazer — it’s the little details that make the difference. And when you want to look casual and cool, yet a bit more polished, in the late spring and early summer, the Poindexter Sportcoat can work equally well over your favorite T-shirt or polo. Add some chinos, some classic leather loafers and call it a day. Well, not exactly. Get out there and get work in style!

Are you a fan of the Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat? Do you see it working for you this spring? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket

A grab-and-go jacket that offers a heck of a lot of style and versatility.

What’s one thing you need in your wardrobe (and on your back) this spring more than anything? I’d say it’s got to be a dependable spring rain jacket. Dependable and stylish, that is. But where to go for such a tricky find? Iron & Resin is, simply put, one of those brands you can always turn to in the clutch when you want stylish, wearable and tough gear. From a rugged men’s henley to the excellent Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket that you see on display today, you can be sure the brand is building pieces that are seasonally friendly and more than ready for adventure. With roots in making rough-and-ready threads for chopper enthusiasts, this is one brand that doesn’t skimp on quality or construction (you know we’re all about those two focuses here at The Style Guide). The Reserve Jacket embodies that approach quite nicely — it’s more than just your standard lightweight polyester jacket. Notably, the Reserve Jacket is filled with recycled polyfill, a crucial bit of insulation that provides nice cover on cool spring nights (and breezy spring days, come to think of it). Welt handwarmer pockets offer a handy place to store your everyday carry essentials and keep your hands toasty at the same time — a pretty crucial benefit as well, right? You got it. As we always strive to do here on the blog, the Reserve Jacket packs a hefty punch on the style front, so you’re in luck there.

Polyfill insulation adds some needed warmth for chilly spring nights.

In a black color that actually looks like it might lean more navy, the Reserve Jacket is the sort of classic piece of outerwear that works well in just about any ensemble. Fancy wearing a grey slub tee and some faded denim alongside stylish leather sneakers to get a weekend coffee? Toss on the Reserve Jacket. Want to rock a knit tie and a classic Oxford shirt alongside slim tan chinos and white sneakers? The Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is a worthy and functional blazer substitute. And when you find yourself in need of a go-anywhere coat for a spring road trip or a music festival (The National’s Homecoming Festival is my pick!), then the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is the one to buy. The Reserve Jacket ditches the logos and crazy colors of other spring rain jackets, and it looks all the better for it. So, what’s not to like about that? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be picking up this crucial spring addition.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Traveling Abroad, How Your Denim Should Fit and Weekend Style Upgrades

Check your watch, check your calendar and step on up — it’s officially spring, Style Guide readers. If that doesn’t get you amped to load up your shopping cart with spring style essentials, then I’m not sure what will (maybe this classic track from CHVRCHES to which I’m currently listening? Ehh?). At any rate, you can expect plenty of transitional style content here on the blog in the coming weeks — starting with tomorrow’s timely Style Pick of the Week. And for today’s Friday Read, we’ll cover travel style, we’ll cover the right way to wear your denim in these trying times, and we’ll cover weekend style upgrades for the guy with a wish list and some cash to burn. But if you just can’t wait to dive into how to dress this spring, might I suggest this essential #OOTD focused on classic, everyday spring style? It’s a good one, folks. OK, enough idle chitchat — let’s get to this week’s links. Shall we? Cheers.

  • It’s been quite the month of March around these parts — or rather, around Ireland, Scotland and England! Read more about my adventures in the U.K. in my latest travel style post.
  • Do you have a favorite pair of classic denim? I’d wager that you do — right? Maybe you even found it perusing the pages of this blog. At any rate, Esquire.com is here to remind us all about how your denim should fit in 2018.
  • It’s perhaps no more relevant than it is right now — laidback weekend style, that is. GQ.com has 14 — yep, 14 — weekend style upgrades to shop right now. Get on it!
  • Last but certainly not least, I rounded up the 12 best men’s hiking socks — yes, we’re getting as specific as hiking socks — over at GearMoose. Shop away!

And without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to your weekend. That’s it! We’ll see you tomorrow to tell you all about a new spring menswear essential that I think you’re definitely going to like.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau