Year / 2018

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Refresh Your Tailored Style for the New Year

With the start of a new year comes certain resolutions for each of, including those related to #menswear. At least, that’s the case for me, and I hope you’re on board if you regularly read The Style Guide. We talked last week about what you’ve got in mind as far as men’s style resolutions go — how are yours coming along? While it can be a broad challenge to retool or build up your wardrobe from square one, the below #OOTD is going to focus on mixing some pieces you probably already own in a way that you might not have thought of before. It’s a little more tailored, a little more unique and a bit more fun — all good things when it comes to revamping your look for the months to come. You’ll find a classic Oxford shirt teamed with tailored trousers and stylish wingtip boots, each of which you might already have in your closet — that’s not so bad, right? Adjusting to classic pieces worn in new ways is half the battle right there. So, let’s go into the coming weeks and months with an open mind, with some stylish winter accessories and with an ensemble that’s office-ready and visually striking. Here we go.

A refreshed way to dress in tailored style for the new year.

The Topcoat: Abercrombie & Fitch Italian Wool-Blend Topcoat, $180 — A la Mr. James Bond in Skyfall, the navy topcoat is striking, sharp and perfectly ready to wear to the office. This one is nice &  affordable, too.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Soft-Washed Oxford, $98 — A comfortable and tailored Oxford shirt is the right balance between casual and formal — it all comes down to what you wear it with. Speaking of …

The Scarf: Corridor NYC Check Scarf in Black, $80 — This Corridor NYC Check Scarf is well-made and — perhaps most importantly — visually interesting when paired with the A&F navy topcoat. A stylish scarf is definitely one way to refresh your look for the new year.

The Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers, $178 — If you normally find yourself wearing some combo of American-made denim and a flannel shirt in winter months — as I often do — the sharp, tailored Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers are a heck of a step up in terms of style.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots, $240 — Durable winter boots that manage to blend office-ready style with functionality? Yep, that’s where the Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots come into play.

The Socks: American Trench Boot Socks in Oatmeal, $29.50 — The right pair of stylish socks can do more than just keep your feet warm and comfortable — they can look good, too. The American Trench Boot Socks get it done.

The Watch: Shinola Canfield Watch, $650 — A suitably tailored outfit calls for a sleek, well-designed watch to match — and that’s why the investment-worthy Shinola Canfield Watch is a worthwhile New Year’s upgrade.

The Finishing Touch: Fulton & Roark Shackleford Solid Cologne, $42 — If you want to dip your waters into wearing cologne, a low-key, solid option — like the Shackleford Solid Cologne from Fulton & Roark — is an advisable move.

Stepping into a new year can be intimidating, so the way you dress and get ready for your daily life shouldn’t be — that’s how I view it, at least. It’s a process that gets easier as time goes on — plus, a jolt of self-confidence from a sharp look helps things along. And when you mix and match foundational pieces with dressier, more unique offerings, like pairing the Flint and Tinder Soft-Washed Oxford with the  Corridor NYC Check Scarf and a tailored topcoat, the results are stylish and just different enough. The handsome Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers help ground the outfit in winter style territory, while the Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots offer rugged functionality and dependable style. You also shouldn’t forgo essential accessories like the American Trench Boot Socks or a clean and classic watch — the  Shinola Canfield Watch is going to work more than ably with this #OOTD. Want to add another level to your ensemble? Finish things off with the Shackleford Solid Cologne. If you own any of these pieces, or if you’re thinking about trying out this look yourself, feel free to drop by The Style Guide Facebook page to let me know!

Good luck out there, and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up for Winter with Bridge & Burn’s Bedford Flannel Shirt

A rough-and-tumble flannel shirt for rough-and-tumble winter weather.

We talk often on The Style Guide about the right gear for the right season — and with this season being, well, winter, the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series is all about getting you ready as soon as possible. That’s specifically critical in the way of winter layering. So, what’s a guy to do? Luckily, our friends from Bridge & Burn are here to help, and not a moment too soon. Perhaps you’re dealing with yet another snow storm, or perhaps you’re dealing with that first big snowstorm … staying warm and stylish is critical either way. And the Bridge & Burn Bedford Flannel Shirt isn’t just any old flannel shirt — trust me.  It’s the type of rugged flannel shirt that’s going to serve as a ready layer over your favorite henley as you prepare a fire on chilly winter mornings, and it’s more than ready to layer up with a tough winter parka when the job requires you to get outside (Editor’s note: This list of the best men’s winter accessories is also more than ready for the season). The Bedford Flannel Shirt is certainly a classic flannel shirt, crafted from heavyweight cotton flannel and features a seven-button placket, ideal for layering. Button-closure chest pockets also add to the overshirt-like feel of the Bridge & Burn Bedford Shirt — yet another nicely considered touch from a brand that takes its roots seriously.
Holiday 2017

With a strong Pacific Northwest base, Bridge & Burn makes its gear with an eye toward rugged functionality and seasonally friendly wear — I found out as much when I visited the brand during a September 2017 trip to Portland. So, I’d say you can certainly count on the distinct wearability of the Bridge & Burn Bedford Flannel Shirt for winter’s adventures ahead. You can throw it on under a classic quilted field jacket  or a tough parka, and you’ll get nothing but terrific warmth and great style, too — how’s that for a winter wardrobe upgrade? Now, it’s a hot seller, so you’ll have to act fast … but it’ll pay off. Yes indeed, my friends … the Bridge & Burn Bedford Shirt is the menswear move to make now.

Tell me: Will the Bridge & Burn Bedford Shirt be part of your winter wardrobe rotation? 

 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket

Your new favorite winter jacket? It’s certainly a surprisingly durable option.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — isn’t winter a time for thick, heavy parkas and durable outerwear, not something thin and flimsy like the Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket? Well, that’s where you’re wrong, my friends. To get straight to the point, the Grayers Edgeware Moto Jacket is a surprisingly tough, versatile jacket for the season … and that’s more than good enough to make it our Style Pick of the Week. If looks can be deceiving in the world of #menswear — which they certainly can be — then it’s natural to think that the Edgeware Moto Jacket can’t stand up to frosty winter weather. But from the cotton and nylon shell to the surprisingly warm cotton lining, the Grayers Edgeware Moto Jacket packs a serious punch. I found out as much on a winter trip to Toronto, where I layered the Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket with a warm thermal (also from Grayers) — I was more than toasty as I explored the city in the winter cold. And I think it’s a piece you should certainly consider adding to your winter wardrobe rotation — much like other casual layering essentials from Grayers, including the Grayers Bayswater Fleece. Does that make it worthy of inclusion when it comes to winter style essentials? Most definitely, my friends.

Four front snap pockets provide plenty of space for your everyday carry — no added bulk, either.

Make no mistake — I’m not saying you need to trade in your thick winter parka solely for the Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket. That being said, it’s an excellent option when you want a jacket that provides mobility, sleek looks and standout layering potential. It would look excellent when paired up with a classic chambray shirt, a grey crewneck sweater and slim tan chinos; when paired with a classic winter cardigan, it’s also going to provide just enough warmth without suffocating you. The Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket is also highly functional when it comes to handling your everyday carry. Front snap pockets at the chest and hips help out with that — I found the Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket was more than ready to help me carry my essentials throughout a full day in Toronto. It’s also agreeable in terms of price, coming in at under $200 when you pick it up from our pals at Bespoke Post. So, although it’s certainly unique compared to your classic winter jacket, the Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket from Grayers is a solid, versatile option for cold-weather layering. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Holiday 2017

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Kicking off the New Year, Winter Travel Style and Taylor Stitch

Just like that, it’s the very first Friday Read of 2018! It’s tough to believe that we’ve knocked out a proper week in January — how are you holding up? Earlier this week, we talked men’s style resolutions — we also continued our #OOTD series and got ya ready to start the new year in style with another edition of The List (covering the best men’s gear to buy for 2018). If that doesn’t get you fired up to start the new year right, I’m not sure what will. At any rate, it’s been a pretty busy week kicking off my day job in fashion PR, and I’ve also started to churn out some more #menswear entries for GearMoose — you can expect updates on those pieces in the coming weeks & months ahead! And most importantly, I’m looking forward to getting my apartment updated with a few key home goods that Santa gave me this Christmas … including, crucially, a wooden shoe rack that’ll hopefully give me much more space in my humble Brooklyn abode. After that, I intend to get out and explore a bit of Brooklyn (likely while enjoying a few tasty treats along the way). What are your weekend plans? Feel free to connect with me on Twitter any time — let’s get to the rest of today’s post!

  • The holidays are over and we’re into the new year, but I like to keep that same holiday spirit and energy extended into the new year. One way to do that? Burning a nice scented candle — seriously. GQ.com offers up picks for the best candles for your space, all with a bit of cold weather-friendly vibes:
  • Ever on the cutting edge of stylish, dependable — and sometimes ridiculous — footwear, Esquire.com serves up this list of the best sneakers of the past year, some of which you’d do well to research and buy now … hopefully at slightly lower 2018 prices? Good luck out there.
  • Holiday travel season might have just ended, but I still think you should seriously consider picking up the Taylor Stitch Travel Pants. Think of the remarkable Travel Pants like an upgraded sweatpant, with a fit that darn near mirrors that of your favorite chinos. Read my latest on this stellar launch for GearMoose!
My friends, that’s all the quick reads we’ve got today. Enjoy your weekend, check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week and thanks for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Kick Off the New Year in Style with the Best Men’s Gear

Alright, my friends … can you believe it’s time to start another edition of The List? The first one 2018, at that?? If you’re just joining us for the first time on The Style Guide, welcome aboard as we start another year of bettering ourselves through style. That’s what it’s all about, right? And there are some certain items, from a great pair of classic black denim to stylish brown leather boots, that just tend to help you look, feel and dress your best. That’s what we’ve rounded up in this first edition of The List, so come along for the ride and feel free to leave me some feedback on Twitter — let’s go!

Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Stonewashed Black — $118

Slim-fitting stonewashed jeans in a cool shade of black.

Looking for the perfect pair of black denim? Flint and Tinder might have just come through with the All-American Jeans in Stonewashed Black. Ideal for your next rock concert.

 

Filson Watch Cap — $45

A dependable watch cap from a brand that knows how to make ’em.

The cold chill of winter has finally swept in … but the Filson Watch Cap is the dependable winter hat you need to help you through, my friend.
Fourlaps Rush Jogger — $78

Slim joggers that work for lounging or actually working out. Truly!

Do you need these joggers in your life? Well, do you need to stay cozy and comfortable this winter? That’d be yes to both — plus, they work even better at the gym as you jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions.
Thorogood Belloit Boots — $229.98

Beautifully rugged boots that can take a beating this winter.

The Thorogood Belloit Boots are, to put it quite simply, the type of rugged leather boots that you actually look forward to wearing in the winter. And at that price? Get the Belloit Boots on your feet now.
Life/After/Denim Oak Park Cardigan in Navy — $198

A substantial upgrade over your weekend hoodie, that’s for sure.

Why is it worth it to shell out nearly $200 for this Life/After/Denim cardigan? Well, the Oak Park Cardigan is at once rugged and refined, able to layer up over your favorite henley or a classic chambray shirt and a knit tie in equal measure.
GrowlerWerks uPint — $30

Quite the way to enjoy your favorite beer, don’t you think?

Here’s one for all you craft beer fans out there — the GrowlerWerks uPint is every bit as good as the rest of the GrowlerWerks line. And yet, the uPint is just a smaller way to keep your favorite brew cold and fresh.
Taylor Stitch Chore Blanket-Lined Jacket — $198

A durable Taylor Stitch jacket with a warm blanket lining? That’s as good as it gets.

Taylor Stitch knows all about the gear you need this winter, and the durably crafted Taylor Stitch Chore Blanket-Lined Jacket is cozy and stylish, plus tough as heck.
Farmhouse Pottery Fir Candle — $30.98

A small apartment or home upgrade that makes a difference.

Because life is about more than clothes, I’m recommending the Farmhouse Pottery Fir Candle. I always like to have a candle going when I’m at my apartment blogging or hanging out, and this Fir Candle offers a pleasant, rugged scent.
Taylor Stitch The Crater Shirt in Navy Plaid — $128

A classic Taylor Stitch shirt in a cool Navy Plaid — now, how about that?

We’re letting Taylor Stitch have another spot in this edition of The List simply because the Crater Shirt is too well-made and too stylish to pass up. Wouldn’t you agree? Wear this with some Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos, and you’re all set.
Vague Watch Co. Brown GMT Watch —$290

A refined-yet-rugged leather watch that looks great with darn near anything.

This edition of The List gets closed out with the stunning, relatively affordable Vague Watch Co. Brown GMT Watch. It’s a durable leather watch that’ll pair well with a tan herringbone blazer and blue denim, or alongside slim joggers and a thermal crewneck — it’s as easy as that.
OK, friends — we’re wrapped up with this edition of The List! How’d we do? What piece of gear is your favorite? I’ll tell you this … I positively can’t get enough of the Thorogood Belloit Boots, and that’s the last word on that! Feel free to weigh in via the comments below, or via The Style Guide Facebook page.
Happy New Year, and happy shopping!
-Beau
by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Best Way to Dress in Tough Winter Style

My friends, I can barely believe it … but it’s time for the first #OOTD of 2018 here on The Style Guide! That’s pretty monumental, if you ask me. And you can rest assured that we’ve got more of the same great content on the way this year as in years past — particularly if you want to dress in weather-ready style. It’s time to bundle up and fight the chill, without sacrificing any comfort or good looks. Think of it like dressing for the polar vortex … but without the doomsday aspect of extreme winter weather. Rather, the below #OOTD is designed to get you from point A to point B without any fuss, from weekend errands to a weekend dinner with friends. Start out with a tough winter jacket from Iron & Resin, keep things going with a stylish pair of brown leather boots, add your new favorite henley … and get ready to take on the winter weather. The below #OOTD has everything you need … at least, I think so.  Let me know what you think of this look on Twitter or in the comments. Stay warm, stay stylish!

From a classic winter jacket to a tremendous pair of leather boots, this is the gear to get you through winter reliably … and stylishly.

The Jacket: Iron and Resin Barracks Jacket, $342.98 — With a silhouette that echoes a classic field jacket, plus a weather-ready Melton wool exterior, the Barracks Jacket from Iron and Resin is versatile and rugged.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley, $62 — What’s better for braving the cold than a rugged henley? Especially one from Flint and Tinder, a favorite of this blog? Feel free to add a stylish flannel shirt over this Flint and Tinder henley if you need more warmth.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans, $118 — We’re going again with more Flint and Tinder gear, this time a dependable pair of classic blue denim featuring the brand’s new dark indigo wash. Durable, rugged and USA-made.

The Boots: Oak Street Bootmakers Brown Dainite Sole Trench Boots, $462 — It’s always tough to narrow down your pick of boots for the winter weather, but these fantastic Horween leather Dainite Sole Trench Boots from Oak Street Bootmakers are a pretty darn easy choice. Stomp through snow all ya want.
The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — The right belt for tackling winter weather isn’t a braided cotton belt that you’d wear during the summer … it’s a rugged, well-made Filson Leather Belt. No bones about it!

The Watch: Military Watch Co. MIL-TECH MKIV Military Pilot’s Chronograph, $330 — Just as you can’t skimp on your rugged winter boots, you can’t skimp when it comes to your watch game — although the name is a mouthful, this Pilot’s Chronograph should serve you well in the snow.

The Socks: CHUP Dia Socks, $28 — Stylish patterned socks should be a go-to in any season — the fact that the CHUP Dia Socks just happen to be cozy and comfortable is a big bonus.

The Beanie: Finisterre Fisherman Beanie, $40 — Again, we’re not just going with any beanie cap here … we’re going with a dependable-as-heck Finisterre Fisherman Beanie. Good enough for the water, good enough for you.
 If a winter storm catches you by surprise, or a bunch of snow gets dumped on you unexpectedly, it’s best to have the right gear in your closet to get you through. To me, that means the Barracks Jacket is one to reach for when things get dicey, yet you still want to look put together. Dependable footwear also goes a long — the Dainite Sole Trench Boots from Oak Street Bootmakers are positively stunning and well-crafted, ready for winter snow. Supporting accessories, from that tough Pilot’s Chronograph to warm CHUP Dia Socks, are equally underrated yet essential. For the rest of the winter season, I wouldn’t leave home without the  Finisterre Fisherman Beanie or a dependable mid-layer like the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley. And although they’ll work reliably throughout the rest of the year, the Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans are a great go-to when it comes to stylish blue denim for winter. Are there any picks you particularly agree with? Disagree with? Chime in via the comments below — thanks for reading!
-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Talking Style: What are Your 2018 Menswear Resolutions?

Sitting down to write this post, checking the calendar and then realizing that, yes, 2018 was just days away was … quite wild, to say the least. And it’s fitting that we’re kicking off the year with a brand-new post on January 1st, no less! If you’re still a little, uhh, groggy, I’d recommend you check out this post on casual weekend style before rolling out of bed to check out some college football. In years past, we’ve sat down to talk about my menswear resolutions for the year ahead, but now … I want to hear yours! Style is definitely an ongoing journey, one with ups and downs — sometimes, you might lean toward something as specific as a certain cut of shirt or a certain type of jacket, and other times … you might find yourself gravitating toward style staples like sharp Chelsea boots or a rugged chambray shirt, sometimes worn in the same outfit. Again, it’s all a process, and it can be even more fun to find what you love to wear … and then build a whole wardrobe around it! I hope this blog can help you continue to do that, even just a bit.

The point is, I’m looking forward to an even better 2018 here on The Style Guide, packed with more entries in our #OOTD series, more features on the best men’s gear via our ongoing The List series, and plenty more chances to travel and share my menswear adventures along the way. What’s on the docket in the way of 2018 trips? Well, we’ve got a family trip to Europe planned for this coming March, and more music & menswear trips planned on a personal note (yes, I fully intend on seeing The National play again very soon). So, again … what are your menswear resolutions this year? Personal resolutions? Let me know in the comments below, or say “Hi” on Twitter or Facebook! 

Thanks for reading — let’s make 2018 count!

-Beau