Month / April 2019

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Game of Thrones, Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon & How to Wear Sneakers this Spring

The one and only denim jacket you need for spring and summer, available right now.

I’ll come right out and say it — the one jacket you need to wear this weekend is the Flint and Tinder Type 2 Trucker Jacket. Seriously, it could be the best denim jacket on the market, and that’s really saying something. As sold by Huckberry (and available in the site’s section of Just Landed new gear), it belongs on your back for many spring and summer weekends to come. How could you not love the throwback style and yet modern cool that this thing brings to the table, right? At any rate, I digress — we’ve got work to do. Well, not a ton of work, seeing as it’s the start of a spring weekend and all. After quite a few weeks on the road (including a recent trip to wonderful Portland, Maine as seen on my Instagram), I’ll be hanging back in Brooklyn this weekend, enjoying a favorite cup of coffee and  visiting with an old college friend up from Washington, D.C., and taking in all the city has to offer on the craft brewing front (I think a trip to Five Boroughs Brewing is in the cards). And if I had my way, well, I’d be wearing the Flint and Tinder Typer 2 Trucker Jacket for exploring many a great brewery — but a guy can dream, right? For adding to your own menswear wish list, check out my Friday news selections below. Thanks for reading!

  • OK, so I mentioned the wildly popular show “Game of Thrones” up above in the headline … but I don’t watch the show (sorry!), so why did I call it out? Well, it’s got a menswear-specific tie-in. Namely, the John Varvatos x Game of Thrones collaboration just dropped, and I wrote about it for The Manual! Get even more of your GOT fix by reading up on the full offering.
  • We’re well and truly into spring sneaker season — it’s with that in mind that I put together my own guide recently on the blog covering how to wear sneakers this spring. Can’t go wrong with an entry in our ongoing #OOTD series, can you?
  • If you follow me on Instagram, you know I appreciate a tasty whiskey — in an Old Fashioned or on its own, on the rocks — as much as the next guy. In that regard, it was pretty neat to learn and write about Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon, one spirit you should serioulsy consider adding to your bar cart — read about why it’s so unique and essential (hint: It involves Texas corn!) over at GearMoose.Shop Mott & Bow Today!With the weekend nearly upon us, I bet you’re ready to get going. Not so fast, my friends. Stick around for one more second to read about this spring’s must-buy boots (from Taylor Stitch naturally). And while you’re still here, you might want to read about the classic leather watch you need on your wrist … ASAP. OK, that’ll do it from me. Have a good one!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The ZDA Handball Trainers are the Most Unique Pair of Spring Sneakers on the Market

Sharp sneakers made using real retro design inspiration and construction.

On the hunt for a new pair of spring sneakers? Well then, the ZDA Handball Trainers are the way to go — and I’d wager they’re unlike anything else you’ve got in your spring sneaker rotation, no doubt about it. If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide on the regular, you’ll recognize that we love a good pair of vintage-inspired sneakers — throwback takes on the classic sneaker are all the rage right now, but some brands are doing it better than others. Case in point: The ZDA Handball Trainers, modeled after a real pair of Czechoslovakian sneakers (that spelling is a doozy) are some of the best sneakers to buy for spring and summer, what with their investment-level good looks and high-qualiity construction. The ZDA brand lay dormant for a number of years, but in 2016, a Japanese designer brought ’em back to life to make these stylish vintage sneakers — and we should all be glad the brand is back. It gets better, though: The ZDA Handball Trainers are made in Slovakia on the same last and in the same factory that first produced them … how wild is that!?

SHOP: The ZDA Handball Trainers

Yet another color option of these stylish, classic vintage sneakers.

Now, what’s the argument for picking up a pair of sneakers like the ZDA Handball Trainers, given that they could feasibly be worn for, well, actual handball? They’re a classic sneaker option, as ready to wear with slim light wash denim and a short-sleeve henley as they are with a garment-dyed Oxford shirt and classic tan chinos. The low profile also means you could feasibly wear the ZDA Handball Trainers to your laidback office with a navy cotton blazer, those same slim tan chinos, and perhaps a classic white polo. That’s the thing about a pair of vintage sneakers — they go with anything and everything, just like they were originally made to be worn. Make no mistake, the ZDA Handball Trainers look like nothing else in your closet, and that’s the perfect way to go about it.

SHOP: The ZDA Handball Trainers

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Classic T-Shirt for Spring and Beyond

There’s a certain look that, to me epitomizes spring style. It starts with, of course, a classic T-shirt, and it builds from there. And as luck would have it, the perfect spring tee in question is the never-not-stylish Flint and Tinder Slub Pocket Tee. It’s the ideal tee to keep in mind when you just want to throw on a simple-yet-quality T-shirt and head out the door (complemented by other men’s style essentials, of course). In this case, we’re pairing up a rugged military shirt from a newly relaunched brand — that’d be Alex Mill — with versatile travel pants and, naturally, a pair of classic spring sneakers. The great thing about building from the ground up with something as simple and straightforward — yet stylish — as a slim pocket T-shirt is that it provides a great canvas from which to build your new favorite spring weekend outfit. It’s comfortable and breathable during the day — from the coffee shop to the park and back — and it cleans up come sundown and a round of evening cocktails (namely, when layered with an Alex Mill military shirt). All of this is to say: You’ve got everything you need to look great this spring when it comes to the below #OOTD.

Layer your classic T-shirt with a lightweight-yet-rugged military shirt. That’s your new spring uniform.

 

  • The Stylish Spring Shirt: Alex Mill Garment-Dyed Field Shirt, $95 — Perfect for lightweight layering — especially in early April — this Alex Mill shirt from the newly relaunched brand epitomizes easygoing, modern menswear.
  • The Classic Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Pocket Tee, $29 or 3 for $75 — Take it from me: You should pick up at least one Flint and Tinder Slub Pocket Tee, or again, 3 for $75. It’s potentially the best pocket tee to buy now.
  • The Pants: Proof Nomad Pants, $98 — Made to move and go anywhere, the Proof Nomad Pants just so happen to be made from breathable, durable Japanese twill with two-way stretch — perhaps the perfect travel pants.
  • The Sneakers: ZDA Handball Trainers, $230 — An utterly unique pair of classic spring sneakers fit for wearing in casual, laidback fashion this spring.
  • The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt, $65 — You’re going to need a stylish leather belt for each and every outfit — including this one.
  • The Grooming Upgrade: Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne, $69.98 — Spring is a nice time to work a new, fresh scent into your grooming routine — the Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne is the one to buy.
  • The Everday Carry Essential: Bexar Goods Co. Classic 4 Billfold, $145 — We’re all about the stylish accessories that make a big difference, like this slim leather wallet from Bexar Goods Co.
  • The Spring Essential: Alex Mill Canvas Field Cap, $40 — Just as with its rugged-yet-versatile Field Shirt, the Alex Mill Canvas Field Cap is ideal for throwing on as you head out the door on a weekend coffee run or backyard brewpub visit. Casual style to a “T.”

I don’t know about you, but looking at this outfit gets me more than ready for spring (who wants an iced coffee, ehh?). Again, the beauty of starting an outfit with potentially the best pocket tee on the market is that you can layer it with darn near anything you want — a classic Alex Mill military shirt included. The nature of the humble-yet-essential pocket tee also makes it easy to wear it with the Proof Nomad Pants for a bit of go-anywhere style — the same can be said for the unique-yet-office-friendly ZDA Handball Trainers,  made to deliver all-day comfort and visual interest. Naturally, a stylish leather belt is also a must, as is a slim leather wallet— the details really do make all the difference. That’s why we’re also ditching the standard athletic logo cap for a spring-ready canvas cap from Alex Mill — laidback and subtly stylish is the name of the game, all day long. And to take this outfit from good to great, finish things off with a spritz of the Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne— you’ll be the best-dressed, and best-smelling, guy at the bar. If you take one thing from today’s post, it’s that you should never overlook the a classic T-shirt — it can work for you in as many ways as you let it. Let me know on Twitter how you’re wearing your T-shirt this spring. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Here are the Best New Gear Picks to Buy For the Month Ahead

We’re stepping fully into spring today with Taylor Stitch — and plenty of other men’s style essentials, of course.

It’s hard to believe that we’re into April already — how wild is that!? It’s fitting, then, that we’re telling you all about the best new men’s gear for the season today. To wit: We’ve got gear picks from some of my favorite brands, like Taylor Stitch (as seen above), and gear picks from top online sites, like Huckberry, too. You need a one-stop shop of sorts to revamp and refresh your men’s style essentials (and home goods, and camping gear), and that’s what this edition of The List sets out to do. Cheers!

Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt — $98

Your new go-to short-sleeve shirt.

Just as you would expect, Taylor Stitch delivers on the season’s must-have short-sleeve shirt. Echoing the fit of the iconic Taylor Stitch California Shirt but in a short-sleeve cut, this classic short-sleeve shirt is a new essential from the TS brand, made with breezy fabric that’ll keep you comfortable for more than a few rounds at your favorite brewery. It’s also made with an organic cotton blend and would wear nicely with, yes, Taylor Stitch chinos. Perfection.

Portuguese Flannel Linen Shirt — $115

Every guy needs a breezy, easy-to-wear linen shirt for spring and summer.

Linen shirting exudes laidback cool — and the best linen shirts, like this handsome, refined-yet-easygoing number from Portuguese Flannel, can even be worn underneath a classic khaki suit this spring and summer.

Levi’s Made & Crafted 501 Original Fit Denim — $148

Classic jeans for any season, including spring and summer.

While you might associate spring with light wash denim — which is perfectly fine! — the Levi’s Made & Crafted line is worth adding to your consideration set. That’s especially true given that these indigo jeans are an update to the classic Levi’s 501 Jeans.

SYMBOL Audio Unison 52″ Record Stand — $3,695

Simply a beautiful way to store your new favorite records — worth every penny.

OK, bear with me here. Maybe it’s the fact that I recently got a new record player, maybe it’s the fact that I’m coveting a unique way to store records … but the SYMBOL Audio Unison 52″ Record Stand is simply exquisite, the ultimate home audio upgrade if ever there was one.

Vessi Footwear Waterproof Knit Sneakers — $129 

Sporty, sleek, stylish spring sneakers.

If the name of the game is stylish spring sneakers — and it is — then the Vessi Footwear Waterproof Knit Sneakers are the way to go. Light as air and functional to boot, they’re the perfect travel sneakers this season.

Traveler Guitar Camper CS-10 Guitar — $254

Bring along this lightweight guitar to your next bonfire or camping trip.

While not what you might consider a traditional menswear pick, the aptly named Camper Guitar from Traveler Guitar is a heck of a neat camping essential to bring along on your next trip — and even if you can’t play, I guarantee someone else in your group can.

Pakt Pakt One 35-Liter Travel Bag — $325

A sharp, sleek bag made with rugged functionality.

When it comes to your everyday carry essentials, nothing but the best will do. And the Pakt Pakt One Travel Bag, although a little more minimal than the gear I feature on my Instagram, could just be your new go-to travel bag.

MWC Watches G-10 Watch — $172.98

The durable, lightweight spring field watch you need now.

Spring calls for evaluating your wrist game as well as the rest of your wardrobe, and if it’s a durable field watch you seek, turn toward the real thing with the MWC Watches G-10 Watch.

Fourlaps Relay Track Pants — $74.98

Sleek sweatpants to wear to the gym or to a casual coffee outing.

As we start a new season, I’d wager you’re going to want to get outside more — the comfortable, mobile Fourlaps Relay Track Pants (also available via Fourlaps.com) are the way to go. See, you can find functional and stylish sweatpants if you look long enough.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Long-Sleeve Henley — $98

A comfortable, mobile henley for breezy spring nights.

We’re moving our way through spring, and that means you can expect blustery days and breezy nights. This stylish long-sleeve henley from Proof should suit you well for travel and a spring bar crawl alike.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Wireless Headphones — $300

These are the functional, sleek headphones to carry you through your commute.

There are the AirPods or regular headphones you pop in every day, and then there’s these high-quality headphones from Bang & Olufsen. Go on, treat yourself this spring.

Ekster Parliament Minimal Wallet + Tracker Card — $99.98

The functional wallet that provides security and durability, all in one.

Let’s keep talking about the everyday carry essentials you need for spring — for both security and style, this card tracker and wallet combo from Ekster gets the job done.

Proof Nova Series Insulated Vest — $73.98

The understated layer to go with all your spring outerwear.

If layering up with a vest is more apt to make you think of “Back to the Future” than anything else, think again — the Proof Nova Series Insulated Vest is the stylish spring layer you need right now. Wear it over a denim jacket if you wish (wink, wink).

Portuguese Flannel Pop Brick Shirt — $61.98

This is the printed shirt to shake up your spring style.

We’re back again with another highly stylish spring shirt from Portuguese Flannel — the seriously cool Pop Brick Shirt, to be more specific. Wear this printed short-sleeve shirt with light wash jeans and leather loafers to steal the show at your next spring backyard BBQ.

 

Alright, we’re all squared away with today’s edition of The List. Did any of the above gear picks catch your eye? If you want a functional spring layer, you can’t go wrong with the Proof Nova Series Insulated Vest. If you want a durable spring timepiece, you can’t go wrong with the MWC Watches G-10 Watch. And if you want to splurge a LOT? Well, you can’t go wrong with the  envy-inducing SYMBOL Audio Unison 52″ Record Stand. As always, thanks for reading!