Month / May 2020

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up a Henley for Summer Weather

Is there anything better than welcoming a new season with the best men’s style essentials? The type of pieces you’re going to look forward to wearing all summer long? No, sir. Now, things are still very different for most of us out there, what with plenty of time at home in the rearview mirror — and on the horizon — but as has been the adage as of late, that’s no excuse not to look and feel your best these days. Hence, the rugged men’s gear I’m recommending today, even if you’re only going as far as your yard or back porch. On that note, we’re starting off this #OOTD with a crucial piece that should assuredly be in your summer style rotation — the rugged short-sleeve henley shown below is soft, breezy, easy to wear, and of course, easy to layer. It’ll keep you cool when you need it, and it wears stylishly underneath other layers when needed, too. Again, you might just have your feet kicked up on your back porch, but you can still make use of your favorite summer gear, including a tough trucker jacket, slim vintage-style black denim and one of the best men’s casual watches (among other men’s style essentials, of course). Be it spending time with the family, unwinding after a long day at the (home) office or planning out a special at-home date night, I’m sure you’re going to find plenty of reason to rock the below layers accordingly all summer long. And when the time comes to return to your favorite summer activities (brewery visits and park strolls among them, I’d assume!), then one of the best men’s henleys is going to be your new go-to style move. Read on for the full ensemble below, then chime in on Twitter if you’re a fan.

A classic way to layer a henley for summer, no doubt.

 

  • The Short-Sleeve Henley: Buck Mason Pima Short-Sleeve Curved Hem Henley, $48 — The right spring #OOTD starts with one of the best men’s henleys, and more specifically, a rugged short-sleeve henley in a tough-yet-breezy fabric. Wear it on its own or layer up accordingly. Like the below …
  • The Jacket: Knickerbocker Trucker Jacket, $177.98 — A tough trucker jacket can actually be a nice antidote to unexpectedly chilly spring and summer days & nights — Knickerbocker just so happens to make one of the coolest lightweight jackets in that regard.
  • The Denim: Flint and Tinder Vintage Overdye Jeans, $128 — Yes, just because you’re spending more time at home than usual doesn’t mean you can’t wear some slim stretch jeans — as to be expected, Flint and Tinder has come through here with some of the best men’s jeans (in a nicely dyed shade of black) on the market.
  • The Stylish Slip-Ons: SeaVees Huntington Middie, $108 — Listen, your choice of at-home footwear is exactly that: Your choice. But if you want to give yourself comfort, freedom of movement and casual style that you can wear outside the home when the time comes, go with the SeaVees Huntington Middie.
  • The Belt: Beltology Litmus Leather Belt, $75.98 — Now, not every guy is going to want to put on a belt these days — but if you want to really switch things up from sweats or joggers, a stylish leather belt like this one from Litmus is the way to go.
  • The Watch: Timex Navi XL, $155 — Just as with the rest of these rugged gear picks, we’re not overdoing it on the accessories front — but, one of the best men’s casual watches seems to be a proper move to stay on time during happy hour, yes? Agreed.
  • The At-Home Essential: Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler, $55 — Picture this: It’s a breezy summer night. You’ve got your feet kicked up and your favorite tunes playing (more on that in a moment). You realize your pint glass is empty … best refill it with this classic growler from Stanley, right?
  • The Audio Essential: Tivoli Audio Music System Home, $749 — Yes indeed, for listening to your favorite music at home with ease, quality of sound and supreme style, go with the Tivoli Audio Music System Home — it’s assuredly one of the best home audio upgrades you can make right now.

Oftentimes, the right way to start a summer style ensemble begins with a simple classic — in this case, it’s a rugged short-sleeve henley that’s high-quality in terms of its construction and fit. No matter where you’re going (or rather, not going), I guarantee you can find use for this breezy henley from Buck Mason. It’s going to wear very nicely indeed with one of the coolest lightweight jackets for summer, especially on those unexpectedly chilly summer nights. And when you pair both those pieces with some slim stretch jeans for comfort and style, you’ve got an at-home or weekend-ready look that goes further on the style front than sweatpants or joggers. It seems that upgraded at-home footwear is all the rage these days, and that’s also where going just a bit further can actually pay dividends — the SeaVees Huntington Middie blends style and comfort, while wearing like actual sneakers rather than slippers. Because staying on time is still crucial (especially if you’re manning the grill), wearing one of the best men’s casual watches will give you a sense of time, order and style. Naturally, you can do it all while sipping on your favorite beverage via your classic growler from Stanley. To top it all off and round out your evening in refined style, why not fire up the Tivoli Audio Music System Home to play some of your favorite summer tunes? When taken altogether, this #OOTD is going to work for right now and for when the time comes to get back to your routine. Sounds pretty good, right? Yes, indeed. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for Summer with All the Best New Menswear

An essential white tee to head into Memorial Day weekend.

Right, then: We’re just a few days away from the first unofficial weekend of summer,  Memorial Day weekend. Things are surely going to look a little different this year than in years past — there’s no travel, no major BBQ’s, no huge outdoor concerts, for one. And yet, as has been the theme in past weeks on the blog, you still need to ensure you’re well-stocked with summer style essentials aplenty. Today’s edition of The List has you more than covered, with staple pieces like the best men’s T-shirt for summer, the coolest summer shorts, and of course, classic summer sneakers. Start with the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee below (perhaps the best white T-shirt for guys), then find the rest of your new favorite summer gear picks below. Heck, some of these summer style staples are so great, you might recognize them from other editions of The List — and that’s totally OK in my book. More importantly, have fun, stay safe, and perhaps crack a cold beer in the safety of your own home or backyard to celebrate.

Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee — $35

A crisp and classic white T-shirt — an all-American style staple.

Yes indeed, we’ve talked about this stylish summer T-shirt a great deal on the blog in the past few weeks, but with good reason. From the quality construction to the spot-on fit (in my experience), the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee is one of the best men’s tees to buy right now, possibly in more than one color for standout  Memorial Day weekend style at home. Heck, you can never go wrong with a classic white T-shirt.

GREATS Royale Ripstop — $159

Dependable, stylish, highly durable men’s sneakers from GREATS.

Hey, hanging at home still requires some of the best men’s sneakers — especially the downright useful, functional and stylish GREATS Royale Ripstop. Throw them on with your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and some stylish casual shorts, then crack a cold beer and fire up the grill.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — $1,395

An incredibly unstoppable dress watch.

Talk about a stylish, investment-worthy watch to wear this coming long weekend and then the rest of summer (and long, long after that). Ever so slightly dressy, sleek and yet rugged at the same time, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 is like a wearable work of art, 100 percent Swiss-made and featuring 1,000 meters of water resistance. You might not need that kind of functionality, but it’s still a seriously cool timepiece for your wrist.
Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts — $58

Super stylish, easy-to-wear shorts from Huckberry & Flint and Tinder.

Make no mistake, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill chino shorts. The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, are some of the best men’s shorts for summer, and ideal to wear with, say, your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — but I’d wager you had that idea in mind already.
Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Western Shirt in Natural Herringbone — $98

A stylish short-sleeve shirt that’s plenty ready for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond).

My friends at Taylor Stitch have done it again. The legendary San Francisco menswear brand took its classic Western shirt and turned it into one of the best short-sleeve shirts for summer, complete with an iconic design and the perfect cut for summer. Wear it all weekend — and on your next conference call.
Billykirk Standard Issue No. 540 East West Tote — $145

An essential part of your everydary carry for the holiday weekend.

Maybe it feels silly to be adding to your everyday carry essentials right now — but trust me, it’s not. Gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, even a modified one, calls for loading up supplies in a rugged tote bag, then grilling, drinking, fire-starting, journal-ing … accordingly. The Billykirk Standard Issue Tote is one of the best ways to carry gear right this instant.
Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses — $360 

Add these sunglasses to your list of Memorial Day essentials.

Bold-yet-classic, investment-worthy sunglasses made for plenty of (modified) summer weekends? Yes indeed, that’s what you’re getting with the Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses, easily some of the coolest sunglasses for men this author has seen.
Grayers Japanese Selvedge Trucker Jacket — $195 

A classically cool denim jacket for summer from Grayers.

Grayers has summer style essentials aplenty (including, crucially for these times, face masks if needed), but it’s the classic menswear that I’ve got my eye on this season. There will come a time this Memorial Day weekend (and surely beyond that) where you’ll need a stylish summer jacket. And my friends: This Japanese selvedge trucker jacket is precisely the incredibly cool jacket for summer you need right now.
Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt — $89

The perfect summer shirt? You be the judge.

Because it might not be quite warm enough to wear just, say, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, you’ll want a stylish long-sleeve shirt to throw on over it. Try out the excellent Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt if you’re not quite feeling up to picking up a  Japanese selvedge trucker jacket yet. Trust me: It’s one of the best long-sleeve shirts for the season.
Santa Rosa Tahoma Moccasins — $223.98

Rugged-yet-easygoing leather moc chukka boots for the holiday weekend.

You’ve surely seen these classic leather moccasins on the blog before, and they could just be the perfect casual shoes to wear for a holiday weekend. Laidback enough to tromp through the yard, durable enough to fix up a bonfire, stylish enough to wear while kicked back, ice-cold lager in hand. They’re easily some of the coolest leather boots for summer — yes, summer.
Mott and Bow Slim Wooster Jeans — $118

The best men’s blue jeans to wear for summer, guaranteed.

Hey, maybe you’re more of a stylish blue jeans-type guy (or maybe it’s a bit too breezy for shorts where you are), but either way, Mott and Bow has you covered. They make some of the best men’s jeans for darn near any season, Memorial Day weekend included, and you can rock them with everything from the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee (I sure do love that thing) to a stylish summer polo.
Huckberry Pullover — $88

The essential hooded sweatshirt you need for summer.

With casual style and standout good looks in mind, Huckberry has gone and made one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts on the market — featuring their own branding and everything. The Huckberry Pullover is, quite simply, the perfect hooded sweatshirt to wear to a bonfire — or whatever late-night stargazing or beer drinking you’re planning on.
Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit — $299.98 

A really neat backyard essential for any summer night (especially Memorial Day weekend).

Speaking of what to wear to a bonfire, well, if you need to get a little creative with how you’re setting up your bonfire, look no further than the Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit, one of the Memorial Day weekend essentials you might have first overlooked.
Levi’s Made & Crafted Short-Sleeve Camp Collar Shirt — $128

A classic men’s shirt you’ll want to wear all weekend.

The camp collar shirt really is a retro menswear essential, a piece worn by easygoing dads and grandfathers on vacations dating back decades — and now, Levi’s Made & Crafted has come up with a modern, stylish camp collar shirt to wear when manning the grill or kicked back sipping on a Bloody Mary.
Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag — $250

Gear up and get to work on your next cocktail with Billykirk x Cooper & Thief.

All of this tme outdoors is going to call for the right drink to go along with it, yes? And the best way to mix up a cocktail for the long weekend? With essential bar tools from the Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag (wine sold separately). You’ll have everything you need to make your favorite cocktail — and a stylish leather bag in which to keep track of all the best gear for your home bar.

Add an instant kick to your morning with this easy-to-use ultra coffee.

Looking at all of this gear and all of the potential for adventures at home (or in a park, or out on the trails) is enough to make anyone crave coffee, right? What if you’ve got to get out the door in a hurry, though? That’s where Jot Ultra Coffee comes into play. Add just a “jot” (a tablespoon!) of this ultra coffee to varying amounts of water to get espresso, cappucino, an Americano … you name it, Jot can do it. The results are excellent — full-bodied and flavorful, just like you’d want, and the process is so easy (I should know — it’s helping fuel this blog post!).
OLIVERS
That’ll do it for today’s summer-centric roundup of the best men’s gear, and to be more specific, the best men’s gear for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond). So, what’ll it be? Will you go classic and pick up one of the best white T-shirts on the market to wear for supremely cool casual style? Buck Mason has you sorted. Will you go with the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts and pair them with either a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch or something more casual, like the inimitable Huckberry Pullover? Maybe you’ve got your eye on some of the best men’s sneakers, naturally paired with some of the the best men’s jeans. Whatever your combo, I hope you find the above list helpful. To see what I’m wearing this weekend, head to my Instagram — and as always, feel free to get in touch with me on Twitter. Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

A seriously cool, modern men’s polo from Taylor Stitch.

What if I told you that, in addition to its full lineup of some of the best menswear around, the good folks at Taylor Stitch were now busy cornering the market when it comes to crafting the best men’s polo for spring and summer? That’d be pretty remarkable, right? Remarkable and almost too good to be true? Well, that’s not the case anymore: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo is everything you need in a stylish polo for spring and summer, and it’s arrived not a moment too soon. The best men’s polo can be worn to work (in your home office, that is) just as readily as it can be worn to have a back patio beer (again, at home for now). And when you finally do get the chance to gather with friends again, you’re going to want to be wearing something as stylish, cool and laidback as the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo. Plus, you can get your new favorite polo for up to 30 percent off right now (no code needed!), and you’re also getting $20 in Common Club credit for orders over $200. Not bad at all. True to what one expects from Taylor Stitch,  this classic men’s polo is almost more like a T-shirt than a stuffy, preppy polo of years gone by. It starts with the use of upcycled cotton and polyester for a breezy, breathable fit — you should check out the full line of Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag knitwear while you’re at it, too. But back to what makes the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo so great.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

Also available in a neat, classic navy colorway.

First off: Classic color options like Navy and Natural place this classic polo as a must-have in your spring and summer wardrobe — heck, buy both those colorways of the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo, and you’ve got versatile outfit options aplenty. Try the navy polo with slim tan chinos and white canvas sneakers, and pair the Natural Heavy Bag Polo with some of the best men’s shorts and stylish leather slip-ons — talk about easygoing spring style at its finest, right? The three-button placket on this classic men’s polo gives it some dressy polish, enough that you could rock it with a unstructured navy blazer for that Zoom call if need be. The tailored fit also makes the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo one of the best men’s polos on the  market — believe it. And one last kicker here: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo is available for $68 right now — that’s a heck of a deal. At that rate, you’re going to get more than one polo … correct? Correct. Head over to Twitter to let me know if you pick it up.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A New Whiskey, How to Brew Beer at Home & The J. Crew Bankruptcy

The coolest dive watch on the market, in time for the weekend.

If you’re just joining us for the first time for The Friday Read, welcome! And if you’re more than accustomed to my weekly roundup of the best menswear news to know and the best men’s style deals to shop, then welcome back. The headline at the top covers a lot of ground, does it not? These are extraordinary and trying times we live in, so hopefully, you’ll find each of the above topics interesting and informative (heck, I know I’ll  be enjoying some whiskey this weekend). But first things first: It’s *time* for the weekend, as that stylish dive watch above would indicate. The timepiece in question is from New York watchmaker Martenero, who’s currently offering up a great deal on a new dive watch via Kickstarter. It’s the brand’s first dive watch, and if looks are any indication, it could be your new favorite timepiece — you need only pre-fund it before May 22nd to secure one of the best dive watches out there (note that it ships in September).

Elsewhere around these parts, it looks to be business as usual this weekend here in Brooklyn, by which I mean I’ll be hunkered down, enjoying some of my new favorite craft beer from New York’s Nonsequitur Beer Project — gotta love craft beer delivery — and supplementing that with some freshly ground coffee from the very cool and ingenious Taylor Stitch x FiveTillFour project supporting small businesses. Of course, I’ll be spinning some vinyl on a stylish record player, too. What are your weekend plans (besides enjoying tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week)? Let me know on Twitter. 

  • I mentioned above that we’d be getting into one of the best new whiskies to try now, and indeed, here we are: I wrote about a very cool partnership between Americana rockers Jamestown Revival and craft whiskey makers Oak & Eden for GearMoose. The Oak & Eden Round Prairie Rye Whiskey pays homage to Jamestown Revival’s roots while using an innovative finished-in-the-bottle process — the result is a rich rye whiskey that pairs perfectly with Jamestown Revival’s music.
  • Maybe you’re a bit more of a craft beer guy (I’m a craft beer enthusiast first followed by whiskey), and if that’s the case, the Bespoke Post Brew Box might be the right way to go. It’s a great way to brew beer at home, especially if you’re just testing the waters in that realm, and I wrote all about this excellent easy-to-use homebrew kit for GearMoose.
  • If you’ve been following any fashion news as of late, you likely heard the news: Once-lauded retailer J. Crew filed for bankruptcy last week. It’s quite the turn of events for a brand that likely introduced plenty of us (myself included!) to the larger world of men’s style, and it got me thinking about this archival Esquire piece on how everyone wears J. Crew. The title says it all.

Visit Todd Snyder New York

  • One constant around the Brooklyn HQ of The Style Guide? Great tunes (usually played through my LSTN Sound speaker) — and on that note, I’ve found this Pitchfork piece on why we listen to new music very fascinating indeed. Check it out, then let me know on Twitter what you’re enjoying lately.

OK, so that’s going to wrap up my weekly guide to, well, the weekend. Before you go though, I’m going to point you toward an essential weekend outfit, and it involves a rugged henley. More specifically, I’m pointing you toward my guide on how to wear a henley this spring. You’re going to love it (I hope). One final thing before the weekend: You can still pick up this stylish Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket as seen below right now (limited sizes available) for a heck of a discount. So, go for it?? Alright, that’s all I’ve got. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The List: Gear Up For Spring with the Best New Men’s Style Essentials

The best henley to wear all spring? You be the judge of that.

Folks, here we sit at the start of another spring day. As has been the case lately, these are strange and trying times we live in — and once again, a lot of us are changing our routines and spending more time at home to fight this pandemic. That being said, being at home tends to leave one with, well, a lot more opportunity to read, to reflect, to listen to music … and yes, to think about the spring style essentials you want to add to your list. That’s where today’s roundup of the best new men’s gear enters the fold, starting with your new favorite henley as pictured above from Buck Mason. Let me know your favorites on Twitter — let’s get right to it.

Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley — $52

The best henley for spring? It very well could be.

The perfect henley for breezy spring mornings and evenings? Why, it’s the exceptional, super-soft and well-ftting Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. This rugged henley is available in a wide array of colors, but Steel Blue is especially well-suited to wear with your favorite slim chinos. Kind of like the below …

Grayers Stretch Slim-Fit Chino Pants — $98

The best men’s chinos for spring, very nearly.

Speaking of your favorite slim chinos, well, here we are. Grayers has a knack for making perfectly classic yet modern men’s style essentials, and these slim stretch chino pants are ideal for spring and summer (plus, that British Tan color is as good as it gets).

Armor-Lux Logo Crew — $105

A cool-as-can-be spring sweatshirt.

Mixing up your spring layering calls for thinking outside the box at times — that’s why this stylish logo crewneck is a welcome addition to your rotation of spring sweaters. Armor-Lux makes some of the coolest men’s sweaters to begin with (Breton stripes, anyone?), and this is just the latest and greatest.

SeaVees Legend Sneakers — $80

Newly iconic men’s sneakers to wear all day long.

Right off the bat, it’s crucial that a portion of proceeds from these classic men’s sneakers are going to the Channel Island Marine Wildlife Institute, near SeaVees‘ home in Santa Barbara. And beyond that? Well, the SeaVees Legend Sneakers are easily some of the best sneakers for spring, what with their low profile and classic design. Wear ’em with some of the best men’s jeans and a slub tee for easygoing spring style.

Billykirk Bray Brother Bundle — $513.99

The rugged essentials you need for the perfect everyday carry.

If you follow the blog, perhaps you’re familiar with the expert American-made leather goods purveyors at Billykirk — founded by Chris and Kirk Bray in 1999, the brand is now offering bundles of the best leather goods and accessories, curated by each brother. This bundle features a rugged canvas carryall, a handy cable pouch, and a sleek leather notebook holder — all fine additions to your everyday carry essentials.

HELM Boots Holt Boots in Dark Grey — $350

Rugged, durable, simply unstoppable Chelsea boots from HELM Boots.

To be sure, we’ve talked about the HELM Boots Hollis Boots previously on the blog, but they’re back for another appearance here — and in a standout color, to boot (pun intended). Rugged leather Chelsea boots just make sense for spring, what with their sleek design, dressed-up wearability and durable (yet fairly lightweight) construction. HELM Boots has  your back when it comes to the best men’s boots for spring.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Navy Jacquard Dot — $108.50

Another classic men’s shirt from Taylor Stitch.

For the foreseeable future, the great folks at Taylor Stitch are giving you 25 percent off the entire site, and that includes the brand’s collection of stylish men’s shirts. My pick? The excellent Taylor Stitch California Shirt in a cool-as-can-be Navy Jacquard Dot pattern. It’s one of the coolest shirts to buy for spring.

Mott and Bow Slim Staple Jeans — $128

Slim stretch jeans to wear with your favorite henley.

Yes, you can still wear your favorite pair of dark denim as temperatures increase — especially if the slim blue jeans in question come from Mott and Bow & are made with plenty of stretch and ease of movement. They’re some of the best men’s jeans, and you won’t want to stop  wearing ’em.

Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket — $328

The rugged, functional spring jacket you need right now.

Not familiar with Fisher + Baker? The Minneapolis brand, built on the adage “Timeless, purposeful, functional,” has quietly been making some of the best men’s outerwear for a few years now, including the essential Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket. Wear it atop a rugged henley for expertly functional spring style.

Bear Hybrid Mattress — $1,352

Is a new mattress in your future? Make it this one.

Alright, here’s the deal. Maybe you’ve realized your mattress isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe, unlike days past, you’ll actually be home during the day to receive a new mattress delivery. In that case, why not invest in one of the best mattresses? The Bear Hybrid Mattress, made with plenty of cushioning and five layers of support, is quite simply one of the best mattresses to buy now.

Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — $198

A durable blazer made for work at home and in the field.

Looking for one of the best men’s blazers for spring? Look no further. Heck, looking for a blazer that’s more rugged than preppy, and made with workwear inspiration in mind? Get the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — it’s a uniquely rugged blazer crafted more like a chore coat than your typical blazer, which means you can absolutely wear it with, say, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley.

GREATS Royale Sneakers in Blanco — $179

Classic sneakers from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

It wouldn’t be a roundup of spring style essentials without calling out some of the best men’s sneakers, would it? The GREATS Royale is a near-perfect silhouette, wearable with pieces like a stylish logo crewneck and slim stretch chino pants.

Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants — $88

The perfect pants for casual spring style.

Finding the right pair of laidback pants for spring involves a few key considerations, and the Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants check all the right boxes in that regard. Comfortable? You bet, thanks to the drawstring waist and lightweight cotton canvas construction. Stylish? Yes, as ready to wear with your favorite Oxford shirt as with a casual pocket tee. Affordable? They’re from Huckberry, so they sure are.

MANTL Daily Routine Set — $65.98

A trio of must-have men’s grooming essentials.

Lest we forget, keeping your skin in shape for spring starts and ends with the best men’s grooming essentials. Including crucial moisturizer and a daily SPF, the MANTL Daily Routine Set (made with sulfate-free ingredients) freshens your face and protects your skin, critical to looking and feeling your best this season.

Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt — $98

A classic indigo shirt that’s going to be a new spring favorite.

It wouldn’t be an edition of The List without Flint and Tinder, right? The Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt, made from breathable organic cotton spun with indigo yarn, is one of the best men’s shirts for spring, the type of rugged everyday shirt you’ll look forward to wearing with slim blue jeans or rugged chore pants in equal measure. Heck, this could be the perfect shirt to throw on as you enjoy some whiskey on your back porch. Did someone say whiskey?

Law’s Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey — Price Varies

A classic whiskey you’re going to enjoy on breezy spring nights.

Yes indeed, someone did say whiskey. Law’s Whiskey House, out of Denver, takes an exceptional approach to crafting some of the best whiskey this writer has tasted. The San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey (Colorado’s first whiskey made to federal bonding standards) is an exceptional one to enjoy right now, aged more than six years in charred oak barrels and made with 100 percent San Luis Valley Rye. Talk about attention to detail, am I right? Even better? You can get some Law’s Whiskey delivered to your door!

Faherty Brand Cloud Summer Blend Shirt — $148

A classic summer buttondown in a lightweight fabrication.

Let’s go back to stylish men’s shirting for one second, shall we? Faherty Brand has a knack for making expertly laidback men’s style essentials, includinng the easygoing Cloud Summer Blend Shirt. Team it with your favorite slim chinos, then call it a day — spring style is nearly that easy.

Billykirk No. 309 Leather Valet Tray — $40

A surefire way to store your everyday carry.

It’s fitting that we’re closing  out this post looking at the best way to store your everyday carry. And in this case, that means we’re talking about a rugged leather valet tray, made the right way by the good folks at Billykirk. Use this to store your favorite watch and other essentials at the end of a long day.

Alright, my friends. We’re through another edition of The List. Did you have a favorite pick from the offerings above? Maybe something on the smaller (but no less essential) end of things, like a a rugged leather valet tray from Billykirk? Perhaps our lead pick, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley tops your own list, as well? I’m partial to picks like HELM’s rugged leather Chelsea boots and the the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer. Whatever ended up in your shopping cart, I hope it serves you well. Feel free to let me know what you scooped up over on Twitter! Thanks for reading — stay safe.

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Shirt for Spring

Be it the later days of spring (with summer on the horizon) or the sweltering days of summer, the right #OOTD should be wearable across a variety of occasions, day after day, week after week. Now, it’s taken some experimentation in the Brooklyn HQ of The Style Guide, but I think today’s #OOTD checks the right boxes in terms of spring and summer versatility and effortless style, even for days at home. For starters, we’ve got the main centerpiece taken care of in rugged, durable fashion — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt could just be your new favorite spring and summer shirt, what with double front-button pockets and an excellent seasonal color (but more on that in just one moment). We’re also doing things the right way as far as easygoing layering — wear the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt unbuttoned atop a rugged short-sleeve henley, if you feel so inclined. The real key is that a great spring and summer shirt can take you anywhere — even if that doesn’t happen to be right this very second, I’m sure that when we all do get the chance to get out and explore safely, you’ll be ready to go … ideally wearing something very similar to this. Before we dive deeper, know that standout staples like rugged leather boots are also making an ever-versatile appearance today, along with a stylish leather watch. See, the gang’s all here — and it’s a breezy spring day, not a chilly fall one. With that being said, I’d love to hear from you — which of the below men’s style essentials are being added to your cart for the spring and summer season? Let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Your new spring shirt, worn in a way that’s cool and versatile.

 

As with any ensemble, it’s ultimately going to be both the little things and the big things that make a difference in pulling together a stylish look. So, for instance, when you build from the ground up with everything from stylish men’s socks to one of the best men’s briefcases from Billykirk, it only amplifies the overall impact of your #OOTD. But none of it is possible without the piece that makes it all go ’round, and the key piece here is none other than best spring shirt — available, of course, from the good folks at Huckberry. Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt is so stylish and versatile as to be worn sans jacket atop a rugged short-sleeve henley, then finished off with equally stylish five-pocket pants from Olivers Apparel. This combination is all comfort and style for breezy spring and summer days, yet it gets a serious upgrade from some easy-to-style rugged leather boots — another standout spring style pick from Huckberry. Naturally, things get even cooler and more stylish when you throw on one of the best everyday leather watches for men, agreed? And once more, how about you load up the exceptional No. 237 Briefcase from my pals at Billykirk, yes? Sounds pretty great to me. OK, that’s it — that’s today’s #OOTD. To see how I’m putting together seasonal looks aplenty, head to my Instagram. Again, thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Billykirk Carryall Is the Best Duffle Bag for Spring and Summer

A rugged, exceedingly well-made carryall bag for your next spring adventure.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Billykirk, out of New Jersey, is making some of the best leather goods on the planet right now … period. It’s as simple as that. OK, not quite. The Billykirk No. 480 Carryall actually is the end result of a heck of a lot of work, and that makes it one of the best travel bags you’re going to stumble across for a long, long time (even though we’ll be off the road for a while, it’s still plenty useful). It’s not the first time we’ll be talking about Billykirk travel bags on the site, either. Now, it might seem counterintuitive to be shopping for one of the best duffle bags right now — it’s a strange and trying time we live in, and many a travel plan has been changed or scrapped. But rest assured, there will come a time once again when you’ll need to load up your rugged duffle bag and hit the road. When that time arrives … there’s no better bag to meet the dual challenge of hauling your everyday carry essentials and looking stylish as heck than the Billykirk No. 480 Carryall. It all starts with the quality material you’ve come to expect from a brand that’s been making some of the finest leather goods for enterprising, stylish gentlemen (like yourself!) for more than 20 years (21, in fact). Materials like rugged waxed duck canvas make up a large part of the handsome and rugged Billykirk No. 480 Carryall, and it only gets better from there.

SHOP: The Billykirk No. 480 Carryall

Rugged detailing and expert construction set this Billykirk carryall apart from the pack.

The thing with a well-made yet tough travel bag like this fine number from Billykirk is that every last detail is considered, right down to the nickel-plated brass hardware for extra durability on long trips. What that means is you can load up this essential travel bag with all your must-have getaway favorites, from a classic chambray shirt to slim blue denim to rugged leather boots. Even better? The Billykirk No. 480 Carryall is carry-on approved — when the time comes — and features space for a 15″ laptop (plus, again, plenty of your favorite everyday carry essentials). In the interim, it’d work extremely well as a tool bag around the house. As with any great travel bag, the waxed canvas and bridle leather are going to get better with age and with more adventures. It might seem as if travel is a long ways off right now — and it is! — but when it’s high time to hit the road, you’ve found your new favorite travel bag, easily.

SHOP: The Billykirk No. 480 Carryall

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans

It might be the official start of summer as far as the calendar and your wardrobe is concerned, and the temperatures might be climbing by the day … so now is as good a time as any to pick up some of the best men’s light wash jeans for summer. Agreed? I know I’m certainly onboard with shopping for some of the best men’s denim, and there’s one pair in particular I’ve had my style-minded eye on — that’d be the Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans, as sold via Huckberry. I’ll keep it simple to start: These are some of the best men’s jeans on the market at the  moment, and they’re a more-than-worthy pick to add to your casual style rotation (or your work-from-home style rotation), no questions asked.


With Memorial Day on the way and some modified summer hangs surely in your future (a back porch with your family versus a raucous group rooftop outing), you’re still going to need some stylish light wash jeans to take the place of your shorts from time to time. Now, if you read the blog, you’re familiar with Flint and Tinder — the in-house brand at Huckberry specializes in all manner of rugged, well-made and investment-worthy menswear essentials, most of which are made in the U.S.A. — these slim light wash jeans included, to be sure (A side note: They also come in Tapered and Straight cuts).

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans

OLIVERS

The beauty in finding a great pair of light wash jeans, especially during these more casual and WFH-focused times, is that you can wear ’em with darn near anything. You can also feel good about doing it, seeing as these Flint and Tinder jeans are made from durable-yet-stretchy 12.6oz. denim right in Los Angeles. And again, the style pairings are nearly endless. Your favorite Oxford shirt and stylish leather slip-ons work particularly well for a laidback-yet-polished day in your home office, while you can also rock the Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans with a classic T-shirt and your favorite high-top sneakers the rest of the time. In short: There are still plenty of opportunities to rock these stylish jeans all through the rest of spring and summer, even if your schedule this season looks a little bit different. Heck, the right pair of light wash jeans can still offer comfort and style, and maybe even the chance to  make some new memories while rocking ’em. And when the time comes to get back to living the life you know and love? The Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans are going to be right there with you.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Light Wash Stretch Selvage Jeans

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Sustainable Brands, The Best Swim Trunks for Men & A New Windbreaker

Layer up for the weekend with the best new spring jacket to buy right now — from Grayers,no less.

My friends, welcome to Friday, and to today’s Friday Read, no less. I had originally planned to be in Cincinnati on this very day for the second-ever edition of The National Homecoming, a standout fest curated by my favorite band — of course, The National. But the current state of the world means that fest is no more, so the best I can do is catch a livestream of The National in the meantime, and shop for some of the best new men’s gear. More importantly though, this weekend is Mother’s Day! Make sure you’re getting the ladies in your life something special — I like these Mother’s Day gift suggestions from Valet, as it were. Maybe you also feel like treating yourself, though? On that note, I’ve got my eye on that Grayers windbreaker seen at the top of the — it’s the Grayers Randolph Stretch Windbreaker, to be specific — for weekend adventures (social distancing required). How about you? If you’re going stir-crazy, perhaps the stylish spring jacket shown above can help you get out and about properly. After all, it’s not a spring adventure without one of the best spring jackets in tow, is it?

But, we move on to the rest of today’s post. What have you been reading? Listening to? Watching? I’ve found some serious enjoyment in adding to my vinyl record collection, picking up favorites like “Singles” by Future Islands and the new Hamilton Leithauser record, the soulful and timeless “The Loves Of Your Life.” Might I also suggest you check out some high-quality record player options to spruce up your listening experience — if that’s your jam? Hours of weekend enjoyment await. For now though, let’s get into my picks this week. Be sure to join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and stay safe in the meantime.

But one of the many sustainable, rugged options you should consider shopping from Wellen — via my latest post for The Manual.

Your new favorite dive watch — available now for pre-order.

    • Here’s what you might call a crucial Kickstarter campaign reminder. We’ve talked in the past about how great Martenero watches are, and here’s your reminder to pre-fund the brand’s first dive watch, the Martenero Belgrano, ASAP. The campaign is giving you the chance to snag an exceptionally stylish stainless steel dive watch in four fresh colorways that call to mind classic dive watches. Crucially, if you pre-fund this watch now before May 21st (it’s set to ship this September), you’ll get it for a substantial discount (hundreds of dollars less!) than the retail price of $790. This is one of the coolest watches to buy now — the hardest part will be waiting for it. Again, pre-fund it now ASAP.
    • Let’s keep it rolling on the style and gear front. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a pool or lake that still happens to be open (or heck, if you can get to the ocean), then this next post is going to be of interest to you (to say the least). Namely, I covered the best men’s swim trunks over at GearMoose, featuring brands like Flint and Tinder in the process. Get ready to hit the water (eventually), my friends.
    • Now, in the midst of all this craziness, I’d wager you’re still looking for ways to keep your style fresh and seasonally friendly. With that in mind, I’m going to direct you toward my ongoing series The List, covering the best new men’s gear for each and every season (and plenty of socially distanced occasions right now). It’s got everything you need to hang at home & explore on your own or with the family.

We’ll keep it focused on the blog here on last time before the weekend begins in earnest. Namely, if you need some stylish sneakers for the weekend, I’d suggest you check out GREATS Brand, and then take a good look at my guide covering how to wear white sneakers this summer. Even in these casual times at home, it still pays to look good. Well, my friends. That’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read. Thanks for stopping by, and have a safe weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Chore Coat is Your New Favorite Spring Jacket

This could be one of the sharpest jackets you buy this spring.

It’s official — the Flint and Tinder Chore Coat is one of the best new jackets you can buy for spring and summer, and it’s the spring jacket you need on your back right now … period. Things have been a bit different these past few weeks in the land of The Style Guide (Brooklyn), and I’m sure that’s the case for you as well — I’ve still been making time to check out the best spring style essentials, though. And as the season rolls on, opportunities abound to try out some of the most rugged men’s gear on solitary hikes, solo walks & quick trips to pick up to-go beer and coffee. Consider wearing the Flint and Tinder Chore Coat right now as a sort of test run for when things fully get back to normal — and in that case, who wouldn’t want a rugged chore coat for breezy spring days and unexpectedly cool summer nights? It’s the proper way to go, trust me on that.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Chore Coat

Rest assured, the specs on this tough chore coat are exactly what you’ve come to expect from the gear purveyors at Flint and Tinder (the in-house line available at Huckberry, of course). It’s made of garment-dyed Italian cotton for exceptional quality and an exceptional fit and feel, while at the same time, it’s reinforced at key stress points. And as you might hope, the hardware is custom to Flint and Tinder (much like the excellent Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, for example). Adjustable cuffs and riveted hip pockets allow for both plenty of carrying potential and plenty of versatile styling potential, too. You can wear the Flint and Tinder Chore Coat  with everything from your favorite Oxford shirt and faded light wash denim to a rugged henley and equally rugged chore pants. Consider the Flint and Tinder Chore Coat a cooler replacement for your blazer, and yet … it’s the type of jacket you can also wear out on a hike or a quick (socially distanced!) jaunt into town. Again, it’s the perfect spring jacket, and it’ll absolutely perform like it.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Chore Coat