Month / June 2023

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Luminox P-38 Pilot’s Watch – The Most Rugged Watch to Wear Now

When it comes time to devise your next #OOTD, take stock of the little things. Sure, the fit of your Oxford shirt or polo is important, as is wearing something seasonally appropriate, like a pair of the best men’s shorts (or chinos, depending on the situation).

From there though, the details are just as crucial, like the accessories that make up your EDC. Let’s go a bit deeper: The stylish leather watch on your wrist can make just as much of a statement as the rest of your look, and that’s where Luminox can help your next summer style look go from good to great.

Learn more now at Luminox

I’ve long been a fan of Luminox men’s watches, which admirably bridge the gap between a stylish essential and a rugged must-have for the field (witness the Luminox Atacama Field Watch, for instance).

Its timepieces are tested by Navy SEALs, as well as the likes of explorer Bear Grylls, but they offer a little something for everyone. Take the Luminox P-38 Lightning Pilot Watch, a rough-and-tumble 42mm leather watch that, in my experience, is a perfect mix of rugged and refined for the modern man.

Best leather watch for men.

While I’m no aviator, I’ve worn this stylish leather pilot’s watch plenty of different places: To a post-writing happy hour in Manhattan, to concerts in Brooklyn and to visit my favorite brewery in the borough. Crucially, I’ve also worn it traveling, as it’s equipped with second-time zone GMT functionality that can easily be set against the current time.

It’s that versatile and dependable, and the combination of a contrast-stitch brown leather strap and black dial is a handsome one. For me, the Luminox P-38 Lightning Pilot Watch checks all the right boxes, be it the precise Swiss-made RONDA 515.24H movement or that critical mix of go-anywhere style and worldly functionality. The crucial thing is, although the Luminox P-38 Lightning Pilot Watch punches well above its weight class, it’s still priced fairly at just under $600.

Shop rugged watches for men

That’s comparable to some of my other favorite watches, like the Shinola Runwell, for instance. When you’re seeking a small detail that stands out in a big way on your wrist, opt for something like the Luminox P-38 Lightning Pilot Watch — it’ll prove a long-lasting investment worth making.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Long Weekend in Las Vegas & A Trip to the Twin Cities

My friends, travel is the name of the game this weekend, as I’m in Las Vegas for a longtime college friend’s bachelor party. I’ve traveled to Las Vegas to visit the likes of the Tao Beach Club, but this one isn’t a business trip (wish me luck at the blackjack tables!).

It also comes on the heels of a busy travel schedule for yours truly as part of my many freelance writing pursuits, which also took me to Minneapolis this spring to sample the city’s many culinary delights and plenty of whiskey. As luck would have it, my guide to the city was published this week at Maxim, and I hope you like what you find therein.

I’d encourage anyone to take a trip to the Twin Cities, all part of the process to rethink what you thought you knew about the city. It certainly offers something for everyone (particularly for myself as a major fan of The Replacements). And if you check out my byline today at Maxim, you’ll see another recent travel guide from a whirlwind trip I took to Dublin and Wicklow with Glendalough Gin, also in April. So, once again: Travel is the name of the game.

Our regularly scheduled programming will take place this weekend with our Style Pick of the Week and the Sunday Sale, so go forth, get that credit card at the ready to score some new menswear essentials, and we’ll See You Out There.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a Breezy Summer Style Pick

Best men's short-sleeve shirt for summer.

Is the search for summer menswear essentials ever really complete? At times and in my experience, it feels like it’s a never-ending quest, or at least a fun journey, to find picks that surprise and delight in terms of your wardrobe.

Everyone’s summer menswear favorites tend to look a bit different based on where you live and how your day-to-day shakes out, but it’s the tried-and-true picks that keep us all going, right? I’ve found that whether I’m working from home and wearing a breezy pocket tee, or heading to a rooftop cocktail event, the good folks at Taylor Stitch always tend to come through in the clutch.

Best camp collar shirt for men this season.

Of course, you might prize pieces that are a touch more classic or straightforward, like one of the best men’s polos or a Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt. And yet, your wardrobe should leave a little bit of room for interpretation: That’s where one of the best camp collar shirts is ready to shake up your menswear rotation just ever-so-slightly.

Shop Taylor Stitch menswear now

That shirt, my friends, is part of the always-engaging Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt offers up retro and modern style in spades. It’s modeled off camp collar shirts of decades gone by, and you’ll notice that the collar lays flat in a more casual fashion, akin to something you might have seen Don Draper wear.

Retro camp collar shirt for men.

Crucially, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt harnesses that same sense of casually cool style (without some of Don’s more questionable habits), and it’s every bit as well-designed as you’ve come to expect from Taylor Stitch. In my experience with the brand, texture and fabric is really where the San Francisco brand stands out, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is no exception.

It’s available in two dusty, pleasingly summer-friendly shades, Orchid and Sand Jacquard, with 100 percent organic cotton washed fabric that should feel remarkably soft on the skin. So, why a camp collar shirt? Well, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a touch more easygoing even when compared to a polo (thanks to the lay-flat collar and straight-hem, standard fit), so it’s a nice change of pace on breezy summer evenings.

Best new summer shirt for men.

The shorter hem also makes it easier to wear untucked, although I’ve found that most Taylor Stitch shirts can be worn untucked without missing a beat (including the brand’s stylish Oxford shirts) Even still, the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is another much-needed, laidback style swerve on the hottest summer days.

Plus, the medium weight means you can wear the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt on your own, or you can style it as I would — unbuttoned over a heather grey T-shirt. Effortlessly cool style is the name of the game with the throwback-inspired camp collar shirt, and the Taylor Stitch Conrad Shirt is a worthy example to add to your wardrobe ASAP.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Lace Up Amberjack Dress Shoes for Your Next Summer Wedding

We’ve all been there during a summer wedding (or indeed, any extra-long day on your feet at the office or on the road). Your shoes, well, they’re killing you, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Actually, my good friend, there is indeed something that can be done about it before it’s too late.

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Step into a pair of the best men’s dress shoes, or rather, an ultra-comfortable, stylish pair that’s been called “the most advanced dress shoes” out there (shoutout to GQ for that one).

The shoes in question are hitting your wardrobe via Amberjack, a brand that I’ve tried out and certainly vouch for if you want to upgrade your rotation of stylish men’s dress shoes.

Learn more now at Amberjack

In my personal experience with Amberjack dress shoes and Amberjack’s stylish Chelsea boots, the brand lives up to its billing: The right combination of performance technology, plus standout style for your next summer wedding — or again, any time you’re facing the prospect of hours upon hours standing up.

Amberjack dress shoes review.

To wit: The Amberjack Original Shoes feature the familiar silhouette of classic Oxford dress shoes, with open lacing and a streamlined silhouette that still offers some nice space in the toe and throughout the shoe. That’s where they differ from most other men’s dress shoes on the market. The key with the Amberjack Original Shoes is the athletic outsole, plus a heat-activated insole that delivers energy, rebound and cushioning.

Amberjack dress shoes for men.

Beyond that the Amberjack Original Shoes also boast buckskin lining for comfort — in my experience, they’re not too stuffy or flimsy to wear in the heat to a summer wedding or a day of meetings in the city. Plus, the Amberjack Original Shoes are available in a whopping range of colors and styles — 11 leather and suede options in total are available, delivering something for every taste.

Satchel and Page

I prefer the Amberjack Original Shoes in Chestnut Leather for maximum versatility in business casual style situations, but there’s also a handsome Slate Grey Suede option, not to mention a Grizzly Tan Suede style.

Shop Amberjack dress shoes now

The Amberjack Original Shoes are, in my opinion, the perfect mix of sporty-meets-casual, comfortable-meets-stylish. You need them on your feet at your next summer wedding, and the rest of the season ahead, too.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save Nearly 50 Percent On This Stylish Everyday Shirt at Bespoke Post

Best everyday buttondown shirt for men.

Some deals in the world of shopping for men’s style essentials can sometimes feel a little too good to be true, right? That’s often the case over at Bespoke Post, which regularly stocks and sells some of the coolest menswear (and home goods, and bar cart essentials, and outdoor gear!), often at outstanding prices.

Shop and save now at Bespoke Post

Check out the Bespoke Post Sale section to be routinely blown away, for instance — and that’s where you’ll find your new favorite buttondown shirt. That’d be the Line of Trade Arrrow Shirt, billed as an effortlessly versatile three-season, cotton-blend shirt — one that just so happens to be 49 percent off today, in fact.

Best casual buttondown shirt for men.

Line of Trade is one of the many brands dreamed up by Bespoke Post, bridging the gap between casual and classic style, and that shines through with the Line of Trade Arrrow Shirt. It’s made from 100 percent cotton and finished off with resin buttons, giving it a bit of a shirt jacket-type feel on cool days.

Shop men’s shirts at Bespoke Post

The brushed End on End fabric should also feel plenty soft to the touch, whether worn unbuttoned over your favorite T-shirt or worn buttoned up alongside stylish stretch chinos at the office. Helpfully, the Line of Trade Arrrow Shirt also boasts a casual chest pocket, which gives it more common ground with one of the best Oxford shirts, for instance.

And at its current sale price, it clocks in at under $40 — that makes the Line of Trade Arrrow Shirt a downright steal for plenty of stylish, versatile everyday wear. Don’t waste another second thinking about it — just add it to your cart ASAP.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Wellen Corduroy Shorts are an Easygoing Summer Style Move

Best men's shorts for summer.

I’m willing to bet you’ve got more than your fair share of stylish summer shorts in your rotation already, right? But what about reconsidering your wardrobe ever so slightly, especially in pursuit of a pair of shorts that swerves from the ordinary?

Yes indeed, while it’s worthwhile to keep the classics well-stocked, like a pair of the best chino shorts for men, there’s something to be said for switching up from time to time. Take the Wellen Corduroy Easy Shorts, which harken back to corduroy shorts of the 1970s, yet in a way that’s tasteful and modern.

If you’ve never tried corduroy shorts, there’s no time like the present — these are also affordably priced via Huckberry at under $100, but that’s far from the only thing they’ve got going for ’em.

Learn more and shop now at Huckberry

The Wellen Corduroy Easy Shorts were dreamed up by the design team at Huckberry, as Wellen is the famed retailer’s approach to breezy, sustainable and surf-inspired menswear. They’re made from 100 percent cotton with that characteristic corduroy texture, and the Wellen Corduroy Easy Shorts have also been garment-dyed for softness right out of the box.

Best corduroy shorts for men.

Two color options — Mushroom and Dark Sage — are also a nice stylistic change of pace in terms of color (pair up these stylish corduroy shorts with everything from a heather grey pocket tee to your favorite henley on breezy days).

Shop men’s shorts at Huckberry

And to make things even easier — and more easygoing, at that — the Wellen Corduroy Easy Shorts are sized from XS to XXL, complete with an elastic drawstring waist. When the time comes to get dressed for your next BBQ or summer vacation, opt for something slightly different from the norm via the Wellen Corduroy Easy Shorts — your wardrobe (and wallet) will thank you later.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Best-Selling Bonobos T-Shirt Is 50 Percent Off Right Now

Best men's T-shirt for summer.

Folks, let’s waste no time this weekend in directing you towards the menswear essentials you can make use of right now — and then the rest of the season. I’m talking, of course, about a handy deal and a tried-and-true essential that’s going to come through in the clutch: One of the best men’s T-shirts, naturally.

And the brand making your new favorite T-shirt? Of course, it’s Bonobos, the same brand that also makes your favorite classic chinos. In my experience, Bonobos can do no wrong — but allow me to expand on that.

Learn more now at Bonobos

The T-shirt is a staple in every guy’s wardrobe, no question — for conference calls (underneath a lightweight blazer), for summer travel, for fall and winter layering and for, well, every single style situation you can dream up.

And I’ve got just the T-shirt for you, one that’s available for 50 percent off right now. Yessir, the Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee delivers the goods, and it’s one of the softest tees on the market, for my money’s worth (as the name would imply). It’s regularly priced anywhere from $29 to $35, and available in a range of fits and sizes, so pay attention to your selection of choice (assuming this deal is too good to pass up for you!).

Now, let’s get into what makes the Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee tick — it’s $15 on sale right now, and that’s a deal that doesn’t stick around forever. But is the Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee worth it? Take it from me: It assuredly is, and it wears much better than its low sale price tag might indicate.

Sizes are moving very quickly, but the cotton-poly blend is the perfect touch in terms of the right amount of stretch and a soft handfeel. Plus, the Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee comes in breezy colors like Heather Beach, Heather Moss and Heather Apple, each of which should wear nicely on its own or underneath a Bonobos denim jacket.

The real selling point here, though, might be that absurdly excellent sale price. Yes indeed, the Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee delivers the perfect mix of standout style, affordability and comfort. That’s a T-shirt worth having in your corner.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wills Wrinkle-Free Short-Sleeve Shirt – The Perfect Summer Weekend Shirt

Best short-sleeve shirt for men.

Sometimes, simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to summer style essentials. After all, you assuredly want to beat the heat, first and foremost, and yet, you still want to look polished. An easy way to do that? Reaching for one of the best short-sleeve shirts for men, and ideally, one from the fine folks at Huckberry. The Austin and San Francisco-based brand dreamed up the perfect way to stay cool and look great.

That’d be the Wills Wrinkle-Free Short-Sleeve Shirt, a worthy choice when you want more polish than a standard crewneck T-shirt and yet, a touch more comfort than a classic Oxford shirt, which might prove too hot on some days.

Shop stylish shirts now at Huckberry

The key here is the breezy linen blend fabric, plus a classic fit that should prove flattering and not too constricting. And as Huckberry says, you can team the Wills Wrinkle-Free Short-Sleeve Shirt with everything from chino shorts to light wash jeans without missing a beat, and it comes in a range of cool, versatile color options. Yessir, looking great even in the heat just got a touch easier, thanks to this stylish short-sleeve shirt at Huckberry. Cheers, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Faherty Menswear, A New Tag Heuer Watch & Your New Summer Pants

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines as we race into another fine summer weekend. I’m back in Brooklyn after what proved to be a momentous Memorial Day back in the Midwest — Indiana, to be more specific, for the one and only Indianapolis 500 with Tag Heuer. And what a weekend it was! Astonishing and memorable doesn’t begin to cover it.

Shop the best men’s watches at Tag Heuer

The trip was part of my many freelance writing pursuits, which includes covering new watches from Tag Heuer (and plenty more, as you know if you follow me on Instagram!). For the time being, I’m back in Brooklyn and looking forward to a touch of downtime this weekend as I work on stories for Maxim.com (among other outlets, of course!).

Read more of my work here

Along the way, I’ll be wearing one of my new favorite shirts from Faherty Brand, the fast-growing, NYC-based menswear brand that’s making a splash in the world of versatile, casual everyday style. I’ve been a fan of Faherty Brand for years, as you’ll see below, but consider giving the brand a look to roll into your weekend (in my experience, I’ve found that Faherty men’s shirts are super-soft and well-fitting).

For now, let’s dive into that brand specifically to start the weekend off the proper way — with a few other menswear updates to follow. Cheers and thanks for reading!

  • Now, I just nodded toward my love of Faherty Brand above — let’s take that just a touch deeper, shall we? In fact, I got an even better look at what makes the ever-popular Faherty Brand tick, as I covered my five favorite essentials of the moment over at Fatherly. Its stretch chinos, ultra-soft T-shirts and expertly cut buttondowns are rugged in terms of looks, but super-comfortable in terms of feel, and that’s a balance I can get behind. Read more at Fatherly and see for yourself.
Best men's adventure pants for summer.
  • Sure, the good folks at Faherty Brand offer up plenty of stylish menswear for summer, but allow me to recommend another brand I think you’ll enjoy if you love mixing style and performance this season. You can view that brand above here briefly: That’s Western Rise, the Colorado-based outfitter that mixes durable performance fabrics with modern silhouettes, like its abrasion and stain-resistant, stretchy five-pocket pants. They blend the look of a chino with the durability and rugged appeal of the best hiking pants, and you can read more about the Western Rise Evolution Pants here in this recent Western Rise review by yours truly.
  • I just mentioned that I also had the chance to visit the Indianapolis 500 with Tag Heuer, but that’s not all. Across the pond & within the luxe confines of Monaco, Tag Heuer sponsored the iconic Monaco Grand Prix last weekend — for good measure, they released three new watches to celebrate 80 years of the race, and I wrote about all three over at Maxim. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, indeed.

Shop New Arrivals from Billy Reid

That’s just about going to do it for today’s Friday Read — did you find something to kickstart your weekend in a fashionable way, be it a short from Faherty Brand or perhaps something more outdoor-minded from Western Rise?

If so, be sure to let me know in the comments, and just know that there’s certainly more where that came from… if you stop by tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week or the Sunday Sale, that is! Again, thanks for reading and we’ll See You Out There.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Oil Cloth Tin Duffle Is an Investment-Worthy Summer Getaway Bag

Best duffle bag for men to buy now.

Hitting the road this summer and in search of one of the best duffle bags for men? I know I sure am, and I’d wager you’re not the only one. Before we can both pack up to hit the road, it’s worth taking stock of what exactly you’re bringing with you. Or rather, it’s worth taking stock of the rugged duffle bag you’re packing up.

Fear not: If you’ve not quite got the proper bag to meet the moment, then you’ll like what’s in store today. In my experience, one of the best duffle bags for men can start your trip off on the proper foot even before you hit the road. After all, if the bag you’re hauling doesn’t quite offer enough space or utility, well…that’s just no good, my friends.

Rugged duffle bag for men.

To get a touch more specific: That’s where the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle amps up your everyday carry in a major way. I’ve long been a fan of Filson, the Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter with a penchant for delivering uncompromising, unfailing goods — including luggage like the Filson Large Rugged Duffle.

And if you’ve tried out the brand — as I have over the years — or if you read the blog on the regular, then it should come as no surprise that the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle more than passes muster.

Rugged Filson duffle bag for men.

The specs on the seriously cool, investment-worthy Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle fall right in line with other heritage-quality Filson men’s gear, especially the brand’s durable-as-can-be Tin Cloth waxed canvas. That canvas stands up to wear and tear, bumps and abrasions, weather and more, and it gets better with age each time you pack up to hit the road.

Shop Filson luggage right now

Plus, the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle is accented with iconic Filson touches, including Bridle Leather handles and a shoulder strap that will also break in handsomely over time. Even the brass zipper is rustproof — how’s that for a touch of rugged appeal?

And for good measure, the colorway of this particular Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle is a limited-edition offering. In my experience, limited-edition Filson goods tend not to stick around forever, and that’s reason enough to add another rugged Filson men’s bag to your EDC.

How about it? If you end up packing up the Filson Oil Finish Tin Cloth Duffle to hit the road this summer, let me know in the comments below.