The Friday Read: A Northeast Trip with Randolph Engineering

Randolph x Todd Snyder Sunglasses

My friends, here’s to Friday and a bit of an early start to the holiday weekend. I’m looking forward to a bit of time to rest and recharge back in Brooklyn, along with the chance to stay in hot pursuit of my freelance writing ventures. Of course, if you follow me on Instagram, you know it’s been a busy week around these parts — and elsewhere, as I trekked up to Boston for a quick overnight trip with one of my favorite sunglasses brands, the USA-made, military-approved premium eyewear makers at Randolph Engineering.

I’ve been wearing the brand since 2015, and I’m an especially huge fan of its classic men’s aviator sunglasses, but that’s not all: I’ve lately taken to wearing another stellar pair from a fitting collaboration. Randolph Engineering teamed up with Todd Snyder on the Randolph x Todd Snyder line of sunglasses, an all-American collaboration that plays off the designer’s penchant for updating timeless classics with a touch of modern flair.

Best aviator sunglasses for men.

Those were just one of the pairs we chatted about as myself and my fellow journalists toured Randolph’s factory and spent some quality time with the team there (including a Boston stay on the waterfront at The Envoy Hotel Boston). I particularly appreciate the brand’s approach to precise craftsmanship and extreme attention to detail, be it the Todd Snyder x Randolph line or its fan-favorite aviator sunglasses.

And to get the chance to go behind the scenes of a classic brand — making accessories in America, the hard way — is always a pleasure. I was already a big-time fan of Randolph, and this trip further cemented them as an all-time great in my mind. Be sure to check out pairs from the Todd Snyder x Randolph collection (or the rest of the company’s offerings), and I’ll see you out there, sunglasses on, this season. Cheers, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: These HELM Boots Loafers Are Your New Favorite Pair of Spring Footwear

To your Brooklyn style writer, part of the fun of getting dressed in style in 2024 and beyond is when you come across a tried-and-true brand that does things just a little bit differently from time to time. Take Austin-based HELM Boots, a personal favorite brand of mine and perhaps the maker of some of your favorite leather boots.

And yet, the company has a knack for translating that same rugged craftsmanship into more distinctive footwear beyond just rugged leather boots — the HELM Wilson Loafer is as much evidence of that as any, with the same rich, thoughtful design and plenty of dressy, polished appeal for spring and summer.

The HELM Wilson Loafers depart from what you might expect from the brand in some seriously cool ways, from the sleek, sharp Supple Brush-Off Krumenauer Leather (lined with black leather) to the streamlined loafer design that does away with what you might call traditional penny loafer detailing. The finely crafted burgundy leather is about as eye-catching as it gets, although the HELM Wilson Loafers also come in more classic colors like Teak and Brown.

Best leather loafers for men.

The HELM Wilson Loafers also feature a rubber sole for some added traction (although you’ll want to reserve these sleek loafers for sunny days), and the stacked leather heel plays nicely off HELM’s signature white midsole. Some varieties of the HELM Wilson Loafers feature contrast stitching for a slightly more casual look. Incredibly, these stylish leather loafers are water-resistant, while the Blake stitch construction is fully resoleable.

While the HELM Wilson Loafers are a slight departure from what you might expect in a pair of loafers, I’d say they’re a welcome change of pace when it comes to your spring and summer footwear rotation. If you agree, be sure to shop HELM Boots ASAP and save 15 percent on your first order. Your feet will thank you, indeed.

See Now, Buy Now: Step Out This Spring with This Classic Billy Reid Linen Shirt

Best linen shirt for men.

When you really get down to it, you need workhorse pieces (true spring style essentials, indeed!) in your wardrobe that can move seamlessly from day to night, especially if you’re still getting in the mindset of heading back to the office (again). What’s a guy to do? Easy enough: Head over to a trusted retailer like Billy Reid, and look for something easygoing yet polished, especially in the realm of stylish men’s shirting.

The Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt is already a certified modern classic, and it just got even better: Namely, the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt takes the timeless silhouette, does it up in breezy linen, then sets you on the path to effortlessly cool spring and summer style. How about it, ehh?

Sounds like a plan to me, and because it’s Billy Reid (one of the country’s best menswear designers!), you’re getting quite the value for the price — sure, the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt retails for $198, but trust me when I say it’s worth it.

Best men's linen shirt.

The build of the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt is, of course, 100 percent linen for plenty of lightweight breathability this season, and it’s also been garment-dyed for an even more laidback, breezy look. Mother of pearl buttons round out the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt in luxe fashion, while the brand’s signature ribbon placket detail is a nice touch that looks quite cool when this shirt is worn untucked (in my humble opinion!).

For good measure, the Billy Reid Tuscumbia Linen Shirt comes in a range of vibrant and classic colors, all the better to add a little flair to your spring and summer wardrobe (especially when you pair this stylish linen shirt with classic Billy Reid jeans or crisply cut trousers).

Because this well-tailored shirt is a pricier pick-up than other classic buttondown shirts, I’d wear it underneath a tailored cotton blazer at the office, and then out on the weekend with off-white jeans or chinos. Get the most out of your return to polished dressing this season, and your wardrobe will reward you in spades.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent On this Breezy Taylor Stitch Tee for Spring

Best T-shirt for men this spring.

Sometimes, the best spring style essentials for men are the moves that are seemingly simple on the surface. Take the tried-and-true combination of classic jeans and a T-shirt. It doesn’t get much more simple, right? Well, here’s the catch: There’s a right way to get dressed casually this spring, and it starts with finding one of the best T-shirts for men.

And if you can do that on the cheap, say in the Taylor Stitch Last Call section, well, that’s all the better. And that brings us to the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee, a relatively new modern classic from everyone’s favorite San Francisco brand.

With the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee, it all starts, of course, with the fabric itself. The 5oz. 100 percent organic cotton should prove breezy and comfortable, yet it should also drape nicely (thank the brand’s use of chest sizing measurements for that). And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee is on sale right now for 30 percent off, does it? That knocks the price of this stylish striped T-shirt down to $38, a nice steal for a high-quality tee.

Best men's T-shirt to buy now.

Crucially, the Seagrass Stripe pattern on the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee is flattering and just a touch retro, the sort of T-shirt that looks perfect with, well, a pair of Taylor Stitch jeans. The crewneck design is easygoing and versatile enough to wear underneath a denim jacket or all on its own, especially with a pair of laidback lounge pants.

And the price of this tee is so agreeable, you very well might want to load up your cart with other picks from the Taylor Stitch Last Call section — I’ll leave that up to you, but your shopping session should start with the Taylor Stitch Organic Cotton Tee, no questions asked.

See Now, Buy Now: These American-Made Red Wing Chukka Boots are Perfect For Spring

Best men's chukka boots to buy now.

When the time finally rolls around to step into spring — as in, right about now — you need to be prepared with spring style essentials aplenty. If you read the blog on the regular, you know this much to be true, and if you’re new to the world of The Style Guide, allow me to introduce one of my favorite brands: Red Wing Heritage, makers of some of the best boots for men, and reliably sold by the fine folks at Huckberry.

Perhaps you’re already familiar with Red Wing Heritage — they’ve got a decades-long pedigree, a hard-working history of making tough leather boots, and plenty of modern style points (and fans!) to back them up. That brings us to the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, a classic pair of durable, dependable shoes that are ideal to wear as we step into spring. How so? Reader, I’m glad you asked.

Best leather boots for men.

The Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka has all the hallmarks of a highly dependable boot for breezy spring days and slippery city streets, from the use of Copper Rough & Tough S.B. Foot Tanning Company leather to the Hill outsole and comfortable ComfortForce® footbed. That combination should make them the ideal blend of comfort and style, and of course, that rich Copper leather will only get better with age the more you wear the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka.

Better still is the fact that they’re made in America, a surefire sign of quality and durability you can count on. Perhaps most ideal of all is the price: Right now, these rugged men’s chukka boots are up for grabs at Huckberry for under $250. Your new favorite pair of spring boots is well within reach, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: Take 40 Percent Off This Breezy Faherty Brand Shirt for Spring

Best buttondown shirt for men this spring.

There are times as you curate (yes, curate!) your wardrobe of spring style essentials that it’s best not to overdo it, to not go too far into wild territory — sometimes, for example, you want a straightforward, stylish, comfortable buttondown shirt, not one with a bold print or pattern. And when that time rolls around, you should know where to look: The good folks at family-owned, New York-based Faherty Brand, of course.

Specifically, look into your closet, where you’ll find the Faherty Knit Seasons Shirt…if you act now and shop it on sale, of course. The Faherty Knit Seasons Shirt is a very agreeable 40 percent off right now ($89, versus $148), with all the plentiful style features and comfort you’d expect from a brand known for easygoing-yet-rugged picks. And this shirt (available on sale in two wear-with-anything colors — Blue Night and Pine Olive) handily gets the job done when you want the right blend of straightforward spring style and comfort.

Best casual shirt for men this spring.

In fact, the Faherty Knit Seasons Shirt could just be one of the best casual shirts for men on the market, with helpful front-button pockets that drive home that laidback style (and also turn it into more of a shirt jacket with extra everyday carry storage space). The key is the knit organic cotton for a soft handfeel, while topstitch detailing gives the Faherty Knit Seasons Shirt a nice touch of contrast, too.

It’s easygoing enough to wear over a henley or your favorite graphic T-shirt, but it’s dependable enough to wear untucked with your favorite blue jeans for spring weekends aplenty. And again, it bears repeating: The Faherty Knit Seasons Shirt is now 40 percent off

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Waxed Dylan Jacket – Spring’s Perfect Jacket for Breezy Days

Best men's waxed jacket

Some brands tend to hang their hat on certain styles, finding a magic formula that just keeps working — and working, and working. In the case of designer Todd Snyder — and specifically in the race to craft one of the best jackets for spring — the famed Iowa-born creative seems to have nailed that formula precisely with the Todd Snyder Dylan Jacket.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the ultra-cool Todd Snyder Dylan Suede Jacket, which offers a luxe spring style upgrade, but when the weather turns breezy and perhaps a touch rainy, there’s another take on the Todd Snyder Dylan Jacket you need in your life, and that’s the Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket.

It’s like I said: When a designer lands on a formula that works, it’s a wise bet to stick with that formula, and perhaps even improve upon it a bit in the race to find one of the best men’s jackets for spring. There are, of course, plenty of editions of one of Todd Snyder’s best-selling jackets out there, but the difference is in the details, and indeed, the Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket rises to the occasion when you need hard-wearing yet premium spring outerwear.

Best waxed jacket for men this spring.

Naturally, the fabric puts the Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket a cut above the rest, quite literally. It’s crafted with 100 percent cotton from British Millerain, a trusted company for decades on end, and it’s updated with a moleskin collar for a luxe finish (and you can also turn that collar up against the wind and rain this spring). The Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket also boasts a handsome navy color, plus design inspiration drawn from vintage trucker jackets.

The end result is a style that’s a touch vintage and just a bit modern, and it’s complemented nicely by Todd Snyder logo shank buttons in contrasting hardware, with a fit that’s true to size. So, if you’ve worn a Todd Snyder jacket before and love the look of the Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket (or if you’re a fan of the designer’s stylish Oxford shirts), you might have found the perfect (and perfect-fitting) spring jacket to really nail the perfect balance of form and function this season.

The Todd Snyder English Waxed Dylan Jacket might seem like a stylish splurge, but it’s one your wardrobe will be all the better for this season.

The Friday Read: Dining at Reyna New York & The Best Menswear for Your Weekend

Reyna New York City review

My friends, thanks for joining me here at The Style Guide this fine spring Friday. It’s been quite the bustling first full week of spring here in the Big Apple, as you very well might know if you follow me on Instagram, and I had the chance to switch things up just a bit.

Yes, I attended a press preview with excellent active recovery footwear brand OOFOS, and I caught up with some PR industry friends at the buzzy ’70s-style cocktail bar The Flower Shop, but there was one highlight of my week in particular that stood out as a bit different from the ordinary (an understatement).

I don’t consider myself a major gourmand by any stretch of the imagination, but I know what I love — a mix of hearty and refreshing dishes that put a new spin on the classics, and I found that in spades when I dined at NYC’s newest hotspot, Reyna New York (courtesy of Purple PR). I’m grateful I get to experience plenty of the best on offer in NYC and elsewhere, broadening my horizons (and my palate!) all the while through my freelance writing pursuits.

The Mediterranean tapas and cocktail bar is much-loved in Toronto, and I soon suspect NYC will join that list. We chatted all things spirits and menswear, of course, but the star of the evening was the meal itself. I’ll keep it brief right from the jump: Add it to your list the next time you visit The City That Never Sleeps.

Reyna NYC review

I especially appreciate a spot that makes rethink what I thought I knew about certain styles of cuisine, like the Mediterranean fusion emphasized throughout the menu at Reyna (which opened formally last fall). There’s a luxe feel to the space, communicated nicely through warm lighting, colorful banquettes and a detailed cocktail menu that doubles as an illustration book for each offering.

And the menu itself, from the Lebanese Tacos to a wonderful Paella dish (share it among friends!), is full of something for everyone. Take it from me: Get the Mezcal Smokeshow if you want to step into the world of Mezcal, and be prepared for a delightful array of small plates. Again, take it from: Reyna New York is a must-go on your next visit to the city. So, that’s but one recommendation to start your weekend.

Of course, I’ll leave you with a menswear recommendation you can find more close at hand (in your wardrobe soon enough, if you order today!). If you keep up with the blog — and I’m certainly hoping you do! — you might have seen this one coming, but as spring rolls into town, there’s perhaps not a better brand to shop than Taylor Stitch.

It’s a simple enough recommendation, to be sure, but whether you seek the classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt or a super-soft, lightweight and breezy polo, the Taylor Stitch New Arrivals section will certainly outfit you handsomely — especially if you have spring or summer plans to visit New York City and dine at Reyna! In the meantime, let’s gear up for spring the best way possible: With a gear refresh and a few fun plans on the horizon. Cheers and thanks for reading, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: This Rugged Faherty Shirt Jacket Is Your Favorite New Spring Layer

Best men's shirt jacket for spring.

Shifting into a new season is all about preparation, curating a wardrobe filled with spring style essentials that you can reach for at a moment’s notice without thinking twice about it. That means shedding the bulky layers of winter in favor of something more light and airy, yet no less rugged and durable. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but that’s what Faherty Brand does so well.

The brand specializes in pieces like the best everyday shirt, made with super-soft fabrics and plenty of stretch. That carries through across the entire Faherty line, particularly when it comes to the Faherty Jersey Shirt Jacket.

When you want to leave behind your winter parka in favor of a grab-and-go classic, look for a piece like the Faherty Jersey Shirt Jacket — the brand says it “blends the best of two worlds,” with soft cotton jersey fabric and yet the hard-wearing design of a traditional military overshirt. The Surplus Olive color is ideal for spring, especially when paired up with your favorite blue jeans, of course.

Oversized matte military buttons give it a true shirt jacket feel, a casually rugged piece you can wear buttoned up over a henley or unbuttoned atop your favorite graphic T-shirt. The flap chest pockets also lend the Faherty Jersey Shirt Jacket a highly useful look and feel, as do the side seam pockets — talk about a perfect amount of storage space for your everyday carry, right?

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Naturally, the Faherty Jersey Shirt Jacket also boasts contrast textured fabric detailing at the collar and cuffs, an extra detail that proves Faherty doesn’t cut corners. When spring rolls into town in earnest, you’ll be nothing short of prepared with the Faherty Jersey Shirt Jacket — that’s one heck of a great way to welcome spring.

See Now, Buy Now: This Outerknown Pocket Sweatshirt is the Laidback Layer You Need This Spring

Best sweatshirt for men.

If you ask me, part of the fun that comes with building a wardrobe of menswear essentials is stumbling across a piece that looks like it’s already a much-loved favorite, already a piece you’ve had for years on end. Take the Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt. It’s got plenty of the right style details going for it, starting with the garment-dyed finish for what the famed sustainable brand calls a “soft, lived-in feel.”

That alone makes it one of the best sweatshirts for men, especially in terms of laidback spring style, but as with all things Outerknown, there’s plenty more to love about this ultra-sustainable brand.

Hopefully, you’re at least a bit familiar with Outerknown, the brand founded in part by surfing legend Kelly Slater — and founded with a fierce mission to produce some of the best sustainable menswear on the market, no less. They’ve done that through using upcycled and recycled fabrics, plus eco-friendly materials, including hemp (which grows with far less water than other crops) and organic cotton (which cuts out harmful chemicals in the production process).

Both of them are front and center in the Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt, and you can also find a similarly sustainable approach when it comes to the famed Outerknown Blanket Shirt and one of the brand’s stylish polos, to name but two Outerknown must-haves.

Best sustainable menswear.

The entire Outerknown Men’s Collection is focused on that sustainable approach, which just so happens to yield some seriously stylish results, for good measure. The Outerknown Sur Pocket Sweatshirt, available in five pleasingly faded colors for utterly classic warm-weather style, looks just like a classic sweatshirt you’d find tucked away in a lakehouse closet or at a vintage shop, with all the right details (including raglan sleeves and that useful chest pocket).

It’s made from a 55 percent hemp-45 percent organic cotton blend, with the kind of soft, easygoing feel that pairs up perfectly with everything from tailored joggers to chino shorts for a spring bonfire. It just doesn’t quite get better than the Outerknown Men’s Collection, this sweatshirt very much included, so upgrade your spring layering game in eco-conscious fashion right now.