The Friday Read: A Holiday Winter Weekend & New Boots from HELM

My friends, thanks for joining me on another fine holiday Friday in December. I got out of the city and into the rugged countryside of Wyoming last weekend with Wyoming Whiskey, but this week, I’ve been back in the New York groove, enjoying the holiday season thanks to a jam-packed schedule. To celebrate Repeal Day, I trekked to the historic Clover Club in Brooklyn to raise a dram of Dewar’s, and last night, I sipped on Jefferson’s Aged at Sea Bourbon at a special holiday media event. ‘Tis the season, after all!

I’ve done it all with the help of HELM Boots, one of my favorite boot brands of the moment (and the past several years, no less!). If you look closely above here, you’ll spot some stylish HELM boots, in fact. These boots are dependable, durable and made on custom last designs from the Austin bootmaker, and the brand’s Southeast Austin shop is very much worth a visit if you’re in the city, too.

It’s an exciting time for the brand as well, as they just debuted the HELM Finn Boots, a sleek, rugged-yet-refined pair of stylish Chelsea boots perfect for plenty of stylish holiday dressing. While this isn’t in fact a sponsored post, think of it like an intro to what could become your new favorite pair of Chelsea boots.

For now, I’ll leave you to explore the full rotation of stylish men’s boots at HELM, since time is of the essence given a packed holiday schedule. Be sure to check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and in the meantime, stay safe, healthy and stylish!

The Thursday Buy: The Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt is One of the Coziest Men’s Shirts for Winter

Your rotation of the best winter style essentials is, in some ways, like a stable, right? A tried-and-true rotation that you turn towards on the daily, especially when it comes time to layer up with one of the best flannel shirts for winter. And in the brisk months, never underestimate how far a rugged, stylish men’s flannel shirt can take you. And on that note, never underestimate how far Faherty flannel shirts will take you, with the right mix of polish, rugged style and cozy winter warmth.

It gets even better, especially if you know the family-owned New York brand. They’ve built a business off super-soft fabric and put that into practice with picks like the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt (a personal favorite), as well as today’s featured pick. That’d be the must-buy Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt, an ultra-soft, well-made flannel shirt fit for the office or a holiday party. The best part? The Faherty Brushed Alpine Flannel Shirt is now 33 percent off as of this writing when you use the code SALE25.

It’s all part of Faherty’s “Sale On Sale” this season — get an extra 25 percent off sale items — and the Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt just might be the best of the bunch as you survey those action-packed sale offerings. For good measure, the Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt is made from brushed 100 percent organic cotton, boasting the sort of classic fit that allows you to layer it over your favorite henley or wear it comfortably on its own (or perhaps underneath one of the best winter blazers).

The versatility of the Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt is nearly unmatched in that regard. Rock it untucked with tailored chinos or wool trousers for a crisp-yet-casual holiday party look, or style it with a rugged shawl cardigan for a dash of winter weekend warmth.

Luckily, Faherty sells all of those essentials (just shop for Faherty Bestsellers), but it’s the Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt that remains the star of the show today, thanks to the fact that it’s — again, a reminder! — 33 percent off with the code SALE25. My friends, I think you just found your new favorite winter shirt, and it’s the Faherty Alpine Flannel Shirt

See Now, Buy Now: Invest in the Best This Holiday Season with This Handsome Shinola Leather Brief

Best leather briefcase for men.

It can certainly be hard to shop for the man who has everything (perhaps you even include yourself in that category!), but there are two things I think everyone can appreciate at any given time: A stylish men’s watch and a well-made leather bag. Luckily for all of us, there’s one brand your Style Guide author recommends that carefully crafts standout examples in each category.

Of course, the headline gave it away: Detroit-based Shinola, as you know if you read this blog, makes some of the coolest men’s watches AND today’s standout style highlight: The Shinola Computer Brief, one of the best leather bags for men. It’s the sort of piece that would make a fine, heirloom-quality gift for the guy on the go this season, so let’s find out why, shall we?

Best leather brief for men.

A word to the wise: The Shinola Computer Brief isn’t just any standard leather bag, although it checks off all the boxes you’d expect from a highly functional yet stylish everyday messenger bag in that regard, too. It’s made from the brand’s signature, oil-infused Navigator leather, done up in a handsome shade of brown that’s not unlike some of the best leather watches also made by the company. The Shinola Computer Brief will develop a rich patina over time because of that leather, although you can also buff out those scratches and protect this handsome leather briefcase, too.

Better still is the fact that the sleek Shinola Computer Brief still manages to incorporate plentiful pockets for your everyday carry, including a long interior zip pocket and open pockets for your cellphone and naturally, other stylish Shinola leather goods. Within, you’ll also find that the Shinola Computer Brief features a 15-inch laptop pocket and a pen holder, both crucial for the modern man on the go.

Bear in mind that the Shinola Computer Brief is certainly investment-worthy at nearly $900, but given that it’s a highly useful, durable, sharp everyday leather bag, it’ll absolutely pay for itself time and time again.

The Tuesday Steal: Save More Than 30 Percent Off The Most Rugged Men’s Gear With Tecovas Sale Picks

In this bountiful season of shopping for the most rugged men’s gear, your humble Brooklyn style writer is all about finding those hidden gems, those unexpectedly stylish, tough and useful winter style picks that end up being a delight to wear. And if you’ve read the blog — or better still, if you watch the smash television hit “Yellowstone” — then you’re probably up to speed on one of the more buzzed-about brands of the moment. I’m talking, of course, about Tecovas, makers of some of the best men’s Western boots (and a sponsored brand behind Kevin Costner & co. on the ever-popular “Yellowstone”).

The good news if you want to steal some of the most rugged men’s gear at a downright bargain? There’s the Tecovas Last Chance Section, packed with 50 on-sale menswear essentials to outfit you from head-to-toe — and the savings on these sale menswear picks start at just about 30 percent off.

If it sounds too good to be true, fret not — these deals on the best Tecovas menswear are here stay, if you happen to shop quickly. Granted, the brand doesn’t often put up its stylish Western boots for men for sale, unfortunately. Yet in the meantime, you can use the savings you score on the best winter menswear to put towards saving for a pair of the best boots for men.

Within the Tecovas Last Chance section, you’ll find all of the dependable gear you could ever want, from the best men’s blue jeans to a classic Western shirt and one of the coolest trucker jackets on the market. Shop accordingly within the Tecovas Last Chance section, and you’ll outfit yourself in style, with savings, in no time.

See Now, Buy Now: This Todd Snyder Flannel Shirt Is One of the Coolest Shirts for Men to Buy Now

Best men's flannel shirt

Every guy needs to check certain boxes with his winter wardrobe, like ensuring you’ve got a well-stocked stable, so to speak, of the winter style essentials you’re going to wear every single day. That might be something like a stylish cashmere beanie or one of the best watches for men, but let’s go a little more broad and consider your rotation of the best flannel shirts for men. After all, be it at the office, at a weekend holiday party or even a romantic winter date, the right style moves — yes, including one of the best men’s shirts — can lift your look from good to great.


Like a beefed-up version of your favorite Oxford shirt, the best men’s flannel shirts offer serious style points and critical winter warmth, and the Todd Snyder Brushed Flannel Shirt is a supremely cool pick-up right now. Made from a super-soft cotton flannel, Todd Snyder says the shirt is “as cozy as it is classic,” and the key is the addition of Tencel fibers for durability and a touch of stretch.

Stylish men's flannel shirt.

The Todd Snyder Brushed Flannel Shirt also boasts a classic fit and a button-down collar as a casual style touch (not unlike that trusty Oxford shirt). Crucially, the Todd Snyder Brushed Flannel Shirt also features other small, elevated touches, like a chest button pocket for a dash of visual interest. This makes it a more casual shirt that you can wear untucked, sleeves rolled, with dark blue denim and your favorite pair of boots (unlike, say, a traditional dress shirt made to be worn tucked in).


Best of all is the fact that the Todd Snyder Brushed Flannel Shirt looks seriously cool whether worn in rugged fashion with one of the best men’s cardigans or styled with one of the best winter blazers for men. This stylish flannel shirt becomes even more appealing when you consider the five neutral color options, each with enough crisp, richly crafted style for any winter wardrobe. The next time you want to amp up your seasonal style rotation, consider the Todd Snyder Brushed Flannel Shirt — it’s worth the investment.

The Sunday Sale: Save 30% On the Most Rugged Men’s Gear Right Now at Howler Brothers

Best rugged gear to buy now.

What sort of gear do you reach for when you get out into the wild? That could be the best outdoor menswear you layer up with on a day hike, or on a camping trip, or on a winter market stroll… or even just the coolest menswear you rock on an evening trip to your favorite brewery.

When yours truly takes on those pursuits, I look for comfortable, dependable, hard-wearing gear that’s easy to move around in and versatile as heck — this is where Austin-based Howler Brothers enters your wardrobe. Better still is the fact that the Howler Brothers Last Call section is newly stocked with the most rugged menswear for guys.

We’re talking 30 percent off the best rugged menswear on the market, especially fan favorites like durable flannel shirts, super-soft hoodies, one of the best quilted jackets for men and more. OK, make that much more, because destinations like the Howler Reserve Collection also stock exclusive designs for solid prices, too. Keep in mind that sizes are going very, very fast, though.

Best rugged men's style essentials.

Across the board, the brand specializes in gear you can wear from day to night, especially in casually rugged situations (think a winter park stroll, followed by a few drams at a snug whiskey bar). Best of all is the fact that, again, the best rugged gear for guys is now at least 30 percent off at Howler Brothers. Your winter wardrobe will surely thank you later.

Style Pick of the Week: Satchel & Page Leather Bomber Jacket – Most Stylish Men’s Leather Jacket

Best leather bomber jacket for men.

From time to time, it can feel great to splurge on a hard-earned menswear pick-up from one of the best leather goods brands on the market — a purchase like one of the best leather bomber jackets. Sure, a leather bomber jacket isn’t an absolute, 100 percent wardrobe must-have in the same manner as, say one of the best winter puffer jackets or a stylish pair of snow boots, yet you should still give it a fair shake. After all, it comes from the same brand that makes your favorite weekender bag (that’d be Satchel & Page, folks).

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When you find the right one — like the luxe, impossibly cool and extremely well-made Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket — it’s a mighty fun, incredibly wool wardrobe investment. And every so often, it’s also fun to shake things up and spend — wisely, of course! — on one of the best leather jackets for men. Again, this handsome, refined, stylish shearling bomber jacket isn’t a true necessity, but the Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket is an awfully hard style splurge to pass up (if you ask your Brooklyn style writer, that is).

Best shearling bomber jacket for men.

The Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket is made with care the right way, the old-school way, using some of the finest materials and processes on the market. The materials and processes that go into the Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket include *drum roll please* beautiful French Calf leather throughout, vegetable-tanned to get better with age. Beyond that, the handsome Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket features a Spanish wool shearing collar — a luxe upgrade to a retro touch — and is lined with brushed cotton tartan lining.

Stylish men's leather jacket to shop now.

Of course, the Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket is a splurge, as we talked about earlier, at nearly $700. You should also pay close attention to the company’s sizing notes. Yet, if you think this jacket checks the proper boxes for you — and if you think it’ll hold up and get better the more you wear it! — then the instantly iconic Satchel & Paige Leather Bomber Jacket is a worthy investment this season (and beyond).

The Friday Read: Off to The Great West With Wyoming Whiskey

Wyoming Whiskey 10th Anniversary

Folks, thanks for joining me on another fine Friday as we roll into the first weekend of the holiday season and the first weekend of December. I’m rolling into ot with a dram of whiskey in hand, of course, but it’s not just any selection from my bar cart. This weekend, I’m visiting the stunning beauty of Wyoming with the one and only Wyoming Whiskey — what a locale and what a trip so far!

I’m here as part of the many freelance writing pursuits I undertake these days, specifically writing about spirits for Maxim, just one of a few trips I’ve undertaken as of late — if you follow me on Instagram, you know I just wrapped up a Caribbean and Florida Thanksgiving vacation, but this jaunt is particularly special.

It’s a special trip out to Jackson Hole and Wyoming ranch country to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Wyoming Whiskey, a distillery with rugged roots and a focus on all-American craftsmanship (not unlike so many of your favorite brands I talk about here at The Style Guide, naturally). While I can’t bring you all with me out to Wyoming, you can indeed order Wyoming Whiskey for yourself at Drizly to get it delivered to your door in the meantime. How about that, my friends?

Best American whiskey to drink now

Stay tuned for more at Maxim on my trip — and stay tuned for regular blog content this weekend, including tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — but just know that the significance of these trips isn’t lost on me. I’m always ever so grateful to travel the world, to write about new and exciting menswear, whiskey and luxury brands, and to meet seriously cool, talented people all along the way. To me, that’s worth toasting today (and every day). Thank you for being here and for reading! And cheers to Wyoming Whiskey, of course. Have a great weekend, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: The Huckberry Fall Style Guide Has the Best Menswear to Buy This Season

Best new fall and winter menswear

Trends come and go, seasons change but one thing remains the same: The best men’s style essentials just remain, well, the best men’s style essentials, time and time again. That’s the idea behind the Huckberry Fall and Winter Style Guide, yet another standout selection of the best new menswear for guys, packed to the gills with picks to improve, revamp and upgrade any menswear wardrobe. Of course, I’d wager you know Huckberry very, very well indeed if you read the blog, be it shopping for the best new winter boots or searching for the best waxed trucker jacket, of course.

Best Red Wing boots for men to buy now.

But what if you could get that same sense of classic, rugged, hard-wearing style curated in one helpful offering? That’s where the endlessly shoppable Huckberry Fall and Winter Style Guide can come in mighty handy. Be it a vibrant puffer jacket, some of the best men’s boots, a seriously cool Fair Isle sweater or just about any other winter style pick, the Huckberry Fall and Winter Style Guide has it all.

Sherpa Blanket & Drink Coozie. Hibernate with the brand new Peaceful Bear Sherpa Puffy Blanket & Beverage Coozies. Proceeds support the ongoing conservation projects in the parks.

That might sound like hyperbole, but it’s not a stretch to say that no matter what your heart desires or your wardrobe needs, the Huckberry Fall and Winter Style Guide has every single base covered. It’s a great way to strike the balance between on -trend and timeless, no matter which category you shop, and I truly mean that — trust me! Dive on in and see for yourself today.

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up in Style With Faherty’s Best-Selling Legend Sweater Shirt

Best men's flannel shirt for winter.

We’re just coming off shopping for the best Cyber Monday deals, to be sure, but there’s still ample time to shop one of the best men’s winter shirts — after all, ’tis the season to stock up on the best new menswear, right? And if you’ve felt that your winter wardrobe could use a shot in the arm via a highly versatile, highly rugged yet soft and stylish men’s shirt, you’re in luck today.

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In fact, the good folks at New York City’s Faherty Brand are already well-known for offering deals on the best men’s shirts, but today’s offering is a bit different: Sadly, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt isn’t on sale, but it’s just as worth your time, consideration and cash. Let’s count the ways in which the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt is a winning winter wardrobe upgrade, shall we?

Best men's flannel shirt for winter.

Yes indeed, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt is a best-seller at the family-owned brand for a reason, and you might say it knocks it out of the park every step of the way. Crucially, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt uses some of the most versatile fabric on the market. It’s made from a soft, stretchy knit blend with plenty of viscose and elastane — in short, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt looks like a flannel shirt but moves with you like a cozy sweatshirt (it is a true “Sweater Shirt,” to be sure).

It’s relaxed enough to wear atop one of the best men’s henleys or your favorite graphic T-shirt, yet it’s soft enough to the touch to wear on its own.

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Of course, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt comes in an astonishing array of cool colors, each enough to add a serious shot of style to your winter shirting rotation. It’s one of the best men’s shirts for a reason, given that you can wear it as a mid-layer beneath a waxed winter jacket in cold weather, or as a simple overshirt on brisk fall or breezy spring days.

No doubt about it, the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt is a shirt for all seasons, but more than anything, it’s one of the best shirts for men this winter. You’ll have to pony up nearly $180 to score the Faherty Legend Sweater Shirt, but given its versatility and quality, it’s well worth the purchase price.