Author / Beau H.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: VERO Watches Open Water 41 Watch – The Most Reliable Tool Watch in Your Everyday Carry

In the very same way that you put plenty of thought into the boots you lace up, the denim you wear, the henley you select and the hard-wearing waxed jacket that you rock during the brisk autumn and winter months, consider your everyday carry essentials just as vital. Of course, if you read this Brooklyn style blog, you know that all too well — in the best way possible.

And if durability and rugged appeal plus performance is the name of the game, then upstart watchmaker VERO Watches has just what you need to amp up your everyday carry, and then some. And in my experience testing out the handsome and reliable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch as shown above, it’s a brand worth knowing, wearing and putting to the test.

Learn more and shop EDC gear now at VERO Watches

You see, testing out the durable-as-can-be VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch has been high on my to-do list for some time, especially as I crisscross the country and the globe in my many freelance writing pursuits.

The company calls themselves “champions of the modern American field watch,” a claim that’s hard to dispute given their partnerships with everyone from the U.S. Forest Service (yes, really!) to Realtree’s rugged outdoor camo.

It all makes for compelling performance, style and utility, as the decade-old Portland, Oregon company looks to change the way watches are made, starting with flagship standbys like the VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch.

Boasting matte bead blasted stainless steel fabrication and an impressive 656 feet of water resistance, this reliable watch can go just about anywhere you like — I myself have worn it to Charleston, South Carolina dive bars and on cross-country flights without missing a beat.

The VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch is crafted from tough 316L stainless steel, while its DLC coated 60-click unidirectional bezel is firm, sturdy and designed to perform from sunrise to sunset (and then some).

The movement is Swiss-made but US-assembled with the rest of the watch, but the coolest part about the highly wearable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch might be its fiery orange dial — there’s simply no other watch in my collection like it, which makes it a highly appealing prospect given its functionality and its blend of form and fashion.

Shop watches and EDC gear now at VERO Watches

SuperLuminova markings give the dial plenty of legibility, and it doesn’t hurt that your new favorite dive watch boasts a 4.98 out of 5-star-rating average across the VERO Watches site.

While this brand isn’t as massive (yet!) as other American watchmakers, it’s remarkable to see what they’ve done in just a decade when it comes to making some of the best American watches. Count on timepieces like this one to get the job done — I know I certainly will.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: The Devium Alder Flannel Shirt is An American-Made Wardrobe Standout

Best flannel shirts for men.

As we tend to talk about week in and week out here on The Style Guide — especially in our Friday Find series, where we spotlight an unheralded brand worthy of your time and hard-earned cash — they don’t make ’em quite like they used to, except when, well, they do. In my experience, that sense of know-how, good old-fashioned hard work, rugged style and exceptional utility can still be found in the best American-made menswear, if you know where and when to look.

Find the best USA-made menswear here

That’s why, again — in my experience! — you can trust Devium to deliver consistently high-quality USA-made goods, with inspiration drawn from both the auto shop, the factory line and the rich alpine climes of an upstate getaway.

Case in point might be the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt, at least as we get ever deeper into the brisk climes of fall and winter. Right off the bat, the handsome construction and utterly classic good looks of the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt call to mind something your grandfather might have worn back in the day.

In my book, that means no fuss, no frills, just dependably rugged design and the kind of classic construction made to be counted on for backyard beers, hauling brush and cozying up to the fire at the end of the day. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

And yes, the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt certainly delivers — starting with rich double-brushed cotton flannel fabric that just so happens to be cut and sewn in Southern California.

A mix of sturdy yet supple organic cotton flannel makes the difference, as do rich seasonal colorways and small-batch production that go well beyond the everyday plaid flannel shirt (although a man’s wardrobe needs options, so don’t count out one of those, either!).

Boasting a pre-washed design for added softness and no additional shrinkage, small touches like custom 26L matte and debossed cat-eye buttons add strong durability to the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt — an exceptional flannel shirt made for all the moments you need it this autumn and winter, my friends.

Find out more and shop now at Devium USA
by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket is Primed for Layering This Season

Best shirt jackets for men.

You tend to know right away when a design is so fit for the season at hand: Rugged layers aplenty, especially the best shirt jackets for men — like the kind seen above from our friends at Huckberry — get the job done and then some. And when the best of both worlds collide (like when a hard-wearing flannel shirt meets a durable shirt jacket), well, that’s the sweet spot as far as the best fall menswear is concerned.

Find out more and shop now at Huckberry

And if you read this Brooklyn style blog on the regular, it should come as no shock that gear from the good folks at Ohio-based Relwen tend to fit the bill quite handsomely.

What with the company’s penchant for durability, dependability and modern updates to Americana designs, staple pieces like the innovative Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket deliver as much utility and rugged appeal as a Swiss Army Knife for upstate getaways, lakeside retreats, bonfires, dive bar outings and plenty more.

Huckberry notes that the upstart brand delivers a sense of modern-meets-Americana, and in the best way possible: Technical fabrication meets tried-and-true silhouettes, often with a hearty dose of military style inspiration. And for every outdoor fall and winter adventure you can muster, I’d layer up with the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket (among a host of other reliable Relwen style picks, that is).

The Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket meets the moment as far as the good folks at Huckberry are concerned: The retailer notes that “when you wear a Relwen windzip jacket, blazer, or pants, you know they were made with quality, durability, and movement in mind,” and in my experience, I’d certainly have to agree.

Durable cotton flannel twill makes up the exterior of one of the best shirt jackets for men, while the interior is made up of one consistent piece of polyester ripstop insulation for added warmth. It’s also a positive that this durable shirt jacket comes in a series of classic and eye-catching color combinations, most of them based off your favorite classic plaid flannel shirting designs.

Spring snap hardware aids in durability and plenty of layering potential: Wear the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket atop a henley or even a chambray shirt from the good folks at Huckberry, then team it with canvas work pants for outdoor pursuits or inky blue indigo denim for casual evenings around the bonfire, dram of whiskey in hand. There’s no telling where an essential piece like the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket can take you, and that’s a great thing indeed.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Shawl Cardigan from The Tie Bar is a Modern Merino Take on a Classic

Every so often, the chance to review a true gem of a menswear find crosses my inbox (in fact, that’s more likely the case every day — what a gig!). And in these times, especially as the sun sets earlier and temperatures turn ever more brisk, I’m always on the lookout for the right layers for the job at hand: In this case, one of the best men’s sweaters is a must-have, along with my rotation of the best denim shirts, stretch chinos and of course rugged leather boots aplenty.

And at least in my assortment of stylish men’s sweaters, I’ve been wildly impressed with one in particular as of late: That’d be The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, a rugged winner of a piece that I simply can’t stop wearing.

Find out more and shop now at The Tie Bar

I’m willing to bet you know The Tie Bar from this blog and elsewhere, as my reviews of The Tie Bar have dove into its highly affordable assortment of neckwear, tailoring and suiting accessories for the modern man.

But the latest and greatest — again, the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan — presents a different look for the brand, offering up a sense of refined-yet-rugged appeal in modern merino fabric. Not bad for one of the best men’s cardigans, am I right or am I right?

The The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan is nothing less than ultra-soft and yet sturdy enough for seasonal layering, with thick ribbed knit stitching that gives it structure and shape.

The shawl collar is warm while framing the face, and this handsome shawl cardigan is able to be dressed up crisply (with a classic Oxford shirt, for instance) or dressed down ever so slightly atop a thermal henley. It makes for versatility aplenty, dependable style and dashing good looks that call to mind other menswear icons who love the shawl collar cardigan (looking at you, Mr. Steve McQueen).

There’s a sense of structure and style to the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, which also happens to be a downright steal at $128.

And it doesn’t hurt that its Nutmeg color is able to pair stylishly with dark indigo denim, with olive chinos or with grey or burgundy corduroy trousers, to name but a few ways you can wear your new favorite fall sweater. When temperatures plummet and reliable style and warmth remain top of mind, you’ve assuredly found a winner with this rugged-yet-versatile shawl cardigan, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Todd Snyder Chore Coat is an Essential Transitional (On-Sale) Layer

When the opportunity arises to bring your fall and winter layers back out of storage, I’d say you should jump at the chance — and while we’re well into autumn, perhaps you’re still searching for the right layer to complement casually rugged looks aplenty.

I’d say one of the best men’s chore coats certainly qualifies, especially if the weather hasn’t quite turned brisk in bone-chilling fashion — in times like these, a lighter, durable, rugged top layer can still be used to great effect when worn over a thicker sweater or flannel shirt, for instance.

And that’s where the good folks at Todd Snyder enter the fray once more, as the award-winning menswear designer’s Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat lives up to its billing for crisp but not blizzard-worthy seasonal days right now.

Find out more now at Todd Snyder

To be clear, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat isn’t nearly as thick and sturdy as other layers in your rotation, perhaps even including something like the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. But remember, layers are your friend, and when wind and rain hits, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat should prove highly functional and fashionable all the same. And yes, for just about 25 percent off, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat will absolutely get the job done, my friends.

A blend of cotton and nylon gives it a water-resistant structure and sturdy style points aplenty, as patch pockets deliver a timeless chore coat look and utility for hauling your everyday carry from point A to point B.

Melamine buttons provide durability and performance, while the Lichen shade is utterly classic and military-inspired — look to pair up the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat with everything from dark tan chinos and a white Oxford shirt to expertly broken-in dark blue denim and a grey thermal henley.

Of course, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat should also style easily atop a fisherman sweater or a light grey crewneck sweatshirt — and naturally, the fact that the famed designer sells each of these staples alongside the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat is a massive bonus, at least in my experience. If it’s reliably durable, rugged-yet-versatile style you seek in every facet of your wardrobe, then this handsome chore coat is an apt, on-sale style move to make now, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Wolverine Floorhand Moc Toe Boots are a Durable Addition to Your Seasonal Footwear Rotation

If rugged durability is the name of the game, then the right pair of the best boots for men goes a long way in cementing your outfit as both functional and even a touch fashionable (at least, when it comes to dependable fall style, something we love here on this Brooklyn menswear blog).

And while you’ve perhaps got seasonal style options aplenty these days as far as the best men’s boots are concerned, you’d do well to opt for a pair from a bootmaker you can trust — a bootmaker like Wolverine, legendary makers of some of the most reliable footwear for the job site, the dive bar, the rock concert and beyond.

Find out more and shop the best men’s boots at Wolverine

In fact, Wolverine men’s boots are a personal favorite of this writer, blending ultra-comfortable footwear technology with rugged good looks for the season at hand. I’m willing to bet you know boot styles like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots quite well — this writer has been wearing that style and writing Wolverine boot reviews for more than a decade.

But let’s dive a little deeper and explore an unheralded but no less sturdy, reliable and stylish set of shoes for fall, winter and beyond via the Wolverine Floorhand Boots (available in both a moc toe and plain toe variety, each as dependable and hard-working as the last).

In my book, the Wolverine Floorhand Boots are an expertly crafted change of pace from the ordinary, fusing four-eyelet construction with speed hook lacing and a reinforced upper and heel collar. They’re crafted from premium full-grain leather throughout, while a mesh lining within offers comfort and job site-ready breathability.

Wolverine men's boots review.

Wolverine’s technology is excellent as far as comfort and support is concerned, from the EVA midsole to full-cushioned footbeds that mold to your feet over time.

If you ask me, it seems that the famed Michigan bootmaker designed these boots to function as well in the garage as they might when worn more casually (say, with black jeans and a waxed cotton jacket as you visit your favorite dive bar for a cold can of beer — save one for me, will ya?).

The Wolverine Floorhand Boots also manage not to skimp on style points: Classic Black is part of the Wolverine lineup, as is a steely Grey and even a rich shade of Olive, each as ready to wear with tobacco-hued chinos as with brown corduroy trousers for a refined-yet-rugged change of pace.

Shop men’s work boots and more at Wolverine

But if you ask me, the handsome and highly performance-minded Wolverine Floorhand Boots are perhaps most at home with expertly faded denim or canvas work pants — when on the clock and in the garage, or else when paired up with a cozy flannel shirt, cold beer in hand. Cheers to the season and cheers to your new favorite pair of boots, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Flint and Tinder Selvedge Jeans are Your New Go-To Pair, And they’re On Sale Now

Best selvedge jeans for men.

In your toolbox of menswear essentials, there are statement pieces fit for special occasions, there are rugged daily drivers of sorts you can wear often, and there are style essentials you should simply have on hand for any and all seasons.

The best selvedge jeans for men are a bit more of an investment than a standard pair of blue jeans, but in my book, they’re every bit as essential when it comes to a menswear staple you can wear season after season.

And if you can find a pair made from fine fabric, with durability and quality in mind, plus a range of reliable fits and sizes available, then that’s all the better. Yes indeed, that’s plenty of boxes to check, but the good folks at Huckberry manage to get the job done once again.

Shop the best men’s denim and gear at Huckberry now

And your new favorite pair of selvedge jeans can now be found for a discount within the ever-well-stocked Huckberry Sale section, complete with the kind of specs and performance that have made them a Huckberry fan favorite and a best-seller, to boot.

The thing that elevates the Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Jeans above both more expensive (and less expensive!) pairs? It starts with the use of year-round-quality 11.7 oz. selvedge denim that’s then finished with 1 percent stretch.

That should give the Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Jeans some nice heft and durability as you wear them from season to season, starting — of course — with autumnal layering alongside a famously rugged Flint and Tinder henley and flannel shirt combination. And in a blue mid-wash, they’ll prove a touch more laidback than deep indigo selvedge denim, but with more versatility in every stitch than that most casual of jeans, the summer-friendly light wash or stonewashed pair.

You’ll find that the easily wearable Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Jeans are an utterly classic style move updated in a modern fabric and fit, with three inseam sizes and plenty of waist sizes available at the moment.

And with details like a custom back leather logo patch and contrast stitching throughout, Huckberry has naturally taken care of all the details that naturally go into one of the best pairs of jeans for men. Opt for both savings and style when you score a pair of highly durable Flint and Tinder Stretch Selvedge Jeans, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater – An Impeccable Seasonal Style Classic Retursn

The slow but sure return of fall brings a sense of comfort, at least to this Brooklyn style writer. Old favorites return to your rotation, rugged and versatile, comfortable layers take center stage, outerwear takes on the brisk climes of the season, and some pieces — particularly the best fall menswear from Taylor Stitch — take center stage once more.

If it looks like something your grandfather might have trusted on a cold autumn morning, there’s a good chance it belongs in the classic men’s style rotation of your own today.

The San Francisco brand puts its own spin on Americana with an eye toward modern updates to the classics, like one of the best shawl cardigans for men — the piece at the heart of today’s weekend style highlight, of course.

Find out more now at Taylor Stitch

It’s hard not to love what the brand does, including a series of the best chore coats for men, richly crafted indigo denim, classic Oxford shirts and of course, some of the best men’s sweaters — often inspired by hard-working sweaters worn on the coast and on the water.

The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater, a longtime fan favorite, makes a much-heralded return — having tried this sweater over the years, including this year’s utterly classic edition — I can tell you that this sweater is nearly destined to become a tried-and-true favorite of your own this season.

The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is built out with 100 percent seed-stitched BCI cotton for plenty of texture and depth, giving it a rugged appeal that’s hard to pass up as you look to layer for cozy weekends at home and cabin getaways this season.

Ribbing at the cuffs and bottom hem offers distinction and a secure snug fit, whether you layer over one of the best cardigans for men atop a chambray shirt, an Oxford shirt or one of the brand’s soft-but-sturdy long-sleeve T-shirts for an easygoing sense of weekend style.

The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater comes in the brand’s signature tailored chest sizing for a flattering fit that should still prove easy to layer, while the shawl collar frames the face handsomely and can even be turned up at the neck against the cold.

It doesn’t hurt that the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is finished with dark horn buttons in a flattering style detail, while colors like Charcoal and Navy should prove remarkably classic and versatile. It also makes a fine addition to the brand’s rotation of fisherman sweaters, sturdy crewneck sweaters and even sporty jersey cotton hoodies and crewneck sweatshirts.

Shop men’s sweaters and more at Taylor Stitch

Fatigue Olive and even a pleasing shade of Natural add variety to your seasonal layering rotation, and this sweater should prove at ease over everything from a stretch dress shirt and knit tie to your favorite chambray shirt alongside expertly crafted Taylor Stitch chinos. The next time the opportunity strikes to layer up in style, the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is the proper way to go, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: The Warren Barnard Shirt Coat Is a Fresh Twist on the Classic Chore Coat

The quest continues apace as we roll into another fine fall weekend — the quest for some of the best fall menswear, that is, and for rare finds that might have flown under your radar previously (that’s what the Friday Find series is all about, after all).

With its rugged durability, its hybrid nature as both as a work jacket and an adventure layer, and its ability to be dressed up ever so slightly — or dressed down in rugged fashion — the best chore coats for men (like the Warren Barnard Shirt Coat as shown above) are a reliable fall style option we talk about frequently here on this Brooklyn style blog.

Shop chore coats and more here

But finding one of those ever-useful chore coats being made in the U.S. of A is a difficult task these days, made less so by the good folks at New England upstart Warren. We’ve talked on the blog before about American-made menswear, plus Warren founder Peter Holbien’s commitment to quality, craft and New England-made production, fabrication and design.

It’s enticing stuff, especially if you value high-quality, American-made menswear on all fronts, and the Warren Barnard Shirt Coat just might be the best of the bunch, at least in this writer’s humble opinion. Modeled after classic barn jackets and made with sturdy yet supple fabric from American Woolen, the 21-ounce wool blend should prove durable, warm and yet ready to layer, perhaps over a Warren flannel shirt or one of the brand’s ultra-soft long-sleeve T-shirts.

There’s also a sense of classic style to the Warren Barnard Shirt Coat, which is also outfitted with large patch pockets to store your everyday carry.

The Warren Barnard Shirt Coat also features a grandad collar to finish things off in eye-catching, crisp fashion — this chore jacket/barn coat hybrid should wear more than well with everything from a chambray shirt and tobacco-hued chinos to dark blue jeans and a rugged thermal henley. If expertly made American menswear is your focus as you layer up this season, there’s nothing finer than this chore cjat.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Upgrade Your Space with this Tasteful Ranger Station Candle This Season

In the same way that you put careful thought into your ensemble, the way you dress from the ground up with the best boots for men or the right Oxford shirt or pair of jeans, you can (and should!) put the same care and thought into your living space. That can be something as simple as opting in when it comes to a seasonal scent upgrade with one of the best candles for men, a move that makes your space all the more richly crafted, fragrant and even stylish.

And in my experience, there are few fragrance companies doing it better than Ranger Station, the Nashville-based fragrance house with an emphasis on scents that are at once rugged and refined, complete with collaborations with the likes of rising star Noah Kahan and other guitar-driven luminaries.

Find out more now and shop at Ranger Station

It’s an altogether wonderful approach that includes everything from candles to a line of excellent colognes, and selections like the Ranger Station Balsam Fir Candle can certainly bring a heck of a lot to your living room or den this season. A word to the wise: Don’t sleep on the company’s excellent lineup of colognes, with notes of leather, pine an even a whiskey-forward Old Fashioned fragrance on the menu.

What’s more, the Nashville-based company lives up to its rugged roots aplenty, with Ranger Station also offering a mighty useful fragrance quiz to expertly find and curate your signature scent.

The Ranger Station Balsam Fir Candle touches on seasonal classics in its scent notes, including balsam, pine sap and juniper, making for a truly elevated fragrance experience designed to make any room smell like a Christmas tree (or at least, it’ll have things smelling like the heart of the season itself, and that’s never a bad thing, is it?).

It doesn’t hurt that candle selections (and more!) from Ranger Station feature more than 30 hours of burn time, plus a hand-poured production process — and each Ranger Station candle comes complete with a stylish storage box and a crisp, often-playful logo on the side. To light up a candle from Ranger Station is a highly pleasing experience, one you should enjoy early and often this holiday season.