Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

Taylor Stitch menswear

A rugged, classic cardigan the likes of only Taylor Stitch can make.

There comes a day in every season, especially winter, when bone-chilling cold hits you as soon as you wake up. You rush to closet and search for one of the best sweaters for men in these trying times, but you might come up short — that is, until you pick up the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater. It’s the latest and greatest addition to the Taylor Stitch line of sweaters, one that just so happens to be positively packed with the best men’s sweaters for winter and well beyond. But to me, it’s the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater that really takes the cake, what with the use of organic cotton and seed stitch construction to give it some texture and visual interest. It gets plenty better from there, though.

When the going gets tough, when the weather takes a turn for the worse and when your weekend calls for effortlessly cool, rugged style and top-notch layering potential, that’s where the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater comes into play. Perhaps you’ve already added a versatile winter jacket, like the Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket, into your seasonal rotation, so why not keep the hits rolling with one of the best men’s cardigans out there, ehh? It’s tough to pass up the blend of versatility, performance and classic looks you’re getting here, folks.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

The timeless shawl construction and rugged good looks are as ideal as it gets for winter layering.

It’s always worth watching when Taylor Stitch puts its collective design prowess towards a new silhouette, and in this case, it’s a rugged shawl cardigan. This classic men’s cardigan, in fact, gives off some very similar style vibes to, say, Daniel Craig’s cardigan in “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” –– that’s style to be emulated right there, is it not? The great thing about the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is that it comes at a price tag that’s more agreeable than you might expect ($168 at Taylor Stitch), and touches like dark horn buttons add durability and a touch of style. Better still is the fact that this sweater can pull double or triple-duty, if you will.

Wear it atop a classic Oxford shirt with tan Taylor Stitch chinos for versatile business casual or “Zoom call” style, or else pair it up with a rugged men’s henley and selvedge denim for laidback weekend outings. If you want to go more casual still, how about you throw the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater on over a favorite garment-dyed T-shirt with some joggers for your morning coffee run? Any way you choose to wear it, the Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater is an unstoppable winter layering staple, and it’s by far destined to become your new favorite winter sweater.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Crawford Sweater

The Friday Read: L.L. Bean’s Winter Snow Boots, New Olivers Apparel Gear & The Perfect Flannel Shirt

L.L. Bean Tumbled Leather Snow Boots

Classic winter boots with style and functionality top of mind.

If your weather forecast has been anything like the weather we’ve been dealing with in Brooklyn lately, I’d wager you could use a pair of the best men’s winter boots from L.L. Bean, as shown above, ehh? It’s always helpful, in my mind, to remember that a classic brand is continuing to churn out functional, useful gear for harsh seasons, especially when winter storms sneak up unexpectedly (NYC got 15 inches of snow last week!). In this case, consider this your Friday endorsement: Head to L.L. Bean to jumpstart your weekend, upgrade your rotation of the best men’s boots for winter and step out in style in the process. Oh, and you’ll avoid getting caught off-guard when massive snowstorms roll into town (because you just know there’s another one on the way, right??). So, there you have it: Classic L.L. Bean boots for the win. Now, let’s keep it rolling with more of the best gear and weekend reads, ehh?

On that note, I should mention that I’m thankful I got out of town just in time — I headed (safely!) to Florida earlier this week, where I’ll be spending the next few weeks lounging by the pool, hanging out with my dogs and enjoying local craft beer from Florida’s Point Ybel Brewing, of course. Do you have any plans for a safe, warm-weather winter getaway? I’ll also be staying busy on the writing front, starting with my Saturday newsletter. If you haven’t yet subscribed to The Style Guide In Brief, feel free to check it out! I write twice a week about menswear, craft beer and indie rock, and best of all, it’s free. Last Saturday, I actually wrote about indie icon Phoebe Bridgers’ appearance on SNL — what a night that was, ehh? In the meantime, the rest of today’s Friday Read is below. Make it a great one!

Faherty men's shirts

A laidback, expertly crafted shirt to wear on winter weekends aplenty.

  • Let’s kick off the weekend with a shopping pick, the sort of shirt you can wear at home or on the road. Consider the Faherty Brand Knit Seasons Shirt the type of shirt you can throw on and then forget about: It’s laidback and easygoing, yet still more than suitable to wear on a Zoom call. And when you want one of the best men’s shirts for winter layering (say, atop your favorite henley from Faherty Brand), it can more than readily step up in the clutch. All that’s missing now is a favorite vinyl record spinning and a fresh pot of coffee brewing this weekend. How about it?
Olivers Apparel review

Your new go-to workout shorts for winter and well beyond that.

  • Alright, now let’s go for something a bit less winter-centric and a bit more focused on your “home gym” (or laidback weekend hangs at home). That’s where Olivers Apparel comes into play. If you’re not familiar with the brand — check out this blog post, to start — you’d do well to shop the Olivers Apparel All Over Shorts, a style I’ve been wearing frequently in Florida. Moisture-wicking fabric, an elastic waistband and a range of versatile color options make these the best workout shorts for men to buy this instant.

  • Speaking of at-home style, let’s keep things rolling in seriously relaxed comfort this weekend. For GearMoose, I wrote all about the GREATS Driggs Slippers, featuring a natural wool felt upper and a faux-fur lining — consider them a nice change of pace for your feet when you kick off your boots at the end of a long day. On that note, you’d also do well to check out my guide to the best hiking boots from GREATS, too.
  • One last style item for your weekend: Head over to Maxim to read about the stunning and newly launched Piaget Skeleton Polo Watch, an updated take on the brand’s iconic Polo Watch that offers a close look at the inner workings of this handsome and refined timepiece. A guy can dream, right?

Here’s one more style guide for your weekend — quite literally, that is. I talked earlier this week about how to wear a shawl collar cardigan casually, and if I have anything to say about it, well, this weekend is the perfect time to kick back in cool, classic style (slippers and whiskey very much included in this #OOTD). Click through, kick back and shop away. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

 

The Thursday Buy: These Mott and Bow Jeans are the Classic Blue Jeans You Need Right Now

Mott and Bow denim review

Slim, classic men’s blue jeans made with quality fabric amd available for a solid price.

Finding the perfect pair of men’s jeans can be … tough. What’s a guy to do these days, when in-person shopping is less than ideal and when you want to nail that ideal fit when it comes to classic men’s jeans? The answer, if you read this blog, is an easy one. Head to Mott and Bow for a virtual denim-buying experience that’ll result in you finding some of the best jeans for men, and with relative ease, at that. Better still? You can use the code “beau10” to get 10 percent off your first order. Let’s get right down to it: The Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans hit the sweet spot as far as classic looks, a great fit (they come in Slim, Skinny and Straight cuts) and the ideal “medium-dark” shade of denim for maximum versatility. Now, Mott and Bow has been a longtime favorite of this Brooklyn style writer, with agreeable prices and quality fabric the name of the game.

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Of course, it’s all the better that the brand offers a home try-on program, giving you the option of selecting from two sizes to find your perfect fit. How’s that for some of the best men’s jeans, right? A word to the wise: I personally find the Slim fit works best for my frame, but it’s all up to you.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans

Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans

Contrasting details help set these Mott and Bow men’s jeans apart from the pack.

Hunting down the best jeans for men surely doesn’t have to be that difficult, and it helps that the Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans have plenty going for ’em. They’re a heavier fabric weight than other Mott and Bow jeans, clocking in at 14 oz. of cotton denim, plus small amounts of polyester and elastane for stretch. The medium wash (the brand says it’s meant to mimic four months of consistent wear) makes these sharp enough for the office — especially with a classic Oxford shirt, a cashmere cardigan and rugged leather boots — but you can also rock the Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans on the weekend with your favorite henley and high-top sneakers.

Freemans Shop The FW20 Collection

The best jeans for men don’t break the bank, they fit great and they offer up plenty of styling potential — in short, that’s what the Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans do for your wardrobe. Remember, act accordingly and use the code “beau10” to get 10 percent off your first order. It really is that simple. Cheers, my friends!

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Hubert Jeans

See Now, Buy Now: This Everlane Fleece Denim Trucker is the Perfect Casual Winter Coat

Everlane denim jacket

A rugged, classic denim trucker jacket to wear all winter long.

Let’s get right into it today. If you read the blog, you know that San Francisco-based Everlane delivers on some of the best men’s style essentials across the board, be it a classic cardigan for men or a rugged flannel shirt. Add another item to that list today however, because the Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket is, as the headline so wisely points out, quite possibly your new favorite casual winter jacket.

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That’s a lofty title to claim, to be sure, but as with all things Everlane, it sseems to live up to that billing. Keep in mind that this rugged fleece denim jacket is nearly sold out, so you’d better act quickly if you hope to scoop it up, but know that other Everlane men’s denim jackets are just as ready for winter layering — perhaps even atop your favorite hooded sweatshirt). The point is, this classic denim jacket amps things up a notch from the typical silhouette for the winter months, what with its warm polyester fleece lining, and that makes it a worthy change of pace from, say, your classic navy peacoat from time to time.

SHOP: The Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket

Everlane denim jacket

A seriously cool, tough denim jacket to wear the rest of winter.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

The Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket is every bit as well-constructed as your standard issue denim jacket, featuring a rich blue 100 percent organic cotton exterior and classic trucker jacket styling. Contrast stitching and hardware make this jacket decidedly more casual than, say, an all-black denim jacket, but that’s not a bad thing. The warm fleece lining also means you can wear it as your sole outer layer, whereas an unlined indigo denim jacket might work more as a mid-layer (again, perhaps underneath your classic navy peacoat).

Freemans Sporting Club

But yet again, the Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket comes through in the clutch, giving you the kind of layering ability other jackets only dream about. Wear this atop a rugged thermal henley with black Everlane jeans and tan boots for a rugged change of pace, or go just a bit dressier by teaming the Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket with your favorite chambray shirt and grey cotton chinos. The best casual winter jackets for men have plenty of special qualities that elevate them above the everday, and this classic denim trucker jacket certainly checks all the right boxes. With that in mind, go ahead and shop accordingly, folks.

SHOP: The Everlane Fleece-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket

#OOTD: How to Wear a Shawl Cardigan Casually for Men This Winter

The shawl collar cardigan. How about it, folks? An essential, casual winter layer, yes? Now, we’ve talked about more refined style moves like how to wear a topcoat this winter (and you can certainly put that same Todd Snyder topcoat to use here as your outer layer), but let’s go a little more casual and talk about how to wear a shawl cardigan this winter. Of course, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon next week, this can also serve as a guide on what guys should wear for Valentine’s Day. Ya dig? To get even more specific, let’s talk about how to wear the Peregrine Waffle Cardigan, a rugged-yet-versatile, classic shawl cardigan that’s going to complement plenty of your favorite casual style essentials this season. Consider this a slightly different take on my 2020 guide to wearing a cardigan, complete with a bit more laidback, relaxation-ready appeal. Why go with a shawl cardigan for winter? It’s simple, really.

The shawl neck gives it a more burly build, insulating you from the cold (seriously, you could wear this cardigan with just a scarf and a Huckberry beanie cap, sans jacket, if you really needed to get out there). And the shawl collar cardigan is a favorite of current style icons (think Daniel Craig as James Bond) and past style luminaries (look at Steve McQueen’s shawl cardigan) in equal measure. If it’s good enough for them, it’s more than good enough for you. When you pair it with casual-yet-rugged pieces like your favorite henley and the perfect casual watch (from Timex!), it only gets better. Heck, we’re even throwing some Woodford Reserve whiskey into the mix for at-home enjoyment. Keep scrolling for the rest of this #OOTD, and be sure to give me a follow on Instagram to see how I’m styling my winter gear from Huckberry and beyond this season.

A mix of rugged and casual style essentials for days and nights at home (including your favorite whiskey, of course).

Maybe it’s just me, but this outfit just speaks to me as far as excellent, truly casual, laidback-but-not-sloppy winter style is concerned. When you want to switch up your work-from-home wardrobe and transition into happy hour without missing a beat, or when you want to refresh your wardrobe (and your winter cocktail) on the weekend, I don’t think you can go wrong with one of the best men’s cardigans, for starters. It’s a classic and rugged move, and it’s made all the more comfortable thanks to one of the best men’s T-shirts around, a nice change of pace from a typical Oxford shirt.

The casual and comfortable at-home vibes get even better, though. That’s because the Western Rise Spectrum Joggers toe the line between chinos and sweatpants with ease, and they wear quite nicely alongside the GREATS Foster Slippers for the perfect balance of “at-home” or “quick store trip” style. You can’t skimp on your accessories even on casual days, so the Timex M79  is a reliable timepiece to throw on, while our friends at Huckberry come through with one of the best men’s winter hats for chilly, snowy days. Last but not least, a relaxed outfit calls for a relaxing pour of whiskey, so what better way to serve it than out of the incredibly unique Infused Skull Globe Decanter Set, right? Oh, and if I had my way, I know what you’ll be sipping on: Some winter whiskey from Woodford Reserve, naturally. That’s all I’ve got for today. Happy shopping and happy weekend hangs, folks!

The List: These are the Best Style Essentials to Buy Right Now from Bonobos

Bonobos menswear

Walking through winter with stylish Bonobos gear on tap.

Ahhh, Bonobos. Good ole Bonobos. I say that because my personal history with the brand runs deep, to an internship stint there during my first summer in NYC, right on through to summer style features in years gone by and of course, a look at the Bonobos Winter Sale earlier this season. But we’re here today in winter 2021 to talk specifically about the best winter menswear from Bonobos, a theme you’ll see pop up time and time again in the weeks to come. Bonobos, as you might know, built the strength of its brand its famous men’s chinos, but they’ve become a major fashion player in plenty of other categories — as you’ll see below. Heck, these picks below are even the sort of menswear for Valentine’s Day, even if it’s spent at home. And the great news is, Bonobos also offers plenty of extended sizes across all of its stylish offerings. Let’s dive on into the latest and greatest from a standout NYC brand; some stellar shopping awaits.

The Best New Menswear to Buy at Bonobos

Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos — $98 

Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos

Modern-yet-classic chinos in a variety of standout fits and colors.

It wouldn’t be a post about Bonobos without talking about a pair of Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos, a style that’s undergone changes through the years — but not before putting the company on the map. From the curved waistband to a dozen-plus colors, these are a major winner.

Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Henley — $68

Bonobos Jetsetter Henley

A well-made and nicely priced henley to wear everywhere in these casual times.

If you ask me, Bonobos gets major points for producing the sort of classic men’s style staples that wear very well with the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos and more — case in point, this rugged men’s henley.

Bonobos Cotton Cable Crew Sweater — $128

Bonobos Cotton Cable Crew

A dependable and well-made winter sweater, up for grabs right now.

I mentioned above that Bonobos does more than make your favorite chinos; in this case, they also make your favorite winter sweater, and in a rugged cotton cable design.

Bonobos Italian Soft 5-Pocket Pants — $148

Bonobos Five-Pocket Pants

From the cool Ash color to the soft fabric, these pants are a surefire favorite pair.

The versatility of Bonobos men’s pants really can’t be overlooked, and these Italian 5-pocket pants, made with soft stretch cotton, are just the ticket for casual days aplenty.

Bonobos Knit Cardigan Blazer — $298

Bonobos jackets

Wear this hybrid jacket with a henley, a T-shirt, an Oxford shirt — anything you please.

The good folks at Bonobos expertly toe the line between casual and dressy, and this easy-to-layer cardigan blazer is the perfect jacket for your next Zoom call.

Bonobos Leather Jeans Belt — $88

Bonobos Leather Jeans Belt

A well-made and well-crafted leather belt from the makers of your favorite pants.

What’s one thing that every stylish pair of pants needs? Well, one of the best leather belts for men, for starters. Of course, Bonobos has you covered there, too.

Bonobos Boulevard Bomber — $168

Bonobos Boulevard Bomber Jacket

Make this bomber jacket a new go-to layer on the daily.

If you haven’t yet added a classic men’s bomber jacket to your outerwear rotation, well, you can hardly go wrong with this option here in a cool striped pattern.

Bonobos Stretch Oxford Shirt — $88

Bonobos Stretch Oxford Shirt

A reliable and classic Oxford shirt with just enough stretch.

What sort of shirt are you going to wear with your Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos? Why, an equally classic stretch Oxford shirt that blends style, comfort and modern performance.

Bonobos Off Duty Pants — $98

Bonobos Off Duty Pants

A highly versatile pair of pants that toe the line between chinos and sweatpants.

The brand touts the Bonobos Off Duty Pants as the ideal hybrid between chinos and joggers, so what better pair of stylish pants to wear at home right now than these, what with their elastic waistband and tapered cut?

Bonobos Tech Button Down Shirt — $98

Men's performance dress shirt

A tech-minded button down shirt to wear at home or to the office.

Last but not least: In keeping with the theme of comfortable at-home style that still cleans up nicely out on the town and at the office, how about this men’s performance dress shirt for your daily enjoyment? It’s made to dry quickly, resist wrinkles and absorb moisture, all in a day’s work.

Well, folks — I say cheers to the latest and greatest from Bonobos: What say you? Hopefully, it’s clear by now that the brand has plenty to offer even the most discerning shoppers in terms of styles, fits and sizes, from a men’s performance dress shirt to the perfectly casual and expertly cut Bonobos Off Duty Pants or the always-classic Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos. Maybe you’re more interested in the brand’s ever-growing collection of knitwear or a classic men’s bomber jacket, perhaps? The great thing with Bonobos is that you can always get what you need in terms of versatility, classic style points, quality and (relative) affordability. So, buckle up, get that credit card at the ready and let’s get shopping, shall we?

The Sunday Sale: Get a Discount on a Variety Pack of the Best Hot Sauce on the Market

Disclosure: This post includes free product provided for review and also uses affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned on qualifying purchases. All thoughts are my own. 

Perhaps you were caught off guard by the headline there mentioning the best hot sauce on the market, right? After all, isn’t this a style blog? Indeed it is, but in the same way that I’ve talked about, say, the best whiskey to enjoy at home (as you dress in style), I think it’s only fitting that we expand the palette (briefly, and only occasionally) into other worthwhile pursuits, like checking out one of the best hot sauces around. And folks, that would be TRUFF Hot Sauce, a seriously hyped hot sauce brand that I’ve had the pleasure of trying out recently on everything from sandwiches to mac and cheese, chicken & more. Let me tell you, TRUFF definitely meets my high standard for hot sauce (I’m a hot sauce fiend) — better still, you can get a discount on a TRUFF Variety Pack, plus free shipping on any order of TRUFF’s hot sauces. The ever-useful TRUFF Variety Pack delivers a trio of hot sauces, with increasing discounts on the number of boxes ordered (5 percent off two boxes, 10 percent off three boxes, and so on).

That makes it a highly agreeable target for today’s Sunday Sale, right? No doubt. What makes TRUFF Hot Sauce so special? Well, folks — there’s plenty. TRUFF makes everything from a  white truffle hot sauce (made with a blend of truffle, chiles and agave nectar) to a classic hot sauce and truffle pasta sauce, each highly unique, flavorful and uncommonly delicious. The enthusiasts among us should also consider picking up the TRUFF Gallon Jug of hot sauce, too. Heck, it’s also pretty neat that TRUFF sells a fun TRUFF Hooded Sweatshirt.  But at the end of the day, it’s the TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce that has my tastebuds tingling (in a good way). Let’s get into what makes it so delicious.

SHOP: TRUFF Hot Sauce

TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce

Give your meal a serious upgrade with TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce (among other picks).

I’ve enjoyed the TRUFF White Truffle Hot Sauce the most out of the TRUFF Variety Pack I’ve tried, so it’s worth picking up the trio (which also includes TRUFF Hotter Hot Sauce) if you want to get the full experience. TRUFF’s hot sauces are rich and ever-so-slightly sweet, with a pleasant heat and that wonderful truffle flavor — it reminds me why I love truffle fries when I get the chance to have them. Again, I’m no gourmand, but this is a taste you really have to try out. It doesn’t hurt that every bottle in the TRUFF Variety Pack features a striking bottle design, the kind that you can proudly display on your countertop. It also helps that you can stock up on multiple boxes with a discount, because I can nearly guarantee that once you try TRUFF Hot Sauce, you’ll go through it in a hurry. Last but certainly not least, the essential TRUFF Variety Pack is delivered in a neat matte black-gold foil box, making it a perfect gift for the hot sauce lover. If you do end up ordering the TRUFF Variety Pack or any TRUFF items, let me know on Twitter. Happy cooking, folks!

SHOP: TRUFF Hot Sauce

Style Pick of the Week: Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants

Public Rec: All Day Every Day Pant

You’ve probably noticed by now as we roll into February, but you’re still spending a lot of time at home, and you’re still wearing those old sweatpants. Not any more, though: The Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants are some of the best pants for men at the moment, and they’ve got everything you need to give your sweatpants the boot. It’s with this in mind that I’m recommending today’s Style Pick of the Week. Think of these men’s performance pants as a hybrid pair and a highly versatile pair of men’s pants, at that. You can wear them literally any time at all, whether you feel like leaving the house for a (safe) stroll or if you’re firing up the coffee pot once more.

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What makes them so special? I sure am glad you asked. Of course, the brand rightfully says they’re more comfortable than jeans and more stylish than sweatpants, and that’s just what we’re looking for in these quarantine days. In fact, versatility and comfort is something of a specialty of Public Rec Apparel, as you might remember from past blog posts on pieces like the Public Rec Crosstown Bomber. And if you haven’t given the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants a shot yet, now’s your chance to get some of your new favorite pants onto your legs and into your closet.

SHOP: The Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Pants

As with any great menswear essential, it all comes down to the quality and the specs when you consider the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants. We said previously that they’re different than sweatpants, and the nylon-spandex blend provides more polish and durability right off the bat. The clean, tailored look of these performance pants for men gives them the classic silhouette of chinos, but with a big secret. Look closely and you’ll spot the elastic waistband, complete with a drawstring. For days in your home office or even a quick day trip, you just can’t beat the comfort of the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants.

Introducing: At Home for the Holidays

They also feature zipper pockets for small valuables, plus a traditional fly (of the faux variety) — no one will be any the wiser, because they look as stylish as classic chinos. Waist sizes go as high as 44 based on inventory, and you’ve also got nine versatile and crisp colors to shop. That kind of versatility makes these a worthy style option alongside an Oxford shirt for work-from-home days, yet they’ll pull double-duty on the weekend as a pairing with your Public Rec Go-To Tee. Without a doubt, the kicker is the agreeable price tag ($98 at Public Rec Apparel). Check off all the proper boxes and pick up a pair of the Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Day Pants as soon as possible.

SHOP: The Public Rec Apparel All Day Every Pants

The Friday Read: A New Nixon Watch, At-Home Weekend Style & The Best Hot Sauce

Disclosure: This post includes free product provided for review from TRUFF Hot Sauce and also uses affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned on qualifying purchases. All thoughts are my own. 

Best Nixon Watches For Men - AskMen

My friends, as I always tend to say when we dive into the Friday Read, well, it’s quite literally *time* to step into the weekend, and you should assuredly do so with the aid of a stylish and rugged timepiece from the likes of Nixon. You’re hopefully familar with the brand’s rugged dive watches and a nice mix of casual leather watches & more, and that’s where it gets even better. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Nixon is offering a men’s and women’s custom watch programIt’s a neat process that allows you to customize everything from the case color to the color of the dial and the seconds hand, and of course, you can add an engraved message on the back, too. I’ve had a chance to check out the Nixon watch customization program on my own and am seriously pleased with the results (I got the Nixon Time Teller Custom Watch) — you can and should follow me on Instagram to see the finished product, and if your partner could use a new and stylish custom watch for Valentine’s Day, this is the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Now, onward to the rest of today’s Friday Read.

Now, if you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, or if you read my twice-weekly newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, I bet you’re caught up on the latest in my neck of the woods. If not, well, allow me to get you up to speed. I’ve been so honored and excited to share my first-ever  feature for Esquire.com (yes, Esquire.com!) — and for the occasion, I went big. I’ve admired the style of Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers, for years and years, and with the band’s excellent new album Imploding The Mirage continuing to delight fans and critics, I knew I had to speak with him about the album and his standout style. If you’d like, you can read my interview with Brandon Flowers here. — what a band, what a frontman, and what an opportunity! Of course, that’s not the only thing I’ve been working on, because I also covered the best at-home menswear for GearMoose and a new Scotch whisky for Maxim — both of those pieces are below! Thank you for reading, thank you for your support and let’s dive into the rest of The Friday Read below.

  • We tend to cover a lot of ground here on the blog these days, from the best on-sale Chelsea boots to the best new henley to buy now, but I think you’ll like this change of pace. I’m no gourmand, but I’ve truly loved the opportunity to test out what I think is one of the best hot sauces on the market, TRUFF Hot Sauce. They offer white truffle hot sauce, classic hot sauce, truffle pasta sauce and more. The white truffle hot sauce is my favorite, to be sure. I’ve tried it on sandwiches, rice, eggs, pizza and more — it really delivers quality flavor and a not-overpowering, slightly sweet heat. It’s infused with truffles and presented in some seriously eye-catching packaging (and they also offer hot sauce bundles). Consider it a great gift for yourself or a great gift for the gourmand in your life for Valentine’s Day, or consider it one of the best hot sauces to buy now, regardless of the time of year.

Bonobos Wool Bomber Jacket

  • I mentioned above that we’d get into the best gear to wear at home, or rather, the best gear for a weekend at home (from whiskey to stylish loungewear and more), so in the spirit of sticking to my word and helping you look great in the process, you best check out my guide for GearMoose on at-home weekend style, grooming and more.
  • Speaking of what to wear and sip as you stay at home, you’d do well to check out my latest for Maxim on a new, seriously delicious and nuanced Dewar’s Scotch whisky aged in Portuguese port ruby casks. Cheers to a weekend winter warmer, my friends.

The winter months present all kinds of style challenges, including staying warm as you take on the elements at a sidewalk bar or an outdoor heated patio — and that’s why I can’t recommend enough that you check out my pick for one of the best men’s thermal shirts, the rugged Freemans Sporting Club Homespun Thermal. I’ve got the full scoop in this blog post. Happy layering & happy shopping! And once again, thank you for your support, thank you for reading, thank you for your kind comments and E-mails — it means the world! Onward and upward, my friends. We’ll see you back here tomorrow.

The Thursday Buy: These Bonobos Pants are the Best Men’s Pants to Wear All Winter

Bonobos Off Duty Pant

A classic-yet-modern update of your favorite chinos, made for plenty of days at home this winter and beyond.

Folks, welcome back to another edition of The Thursday Buy, where, similar to last week’s feature, I’m going to tell you all about the best pants to wear at home this winter. This post isn’t a repeat, although the same standout brand is in fact featured. That would be Bonobos, makers of the Bonobos Off Duty Pants and the perfect company to put it all in perspective when it comes to hanging out at home in style. Don’t believe me? Well, you’re in for a mighty fine treat, seeing as these tailored men’s pants toe the line between sweatpants and chinos with ease and plenty of style.

Because all of us are still spending so much time at home, the right mix of versatility and comfort is key when you want to switch up your rotation of the best pants for men, ya dig? And that’s where the Bonobos Off Duty Pants enter the equation. It’s always a great idea to shake things up from time to time, and with a comfortable elastic waistband and yet styling similar to classic Bonobos chinos (think a tailored, flat front and a zipper fly), you’ve found the perfect pants to get the job done. Seriously, these are the pants to wear to work from home, starting right now.

SHOP: The Bonobos Off Duty Pants

Comfort plus tailored style for the win from Bonobos.

The Bonobos Off Duty Pants check all the right boxes when you want to be comfortable and laidback, yet not sloppy. That’s especially the case as you work from home, hop from Zoom call to Zoom call or enjoy a socially distanced happy hour. Go on, set up the computer so everyone can see your finely tailored yet utterly comfortable pants. These hybrid chinos give you everything you’d expect from a pair of Bonobos men’s pants, including a tapered-but-not-too-tight cut, plus a cotton and elastane fabric blend for maximum wearability.

The fact that they more closely resemble chinos than sweatpants also means you can wear ’em with everything from a classic Bonobos henley to a tailored Oxford shirt and your favorite cardigan without needing to go too wild with new wardrobe additions. Color options ranging from Sapling (think classic khaki) to the dark olive Gnarled Pine shade (my personal favorite) provide so much versatility, I’d wager you’re going to want to buy multiple pairs, perhaps one for every work day. Yes, it’s true: The Bonobos Off Duty Pants are easily some of the best pants for men to buy now.

SHOP: The Bonobos Off-Duty Pants