Author / Beau H.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billykirk No. 478 Khaki Carryall

The classic weekender bag to (hopefully) take on your next trip.

Maybe it’s the fact that it’s Memorial Day weekend (traditionally a very travel-heavy weekend!) or maybe it’s the fact that we’re all getting a bit stir-crazy these past few weeks, but it just feels like the right time to shop for one of the best weekender bags, does it not? And the rugged weekender bag in question is going to more than get the job done when it comes time to hit the road again: We’re talking today about the Billykirk No. 478 Khaki Carryall, a classic weekender bag that just so happens to fit right in with the rest of Billykirk’s American-made leather goods. You’ve heard about the brand on the blog before, to be sure, and it’s high time you got acquainted with them if you’ve never picked up some made-in-America gear from the New Jersey-based brand. The Billykirk No. 479 Khaki Carryall is a recent addition to the Billykirk line, one that goes above and beyond what you’d expect from your traditional weekender bag. To wit: If you’ve been packing for weekend trips or overnight jaunts using a logo duffel or an athletic-minded gym bag, those days are over. This stylish weekender bag is well-made, durably designed and made to be packed up, tossed in the back of your ride, and then not fretted over. The rugged 20oz. waxed canvas and full-grain vegetable-tanned leather can certainly take a beating, no matter how overstuffed your car is.

SHOP: The Billykirk No. 479 Khaki Carryall

The rugged carrying potential and functionality you need from Billykirk.

Now, this all might seem like pure fantasy at this point given, well, *gestures broadly at everything* … but believe me, it’ll still pay off to invest in advance in one of the best weekender bags for men right now. If anything, it’ll be a great reminder to plan out the first trip properly (and then pack accordingly). And assuredly, one of the best weekender bags is going to provide plenty of long-term travel potential and style — just look at how well-made this travel bag happens to be, for starters. It’s finished off with nickel-plated brass hardware, and critically, it’s also water-resistant. Yes indeed, this rugged weekender bag isn’t like anything you’ve owned previously (is it?). Where will this bag take you? Upstate? To the coast? On an inland adventure? The possibilities really are endless when you pick up an investment-worthy travel bag, that much I know to be true. To let me know what you think of this stylish travel bag, hit me up on Twitter.

SHOP: The Billykirk No. 479 Khaki Carryall

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Memorial Day Weekend, The Best Summer Shirt & Craft Beer Delivery

A classic adventure shirt you can wear all through summer, starting today.

Thanks for joining us again for another Friday Read.  We’re on the cusp of Memorial Day weekend, so welcome. Although it looks mighty different than years past, I hope you find ways to celebrate with family and friends (socially distanced, of course). What’s on your plate (besides shopping for summer style essentials)? Maybe you’ll be spending some time outside with family or heading out on a hike? Or perhaps, you’re just focused on making the perfect summer meal and enjoying a classic summer beer? At any rate, I’d bet that the excellent Western Rise Limitless Merino Shirt (as seen above — it’s one of the best shirts for summer I’ve tried) is going to get where you need to go.

When we return from Memorial Day weekend, it also happens to be one of the best shirts to wear to work from home, what with its 4-way stretch and use of merino wool and polyester. A performance Oxford shirt you can wear all day? Sign me up. In fact, there’s a very good chance I’ll be wearing some of my own Western Rise gear to get out and about as much as possible in Brooklyn — the quiet confines of Marine Park near my humble abode sound pretty ideal right now (I’ll be wearing a camo mask from Ball and Buck, as it were). I’ll also be fueling my day with plenty of coffee, and I’m naturally going to make some time to listen to a vinyl record or three (if you happen to be a vinyl guy yourself, you might want to check out one of the best record players). In the meantime, start your weekend right here, right now — today’s Friday Read is packed.

Just one pick from one of the best Memorial Day sales around.

A neat play on the San Fran flag by Anchor Brewing and artist Jeremy Fish.

  • Speaking of San Francisco, lauded & pioneering craft brewer Anchor Brewing is doing plenty to help the local community during these trying times (in addition to brewing some incredibly delicious beer). The brewery partnered with artist Jeremy Fish to refresh the exteriors of boarded up-bars and restaurants across the city with special artwork — putting a modern twist on the SF flag — as part of the Stay Strong SF campaign. Even more critically, every poster has a QR code that directs you to donate to the United States Bartenders Guild.  Even cooler?  The posters are available to download for free at www.AnchorBeerToGo.com — while there, you can also purchase a T-shirt (which will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the USBG). And if you live in the area, you can get your favorite craft beer via curbside pick-up on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Sounds great to me, right? (Speaking of craft beer, shop for your favorite growler while we’re on the subject).

  • Want to shake up your weekend while giving back to a good cause? Check out Schick Xtreme’s Shave The Day mobile video gaming, where you can play as XtremeMan to shave people’s heads (a fitting quarantine haircut!) to earn Bald Bucks — those Bald Bucks are being turned into real dollars that Schick will donate to St. Baldrick’s Foundation (up to $25,000) to assist with fighting childhood cancer. Hey, you’ve got the extra time this weekend, so you might as well turn your energy toward a great cause.

Alright, that’s going to do it for today’s edition of The Friday Read. But one last thing for you — given that it’s a long weekend, with plenty of potential for lots of laidback relaxation, I’m going to point you toward my guide on how to wear a T-shirt this summer. Seriously: A T-shirt is so much more than just a T-shirt when you rock it the right way. OK, folks. That’s all I’ve got today. Have a great and safe long weekend, be sure to check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and thanks — as always — for reading.

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Get Ready for the Weekend with This Todd Snyder Utility Shirt

A rock-solid shirt from an award-winning menswear designer.

Now, Memorial Day weekend is nearly here, so let’s dive right in with what could become one of your new favorite summer shirts, shall we? This is our second See Now, Buy Now feature in two days, and I assure you: It’s a good one. Todd Snyder, the lauded NYC menswear designer and a longtime friend of the blog, is once again here to upgrade your seasonal wardobe with one of summer’s best shirts, so you’d do well to hop on this style before the season kicks off in earnest. Even if that shirt isn’t up your alley, you should certainly consider shopping the Todd Snyder sale that’s running this weekend for Memorial Day (up to 30 percent off!). Back to business, though.
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If your neck of the woods is anything like mine, you know that times are quite different out there — to say the least. But for relaxing summer days at home or on a socially distanced coffee run or on the lake (again, stay socially distanced), you need a Todd Snyder shirt to get you from point A to point B. The very definition of casual luxury, the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt manages to be both rugged and refined — would you expect anything else from a menswear designer who just knows what guys want (and need)? Certainly not. This rugged utility shirt is going to be an easy go-to to throw on with everything from slim light wash denim to chino shorts — starting this weekend. What makes it so essential? I’m glad you asked.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Utility Shirt 

Also available in a cool, essential Slate colorway.

When it comes to Memorial Day weekend style essentials, you’ve got plenty to worry about (even if your plans are different this year) — you should have the best cuts of meat to grill, some cold beer, and again … a stylish summer shirt. Crucially, this classic short-sleeve shirt checks all the right boxes, starting with the use of 100 percent Italian cotton (Albiate), to be specific), not to mention the sort of functionality you get from two front-patch pockets. Consider the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt a breezy top layer to throw on over a classic white tee or pair on its own — in any of the three colorways. Then, add slim navy chino shorts and your favorite canvas sneakers, or else step into laidback olive chinos and add casual suede chukka boots. Either look works for hours hanging out at home, playing tunes on that stylish Bluetooth speaker and hanging with the family. Whatever you end up doing this weekend (or on future summer weekends), I’d say it’ll be made better by the Todd Snyder Utility Shirt. Cheers, my friends.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder Utility Shirt 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Denim Shirt Is The Best Shirt to Buy Now

A newly iconic denim shirt from one of your favorite brands.

If you’re anything like me, you have a whole rotation of the best shirts for spring and summer that  you look forward to wearing specifically during, well, spring and summer. To be sure, a well-curated wardrobe requires menswear essentials that work across seasons (like this denim shirt!), but for the breezy days ahead of us, there’s not a pick I’m liking more at the minute than the Buck Mason Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt. It’s rugged, it’s stylish, it’s classic … it’s one of the best denim shirts for your hard-earned cash right now. There’s something about a rugged denim shirt that just works for these kinds of days — perhaps it’s a bit breezy in the morning as you enjoy your favorite coffee on the back porch (throw on this stylish denim shirt atop a slub tee), and then perhaps the day warms as it goes along. All throughout (and especially when working from home), this classic denim shirt is going to serve you very well indeed.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt

Standout details to improve your spring and summer style.

This Buck Mason denim shirt is available in a number of cool, perfectly faded washes, but I love the Medium Wash Denim Shirt as shown here. You can rock it buttoned or unbuttoned atop a classic white T-shirt just as readily as you can layer it over a Buck Mason henley (seriously, this brand does it all), and then on your lower half, you can rock everything from edgy, slim black jeans to classic tan chinos. Made from 100 percent indigo-dyed cotton, this is a rugged denim shirt that’s going to get better and better the more you wear it this spring and summer. Heck, in a pinch, you can even throw this shirt on underneath a lightweight navy cotton blazer for conference call-friendly style. The fit is tailored but not overly tight, the construction is next-level, and the price ($105 at Buck Mason) makes this one of the best shirts for men to buy right now. Like, right now. What are you waiting for? If you’re a fan of Buck Mason, be sure to let me know on Twitter.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up a Henley for Summer Weather

Is there anything better than welcoming a new season with the best men’s style essentials? The type of pieces you’re going to look forward to wearing all summer long? No, sir. Now, things are still very different for most of us out there, what with plenty of time at home in the rearview mirror — and on the horizon — but as has been the adage as of late, that’s no excuse not to look and feel your best these days. Hence, the rugged men’s gear I’m recommending today, even if you’re only going as far as your yard or back porch. On that note, we’re starting off this #OOTD with a crucial piece that should assuredly be in your summer style rotation — the rugged short-sleeve henley shown below is soft, breezy, easy to wear, and of course, easy to layer. It’ll keep you cool when you need it, and it wears stylishly underneath other layers when needed, too. Again, you might just have your feet kicked up on your back porch, but you can still make use of your favorite summer gear, including a tough trucker jacket, slim vintage-style black denim and one of the best men’s casual watches (among other men’s style essentials, of course). Be it spending time with the family, unwinding after a long day at the (home) office or planning out a special at-home date night, I’m sure you’re going to find plenty of reason to rock the below layers accordingly all summer long. And when the time comes to return to your favorite summer activities (brewery visits and park strolls among them, I’d assume!), then one of the best men’s henleys is going to be your new go-to style move. Read on for the full ensemble below, then chime in on Twitter if you’re a fan.

A classic way to layer a henley for summer, no doubt.

 

  • The Short-Sleeve Henley: Buck Mason Pima Short-Sleeve Curved Hem Henley, $48 — The right spring #OOTD starts with one of the best men’s henleys, and more specifically, a rugged short-sleeve henley in a tough-yet-breezy fabric. Wear it on its own or layer up accordingly. Like the below …
  • The Jacket: Knickerbocker Trucker Jacket, $177.98 — A tough trucker jacket can actually be a nice antidote to unexpectedly chilly spring and summer days & nights — Knickerbocker just so happens to make one of the coolest lightweight jackets in that regard.
  • The Denim: Flint and Tinder Vintage Overdye Jeans, $128 — Yes, just because you’re spending more time at home than usual doesn’t mean you can’t wear some slim stretch jeans — as to be expected, Flint and Tinder has come through here with some of the best men’s jeans (in a nicely dyed shade of black) on the market.
  • The Stylish Slip-Ons: SeaVees Huntington Middie, $108 — Listen, your choice of at-home footwear is exactly that: Your choice. But if you want to give yourself comfort, freedom of movement and casual style that you can wear outside the home when the time comes, go with the SeaVees Huntington Middie.
  • The Belt: Beltology Litmus Leather Belt, $75.98 — Now, not every guy is going to want to put on a belt these days — but if you want to really switch things up from sweats or joggers, a stylish leather belt like this one from Litmus is the way to go.
  • The Watch: Timex Navi XL, $155 — Just as with the rest of these rugged gear picks, we’re not overdoing it on the accessories front — but, one of the best men’s casual watches seems to be a proper move to stay on time during happy hour, yes? Agreed.
  • The At-Home Essential: Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler, $55 — Picture this: It’s a breezy summer night. You’ve got your feet kicked up and your favorite tunes playing (more on that in a moment). You realize your pint glass is empty … best refill it with this classic growler from Stanley, right?
  • The Audio Essential: Tivoli Audio Music System Home, $749 — Yes indeed, for listening to your favorite music at home with ease, quality of sound and supreme style, go with the Tivoli Audio Music System Home — it’s assuredly one of the best home audio upgrades you can make right now.

Oftentimes, the right way to start a summer style ensemble begins with a simple classic — in this case, it’s a rugged short-sleeve henley that’s high-quality in terms of its construction and fit. No matter where you’re going (or rather, not going), I guarantee you can find use for this breezy henley from Buck Mason. It’s going to wear very nicely indeed with one of the coolest lightweight jackets for summer, especially on those unexpectedly chilly summer nights. And when you pair both those pieces with some slim stretch jeans for comfort and style, you’ve got an at-home or weekend-ready look that goes further on the style front than sweatpants or joggers. It seems that upgraded at-home footwear is all the rage these days, and that’s also where going just a bit further can actually pay dividends — the SeaVees Huntington Middie blends style and comfort, while wearing like actual sneakers rather than slippers. Because staying on time is still crucial (especially if you’re manning the grill), wearing one of the best men’s casual watches will give you a sense of time, order and style. Naturally, you can do it all while sipping on your favorite beverage via your classic growler from Stanley. To top it all off and round out your evening in refined style, why not fire up the Tivoli Audio Music System Home to play some of your favorite summer tunes? When taken altogether, this #OOTD is going to work for right now and for when the time comes to get back to your routine. Sounds pretty good, right? Yes, indeed. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for Summer with All the Best New Menswear

An essential white tee to head into Memorial Day weekend.

Right, then: We’re just a few days away from the first unofficial weekend of summer,  Memorial Day weekend. Things are surely going to look a little different this year than in years past — there’s no travel, no major BBQ’s, no huge outdoor concerts, for one. And yet, as has been the theme in past weeks on the blog, you still need to ensure you’re well-stocked with summer style essentials aplenty. Today’s edition of The List has you more than covered, with staple pieces like the best men’s T-shirt for summer, the coolest summer shorts, and of course, classic summer sneakers. Start with the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee below (perhaps the best white T-shirt for guys), then find the rest of your new favorite summer gear picks below. Heck, some of these summer style staples are so great, you might recognize them from other editions of The List — and that’s totally OK in my book. More importantly, have fun, stay safe, and perhaps crack a cold beer in the safety of your own home or backyard to celebrate.

Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee — $35

A crisp and classic white T-shirt — an all-American style staple.

Yes indeed, we’ve talked about this stylish summer T-shirt a great deal on the blog in the past few weeks, but with good reason. From the quality construction to the spot-on fit (in my experience), the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee is one of the best men’s tees to buy right now, possibly in more than one color for standout  Memorial Day weekend style at home. Heck, you can never go wrong with a classic white T-shirt.

GREATS Royale Ripstop — $159

Dependable, stylish, highly durable men’s sneakers from GREATS.

Hey, hanging at home still requires some of the best men’s sneakers — especially the downright useful, functional and stylish GREATS Royale Ripstop. Throw them on with your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and some stylish casual shorts, then crack a cold beer and fire up the grill.
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — $1,395

An incredibly unstoppable dress watch.

Talk about a stylish, investment-worthy watch to wear this coming long weekend and then the rest of summer (and long, long after that). Ever so slightly dressy, sleek and yet rugged at the same time, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 is like a wearable work of art, 100 percent Swiss-made and featuring 1,000 meters of water resistance. You might not need that kind of functionality, but it’s still a seriously cool timepiece for your wrist.
Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts — $58

Super stylish, easy-to-wear shorts from Huckberry & Flint and Tinder.

Make no mistake, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill chino shorts. The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts, as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, are some of the best men’s shorts for summer, and ideal to wear with, say, your Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  and the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf ’68 — but I’d wager you had that idea in mind already.
Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Western Shirt in Natural Herringbone — $98

A stylish short-sleeve shirt that’s plenty ready for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond).

My friends at Taylor Stitch have done it again. The legendary San Francisco menswear brand took its classic Western shirt and turned it into one of the best short-sleeve shirts for summer, complete with an iconic design and the perfect cut for summer. Wear it all weekend — and on your next conference call.
Billykirk Standard Issue No. 540 East West Tote — $145

An essential part of your everydary carry for the holiday weekend.

Maybe it feels silly to be adding to your everyday carry essentials right now — but trust me, it’s not. Gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, even a modified one, calls for loading up supplies in a rugged tote bag, then grilling, drinking, fire-starting, journal-ing … accordingly. The Billykirk Standard Issue Tote is one of the best ways to carry gear right this instant.
Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses — $360 

Add these sunglasses to your list of Memorial Day essentials.

Bold-yet-classic, investment-worthy sunglasses made for plenty of (modified) summer weekends? Yes indeed, that’s what you’re getting with the Garrett Leight Kinney 49 Sunglasses, easily some of the coolest sunglasses for men this author has seen.
Grayers Japanese Selvedge Trucker Jacket — $195 

A classically cool denim jacket for summer from Grayers.

Grayers has summer style essentials aplenty (including, crucially for these times, face masks if needed), but it’s the classic menswear that I’ve got my eye on this season. There will come a time this Memorial Day weekend (and surely beyond that) where you’ll need a stylish summer jacket. And my friends: This Japanese selvedge trucker jacket is precisely the incredibly cool jacket for summer you need right now.
Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt — $89

The perfect summer shirt? You be the judge.

Because it might not be quite warm enough to wear just, say, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, you’ll want a stylish long-sleeve shirt to throw on over it. Try out the excellent Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt if you’re not quite feeling up to picking up a  Japanese selvedge trucker jacket yet. Trust me: It’s one of the best long-sleeve shirts for the season.
Santa Rosa Tahoma Moccasins — $223.98

Rugged-yet-easygoing leather moc chukka boots for the holiday weekend.

You’ve surely seen these classic leather moccasins on the blog before, and they could just be the perfect casual shoes to wear for a holiday weekend. Laidback enough to tromp through the yard, durable enough to fix up a bonfire, stylish enough to wear while kicked back, ice-cold lager in hand. They’re easily some of the coolest leather boots for summer — yes, summer.
Mott and Bow Slim Wooster Jeans — $118

The best men’s blue jeans to wear for summer, guaranteed.

Hey, maybe you’re more of a stylish blue jeans-type guy (or maybe it’s a bit too breezy for shorts where you are), but either way, Mott and Bow has you covered. They make some of the best men’s jeans for darn near any season, Memorial Day weekend included, and you can rock them with everything from the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee (I sure do love that thing) to a stylish summer polo.
Huckberry Pullover — $88

The essential hooded sweatshirt you need for summer.

With casual style and standout good looks in mind, Huckberry has gone and made one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts on the market — featuring their own branding and everything. The Huckberry Pullover is, quite simply, the perfect hooded sweatshirt to wear to a bonfire — or whatever late-night stargazing or beer drinking you’re planning on.
Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit — $299.98 

A really neat backyard essential for any summer night (especially Memorial Day weekend).

Speaking of what to wear to a bonfire, well, if you need to get a little creative with how you’re setting up your bonfire, look no further than the Solo Stove Bonfire Portable Firepit, one of the Memorial Day weekend essentials you might have first overlooked.
Levi’s Made & Crafted Short-Sleeve Camp Collar Shirt — $128

A classic men’s shirt you’ll want to wear all weekend.

The camp collar shirt really is a retro menswear essential, a piece worn by easygoing dads and grandfathers on vacations dating back decades — and now, Levi’s Made & Crafted has come up with a modern, stylish camp collar shirt to wear when manning the grill or kicked back sipping on a Bloody Mary.
Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag — $250

Gear up and get to work on your next cocktail with Billykirk x Cooper & Thief.

All of this tme outdoors is going to call for the right drink to go along with it, yes? And the best way to mix up a cocktail for the long weekend? With essential bar tools from the Billykirk x Cooper & Thief Bartender Bag (wine sold separately). You’ll have everything you need to make your favorite cocktail — and a stylish leather bag in which to keep track of all the best gear for your home bar.

Add an instant kick to your morning with this easy-to-use ultra coffee.

Looking at all of this gear and all of the potential for adventures at home (or in a park, or out on the trails) is enough to make anyone crave coffee, right? What if you’ve got to get out the door in a hurry, though? That’s where Jot Ultra Coffee comes into play. Add just a “jot” (a tablespoon!) of this ultra coffee to varying amounts of water to get espresso, cappucino, an Americano … you name it, Jot can do it. The results are excellent — full-bodied and flavorful, just like you’d want, and the process is so easy (I should know — it’s helping fuel this blog post!).
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That’ll do it for today’s summer-centric roundup of the best men’s gear, and to be more specific, the best men’s gear for Memorial Day weekend (and beyond). So, what’ll it be? Will you go classic and pick up one of the best white T-shirts on the market to wear for supremely cool casual style? Buck Mason has you sorted. Will you go with the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts and pair them with either a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Taylor Stitch or something more casual, like the inimitable Huckberry Pullover? Maybe you’ve got your eye on some of the best men’s sneakers, naturally paired with some of the the best men’s jeans. Whatever your combo, I hope you find the above list helpful. To see what I’m wearing this weekend, head to my Instagram — and as always, feel free to get in touch with me on Twitter. Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

A seriously cool, modern men’s polo from Taylor Stitch.

What if I told you that, in addition to its full lineup of some of the best menswear around, the good folks at Taylor Stitch were now busy cornering the market when it comes to crafting the best men’s polo for spring and summer? That’d be pretty remarkable, right? Remarkable and almost too good to be true? Well, that’s not the case anymore: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo is everything you need in a stylish polo for spring and summer, and it’s arrived not a moment too soon. The best men’s polo can be worn to work (in your home office, that is) just as readily as it can be worn to have a back patio beer (again, at home for now). And when you finally do get the chance to gather with friends again, you’re going to want to be wearing something as stylish, cool and laidback as the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo. Plus, you can get your new favorite polo for up to 30 percent off right now (no code needed!), and you’re also getting $20 in Common Club credit for orders over $200. Not bad at all. True to what one expects from Taylor Stitch,  this classic men’s polo is almost more like a T-shirt than a stuffy, preppy polo of years gone by. It starts with the use of upcycled cotton and polyester for a breezy, breathable fit — you should check out the full line of Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag knitwear while you’re at it, too. But back to what makes the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo so great.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

Also available in a neat, classic navy colorway.

First off: Classic color options like Navy and Natural place this classic polo as a must-have in your spring and summer wardrobe — heck, buy both those colorways of the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo, and you’ve got versatile outfit options aplenty. Try the navy polo with slim tan chinos and white canvas sneakers, and pair the Natural Heavy Bag Polo with some of the best men’s shorts and stylish leather slip-ons — talk about easygoing spring style at its finest, right? The three-button placket on this classic men’s polo gives it some dressy polish, enough that you could rock it with a unstructured navy blazer for that Zoom call if need be. The tailored fit also makes the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo one of the best men’s polos on the  market — believe it. And one last kicker here: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo is available for $68 right now — that’s a heck of a deal. At that rate, you’re going to get more than one polo … correct? Correct. Head over to Twitter to let me know if you pick it up.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Polo

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A New Whiskey, How to Brew Beer at Home & The J. Crew Bankruptcy

The coolest dive watch on the market, in time for the weekend.

If you’re just joining us for the first time for The Friday Read, welcome! And if you’re more than accustomed to my weekly roundup of the best menswear news to know and the best men’s style deals to shop, then welcome back. The headline at the top covers a lot of ground, does it not? These are extraordinary and trying times we live in, so hopefully, you’ll find each of the above topics interesting and informative (heck, I know I’ll  be enjoying some whiskey this weekend). But first things first: It’s *time* for the weekend, as that stylish dive watch above would indicate. The timepiece in question is from New York watchmaker Martenero, who’s currently offering up a great deal on a new dive watch via Kickstarter. It’s the brand’s first dive watch, and if looks are any indication, it could be your new favorite timepiece — you need only pre-fund it before May 22nd to secure one of the best dive watches out there (note that it ships in September).

Elsewhere around these parts, it looks to be business as usual this weekend here in Brooklyn, by which I mean I’ll be hunkered down, enjoying some of my new favorite craft beer from New York’s Nonsequitur Beer Project — gotta love craft beer delivery — and supplementing that with some freshly ground coffee from the very cool and ingenious Taylor Stitch x FiveTillFour project supporting small businesses. Of course, I’ll be spinning some vinyl on a stylish record player, too. What are your weekend plans (besides enjoying tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week)? Let me know on Twitter. 

  • I mentioned above that we’d be getting into one of the best new whiskies to try now, and indeed, here we are: I wrote about a very cool partnership between Americana rockers Jamestown Revival and craft whiskey makers Oak & Eden for GearMoose. The Oak & Eden Round Prairie Rye Whiskey pays homage to Jamestown Revival’s roots while using an innovative finished-in-the-bottle process — the result is a rich rye whiskey that pairs perfectly with Jamestown Revival’s music.
  • Maybe you’re a bit more of a craft beer guy (I’m a craft beer enthusiast first followed by whiskey), and if that’s the case, the Bespoke Post Brew Box might be the right way to go. It’s a great way to brew beer at home, especially if you’re just testing the waters in that realm, and I wrote all about this excellent easy-to-use homebrew kit for GearMoose.
  • If you’ve been following any fashion news as of late, you likely heard the news: Once-lauded retailer J. Crew filed for bankruptcy last week. It’s quite the turn of events for a brand that likely introduced plenty of us (myself included!) to the larger world of men’s style, and it got me thinking about this archival Esquire piece on how everyone wears J. Crew. The title says it all.

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  • One constant around the Brooklyn HQ of The Style Guide? Great tunes (usually played through my LSTN Sound speaker) — and on that note, I’ve found this Pitchfork piece on why we listen to new music very fascinating indeed. Check it out, then let me know on Twitter what you’re enjoying lately.

OK, so that’s going to wrap up my weekly guide to, well, the weekend. Before you go though, I’m going to point you toward an essential weekend outfit, and it involves a rugged henley. More specifically, I’m pointing you toward my guide on how to wear a henley this spring. You’re going to love it (I hope). One final thing before the weekend: You can still pick up this stylish Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket as seen below right now (limited sizes available) for a heck of a discount. So, go for it?? Alright, that’s all I’ve got. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The List: Gear Up For Spring with the Best New Men’s Style Essentials

The best henley to wear all spring? You be the judge of that.

Folks, here we sit at the start of another spring day. As has been the case lately, these are strange and trying times we live in — and once again, a lot of us are changing our routines and spending more time at home to fight this pandemic. That being said, being at home tends to leave one with, well, a lot more opportunity to read, to reflect, to listen to music … and yes, to think about the spring style essentials you want to add to your list. That’s where today’s roundup of the best new men’s gear enters the fold, starting with your new favorite henley as pictured above from Buck Mason. Let me know your favorites on Twitter — let’s get right to it.

Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley — $52

The best henley for spring? It very well could be.

The perfect henley for breezy spring mornings and evenings? Why, it’s the exceptional, super-soft and well-ftting Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. This rugged henley is available in a wide array of colors, but Steel Blue is especially well-suited to wear with your favorite slim chinos. Kind of like the below …

Grayers Stretch Slim-Fit Chino Pants — $98

The best men’s chinos for spring, very nearly.

Speaking of your favorite slim chinos, well, here we are. Grayers has a knack for making perfectly classic yet modern men’s style essentials, and these slim stretch chino pants are ideal for spring and summer (plus, that British Tan color is as good as it gets).

Armor-Lux Logo Crew — $105

A cool-as-can-be spring sweatshirt.

Mixing up your spring layering calls for thinking outside the box at times — that’s why this stylish logo crewneck is a welcome addition to your rotation of spring sweaters. Armor-Lux makes some of the coolest men’s sweaters to begin with (Breton stripes, anyone?), and this is just the latest and greatest.

SeaVees Legend Sneakers — $80

Newly iconic men’s sneakers to wear all day long.

Right off the bat, it’s crucial that a portion of proceeds from these classic men’s sneakers are going to the Channel Island Marine Wildlife Institute, near SeaVees‘ home in Santa Barbara. And beyond that? Well, the SeaVees Legend Sneakers are easily some of the best sneakers for spring, what with their low profile and classic design. Wear ’em with some of the best men’s jeans and a slub tee for easygoing spring style.

Billykirk Bray Brother Bundle — $513.99

The rugged essentials you need for the perfect everyday carry.

If you follow the blog, perhaps you’re familiar with the expert American-made leather goods purveyors at Billykirk — founded by Chris and Kirk Bray in 1999, the brand is now offering bundles of the best leather goods and accessories, curated by each brother. This bundle features a rugged canvas carryall, a handy cable pouch, and a sleek leather notebook holder — all fine additions to your everyday carry essentials.

HELM Boots Holt Boots in Dark Grey — $350

Rugged, durable, simply unstoppable Chelsea boots from HELM Boots.

To be sure, we’ve talked about the HELM Boots Hollis Boots previously on the blog, but they’re back for another appearance here — and in a standout color, to boot (pun intended). Rugged leather Chelsea boots just make sense for spring, what with their sleek design, dressed-up wearability and durable (yet fairly lightweight) construction. HELM Boots has  your back when it comes to the best men’s boots for spring.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Navy Jacquard Dot — $108.50

Another classic men’s shirt from Taylor Stitch.

For the foreseeable future, the great folks at Taylor Stitch are giving you 25 percent off the entire site, and that includes the brand’s collection of stylish men’s shirts. My pick? The excellent Taylor Stitch California Shirt in a cool-as-can-be Navy Jacquard Dot pattern. It’s one of the coolest shirts to buy for spring.

Mott and Bow Slim Staple Jeans — $128

Slim stretch jeans to wear with your favorite henley.

Yes, you can still wear your favorite pair of dark denim as temperatures increase — especially if the slim blue jeans in question come from Mott and Bow & are made with plenty of stretch and ease of movement. They’re some of the best men’s jeans, and you won’t want to stop  wearing ’em.

Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket — $328

The rugged, functional spring jacket you need right now.

Not familiar with Fisher + Baker? The Minneapolis brand, built on the adage “Timeless, purposeful, functional,” has quietly been making some of the best men’s outerwear for a few years now, including the essential Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket. Wear it atop a rugged henley for expertly functional spring style.

Bear Hybrid Mattress — $1,352

Is a new mattress in your future? Make it this one.

Alright, here’s the deal. Maybe you’ve realized your mattress isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe, unlike days past, you’ll actually be home during the day to receive a new mattress delivery. In that case, why not invest in one of the best mattresses? The Bear Hybrid Mattress, made with plenty of cushioning and five layers of support, is quite simply one of the best mattresses to buy now.

Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — $198

A durable blazer made for work at home and in the field.

Looking for one of the best men’s blazers for spring? Look no further. Heck, looking for a blazer that’s more rugged than preppy, and made with workwear inspiration in mind? Get the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — it’s a uniquely rugged blazer crafted more like a chore coat than your typical blazer, which means you can absolutely wear it with, say, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley.

GREATS Royale Sneakers in Blanco — $179

Classic sneakers from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

It wouldn’t be a roundup of spring style essentials without calling out some of the best men’s sneakers, would it? The GREATS Royale is a near-perfect silhouette, wearable with pieces like a stylish logo crewneck and slim stretch chino pants.

Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants — $88

The perfect pants for casual spring style.

Finding the right pair of laidback pants for spring involves a few key considerations, and the Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants check all the right boxes in that regard. Comfortable? You bet, thanks to the drawstring waist and lightweight cotton canvas construction. Stylish? Yes, as ready to wear with your favorite Oxford shirt as with a casual pocket tee. Affordable? They’re from Huckberry, so they sure are.

MANTL Daily Routine Set — $65.98

A trio of must-have men’s grooming essentials.

Lest we forget, keeping your skin in shape for spring starts and ends with the best men’s grooming essentials. Including crucial moisturizer and a daily SPF, the MANTL Daily Routine Set (made with sulfate-free ingredients) freshens your face and protects your skin, critical to looking and feeling your best this season.

Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt — $98

A classic indigo shirt that’s going to be a new spring favorite.

It wouldn’t be an edition of The List without Flint and Tinder, right? The Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt, made from breathable organic cotton spun with indigo yarn, is one of the best men’s shirts for spring, the type of rugged everyday shirt you’ll look forward to wearing with slim blue jeans or rugged chore pants in equal measure. Heck, this could be the perfect shirt to throw on as you enjoy some whiskey on your back porch. Did someone say whiskey?

Law’s Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey — Price Varies

A classic whiskey you’re going to enjoy on breezy spring nights.

Yes indeed, someone did say whiskey. Law’s Whiskey House, out of Denver, takes an exceptional approach to crafting some of the best whiskey this writer has tasted. The San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey (Colorado’s first whiskey made to federal bonding standards) is an exceptional one to enjoy right now, aged more than six years in charred oak barrels and made with 100 percent San Luis Valley Rye. Talk about attention to detail, am I right? Even better? You can get some Law’s Whiskey delivered to your door!

Faherty Brand Cloud Summer Blend Shirt — $148

A classic summer buttondown in a lightweight fabrication.

Let’s go back to stylish men’s shirting for one second, shall we? Faherty Brand has a knack for making expertly laidback men’s style essentials, includinng the easygoing Cloud Summer Blend Shirt. Team it with your favorite slim chinos, then call it a day — spring style is nearly that easy.

Billykirk No. 309 Leather Valet Tray — $40

A surefire way to store your everyday carry.

It’s fitting that we’re closing  out this post looking at the best way to store your everyday carry. And in this case, that means we’re talking about a rugged leather valet tray, made the right way by the good folks at Billykirk. Use this to store your favorite watch and other essentials at the end of a long day.

Alright, my friends. We’re through another edition of The List. Did you have a favorite pick from the offerings above? Maybe something on the smaller (but no less essential) end of things, like a a rugged leather valet tray from Billykirk? Perhaps our lead pick, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley tops your own list, as well? I’m partial to picks like HELM’s rugged leather Chelsea boots and the the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer. Whatever ended up in your shopping cart, I hope it serves you well. Feel free to let me know what you scooped up over on Twitter! Thanks for reading — stay safe.

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Shirt for Spring

Be it the later days of spring (with summer on the horizon) or the sweltering days of summer, the right #OOTD should be wearable across a variety of occasions, day after day, week after week. Now, it’s taken some experimentation in the Brooklyn HQ of The Style Guide, but I think today’s #OOTD checks the right boxes in terms of spring and summer versatility and effortless style, even for days at home. For starters, we’ve got the main centerpiece taken care of in rugged, durable fashion — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt could just be your new favorite spring and summer shirt, what with double front-button pockets and an excellent seasonal color (but more on that in just one moment). We’re also doing things the right way as far as easygoing layering — wear the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt unbuttoned atop a rugged short-sleeve henley, if you feel so inclined. The real key is that a great spring and summer shirt can take you anywhere — even if that doesn’t happen to be right this very second, I’m sure that when we all do get the chance to get out and explore safely, you’ll be ready to go … ideally wearing something very similar to this. Before we dive deeper, know that standout staples like rugged leather boots are also making an ever-versatile appearance today, along with a stylish leather watch. See, the gang’s all here — and it’s a breezy spring day, not a chilly fall one. With that being said, I’d love to hear from you — which of the below men’s style essentials are being added to your cart for the spring and summer season? Let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Your new spring shirt, worn in a way that’s cool and versatile.

 

As with any ensemble, it’s ultimately going to be both the little things and the big things that make a difference in pulling together a stylish look. So, for instance, when you build from the ground up with everything from stylish men’s socks to one of the best men’s briefcases from Billykirk, it only amplifies the overall impact of your #OOTD. But none of it is possible without the piece that makes it all go ’round, and the key piece here is none other than best spring shirt — available, of course, from the good folks at Huckberry. Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Utility Shirt is so stylish and versatile as to be worn sans jacket atop a rugged short-sleeve henley, then finished off with equally stylish five-pocket pants from Olivers Apparel. This combination is all comfort and style for breezy spring and summer days, yet it gets a serious upgrade from some easy-to-style rugged leather boots — another standout spring style pick from Huckberry. Naturally, things get even cooler and more stylish when you throw on one of the best everyday leather watches for men, agreed? And once more, how about you load up the exceptional No. 237 Briefcase from my pals at Billykirk, yes? Sounds pretty great to me. OK, that’s it — that’s today’s #OOTD. To see how I’m putting together seasonal looks aplenty, head to my Instagram. Again, thanks for reading!