Rugged, comfortable leather wingtip boots … that could be yours soon.
My friends, welcome to a new week — and a new take (for today) on our See Now, Buy Now series. While I’m still giving you the customary rundown on some of the best men’s gear, today’s end result is a little different. In fact, you’ll have the chance today to win your own pair of Samuel Windsor boots — the pair seen above, as it were! To win, you need only follow the brand on Twitter below — it’s that easy!
Now, if you’re based in the U.K., you’re likely familiar with Samuel Windsor — they’ve been specializing in affordable menswear and accessories since 2003, and the prices at which these essentials are offered is truly a sight to behold. We’re talking serious affordability and serious quality, both of which I’ve had the chance to experience these past few weeks when testing out the brand (as you might have seen on my Instagram).
Brogue detailing sets these handsome wingtip boots apart — enter below to win your own!
The Samuel Windsor Fairfield Boots are some of the best wingtip boots I’ve tried in some time, blending all kinds of comfort with durability and classic styling potential. They’re from the Samuel Windsor Prestige Collection, which features Goodyear welted construction, quality leather and a certain sense of classic flair that’ll upgrade any outfit. I’ve personally worn the Samuel Windsor Fairfield Boots with everything from navy chinos and a garment-dyed Oxford shirt to a classic henley and slim dark denim — they’re just that good. The stitched rubber sole provides all-weather durability, while antique eyelets also offer another unique touch. And with all that being said … doesn’t it sound pretty great to win your own pair!? Well, again, you need only follow the brand on Twitter below.
Maybe in your neck of the woods, it’s starting to warm up ever so slightly — and with the hint of a spring breeze comes the need to swap in some of the best men’s sneakers for just about any seasonal style pursuits you can possibly dream up. On that note, please welcome to the stage: The SeaVees Huntington Middie, and they’re quite possibly some of the best men’s high-top sneakers to slide onto your feet this season (and of course, into summer). These classic high-top sneakers have been a favorite of this very blog over the years, and we’re bringing them back into the fold today for good reason: You simply need to start wearing easygoing spring sneakers right now in place of rugged leather boots (at least some of the time, that is). The right spring sneakers, especially from a brand like SeaVees (which helped pioneer California cool via unique styles of the 1960’s) can evoke a sense of time and place, and in the case of the SeaVees Huntington Middie, they call to mind spring barbecues, sunlit days in the park, easygoing days on the patio at your favorite brewery … and plenty more. Even if you’re dealing with more rain than sunshine at the moment, I promise you that warmer days are ahead, and when they get there, you won’t find a finer pair of classic spring sneakers for the moment than the SeaVees Huntington Middie. That’s high praise, but the brand can back it up.
One of three classic colorways in which you’ll find the SeaVees Huntington Middie.
These sneakers blend the best of both worlds — a cut that’s similar to classic chukka boots or high-top sneakers, yet the lightweight look and feel of timeless SeaVees sneakers. The suede upper is supple and pretty perfect for spring, as these should be easy to slip into right out of the box. That versatility from day one means you can (and should) team them with your favorite spring style essentials — take slim light wash jeans, a classic white tee & stylish shades, then add the SeaVees Huntington Middie & call it good to go. These are the sort of easygoing sneakers you can get away with taking for a spin at the office, too — team them up with a classic Oxford shirt & tan chinos, maybe add an unstructured cotton blazer … there it is. All the while, you can rest easy knowing that these affordable sneakers also happen to be durable and stylish at the same time. Get with the program, get the SeaVees Huntington Middie, then get ready for spring.
A sleek, sharp and cool-as-heck watch to wear this weekend.
Wondering about a watch to wear this weekend? Folks, I’ve got your answer — best make it the Szanto Roland Sands Icon Signature Watch as shown above. It’s one of the best men’s watches to buy right now, and it’ll surely help you stay on time for a weekend of early spring fun. You very well might recognize the brand at the top of the page from past Szanto watch reviews on the blog — and if not, it’s high time you listened up (and shopped in advance of the weekend, of course). I’d only hope you’re wearing a watch designed in collaboration with Roland Sands, at least — I’d love to get my hands on one as I explore Brooklyn this weekend and reflect on my trip earlier this week to Seattle. If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well-aware that enjoyed plentiful craft beer, a standout rock show by NYC legends The Strokes, and of course, a delicious meal (or two) — including at the terrific PINTXO Seattle.
The weather was surprisingly sunny and beautiful, and I certainly did my best to get around with my favorite spring style essentials in tow, including the functional and stylish Proof Rover Jacket and of course, Flint and Tinder’s Stretch Selvage Denim. Again this weekend, it’ll be all about relaxation back in Brooklyn — I have my TrailKeg growler to fill up at Gold Star Beer Counter in the borough, and I’m also looking forward to cheering on my Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament this weekend! March is one of my favorite parts of spring, precisely for the on-court prowess of my alma mater (fingers crossed, that is!), and I can’t wait to take in some great basketball with college friends. Let me know what’s on your weekend slate of spring fun over at Twitter, and be sure to swing by tomorrow for our next Style Pick of the Week.
OK, to business. The right shampoo can sometimes be overlooked, I’ve found, in terms of your grooming routine. That’s not the case anymore, though — I’m all about what the best shampoos for men can bring to your rotation of grooming essentials, which is why I covered the 10 best shampoos over at GearMoose.
Spring has sprung, and that assuredly menas you need a tough, durable spring jacket — I submit for your consideration the Proof Rover Jacket, as surefire a spring style winner as it gets. Read more at GearMoose, then head to Huckberry to pick up yours.
Let’s turn briefly to the rugged leather boots you’ve (ideally) got on your feet this season. They should be from HELM Boots, no questions asked. More specifically, you should click through to this blog post covering the best Chelsea boots to buy right now. And if you thought spring wasn’t an ideal time for Chelsea boots? I promise, HELM has you taken care of.
Folks, that’ll just about do it for today’s Friday Read. But before I let you go, I’m going to direct you toward another standout timepiece that should be on your wrist this spring — the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch, as durable and stylish a watch as it gets. It’s rugged, it’s hard-wearing, it looks great whether grabbing coffee or grabbing a beer … you can do no wrong. By the way: Don’t forget your HELM Boots before you hit the road. OK, that’s all for now — thanks for reading!
A well-made, casual and seriously cool sweatshirt from Mott and Bow.
If you visit the digital pages of this blog often enough, you’ll find that we’re big fans of NYC-based denim purveyors Mott and Bow. They’re the focus once again of today’s See Now, Buy Now series, and they specialize in making a range of affordable men’s denim in quality fits, fabrics and washes, all with an emphasis on direct-to-consumer efficiency. And if you really, really dive deep into the blog, you’ll know that the brand does more than just make your favorite pair of jeans. In fact, as of this year, Mott and Bow is now making your new favorite sweatshirt (as the headline implies). The Mott and Bow Hooper French Terry Crewneck is, most importantly, versatile yet casual, not to mention extremely stylish and well-made — how’s that for a triple whammy? Not bad, right? Like all Mott and Bow gear, the difference is evident right from the start, and in this case, that means the right fabric sets this stylish sweatshirt apart from the pack.
One of the versatile colors in which you can get this crucial sweatshirt.
It’s pretty great that a brand that makes some of the coolest men’s jeans continues to branch out into complementary, stylish pieces that work very well with the slim denim on tap from them — I’m a fan after testing in recent weeks and months. Available in colors like Charcoal Heather, Heather Gray and the Navy option seen above, this rugged-yet-classic crewneck sweatshirt should pair well with everything from slim dark blue denim (from Mott and Bow, of course) and a classic Oxford shirt to tan chinos & white high-top sneakers for a bit of early, early spring transitional style. It helps that the crewneck sweatshirt has transcended its humble athletic roots to become a go-to everyday style move — I’d also suggest you layer it underneath a denim jacket with olive chinos and your favorite pair of chukka boots for easygoing weekend (or casual office!) style. The point is this: The Mott and Bow Hooper French Terry Crewneck is more than just your average crewneck, and you should expect nothing less from a brand that continues to innovate on all fronts.
As spring weather starts to roll into town — slowly but surely — it’s time to turn your attention toward the menswear classics that are going to work for you this season. To wit: Today’s #OOTD dives into the classic chinos you can wear all season, paired up with both rugged and refined style picks. Chinos started as a military staple, then transitioned into off-duty wear … and they’ve remained a constant ever since. Think of the Flint and Tinder Selvage Chinos as shown below (spoiler!) as a true workhorse pair of pants, able to be worn at the office and at happy hour — and on the weekend with your favorite T-shirt — in equal measure. The use of tough, cool selvage fabric gives them that old-school feel, too. They’re more polished than sweatpants or even a classic pair of dark denim, especially when you wear them the way today’s post is guiding you to do — with a rugged Western shirt from Taylor Stitch, not to mention equally rugged leather chukka boots from HELM Boots. All told, these are just a few of the pieces you can use in a spring-friendly #OOTD — comfort, style and versatility take center stage here. Naturally, it helps if you finish the entire ensemble off with one of the best men’s spring jackets — but I won’t spoil the exact pick just yet. If you have questions on how to wear your new favorite chinos, hit me up on Twitter.
You can wear these classic chinos just about anywhere — along with other menswear staples.
The Chinos: Flint and Tinder Selvage Chinos, $168 — The staple of your entire outfit, these might be some of the best men’s chinos on the market, especially as we head into the chino-friendly confines of spring. Wear these however you please.
The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Western Shirt, $125 — The beauty of wearing a pair of classic men’s chinos for spring is that they’ll work with so many other staples in your closet — like this versatile Western shirt from Taylor Stitch.
The Jacket: Belstaff Trialmaster Jacket, $595 — For inclement spring weather and road trips aplenty, you need one of the best men’s spring jackets — an utterly classic waxed jacket from Belstaff. Rugged, dependable, ready for anything.
The thing about some of the best men’s chinos is, again, that mix of versatility, rugged appeal & classic style. The trappings of spring are, of course, in full swing (say that five times fast) when you change up the pace and swap in a Taylor Stitch shirt in place of your more classic Oxford shirt — and that entire combination stands out quite nicely when your outer layer is a classic waxed jacket from Belstaff — for pairing up with iconic chinos, you should reach for an iconic men’s jacket (investment-level, yes, but worth it). The right footwear makes all the difference when it comes to all-day style and dependability, so you might as well reach for classic leather chukka boots, the kind that’ll break in over time and get better as they go. The right accessories help classic pieces stand out stylishly, so a vintage-style leather timepiece is the right move on the accessories front. Similarly, who can argue with one of the best men’s leather belts — and from the same brand that’s crafting your chinos? To switch things up in a way that’s unique and fun, reach for the Duke Cannon and Budweiser solid cologne shown above — it’s a nice grooming essential for spring to add to your arsenal. Last but not least, you need a tough bag to carry your EDC picks on the daily, and Billykirk x Flint and Tinder have delivered exactly what’s required this season. Again, if you have any further questions, you know where to find me — on Twitter! Cheers!
Looking into spring with one of the most functional overshirts on the market.
If it doesn’t feel quite like early spring is in the air in your neck of the woods, that’s perfectly alright (NYC weather can be quite up-and-down, too). But that doesn’t mean it’s not prudent to think about the early spring style essentials you’ll be wearing when the weather takes a turn for the better (whether expected or sudden). The focus in today’s edition of The List is, as always, on the best men’s gear — the kind of gear that can go anywhere (I.E. The Flint and Tinder Chamois Overshirt as shown above) while providing hours of versatility, durability and style. With that being said, let’s dive right in.
The right kind of transitional layer you need for early spring.
There’s comes a time in every stylish guy’s life when it’s not quite warm enough to wear only a henley out of the house, yet it’s not chilly enough to wear your toughest winter jacket — so, kind of like the weather you find in early spring. For all those times, you need one of the most versatile overshirts on the market, the Flint and Tinder Chamois Overshirt.
Slim chinos to wear with anything and everything this spring.
Wellen, an in-house brand at Huckberry, is the newest sustainable brand you need to shop (and wear) right now, and the best men’s chinos shown here are just the latest entry into the brand’s rotation of must-buy gear.
Finding the right deodorant — especially an aluminum-free deodorant at the right price — can be a taxing test of trial and error. Luckily, Olivina Men Deodorant — in clean scents like Black Oak, simply delivers.
Party Patch Hangover Defense — Starting at $19.79 (Four-Pack)
An essential when imbibing on St. Patrick’s Day (or any other special occasion!).
Hey, St. Patrick’s Day is on the way, so to avoid that dreaded next-day hangover for the holiday (or any weekend, for that matter), slap on a Party Patch as you imbibe, featuring vitamins like B5 and B6 that absorb through skin to negate the impact of one too many IPAs.
It’s the kind of multi-faceted piece that Reid does so well, featuring a water-resistant exterior nylon shell that just so happens to be crafted from Reid’s custom Camelia fabric — you might not find a more durable shirt jacket (in camo, no less!) than this one.
Reid takes great care when it comes to the details, too.
The camo print on this surprisingly rugged shirt jacket might seem to be a bit too much at first, but rest assured: When styled the right way, this piece can be minimal-yet-attention-grabbing (in a good way). The best men’s shirt jackets work well with other menswear classics, especially those more geared toward spring style, like a slim pair of light wash denim and a crisp white T-shirt — in this case, your new favorite shirt jacket does all the talking. You can also wear the Billy Reid Camelia Packable Shirt Jacket on the road (when it’s not packed in your bag, of course) — simply pair it up with tan chinos and a slim chambray shirt, then add rugged leather chukka boots for the ultimate in all-day travel style. To head to the office — yes, the office, swap in this stylish shirt jacket in place of a blazer atop your favorite Oxford shirt, then keep those same chinos and chukka boots handy. It’s a versatile, unique combo that’s just different enough to add a shot in the arm to your wardrobe, and that’s what it should be about as we start spring. No doubt about it, this shirt jacket could become your new go-to layering move.
The timeless, seriously cool spring jacket to start wearing right now.
There it is in all its glory — the new spring jacket you’re going to be wearing all season, starting with this weekend. To me, a versatile spring jacket like the Grayers Boone Utility Jacket is exactly the right layer you need to welcome the up-and-down weather of early March. And again, it’s the best spring jacket to wear as we kick off the weekend with today’s Friday Read. As for my weekend plans, I know a jacket like the Grayers Boone Utility Jacket could come in very handy for me — I’m trekking to a place known for some rain and breezy weather, Seattle! I’m heading out to this great Pacific Northwest city for the first time for a very exciting (and fitting) reason. I’ll be heading West to see what should be a terrific rock show by legendary NYC rockers The Strokes, who recently announced their first album in seven (!) years, titled “The New Abnormal.” Contemplative, synth-driven crooner “At The Door” is an innovative release, while “Bad Decisions” is a proper throwback Strokes track that pays homage to Billy Idol (seriously, listen to it!), and I truly can’t wait to see both tracks played live at the WaMu Theater. In the meantime, I’ll be busy exploring with my favorite spring style essentials in tow, naturally, and I’ll be taking in the cool environs and atmosphere of the Ace Hotel Seattle — another first for me! On the menswear front, I plan on checking out the latest and greatest at Filson, in addition to a stop through a longtime favorite retailer, Hammer and Awl.
In addition to rocking out to new and old favorites from a legendary band, I plan to get out and about in Seattle as much as possible (wearing the the best spring jacket I can find, of course). That’ll include stops at Georgetown Brewing, Pike Brewing and some small bites at the lauded PINTXO Seattle and Teku Tavern, along with a much-needed stop for record shopping at Holy Cow Records. Along the way, I plan to fuel up accordingly at spots like Analog Coffee — can it get much better? Not quite! So, have you been to Seattle? Where would you recommend I visit? Be sure to let me know on Twitter, and be sure to check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week in the meantime.
Don’t let your grooming routine slip on the weekend — in fact, using a refreshing face wash can be a great way to kickstart your day. In the spirit of improving your men’s grooming essentials across the board, I wrote about the best face washes for men over at GearMoose. Whatever your skin type or routine, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Keeping things slim and stylish is a must when it comes to your everyday carry essentials, especially when you’re talking slim denim or your favorite chinos. With that approach in mind, I wrote about the best slim wallets, featuring sleek and functional selections aplenty. Head to The Manual for my latest.
If you read the blog on the regular (and how could you not??), then you know that I’m all on board when it comes to the versatility and appeal of a rugged henley — this sportswear classic is now a daily style staple for guys everywhere, myself included. In the spirit of the best rugged gear for men, I rounded up my favorite henley shirts once again for The Manual. Once you’ve checked out that post, read this other post about how to wear a henley on the daily.
Alright, so we’ve covered off on new henleys, a new face wash for your grooming routine & of course, everyday carry essentials. What’s one final essential you can’t live without? It might just be a classic Oxford shirt, a fitting piece every week of the year — including blustery March days. With all that in mind, I’m going to point you toward my guide on how to wear an Oxford shirt. It’ll work on the weekend or at the office with ease — I should know, I’ve tried! OK, that’s all for now. To keep up with my weekend travels, be sure to join me on Instagram. Cheers!
A new take on the Chelsea boot from one of the best men’s bootmakers out there.
Just when you thought it might be time to start putting your leather boots away in favor of more spring-like style essentials, HELM Boots goes and releases some of the best leather Chelsea boots on the market. Surely, you know HELM Boots from the blog, and from my musings on the best boots to buy now. But if not? Let’s dive in. The boots in question in today’s See Now, Buy Now entry would just so happen to be the HELM Boots Holt Boots, a new take on classic Chelsea boots that’ll have you making plenty of excuses to wear them — yes, from the early spring and into (gasp) … the summer. After all, when you find a pair of the best Chelsea boots at an agreeable price for their construction and quality, you make an effort to get as much use out of them as possible — that’s my stance, at least.
So, to business. The HELM Boots Holt Boots come in two highly versatile, rich leathers: Dark Grey (wear them with stonewashed light grey jeans and a classic white T-shirt) or Dark Natural (ready to be paired with your favorite denim and a waxed trucker jacket). As it goes with HELM Boots, the difference really is in the details, starting with the fact that these stylish Chelsea boots are made with unique, full-grain Balthazar leather using time-tested methods (HELM Boots has been crafting stylish boots in Austin for more than a decade now, so rest assured, they hold up).
Sleek, yet rugged and dependable all the same — a very solid effort from HELM Boots.
Most importantly, the HELM Boots Holt Boots really drive home the notion that every guy needs a great pair of Chelsea boots in his wardrobe. They’re more visually interesting than classic chukka boots (although you need a pair of those, too!), they offer tougher style and functionality than high-top sneakers (again, also a necessity!), and in the case of the HELM Boots Holt Boots, they can be worn to the office as readily as they can be worn to, say, the Austin City Limits music festival. How’s that for a classic pair of Chelsea boots? Not bad, I’d say. Experience the HELM Boots Holt Boots for yourself, then let me know what you think of them on Twitter.
Navigating the 21st-century dating world — especially in 2020 — can be a taxing and tricky prospect, and that goes for established relationships, budding relationships and heck, marriage in equal measure. Are coffee dates still the norm in all three of these situations? In my estimation, yes — we’ll leave the rest of the questions to smarter folks, but today, we’re going to talk about what to wear on a weekend coffee date. A standby of enjoyable, relaxing time together, often pairing great coffee with (hopefully) great conversation — pick the right coffee shop, plan activities before and after … and yes, figure out what to wear on a weekend coffee date in the meantime. No matter how long (or short!) you’ve been with your partner, dressing for the occasion with your favorite men’s style essentials — much less style essentials for early spring — is always the right way to approach the situation (even if you’ve previously viewed your weekend coffee run as a necessity rather than event). So, from a new Faherty Brand Chore Coat to a classic crewneck sweatshirt and of course, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt for classic, laidback style, I think you’ll like what we’re brewing up today. The goal is to approach the situation (in matters of dress as well as mentally) with an air of casual cool — so, be yourself, dress the part, then enjoy the day. If you’ve got questions on what to wear for a weekend, let me know on Twitter. OK, order up!
Keeping things casual and cool for a weekend coffee date.
The Jacket: Faherty Brand Chore Coat, $328 — Statement-making outerwear, the kind that’s eye-catching without going crazy, is tough to find these days — except the Faherty Brand Chore Coat, the ideal way to make a first (or second, or third) impression.
The Sweatshirt: Taylor Stitch Crewneck in Natural Donegal Terry, $128— Depending on the weather, maybe you won’t need this classic crewneck sweatshirt from Taylor Stitch. But if you do, it’s a classic layer that quietly nods toward timeless cool.
The Oxford Shirt: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt,$118 — In keeping with the vibe we’re going for (calm, cool and collected), a garment-dyed Oxford shirt in a flattering color and soft fabric is your best friend (and possibly … your new favorite shirt?).
The Denim: Flint and Tinder 1-Year Wash Jeans, $128 — Again, since it’s the weekend, we’re keeping things casual but not over-the-top — perfectly faded denim, especially from Flint and Tinder, is your go-to move.
The Classic Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155 — When you want to look put-together without overdoing it, reach for classic chukka boots that are visually interesting and easy to wear with your favorite jeans.
The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $128— Leave the heirloom-worthy watch or that rugged dive watch at home — a classic casual watch, particularly a Horween leather strap watch, is your move here.
The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Solid Cologne, $25— Again, making a great impression (regardless of how long you’ve been dating!) is a solid move any day of the week, and Duke Cannon Solid Cologne is subtle & high-quality — certainly, some of the best men’s solid cologne on the market.
The Wallet: Red Wing Heritage Classic Bifold, $129.99— Picking up coffee on this date is the right thing to do (in my book), and Red Wing Heritage is helping you meet that aim with one of the best men’s leather wallets — a classic wallet you’ll have for many dates to come, no doubt.
The key here, as with so many entries in our #OOTD series, comes with making the pieces you know and love — for instance, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt — work in harmony together in a way that’s polished and cool, yet memorable. That’s why we’re pairing your new favorite shirt with the right complementary pieces, including a classic crewneck sweatshirt and the Faherty Brand Chore Coat as shown above. This outfit has the makings of care and personal style without being too wild — sounds pretty great, right? In keeping with the laidback nature of a weekend outing, perfectly faded denim is a natural move (although rugged camp pants could also work if you wanted to go a bit more, well, rugged). Rather than wear a pair of lovingly worn-in sneakers — save those for the summer — go with classic chukka boots to add some polish to this look (keep those same boots handy to wear to the office on Monday, too). You’re going to be tying it all together with essential accessories, including a classic casual watch for noteworthy style (everyone loves a cool watch, no?). Haul your cash and cards with one of the best men’s leather wallets, and be sure to freshen up with one of the best men’s solid cologne for that extra finishing touch. Are you feeling ready for your coffee date? I hope so — to get more daily style inspiration, head to my Instagram.
Rugged, comfortable leather wingtip boots … that could be yours soon.
Brogue detailing sets these handsome wingtip boots apart — enter below to win your own!
The Style Guide 