Author / Beau H.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Rooftop at Pier 17, The Best Men’s Sunglasses & the Todd Snyder Land Cruiser

One of the best views in the city for drinks? You bet. Image courtesy of R17.

While we normally start The Friday Read by recommending a men’s style essential to buy in advance of the weekend, we’re going to go a different route today — I’m going to point you toward one of the best new restaurants in New York City, a proper dining experience I recently found delightful. That is to say, the Rooftop at Pier 17, also known as R17, is the place to be this summer. As it were, Pier 17 is also one of the best venues for music in the city, with past acts running the gamut from Passion Pit to Kings of Leon (both of which are right up my alley).

R17 was kind enough to seat myself and my great friend + fellow media industry pro Kyle Campbell on a recent evening, and I can’t say enough about the wall-to-wall experience at R17. It’s absolutely one of the best rooftops for drinks in the Big Apple, and I don’t say that lightly — it’s rare I get the chance to escape to a rooftop, let alone on a weeknight, for some lovely bites and cocktails. Get the English Muffin Burger, but not before you’ve started things off with some Crispy Potatoes. Wash it down with a Kentucky Cooler, a delightfully delicious bourbon-rouge vermouth-campari concoction that was surprisingly perfect for summer — especially on a hot night. If you happen to be in NYC this weekend or in the months ahead, squeeze in some time to visit the Rooftop at Pier 17 — no regrets to be found anywhere (and a heck of a view to go along with it!). Now onto the rest of today’s Friday Read. Start your weekend the right way here, will you?

The right accessories can make all the difference when it comes to your #OOTD — that’s why I’m re-upping my post on the best men’s sunglasses (and you should check out my own post on this blog covering another pair of must-have sunglasses). Any one of those pairs could be the perfect way to soak up some rays.

  • Let’s keep talking about the best men’s gear, shall we? On that note, I also covered the best messenger bags for men over at The Manual, featuring tried-and-true, favorite brands like WP Standard (as seen on my Instagram) and a few others I’m sure you’ll recognize. Time to gear up!
  • Lastly, let’s have a little fun before we start the weekend. You surely know Todd Snyder, my favorite American menswear designer — and assuredly, a favorite of yours, as well. But did you know that Mr. Snyder recently put his stamp on a custom-made, investment-level car? Yes indeed, the Todd Snyder FJ43 Land Cruiser is iconic and one-of-a-kind. Head to GearMoose to get the full scoop via my latest feature for that site.

One last time before we head out of here for a few days: I’d implore you to check out my favorite menswear picks for the rest of summer, featuring an indigo Western shirt, classic men’s chinos and plenty more wearable picks for any day of the week. OK, that’s all for now — cheers!

by Beau H.

The List: Fight the Dog Days of Summer with these Essential Menswear Picks

The very embodiment of the type of versatility you need heading through August into September.

Did mid-August sneak up on you? Well, you’re not the only one — where did the summer go?? I’ll leave the answers to that question to people much smarter than me, because we’ve got plenty of new men’s gear picks to cover in today’s edition of The List. As we look toward the end of summer and the start of early fall, I think you’ll find that bridging the gap between seasons is easier than one might expect — especially if you pick up the Wellen Stretch Chore Coat as seen above (and below). More picks await, my friends — enjoy!

Wellen Stretch Chore Coat — $128

Made with hemp, this chore coat is both rugged and also ready to replace your favorite blazer.

Although this Wellen chore coat has proven a hot seller through summer, it’s worth considering adding it to your late summer/early fall outerwear rotation — it’s a classic chore coat that serves as a cool stand-in for your typical blazer.

Pro-Keds Royal Hi — $65

The classic high-tops to take you from August into early fall.

Summer might be close to winding down on the calendar, technically, and yet there’s no wrong time to buy classic high-top sneakers, especially a pair like the Pro-Keds Royal Hi, which you can wear with a classic Oxford shirt and dark denim come early fall.

Taylor Stitch Natural Camp Pants in Organic Selvage — $148

Surprisingly versatile camp pants from Taylor Stitch in classic fabric.

Make no mistake, we’re not done with Taylor Stitch yet in today’s edition of The List, but these rugged camp pants (a fast seller) are the perfect starting point. Wear them off the trail or to your favorite brewery, especially with classic suede chukka boots.

Lum-Tec M84 Automatic Watch — $1,095

A rugged-yet-refined watch that gets the job done on the daily.

If you’re the type of guy to look for an investment-level watch to wear every day, the kind that can seamlessly move from one season to the next, the absurdly well-crafted Lum-Tec M84 Automatic is one of the best men’s watches on the market (as previously seen on the blog, naturally).

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Ash Gingham — $125

A versatile, terrifically well-made Taylor Stitch shirt.

It might just be a fact that there’s no bad time to wear the nearly legendary Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, an excellent-fitting men’s shirt that you should wear with everything from olive chinos to navy shorts as summer winds down (eventually). The gingham pattern is a winner, too.

Housefish Pocket Desk — $764.98

A beautiful desk to upgrade your home office with ease.

Make no mistake, we’re not all about menswear here. There’s something about the impending start of fall that I find fits well with settling down at a classic wooden desk on a crisp day with a hot cup of coffee and a warm cardigan … that’s the dream, and the Housefish Pocket Desk could help you achieve your own. Right??

Rhodes Dean Boots — $220 

The perfect leather boots to step from August into September.

Now, you’ve surely seen iterations of the Rhodes Dean Boots in editions of The List more concerned with winter style essentials, but I think you’ll find these sleek leather boots are going to be nice to have on hand heading through August, too. Try them with slim light wash jeans and a rugged short-sleeve henley, to start.

Flint and Tinder Defender Denim — $138

The rough-and-tumble denim you can wear every single day.

You know the dark denim we mentioned earlier? This is the pair your author had in mind, a set of classic men’s dark blue denim made from rich Japanese selvedge and featuring aramid fibers woven in for a remarkably durable fit and feel.

Free Fly Cruiser Henley — $60

The classic henley you’ll find yourself using as a critical, transitional base layer.

For breezy summer nights and surprisingly cool days, you can’t go wrong with a rugged henley, especially one that’s surprisingly affordable from Free Fly. Perfect to wear with … you guessed it, classic men’s dark blue denim.

Stetson The Chapman Hat — $155

Yet another handsome, classic Stetson hat to add to your arsenal.

 Stetson hats are legendary for their tough construction and rugged quality, and the Stetson Chapman Hat is no different. Keep it handy this fall, trust me.

Peak Design Travel Duffel — $130

A travel bag that packs a heck of a lot into one design for an affordable price.

The upcoming start of a new season means you should evaluate your travel plans — and your durable travel gear — accordingly. With that in mind, the Peak Design Travel Duffel is highly functional and ready for anything.

LEMS Shoes Leather Boulder Boots — $150

The right pair of packable, tough leather boots from LEMS and Huckberry.

To close out this post, let’s focus on a rugged pair of leather boots that’ll transition with surprising ease from August on into fall — the LEMS Shoes Leather Boulder Boots are a new take on the style, made to be packed up and then worn for days on end for rugged exploration.

 

To be sure, it was mighty tough to narrow down this version of The List, what with rugged, versatile picks like a Wellen chore coat  and the LEMS Shoes Leather Boulder Boots on offer. If I had to pick just one, I might recommend snapping up the Peak Design Travel Duffel … or the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic. OK, so I guess those are actually my top two. What about you? Let me know how you’re closing out summer over on Twitter.

 

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: My Guide to Wearing a Chambray Shirt This Month — Or All Year

As you’ll see below, there might never be a bad time to wear a chambray shirt like the one we’re about to discuss today. We’ve mentioned it time and time again on the blog, but the best men’s chambray shirt (and there’s a difference between good and great), is a true four-season essential, as wearable now as it will be come September, October, November … you get the picture. But sometimes, getting through the seasonal doldrums that we find ourselves in right now isn’t as daunting as it might seem at first. In fact, it’s sometimes about taking tried-and-true men’s style essentials and having some fun with them. In the case of the classic chambray shirt on display today in our #OOTD series, that means it’s being worn with equally classic style picks that fit in regardless of season (yes, even in the sweltering August heat). Witness, for instance, the stylish slim chinos and the classic chukka boots in this ensemble, not to mention the positively rugged, investment-level watch — all worn with ease and casual cool for a look that’s as ready for happy hour as it is for a Casual Friday. Throw in accessories like a slim leather wallet, and you could even wear this look out on a date. See, the doldrums of summer aren’t a time to throw away style principles — stick to yours, wear this classic chambray shirt, and get ready for what lies ahead.

Mixing and matching classic picks with an essential chambray shirt.

  • The Chambray Shirt: Proof Strong Shirt, $128 — The best men’s chambray shirt? The chambray shirt to rule them all? I’ll leave that to you to decide, but there’s a good chance that … yes, yes it is.
  • The Classic Chinos: Wellen Easy Chinos, $88 — Keep things casual yet surprisingly polished with these stylish slim chinos, made sustainably in a classic color.
  • The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots, $165 — There’s absolutely never a bad time to wear classic chukka boots, even in the middle of August — trust me on that. Astorflex gets ’em right.
  • The Watch: Lum-Tec M84 Automatic Watch, $1,095 — I’m admittedly not a huge watch snob, but there’s no question the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic (while pricey!) might just be one of the best men’s watches we’ve featured on this site. That’s it!
  • The Belt: Macondo Belts Inca Belt, $105 — Granted, you might not think of a stylish leather belt as a place to stand out in terms of pattern and design — change that with this number from Macondo Belts.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet, $65 — Be it on the go to the office or to an evening dinner, a slim leather wallet carries only what you need.
  • The Daily Cologne: Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne, $69 — This cologne from Ranger Station is pleasing, crisp & not too heavy for daily wear.
  • The Grooming Essential: Jack Henry Face Toner, $24 — I can’t recommend this lightweight, refreshing, functional toner from Jack Henry enough after using it every day for weeks. It’s a men’s grooming essential you need ASAP.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sometimes, the best men’s chambray shirt is all you need to build a great outfit (or at least, the foundation of a great outfit). And it gets even better and even more seasonally friendly when you throw on easygoing Wellen chinos (it’s right in the name, after all!), plus classic chukka boots — granted, these are picks that work any time of the year, but they’ll do more than fine in August as we look toward (gasp) Labor Day. The right accessories elevate the chambray shirt from good to great, as well. Take the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic, a beast of a watch that’ll stand out stylishly as you roll up the sleeves on this shirt.

Couple that with the equally eyecatching stylish leather belt on display here, and this #OOTD is ready to be worn the office, shirt tucked in (or untucked — do as you please, of course). For keeping thing streamlined and smooth, grab your slim leather wallet from Tanner Goods — it’ll fit nicely in the front pocket of your chinos, and it’ll age the more you use it. All those little details stand out quite easily, too, including what should be a fantastic Ranger Station cologne (making this ensemble ready for date night). And in the way of a men’s grooming essential you shouldn’t go without, I’m a big fan of Jack Henry’s Face Toner (a  great outfit is nothing without a little T.L.C for your face, ehh?). Are you sold on the utility and versatility of the chambray shirt? You should be. Have questions? Drop me a line on Twitter. Cheers!


by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Wear the Grayers Dylan Blazer to Your Next Summer Wedding

A classic, casual khaki blazer from an all-American brand.

Have you been through the ringer when it comes to summer weddings? Are you running out of things to wear, or heck …  even any ideas as to what to wear to a summer wedding? Well, fear not: The Grayers Dylan Blazer is the blazer to wear to a summer wedding (or any seasonally friendly shindig, for that matter). It’s one of the best men’s blazers on the market, all owing to a combination of lightweight fabric, classic style & an impeccable fit from Grayers. Would you expect anything less, really? It all starts with the summer-ready shade of khaki, wearable with everything from grey chinos and a white linen shirt (for a breezy outdoor wedding) or  slim navy chinos, brown suede loafers and a navy knit tie (for a slightly more formal affair). In short, the Grayers Dylan Blazer is your easy answer if ever you get stuck between wanting to look sharp and wanting to stay cool — never an easy task in the heat of summer (believe me, we’ve all been there).

SHOP: The Grayers Dylan Blazer

This stylish blazer also stands apart compared to dressier, potentially more heat-inducing style staples. As much as brands have innovated to make suits lighter, there’s still the chance you’re going to be sweating before the reception starts — not so with the Grayers Dylan Blazer, made with a cotton-spandex blend for ease of movement. Note that the sleeves are lined in Bemberg, so it’s best to go lighter in terms of weight with your shirt (think a garment-dyed Oxford shirt or perhaps, a stylish short-sleeve shirt as a style hack). The way you wear the Grayers Dylan Blazer is ultimately up to you, seeing as it’s also versatile enough to be worn to the office with dark blue denim, classic suede chukka boots and a blue Oxford shirt (for starters). Again, you should rest easy knowing that your warm-weather style needs are more than covered when it comes to this handsome blazer.

SHOP: The Grayers Dylan Blazer

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Rhodes Dean Boots

Sleek, dependable leather boots to get you in the spirit of fall (slowly but surely, of course).

OK, folks. Bear with me here: Although it’s still August, why are we talking once more on the blog about the Rhodes Dean Boots (as seen here)? There’s still plenty of summer left, to be sure, but there’s never a bad time to grab a pair of the best men’s boots — and besides, the Rhodes Dean Boots are sleek, stylish  & affordable, plus they’re available for a heck of a deal at Huckberry. Again, bear with me here — perhaps, the heat is so bad in your neck of the woods you can’t bear the thought of putting on rugged leather boots. And that’s OK! The earlier you can start prepping for one of the best seasons in menswear (that’d be fall), the better. There’s really no better place to start building out your cadre of fall style essentials than your collection of rugged leather boots — trust me on that.

Every guy needs a great pair of leather boots in his closet for when temperatures take a turn downward, and the great part is, if you can’t stand to wait until September or October to break out the Rhodes Dean Boots, they’re actually lightweight enough to be worn with, say, slim light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley in August. It all starts with the little details. Crucially, you’re getting the sort of quality and style you expect from Huckberry, seeing as they’re made in Portugal from premium materials like rich, premium calf leather designed to resist odors and provide breathability at the same time.

A sleek toe shape that still manages to convey rugged style.

SHOP:The Rhodes Dean Boots

You’re also getting the ability to mix and match as you go along — for instance, the Rhodes Dean Boots come in both cap toe (as seen above) and plain toe options, all the better for going slightly more rugged or slightly more sleek. And given the fact that the Rhodes Dean Boots are available in rich, early fall-ready colors like Rust (my personal favorite) and Honey, they’re a wise investment to make up front. Of course, they wouldn’t be a pair of the best leather boots without design touches like a Texon insole with an anti-shock foam layer (crucial if you happen to be wearing these to a brewery or a rock concert). And small details like speedhook lacing and raw leather laces offer up the rugged styling you crave when it comes to a pair of the best leather boots. Again, while it might seem early to be thinking about picking up a pair of the Rhodes Dean Boots, it’s truly never too soon to plan ahead.

SHOP:The Rhodes Dean Boots

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Strokes, Lollapalooza & the Best Everyday Carry Gear

An undeniable pair of rugged leather Chelsea boots for a summer weekend — and a music festival?

For me, there are certain men’s style essentials that are actually, well, festival style essentials — like a rugged pair of leather boots. In fact, the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chelsea Boots are as ready for a weekend in a favorite city as they are for the festival itself. And with all this talk of music festivals, it’s only fitting that I’ll be in Chicago this weekend for the one and only Lollapalooza, one of my favorite festivals on the planet. I previously visited Lollapalooza 2017 to see luminous rock bands like The Killers, and last night’s kickoff headlining set by NYC rock legends The Strokes at Lollapalooza 2019 was also as good as it gets — truly legendary. It’s the second time I’ve seen them play this summer in fact, seeing as I headed to London in May for the excellent All Points East Festival and another legendary weekend abroad. What does the rest of this weekend hold?

Well, another trip today to Lollapalooza to see Tame Impala, plus the extraordinary Maggie Rogers and iconic acts like Death Cab for Cutie — to say I’m looking forward to it would be an understatement! I also hope to check out the quickly growing Chicago craft beer scene, including a personal favorite, Half Acre Beer Company. To keep up with all the fun, check out my page on Instagram. As you start your own weekend, I’d also point you toward today’s Friday Read below, and tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Happy style shopping!

  • I often say that the small details are the most underrated and oft-overlooked — correct? Correct. And when it comes to the best everyday carry gear, there are certain brands you can absolutely count on — like The James Brand, and specifically, The James Brand Holcombe Carabiner as I covered for GearMoose. Particularly if you’re heading to a music festival, you’ll never misplace your keys again.
  • Speaking of dressing for a music festival, well, I’m going to point your toward my guide on how to wear a short-sleeve shirt for summer. Especially as the thermostat climbs and the music ramps up, this #OOTD is going to be the way to go.
  • Because this weekend is all about music, and because The Strokes were one heck of a way to kick off Lollapalooza, well, you’d do well to explore “Is This It” by The Strokes in just five minutes via Pitchfork. Turn it up while you’re at it, will you?

OK, we’ve got one last item to wrap up the week and head into the weekend. Namely, I’m going to point you in the right direction when it comes to the best new men’s style essentials — check out this recent edition of The List to get outfitted for the days to come.

by Beau H.

The List: Shop My Favorite Menswear Picks for August Right Now

An all-season shirt that’s particularly well-suited to close out summer.

If you check out the digital pages of this site on the regular, you’re well-acquainted with The List, my ongoing rundown of the best new men’s style essentials, often with a seasonal tilt. But some pieces, like the Proof Strong Shirt —  deserve to be worn in multiple seasons, the dead of summer included. We’re right on the verge of August, and summer is absolutely going strong, so the below crucial menswear picks offer up versatility, rugged functionality and a bit more summer adventure for the taking. Shop on.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!
Proof Strong Shirt — $128

The classic chambray shirt you can wear from now until the end of the year.

Now, we’ve talked in the past on the blog about the Proof Strong Shirt, one of the best chambray shirts out there — easily. It’s an all-season classic, especially as we move through August into (gasp) fall.

Beckett Simonon Yates Oxford Brogues — $199

Sleek, stylish and custom-made — Beckett Simonon gets it right.

Looking for the best pair of dress shoes to wear to that last summer wedding? You’ve found them courtesy of Beckett Simonon. Wearable with everything from a khaki cotton suit to chambray trousers and a navy blazer (or dark denim and a white Oxford at the office).

SYMBOL Audio Dovetail Record Crate — $225

A handsome way to store your favorite records.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re aware that I’m a huge fan of live music — and that I’ve got a slowly growing record collection. Although I’ve got the Tanner Goods Record Rack myself, I’d recommend you pick up this surprisingly stylish record crate for your collection.

Lum-Tec M82 Automatic Watch — $1,095

A beastly watch to wear as you close out summer. Perfectly rugged.

From stylish dress shoes to an investment-level watch? Yes, absolutely — Lum-Tec makes some of the best men’s watches on the market, and this timepiece is built to last all through August and well into fall.

Gramicci Shell Packable Shorts — $78

The durable, packable shorts for the end of summer.

Speaking of durable outdoor gear and the best men’s watches, allow me to introduce you to some of the best men’s shorts on the market, a field-ready pair you should have no problem wearing to a brewery or out on a day hike.

SeaVees Mariner Oxford — $117.98

Extremely dependable SeaVees sneakers, as one would expect.

If you check out the blog regularly (which you should!), then you know about the SeaVees Mariner Boots — but what about the classic men’s sneakers from the same brand that share the same heritage? That’s the SeaVees Mariner Oxford for you.

Wellen Printed Short-Sleeve Shirt — $68

A printed shirt that’s surprisingly subtle? Sign me up.

Wondering what sort of shirt you can wear with your classic men’s sneakers? Answer: This stylish printed shirt from Wellen, an easygoing end-of-summer staple.

Native North Japanese Tencel Pants — $130.98

The durable, mobile pants you won’t want to change out of.

Summer is all about staying breezy and cool, even as we move through August — these slim summer pants are the right way to go about it.

Peak Design Travel Backpack — $220 

The best everyday backpack to bring with you … everywhere?

There are your normal, everyday backpacks, and then there’s the Peak Design Travel Backpack, very likely one of the best backpacks you’re apt to find on this site (and elsewhere). Carry it on your next summer adventure, and then on into the next season.

Upstate Stonewashed Linen Sheet Set — Starting at $258

The best linen sheets you can buy? You decide.

If you just can’t escape the summer heat or if you sleep hot, then there’s no time like the present to get some of the best new linen sheets from Upstate. Stylish, well-made and guaranteed to help you sleep cooler.

BioLite Fire Pit + Solar Cover Bundle — $219.98

Two handy pieces of gear to pack up on your next camping trip.

Let’s step away again from the menswear space and check out the best outdoor gear you need for that summer or early fall camping getaway — BioLite delivers two camping essentials in affordably priced package.

Quoddy Tender Boat Shoes — $269

The leather boat shoes you didn’t know you needed.

Thought the time had passed to shop around for stylish boat shoes? Think again. There’s still ample opportunity to wear these surprisingly rugged boat shoes from Quoddy.

Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley — $38

A rugged short-sleeve henley to wear anytime, anywhere.

A classic short-sleeve henley is the go-to essential you can wear underneath anything (try a denim jacket or a cotton blazer), and it also works darn fine all on its own. As always, Flint and Tinder nails it.

STANCE No-Show Socks — Starting at $10

Well-designed no-show socks for summer’s final month.

Affordably priced, high-quality no-show socks can be somewhat tough to find — but that’s not the case anymore with STANCE. They offer a range of options and colors, plus no-slip functionality and sleek design.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

That’ll do it for today’s edition of The List, packed with all the best men’s style gear you can shake a stick at. Which of the above picks tops your own personal list? I think it’s hard to top durable sneakers like the SeaVees Mariner Oxford, and it’s also hard to pass up an investment-level watch from the likes of Lum-Tec. That’s my take, at least.  Happy shopping!

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Gear to Your Next Summer Bonfire

I’ve talked on the blog before about how to dress for a summer bonfire — and namely, how summer bonfires remind me of the lovely, warm nights back in my home state of Michigan. I don’t often get to go to many bonfires now that I live in NYC, but if I did … this is the gear I would wear, starting with a stylish lightweight jacket for taking on summer breezes. Heck, these are the summer style essentials I’d recommend you wear as well, including a stylish short-sleeve shirt and more gear picks that toe the line between casual & rugged, just as ready for a day on the boardwalk as a beach bonfire later. Dressing for a bonfire, although seemingly casual, doesn’t mean you throw on athletic logo shorts & a baggy T-shirt and call it a day — at least, not to me. No sir, grab some classic SeaVees sneakers, throw on a vintage-inspired cap, load up a craft beer growler, and take in a lovely evening around the fire. If you’re surrounded by a multitude of family and friends? All the better. We’re running out of chances to enjoy summer, so it’s best you do it in style. And y’know what’s even better? This is the type of #OOTD you can wear all day long, and into the night. Sounds great to me. Enjoy!

The right mix of casual and rugged for a summer evening bonfire.

  • The Lightweight Jacket: Relwen Covert CPO, $148.98 — This stylish lightweight jacket is a heck of a deal when on sale, and it’s the perfect summer jacket for a breezy night around the fire.
  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve Jack Shirt, $98 — This is the first of two Taylor Stitch picks gracing this outfit — a stylish short-sleeve shirt is an easygoing summer style essential, especially for a day at the beach & a bonfire.
  • The Shorts: Taylor Stitch Trail Shorts, $88 — While you still can, wear stylish shorts, especially this utility-minded pair from Taylor Stitch. These are some of the best men’s shorts for the rest of summer.
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneakers in Chambray, $88 — For just a shade under $90, get the classic sneakers that are simply perfect to wear to a bonfire — durable, comfortable & made with that iconic SeaVees quality.
  • The Watch: Komrade White Pointer Watch, $808.98 — For a day on the water or the trail, or an evening when you’re called into firewood duty, wear a durable dive watch — sure, Komrade makes an investment-level watch … but it’s worth it.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Filson Ranger Backpack, $225 — Whether you’ve packed up this rugged Filson backpack as part of a day hike or a beach trip, it’s the everyday carry essential to haul, well, everything you need (bug spray not included).
  • The Hat: Faherty Brand Sunset Patch Cord Hat, $38 — Throw on a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand to top off this outfit — it’s got just enough rugged style for an evening bonfire.
  • The Craft Beer Must-Have: OtterBox Elevation 64 Tumbler, $56 — If you show up to the bonfire with some delicious craft beer, that’s great. If it’s being transported in this OtterBox tumbler with enough to share? Even better.

If the above #OOTD is any indication, then the bar has been raised when it comes to dressing for a summer bonfire, starting with the perfect summer jacket to help you fight an unexpectedly chilly summer night. It’s the kind of piece that pairs ably with a stylish short-sleeve shirt from one of my favorite brands (that’s Taylor Stitch, folks), and the combo gets even better when teamed up with stylish utility shorts from the same brand. They’re functional enough for a day getting around town, and they’re laidback enough to enjoy some cold beers from an OtterBox tumbler, right? This outfit gets even more bonfire-ready when you look at what’s on your: perfectly casual, classic sneakers in a summer-friendly chambray fabric. Leave the heavy leather boots at home for this venture, folks. One thing you shouldn’t leave at home? A durable dive watch you can wear all day — even to snag some extra firewood. Top everything off, literally, with a classic ballcap from Faherty Brand, and be sure to haul along your gear with a rugged Filson backpack for whatever the day has in store. Do you think this #OOTD is missing anything? Be sure to hop over to Twitter to let me know. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Wellen Easy Chinos are The Breezy Chinos to Wear Everywhere

Breezy chinos fit for a summer weekend.

When you think of men’s chinos, do you tend to picture the pair you wore “back in the day” — maybe with a few too many pleats and not enough serious style points? If that’s where your mind goes, you’re not alone. Luckily, the best men’s chinos are here: The Wellen Easy Chinos, quite possibly a gamechanging pair that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about, well, chinos. We’ve talked in the past about styles like the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos and the Relwen Flex Chinos, which definitely lean more classic, but the Wellen Easy Chinos take that same premise and turn it into something even more laidback, if that’s possible. Make no mistake though, just because the Wellen Easy Chinos look different than your typical pair (thank the stretch elastic waistband for that), they’re no less versatile and ready to add to your list of summer style essentials.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.

SHOP: The Wellen Easy Chinos

Also available in Navy, these are some of the most versatile chinos you can buy.

And there are plenty more reasons why these Wellen chinos are some of the best men’s chinos, including the fact that they’re made with a summer-friendly blend of 68 percent organic cotton and 32 percent linen for both breathability and durability. That’s exactly what you want from a pair of chinos you can wear with a slub T-shirt and suede chukka boots as easily as you can pair it up with a hemp polo and a light wash denim jacket. Of course, versatility is the name of the game when it comes to color options, too — Navy and Olive ought to more than nicely do the trick as you consider purchasing the Wellen Easy Chinos. Side slit pockets drive home the classic chino silhouette, too. So, are the Wellen Easy Chinos … easygoing enough for you? If you pick up a pair, let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers

Timeless and ready to be broken in, those are the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard for you.

If you’re trying to hang onto the last handful of weeks of summer — not to rush things,  though — then the best men’s sneakers are exactly what the doctor ordered. To be more specific, those sneakers just happen to be the quick-selling SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers, a fine pair of classic kicks to add to your rotation. We’ve talked often on the blog about SeaVees sneakers, a reliably timeless brand that  delivers from spring through summer & beyond, and the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers are among a dozen or so fine options from the brand that’ll set apart many a summer ensemble. The Hermosa Plimsoll in particular stands out from a crowded sneaker market for the simple fact that it’s straightforward, subtly stylish, and worth wearing with just about anything. And perhaps the real kicker? You can pick up the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers for just $78 at Huckberry — how crucial is that for the rest of summer? VERY crucial — it means you can beat ’em up a bit without worry. Simply put, these are the sneakers to take you from late July into August, past Labor Day & even into early October (just pair them with indigo denim and a classic chambray shirt, for instance).

SHOP: The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers

The timeless, simple summer sneakers you’ll want on your feet all the time.

The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers are a play on a fitting moment in time given that the brand celebrates California cool — they pay homage to the first-ever skateboarding competition held back in August 1963. They’re suitably breezy in that regard, made with brushed linen for summer-friendly texture and breathability, whether you pair ’em up with slim chino shorts and a classic navy polo or a slub tee and slim light wash denim. The fact that they’re also lined in brushed chambray makes them nice and easy on your feet (A pro tip: Get a great foot powder, or else wear some stylish no-show socks). These are the definition of grab-and-go sneakers, and should be worn everywhere from a summer BBQ to a brewery tour to the boardwalk (and the beach! Just slip ’em off). For under $80, they’re a downright steal when it comes to classic men’s sneakers, and there’s no denying they’ll be a fine option to carry you through the end of summer — that’s a fact.

SHOP: The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Sneakers