Author / Beau H.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Aether Apparel Half-Zip Sweatshirt is an Effortlessly Cool Spring Layer

There’s a right way and a wrong way to layer up for spring with the best spring style essentials, believe it or not. Or at least, that’s the case on this Brooklyn style blog, where I’m all about versatility in design, the right balance between performance fabrics and everyday style, and a dash of the unexpected. Take Los Angeles-based performance menswear brand Aether Apparel and the new Aether Apparel Spring 2025 Collection.

Learn more now at Aether Apparel

The company rests at the intersection of gear you can wear out of the city — on a day hike, a long flight or somewhere in between — and gear that looks crisp and stylish getting from point A to point B. Add in a dash of the unexpected, as with the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt, and now, we’re getting somewhere, so to speak.

If ever you’ve been hesitant about wearing a zip pullover or sweatshirt someplace other than the golf course, now’s the time to put those thoughts to the side — a new way to layer for spring weekends and casual days on Zoom calls at home just arrived.

It’s got more going for it than your traditional sporty crewneck, starting with the fact that it’s made from organic French Terry cotton. The half-zip design also swerves from the quarter-zip design’s traditional look, and the overall appeal of this casually cool layering piece sits somewhere between a traditional crewneck sweatshirt (in material) and the OG quarter zip.

Taken all at once, the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt checks every one of the boxes we talked about earlier, all while doing so in slightly unexpected fashion — you might even say the quarter-zip sweatshirt or pullover is back in a whole new way.

The design should prove thermal in nature, ideal for brisk spring mornings and cool summer nights in the field (in fact, Aether Apparel says your new favorite zip sweatshirt is “an uncompromising exercise in versatile comfort and warmth” — how’s that for performance?).

The Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt is even built with underarm eyelets for increased ventilation: While this zip sweatshirt might not quite be one to wear on long runs, it can certainly tackle day hikes and other, more leisurely weekend pursuits.

Even the notched offset chest pocket is a visual touch that shows that a serious level of design and thought went into the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt. On the style front, rib cuffs give this a sweatshirt-like fit and feel (it’s right in the name, after all), and three crisp, neutral color options deliver easygoing style potential — that goes for everything from olive-hued joggers to faded light wash jeans as a leisurely weekend look. Don’t hesitate to layer up the Aether Apparel Monte Half-Zip Sweatshirt for work or play — it’ll assuredly deliver.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Crown Northampton Leather Sneakers are Some of the Finest Sneakers on the Market, Period

Crown Northampton sneakers review.

Every so often in the course of running this Brooklyn style blog, I come across a company that defies convention, that makes me look twice — and that makes me appreciate the art and science behind crafting, say, some of the best sneakers for men on the market. In recent weeks, British shoemaker Crown Northampton has come across my inbox — and my footwear shelf — in utterly fine form, delivering some of the best men’s sneakers I’ve had the pleasure of lacing up.

Learn more now at Crown Northampton

The venerable footwear brand has been in the business of making some of the finest shoes for men since 1908, with five generations of family members carrying on that legacy. It’s remarkably impressive, as it’s no small feat to consistently make some of the best men’s shoes while staying steadfast to time-honored methods.

The company takes the delicate art of dress shoe making and applies it to everything from desert boots to sneakers to handsome leather goods, each made with richly crafted leather from the likes of Horween and available in a range of exceptionally handsome, stylish shades (including the rich black leather I opted for in selecting my pair of Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers, one of several varieties within the Abington family).

Suffice to say, in my Crown Northampton review — as you might have seen over on my Instagram — I was exceptionally impressed with the care and craft that went into seemingly every stitch of my new favorite high-top sneakers.

The Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers stand alone from other high-top sneakers — sometimes made from canvas by other brands — for their intense commitment to quality construction and the rich array of top-notch materials across the board.

I opted for a Gum sole in selecting my own pair of Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers, which can be made to order and shipped out in about 9-12 weeks (but sometimes quite a bit more quickly, as I found out — the Crown Northampton team is surely serious about its business).

Crown Northampton men's shoes review.

A style like the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers can also be customized with a Black or White sole, not to mention an eye-catching and simply beautiful array of leather upper options. Upon arrival, the leather is thick but supple, certainly of the highest possible quality. A full leather lining made the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers comfortable right out of the box, while touches like the heel pull tab felt substantial and sturdy.

These sneakers have the durable appeal of boots without the clunky feel of some pairs of boots — these are high-top sneakers, after all, but the silhouette and style of the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers in particular makes them feel like they can be dressed up ever-so-slightly with stretch chinos, an Oxford shirt and a navy blazer.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous — and if you want to get the most possible wear out of your new pair of custom-made men’s leather sneakers — you could even style the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers with a lightweight olive suit in a cotton-linen blend (atop a crisp black T-shirt, of course — just one suggestion to try on for size.

Although the Abington sneakers also come in a low-top variation, I’ve found the Crown Northampton Abington Hi Toe Cap Sneakers to be exceptionally comfortable and stylish with everything from light wash jeans and a short-sleeve henley to olive chinos and a chambray shirt. Again, with a pair of custom-made British sneakers, maximizing the ability to wear your new go-to pair of sneakers is key, as I’ve found out lately.

Upgrade your sneaker game now at Crown Northampton

If I were you, I’d act as quickly as possible to upgrade your spring footwear rotation in a fashion unlike any other: With a pair of perfectly fitted, remarkably well-crafted, truly stylish shoes from British shoemaker Crown Northampton. They’re worth the wait, the investment and the incoming style points for your wardrobe, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: These Durable Huckberry Chukka Boots are a Bargain for Your Spring Boot Rotation

Building an #OOTD from the ground up, especially in the anything-goes days of spring, where weather can turn on you at a moment’s notice, often requires a pair of the best boots for the men. A pair built with versatility and dependable style in mind, a pair that can work as well with faded light wash jeans as they do with stretch chinos — a pair like the Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots, my friends.

This time around, you’ll find them at Huckberry and in the Huckberry Sale section, always a wise place to start your search for rugged, hard-working (and discounted) gear for guys.

Get stellar savings on new spring gear at Huckberry

In my experience with Rhodes Footwear boots at Huckberry and via other Rhodes boots reviews on this very Brooklyn style blog, I’ve found that comfort is key, a respect for heritage design is top of mind, and a balance between rugged work boots and more casually stylish everyday boots is top of mind.

My friends, that’s precisely what you’re getting with the Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots — and they just so happen to be marked down about $100 right now in the always-reliable, always-fun-to-shop Huckberry Sale section. The specs speak for themselves, but I’d say a closer look is in order, wouldn’t you?

Best leather chukka boots for men.

The Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots boast the classic three-eyelet build of the chukka boot, set atop resoleable Goodyear welt construction featuring contrast stitching. And one of the best pairs of chukka boots for men gets its durability and good looks from the use of handcrafted waxed bovine leather, the kind that’ll take on a beautiful patina over time.

Leather-lined insoles will also mold to your feet and provide instant comfort right out of the box — from the very first wear of the Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots, which you might just grow to learn are your new favorite chukka boots.

Best chukka boots for men.

The Vibram outsole should give you some serious spring in your step (plus added traction on cobblestone city streets as you search out an Old Fashioned). The Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots also feature a profile that’s neither too casually rugged nor too dressy to wear with jeans — like the best men’s chukka boots on the market, they’re about as wearable as it gets with plenty of pairs of pants in your rotation.

Shop men’s boots and more at Huckberry

Throw in the fact that you’re saving nearly $100 on the Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots, and the purchase might nearly be made for you. Dress ’em down with a denim Western shirt and black jeans, dress ’em up slightly with a lightweight stretch cotton blazer and olive chinos, and get ready to get plenty of wear out of the reliable-as-can-be Rhodes Footwear Harrison Chukka Boots, folks.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder’s American Heavyweight Pocket Tee is a Casual, Everyday Must-Have for Spring and Summer

Best T-shirts for men to buy now.

There are certain steps in the process to building a wardrobe filled with men’s style essentials that can represent a bit of a turning point, at least in my experience. Finding a pair of stylish leather boots or a perfectly fitted pair of jeans is a milestone in any season, for instance.

But when you invest in the best when it comes to your more casual, everyday basics — like finding one of the best men’s T-shirts — well, that’s when you’ve truly rounded a corner heading into a new season. In fact, as we often talk about here on the blog, you’ll find upgrades like that in every category within the friendly confines of Huckberry’s well-stocked digital outlet (to say the very least).

Shop new spring gear at Huckberry

And when you buy less, but buy better, when you invest in your basics and discover a never-before-seen level of quality, reliability and dependability, that’s when your wardrobe of spring style must-haves gets even better.

The Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt definitely qualifies in that regard, and learning more about one of the best American-made T-shirts is a wise way to start a new spring week. The hard-working, well-made Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt checks plenty of the proper boxes when it comes to ramping up your T-shirt drawer.

In fact, in my experience, your new favorite T-shirt goes well beyond just serving as an undershirt or a base layer (although this handsome pocket T-shirt is definitely more than ready to add style and substance to any #OOTD featuring a stylish lightweight jacket).

The Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt starts with a substantial yet soft 8.5oz. cotton construction, which is made all the better by garment-washing and dying for added softness. In a plethora of helpful, stylish colors, your new favorite pocket tee should fit tailored in a flattering manner, rather than baggy or oversized (which seems to be the trend these days among T-shirts). When in doubt, take your normal T-shirt size in any shade of the stylish, versatile Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt.

Fear not, because in any color — and whether worn on its own or beneath a waxed trucker jacket — this American-made T-shirt is the sort of casual, everyday style upgrade that’ll offer a noticeable difference from the jump.

With the Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt, that extends from its rugged good looks to its clean fit and exceptional fabric — each of which makes it worth the higher asking price compared to other T-shirts on the market. The next time you reach for a new casual tee in a laidback style scenario, make sure it’s the Flint and Tinder American Heavyweight Pocket T-shirt.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: This Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat is a Menswear Bargain for Spring Layering

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best spring style essentials, perhaps you feel like you’ve unlocked a sort of menswear formula of sorts. Rugged quality, longevity and style points should be top of mind in that formula, particularly as you take on spring wind and rain, and a dependable jacket goes a long way. A dependable jacket from the likes of Huckberry, you might say?

Yes indeed, one with a reliable silhouette — the build of the humble chore coat — and the right fabrication to back up can make a big difference as you layer up this season, and if you’ve read this Brooklyn style blog over the years, you know the drill.

Learn more now at Huckberry

In fact, you might find just what you’re looking for in the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat, a casually cool, durable outerwear addition that just so happens to be on sale at Huckberry this fine Sunday. The famed Americana retailer is well-known for its standout Flint and Tinder line, which takes cues from workwear of days gone by, including the humble trucker jacket, the flannel workshirt and now, a fresh take on the chore coat.

Reliable technical specifications lead the way with the latest inspired offering from Huckberry, including warm (but not bulky) PrimaLoft insulation and a sturdy DWR-finished waxed exterior. Snap buttons keep out wind and rain while making for an easygoing (yet functional) wearing experience with the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat.

It’s cut longer than the brand’s legendary trucker jackets, ideal for keeping out spring’s worst weather, while the fold-up collar of the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat also offers ample protection from the elements.

And because this is the Sunday Sale feature, after all, you’d do well to know the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat is marked down $50 (to $148 from $198). Throw in a versatile color on offer in a crisp, wear-with-nearly-anything Navy, and you’re looking at perhaps your new favorite casual spring men’s jacket.

Find the best men’s gear for spring at Huckberry

Four pockets (one interior, three exterior) provide helpful storage space for your everyday carry essentials, and you can adjust the snap cuffs on the Flint and Tinder Quilted Chore Coat as needed for extra protection this spring.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat – A Spring-Ready Update to a Classic

Billy Reid Bond Peacoat review.

Even the most timeless, utterly classic silhouettes in the menswear lexicon can use a refresh through a new lens from time to time, like one of the best peacoats for men. That ethos carries through to your spring outerwear rotation, particularly as blustery and brisk weather rips through town.

And thus, we find ourselves diving into an update to a hallowed silhouette in the modern style pantheon, a new twist on the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat. You might recall from past Billy Reid reviews on this blog that the trusty Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is a best-selling favorite from the brand, plus the style worn by James Bond in 2012 epic “Skyfall,” among other notable appearances (007 himself, Daniel Craig, is even a noted fan in real life of the hard-wearing yet elegant peacoat).

So, the style is a certified classic, but how can it get even better? It comes down to a few custom, sturdy updates, my friends.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

Yes indeed, in my experience, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat continues to get better year after year, boasting a laundry list of expertly designed and carefully crafted touches that can only come from the mind of famed menswear designer Billy Reid.

BIlly Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat.

That means this trusted style now comes in a suitably spring-ready, seriously inspired fabric developed with blustery seasonal weather in mind — yes, the Billy Reid Waxed Bond Peacoat now comes in a fabrication custom developed by the legendary Halley Stevensons.

The waxed cotton design repels wind and rain, all the while retaining the crisp, useful design hallmarks of the original Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, like a tasteful leather under-collar detail, a cotton-linen lining for a dash of warmth and comfort, and dark horn buttons.

The jacket is certified weather-ready and should even develop its own patina over time, adding a touch of character to a refined peacoat style you can dress up or dress down alongside a host of Billy Reid menswear (an Oxford shirt and tan chinos come to mind, for starters). Reliable peacoat hallmarks, like double-breasted construction and peak lapels, make the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat in its new waxed iteration a certified, functional yet stylish stunner — one you can be proud to wear this spring (and in the years ahead).

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt Is an Expert Spring Layer for Refined Style

Is the quest for the perfect spring wardrobe ever complete? Not quite, at least not if you want to find the best possible versions of a few key men’s style essentials, like the ever-reliable shirt jacket — an expertly cut layer in the right hands, thanks to the design vision of award-winning menswear designer Todd Snyder.

The New York City-based expert tends to put his own refined spin on even the more rugged classics, especially like the humble shirt jacket, or “shacket.” When you want a new outlook on old favorites, consider Todd Snyder — and consider making the carefully developed construction of the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt a part of your seasonal layering rotation.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

While his tailoring and even footwear selection tends to lean more elegant, there’s a certain dashing, casually cool and rugged-yet-elevated outlook when it comes to pieces like the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt.

Best spring shirt jackets for men.

Think of this like the overshirt you wear when you want to lend a dash of effortless cool to a chambray shirt or even a henley — the Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt can effectively elevate even slightly more casual pieces. But with the best shirt jackets for men, it’s best to not overthink it — the brand has already done that for you, and it shows in the comfortable, performance-minded yet polished construction of the shirt jacket itself.

The Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt gets its mix of structure and breathability from a blend of hemp, cotton and merino wool, an ingenious touch that gives it softness and a touch of warmth. The chest pocket is a handy design feature you can put to good use for stashing an EDC pen or small field notebook, making this a casually cool weekend shirting option.

In a deep shade of Brown or a lighter shade of Tan, it teams up rather nicely with shades of olive and indigo, made all the better by pairing it up with a grey henley or pocket tee. The Todd Snyder Hemp-Cotton Overshirt can even be worn atop a grey crewneck sweatshirt — a way to dress up a casual staple. With the right blend of lightweight fabric, durable structure and ever-so-slightly refined good looks, this shirt jacket is a surefire spring style upgrade, no doubt about it.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket is One of the Coolest Spring Jackets for Men

Best leather jackets for men.

The classics stay steadfast in your wardrobe of men’s style essentials for a reason, or several reasons, rather, and that list of often includes rugged utility, standout style and even a dash of toughness. The best leather jackets exude an air of all three, and then some — the Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Jacket checks those boxes handily, and it arrives just in time for spring.

Or rather, this durable-as-can-be leather jacket has been a spring style staple in the Buck Mason lineup for some time, and it’s back and better than ever for a new season at hand. The Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket takes its cues from throwback rider leather jackets, which belong in the same family as the classic moto jacket, but offers slightly more coverage than typical moto styles.

In fact, you might notice that the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket bears a passing resemblance in terms of design to, say, the famed Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket. That’s not all, of course. Let’s get deeper into the basics of your new favorite leather jacket, shall we?

Learn more now at Buck Mason

The right leather jacket can take a wardrobe from good to great, from average to effortlessly cool and super-stylish: Just witness how it looks with a timeless white tee and crisply cut chinos.

And if you’ve never taken a stab at owning a leather jacket, this handsome Buck Mason leather jacket might prove a fine introduction to the category, especially if you’d prefer to save some cash compared to a classic (yet more expensive) producer like New York City’s Schott (also a personal favorite of mine, as luck would have it).

Beyond that, the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket gets every vintage detail correct, including zip pockets at the hip (adorned with what Buck Mason lovingly calls “knuckle-side” corduroy lining for comfort and a touch of warmth on brisk spring days. The fold-over collar can be flipped up for coverage against spring winds — think of this jacket like a go-between from your technically minded jacket and your rugged field jacket. It’s not quite suitable for spring rain, of course, but it’ll do just fine for rugged style the rest of the time.

Luckily, Buck Mason makes plenty of other style staples that pair nicely with the Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket, from subtly stylish T-shirts and light wash jeans to black jeans and one of the best chambray shirts on the market.

Vegetable-tanned sheepskin leather will mold to your body over time, while hand-burnishing gives it a lived-in look and feel. The Buck Mason Bruiser PCH Leather Jacket is made to get better with age, and your wardrobe will be all the better for it this season.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Hard-Wearing RRL Workshirt Is a Dependable (And Discounted) Spring Style Pick-up

Best spring workshirts for men.

Once you’ve checked off the proper boxes in terms of the basics of your spring wardrobe — a rain-ready jacket, a pair of stylish light wash jeans, perhaps some essential base layers and waterproof leather boots — where’s a guy to go? While that list isn’t exactly exhaustive, it’s a pretty solid start, and things can only get better from there — right? No doubt about it, but keep in mind that it pays off to invest in essentials you can actually wear, rather than an unnecessary splurge.

So, you very well might want to set your sights on one of the best workshirts for men — a durable layer, one that can work atop a pocket tee or a henley, and one you can certainly wear in plenty of casually cool style scenarios. My good friends at Huckberry, of course, have you covered.

Learn more now at Huckberry

And, it’s like we always say here at this Brooklyn style blog: If you can save a few bucks on an essential like a durable workshirt, well, why not take a swing at it? With that, we pull back the curtain on the Huckberry Sale section and dive into the dependable, rugged workshirt shown at the top of the page: The RRL Farrell Workshirt is just the ticket — plus, it’s marked down to $180 from $225. Considering that RRL gear doesn’t often go on sale, hey, any savings is a positive, yes? I’d say so, my friends.

RRL channels vintage Americana and the Great American West through a modern lens, from expertly faded denim to stylish flannel shirting and this substantial yet spring-ready overshirt. It’s not quite as ready for spring cleaning as a traditional canvas workshirt, for instance, but the RRL Farrell Workshirt should prove perfectly serviceable, what with its cotton-linen twill construction.

Shop on-sale style essentials at Huckberry

Two front-button chest pockets give it a layering-ready workshirt feel, while the black-and-red plaid pattern is based off vintage workshirts and should pair stylishly with light wash jeans and a black thermal henley. The possibilities in terms of effortlessly cool casual style are nearly limitless, provided you’ve got the right essentials to go along with it — and again, you can turn to the Huckberry Sale section to sort out the rest of your seasonal layering needs.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Patagonia’s Lightweight Flannel Shirt is a Perfect Transitional Shirt for Brisk Spring Days

Best lightweight flannel shirts for men.

Dependability is the name of the game when it comes to the best spring menswear essentials, and there’s a delicate balance as you bridge the gap between seasons, from your choice of boots (more lightweight than winter), denim (again, lighter in color than winter) and of course, your shirting rotation.

As we’ve talked about in the past on this Brooklyn style blog, we’re not out of the woods yet when it comes to battling the elements — in fact, we very well might be in the thick of it as far as gearing up for spring is concerned.

And that, my friends, is where Patagonia’s trusty Lightweight Fjord Flannel Shirt steps up to the proverbial menswear plate — as sold by Huckberry, it’s got all the comfort and warmth of a classic men’s flannel shirt, just with a lighter build more well-suited to spring style.

Learn more now and shop new spring gear at Huckberry

Patagonia gear is legendary for both its toughness and sustainability, along with its utility, and the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt moves through the season with that same lineage top of mind. The Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is the kind of shirt you reach for on a brisk spring morning, which can quickly turn into a day when you need to shed that flannel shirt in favor of your base layer (perhaps a short-sleeve henley or pocket T-shirt?).

In the meantime, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is made from super-soft brushed cotton flannel — brushed on both sides for added softness, of course.

Your new favorite flannel shirt is also classic in its construction, with a helpful chest pocket for visual interest and some added EDC storage space (if you choose to rock the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt as a workshirt, that is). And that’s another benefit to opting for a lightweight flannel shirt these days — it’s a blend of both comfort and just enough warmth for spring weather (leave the ultra-thick flannel overshirt at home these days).

The Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt comes in three utterly classic plaid combinations, each well-suited for spring — and each more appealing than the timeless red-and-black flannel shirt you (and this Brooklyn-based writer) have been wearing all winter.

So, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt delivers a stylish change of pace in matters of looks, plus lightweight utility in the form of easygoing yet sturdy, supple layering. Paired with dark blue jeans or even stretch chinos, the Patagonia Fjord Lightweight Flannel Shirt is as solid a seasonal style move as it gets, my friends.