November 17, 2014November 17, 2014 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Dark Leather Sneakers

Men's Style
#menswear, athletic style, billy reid, billy reid for k-swiss, fall and winter style, fall fashion, fall sneakers, frank and oak, j. crew, k-swiss, leather sneakers, men's accessories, men's fashion, men's sneakers, men's style, sneakers, style suggestion
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Rocking some leather sneakers — perfect for the fall & winter. Jacket by Frank & Oak. Long-sleeve T-shirt by J. Crew. Sneakers by Billy Reid for K-Swiss. Watch by Stuhrling. Glasses by Burberry. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Even though it’s getting closer and closer to December (and thus the start of real winter), there should still be opportunities when the snow clears to put away a pair of thick boots and instead reach for some more casual, laidback footwear. Specifically, a pair of leather sneakers should do the trick. While white sneakers offer lots of wearability in the spring and summer, darker shoes just make more sense for fall & winter. We’ve been seeing a lot of brands launch luxury versions of athletic-inspired sneakers — even Tom Ford offers rich leather kicks now. And brands like Frank & Oak have gotten a lot of publicity for their more affordable takes on the dressed-down silhouette. Given the variety of shades and their versatility, footwear that clean and crisp can easily be worn with chinos and a blazer (my personal favorite from that launch would be the chestnut low-top sneakers below).

One of Frank & Oak’s takes on the luxe leather sneaker.

However, in the fall and winter, sneakers should definitely also lend a rugged appeal to an outfit. The great thing about the sportswear-inspired takes we’re seeing on so many shoes is that they’re also blending elements of fashion with athletic vibes — take American menswear designer Billy Reid’s collaborations with K-Swiss. The most recent run of sneakers in that collaboration vanished off the site quickly — the pair in the photos here was scooped up in July during a sale, and now they’re nowhere to be found on the K-Swiss site. No need to despair though — other retailers are still stocking them.

Plenty of excellent, fall-ready alternatives are out there, from J. Crew’s suede Sawa sneakers to the Frank & Oak options mentioned above. Additionally, the Ellington and McQueen models from footwear brand CLAE bring lots of cold weather-centric texture with minimal logos and clean design. Given the nice mix of crisp styling and fall-ready colorways available, matching these sneakers up with an outfit isn’t too hard at all.

More rugged than Frank & Oak’s, but just at ease with slim joggers.

In dark brown or even black leather, sneakers like the ones above can be paired with slim joggers (like J. Crew’s Wool Sideline Pants, as seen here) or dark denim, a henley and a rugged workwear-inspired coat. In particular, the K-Swiss sneakers shown here strike just the right balance between crisp and rugged — the dark brown color allows them to fit right in with auburn chinos, a cardigan and a blue OCBD, while the distressed leather, sporty diagonal stripes and rawhide laces give them a hybrid vibe that pairs perfectly with the equally hybrid wool joggers from J. Crew. Olive chinos or jeans, in a similar shade to the joggers above, would also complement darker brown leather nicely. These have also gotten use with a shawl-collar cardigan and even simple long-sleeve T-shirts. More vitally, these sneakers have held up well being worn two or three times a week — keeping the sole clean is going to be vital with any pair of sneakers, and given the potential for fall or winter rains, treating them with some sort of waterproofer (especially for suede options) will be key.

A fall and winter-ready alternative to the Billy Reid x K. Swiss option pictured.

A fall and winter-ready alternative to the Billy Reid for K. Swiss option pictured.

For the rest of the fall and winter, my Billy Reid for K-Swiss sneakers will continue to get lots of wear — they’re rugged and sporty, yet the rich, distressed leather doesn’t look out of place with less casual get-ups. Grab a clean, crisp pair and they’ll go well with just about any outfit over the coming months.

November 10, 2014 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Uniqlo

A well-known online retailer with an expanding brick-and-mortar presence.

Editor’s note: Normally, brand or site round-ups haven’t been covered here on the site. However, sometimes seasonally appropriate or standout items just jump off the page. These choices don’t reflect sales picks at the moment, but simply offer a snapshot of great products from a (hopefully) affordable brand.

Uniqlo is one brand that’s gained a lot of traction in the fashion and style world over the past few years. Through the heavily-touted launch of their e-commerce website in 2012 to a quickly expanding presence in terms of physical retailers, they’re building something unique — starting from a base customer who likes colorful, basic activewear and catching the attention of more fashion-conscious consumers, too. The best part is the way they do it — by stocking affordable staple items and catering to crowds who also love it when they turn the equation on its head (with the recent relaunch of their much-loved +J Collection featuring Jil Sander). Check out the below picks for some fresh ways to incorporate the brand’s modern, fresh feel into your wardrobe.

#1. +J Wool Flannel Chesterfield Coat — $229.90

A razor-sharp topcoat with unique detailing.

For the first pick in this rundown, we’ll stick with a sharp piece from the brand’s +J relaunch. While sizing isn’t available across the board in this option, this piece changes up the typical topcoat silhouette with those peak lapels and a slim fit. It’s also a deep, neutral color that would pair well with all manner of pants and shoes. Beware of that slim fit though — it looks to be pretty trim. (For more details, check out this Dappered review). On the cheaper side, there’s also Uniqlo’s Wool Cashmere Chesterfield Coat — however, sizing for that piece is even more limited. Does anyone have any experience with this particular model?

#2. Denim Shirt — $14.90 (On Sale)

A fall essential that differs from other denim shirts.

An earlier piece covering online shopping picks from J. Crew Factory also recommended picking up a denim shirt — but this piece differs from that option in some key ways (hey, what’s wrong with having lots of blue in your closet?). For one, the lack of buttons on the collar dresses up this piece ever so slightly. From personal experience, a denim shirt is almost an essential fall layering piece — the deep, dark blue shirt provides the same versatility up top as a dark pair of jeans does. A denim shirt looks crisp and polished under a tan herringbone or charcoal blazer, and pairs with just as many different types of sweaters as a white OCBD. The same holds true for darker shades of pants, as well. From personal experience, this shirt fits nice and trim, and while the collar is thin, it stands up just fine to knit ties. Keep in mind that this piece can be had for an exceptionally low price at the moment, too.

#3. Extra Fine Merino V-Neck Cardigan — $49.90

A neutral (yet not totally-plain) option that pairs well with lots of fall colors.

Cardigans are definitely continuing to have a moment across men’s style, from chunkier, throwback inspirations to thinner, crisper variations like this one. As sizing options continue to go quickly, it’s definitely worth jumping on while it’s still around. While chunkier cardigans convey rugged style, a trimmer cut in a good go-between fabric like merino looks more work-ready and appropriate with chinos, a knit tie and say, a denim dress shirt like the one above. Of course, this piece could definitely still be layered over a henley or long-sleeve shirt with ease. And given the price, it’s a comparable deal to more expensive options, too.

#4. Slim-Straight Selvedge Jeans — $39.90 (On Sale)

Selvedge denim at a nearly unbeatable price.

Some might argue that it’s not worth buying selvedge at such a low price, but there’s no better time to buy a pair of jeans like this, especially when more expensive variations can run well into triple digits. Another upside to these jeans is that it provides a great incentive to dip into the world of selvedge denim — if it’s a great fit, it could be worth researching more. This particular pair includes classic selvedge detailing at the cuffs, and a slim-straight fit that (from personal experience with Uniqlo jeans) is trim and tailored without being too tight. That navy color is going to look great with just about any pair of shoes this fall and winter, from casual leather sneakers to sturdier boots, while a selvedge cuff perfectly complements the chillier weather we’re starting to see across much of the country.

#5. Jacquard Socks

A rustic pattern (for your feet) that brings to mind heavy Nordic influences.

While socks aren’t by any means the most eye-catching purchase from any website, they could easily become an eye-catching part of an ensemble — and that’s why reaching for a pair with some pattern is always a solid choice. At their current price, they’re positively a steal for one pair alone — even moreso given that you can snag some of Uniqlo’s sock options for $12.90 for three pairs. A jacquard-inspired print calls out the Fair Isle patterns typically seen on sweaters this time of year – why not bring a similar flair to your feet? And if you pick up a pair of heavy boots for trekking through the snow (or stomping your way through a rock concert), you’ll need something else to combat the cold.

That’s all for this edition of Online Shopping Picks. Do you have any favorite picks from Uniqlo? Any personal experience with the brand? Leave it all below!

October 29, 2014October 29, 2014 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: J. Crew Factory

J. Crew’s sibling brand puts out a similar product for far less cash, in most instances.

J. Crew Factory is the more budget-friendly, yet still equally stylish, sibling to J. Crew. Make no mistake, the two brands are completely separate — they’ve squared off in Dappered’s annual Store Wars challenge as recently as this year. With that separation still comes a brand aesthetic that matches fairly closely with what J. Crew does. Given that, some of these picks might overlap with similar items you could find at the bigger brand — and yet the key is the price! Below, find the top 5 ‘best’ (most stylish?) current picks from the site as of now.

#1. Factory Donegal Shawl-Collar Cardigan — $88

Style this piece like Bond himself, for far less.

Normally $98, the $10 price drop isn’t quite as significant as some of us would like. However, given the mileage a piece like this could see, it’s probably worth the investment. This would play with dark jeans across the coming months, as the marled texture and deep brown buttons give it just enough visual difference from blue denim. A classic shawl-collar cardigan is also a masculine style essential that’s gained a lot more notoriety in recent years after being seen on the likes of James Bond and his stylish real-life counterpart. This is definitely one less expensive way to steal that look in real life.

#2. Factory Indigo One-Pocket Shirt – $49.50

A dark indigo shade ideal for colder weather.

We’ll stick with another navy option here, yet this time in a shirt that’s very appropriate for the colder climes of fall. The thicker texture of denim acts just like chambray, yet unlike the all-season versatility of chambray, an inky indigo denim shirt like this would do much better in the fall and winter. The chest pocket and button-down collar break things up nicely in terms of details. Additionally, that dark color gives it lots of versatility to pair with grey trousers or dark brown chinos, for example. It would also look right at home under a thicker-weight blazer (maybe this option from J. Crew).

#3. Factory Sutton Cord — $42.50

A nice price for a trim, modern corduroy pant.

Corduroy has gotten a bad rap over the years as the type of pants your wild professor might wear, but modern iterations have solved problems with older corduroy, giving them a thinner wale, a slimmer fit and the ability to style them in more ways. The Sutton cord features a slim fit that sits below the waist, and while I don’t have personal experience with J. Crew Factory’s cords, a few in-store try-ons bode well for a trim fit. The price is right when compared to more expensive cords, too. And in a deep shade like charcoal, these pants could be worn easily with the denim shirt or cardigan above. The charcoal color also provides a neutral canvas for working in something like a burgundy cardigan or a blue henley.

#4. Factory Slim Long-Sleeve Contrast Pocket Tee — $27.50

A fall-ready layering piece for not a lot of cash.

It’s not quite T-shirt season, but it’s not quite full-on polar vortex weather, either. That’s where a great long-sleeve shirt (similar to the Bonobos blue henley linked to above), comes into play. A piece like this one is light enough to be layered under a crewneck sweater or cardigan, and yet it can also be worn easily on its own. To be fair, $27.50 is an awful lot for a long-sleeve tee — but not one that can be worn with plenty of colors and under plenty of layers, too. When you factor in a color that’s different than a typical heather-grey, it becomes an even better pick-up for wearing casually this fall. Pair it with dark denim and some sturdy boots the next time you take a stroll in your local park, or wear it with the above cords.

#5. Factory Calvert Boots — $58 or $68

Pick up two of these boots for roughly the price of one set of Clarks.

Pick up two pairs of these boots for roughly the price of one set of Clarks.

Depending on which shade you pick up, the price jumps or falls $10 here (however, the boots above are $68). That price compares exceptionally favorably to a pair of suede Clarks desert boots, and also speaks to the versatility of J. Crew’s sibling brand — offering shoes and other accessories alongside traditional menswear offerings makes it mighty hard to pick just five from the site. The rust color of these boots practically begs to be worn with dark denim and, say, the navy cardigan listed above. While the crepe sole leans casual, these also wouldn’t look out of place under charcoal trousers and a V-neck sweater at the office. The best part about these is that you could pick up about two pairs for one pair of full-price Clarks — given that, why not make them a standby fall and winter shoe?

That’s all for this edition of Online Shopping Picks. Do you have any favorite picks from J. Crew Factory? Any personal experience with the brand? Leave it all below!

October 23, 2014 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Gustin Waxed Charcoal Chore Coat

Jacket by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Boots by Palladium. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Jacket by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Boots by Palladium. Photo taken in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Although it’s been unseasonably warm in New York throughout October, in the past few days, we’ve really seen the start of what I like to call autumn. And with that change in seasons in mind, I reached for a recent wardrobe addition: Gustin’s Waxed Charcoal Chore Coat. A chore coat brings to mind strong workwear influences that have become so prevalent in recent years — once worn by those in real rough and rugged industries, everything from chambray shirts to sturdy work boots has gotten the high-fashion treatment from major retailers like J. Crew, whose Wallace and Barnes collection, for example, always draws heavily from functionality and utility. And these items have a timeless appeal that can be incorporated into many different looks (take, for example, the ever-versatile chambray shirt).

Chore Coat by Gustin. Henley by Frank and Oak. Jeans by American Apparel. Watch by Timex.

Enjoying the beautiful autumn weater. Watch by Timex. Glasses by Burberry.

Gustin’s Chore Coat adds another rugged layer to workwear’s style-minded resurgence. The jacket was funded earlier this year using Gustin’s sourcing platform and shipped in mid-summer; until now, it’s been far too warm for such a hardy jacket. Thankfully, Gustin’s pieces (and this one in particular) are worth the wait. While the brand’s denim gets lots of love, they’ve expanded their offerings to chinos, chambray shirts and CPO jackets, and if they’re all done as well as this chore coat, they’d be worth a look. Unfortunately, this jacket isn’t available in the exact color seen here at the moment, but a relatively similar Honey Brown Chore Coat is being funded on the site now.

The Chore Coat uses a thick plain-weave waxed cotton (weight: 13.5 oz., if you’re keeping track), and it’s got some nice heft to it for fighting the chill of fall and winter without being crazy-heavy. It also features two front patch pockets and one chest patch pocket; the right chest pocket includes a button flap. The waxed cotton feels sturdy and durable, yet moves well. It’s not overly stiff by any means; already through just a handful of times out of the closet, it’s beginning to break in at all the right places, including through the arms and across the shoulders. Although chore coats of old were cut wider and bulkier, the body of this jacket is nice and trim, as advertised. The sleeves are slim but provide enough space for layering sweaters or perhaps an additional jacket underneath, and there’s more than enough mobility thanks to the jacket’s high armholes (something feasibly not found on older chore coats).

Paired with clean, simple staples and some unconvential Palladium boots.

This jacket should continue to break in exceptionally well, and thanks to such a trim cut, I can see it being worn in many different situations. The neutral color and workwear inspirations should lend a rugged vibe to seasonal shirt-and-tie combinations (like a chambray shirt and wool tie) or a casual sweater (like a navy crewneck) and dark jeans. It also complements traditional rugged staples, like the henley seen in these photos. I paired it with slim American Apparel black jeans and Palladium boots; although the Palladium boots are much more unconventional than a rugged pair of Wolverine boots, for example, they actually grip quite well when on the move thanks to the vulcanized rubber sole. Additionally, the canvas upper is sturdy and thick, meaning that these could be worn well into fall (and possibly winter, too). Just like those Palladium boots, the chore coat should see significant use in the coming months — although it’s sometimes tough to find similar options out there, picking up a workwear-inspired coat in an updated fit is a great way to inject rugged style into your daily get-ups.

October 17, 2014October 28, 2014 by Beau H.

Shopping on a Budget: An Updated Men’s Style Starter Kit, Part 4

Last week was a departure from regularly-scheduled programming on Siblings With Style, as I shared with you a profile on a fast-moving start-up company, Linjer Leather Goods (who has now raised a whopping $71,240 of its initial $50,000 goal). But this week, we’ll get back to the basics — and back to the bottomline — with the final part in an ongoing series on rebuilding (or adding to) your wardrobe on a budget. While previous entries have tackled dressier items, casual knits and basic footwear, this week will wrap things up with the details that can sometimes be most important — your accessories. Read on and prep your shopping cart for a budget-friendly revamp.

The Versatile Jacket: Old Navy

A classic silhouette at an affordable price.

For one of the more essential accessories a guy can have in his wardrobe, we turn once again to Old Navy, a store with a history of providing polished basics at affordable prices. They’re a great place to go to for easy-wearing knits, and the same proves true of their classic bomber jacket. It’s a piece that’s absolutely on-trend at the moment, while also being utterly classic. The ribbed cuffs and trim silhouette aren’t overly flashy — just straightforward and reliable. While it would also be useful to diversify your offerings with, say, a more rugged denim jacket or a dressier belted trench coat, starting out with a classic piece in an easy-to-match color makes a lot of sense. This particular silhouette is a lot like the classic Harrington coat, but this option is a lot more affordable.

TOTAL: $40

The Overcoat: Uniqlo

Dressy? You bet. Casual? Works there, too.

While a lightweight jacket like the above option can get through at least two (or three) seasons of the year when taking the right approach to layering, there are times where something more polished-looking (and slightly warmer) is required. Uniqlo’s topcoat has been popular across the blogosphere for a while now, and it’s a solid option for a piece that can work over a variety of outfits. It’s long enough (and dressy enough) to cover blazers and suits, yet it can (and should) be worn casually, too (see No. 1 on this list for more on that). Although it’s not the warmest of coats (at least according to some reviews), it should be fine when layered properly (think dress shirt, sweater, blazer, topcoat, if it does indeed get extra cold). Again, this isn’t necessary the only coat you should have in your fall or winter wardrobe, either (a workwear-inspired coat might also be nice to have), but it’s one heck of a versatile jumping-off point.

TOTAL: $150

The Belts: Old Navy

Assuming that from this wardrobe rebuilding (or revamping), you’ll be incorporating both black and brown shoes into your wardrobe, belts that match both those shades are a definite must. And if you’re already an old pro at creating fail-proof outfits, it never hurts to find out a low-budget alternative to cheaper belts, right? Old Navy again and again offers surprises in the #menswear department, especially these belts. Available in black and a middle-of-the-road brown (with an eye-catching gold buckle), either would work well for business casual wear or even more dressed-down outfits, particularly at 1 1/8″ wide. Scoop up two now for a total of about $20 and you’ll be set for dozens of outfits.

TOTAL: $20

The Sunglasses: American Optical Aviators

A timeless frame with military history.

It’s tough to argue with something as classic as an aviator silhouette, especially the choice above. They were James Bond’s sunglass of choice in his most recent outing, and they’ve gained notoriety plenty of other places, as well. They look good on a variety of face types, they’re wearable with casual and business casual outfits, and they’re a style that won’t be going away any time soon. If these aviators don’t strike your fancy, J. Crew Factory offers a rose-gold aviator option, as well as other sunglass styles for even less than the pair pictured here. Although the price tag might be a little misleading (cheaper generally equals lower-quality), this company’s the real deal — a military supplier with pedigree, and more affordable than Warby Parker or Ray-Ban.

TOTAL: $60

The Watch: Invicta

Rolex Submariner styling for thousands less.

It’s true that not every man needs a watch, or wears a watch, for that matter. But it’s an accessory that can set one apart for those same reasons. In an age of so much digital technology, there’s something comforting about a solid, sturdy wristwatch. Since loading up with several watches is something of an aspirational, long-term goal, the focus here is on one timepiece that, like the rest of these offerings, works for both casual and dress situations. A silver dive watch fits the bill perfectly — it doesn’t need to be matched with black or brown leathers, and that in-the-middle color also means it can be worn with brown dress shoes and a brown belt. Mimicking the classic Rolex Submariner, the Invicta Pro Diver is affordable, versatile and durable. In my own personal collection, the diver has worked wonderfully with everything from T-shirts and jeans, blazers and chinos and a light grey suit.

TOTAL: $87

The Socks: Express

Lots of color and pattern for not a lot of dough.

While some would rule out Express when building a well-curated wardrobe, it’s an often-overlooked starting point for crisp, well-fitting dress shirts and even other pieces (as long as that pesky logo stays out of the way). Namely, socks hit the sweet spot at Express — while a bit much at $10.90 per an individual pair, bundling through their frequent sales can net as many as four pairs for $25. That’s a pretty good deal when you look for pairs in versatile (yet fun) colors that can complement pieces already in your wardrobe. They offer a couple different options, too — some marled dress socks, a zany plaid pair or a more traditional Argyle pattern all definitely work here.

TOTAL: $25

The Rest: H&M, J. Crew Factory

Both wallet-friendly options that will fight the cold.

The truth is, not everyone needs cold-weather gear (and if you’re one of those lucky people, good for you!). For the rest of us who need to bundle up against a vicious polar vortex at least once a winter, staying warm is essential. There are definitely ways to splurge on fine gloves and scarves (look no further than MR. PORTER’S website, for example). However, there are definitely ways to save money, too. H&M’s leather gloves, while perhaps on the slightly-thin side, are one way to keep some money around for a potential upgrade later on. Up top, you could add in an extremely affordable beanie cap as a finishing touch. And as far as scarves go, one reliable option that would be a step up over H&M is J. Crew Factory. Featured earlier in this budget series, you can get a neutral-colored knit scarf for under $25 when on-sale, a far cry from other, significantly less affordable options.

TOTAL: $53

When factoring in all the necessary accessories you might need to build a basic (and functional) wardrobe, that brings today’s total to $435. Across the entire four-part series, that brings the overall total to $1,285 (so the $1,300 Budget Challenge is in effect for next year!). As with the other parts in this series, the total here is substantially more than last year’s overall recap. However, this year’s series is much more inclusive, more category-driven, and more focused on season-specific pieces, like gloves, a scarf and an overcoat for the fall and winter months. It’s also worth noting that all of these pieces don’t have to be bought at once — in fact, your wardrobe should be replenished gradually over time. Additionally, these pieces are exceptionally versatile and should last for multiple seasons — granted, they won’t last as long as long as major investment pieces might, but sometimes, buying a piece at a lower price gives you more time and motivation to save up for a larger splurge down the road. We can’t all dress on James Bond’s budget, but you can steal similar looks for lots less.

October 9, 2014February 3, 2015 by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Linjer Leather Goods

A very new start-up plowing through a successful Indiegogo campaign.

Editor’s note: Although this post was originally supposed to cap off the Budget Style series, there was a change in plans — look for that entry early next week! It’s not been often on this site that specific brands have been featured (outside of the Starter Style Review series) but Linjer Leather Goods is a great place to start. An extremely new start-up currently flying through an initial Indiegogo campaign, the brand is looking to fill a unique niche that could actually apply to lots of working professionals and even students looking for a bag upgrade. Right now, the brand makes a soft briefcase and portfolio bag in black or cognac, a messenger bag, a satchel bag (both in black) and a cardholder in black or cognac — any of which could hit the sweet spot in a few months’ time for professionals or students (shipping is set for January 2015). And about that name — it means ‘lines’ in Norwegian, reflecting the Scandinavian heritage of co-founder Roman Khan.

Vegetable-tanned leather, an upgrade over chrome-tanning.

The intriguing name reflects the brand’s back story. Finding a high-quality bag without the ridiculous mark-up initially proved difficult for Roman and his co-founder, Jenn. Coming from conservative industries where a nice bag was a must, they consistently ran into quality problems with cheaper bags. So they launched Linjer, looking to craft affordable leather pieces at price points that the ordinary professional could actually afford. So far, it’s paying off — the brand has already raised $55,592 (at the time of this post) since launching its campaign earlier this week. More importantly, the bags look sleek and simple, and even the website and e-commerce site photos reflect polish and professionalism — both positives when considering donating to a campaign. Down the line, a women’s collection is also in the cards for the brand. It’s worth noting, however, that some Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns have resulted in missed delivery dates and poor-quality product — tread carefully, and yet note that early indicators are largely positive for Linjer.

Understated and yet worth the price.

And the fact that these bags bring so much style and polish is absolutely worth noting. Instead of carrying around a regular backpack or laptop sleeve, something with some character to it could undoubtedly make the difference in your appearance at work or in the classroom. A sharp bag that complements the rest of your outfit is yet another step to take in improving your personal style, and unlike other items you might buy on a budget and rotate, a fine bag might feasibly go with you everywhere. Where Linjer looks to set itself apart really comes through in the leather itself. Their products are made with vegetable-tanned leather, a more natural process than chrome-tanning (more can be found on their site here). That process results in a richer patina over time, a great thing when you consider that the leather should take on its own character based on where you go and what you do.

If you’re in need of a bag upgrade, you might want to check out Linjer Leather Goods — soon, based on their Indiegogo campaign.

There are several pieces in their lineup that could come in handy in the future — although right now I carry around a trusty Kenneth Cole messenger bag, I would consider making the leap to Linjer’s black messenger bag or perhaps a portfolio case. Right now, the Indiegogo donation lines run from $1 to a $769 bundle featuring two soft briefcases, two cardholders and free U.S. shipping. Overall, subsequent donation amounts seem to reflect affordable pricing for a long-term purchase. In the coming weeks, a product review will hopefully be coming down the line. Keep your eyes peeled, and in the meantime, check out the brand’s Indiegogo page for more information.

September 30, 2014 by Beau H.

Shopping on a Budget: An Updated Men’s Style Starter Kit, Part 3

While getting dressed casually on a budget can be done relatively inexpensively, adding dressier items into the mix makes things trickier in terms of price. Parts 1 and 2 in this men’s style budget recap (which you can see here) tackled just how to revamp your downtime wardrobe in a versatile manner, and Part 3 will set out to do the same. However, this time around, we’re diving into the best places to go for dressier items — dress shoes and dress shirt or two, along with ties and suits. Later on, we’ll wrap things up with other accessories, including watches, belts and socks. For now, suit up on a budget below!

The Shoes: JC Penney

A low price for a versatile shoe in a versatile shade.

While JC Penney’s dress shoes won’t win any awards from shoe snobs any time soon, don’t be so quick to turn away from this pair. While it’s a more casual-leaning wingtip shoe (which some would say makes it harder to wear with suits), a lot of us don’t seem to have jobs that require a suit every day of the week. And in those instances, it’ll work just fine. If you have the capital to invest in a higher-quality shoe (even something from the Mercanti Fiorentini line at DSW would work), go for it. But these shoes provide a similar look for a much lower price. On top of that, when worn as part of a rotation throughout the year and when mixing in other business-casual styles, these shoes should hold up alright for the price. Reviews have been largely positive, another plus for these shoes — and it’s worth noting they can drop down to about $50 when on-sale. They’ll also work with jeans and chinos alike (for more on budget alternatives for those styles, check out Part 1 in this series). On top of that, this pair is available in multiple shades, including the versatile dark brown (which would even work with a charcoal suit or pants).

TOTAL: $50

The Dress Shirts: J. Crew Factory

Staple colors at terrific prices.

Quality can be hard to maintain when delivering dress shirts at a discounted price, but J. Crew Factory meets that challenge. Unlike other brands (such as Express), J. Crew Factory’s shirts seem more consistently on-sale, especially if you can get into a store during a promotion (currently, one shirt will set you back about $43). Available in staple colors like white and light blue — two shades that go with practically any suit-and-tie combination you can think of — their dress shirt offerings also include stripes, prints and other patterns. And their quality, while a step down from J. Crew, is on-point with similar budget brands. Starting out with two of these in your basic colors expands upon an already solid casual wardrobe. Don’t forget that these shirts, despite the ‘dress shirt’ title, can be worn under v-neck sweaters or cardigans alongside jeans, too.

TOTAL: About $86

The Tie/Pocket Square: The Tie Bar

Two wardrobe staples well-suited for more casual or dressy wear.

There’s a reason GQ uses products from The Tie Bar month after month after month in its shoots. For a fraction of the price of other high-end ties, The Tie Bar delivers the same styling and pretty darn good quality, to boot. While the sheer array of fabric choices and variety of ties on their website is overwhelming at times, the brand makes terrific ties at terrific prices. And for all the wide varieties they stock (including a dizzying 62 pages of bow ties), they do the essentials very well, too. If you had to start with only one or two ties to pair with the restock you’ve already taken care of, reaching for either a navy or a black knit tie would be one great way to go. The silk knit hits on both casual and dressier fronts —either color goes with virtually any outfit combination from chinos to jeans (although a navy knit tie should be worn with brown accessories), and there’s a reason James Bond wore a black knit tie. Additionally, the price makes it easy to throw one of these in your cart along with other accessories — like a white cotton pocket square, an all-season essential that’s the perfect finishing touch to a blazer or suit. So, if you start with one go-anywhere, do-anything tie (like the navy knit) and toss in a versatile pocket square, you’re looking at a price that hits the sweet spot.

TOTAL: $23

The Suit: J. Crew Factory

In a classic color like navy, this J. Crew Factory suit is worth the extra money.

When you need a suit on a tight budget but prefer a step up in quality, turning back to J. Crew Factory is once again the way to go. Their line of Thompson suiting has drawn high praise across the blogosphere and with customers for exceptional fit and quality for a budget-tier suit. This year’s run of suits appears to be no exception. The brand doesn’t do anything overly fancy — standard double-vent suits in worsted wool that could work in a pinch in nearly any season. The color offerings are the perfect starter’s set for a suit — charcoal and navy options, along with some flannel fabrics mixed in and a chino option for the warmer months. If you’re just jumping into the suit game, either of those staple colors (navy or charcoal) would be a great look — their neutrality, while not flashy, provides so many options for mixing and matching. The pants, crucially, come in a slim-fit option. Admittedly, the line doesn’t have the pedigree of J. Crew’s Ludlow suits, yet you get nearly a dead look-alike for the price. Take that navy suit, throw it together with a light blue dress shirt, navy knit tie and white pocket square as discussed above, and you have an office-ready outfit While the price, even on discount, might cause some eyes to pop, this suit is a definite upgrade from a standard department store offering, or a more affordable option, like Express. On top of that, the suit brings versatility with it. In a tight spot, the jacket can function as a blazer with chinos, for example, while the pants can be worn on their own with other dressier offerings.

TOTAL: $316

Editor’s note: This rundown is pretty focused on the color blue, no? Fear not — shake things up with some wild socks!

So, the total for today’s dress essentials comes to about $475 — quite a lot of money in comparison to last year’s men’s style starter kit. However, these items are the basics of a dressier wardrobe, yet can do so much more. Break up the shirts and knit ties with sweaters and jeans, wear the wingtip oxfords with chinos and suit pants, and use the jacket as a blazer when needed. The color palette of most of these offerings, as well, can be mixed and matched with plenty of other choices. Plus, paying a bit more money for a few basics up front can ensure you get more use out of these items than you would when picking them up from a cheaper retailer. Keeping these essentials in mind will save your pocketbook more in the long run. After all, building great style on a budget is fun, but having more money left over to go out and wear those clothes is infinitely better.

Do you have any go-to’s for dress essentials on a budget? Alternate picks? Leave it all below!

September 26, 2014 by Beau H.

Shopping on a Budget: An Updated Men’s Style Starter Kit, Part 2

This week on Siblings with Style, we’ll tackle Part 2 in the somewhat extensive process of building a starter wardrobe on a tight budget. Last year’s post tackled how to revamp a wardrobe for under $250, while Part 1 of the new series last week took a look at the basics you need on your legs — affordable, stylish jeans, chinos and shoes. But, style isn’t just one portion of the ensemble — looking your best is about tying in many separate parts across different seasons, different trends and different situations. Consider these picks as a starting point (or a restocking point) for both casual knits and shirts, as well as sweaters. In the next post, we’ll tackle dressier essentials on a budget. For now, let’s keep it casual — look below for (almost) everything you need up top.

Casual Knits/Shirts: Old Navy

In a wide spectrum of colors and styles, Old Navy’s your go-to for casual shirting.

The world of casual T-shirts and other items can actually get pretty extensive, between the different variations on laidback stylings (V-neck? Crewneck? Pocket tee? Henley?). And it’s no use spending hundreds of dollars on a simple T-shirt. But, no need to skimp on style, either. One location is a tremendous starting point for all of these various essentials — that’s right, Old Navy. As covered on this blog in a Starter Style Review earlier this year, the store is a veritable outpost of affordable knits in all of the variations listed above. Need some basic v-necks that you can wear on their own or underneath other items? Want a slim henley in a fall-appropriate color? Fancy a casual polo for the warmer months? Old Navy’s the spot. And with several variations on colors for polos, shirts and henleys alike, the store could (and should) become a one-stop shop for various layering needs. The best part is undoubtedly the price — it seems many of these styles retail for, at the most, roughly $20. Assuming you pick up three to start (say, a long-sleeve henley for cold weather-layering, a V-neck T-shirt and a crewneck T-shirt for casual wear), those purchases wouldn’t set you back more than $45 when bought on sale.

TOTAL: $45 (For three shirts)

Casual Buttondown Shirts: Uniqlo

For about $50, you can get the above two shirts right now. Not a bad deal at all.

There’s a plethora of options out there when it comes to shirting — in this particular roundup, we’re looking at shirts that aren’t designed to be worn with a suit (while that’s broad, think Oxford cloth button-downs and other styles). Many brands are now making terrific-looking casual shirts, but in this case, one brand offers a great mix of pricing and slim, modern styles — Uniqlo. They offer a wide selection of slim-fit Oxford shirts (as seen above) in a wide variety of colors, and frequently run deals on 2 shirts, for example. In fact, 2 Oxford shirts will set you back roughly $50 — a pretty neat discount when you consider the wearability of a classic white OCBD. If you had to start with two picks, you could absolutely find them at the mainstay Japanese brand. A pretty thorough selection of denim and flannel shirts in a diverse color spectrum rounds out their casual shirting selection quite nicely. The one area they appear to be lacking in would be colorful, playful patterns — in that case, searching J. Crew Factory can offer some deviation from the typical solids or checks offered by Uniqlo, at about the same price point.

TOTAL: $50 (For two shirts)

Sweaters: Uniqlo

From extra fine merino to lambswool and cashmere, Uniqlo delivers.

Moving up to sweaters (another versatile outer layer as it gets chilly), sticking with Uniqlo is actually a wise choice here. While sweaters from comparable budget brands like J. Crew Factory definitely stack up favorably when it comes to quality, saving money wherever possible is definitely recommended when going through a wardrobe revamp. Although, if you can afford to shell out a few extra bucks per sweater, go for it. Just like their selection of casual shirts, Uniqlo offers excellent variety when it comes to sweaters. From extra fine merino crewnecks in bright shades to striped cardigans that mix things up just enough, the selection is on-point. Plus, a sweater can act as a neutral base to richer color combinations, particularly in fall and winter. More importantly, Uniqlo’s offerings even include cashmere (likely not the best, but worth a mention) and thicker lambswool knits. The cashmere sweaters do creep up towards the triple-digit mark in terms of price, but the extra fine merino wool seems to strike a nice balance in terms of fabric and price. As to those with quality concerns, while it’s clearly not the highest-quality sweater on the market, personal purchases from Uniqlo have held up more than fine with regular wear and proper care. Pick up two extra fine merino sweaters in versatile colors to start, and you’ll be well on your way for about $80.

TOTAL: About $80

So, for today’s entry, the total is roughly $175 — again, substantially larger when compared proportionally to the casual shirts portion of last year’s budget recap, but when considering that this round-up accounts for multiple styles from multiple sites, it’s really not that bad of a deal. Additionally, items from these categories can be mixed and matched — wear a V-neck T-shirt under a cardigan, or a casual buttondown shirt with a V-neck sweater. On the bottom, reach for any of the essentials in last week’s post, and you have a sharp and stellar combination.

Any recommendations for brands you would include? Favorite stops for casual shirts and sweaters?

September 19, 2014September 29, 2014 by Beau H.

Shopping on a Budget: An Updated Men’s Style Starter Kit, Part 1

The process of building great style on a budget is incredibly tricky and only getting trickier, as it seems retail prices are on the up-and-up everywhere (especially at mainstay stores like J. Crew). Budget style has been a frequent focus of this blog (check out the Starter Style series for more on that), but there’s always room for improvements and updates. Last year, I covered how to build a start-up wardrobe for under $250; think of this series as a revamp to that, with a slightly wider selection and some new categories. This first part will tackle the basics you need on your legs — chinos, jeans and shoes, namely. Next week, we’ll tackle casual knits (tees and henleys), casual and dress shirts and sweaters, and then wrap up with accessories. Without further ado, dive in below to check out how you can start to update your wardrobe for as little green as possible.

The Shoes: Versatile Brown Chukka Boots

The ever-versatile brown chukka boot.

Starting from the ground up, if you had to go with, let’s say, just one pair of shoes to start, it’s hard to go wrong with a versatile chukka boot (this model’s out of stock right now, but a similar option can be found here for only about $5 more). With just the right amount of sleek styling and in with a build that’s adaptable to both business casual situations and more casual-rugged outfits, this particular chukka pays homage to the more laidback Clarks desert boot while looking more polished. It just looks more natural to wear this with jeans off-duty than a regular, low-cut dress shoe, as well. And in a rich brown, this shoe works across all seasons and can even stand up to harsher fall and winter weather. When considering adding in a pair of casual sneakers on a serious budget, look for a lightweight, neutral plimsoll, like these from Urban Outfitters. Lastly, if you do happen to need plain old dress shoes, this pair from JC Penney should get the job done in a pinch.

TOTAL: About $125

The Jeans: Levi’s Dark Denim

A timeless original.

When it comes to buying jeans, it’s really tough to beat a classic original like Levi’s. For about $50 right now through the Levi’s website, you can pick up a pair of great-fitting, dark denim — a wardrobe staple that can be almost worn anytime, anywhere. In both business-casual settings and in any casual situation, a dark, slim pair — like the Levi’s 513 — won’t steer you wrong. At such a low price, it’s much more cost-effective to pick up a few pairs than paying more for one expensive denim. Durability isn’t sacrificed to an extreme degree, either. On a personal note, a pair of Levi’s 508’s (now the 522 model) have held up for well over two years with heavy wear — and that’s just one example of their durability.

TOTAL: $50

The ‘Other’ Pants: Slim Tan Chinos

In a versatile, all-season shade of tan.

Unfortunately, dark denim does need to be put aside for more formal business and office settings, and it’s also nice to have different pairs of versatile pants for other situations, too. That’s where a pair (or multiple pairs) of slim chinos can fill in. They look more office-ready than dark denim on some occasions while still staying budget-friendly. Most importantly, don’t make the mistake of thinking the chino can’t be worn casually, either — check out great ways to style them over here at Effortless Gent, as written by yours truly. Uniqlo’s offering a tan chino right now for an outstandingly low price — know that sizes and colors are limited now, but keep an eye on their site for more of these.

TOTAL: About $30

So, starting with just the basic styles here and building off of those, you’re looking at about $200 in total (keep in mind that last year’s style breakdown set the overall budget at $250). However, that’s spending on three pieces that can work practically anywhere, and do so for a long time. And, when dropping more on certain items, it’s wise to know when to cut back in other areas. Look for more next week, when we’ll tackle a full range of shirting options for the stylish guy on a budget.

Any suggestions for alternatives to these styles? Favorite budget picks for jeans, chinos or shoes?

September 8, 2014 by Beau H.

Men’s Style Fall Wish List

Now that Labor Day’s rolled right on by, it’s time to seriously start thinking about snagging some key style pieces for fall. While the eyes of the fashion world have been focuses squarely on spring 2015 this week in New York City, the rest of us should probably be focused on more affordable (and wearable) style than what’s seen on the runways. With that in mind, it’s still important to take stock of what’s currently in your wardrobe, and what could use a refresher — seasonal additions in appropriate colors (like a rich burgundy or a faded indigo) are always a great way to shake things up. And on that note, I’ve had my eye on some purchases for the colder weather; hopefully, some of these picks make it into your closet as well!

Gap Reverse Jersey Shawl Cardigan

A fall (and winter) cardigan thanks to the shawl collar and cream color.

A chunky cardigan is a terrific alternative to a more traditional V-neck sweater, especially with a thicker shawl collar, like this one. In a cream shade, it’s also ideal for fall — it provides a nice contrast to darker, rustic colors, like auburn, burgundy or navy. It would also pair extremely well with a chambray shirt, thanks to the rugged-looking collar and patch pockets. It would also layer well over a henley or under a peacoat (and for more on a nice potential winter coat pick-up, read on below).

John Doe 420 Boot in Brown

A cheaper alternative to Wolverine’s 1000 Mile boot.

While this brand isn’t what you might think of when reaching for a pair of boots (Wolverine’s stellar 1000 Mile collection comes to mind) that’s exactly what makes them a great pick-up. This pair is still a deep, rich shade of brown that’s on-par with the similar Wolverine boots, yet these have a slimmed-down appeal — a less aggressive toe, considerably smaller shoelace eyeholes and a sleeker overall shape. Now, from a brand with arguably less of an emphasis on craftsmanship and less history than another competitor like Wolverine, quality concerns could arise. But as part of a rotation with other boots in the fall, these are most likely a solid pick-up.

Saturdays Surf NYC Ulysses Peacoat

Fit for fall and beyond.

A classic navy peacoat will never really go out of style, but it’s always nice to have a change of pace on hand when needed. This slick-looking option from Saturdays Surf NYC does just the job. Also available in navy, this heather grey number is a visual standout. A slim cut and an additional built-in collar are welcome updates to this classic piece of outerwear, and the price tag is substantially lower than the much-coveted Bond peacoat from Billy Reid — making this a welcome alternative.

Form-Function-Form Button-Stud Burgundy Watchband

Changing up the typical black or brown-leather strap.

While a black or brown-leather watch is great to have on-hand (or on-wrist, rather) for repeated wear, sometimes your watch game needs an update. Much like a patterned watch strap can provide a jolt of color to your spring and summer wardrobe, a unique shade of leather more than gets the job done in the fall and winter. I’ve already got a black-leather strap from form-function-form, and if the quality of this strap is anything like that one, it’ll hold up quite well over time with repeated wear. And the great thing about this shade of burgundy is that it can provide a needed (yet seasonally-appropriate) pop of color against black shoes, while working well with rich shades of brown.

What’s on your fall wish list? Any planned big purchases?

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Author / Beau H.