Author / Beau H.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Walton Jacket is an Elevated Blazer for the Best Holiday Occasions

My friends, the holiday season is nearly upon us — act accordingly, and your entire wardrobe will be accounted for, and then some, as you prepare for seasonal soirees, dressy occasions, holiday parties aplenty and even days at the office. I say live a little and invest in the best, particularly when it comes to one of the very best blazers for men — a piece you can wear day in and day out, in fact, especially when made the right way by famed menswear designer Billy Reid.

Shop Billy Reid’s seasonal picks now

The right blazer can almost feel like a suit of armor, elevating even more simple style staples like blue jeans and an Oxford shirt. And the Billy Reid Walton Jacket is a near-perfect example of one of the best men’s sportcoats, with a timeless design and structure to compete with the best men’s blazers on the market.

The Billy Reid Walton Jacket is billed as a “longtime favorite” of fans of the Alabama designer across his more-than two-decade career, made from basketweave virgin wool in a rich shade of tan brown that’s finished with crisp, classic details like patch pockets. The Billy Reid Walton Jacket is three-quarter-lined for added shape and structure plus a flattering fit (look for the company’s signature pelican motif in the lining itself).

And the half-canvas construction of the Billy Reid Walton Jacket will wear exceptionally well over time, molding to your body ever-so-slightly with each wear.

And yes my friends, when it comes to the Billy Reid Walton Jacket, you’re certainly going to want to get the most bang for your buck: Team this refined, handsome blazer with everything from charcoal corduroy trousers and a blue Oxford shirt to a henley and blue jeans for a blend of high-low style (of course, the designer does a standout job producing each of those menswear staples, too).

Shop tailoring and more now at Billy Reid

Finishing touches like dark horn buttons and pick stitching on the lapel give this refined jacket a further elevated touch when it comes to refined design — would you expect anything less from one of the country’s best menswear designers, as I often say?

I certainly wouldn’t, and that’s why it’s more than worth investing in a truly versatile men’s sportcoat like the Billy Reid Walton Jacket ahead of a prime time of year for putting your best foot forward. Good luck out there, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Down Cruiser Jacket is One of the Best Jackets for Winter Style

Best men's winter jackets.

The very best gear you should be keeping your eyes on the horizon for this season has a real-world sense of toughness, rugged appeal and performance – and yes, it’s possible to check all of those boxes in one highly covetable winter jacket, particularly from one of the best heritage menswear brands on the market. It’s heady stuff, right?

And Filson has been making gear primed for Pacific Northwest winters for well over a century, a legacy that continues apace today — and a legacy that checks off all the boxes we noted above.

Find out more now and shop at Filson

Again, it’s heady stuff, right? And now, that lineup and legacy includes one of the best down jackets for men, a cross between a parka and a field coat via the aptly named Filson Waxed Canvas Down Jacket. It’s sturdy, it’s hard-working and it blends the best of both worlds: In this case, that means responsibly sourced down meets the waxed fabric for which Filson is famous, and then it’s done up in a rugged field coat-esque design made to go far afield (and then some, my friends — and then some).

The Filson Waxed Canvas Down Jacket boasts a highly durable two-tone Dark Tan blend of 8-oz. 100% cotton oil finish Cover Cloth and its famously hard-working 11-oz. 100% cotton oil finish Shelter Cloth, which is then filled with responsibly sourced down and finished off with ultra-warm merino wool trimmings at the collar and cuffs.

It’s the brand’s hardest-working fabrication with weather resistance and gets-better-with-age appeal in mind, as Filson sagely notes that “customers have described our Down Cruiser as, “like wearing a wood-burning stove.”” That sounds like precisely what your winter style rotation needs, does it not?

Durable custom hardware with snap closures down the front placket should keep you covered and ultra-warm in virtually any winter weather, while the handsome and highly functional Filson Waxed Canvas Down Jacket is packed with pockets to rival the company’s Mackinaw Wool Cruiser (another hybrid between a field coat and a more traditional peacoat, for instance).

Any time you look to lace up rugged leather boots, indigo denim and a chambray shirt over a thermal henley, complete your #OOTD with the tough-as-nails, investment-worthy Filson Waxed Canvas Down Jacket — winter’s best adventures nearly require it, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Amberjack’s Black Friday Deal on Some of the Most Comfortable Men’s Shoes Is Now Live

Most comfortable men's dress shoes.

It might seem hard to believe, but the time is already upon us, in some cases, to shop the best deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Yessir, that’s right: Some of your favorite brands are already serving up deals aplenty on the best gear, stylish menswear, expertly crafted layers and even the dress shoes and comfortable, utterly fashionable boots to match.

In that last regard, meet the good folks at Amberjack — or rather, continue acquainting yourself with this New York City upstart brand, which has hung its hat in recent years on making some of the most comfortable men’s dress shoes on the market.

Find out more and shop now at Amberjack

The brand, which is known for incorporating athletic technology into the traditional stuffy, stiff dress shoe outsole, also makes some wonderful chukka boots and now, sneakers — in addition to its best-selling lace-up dress shoes.

And you can now up the ante when you buy a new pair of stylish Amberjack dress shoes: With your purchase of one pair of shoes, you can get a free Amberjack wallet ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

That’s an $85 value in addition to securing yourself a pair of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market — certainly not a bad deal in my book.

I’m a fan of Amberjack dress shoes in particular, with their sleek and streamlined design, plus the stylish good looks of a traditional dress shoe (even including some light brogue detailing), while Amberjack technology delivers rebound, comfort and support for long days on your feet.

Shop Amberjack dress shoes and more now

The same can be said of Amberjack chukka boots, and other Amberjack reviews note that the brand’s technology is some of the most comfortable around — it’s hard not to love that blend of form and function, and it’s equally hard to pass up the Amberjack Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal (the early bird edition, at least!) up for grabs right now. And take heed: You can get this deal (again, one stylish wallet with the purchase of a stylish pair of dress shoes!) now through November 15th.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder’s Best-Selling Trucker Jacket Just Got a Major Upgrade

Flint and Tinder trucker jacket review.

It’s like we’ve been saying for weeks if not months on this Brooklyn style blog: There’s not a better time of year for menswear than right now, with its rich layers, its promise of crisp outdoor adventure and the chance to lean into your rugged side.

And certain retailers just meet the moment quite handily, as you also well know if you read this menswear blog on the regular. Of course, Huckberry stocks the kind of vintage-inspired, Americana-tinged gear you can count on to power everything from weekend farmer’s market visits to cabin getaways, bonfires, park strolls and more.

Shop the best all-around gear for men now at Huckberry

But even the best gear needs an upgrade or a refresh from time to time, including one of Huckberry’s best sellers, the indomitable and incomparable Flint and Tinder Trucker Jacket.

The company’s best-selling item of all-time is normally made from a hard-wearing Martexin sailcloth and lined with striped blanket flannel lining, but the latest and greatest Flint and Tinder trucker jacket gets a big-time, highly intriguing upgrade: Witness the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Sashiko Trucker Jacket, which blends the softness of 100 percent indigo-dyed cotton with distinctive Japanese Sashiko stitching.

There’s plenty of character to love in the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Sashiko Trucker Jacket, which updates a true modern menswear classic in utterly eye-catching fashion. As Huckberry notes, sashiko stitching, an age-old technique, helps lend texture, character and craftsmanship to all kinds of textiles, this handsome trucker jacket very much included.

And like other variations on your favorite indigo menswear, pieces like the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Sashiko Trucker Jacket will take on their own character and patina the more you wear ’em — with each wear, in fact.

Huckberry rightfully calls this gem of a piece a “limited-edition, artisanal take on our iconic trucker jacket,” and it’s hard to pass that up (act carefully, since size XS is already sold out online).

The great news is, the same hallmarks that make other versions of the Flint and Tinder trucker jacket so excellent are all in on the action as well, from side-entry waist pockets to a flap-button chest pocket and the brand’s utterly classic striped blanket lining. Look for the inner left side media pocket for your everyday carry, too. And custom, durable hardware lends even further durability to this timeless silhouette, which should prove every bit as wearable as your other favorite Flint and Tinder trucker jacket.

Shop rugged jackets and more at Huckberry

Rock it early and often with a grey henley and tan chinos, or else style it with black jeans and broken-in tan leather boots for a dash of rock n’roll edge. However you choose to wear the newest Flint and Tinder trucker jacket, rest assured that it’s with you for the ride every step of the way, and then some.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Affordable Wellen Joggers from Huckberry Are Your New Weekend Go-To

It’s on a rainy Brooklyn Sunday that I come to you with the latest and greatest deal for your fall and winter wardrobe: A pair of go-anywhere, do-anything joggers that manage to get the job done in matters of style, utility and comfort aplenty.

And while I’m not as much of a gym rat as in my high school and college days, you could certainly find ways to wear the on-sale Wellen Wellknit Joggers for fitness pursuits aplenty as well as laidback weekend lounging — and at this current sale price, you’d be hard-pressed to let them pass you by, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon.

Billed by Huckberry as “Wellen’s new radically soft performance sweats,” the Wellen Wellknit Joggers are marked down about 20 percent right now, just in time for cozy fall and winter weekends and perhaps even the odd Thanksgiving football game.

The brand’s proprietary four-way stretch fabric is quick-drying and anti-microbial, while the tapered fit is warm-up approved and plenty comfortable for, again laidback lounging (are you sensing a theme here?).

And since the Wellen Wellknit Joggers are part of the always-excellent Huckberry Sale section, it’s worth perusing the famed retailer’s other selections of durable, dependable gear — from whiskey decanters to leather-bound flasks to rugged flannel shirts and warmly knit beanie caps.

Shop the Huckberry Sale section ASAP

And like much of the rest of Huckberry’s gear picks, these stylish, sleek joggers are packed with plenty of bells and whistles — note the inclusion of five pockets, including two side pockets with inner stash pockets and a back zip pocket, all the better to haul your everyday carry essentials.

A drawcord waistband provides a secure fit on the go, while colors like Black, Navy and Natural Heather provide maximum versatility in and out of the gym — plus, throw in on a deal on the ever-useful Wellen Wellknit Joggers, and you very well might want to secure more than one pair. ‘Tis the season for cozy, effortless style and performance, and these joggers from our friends at Huckberry lead the way.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: VERO Watches Open Water 41 Watch – The Most Reliable Tool Watch in Your Everyday Carry

In the very same way that you put plenty of thought into the boots you lace up, the denim you wear, the henley you select and the hard-wearing waxed jacket that you rock during the brisk autumn and winter months, consider your everyday carry essentials just as vital. Of course, if you read this Brooklyn style blog, you know that all too well — in the best way possible.

And if durability and rugged appeal plus performance is the name of the game, then upstart watchmaker VERO Watches has just what you need to amp up your everyday carry, and then some. And in my experience testing out the handsome and reliable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch as shown above, it’s a brand worth knowing, wearing and putting to the test.

Learn more and shop EDC gear now at VERO Watches

You see, testing out the durable-as-can-be VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch has been high on my to-do list for some time, especially as I crisscross the country and the globe in my many freelance writing pursuits.

The company calls themselves “champions of the modern American field watch,” a claim that’s hard to dispute given their partnerships with everyone from the U.S. Forest Service (yes, really!) to Realtree’s rugged outdoor camo.

It all makes for compelling performance, style and utility, as the decade-old Portland, Oregon company looks to change the way watches are made, starting with flagship standbys like the VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch.

Boasting matte bead blasted stainless steel fabrication and an impressive 656 feet of water resistance, this reliable watch can go just about anywhere you like — I myself have worn it to Charleston, South Carolina dive bars and on cross-country flights without missing a beat.

The VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch is crafted from tough 316L stainless steel, while its DLC coated 60-click unidirectional bezel is firm, sturdy and designed to perform from sunrise to sunset (and then some).

The movement is Swiss-made but US-assembled with the rest of the watch, but the coolest part about the highly wearable VERO Watches Daybreak 41 Watch might be its fiery orange dial — there’s simply no other watch in my collection like it, which makes it a highly appealing prospect given its functionality and its blend of form and fashion.

Shop watches and EDC gear now at VERO Watches

SuperLuminova markings give the dial plenty of legibility, and it doesn’t hurt that your new favorite dive watch boasts a 4.98 out of 5-star-rating average across the VERO Watches site.

While this brand isn’t as massive (yet!) as other American watchmakers, it’s remarkable to see what they’ve done in just a decade when it comes to making some of the best American watches. Count on timepieces like this one to get the job done — I know I certainly will.

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: The Devium Alder Flannel Shirt is An American-Made Wardrobe Standout

Best flannel shirts for men.

As we tend to talk about week in and week out here on The Style Guide — especially in our Friday Find series, where we spotlight an unheralded brand worthy of your time and hard-earned cash — they don’t make ’em quite like they used to, except when, well, they do. In my experience, that sense of know-how, good old-fashioned hard work, rugged style and exceptional utility can still be found in the best American-made menswear, if you know where and when to look.

Find the best USA-made menswear here

That’s why, again — in my experience! — you can trust Devium to deliver consistently high-quality USA-made goods, with inspiration drawn from both the auto shop, the factory line and the rich alpine climes of an upstate getaway.

Case in point might be the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt, at least as we get ever deeper into the brisk climes of fall and winter. Right off the bat, the handsome construction and utterly classic good looks of the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt call to mind something your grandfather might have worn back in the day.

In my book, that means no fuss, no frills, just dependably rugged design and the kind of classic construction made to be counted on for backyard beers, hauling brush and cozying up to the fire at the end of the day. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

And yes, the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt certainly delivers — starting with rich double-brushed cotton flannel fabric that just so happens to be cut and sewn in Southern California.

A mix of sturdy yet supple organic cotton flannel makes the difference, as do rich seasonal colorways and small-batch production that go well beyond the everyday plaid flannel shirt (although a man’s wardrobe needs options, so don’t count out one of those, either!).

Boasting a pre-washed design for added softness and no additional shrinkage, small touches like custom 26L matte and debossed cat-eye buttons add strong durability to the Devium Alder Flannel Shirt — an exceptional flannel shirt made for all the moments you need it this autumn and winter, my friends.

Find out more and shop now at Devium USA
by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket is Primed for Layering This Season

Best shirt jackets for men.

You tend to know right away when a design is so fit for the season at hand: Rugged layers aplenty, especially the best shirt jackets for men — like the kind seen above from our friends at Huckberry — get the job done and then some. And when the best of both worlds collide (like when a hard-wearing flannel shirt meets a durable shirt jacket), well, that’s the sweet spot as far as the best fall menswear is concerned.

Find out more and shop now at Huckberry

And if you read this Brooklyn style blog on the regular, it should come as no shock that gear from the good folks at Ohio-based Relwen tend to fit the bill quite handsomely.

What with the company’s penchant for durability, dependability and modern updates to Americana designs, staple pieces like the innovative Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket deliver as much utility and rugged appeal as a Swiss Army Knife for upstate getaways, lakeside retreats, bonfires, dive bar outings and plenty more.

Huckberry notes that the upstart brand delivers a sense of modern-meets-Americana, and in the best way possible: Technical fabrication meets tried-and-true silhouettes, often with a hearty dose of military style inspiration. And for every outdoor fall and winter adventure you can muster, I’d layer up with the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket (among a host of other reliable Relwen style picks, that is).

The Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket meets the moment as far as the good folks at Huckberry are concerned: The retailer notes that “when you wear a Relwen windzip jacket, blazer, or pants, you know they were made with quality, durability, and movement in mind,” and in my experience, I’d certainly have to agree.

Durable cotton flannel twill makes up the exterior of one of the best shirt jackets for men, while the interior is made up of one consistent piece of polyester ripstop insulation for added warmth. It’s also a positive that this durable shirt jacket comes in a series of classic and eye-catching color combinations, most of them based off your favorite classic plaid flannel shirting designs.

Spring snap hardware aids in durability and plenty of layering potential: Wear the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket atop a henley or even a chambray shirt from the good folks at Huckberry, then team it with canvas work pants for outdoor pursuits or inky blue indigo denim for casual evenings around the bonfire, dram of whiskey in hand. There’s no telling where an essential piece like the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket can take you, and that’s a great thing indeed.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Shawl Cardigan from The Tie Bar is a Modern Merino Take on a Classic

Every so often, the chance to review a true gem of a menswear find crosses my inbox (in fact, that’s more likely the case every day — what a gig!). And in these times, especially as the sun sets earlier and temperatures turn ever more brisk, I’m always on the lookout for the right layers for the job at hand: In this case, one of the best men’s sweaters is a must-have, along with my rotation of the best denim shirts, stretch chinos and of course rugged leather boots aplenty.

And at least in my assortment of stylish men’s sweaters, I’ve been wildly impressed with one in particular as of late: That’d be The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, a rugged winner of a piece that I simply can’t stop wearing.

Find out more and shop now at The Tie Bar

I’m willing to bet you know The Tie Bar from this blog and elsewhere, as my reviews of The Tie Bar have dove into its highly affordable assortment of neckwear, tailoring and suiting accessories for the modern man.

But the latest and greatest — again, the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan — presents a different look for the brand, offering up a sense of refined-yet-rugged appeal in modern merino fabric. Not bad for one of the best men’s cardigans, am I right or am I right?

The The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan is nothing less than ultra-soft and yet sturdy enough for seasonal layering, with thick ribbed knit stitching that gives it structure and shape.

The shawl collar is warm while framing the face, and this handsome shawl cardigan is able to be dressed up crisply (with a classic Oxford shirt, for instance) or dressed down ever so slightly atop a thermal henley. It makes for versatility aplenty, dependable style and dashing good looks that call to mind other menswear icons who love the shawl collar cardigan (looking at you, Mr. Steve McQueen).

There’s a sense of structure and style to the The Tie Bar Merino Heritage Shawl Cardigan, which also happens to be a downright steal at $128.

And it doesn’t hurt that its Nutmeg color is able to pair stylishly with dark indigo denim, with olive chinos or with grey or burgundy corduroy trousers, to name but a few ways you can wear your new favorite fall sweater. When temperatures plummet and reliable style and warmth remain top of mind, you’ve assuredly found a winner with this rugged-yet-versatile shawl cardigan, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Todd Snyder Chore Coat is an Essential Transitional (On-Sale) Layer

When the opportunity arises to bring your fall and winter layers back out of storage, I’d say you should jump at the chance — and while we’re well into autumn, perhaps you’re still searching for the right layer to complement casually rugged looks aplenty.

I’d say one of the best men’s chore coats certainly qualifies, especially if the weather hasn’t quite turned brisk in bone-chilling fashion — in times like these, a lighter, durable, rugged top layer can still be used to great effect when worn over a thicker sweater or flannel shirt, for instance.

And that’s where the good folks at Todd Snyder enter the fray once more, as the award-winning menswear designer’s Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat lives up to its billing for crisp but not blizzard-worthy seasonal days right now.

Find out more now at Todd Snyder

To be clear, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat isn’t nearly as thick and sturdy as other layers in your rotation, perhaps even including something like the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. But remember, layers are your friend, and when wind and rain hits, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat should prove highly functional and fashionable all the same. And yes, for just about 25 percent off, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat will absolutely get the job done, my friends.

A blend of cotton and nylon gives it a water-resistant structure and sturdy style points aplenty, as patch pockets deliver a timeless chore coat look and utility for hauling your everyday carry from point A to point B.

Melamine buttons provide durability and performance, while the Lichen shade is utterly classic and military-inspired — look to pair up the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat with everything from dark tan chinos and a white Oxford shirt to expertly broken-in dark blue denim and a grey thermal henley.

Of course, the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat should also style easily atop a fisherman sweater or a light grey crewneck sweatshirt — and naturally, the fact that the famed designer sells each of these staples alongside the Todd Snyder Rain Chore Coat is a massive bonus, at least in my experience. If it’s reliably durable, rugged-yet-versatile style you seek in every facet of your wardrobe, then this handsome chore coat is an apt, on-sale style move to make now, my friends.