July 14, 2023July 13, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Heads of State Custom Hats, The Best Summer Suits & A Huckberry Sale

If you’re a regular reader of the blog (and I certainly hope you are!), then you’re well aware that I believe in the power of stylish accessories to really elevate an #OOTD. And as much as I love my casually rugged rotation of ballcaps, there’s something about an ultra-sharp hat — one that’s made just to your liking — that really goes a long way.

I’m talking about the sort of custom men’s hat you might find at Brooklyn’s Heads of State, a chic-rustic spot in the fast-rising neighborhood of Greenpoint. I visited the shop and met with founder Gwen Rahn earlier this spring, and I was ever so impressed by the company’s approach (both online and at its recently opened retail location).

Learn more about Heads of State

If you’ve been on the fence about adding a more luxe, premium hat to your rotation — perhaps to wear with a summer suit, or perhaps to style with hybrid pieces like a field jacket or shacket in the colder months — fear not, because Heads of State makes it easier than ever to find your perfect fit (as I found out, of course).

Online, you’ll find a very helpful Hats 101 section, but the experience is even more personalized in store, as Gwen walks you through every step of the process, from which hat shape is right for your noggin to which fabrics and colors might pair well with your wardrobe. There are also customization options aplenty, including various richly crafted trims for your hat, and you can start the process off by selecting from one of four very sharp, Oppenheimer-esque hat silhouettes.

From there, the hats are crafted and finished in-studio in Greenpoint, and then shipped out in well under a month — just in time for your next summer wedding, right?

Customize your own hat at Heads of State

The process is fun and engaging, and the possibilities are seemingly endless. In fact, if you follow me on Instagram, you’re going to see more of my own customized, highly stylish hat very soon. For now, consider making Heads of State your go-to spot for your next (or first!) hat purchase.

In the meantime, here are a few other choice menswear picks I recommend you check out as you roll into your summer weekend. Cheers!

Here’s the right way to roll into your weekend: With a little shopping from one of the best online menswear stores out there, Huckberry. Now, I’ve talked about Huckberry’s Summer Steals on the blog recently, but a reminder is always in order when it comes to the best menswear deals. So, right now, you can get up to 35 percent off some of Huckberry’s Bestsellers, and those savings are seriously stylish. Go to it, my friends.

Shop Huckberry sale gear now

Speaking of your next look for a summer wedding, start with an essential — seriously, an essential you can’t go anywhere without. That’d be one of the best summer suits, something I covered over at AskMen. Shop accordingly and stay cool (in style!) out there, folks.

The Thursday Buy: These Taylor Stitch Loafers are a Refined Summer Classic for Tailored Style

My friends, one glance at your calendar (and thermostat) tells you all you need to know: We’ve still got plenty of summer left, and you’ve likely got plenty of tailored summer stops on your to-do list. How to beat the heat in style? With the best menswear essentials from one of your favorite men’s style brands, like Taylor Stitch. Sounds like a wise move to me, and I hope you agree.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

I’m more than willing to bet that you know the brand quite well from reading the pages of this blog, be it the brand’s stylish summer shorts or breezy summer shirts. Let’s start today’s post from the ground up though, quite literally. Let’s look at the San Francisco brand’s collection of the best shoes for men, which normally leans heavily into rugged vibes via the best boots for fall or winter.

Instead, let’s take a look at the Taylor Stitch Loafers, which are refined enough for a summer wedding, versatile enough to wear to the office, and well-crafted enough to take it all in stride.

Modeled after classic penny loafers and yet streamlined ever so slightly in terms of the last and the toe shape, the Taylor Stitch Loafers, these loafers (made in a D width — take note!) are made with plenty of helpful details for all sorts of situations.

Start with the fact that the Taylor Stitch Loafers feature weatherproof suede: I’d still advise treating them with suede protector, but they should prove more durable than other suede loafers.

Of course, the clean profile of the Taylor Stitch Loafers makes them dressy enough to wear with linen trousers or a Taylor Stitch summer suit, but the Vibram mini-lug sole is also more grippy and durable than a pair of classic, dressy suede loafers. See, Taylor Stitch has nearly thought of everything.

Shop footwear now at Taylor Stitch

For good measure, you can rest easy knowing these loafers are crafted with care in world footwear hub Leon, Mexico — that’s the same place where plenty of brands make dependable shoes and boots, so the Taylor Stitch Loafers also have that going for them.

They’re pricier than a pair of loafers from a discount retailer (the Taylor Stitch Loafers retail for $298), but given the care and consideration built into every pair, this is one summer footwear purchase you can feel great about making. Get out there in style the rest of this season, my friends.

July 12, 2023July 10, 2023 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Filson’s Summer Sale Delivers Savings of Up To 40 Percent Off

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, no doubt about it: When the chance comes to save on the most rugged menswear imaginable, particularly from an all-time great brand with a history of quite literally delivering the goods, well, it’s in your best interest to take full advantage of that opportunity.

That’s where Filson comes into play, of course, and the Pacific Northwest outfitter is one you know very well on the blog, very well indeed. I

IHead over to Filson right now

I’ve shone the spotlight on picks like the Filson Camp Shirt and other summer offerings, but there’s something even more worthwhile underway right now. The Filson Summer Sale is, naturall, something I’ve mentioned on my blog as of late — but it’s a sale worth shopping right this very instant.

The catch with a brand like Filson is that savings like this (up to 40 percent off select items) won’t stick around forever, and these deals are so good, they’re practically flying off the company’s digital shelves.

Be it the rustic-yet-stylish Filson Chambray Shirt, the rugged Filson Tin Cloth Duffle Bag or something from the hard-wearing Filson x Ten Thousand Performance Collection, this discount offering from the famed retailer is just about as good as it gets.

But if you know me, you know what I’m about to say: A deal this good won’t last forever, so be sure to shop the Filson Summer Sale accordingly right now, folks.

July 11, 2023July 10, 2023 by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent Off Select Items at Peter Millar’s End of Season Sale

I’m all about some of the best menswear deals on the market, as you very well know if you read the blog, and I’m also all about those rare chances to shop certain brands that don’t tend to go on sale very often.

Take Peter Millar, a brand known for everything from sporty, stylish golf gear to breezy linen shirts, suiting, summer slip-ons and more. The brand is elevated yet accessible, as at home for a day on the road as it is for a rooftop happy hour or a coastal getaway. Personally, I’m also a fan of the Peter Millar Flex Discovery Jacket for the right mix of rugged refinement and performance.

Learn more now at Peter Millar

And here’s the even better news, as the headline implies: The Peter Millar End of Season Sale is a jam-packed offering giving you 30 percent off tons of summer men’s style picks, from stretch shorts to a stylish linen shirt, cool printed swim trunks, super-soft T-shirts and plenty more.

You’re also going to find everyday menswear must-haves like some of the best men’s blue jeans from Peter Millar, not to mention performance shorts, stretch polos, colorful sweaters and plenty more beyond that. It seems like the good folks at Peter Millar are giving you the chance to score savings on everything but the kitchen sink, does it not?

So go on, do yourself a favor and refresh your mid-summer wardrobe now through July 18th with savings of 30 percent off at the Peter Millar End of Season Sale — it could be the best savings you come across all week.

July 10, 2023April 1, 2024 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This WP Standard Travel Bag Is Perfect for your Next Road Trip

Setting your sights on a summer (or early fall, or spring, or winter) travel destination isn’t just about where you’re ultimately going, of course. It’s about the menswear essentials you’re packing, and naturally, it’s about the stylish travel bag you use to haul said essentials.

That’s where a brand like WP Standard, in my experience, can help out in a major way. WP Standard excels at everyday carry essentials like one of the best leather messenger bags, but the carefully crafted, small-batch brand also takes a worthwhile approach to EDC gear built for the long haul.

Shop the best leather goods at WP Standard

By the “long haul,” I mean something as straightforward as a night or two away — or if you happen to be a particularly efficient packer, you might be able to haul everything you need for a four-day weekend in something like the pleasingly rugged WP Standard Leather Travel Tote. Beyond that, it’s just a darn-great, expertly crafted daily leather bag for your commute.

Made with rich full-grain leather practically guaranteed to get better with age, it’s a reliable option if you tend to pack light, or if you want a reliable travel bag to fill up before you hit the road in a flash. Let’s take a look inside, shall we?

Available in three distinct leather colors (a dark Chocolate, a sleek Desert Black and my personal favorite, a classic Tan), the WP Standard Leather Travel Tote should prove efficient and dependable for your daily haul or for overnight essentials. With a depth of 8 inches, a width of 22 inches and a height of 14 inches, it’s certainly smaller than a typical weekender bag, but should still be able to handle trips out of town.

Shop WP Standard leather goods

The WP Standard Leather Travel Tote also boasts brass hardware and a padded shoulder strap, while sturdy handles offer another carrying option for the busy modern man on the go (that’s you!). There’s an exterior pocket for quick access to needed documents or other EDC essentials from WP Standard, too.

And while this fashionable leather travel tote might seem like a splurge at $425, well, WP Standard is a brand worth splurging on (in my experience). Pack up for your next summer road trip with the proper bag for the occasion — this one, my friends.

July 9, 2023July 8, 2023 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save Up To 35 Percent Off Huckberry’s Best Summer Steals Right Now

If you’re a frequent shopper and something of an expert at scouring the market for the best menswear deals, perhaps you’re already aware of today’s deal — and if not, you’re in for a special treat. You see, today’s featured Sunday Sale comes courtesy of Huckberry, one of my all-time favorite retailers (and designers of some of your favorite menswear and gear, to boot).

Shop sale gear now at Huckberry

It’s not just any ordinary deal from the Huckberry Sale section, though (as if there were any ordinary deals, right??). Right now, you can shop some standout discounts from Huckberry’s Summer Steals section, a very worthy alternative to Amazon Prime Day deals (if you’re into that sort of thing).

The Summer Steals section offers savings of up to 35 percent off through July 13th on 10 Huckberry Bestsellers right now, each of which you can wear this week through the end of summer (and well beyond). Let’s take a quick look, shall we?

You’ll find savings on summer must-haves like the durable, classic Wellen Swim Shorts in an array of vibrant colors, plus the rugged Huckberry Sunseekers Sunglasses for a whopper of a deal (try just $27 for some of the best men’s sunglasses).

There’s also a breezy selection of super-soft tees, stylish buttondown shirts and even a rugged denim chore coat to be found in the Huckberry Sale section via this deal at the moment.

It gets even better from there, though: Huckberry has also discounted a few picks to round out the rest of your lifestyle: Huckberry’s own Whiskey Peaks glasses are up for grabs at a reduced price (try 35 percent off), and they look (and perform) better than ever. Could they become your new favorite whiskey glasses?

Shop Whiskey Peaks glasses and more now

Possibly, but I know one thing for sure at the moment: Whether you’re shopping whiskey glasses, swim trunks, rugged hybrid shorts or a classic polo, you’ll find something to love within Huckberry’s Summer Steals selection right now. Cheers, my friends.

July 8, 2023July 7, 2023 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Saltwater Slub Polo – Summer’s Breeziest Polo for Casual Style

There are details that make a difference in your menswear wardrobe, particularly in the way you shop and the brands you target in your search for summer style essentials. Take the best sustainanble men’s fashion, for instance.

Brands that make a difference, treat the environment with care and produce clothing like, say, one of the best men’s polos in the process practically check all the right boxes in this day and age. I’ve always found that to be the case with a brand like Outerknown.

Learn more now at Outerknown

Of course, that’s the stylish, rugged and eco-friendly menswear brand founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater. They’re well-known (on this blog and elsewhere) for producing picks like the Outerknown Blanket Shirt, not to mention an entire assortment of sustainable menswear from head-to-toe.

That lineup now crucially includes breezy picks like the Outerknown Salt Slub Polo, which makes it easier than ever to get comfortable, eco-friendly style at a fair price for the rest of the summer ahead.

This stylish men’s polo (available in colors like a handsome Midnight Blue and an eye-catching Grey Mist) is crafted from an organic Portuguese cotton slub jersey fabric, an ultra-soft and textured fiber that’s also easier on the environment than traditional cotton.

The Outerknown Salt Slub Polo also boasts a crisp-yet-easygoing three-button collar and two-ply placket — it’s going to feel as soft as your favorite Outerknown T-shirt, all the while looking polished like a casually cool polo for summer nights aplenty.

Shop men’s basics now at Outerknown

Beyond that, the Outerknown Salt Slub Polo accents things with a chest pocket for a more laidback look and feel, and there’s also a small “OK” logo at the bottom left hem. Taken all at once, this is a classically designed polo upgraded with modern fibers for a more sustainable, better and still-stylish polo wearing experience. Meet your new favorite polo for the rest of summer right now.

July 7, 2023July 7, 2023 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Shinola Runlate Watch, Filson x Indiana Jones & New American Single Malt

As I roll into another Pure Michigan weekend — following a couple momentous yet relaxing weeks in my home state — I’m both grateful for relaxing time spent on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the chance to keep up with my freelance writing pursuits all the same.

It’s the best of both worlds if you ask me, complete with both tranquil lakeshore views and cold beer (along with more than a few dispatches to add to my freelance writing portfolio). Fireworks, food, fun and … menswear? Sure thing. Fair warning: You’ll also want to keep scrolling today to read about a sharp new watch from Shinola.

As to my time in Pure Michigan: In between fun in the sun and sand, I wrote about another partnership near and dear to my heart. That’d be the stunning Filson x Indiana Jones capsule, as seen at the top of the page and covered by yours truly at Maxim.com. It’s a set of rugged, Indy-inspired gear made for the outdoor explorer, and you’d do well to shop Filson x Indiana Jones heading into your weekend.

By the way, the Filson Summer Sale continues to roll on, so you’ve got more than enough reason to shop the legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter.

Shop rugged Filson gear right now

As to the rest of your plans over the next three days, use my helpful picks below as a guide to shop and sip your way through breezy summer days. Cheers, my friends.

Here’s a nice sipper to guide you into the weekend. Back in May, Jim Beam (known more formally as the James B. Beam Distilling Co.) launched its first-ever American single malt whiskey, and I had the chance to taste Clermont Steep Single Malt in New York City as part of my spirits writing for Maxim.com. It’s crafted from American malted barley from Clermont, Kentucky, then distilled at a single distillery (the same approach taken across the pond for single malt Scotch). It was a wonderful night, and I’m here to say that the first foray by Jim Beam into this new category is a winner. Oh, and here’s the kicker: You can get yourself a bottle of Clermont Steep at Drizly right now.

If you thought the Filson x Indiana Jones capsule was fun, how about this: Shinola turned one of its April Fool’s jokes into a real-life, limited-edition watch. Meet the Shinola Runlate, a clever play on that friend who’s always running, well, late (even if that friend happens to be you). The design of the classic Shinola Runwell gets an update via “Late” hour markers, instead of the modern Art Deco design of the OG watch. Plus, the Runlate features a crisp white dial and tan leather strap combo. It’s playful, it’s limited-edition and it comes on the heels of a wave of customer requests for this ultra-fun watch. Don’t be late: Only 100 units of the Shinola Runlate are available.

Get the Shinola Runlate ASAP

Let’s shift briefly from whiskey and watches to outdoor pursuits for summer days ahead. Just yesterday on the blog, I wrote about some of the best hybrid shorts to wear now: These Free Fly Breeze Shorts are ideal for trail hiking, quick training sessions, evenings around the bonfire… the list goes on. Dive right in via my Thursday Buy, and we’ll see you out there.

Shop Free Fly’s Breeze Shorts now

That’ll bring today’s Friday Read to a close, and I hope I’ve covered enough bases for everyone. Of course, there’s the chance to shop the best hybrid shorts from a trusted apparel brand, along with the fun-as-can-be Shinola Runlate watch and new American single malt whiskey. Check back tomorrow for my Style Pick of the Week, and in the meantime, cheers to summer and thanks for reading!

July 6, 2023July 1, 2023 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Lightweight Free Fly Breeze Shorts are a Casual Summer Style Move

For as fast as the summer seems to be flying by, perhaps you’ve still got your eye on a few classic, casual summer style essentials. Or rather, versatile summer style essentials — like a pair of active shorts you can wear for both laidback days around town and active pursuits in the field, from day hikes to camping trips and everything in between.

Learn more now at Free Fly

That’s where the Free Fly Breeze Shorts, part of the Free Fly Breeze Collection, offer up maximum dependability, performance and laidback style. Available in inseam lengths of 6, 7 and 8 inches, these shorts check all the right boxes for lazy days by the lake, summer vacations and even casual outings around town.

The fabric is lightweight and breathable, yet packed with UPF50+ protection for all-day reliability, and things only get better from there.

The Free Fly Breeze Shorts are built with dependable four-way stretch fabric, which dries quickly and moves with you through rocky terrain or easygoing boardwalk strolls. The elastic drawstring waistband is comfortable and yet provides a customizable, snug fit, while you’ve also got the option to pick up the Free Fly Breeze Shorts with a liner for added support.

Shop the lightweight Free Fly Breeze Collection

Beyond that, they come in sizes ranging from Small to 3XL, and nine colorways offer up something for everyone in terms of style. Better still is the fact that they wear easily and stylishly with something like the rugged, functional Free Fly short-sleeve henley, one of the best henleys for men.

The next time you want shorts that deliver both casual comfort and all-day performance, the Free Fly Breeze Shorts check the proper boxes, and then some.

July 5, 2023July 1, 2023 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection Has Some of the Most Rugged Travel Bags Out There

There are some brands that seemingly plant a flag in the ground and stake their claim to specializing in one category, and then continually improving in that category. That’s precisely what Detroit-based Shinola did in the world of the best men’s watches, of course.

Find a new Shinola watch right now

They started off making classics like the Shinola Runwell before expanding slowly but surely into other categories, like the best sunglasses for men and even the astounding Shinola Hotel in Detroit. Suffice to say, I’m a major fan of the brand, and that goes for the latest from Detroit’s finest: A thoughtfully designed line of the best travel bags for men, made from incredibly tough, rugged fabric.

The collection in question is the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection, boasting highly durable Dyneema fabric for a surprisingly rugged touch from the famously refined brand. The hard-wearing offering includes a tote, a tech pouch and a travel duffel, each packed with more functionality than the last.

Shop the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection

If you’re opting for something more outdoor-minded than, say, Shinola’s handsome Navigator Leather line, the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection is your best bet. In fact, the 10,000 Mile Collection nods to the number of total miles of coastline along the Great Lakes, and these are certainly bags you could take on adventures through the great outdoors.

That’s due to the Dyneema fabric, which is lightweight, abrasion-resistant and yet 15 times stronger than quality steel and 40 times stronger than Aramid fiber. On top of that, each piece in the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection boasts helpful details like interior slide pockets and an exterior pocket in the 10,000 Mile Duffle.

Plus, aluminum hardware adds durability, while the trio of pieces in the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection features a stylish black-and-orange color combination. And for good measure, the collection is a solid value (the duffle, for instance, is priced at $795).

When you’re in the market for one of the best rugged outdoor bags from a brand you can trust, opt for the Shinola 10,000 Mile Collection. Cheers, my friends.

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