February 26, 2016February 25, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: David Beckham, American Apparel and New Mott & Bow Denim

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

I’m closing out this week on The Style Guide (and heading into next week) thinking ever so slightly of the impending arrival of spring. Doesn’t it seem like we were just talking wool blazers and fall sweaters? It’s pretty wild how the style cycle turns — even now, spring arrivals are hitting shelves (to that end, look for a spring style wish list next week). What top picks do you have your eye on for the coming season? Those new purchases seem to go hand-in-hand will looking toward spring travel, too. Rest assured that future posts will definitely cover off on those types of topics. For now, it’s the close of NYC Beer Week here in the city — somewhat unsurprisingly, there’s almost been too many great events to choose from around New York! So that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to this weekend. And as you look ahead to (maybe) cracking open a cold one yourself, I’d recommend you kick back and catch up on what you should be shopping and reading this weekend.

David Beckham’s work with British brand Kent & Curwen just took another turn — get to know the label’s new creative director here, and get excited for the forthcoming, likely excellent, product.
This is from last week, but still worth a share — the fine team at Get Kempt developed what it’s calling the Sartorial Bill of Rights.
This story seems to be everywhere (or it certainly has been everywhere) in different forms in the past few years — HighSnobiety looks at the rise and fall of American Apparel.
Long Read of the Week: I just came across this feature as I was writing this post, and was sufficiently sidetracked. It might be from last fall, but Valet took an excellent look into “Ralph Lauren University,” interviewing several of the top-notch designers and creative folks who also worked for Ralph Lauren before launching into successful careers in their own right. It’s fascinating and includes plenty of big names, from John Varvatos to Todd Snyder!
Lastly — looking to get away out West, and in need of some great gear?

Still on the hunt for what’s new in the men’s style world? Keep looking below.

I had a ton of fun covering the stunning Taylor Stitch Natural Chromexcel Moto Boots for GearMoose — those could just be your new spring (and summer, and fall, and winter) boots.
Mott & Bow, purveryors of nicely priced, comfortable denim, just launched its newest set of jeans. They’re built with 35 percent stretch — 35! — and I covered ’em for VOUCH Mag.

February 24, 2016February 18, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Stylish Men’s Chelsea Boots to Buy Right Now

Editor’s note: Get the scoop on all the #menswear you could ever need with all The Style Guide’s online shopping picks.

Chelsea boots via ASOS, with a bit of seasonal wear-and-tear. Learn how to style yours below, folks.

In case the headline wasn’t enough of an indicator, today we’re talking Chelsea boots on The Style Guide. Like other pieces that once seemed relatively trendy (remember when J. Crew nearly single-handedly brought back the now-essential chambray shirt?), these guys have practically become a safe bet as far as a great footwear option for stylish guys. They’re not as hearty as a sturdy pair of winter boots, to be sure, but in the right style and color, they can definitely work in three seasons — and maybe four, if the snow holds out. The silhouette is generally sleek and sharp, and that seemingly goes for whether you pick ’em up in brown or black leather, or suede — all picks seen below. A bit of rocker edge never hurt anyone, either. And while at first it might take a while to get used to just slipping into a pair of boots — as it did for me — you might soon find they’re your go-to footwear option when you want to step away from leather sneakers, dress shoes or more military-inspired boots. Check out today’s Style Guide picks, and give us a look on Facebook for all the menswear content you can possibly ‘Like.’

#1. Thursday Boot Company Brown Duke Boot — $199

A reliable and (hopefully) hard-wearing pick from an upstart brand.

While it was an exceptionally close call between the Duke Boot and the Ellis Boot from Jack Erwin (option numero dos), a slightly lower price and more versatile brown leather swayed this writer (more readily wearable in winter, see?). Thursday Boots continues to be a solid option if you want to up your boot game for not a whole lot o’ dough, and they nearly always deliver. You get better quality than a pair of Chelsea boots from a fast retailer like H&M, yet you’re not ponying up an arm and a leg from a pricier brand. Added details like the studded rubber outsole should ensure a smooth grip no matter the season.

#2. Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boot in Brown Suede — $220

Sleek and sturdy at the same time — a nice combination.

Perhaps it’s the thought of springtime being (hopefully) not too far off, but these beautiful Jack Erwin brown suede Chelsea boots end up near the top of this list for a few great reasons. On the comfort end of the equation, these boots feature a rubber sole and full leather lining — both things you’ll be grateful for if you’re out and about a lot. And on the looks end of things, the suede appears rich and high-quality — take ’em for a spin with some white jeans when the time comes. Sure, they’ll require a little extra care and will probably be needed to shelved when heavy snow hits, but the rest of the time, they’re on the money.

#3. Wolverine 1883 Garrick Chelsea Boot — $175

Heritage-quality leather and rugged style details at an approachable price.

As sold by East Dane, these boots are part of Wolverine’s 1883 line, which has more than a dozen individual styles on the brand’s Web site. The biggest thing to note here is that, somewhat incredulously, you’re getting the Wolverine brand name for under $200 — no small feat when you look at the brand’s 1000 Mile line (particularly the Camden Chelsea Boot). At any rate, the Garrick is a slightly more rustic-looking Chelsea boot, what with burnishing details on the toe and heel, plus that wrinkled leather. These will still do just fine with dark denim or navy chinos, and they’d even add a nice contrast to spring denim.

#4. ASOS Tan Suede Chelsea Boot — $68.43

Dark tan suede Chelsea boots that combine some unique color with a terrific price.

Got an extra two quarters lying around? So these ASOS Chelsea boots are, it goes without saying, a downright steal for the price. And they’re another style that, like the Florsheim boots above, are a very worthy pickup if you’re looking to dip your toes into this trend. They’re cut a little lower on the heel for a slightly more continental look . Note that the suede isn’t the highest-quality, but it’s actually held up decently as part of a rotation and with less winter wear (the pair you see at the top of the page belong to yours truly — thanks Santa!).

#5. Florsheim Indie Gore Boot in Toffee — $99.90

More casual in nature thanks to the color and gore detailing.

Florsheim’s Indie Gore Boot has bit more going on visually than the typical Chelsea boot thanks to the side-gore detailing and the textured leather. Those aren’t all bad things, though. You’re getting a more casual pair of Chelsea boots — there is such a thing — for a great price. Feel free to beat these things up a bit; they’re the perfect pair to pick up if you’re just giving the silhouette a try. The Toffee color would sit nicely under some slim wool trousers now, and they’d work equally well under lightwash denim in the spring.

Putting together this list was quite tricky — it’s certainly no small feat to sort through Chelsea boot options when lauded retailers like Common Projects are throwing their (very minimal) hats in the ring. If you find yourself on an extreme budget but really want to go for the style, an option like H&M isn’t all bad for now, and more comfort-minded brands like Dr. Scholls are also producing Chelsea boots with a rugged edge. The biggest key to keep in mind is how you can make them work for you. If you find yourself wearing a lot of slim denim and mixing staples like tees with unconstructed blazers, the Chelsea boot is going to be a similarly slick style option. But if you need a more rugged pair of boots for crossing town, maybe save these guys for special occasions. Either way, it’s one footwear option I’d say you should give some thought to in the coming weeks — before everyone else beats you to the punch!

Stay stylish and happy shopping,

-Beau

February 23, 2016February 16, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Wool Blazer

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

With winter weather still in full force for a lot of us, there can be a tendency to get into a bit of a style rut. That is, there are only so many ways you can style a shawl-collar cardigan or a crewneck sweater before you want to change things up a bit. The good news is that, for so many of us, high-low dressing (that is, mixing and matching casual and formal pieces) is easier to do than ever before, regardless of what you might find yourself doing day-to-day. The below outfit makes use of some staples you likely already have in your closet (like dark denim, for starters) and puts ’em together in a slightly unexpected way. As a matter of fact, you might recognize the blazer from last week’s #OOTD post. Get the lowdown here, and then get those goods in your shopping cart.

Putting it all together — combining style essentials you might already have in your closet.

The Blazer: Frank & Oak Fairmount Deconstructed Blazer in Light Brown, $145 –A slim, soft sportcoat with a tailored fit and minimal padding — ideal for casual wear.

The Henley: JackThreads Daily Henley in Indigo, $34 — A great price for a superb piece that’ll age well over time; the “dressed-down” part of this outfit.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco Denim, $96 — A classic pair of denim with great color and a nice bit of stretch (full review here). Note that Slim and Straight options are also available.

The Shoes: Frank & Oak Modern Leather Brogues in Dark Tan, $175 — Italian leather and European construction takes this pair to another level, plus the color stands out remarkably well against the denim. Click here for a full Frank & Oak review.

The Socks: Anonymous Ism Wave Socks, $25 — Definitely a pricey splurge, but worth it for the quality and nice color they provide.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch, $80 — A new Style Guide favorite; very well-priced, clean and classic. The ideal blend of casual and classed-up style.

Oh, and seeing as it is winter and all, finish off your oufit with my picks for the best winter accessories.

So with the above outfit in mind, I’d say give it a try just as soon as you can — when you pick up style staples that fit well and can be mixed and matched with ease, you’ll give yourself plenty of #OOTD options.

Would you rock the above look? How do you dress down your blazer?

February 22, 2016February 17, 2016 by Beau H.

The Product Review: United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle

Editor’s note: Click here for a plethora of product reviews on the right kind of gear to pack in your bag. P.S. Do you like The Style Guide on Facebook?

Taking the Mt. Drew Duffle from United By Blue around the country. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

The more you travel, you more you realize that it just pays to have the right gear. That goes for simple, smaller things like your toiletries kit, all the way on up to the right pair of shoes or sturdy outerwear. It goes without saying then, that the bag with which you transport all this gear is pretty essential. And like other considered areas of your outfit, a great weekender bag can add a solid, reliable touch to your travel ensemble — seriously. It’s an area that should be overlooked, so when you find one that gets the job done, you should hold onto it. I’ve been traveling quite a bit in recent months, from a Christmas trip to Florida to a work trip to Utah, and a nice bag has proven critical to get from point A to point B. With that being said, the United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle that you see here has been more than up to the task of handling all of my style essentials.

Ready to hit the road with the Mt. Drew Duffle. Natural chambray shirt by Todd Shelton. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka Boots by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

United By Blue should be a familiar name if you read this blog regularly — they’ve popped up in our ongoing Style Q&A series, and they craft everything from the duffle pictured here to responsibly made shirts, henleys and swim trunks. And as with any purchase, you can feel great about picking it up — they remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways for every product sold, and they bring along their employees as volunteers to do it. So it’s no ordinary company you’re buying from, and that’s a very good. Namely, it means the quality and craftsmanship of this bag can stand up to the commitment they’ve promised. And it means that no matter which of the five available colorways you pick up, you’ll be getting the same quality (for the record, I ended up going with the Moss option).

Brass hardware pairs well with the dark brown genuine leather straps. The waxed canvas should hold up quite well, too.

If you’re going to be lugging this around the country as I’ve been, durability is going to be crucial. Luckily, the 18oz. organic waxed canvas is a huge plus — the bag has so far stood up to being jammed in overhead compartments and carried around on the subway, and it hasn’t shown any signs of ripping or giving out (pretty critical with how much gear I’ve packed into it at times). Now, it’ll certainly see lots more use going forward, but initial signs are quite promising. Another big aspect of that durability component is the hardware, as you can see from the above photo. The brass hardware teams nicely in terms of aesthetic with the genuine dark brown leather, but it also feels quite sturdy when picked up, too.

That is, it doesn’t feel like the leather handles are going to give way on you, or like the shoulder strap (also padded with that dark brown genuine leather) is going to suddenly break off. These are all big bonuses, and signs you should check out right away when grabbing your own bag. The leather handles, while sturdy, aren’t too stiff to carry the bag with — while the leather isn’t buttery-smooth, with repeated use, they’ll stand up to carrying while looking quite nice. So overall, this bag definitely has solid durability going for it.

Enough space for two pairs of sneakers side-by-side (plus gear not shown).

Space is also a key when packing up a bag for weekend or long-weekend getaways. This bag packs a surprising amount of room (pun intended). I’ve repeatedly been able to fit two pairs of shoes (one pair of suede chukka boots and one pair of sneakers, for example) inside, along with various other knits, sweaters and pants. Compared to my Navali Stoway Weekender Bag, it definitely feels roomier inside, which is somewhat surprising given that the Navali Weekender utilizes more interior pockets and compartments. Note that the official measurements on the United By Blue bag are 24” Wide x 15” Height x 11” Diameter, compared to that Stowaway Weekender, which measures 22″ Wide x 12″ Height x 8 1/2″ Diameter). So this is really more like a three-or-four night bag as opposed to just a weekender bag (that is, if

Fit to carry all kinds of seasonal accessories. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred. Buffalo Bobber Leather Gloves by Iron & Resin.

One drawback might be that if you like things ultra-organized inside your bag — that is, divided up by compartments or sections — this bag doesn’t quite have that. There is an interior zipper pocket however, but that’s it. But given the bag’s roominess, I’ve always found that my gear fits in comfortably without things getting too jumbled up. As with any accessory you’re going to be bringing with you lots of places, looks are absolutely key, too. I’ve found the rich Moss color of this weekender to be a neutral complement to all sorts of travel outfits (again, style’s in the details!). It strikes the right balance between being unique yet not too outlandish. Any of the five other color options currently available would do much the same thing — particularly the rich Nutmeg color or the handsome Chocolate color. The lighter shade of tan even calls to mind a Filson bag.

Which brings us to a key differentiator between an expensive weekender and this one — price (not too hard to figure out there, ehh?). For a bag of this quality and styling potential, the price is just right. That’s particularly true when you consider that the Navali Weekender runs about $30 more expensive. It’s critical that this bag provides more space, more color options and a thicker waxed canvas (not to be overlooked when searching for something long-lasting). Keep in mind that if you were looking for something more smaller and more like an overnight bag, J. Crew Factory is currently offering up its Carson Duffel Bag for just $68.50. And on the slightly more casual front, J. Crew’s Harwick Weekender Bag is going for $148 (but that piece features nylon versus waxed canvas). Were you to go for something on the pricier side of things — like a true Filson weekender — know that the price is going to hop up significantly.

So when it comes to combining craftsmanship, quality and price with the right kind of looks, it’s tough to go farther than this United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle. The Moss color in particular is rich and eyecatching, the hardware is solid and well-crafted, the leather straps and detailing will break in nicely over time, and the price is on-point for what you’re getting. Heck, you might yourself making more excuses to use this bag than you thought.

Do you own the Mt. Drew Duffle from United By Blue? Or is it on your Wish List?

February 20, 2016February 18, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Rambler Sneakers

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A great new sneaker release from a much anticipated spring collaboration.

Perhaps it’s the recent influx of sunshine (however brief and chilly) here in NYC, or maybe it’s a sudden flurry of new spring arrivals hitting many a Web site, but I’ve definitely been doing some seasonal “planning-ahead” as far as #menswear goes. Do you find yourself in the same boat? With that being said, the forecast still calls for more chilly weather. Even still, the latest iteration of the ongoing Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers collaboration is absolutely a winner, and it takes the cake as this week’s Style Pick of the Week — particularly the Nubuck Rambler Low as seen here. A great pair of crisp, clean and classically inspired white sneakers is a style essential nearly all year-round — even into the chillier days of fall. And although the Nubuck Rambler Low is a spring release, it’s a pair of sneakers you could match up with all kinds of outfits through the spring, summer and on into Labor Day. They incorporate all the elements you’d expect in a great pair of white sneakers, with a few added touches.

A slim toe shape and the captoe detailing make these suitably dressy for pairing with a blazer this spring.

For one, the contrasting gum sole is a welcome design elements that’s popped up on lots of sneakers as of late. The captoe detailing and open-lace stitching are also nice touches that make these the ideal dressy or casual sneaker. They’d be the perfect pairing with some olive chinos and a navy polo when it gets warm out, and they’d even work now with slim dark denim and a navy bomber for a welcome shot of contrasting color. Plus, these guys would go great with an unconstructed blazer and lightwash jeans for a great Casual Friday look (the Perforated Rambler High would also work in this regard, but spring seems better suited for low-tops anyways). The Todd Snyder logo at the nylon heel tab is a cool touch that lets you know the type of designer quality you’re getting, as well. On that note, for a name brand collaboration like this, the price isn’t terrible, particularly when you consider that you can rock ’em more like dress shoes than sneakers. And the construction should definitely be solid — P.F. Flyers has decades of experience doing that. It’s also part of a welcome series of collabs the lauded American designer has launched in recent years — look for some great new footwear on the dressier side of things from Todd Snyder’s partnership with Cole Haan later this spring. For now though, it’s sneaker time. Sadly, warm weather is likely a ways off for most of us. But hey, a guy can dream of spring, and these sneakers, and a spring style wish list … right?

Until Monday,

-Beau

February 19, 2016February 18, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Mr. Porter, Dia: Beacon and New Music from Mainland

Here we sit on the doorstep of another start to a winter weekend — maybe you’re feeling a bit tired of chilly weather at this point? I certainly am — as a heads-up, tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week will aim to get you thinking ahead in a good way. It was a nice and slightly less hectic week around these parts, so that’s positive — still waiting on spring though! I’m particularly excited about some recent writing work I’ve been able to do with GearMoose (an excellent site in its own right), so that’s kept me busy outside of my day job, too.

Now if you do get the chance to step away from your busy days, I’d highly recommend a trip to the lovely small town of Beacon, NY — I took the time to get away for a bit last weekend and check out the sights and sounds of a relaxing (and on this weekend, very chilly) locale. It’s home to the world-class Dia: Beacon art museum, and some tremendous spots for craft beer and gourmet food — namely, The Hop and Draught Industries, both surefire winners. It was great to rest and recharge a bit. If you’re looking to do the same just an hour outside of NYC, that’s where I’d recommend you go. And that brings us back to the start of this weekend — before we get things going, sit back with some freshly-tapped #menswear news.

Have you ever shopped at Mr. Porter? Or is it a bit out of your price range? I find myself looking at a few items from time to time on the site — and with that, Mr. Porter is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its launch via GQ. The product mix certainly leans more continental, but it’s still worth a look if you know what you want.
Question No. 2: Are you a watch fan like yours truly? If so, Esquire dug up the best watches from SIHH (the international timepiece extravaganza), here for your viewing pleasure.
Question No. 3: On a non-style related note, are you looking to dig into some new music? Might I suggest Brooklyn indie rockers Mainland — they’re a heck of a band, they just wrapped a tour with Marianas Trench, and their music is catchy and relatable; get to that link for more details on their latest single.

Need more links to shop through? Start here.

Stock up on the best men’s grooming products for winter with my choice picks from this week’s post — they’ll have you beating the chill in no time.
The Style Guide (AKA yours truly) is all about excellent style essentials — that’s the focus of my new GearMoose series, in fact. Read more about Mott & Bow raw denim at that link.

February 17, 2016February 17, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Grooming Products for Winter

Editor’s note: For more menswear-minded online shopping picks, including Oxford shirts and weekender bags, head here.

We’ve talked a bit about grooming lately here on The Style Guide, namely in the form of this Doc Elliott giveaway earlier in January. But that giveaway is just the tip of the iceberg. Here in NYC, and I’d guess elsewhere for a lot of us #menswear fans, it’s pretty cold. And windy. And snowy, or rainy. All of that wreaks havoc on your skin, and if you don’t have a solid grooming routine in place, you could end up looking like this. There are a couple parts to assembling a solid grooming routine though, from caring for your face and beard (or stubble, or heck, no beard) to caring for your hands — so the below picks cover each of those bases (hopefully pretty well, too!). It’s not the full list of every brand you could look into certainly, but it’s a heck of a place to start — if I do say so myself. And if you haven’t given much thought to grooming before, it’s another small upgrade that can work in tandem with other style upgrades, especially if it was one of your style resolutions for 2016. So read on and stock up — you’ll beat winter in no time.

The Essential Moisturizer: Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer, $24.00

A small tube that packs a big punch.

One of the first steps to taking on winter is making sure your face is properly taken care of — and that starts with a hard-working, effective moisturizer from a brand that knows what it’s doing. The Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer fits the bill perfectly. It’s a bit pricey for a small tube of lotion, but it’ll make a big difference — I’d say (although I’m no expert), using this as your last morning grooming step and your last nightly grooming step can definitely fight the effects of winter.

The Ultimate Beard-Care Kit: Doc Elliott Grooming Beard Care Combo Kit, $30

Two essential items in one package.

While $30 might at first look a bit steep for such a small package, rest assured that Doc Elliott Grooming absolutely knows what it’s doing in terms of beard care. This Beard Care Combo brings you two-in-one — the brand’s Beard Serum should work quite well as far as conditioning and smoothing that beard of yours, while the Beard Balm offers up even more protection. Two refined scent options are available, along with an unscented pick. There’s no wrong choice, my bearded brethren. And if you find yourself needing shaving essentials, we’ll cover that further down the line here.

The Hand Cream: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $15

From a brand known for its quality and longevity.

Another oft-overlooked part of grooming — dry hands. We’re all prone to ’em, particularly in winter and even if you’ve got yourself some nice leather gloves. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve uses a blend of botanical oils and natural wax (derived from olive oil, no less), should definitely prove a hydrating combination. Trust me, your co-workers — and yes, your partner — will thank you. The price is a bit steep for a small container, but the 22oz. size isn’t a bad value.

The Shaving Cream: Baxter of California Super-Close Shave Formula, $20

This shaving cream would be a wise pickup from a brand that does things like this quite well.

We turn again to a reputable brand known for its everyday essentials, particularly its well-known Super-Close Shave Formula. It’s hydrating and crafted with coconut oils for a smooth shave — having checked out some myself, it’s the real deal. It leaves no mess (it’s a thicker, fluffier blend than typical shaving cream), it’s a solid value and it’s got a hint of refreshment built in.

The Finishing Touch: Brooklyn Grooming Anchor Aftershave Tonic, $16

Handmade using organic ingredients, with a touch of Brooklyn edge to boot.

For when you’re all set shaving (and even if you just like to freshen up your beard after a quick trim), reach for a crisp aftershave made in part with aloe vera gel. The brand says its scent blends exotic woods and balsam resins among others, and if you’re into it, it’s imbued with some unique spiritual elements (yes, indeed) — like immune-stimulating “holy wood.” At the end of the day, you be the judge of whether that works — but it should handle the basics in a refreshing way regardless.

While the above list might be a bit longer than the stock you have in your medicine cabinet right now, the best advice would be to pick and choose what works for you — at the very least, some solid basics, like a nice moisturizer and hand cream, can definitely sort out your grooming situation to start. And when used as part of a solid daily routine, they can impart some nice structure, style and of course, refreshment to your day. In the long run, they’ll all help you fight the aftereffects of winter — and come spring, the same routine will continue to take you far.

What’s your winter grooming routine like? Do you own any of these products or will you be making any new purchases.

February 16, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: High-Low Style with Black Denim

So after you;ve nailed how to dress up dark blue denim, there comes a tendency to want to look elsewhere as far as styling goes. Sure, you can reliably rock slim blue denim five days of the week and into the weekend, but it’s also fun to take a stab at something a little more unique, something with some edge to it. That’s where slim black denim comes in. They can be styled much the same way as dark blue denim, yet the color and slim silhouette gives them a rocker edge (ideally, not in a Harry Styles-esque way, however). So taking pieces you already have in your wardrobe and changing them up to fit the season and weather is the best way to go about finding your inner rocker (or at least attempting to). Look for something that’s tailored but not too tight (like the pair you see below). Lastly, hit me up on Twitter if you have other suggestions for the #OOTD series — I’ll be listening!

Taking black denim and making it the centerpiece of a high-low style combo.

The Denim: Levi’s 513 Slim-Straight Jeans in Nightshine, $69.50 — A classic pair from a classic brand in a reliable fit. The price could go even lower when on-sale.

The Henley: J. Crew Slim Broken-in Henley in Heather Chrome, $39.50 — Another tried-and-true classic from a brand that does the basics very well.

The Blazer: Frank & Oak Fairmont Deconstructed Blazer in Light Brown, $145 — A ridiculously soft, slim blazer with casual and formal style potential — use it to dress up this look in a unique way (don’t forget the pocket square — something classic oughta work well here).

The Scarf: J. Crew Factory Plaid Scarf, $15.99 In case it gets cold and you don’t feel like throwing on a slim topcoat, add a warm scarf to finish things off (don’t forget a merino watch cap, either).

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Rosen in Oxblood, $49 — Just $49 for a comfortable, minimal sneaker in a rich color (click here to read a full GREATS Rosen review).

The Socks: The Tie Bar Navy Ombre Stripe Socks, $8 — Who knew The Tie Bar did socks? No word yet on the quality of these things, but the price can’t be beat, and the grey stripes play off the grey Henley.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Webbed Leather Trim Belt, $39 — Pricier than normal for a casual belt, but it’s a nice change of pace texturally from a fancier dress leather belt.

The Watch: Brathwait Slim Steel Wristwatch, $185 — A relatively recent addition to the E-commerce watch business; minimal looks and a pretty solid price. Does anyone have any experience with these guys?

So the above is but one way to style up black denim — it takes pieces you probably already have, like a slim henley, a wool blazer and reliable sneakers, and mashes them up for the winter time. If snow starts to pile up, swap out those sneakers for some tough winter boots and you’re all set. How would you style your black denim? Let me know in the comments below!

February 15, 2016May 2, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Diplomat Boot

Editor’s note: For a full set of product reviews covering everything #menswear — from watches to chinos — click here. Click here to shop boots, too.

Getting out and about in NYC with the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Slim tan chinos by Banana Republic. Striped henley by J. Crew Fisherman Cardigan by JackThreads. Merino watch cap by American Trench. Buffalo Bobber Leather Gloves by Iron & Resin.

Getting out and about at the High Line in NYC with the Thursday Boot Company Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot. Slim tan chinos by Banana Republic. Striped henley by J. Crew Fisherman Cardigan by JackThreads. Merino watch cap by American Trench. Buffalo Bobber Leather Gloves by Iron & Resin. Glasses by Warby Parker.

If you peruse the pages of this blog from time to time looking for the best boots for men, certain brands definitely tend to pop up consistently for their mix of affordability, dependability and, in the case of Thursday Boot Company, seasonality. Without a doubt, there are certain pairs of men’s boots that can’t be beat. That is to say, in the depths of winter for a lot us, you need sturdy, tough footwear that can carry you through slush and snow to your car (or the subway), and then wherever the heck else you might need to go — be it a concert, a date, you name it. So that’s what we’re looking at today. The brand’s men’s boots have been featured here prominently before, including a review of the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka and the dearly departed Roughout Captain Boot. First launched as a Kickstarter project not even two years ago, the brand continues to make splashes with well-timed and well-executed releases — including its more premium Black Label line and unique silhouettes like the hiker-inspired Commander. But one boot in particular is the focus of today’s post — the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot.

The silhouette definitely calls to mind the classic Red Wing Heritage Moc Toe Boot, yet the Thursday iteration is sleeker and more refined. There’s something to be said for that, despite the fact that it’s a moc toe boot. This pair forgoes the classic yellow laces in favor of sleeker flat-wax laces, just as the Roughout Captain Boot. And the sleekness and quality of this pair for the price is evident as soon as you get them out of the box. Looking for a boot that’s just different enough than a captoe boot or a chukka boot — yet still versatile and sufficiently sharp — is a somewhat tricky endeavor, but these boots fill that void nicely.

Unboxing the Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Big fans of these guys.

Crucially, they make use of renowned Horween leather in that covetable Color No. 8 shade that’s popped up on everything from boots to watch straps in recent years. The change of pace from a roughout leather or a dark brown or black boot is refreshing, yet it’s not as distinctive as, say, a Dr. Martens Boot. These also look similar, in a way, to the much more expensive and revered Alden Indy Boots, another set of men’s boots worth buying.

That’s a very good thing — these look sporty thanks to the ridged Vibram Christy sole, yet I still found they paired comfortably with tan chinos and a striped henley for exploring around Manhattan. I did find (and I’ve found with other boots in this style), that the leather breaks in easier than other leathers — and because of the shine of this pair, it shows creases more easily (as you can see below). However, it’s nothing some well-timed leather care can’t fix, and it definitely doesn’t detract from their wearability.

Lining them up after a few weeks of wear. With some care and treatment, the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot should hold up just fine.

That’s another area in which this pair of rugged leather boots excels — the versatility, erm, department. I’ve broken them out with a slim chambray shirt and a wool blazer, and I’ve rocked them with the aforementioned tan chinos, too. A trim pair of denim breaks just right on the bend of the boots, making for a pretty sleek look (something that can help everyone out). I could definitely see them working well with some wool trousers and perhaps a navy crewneck sweater on a more casual day at the office. The burgundy color would also pop nicely with some trim black denim (more on that later this week), and they’re going to fit right in with lightwash jeans in the spring, too. Seriously, the best leather boots for men can take you just about anywhere.

One of two other options in the brand’s Diplomat silhouette, this one made out of Natural Horween leather.

The white ripple sole might cause some to shy away from these leather boots for men — after all, it’s different than what we’re normally accustomed to seeing in the way of boots. But that again makes it a nice style move. It’s not as if these boots are absurdly priced, so if you’ve been looking to try something different, this is but one way to go. The Diplomat line also features a pair of Natural Horween leather boots with a Goodyear-welted sole, and a pair in Brown leather. So, the Color No. 8 pair is just one way to make an impression.

And yet, it’s the pair I’ve found myself gravitating toward the most. Thankfully, the other details work out as promised. The eyelets and laces have held up well trekking through the Brooklyn snow, although the lack of extreme traction could be a bit tricky in some instances. However, the Vibram sole is also as comfortable as advertised, even when worn for long periods of time. They run true to size, so there was no slippage (or cramping up of my feet, conversely) with some striped socks. Some have had issues with stitching imperfections or other problems around the sole, but there were no major problems with this pair — again, one reason why it’s worth it to pony up for a pair of these as opposed to something from, say, H&M.

They’re nice enough that if you were feeling adventurous, you could rock them with a slim grey flannel suit and a chambray dress shirt. Make sure you nail the break of those trousers and you’re all set. And that’s about all you can ask for from a sub-$250 pair of boots, especially ones made from Color No. 8 Horween Chromexcel leather. From chinos to jeans to wool trousers, they can do it all. Even on days besides Thursday (see what I did there?).

For more of my favorite boots, check out Taylor Stitch, shop the pages of Huckberry or find another pick for men’s leather boots here.

Have you tried out some boots from Thursday Boot Company yet? How would you style this pair?

February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

The importance of a sharp watch — like other great style upgrades — in terms of finishing off an outfit is something that’s hard to overstate. It can definitely help strike the right tone, whether that’s sharp and dressy or laidback and casual. And there’s no doubt that the watch you see here can do either of those — it’s hard to overstate that quality, as well. Watches haven’t often been part of this here Style Pick of the Week series, but that changes right now in a big way. Timex has drawn some buzz as of late for its upcoming partnership with Todd Snyder — as part of his FW16 runway show last week in New York City, Snyder (of Champion collaboration fame) sent models down the runway wearing several models of the above watch (which features, you guessed it, a Red Wing shoe leather strap). The partnership is exceptionally fitting, and it all dovetails off the fact that, somewhat confusingly, Snyder is launching his own collaboration with Timex this coming fall. But back to the matter at hand — Fashion Week or not, you can (and definitely should) pick up this handsome watch right now.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

The Timex Waterbury line was a welcome introduction last year as part of the brand’s anniversary celebration; it nodded to the brand’s heritage, took classic Timex style and gave it a rugged edge. You might recognize a model of the rugged-refined Waterbury line from this past week’s post on how to style a crewneck sweater, in fact. And the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury seen here — sold exclusively through END Clothing for now — advances that design ethos perfectly. For now, it would appear END only has the 38mm model (there are also 40mm and 42mm iterations). But 38mm works just fine — it’s the ideal balance between striking and subtle. Yes, the black-and-tan 38mm dial is just the right size for most of us, but the real standout here is the leather strap, made using leather from Red Wing’s S.B. Tanning Company. A genius idea, yeah? It’s the rare watch strap that’ll break in as superbly as your boots over time — and it’ll certainly match up well with your rugged Red Wing winter boots, to say the least. So given all the rugged refinement that’s gone into this iteration of the watch, it only makes sense that Snyder would look to the duo for style that really played well on the runways. Fear not, though — this particular watch will look superb on your wrist even if you have no modeling experience to speak of. Style it with wingtip boots, jeans and a shawl collar cardigan now, and throw it on with a tee and tailored shorts when it (eventually) warms up. There’s no wrong way to go.

Are you a fan of the Timex Waterbury line? And this watch in particular? Or are you holding out for the Todd Snyder x Timex collab?