January 19, 2016January 19, 2016 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Issara Leather Laptop Sleeve

Going in person with a leather laptop sleeve from Issara. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Pennant by Three Potato Four.

It seems as you get more into menswear and dressing well, you begin to appreciate the nuances of clothing design, trends, colors — the whole nine yards. That translates, at least for me personally, into a greater interest in the deeper nuances of everyday life – things like home design, accessories, better-tasting coffee, a greater appreciation for craft beer and nice food … you get the picture. And so it makes sense that lots of sites – and individual companies, from Huckberry to Bespoke Post and beyond, are catering to guys who are interested in nuanced style and lifestyle upgrades all the way across the board – not just in menswear. That’s created a trickle-down effect, and an opportunity, for companies who appreciate and practice craftsmanship and quality, particularly in the smaller areas of life – like leather goods, for example.

Issara is one such company that’s emphasizing quality and nuanced design in its pieces, creating premium offerings that can offer a style upgrade to an area you might not think about. Exhibit A: your laptop sleeve. I myself used a freebie I got back in college for the longest time – but when founder Rosh Govindaraj approached me last year about learning more about her brand and reviewing a sleeve, I began to think about the idea of larger upgrades as a whole, from a laptop sleeve to a nice leather bag to small home goods from the likes of Owen & Fred and beyond.

And Issara’s story is an attention-grabbing one, too – the brand’s name means “freedom” in Thai, and its roots stem from Govindaraj’s love of travel – and her search for well-made leather bag that didn’t cost an arm and a leg. So the brand was born, and its focus on working with two small workshops to produce its leather goods – including beautiful leather bags and minimal wallets – echoes the commitment to craftsmanship that so many are taking an interest in nowadays. The company’s emphasis on social responsibility and improving the lives of its workers is again a welcome change from headlines you tend to see across the fashion industry.

With all that being said, I can say that after taking the company’s Navy Laptop Sleeve across the globe and packed in my trusty Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag for daily work commutes, I’d recommend you look into making a similar upgrade yourself (budget permitting, of course).

Just enough room in this Issara leather laptop sleeve to carry some nice essentials. Orange notebook by Shinola. Grey notebook by Public Supply. Wooden earphones by Woodbuds.

Again, we’re not talking about something you can readily see, like a sturdy pair of everyday boots or tough chinos – but in the same way that those items can be used time and again, a dependable laptop sleeve can go with you everywhere, every day. Issara’s version in particular, while pricey at $129, is an investment that lives up to the price – and size options allow you to hold something as small as an 11” laptop or as large as a 15” laptop (like the sleeve hown here). Note that if you’re looking for something a bit different, Saddleback Leather also has a selection of tech sleeves. The navy color of this Issara piece is a nice neutral that stands out in a sea of plain black laptop sleeves (it also comes in a beautiful shade of Cognac). If you believe (like your humble author) that style is in the details as much as the overall product, then here’s a nice example.

Another way to accessorize a monogrammed Issara leather laptop sleeve — with a tasty brew after a hard day’s work. Watch by Timex. Horween Chromexcel Color No. 8 watch strap by Form-Function-Form. Tan leather keychain by Apolis.

It’s lined in slate grey twill, so that’s a neat touch with a bit of #menswear roots. The option to have your sleeve monogrammed for $10 extra is a customization that again can set you apart from the masses in a good way. The sleeve is sleek and stylish – it’s not often at all that you can say that about a laptop sleeve. While the price might seem a lot compared to the lower-budget options available, the protection and the thickness of the sleeve is solid, the Japanese zipper (with a leather pull) has proved sturdy, and the interior side pocket is just large enough to carry a 5” x 8” Public Supply notebook and a few pens.

This Navy Laptop Sleeve will definitely look handsome alongside everything from a standard leather briefcase to a durable satchel, and mine personally has stood up to being lugged around through airports and the subway just fine. The great thing about the sleeve itself is that it has more than enough room for a folder or two within, plus your laptop. And, as seems to be the case with people looking for more minimalism in their lives, you could feasibly carry the sleeve sans bag without it clashing at all alongside an #OOTD ensemble.

Ponying up that amount of money up front for a laptop sleeve might not be achievable at the moment for everyone, but like those dependable winter boots or a warm topcoat, it’ll feel great to use it as often as possible. And when the color and styling of a laptop sleeve falls in line with the sort of style you’re looking for in the rest of your outfit, that can only be considered a positive.

Would you consider making this style upgrade? Or will you stick to what you’ve got in your bag right now?

January 18, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Up Dark Denim

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 these features regularly.

Entry numero dos in the #OOTD series is back — and this time, we’re taking a quick look at how to style dark denim. Last week’s post covered how to style corduroys, so get on that now if you haven’t seen it yet. But as to dark denim — they’re reliable, they’re relatively easy to wear to wear in a variety of situations, and if you grab a great pair in a dark wash, you can keep coming back to them for years. This is especially the case with raw, or unwashed denim, which breaks in to your body over time. Generally, look for something that’s slim (maybe slimmer than you’re used to), and reach for a pair without pre-distressing so you can wear them in yourself. Exhibit A is here. And for a peek at how to wear ’em, scroll right on down.

An updated take on the blazer-and-jeans combo.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Norfolk Raw Denim, $96 — The focal point of this outfit. The exact color you want plus a solid price — a great entry-level pair of raw denim.

The Blazer: Uniqlo Stretch Wool Jacket, $109.99 — A different take on the blazer-and-jeans combo; a slim fit plus fabric with a hint of stretch.

The Sweater: J. Crew Slim Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater, $29.99 — Currently going for a ridiculously low price, plus the quality and styling potential is on-point.

The Shirt: JackThreads The Flannel Shirt, $36.75 — Another ridiculously low-priced piece that’s just different enough from the denim thanks to the windowpane pattern.

The Shoes: GREATS Royale in Chocolate Brown Leather, $159 — Brown leather sneakers take the place of brown leather dress shoes or boots.

The Watch: MVMT The 40 – Blue/Brown Leather, $120 — An electric blue dial adds a jolt to the deeper shades of blue in this outfit (it’s lighter than the sneaks, yes, but this is a casual outfit here).

The Socks: Richer Poorer Fellow Crew Socks, $12 — Just enough pattern without going over the top.

And that, my friends, is but one way you could style some solid dark denim (check out other options here) — what do you think of the picks above? Would you consider taking the plunge on some affordably priced raw denim?

Let me know in the comments here or on Twitter — I think I’m worth a follow!

Stay stylish and look for more #menswear later this week.

January 16, 2016January 15, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Frye Prison Boot

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 rich color and Goodyear welt construction create a super-tough (and prison-ready) overall package from Frye. Photo courtesy of Frye.

As the calendar moves into January and winter (finally) gets started in earnest, I find myself turning time and again to style staples that I can wear over and over again — things like great sweaters, a nice jacket and solid winter accessories. Sometimes when it gets cold or the weather turns on you, you just need something sturdy to carry you from point A to point B. Of course, form and function should go hand-in-hand — and it’s definitely achievable when you browse through the stunning E-commerce pages of a site like Huckberry. Their selection of gear is really second-to-none if you appreciate quality, craftsmanship and timeless style (believe me, I’ve spent hours looking). And one piece in particular really caught my eye this week– those boots you see at the top of the page: the Frye Prison Boot. The name sounds intimidating, to be sure, but the styling potential and quality are actually quite relatable — even if they are the same style of boots made for … wait for it … the Arkansas prison system.

Leather laces and a stone-tumbled finish also add unique character to these boots.

The Frye Prison Boot comes in a rich Cognac colorway, and the boots themselves are, quite incredulously, tumbled with stones for a beat-up, broken-in look. Crucial details like a Goodyear welt construction ensure supremely sturdy quality, and the thick leather laces are also a nice touch. Make no mistake, these are not a pair of boots to be trifled with. The price certainly reflects that — it outstrips nearly every entry on this site’s recent list of best men’s winter boots. On that note, there are definitely brands (like Thursday Boots) who can offer cheaper winter boots and in more sizes (these guys only run up to size 12 via Huckberry). Even with that hefty price tag, the Frye Prison Boot is the type of boot you can take out and use again and again with a ton of outfits — season after season. Think slim corduroys plus a navy crewneck and a chambray shirt (as in this week’s #OOTD entry), for starters. And as long as you reach for something like a chambray dress shirt, they could even add character to something as refined as a slim charcoal suit. The point is this: the color is rich and versatile, the quality is self-evident, and the design touches (like the prison number stamped on the heel) add a little something extra — enough to the point where you just might wish you had a pair the next time you step out in the snow.

Tell me — would you consider buying these boots? How would you style them?

January 15, 2016January 14, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Best Dress Sneakers, Pitti Uomo and Alan Rickman

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.

What a week it’s been — after so much traveling over the holidays and prepping for the year ahead (on both the work and blogging fronts!), it’s nice to get to the weekend now. There are plenty of exciting things in the works, including the impending arrival of #NYFWM and trade show season. It’s been nice to be back in NYC and catch up with friends — on that note, if you’re looking to revamp your home or apartment, Style Guide favorite The Hill-Side just launched an incredible home design collaboration with Crate & Barrel, which I had the chance to check it out in person yesterday. Needless to say, it left me wanting to re-outfit my entire apartment! But due to what you might call budgetary constraints, that won’t be happening any time soon. Lusting after great interior design hasn’t held up the weekly Friday Read, though. Check out a recap of all things #menswear below, and look out for another entry in the #OOTD series on Monday.

GQ looks at a new breed of shoe — the dress sneaker — and offers their picks for the ones that’ll amp up your style (a heads-up that Monday’s post might or might not feature a pair of sharp leather sneakers around which to style).
Airows (a definite read if you appreciate a well-designed site) covers the launch of the Everlane Street Fleece collection, which looks cozy, slim and stylish — everything you want for your weekend gear.
Esquire offers a critique of the street style fair — oh, and actual industry trade show — that is Pitti Uomo, noting that the age of the “sartorial peacock” is on the way out, replaced instead by what it calls #TheNewStyle.
And this post wouldn’t be complete without a tip of the cap to the unique talents of both David Bowie and Alan Rickman, both of whom we lost this week. As far as style goes, there’s no doubting that Bowie had a perspective all his own. And as a huge Harry Potter fan, it was always a treat to see Rickman on-screen throughout the series and the rest of his career.

That brings us to a bit of a downer of an end, unfortunately — but do yourself a favor this weekend, and listen to some Bowie or watch a Rickman film; I’m sure they’d both appreciate it.

‘Til tomorrow’s post,

-Beau

January 13, 2016January 14, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Winter Accessories to Buy Right Now

Editor’s note: To check out more Online Shopping Picks posts, click this link.

Notepad? Check. Great sweater? Check. Gloves? Hat? Nope. Don't be like Mikael Blomkvist (AKA Daniel Craig).

Notepad? Check. Great sweater and scarf? Check. Gloves? Hat? Nope. Don’t be like Mikael Blomkvist (AKA Daniel Craig).

What’s your morning routine like? With me, I’m usually rushing around a bit, firing off some tweets and really looking forward to my first cup of coffee. Right before I rush out the door though, I nearly always forget one thing even in the cold weather — my gloves. Impossible, right? It sometimes seems that the little things are the easiest to forget — and that’s too true when it comes to the matter of cold-weather accessories. Mixing form and function is absolutely critical here — like other style upgrades that I’ve written about, the right pair of gloves or a great hat can still be overlooked unfortunately. There’s certainly a difference between what you should likely aspire to wear and what you might have in your closet. Something like skiing gloves or sturdy work gloves do just fine for those types of activities, for example, but what about less strenuous work? That’s where the picks below come in — we’ll cover some nice gloves, a solid hat and the right scarf to wear, and we’ll do it with enough time left to order ’em on your lunch break.

A Warm Winter Hat: American Trench Merino Watch Cap — $85 OR J. Crew Factory Classic Cuff Knit Hat — $17

Two choices, two equally versatile pieces. Key for fighting the chill.

For potentially the most important piece of clothing you throw on in the winter (cold ears are NO fun), there are two really solid choices up to bat here. It all depends on what you’re willing to spend, or what you can indeed spend. American Trench crafts everything from its equally warm socks to this merino watch cap right in America, and the quality shows. The cap itself is quite warm and stylish, to boot. The J. Crew Factory Classic Cuff Knit Hat, on the other hand, offers style that’s just as versatile, but at a much lower price.

A Stylish Scarf: Frank & Oak Chunky Merino Wool-Blend Scarf — $52

Minimal and classic at the same time for versatile style.

Goods from Frank & Oak really hit it out of the park most months — the brand’s monthly Hunt Club crates always pack a punch, and while the January offering is a bit light on scarves, this Merino Wool-Blend Scarf strikes a minimal balance between being classic and modern. The light grey color should fare well with most stylish topcoats and peacoats, and the color is such that it’ll still stand out up against dark charcoal or navy suiting. If that price is too much, you could reach for a J. Crew Factory plaid scarf for an extra pop of color.

Comfortable Winter Gloves: John W. Nordstrom Leather Tech Gloves — $44.75

With touchscreen functionality and in a crisp color, it’s tough to beat this pair from Nordstrom’s in-house brand.

Normally almost $100, these leather Nordstrom tech gloves come from the brand’s in-house line and feature a few different touches. They have what the brand calls Precise Touch functionality, so no need to take off those gloves to send out a tweet. That should also make it easier to hold onto said phone or iPod. And you’ve got your pick of either black or brown leather. The brown pair is dark enough in color that you shouldn’t necessarily worry about it clashing with black dress boots or similar items. If mixed-media gloves are more your speed, Nordstrom also stocks these Topman Harris Tweed gloves.

An On-Trend Jacket: JackThreads The Topcoat — $229

Back for round two with this JackThreads topcoat.

This camel JackThreads topcoat claimed the second spot in Monday’s roundup of the best men’s winter topcoats, and if you had to go with only one jacket to pair with the rest of these accessories (and use almost daily), it’d be an excellent choice. As far as topcoats go, it’s cost-effective, for starters. The color is eyecatching and on-trend (if that’s something you want to try out), yet it’ll still pair with a range of bottoms, from navy wool trousers to burgundy corduroys. It’s not a super-technical piece, to be sure, so if that’s more your speed, you might want to drop some dough on an insulating (but equally on-trend) duffle coat or a hooded parka.

Thick Winter Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Socks in Merino & Cashmere — $25

More than you’d pay for an average pair of socks — but warmer and more stylish, too.

If you’re not hip to American Trench by now, wait ’til you try out their socks. In addition to the merino watch cap at the top of the page, its variety of warm, well-made socks are enough to make you want to wear only pairs from American Trench — truly. When you consider that the quality and construction is such that you can wear one pair with tough winter boots or stylish dress shoes in a heartbeat, it’s an investment that pays off. While several patterns on their site would work just fine, the Fair Isle pattern is just different enough visually — plus the range of colors gives you some options. Its Wool and Silk Boot Socks are just as lux and a bit more pricey.

Looking to upgrade your winter accessories should be, above all else, a bit of an enjoyable and fun search. Yes, you want to combine functionality, style and price, and you want to do it pretty quickly — but unlike other categories in men’s clothing, there are many avenues on which to turn. Want some tweed gloves? You got ’em. Looking for some eyecatching socks? Shop away. Fancy throwing on a luxurious topcoat? That choice is yours, too. But hopefully the above staple pieces are enough to get you thinking before you shop — and before it gets too cold.

What cold-weather accessories do you find yourself reaching for the most? What pieces on this list do you still need to pick up?

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Corduroy Pants

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 these features regularly.

Here at The Style Guide, there are a good number of recurring features, from the Style Pick of the Week series to Online Shopping Picks entries and product reviews. You can add to that mix #OOTD features (which might or might not feature your humble author from time to time). Playing off everyone’s favorite Instagram hashtag (Outfit Of The Day), this series will take a slightly more visual, quick-hit approach to styling when compared to, say, the Style Suggestion scenarios (which will still be around, fear not). And today’s post is covering off on corduroy pants.

They’re a cold-weather style staple, fit for wearing in situations both casual and dressy (look here for some great men’s corduroys if you still need a pair). Let’s say you’re new to this whole thing, and want one basic outfit that can work … at work and elsewhere. Corduroys have the benefit of being a bit more versatile than jeans (that’s because of the rich color in the pair you’ll see below), and they also add some solid visual interest to an outfit. So they’re a natural fit for a high-low combination like we have here. Any questions or further notes on what you’d like to see? Give me a shout on Twitter or Instagram.

One outfit that’ll cover you for a variety of situations.

The Corduroys: Bonobos French Corders in Dark Khaki, $78 — Slim, stylish and nearly like your favorite khaki chinos — a solid outfit base without a doubt.

The Shirt: GAP Clean Chambray Shirt, $59.95 — An old standby (as first seen here), the color plays nicely off the cords and the sweater.

The Sweater: Reigning Champ Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt, $88.52 — Previously featured as the Style Pick of the Week, this isn’t your dad’s crewneck (of note: it’s slim, well-crafted and versatile).

The Boots: Thursday Boot Company Brown Captain Boot, $199 — An agreeable price, great styling potential and solid durability; get the lowdown on other stylish winter boots if you’d like.

The Socks: J. Crew Camp Socks, $14.50 — A neutral color, some nice stripe action and a thicker knit than normal dress socks — all big positives in winter.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Heritage Belt, $110 — Heck yes, this belt’s expensive. And heck yes, it’ll last you for years and years and years (but here’s a more budget-friendly option).

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Watch, $229 — A step up in price from a Timex — but all the better for it.

So there we have it — is your shopping cart full yet? Take a look through your closet and see if you can make this one work for you. As always, we’ll be back — and until then…

Stay stylish,

-Beau

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Topcoats for Winter

Bundle up with a great topcoat this winter. Jacket by Kenneth Cole. Scarf by J. Crew Factory. Slim denim by Bonobos. Tan suede Chelsea boots by ASOS. Black leather gloves by Target Merona. Glasses by Burberry.

Now that we’re over a week into January, it seems like winter’s finally kicked off in earnest — we’re talking freezing, freezing cold temperatures. That was bad news for your humble style blogger — I was scrambling to throw on extra layers after spending some time in Florida over Christmas break. Perhaps you found yourself in the same situation, and didn’t quite know where to turn. It can be a tricky balance to stay warm but also check the boxes in terms of functionality and style. For instance, if you’re wearing a solid blazer or suiting up, a peacoat won’t normally cut it (although here are some great peacoats for winter, regardless).

That’s when a topcoat will be your best bet. They can lean extremely refined — as in, able to be worn over a suit or a blazer and chinos — or they can be styled much more casually (a la Mr. David Beckham) when cut trimmer and in a neutral color. But the key point is, they’re cut longer and provide more coverage and warmth. The trick also comes in looking for one that fits nearly as well as your favorite blazer — with enough room to move around in and layer up, of course. (Just look at how well 007’s topcoat fits him for reference). Although double-breasted variations exist on the style, the picks here cover single-breasted options at a range of prices — note that many retailers, from J. Crew to Uniqlo, seem to have put their topcoat stock on sale early, so the picks have been a little scattered! Fear not, though — The Style Guide has sorted things out for you. Happy shopping!

#1. Bonobos Mainline Topcoat — $498

Versatile, trim and yes, pricey. A reliable investment pickup from Bonobos.

Ahh, yes — good ole, reliable Bonobos. The brand’s Bristol Peacoat made this site’s roundup of the best men’s peacoats for winter, and the outerwear game is certainly one area in which Bonobos seems to deliver. The quality and fit of the Mainline Topcoat looks to be on-point, as well. It should fit decently trim in a size Slim, and offer just enough room in the Standard fit. A solid range of sizes is available in that versatile Navy color, so scoop it up while you can.

#2. JackThreads The Topcoat — $229

A nice price, a slim fit and a great color — just what you want in a topcoat.

Like its Bonobos brethren above, a JackThreads option also made last week’s peacoats shopping list. And in a similar vein, it’s not hard to see why The Topcoat (they love their simple names, yeah?) makes this list as well. It’s priced quite reasonably compared to other options on this list (and topcoats in general), and it combines some pretty key #menswear checkpoints — a slim, modern fit, versatile styling potential and a terrific camel color. This is the type of coat that’s going to look especially good with slim dark denim and a navy crewneck sweater, and it’ll also sharpen up suiting from light grey to navy.

#3. Banana Republic Plaid Topcoat — $219

A super-sharp jacket with an eyecatching pattern.

It doesn’t seem like it’s very often that outerwear — especially a pretty straightforward item like this plaid topcoat — goes on sale at Banana Republic. And this piece, while slightly more unique-looking, could be every bit as reliable as the above two options when styled correctly. The covered placket and flap chest pocket are two different design features that stick out, but not in a bad way thanks to the toned-down grey-and-black plaid pattern. It’s fully lined, so it should be extra warm. To boot, it’ll look downright lethal with a navy or charcoal suit.

#4. Shades of Grey Overcoat — $189.99 (On-Sale)

A clean and minimal jacket for equally cleaned-up looks this winter.

As JackThreads is to the mainstream, on-trend overcoat option, this Shades of Grey Overcoat is to the minimal, more unique side of the equation. Shades of Grey By Micah Cohen certainly leans more toned-down and minimalistic as a brand, so it makes sense that this coat is pretty straightforward. The covered placket and slanted hip pockets change things up visually, but this overcoat looks to have a tailored fit and pretty solid styling potential (it is a variation on heathered charcoal, after all).

#5. Steven Alan Scuba Topcoat — $507

All sorts of weatherproof features found their way into this minimal navy topcoat. Worth the price?

Steven Alan’s offerings tend to skew a little pricier and sometimes lean a bit more high-fashion (just look at the price of this topcoat), but they seem to have thrown everything but the kitchen sink into this topcoat. That is to say, this jacket is wind and waterproof and crafted from Italian melton wool. On top of that, it features hygroscopic fabric (which is definitely worth a trip to Wikipedia). The point is, this is one heck of an investment, and yet it packs both function and style into one package. Whether it’s worth the sale price is up to you.

It was unexpectedly tricky to put together this list — as noted above, lots of brands seem to have put out sales on their topcoats. Scooping up a great top layer should certainly be top of mind for you as right now and as it gets colder and colder — there’s nothing that beats putting on a well-tailored topcoat. It can feel like a suit of armor, complement your sharpest suit and even dress up a pair of joggers (yes, I went there). Sticking to minimal branding, slim fits and neutral colors can provide excellent versatility in your topcoat, too — and for the money you’ll put up, that’s exactly what you want.

Have you bought a topcoat yet this winter? Which of the above would you pick up, or what do you already have in your closet?

January 9, 2016January 11, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

As with reaching for a pair of sturdy winter boots or a warm peacoat, there are some style moves that you just have to make in the winter time — mostly out of the increasingly cold weather, but also out of a desire to stay comfortable (and look good!). As far as style essentials go, the crewneck sweatshirt fits into that category. It’s a silhouette that’s really made a comeback into the style mainstream over the past few years going from a long-lost, poor-fitting piece (i.e. Jim Belushi’s crewneck sweater) to a silhouette that designers have turned to when seeking sportswear inspiration. Credit should go to a designer like Todd Snyder and his collaboration with Champion, and credit should also go to our brethren to the north, and the subject of this week’s Style Pick — Reigning Champ. The Canadian-based brand is focused on crafting timeless style staples — like basic tees and varsity jackets — alongside its impressive collection of sportswear-inspired pieces, like its Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt. You very well might recognize the brand from its partnerships with everyone from East Dane to Club Monaco, and the fact that they’re sold in those higher-end retailers is reflective enough of their quality and style — and that’s why you should consider picking one up, good sir.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan should stitching.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.

While it is just a crewneck sweatshirt after all, the timeless craftsmanship and neutral color give it lots of styling potential. A navy crewneck hits the sweet spot between dressed-down and business casual — it can be paired with slim tan chinos, captoe sneakers and a chambray shirt (as in this post), and you can even swap out those sneaks for chukka boots and a knit tie. David Beckham even pairs darker navy sweatshirts with blue denim. Of course, a simple navy crew meshes just as well with slim sweatpants and black sneakers on the weekends, too. And coming from Reigning Champ, you know you’ll get exactly what you pay for (from personal experience, the brand’s sweatshirts fit slim, and the fabric is soft & wears nicely). To boot, the Canadian exchange rate puts the Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt at a shade under $90, far less expensive than Todd Snyder’s more Wish List-worthy crewnecks — still pricey, but more agreeable. This Reigning Champ piece doesn’t have the collar or front raglan-sleeve stitching that one might expect from a typical crewneck, but that helps dress it up a bit, while the ribbed side panels, cuffs and hem add some visual interest. For one simple navy crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a lot of upside — and even more potential to wear it a few different ways.

Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?

January 8, 2016January 9, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Ethical Clothing, The Best Food in Los Angeles and The SuitSupply Online Outlet

It’s pretty hard to fathom that already, eight days have been crossed off 2016 – it’s been a whirlwind start to the year, what with a weekend in Detroit exploring top menswear spots, followed by a trip this week to the famed Outdoor Retailer Conference in Salt Lake City, where I’ve been busy representing Timberland. It’s been great to meet with lots of trade and lifestyle media, establish new connections and learn more about what others in the editorial and public relations industries have going on.

And with that being said, I’ll probably be looking forward to a good day of rest on Sunday! As to matters in the #menswear world – how are your 2016 style resolutions holding up so far? I’m already looking to make headway with a few of mine (i.e. wearing less blue), but it’s a work in progress. If you’re looking for a different sort of a revamp, like a stylish pair of winter boots or a warm winter peacoat, click on those links. We’re far from out of the woods with the cold weather though – in that regard, we’ll be rounding up the best men’s winter accessories – from gloves to scarves and socks – on Monday. For now, get ready for happy hour later and enjoy the weekend!

DETAILS.com (RIP to the print mag) reports that, according to an Ohio State University study, those who don’t frequently shop for clothing made ethically are perceived as “boring and fashion-challenged.” Yikes! I’ll stick to my Apolis chinos (and so will DETAILS, apparently).
Is L.A. the most exciting food city in America? GQ says yes, yes indeed. I must say, I unfortunately didn’t get to many of these during my trip to Los Angeles this past fall — maybe one day!
Ever on top of the digital style game, Dappered reports that the SuitSupply online outlet has returned, filled to the (mostly-stocked) brim with all of your tailoring needs — some of it is quite flashy but other pieces are just right.
Long Read of the Week: We’re back with another long read, and this one’s a doozy — Nautilus dives right into the search to find extraterrestrial life, and what it might mean for us mere earthlings.

Can’t get enough #menswear writing? Read these:

Throne Watches is producing premium timepieces inspired by great American cities, like the Throne 1.5 x Brooklyn Watch — I found out more for GearMoose (a new writing venture I’m taking on this year!).
And not to be outdone, JackThreads is back at it again with its Geo Sweater, as profiled in my latest GearHungry feature.

January 6, 2016January 6, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Winter Boots

Pick a boot, any boot. Back left corner: Wolverine 1000 Mile in Navy Suede. Back right corner: Timberland Britton Hill Waterproof Moc Toe. Center: Timberland West Haven Chukka. Front left: Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka. Front right: Thursday Boot Company Roughout Captain Boot.

Pick a boot, any boot. Back left corner: Wolverine 1000 Mile in Navy Suede. Back right corner: Dr. Scholl’s Burke Boot. Center: Timberland West Haven Chukka. Front left: Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka. Front right: Thursday Boot Company Roughout Captain Boot.

Welcome to our first Online Shopping Picks post of 2016! The extremely gradual change of the seasons this past fall & winter has left me a bit caught off-guard stylewise – as soon as the calendar hits late September and early October, I’m normally all about wearing sturdy denim, thick cardigans and tough boots whenever possible, on through December and January. But the fairly temperate climate in NYC made it somewhat difficult to do that when compared to previous years – I still have yet to see snow in NYC, an oddity for me considering cold winters growing up in Michigan. If you find yourself in the same situation, rest assured – winter will get here soon enough, likely with a vengeance. And when it does, make sure you’re prepared ahead of time with a standout pair of reliable winter boots. The picks that follow here were selected by yours truly for their combination of versatility, functionality and overall style. So you won’t find any steel-toed boots or extreme hiking boots below – just reasonably rugged, tough pairs that can work going into the office, going out after and maybe doing some light trekking off-road on the weekends. Check out these picks below, and let me know if I missed any!

#1. Jack Erwin Chester Captoe Boot — $220

A lovely shade of dark brown and a refined captoe merge with a hand-stitched rubber outsole.

The Chester Captoe Boot as seen here checks off three key boxes in rapid succession – great looks, a really solid price and that crucial rubber sole. Jack Erwin has been doing a great job releasing well-curated collections by the season (Exhibit A: its loafers), and its boots are no different. The captoe makes this pair sleek and office-ready like a dress shoe, particularly in the Espresso color, while the rubber sole can definitely get you where you need to go this winter. It’s likely the next step up pricewise from other picks, but well-worth it.

#2. Thursday Boot Company Brown President Boot — $199

No captoe, but still a relatively slim profile — the President Boot from Thursday Boots.

Whereas the Jack Erwin captoe is fully suit-ready, the Thursday Boots President Boot is a little more business-casual thanks to the slightly lighter brown leather and lack of a captoe. But that doesn’t make it any less sleek – it’s still got a slim toe shape, yet the rubber sole you’d expect from a durable winter boot. If the sole is anything like that on the Roughout Captain Boot or the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka, it should provide great traction while holding up reasonably well. These can definitely be worn with a slim pair of denim and a navy blazer-chambray shirt combo as part of a daily uniform – throw in a sharp V-neck sweater if it gets cold.

#3. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots in Navy Suede — $360

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot in Navy Suede, in person — a Style Guide favorite.

The classic 1000 Mile silhouette gets a suede-centric upgrade – which also bumps up the price and knocks it a bit further down this list. However, these Navy Suede boots are true beauties – the suede feels smooth & rich, and the sturdy construction lives up to Wolverine’s standard. The profile is fairly slim as far as a boot goes, so these have looked right at home even alongside dark blue denim. I’d also recommend you try these out with light grey chinos, which should really make that navy suede pop. The price is going to be an investment that merits proper care, so they might be less ready to wear in all kinds of weather – but it’s going to be hard to leave them inside.

#4. Cole Haan + Todd Snyder Olmstead Boot in Chestnut — $249

Certainly more unique-looking, and perhaps more suited to casual wear, but still a durable and stylish option.

The Olmstead Boot is marked down to $249 from its original price, so it’d be a wise bet to jump on them now (sizes are somewhat limited, too — from 8.5 up to 13, pushing it further down the list). They’re perhaps the most unique-looking pair of boots on this list owing in part to that wedge sole – they’ll likely wear a bit more like the sneaker-boots that seem to be all the rage. The moc toe silhouette and contrast stitching could make these a bit more tough to pull off, but the dark brown color grounds them a little bit. That should help them sit just right underneath slim grey or blue denim in a casual workplace. Pair these guys up with a navy crewneck sweater and slim tan chinos on the weekends, too – trust me.

#5. Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots in Black — $319.99

A sharp Black makes these a tad more refined than the thicker profile might suggest.

One of the most recognizable boot silhouettes in the game today, the Iron Ranger is another certified classic. It wears a little more bulky than the sleek Jack Erwin or Thursday pairs at the top of this list, and it’s pricier, so it does get knocked down the list. BUT, the black color makes this pair both rugged and fairly refined – they’re going to be that pair you reach for in extremely deep snow, yet could still leave on for work if you take care of them properly and match them up with the proper style essentials (like sturdy chinos or denim and a refined chambray shirt). Like the Wolverine boots above, these guys are a definite investment – but as investments go, it never hurts to stock up on tough boots before winter.

Join the Hunt Club - Enjoy FREE Shipping, Cashback + more at Frank & Oak! Try it now for 90 days, risk free!

So that brings us to the end of this list – know that some other budget options were considered, like the much-loved JC Penney Stafford Deacon Wingtip Boot. I’d also urge you to swing through the seemingly ever-expanding footwear offerings at J. Crew – they stock a variety of boots, including the classic Alden Indy, and sometimes offer them up on sale. It might seem as if there’s plenty of time before winter really hits – but it’ll be here before you know it. So stock up on your favorite boots, and wear them well this winter.

Tell me – what pair are you thinking about buying on this list? What’s your winter boot go-to right now?