Tag / affordable men’s fashion

by Beau H.

#OOTD: What to Wear with Your Favorite Classic Sneakers

OK, so you’ve got a new pair of classic sneakers — wondering what to wear ’em with? That’s what today’s #OOTD is all about, and I think you’ll like the results. Much like wearing a classic henley or upgrading your casual shirt, the difference comes in the pieces you accessorize with alongside your sneakers; in this instance, that means a slim Criquet polo and classic Flint and Tinder chinos are the way to go.  Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without those classic, affordably priced and great-looking summer sneakers. So, the brand-new Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn collaboration — celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Tretorn Nylite Sneaker and the 125th anniversary of A&F — are the way to go. They’re sleek, they’re simple and they’re easy to buy right now — let’s show ya how to wear ’em, yes? For more daily #menswear inspiration, follow yours truly on Instagram.

Clean sneakers that are easy to wear with other essentials.

The Sneakers: Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn Nylite Sneakers, $70 — Designed in-house by Abercrombie & Fitch, this collaboration updates the classic Tretorn Nylite silhouette with a garment-dyed upper, easily wearable all summer long.

The Polo: Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, $79  — Featuring the crisp collar and excellent fabric for which Criquet is known, the Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt is a great upgrade to your summer polo game.

Sutro Footwear

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Light Khaki, $98 — The good folks of Flint and Tinder & Huckberry excel at making excellent gear for every season and nearly every occasion — the 365 Pant in Light Khaki is a prime example of that approach.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — When you slip on classic, high-quality sneakers, you need nice no-show socks to protect both your feet and the sneakers themselves. That’s where the Darn Tough no-show socks come into play.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt, $145 — When is it worth it to spend $145 on a belt? When said belt is made by La Matera and adds a welcome shot of color and pattern into an outfit.

The Accessory: Tres Cuervos Flint Leather Bracelet (Available via Upstate Stock), $40 — Want to add some visual interest to your look? Reach for a well-made leather bracelet from the excellent menswear purveyors at Upstate Stock.
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The Watch: Orient USA Ray II Watch, $229.98 — In classic “McQueen” fashion, we’re pairing stellar sneakers with chinos, a polo and  a tough dive watch. In this instance, the Orient USA Ray II Watch is a stellar pick.
The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses, $135 — Leave it to Huckberry to stock and sell an excellent mix of classic accessories — such as the handsome-looking Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses. Done deal!
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It’s a testament to the fun of changing seasons that it can be enjoyable to get dressed in the spring and summer without piling on a bunch of layers. And there might not be anything better than grabbing a classic pair of sneakers such as the  Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn pair seen here. When paired up with versatile essentials like the  Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt from Criquet, you’ve got a winning combination. And slim trousers like the 365 Pant in Light Khaki help get the job done, too. Lest we forget accessories, I’m confident you’ll be pleased with a neat-looking leather bracelet from Upstate Stock, plus the Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses (a classic silhouette) and the tough Orient USA Ray II Watch. OK, folks — that’s all we’ve got today. Enjoy and stay stylish!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Star Wars Day, Spring Menswear and The Best Suede Boots for Spring

From yet another #menswear-related work event to plenty of oher action on the men’s style front, it was a busy week — to say the least — here at The Style Guide. How was your week? Happy Cinco de Mayo, by the way — put one on my tab, will ya? In other matters: If spring style is what you seek, we’ve got plenty going on that front for you. Prepare to dress for Sunday brunch with our latest style suggestion, layer up for spring showers with the best gear for the rain and of course, stick around for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.  Outside of menswear, it’s been great to take in all that Brooklyn has to offer in terms of exploring the borough recently. These past few weeks, that’s meant checking out some excellent live shows at the newly opened Brooklyn Steel, now the largest venue in BK! This week in particular, I danced my way through a high-energy show from Irish indie rockers Two Door Cinema Club — that’s a bucket-list band that was worth the wait to see! Of course, I stayed busy on the writing front aside from just having fun at live shows — and you’ll get a look at a few of those articles below. Follow along on Instagram, keep up with my escapades via Twitter and join the conversation over at The Style Guide Facebook page. See you out there!

  • In keeping with the idea of spring style essentials, the fine folks at REEF have teamed up once again with menswear designer Masafumi Watanabe on a surf-inspired collection of lightweight, easygoing pieces that draw on the brand’s California roots. Yes indeed, the REEF x MW line has everything from ringer tees to utility shorts to cool sneakers that would work perfectly for your next spring road trip — and nothing in the collection tops $110. That’s affordable, unique style that can’t be beat.

  • As you might or might not have seen, May 4th was what we call #StarWarsDay — as in, “May the Fourth be with you.” Get it? And fittingly enough, you can mark the occasion — if belatedly — in style with eye-catching, retro-inspired runners from Brooks Heritage as part of the Brooks Heritage Galactic Collection. For more sneaker talk, check out my Style Guide Q+A with Brooks Heritage, too.

  • It might seem counterintuitive to keep wearing boots when it warms up, but I certainly have a tough time shelving my favorite leather boots — and to that end, I recently took my Viberg Service Boots throughout a bit of Brooklyn weekend exploration. What’s more, Esquire.com tells you all about the best suede boots to wear for spring — seriously, folks. Hop to it!

One last thing …

  • If a new swim suit is what you seek, check out my roundup of 25 — yep, 25 — of the best board shorts to buy now over at GearMoose. You really can’t go wrong with any of those picks — trust me.

OK, y’all — that’s it for this week. Enjoy the weekend, and don’t forget your stylish Sunday brunch gear.

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Messenger Bags to Buy Now

As we always say at The Style Guide, it pays to do your homework when it comes to style upgrades — especially if that homework involves sifting through our Online Shopping Picks series.  From stylish dress shoes to the best men’s grooming products, we’ve covered a lot of ground on the blog — yet, today’s entry will be the first-ever attempt at chronicling the best men’s messenger bags. Yes indeed, we’re in this together today. A messenger bag is a sort of secret style weapon for the guy who prefers casual style yet still wants to look sharp. Although brands are indeed making stylish leather backpacks — the Jack + Mulligan Welles Backpack comes to mind — there’s still something that’s a bit too youthful about a backpack. However, a luxurious briefcase, no matter how nice, also might not work — it could be too dressy or hard to lug around (only pesky handles to hold). So, where do you go? I give you … the humble messenger bag. Still a favorite of actual bike messengers here in New York City, there are some durable, handsome and casually stylish options out there — and we’ll show you just the ones to buy today.  Pack it up and bring your favorite messenger bag on a spring road trip or fill it with everyday carry essentials on the go. Join in on the fun, shop away and leave any comments for me below or on Twitter, where I tweet about as much #menswear as I can. Enjoy!

#1. Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase — $234.98

Joshu + Vela

A durable, rugged and gear-friendly zip briefcase — a messenger bag, in my book.

OK, so is the Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase a briefcase, or a messenger bag? Traditional convention might dictate that a messenger bag fold over the top but hey … we’re not too picky over here. Either way, the durable, handsome and rugged Zip Briefcase is definitely an upgrade over your current backpack situation. Thick canvas and a beautiful bridle leather strap are made to age well and stand up to adventures aplenty, and this particular bag can house a 15-inch MacBook — pretty versatile and durable, ehh?

Sutro Shoes Inc.

An easy-to-carry, easy-to-use leather messenger bag from a great Michigan company.

The makers of the 810 Wallet also do a heck of a nice messenger bag. A personal favorite of yours truly, the Roma Messenger has accompanied me on adventures around Brooklyn and a winter trip back to Michigan, handling each trip with grace and great looks. It’s a surprisingly lightweight, unlined leather messenger bag — designed in the state of Michigan itself, my bag has aged quite well and held up more than alright through a long commute and a frigid New York winter. If you value quality and crisp style, the Roma Messenger is your bag.

Florsheim

Peak Design

The most popular camera bag in the history of Kickstarter — and a heck of a worthy messenger bag purchase.

If you value functional design that considers every detail, consider making the Peak Design Everyday Messenger your next messenger bag purchase. It really does have so much going for it — from the lifetime warranty to the whopping $4.7 million it raised on its initial Kickstarter funding run, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger is unlike any bag you’ve ever bought — from the waterproof waxed shell and seatbelt-style straps to the removable dividers and space for a full-frame DSLR, it’s got the goods to carry, well, your goods. Again, you might want to look into the Peak Design Everyday Messenger.
Filson Original Briefcase

One of the more recognizable everyday bags on the market — and a heck of an option for you to buy right now.

Yet another briefcase that’s not quite your traditional briefcase by any means, the Filson Original Briefcase  is an instantly recognizable heritage classic known and used the world over. It’s a favorite of a lot of guys here in New York City (and elsewhere) for its water-repellent exterior, handy two-way zipper and a  plethora of interior and exterior pockets. The USA-made construction is legendary — you’ll have this briefcase for years to come, seriously.
Owen and Fred

Yet another terrific upgrade to your daily carry.

Are you sick of reading about bags that are not quite technically messenger bags? Well, fear not — we’re almost done here. Owen and Fred really lives up to the brand’s motto — “men’s goods made great” — and from its Voyager Waxed Weekender to smaller pieces like the brand’s essential brass bottle opener, you need to get Owen and Fred on your radar. The brand’s Flight Brief, made out of stylish midnight waxed canvas and finished with handsome leather accents, is a terrific bag for work or play.
Hopefully, you’ve now filled up your shopping cart with a new everyday bag — ehh? While a piece like the Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase defies the traditional conventions of a messenger bag, it’s a handsome, durable and reliably stylish upgrade to your everyday carry. And the sleek silhouette and clean lines of the Owen and Fred Flight Brief also make it a worthy addition to this list. In terms of classic, rugged appeal, it’s very tough to top the Filson Original Briefcase  — and you’d do well to pick that one up, of course. For the more functionally minded guy, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger fits the bill more than nicely. Last but not least, the Michigan-designed Brothers Leather Supply Roma Messenger could be your new favorite everyday bag. With that being said — are you ready for your next commute or road trip? See you out there.
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Light Wash Jeans This Spring

So, you’ve picked up your new favorite pair of light wash denim — or at least, you’ve thought about it. Now, how do you wear those jeans? Well, there are a few moves that’ll help you take on spring in style — unlike pairing dark selvedge denim with sturdy leather boots and a thick shawl cardigan for winter, the focus today is on keeping things light, breezy and fun. That means we’re grabbing an essential spring polo and a classic cotton bomber jacket, all the while focused on dialing in the fit of your light wash denim. In the warm, breezy days of spring and summer, light wash denim just fits in with the weather and the atmosphere. Trust me on this: You’re going to want to wear light wash jeans as much as you can this summer — particularly when those jeans are made in a unique wash and feature a slim fit. That means that from spring road trips to summer music festivals, slim light wash jeans should be a go-to move — and it doesn’t get better than the Abercrombie light wash denim seen here. You know Abercrombie and Fitch for the brand’s stylish, durable winter gear, and that same attitude carries over to its spring line. If you have other questions on how to wear your light wash denim, or if you just want to get in touch, hit me up on Twitter or join me over on the ‘Gram for style inspiration on the daily.

Sutro Footwear

Mixing the sporty and the classic for essential spring style.

The Denim: Abercrombie and Fitch Super Skinny Jeans, $39 — If it’s slim, of-the-moment style that you seek, look no further than this vibrant pair of washed denim, made with a hint of stretch for comfort. For options that feature a more forgiving cut, look toward Straight or Slim options via Mott and Bow.

The Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond, $275 — We first brought this jacket to your attention in our post on how to dress for a spring road trip — and well, it’s back again thanks to its unique color and lightweight construction.
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The Polo: Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy, $79 — For easily wearable style that looks sharp underneath a bomber jacket or on its own, it’s tough to top a classic navy polo like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt  — especially one made with organic cotton jersey fabric.

The Sneakers: House of Future Original Sneaker in White, $76.98 — Who doesn’t love a pair of classic leather sneakers? Especially the House of Future Original Sneaker — these are sharp and feature a crisp, slim profile for an agreeable price.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — No-show socks can be a surprisingly tricky item for which to shop — you want comfort and quality, and you get that with the Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks.

The Belt: La Matera Bariloche Belt, $145 — If you want to step up your #menswear accessories game in a big way, reach for a casual belt — say, the La Matera Bariloche Belt — that blends vintage fabric, a neat pattern and cool color.

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph, $275 — For handsome, smart and casual style that still looks extremely sharp and put-together, the Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph is the watch you need now.

The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $145 — For seriously cool style, reach for retro-inspired sunglasses that add some sporty appeal to the La Paz Ortigao Bomber.

Florsheim

Feeling comfortable with how to wear light wash denim now? At least a little bit more comfortable? If you haven’t quite come around to the idea of light wash denim yet, the key here involves taking pieces that you’d already wear in warm weather — like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — and mashing them up with sporty-yet-casual pieces (such as the La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond. Add in supremely classic and clean white leather sneakers like the House of Future Original Sneaker , and then accent that casual combo with the beautiful and just plain badass Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph. Oh, and don’t leave your shades at home — there’s no doubt that you won’t forget the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, what with a retro-inspired design and cool looks. In short, all of these pieces work on their own — and they particularly work well together for all manner of spring style pursuits, from a ballgame to a weekend coffee date to a spring road trip. Especially that light wash denim. Ya feel me on that? Good.

Let’s go to it!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Cinco de Mayo

Sidle up to the bar, folks! It’s time for a little Cinco de Mayo celebration — and the requisite #menswear to go with it, of course. Yes, the holiday to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory in the Battle of Puebla has turned into quite the occasion here in the U.S. (for better or worse). Seeing as it’s as great a time as any to hit up your first spring bar crawl, you might as well look stylish while doing it — right? We’re offering up picks today that harness the best of spring style — essential chino shorts, a versatile short-sleeve shirt and SeaVees slip-on sneakers that can go just about anywhere.  Just as with dressing for spring break or dressing for a road trip, the winning formula lies in upgrading your basic pieces and nailing the fit just right. Oh, and enjoying yourself along the way — that’s what it’s all about. Kick back, enjoy a Corona or a Tecate for me, and scroll through the below #menswear picks. Got any feedback for me? Hit me up over on Twitter. Bottoms up!

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt — $68

United By Blue

Style that goes toward a good cause and looks excellent for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

For style that’s at once more put-together than a T-shirt and yet more casual than your standard classic Oxford or dress shirt, reach for a slim chambray shirt — preferably the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. Made with sustainability in mind — your purchase helps the brand remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways — the mini-plus sign print is visually interesting, while the unique lighter blue color is a spring-appropriate style move. Yes indeed, this shirt is made for a few patio brews.

The  Shorts: Katin Patio Shorts — $49.98

Katin

Your go-to shorts for having a few spring brews — especially on Cinco de Mayo.

The prime function of the Katin Patio Shorts is … practically in the product title itself. They’re made for spring and summer patio evenings galore. And they’re a heck of a steal for under $50 — just the shorts you need to wear for spring and summer, what with a versatile khaki color and a clean fit. Add in the drawstring waist and you’ve got a bit of hidden comfort — ideal for moving from bar to bar or manning the grill. Again, it’s tough to top that combination of price and solid looks.
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The Sneakers: SeaVees Huntington Middie — $84.98

SeaVees

A sneaker that blends the ease of a slip-on with the style of a canvas lace-up.

See, told ya we’d be recommending some SeaVees slip-on sneakers for the occasion, did I not? The  SeaVees Huntington Middie is a unique option that’s A) Ideal for spring and B) Pleasingly versatile thanks to its slip-on construction and chukka-like cut. In short, it’s both perfect for beach trips and boardwalk strolls, along with a little Cinco de Mayo party action. The SeaVees Huntington Middie is definitely an upgrade over flip-flops, and you can wear ’em all summer long.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks –$29.98

Darn Tough No-Show Socks

Simple no-show socks that blend comfort with practicality.

Slip-on sneakers still call for no-show socks that provide comfort for your feet and extend the life of your footwear — agreed? And Darn Tough makes some of the best out there; sure, it’s just a hair under $30 for a two-pack, but these are a weather-appropriate way to upgrade your sock game — no white tube socks and sneakers now, ya hear?

The Watch: Szanto Military Field Watch — $150

Szanto Military Field Watch

A watch that can stand up to a little sun and maybe even a spilled drink.

A military field watch for Cinco de Mayo? Absolutely. When the name of the game is hopping from party to party or bar to bar, whether you imbibe or not, it’s still a good idea to step out in casual style that channels rugged vibes. That is to say: Leave the heirloom watch at home this go-round. Luckily for you, the Szanto Military Field Watch is clean and simple, with understated, casual style to match. The price ain’t half-bad, either — pick up my tab, will ya?
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses — $135

Raen Optics

Sunglasses that blend retro style and casual vibes — just what the doctor ordered for your next bar crawl.

If you’ve got the basics of this outfit handled, it’s OK to go a little more retro-inspired, or head-turning, with your accessories. The Wiley Sunglasses from Raen Optics are but one way to do this — they call to mind the sort of shades McQueen might have worn, with a more affordable price tag. And they’re a nice way to fit in with a casual chambray shirt and laidback shorts — these aren’t your average athletic sunglasses, nor are they a cheaper grocery store version. Just right.
Florsheim

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Vintage style that’s easily wearable and functional at the same time.

No one said it’d be all fun and games on Cinco de Mayo, right? There’s also the chance to catch a nasty sunburn after hours in the heat. So, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is going to keep the sun off your face, and do so in style. There’s no athletic logo in sight here — just a vintage-inspired ballcap that’s easily wearable with the basics, including a stylish chambray shirt. Wear it now, wear it on your next road trip and don’t forget to pack it with your stylish beach gear this summer.

The Bag: Billykirk Simple Tote — $184.98

Billykirk

A smart move that should prove quite useful and durable through this bar crawl and beyond.

If you’re questioning the necessity of lugging a bag to a bar crawl or party, well … where are you going to put your phone charger, and your bottle opener, and that six-pack? Answer: The Billykirk Simple Tote . Handsome, built to age well and last through plenty of seasonal adventures, and a heck of a casual bag to complement this ensemble. It avoids the cumbersome straps of a backpack, and yet it’s smaller and easier to carry when compared to a piece like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag.
NORDSTROM.com

 OK, y’all — who’s ready for Cinco de Mayo? This guy is. Casual, off-duty style can be simple and quite fun, particularly if you start with a shirt that’s at once polished and laidback — enter the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. And you’d do well to complement said shirt with equally laidback, wearable shorts; in this instance, the Katin Patio Shorts should have you all set for the day ahead. And crisp slip-on sneakers in a clean shade of white are an essential style move — enter the SeaVees Huntington Middie into your rotation. Practical touches, from stylish sunglasses to a vintage-inspired ballcap and a durable Billykirk tote are also must-have, especially if you’re hopping around town for hours at a time. And again, the key here comes down to nailing the fit and colors — and enjoying the day responsibly, of course. What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? Hopefully, they involve a few Coronas and a lot of fun.
Thanks so much for reading — enjoy!
-Beau
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt

First things first: Make no mistake, the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt could be your new favorite spring and summer shirt. That’s why it gets top billing as today’s Style Pick of the Week — despite a closely contested race, it came down to one vote …. yours truly. And if you’ve read this blog, you know that United By Blue is a company that gets a lot of things right, from stylish essentials to sustainability. At any rate,  it’s pretty essential to have a closet stocked full of stylish short-sleeve  shirts regardless. And again, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt could just be that shirt. Think of a short-sleeve shirt as a slightly upgraded, more visually interesting version of your favorite summer polo — and for all those times when you want to throw on something nicer than a T-shirt, yet still casual, a piece like the Wenlock Chambray Shirt. It combines great looks, a unique lighter blue chambray fabric and a visually pleasing mini-plus sign pattern with the sustainable style for which United By Blue is known — and given that we just passed Earth Day, it’s perhaps more important now than ever to pay attention to where your clothes come from. So, know that with your purchase of the Wenlock Chambray Shirt, the brand will commit to remove one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways — not a bad pay-off for doing a little shopping, ehh? You get style points and sustainability — but lest we forget, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt still has plenty going for it in the looks department.
Greats

United By Blue

A neat pattern, modern fit and sustainable style rolled into one package.

For one, the mini-plus sign pattern on the Wenlock Chambray Shirt is a nice departure from plain chambray shirts (as stylish as those are). And the light blue color makes this one easily wearable with slim chino shorts and classic white sneakers — especially classic white sneakers. It’s also modern enough to wear to this office under a lightweight blazer for deceptively cool and casual style (thank the short sleeves for that). And when the work day is done? Slip off that blazer and step up to the bar, ehh? The great thing about the Wenlock Chambray Shirt  is that it’s a reliable upgrade in plenty of situations — it looks just a little more put-together for a spring bar crawl or a day out and about around town than a T-shirt. Plus, you could feasibly wear it with a stylish, upgraded baseball cap to a ballgame, too. Oh, and the price — yes indeed, the price is a plus. Keep in mind that you get all this — versatile style, great looks and sustainability — for $68. Considering that you can wear it nearly everywhere — from a spring road trip to a day at the beach — that really is an agreeable going rate. So, whaddya say? Will you be picking up the Wenlock Chambray Shirt? Let me know in the comments or over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Cross Pens, Javier Bardem and Stylish Bar Crawl Gear

Welcome to another weekly #menswear recap, whereby we’re looking back at some choice reads you should tick through this weekend. How was your week? It was a busy one in the Brooklyn “office” of The Style Guide, what with a PR client event via my day job on Wednesday night at the luxurious Beekman Hotel and a plethora of blogging in between. It’s a tough, sometimes sleep-deprived gig, but someone’s gotta do it! And in that regard, I sure am glad it’s the weekend.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

If you’re setting out on a spring adventure, here’s the weekender bag you need to buy now. And if you could use some help organizing the rest of your gear, feast your eyes upon stylish dopp kits for spring travel. Oh, and if your weekend per chance calls for an early spring wedding? Wear any one of my picks for stylish men’s dress shoes to shop now. In the meantime, we’ve got a few more items for your perusal below — it’s quite tough to believe we’re nearly into May and staring down summer. I, for one, cannot wait for music festival season and a bit of summer travel. But for now, I think I’ll look toward Friday happy hour, some light reading and enjoyable spring weather. Join me, won’t ya? See you tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, and you can catch some of my style pursuits in the meantime on Instagram. Lastly — thanks for reading!
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  • I know I’ve been struck by the talent and deep, brooding and well, terrifying nature of some of Javier Bardem’s on-screen characters. Esquire continues to prove why they’re the best around when it comes to engaging and insightful profiles, and I’d urge you to check out their profile on Javier Bardem  from this month’s print issue. Better yet, get out there and buy a copy.
  • Want a light spring jacket or a pair of breezy trousers made with substantial, yet pliable, cotton fabric? Want them done up in one of a few beautiful shades of blue? That’s where the men’s and women’s style purveyors at 13 Bonaparte come into play. The French brand makes carefully crafted, refreshingly easygoing pieces fit for spring layering, from workwear shirt-jackets to band-collar shirts and unique, lightweight cotton trousers. The pieces are interchangeable via the brand’s numbered collection system (so, numbers 1-9, for example). The brand also releases two core collections a year, but it was the cool-looking denim shirt-jackets that caught my eye during a recent tour of the collection with Founder and Artistic Director David Sarfati. In all, it’s a continental take on pieces you already know  — and only through this weekend, you can find them in NYC! Venture on down to 2 Rivington Street through Sunday to get a look at the brand yourself, and shop the 13 Bonaparte site for more.
  • A lightweight spring henley is both specific and yet oddly tough to find, from time to time. I recently wrote about the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley and why you should buy it — and I’m here to tell you again: Buy it, layer it, wear it on its own… when those breezy spring and summer beach nights come along, you won’t regret it. And if you need an idea of just how to style it, take a look at our recent feature on how to upgrade your henley this season.

  • Looking for a new addition to your everyday carry? It would behoove you to check out the excellent, tech-minded Cross Pens Peerless TrackR Pen. This ballpoint pen blends a pleasing weight and nice writing ability with the sort of technology more common to a Bond film. It syncs up with an app that tracks its location at all times — not too shabby. And it’d be a great Father’s Day gift — if you’re shopping around early, that is.

Last but certainly not least ….

  • It seems to me that patio drinking season is in full force — at least, judging by the crowds around Brooklyn. Given that, I’d wager you’ll need some stylish bar crawl. And so I give you two guides: my 2016 guide to how to dress for a spring bar crawl, and my most recent bar crawl style guide for The Manual. Have a good one out there!

That’s it for today, folks.

Stay stylish for now,

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Upgrade Your Pocket Tee This Spring

Morning (or afternoon … or evening), folks! Thanks for being with us as we talk how to upgrade your pocket tee this spring. In the men’s style world, never underestimate the importance and utility of a great-fitting T-shirt — especially one that you can wear in a way that’s slightly different from other spring style moves. Once you figure what size works for you, you can use said T-shirt to take on the world in style — particularly as the thermostat climbs. And if you want to switch up your T-shirt game, take a good, hard look at the humble pocket tee. Unlike a standard white tee, it’s got more going for it in terms of versatility and visually interesting looks — the chest pocket draws attention to, well, your chest, for starters. It’s the small details that make a stylish pocket tee suitable to wear on its own or layered up — as you’ll see in today’s #OOTD. We’re mixing a bit of a mononchromatic color palette with a statement-making tee, classic spring sneakers and all of the stylish everyday carry pieces you can get your hands on. It’s the sort of #OOTD you can reliably wear on a weekend coffee date or a spring bar crawl …. or both. What’d ya say? Let’s go to it. For style inspiration all 365 days of the year, follow along on Instagram.

Richer Poorer

A unique take on the pocket tee, accented with classic, spring-friendly style essentials.

The Pocket Tee: Richer Poorer Crew Pocket Tee in Pink, $32 — Think pink isn’t a color that’s made for you? Think again. We’re seeing a lot more of this dusty pink shade across menswear and women’s style, and using it as your base is a significant style upgrade.

The Shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $35 — Why are we layering up our pocket tee with a stylish chambray shirt? For one, it’ll help combat any spring and summer breezes. And, number two: If you’re wary of the pink T-shirt, it takes some of the focus of it. Plus, a chambray shirt is a rugged essential for the entire year.

The Denim: Abercombie and Fitch Super Skinny Denim in Light Wash, $59 — Here’s where that monochromatic style we talked about earlier comes into play. This pair of stretch denim blends retro style with comfort — feel free to wear them to your next rock concert, too.
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The Sneakers: SeaVees Hermosa Regatta Sneaker, $88 — We here at The Style Guide absolutely love what’s being done by SeaVees across the board — the Hermosa Regatta Sneaker blends a unique spring color with a light weight and quite a lot of comfort and style.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98  — If you’re going to break out classic SeaVees sneakers, some no-show socks are in order — yes? Darn Tough makes some of the best around. Pricey, but comfortable and much-needed.

The Watch: Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch, $498.98 — We’ve waxed poetic about the durability and style of the rugged Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch, and its simple design makes it ideal for pairing with laidback pieces.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Madronas Sunglasses, $55 — Every so often, you want shades that are simple, stylish and affordable — that’s where the Sunski Madronas sunglasses come in very handy indeed. Yes indeed, these are definitely worth adding to any list of the best men’s sunglasses.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — To keep the sun off your face during interminable hours sipping patio beers, reach for the vintage-inspired, well-made Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

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Looking through the above #OOTD has me positively dreaming of cracking open a cold one on a patio somewhere — hopefully, you’re in the same boat. The key to this outfit revolves around the unexpected pink shade of the pocket tee, plus visually interesting layering via a classic light chambray shirt and slim light wash denim. Of course, it wouldn’t be an #OOTD without stylish spring sneakers — that’s where the Hermosa Regatta Sneaker has you covered.  And in that regard, you’re going to need a tough casual watch to take on spring excursions — that’s what the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch can do for ya. And it’s with two personal favorites of mine that we close out this outfit — there might not be a more stylish ballcap out there than the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, and for classic, functional spring style, it’s tough to get better than those Sunski Madronas shades. Would you wear your pocket tee in a similar fashion? Leave any feedback over on The Style Guide Facebook page, and join us tomorrow for a new Online Shopping Picks entry.

Stay stylish, my friends!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Plug Me In: Adventures and Live Music in Brooklyn

Just hanging around in Brooklyn waiting for the Chairlift show. Denim Jacket by Forever21. Graham Shirt by Mott and Bow. Super Skinny Skinny Jeans in Light Wash by Abercrombie & Fitch. Service Boots by Viberg. Military Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

It was with great excitement that I sat down to write this post — after all, this past weekend combined some of my favorite things (certainly, the chance to make AC/DC references in headlines is among them). But on another note, if you follow along with yours truly at The Style Guide, you might have an inkling as to a few of my favorite things. In short order: Live music, #menswear and Brooklyn explorations. Luckily for me, all three were on the docket this weekend. And as you might have read in past travel feature posts, there’s nothing I love more than dressing for a rock concert, hitting up a choice brunch spot, and enjoying an excellent show. It was a momentous weekend for all those reasons –namely,  it was my first chance to check out the newly opened Brooklyn Steel, now the largest music venue in the borough. Of course, I hit up a few great coffee shops — and unlike my recent road trip to Pittsburgh, I didn’t even have to lug around a rugged weekender bag! Join for me the ride and see how I took on the weekend in style.

Mixing high-low style with the Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, the standout Standard Issue Utility Chino from Apolis and the handsome Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boots. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Pen by Cross Pens. Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

The weekend really kicked off properly on Friday, what with the chance to break out a bit of festive spring style for time on the clock at my day job in fashion PR. The real highlight though?  It has to be Life/After/Denim Patchwork Shirt, an entirely unique piece that’s fit for the office and fit for a Friday evening. Seeing as I spent mine both taking care of business at work and shooting a few photos with Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend (new project coming soon!), this piece worked out perfectly for both pursuits. And it proved a breezy complement to my durable, classic and versatile Apolis Standard Issue Utility Chinos — the neutral color and clean fit played perfectly off what are quickly becoming my new favorite boots: the Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boot, which merge a sharp silhouette with beautiful brown suede.

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Useful everyday carry pieces like my This Is Ground Leatherback Writer and a crisp, classic MVMT Watches brown leather watch proved essential, too. More importantly: If you seek a subtly stylish pen made for daily use, the Peerless TrackR Ballpoint Pen is seemingly immune to being misplaced thanks to a built-in locator app. It writes quite nicely and looks great, too. So, those were the essentials I used to take on a last day of work — but what about the rest of the weekend, ehh?

For Chairlift’s final NYC, I had to break out my Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim tough Viberg Service Boots and grooming gear from Oars + Alps. 1951 Traveller Bag by Graf Lantz.

Saturday brought with it the promise of a brooding-yet-bright, eclectic and plain fun synthpop show from Brooklyn duo Chairlift — the group’s last-ever NYC show — plus the chance to get out and explore Brooklyn with my favorite men’s style gear in tow.  The breezy and temperate spring day proved the ideal chance to break out my new favorite spring shirt: The soft, slim and well-made Mott and Bow Graham Shirt, with a light blue shade that’s a great change of pace from more traditional chambray shirts — truly, a nice way to offset my Forever21 Denim Jacket. The shirt was one part of a monochromatic look alongside a slim pair of Abercrombie & Fitch Super Skinny Denim — the light wash calls to mind the ’90s quite nicely, and fit right in at Saturday’s show. Equally perfect for the occasion? My durable, tough and essential Viberg Service Boots — an incredibly well-made, distinguished pair of boots that I’ve already begun breaking in around Brooklyn. They’re quite simply the nicest pair of boots I’ve ever owned. And coming from a guy who loves tough leather boots  … that’s saying something.


For a day that took me around Williamsburg, I loaded up my new, sustainably made and very effective Graf Lantz 1951 Carrier Bag. Made with biodegradable 100 percent merino wool felt in a rich shade of green, this is one bag that carries enough clout and style to be used every day. I supplemented my everyday haul with the essential Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch and the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer  — both well-priced favorites critical for any writer. And crucially, I had to prep for the day ahead with new grooming gear from Oars + Alps. The Active Armor Deodorant is a winner — it’s effective and made with a crisp scent. While my gear helped me navigate the borough, there are a few other key ingredients that helped considerably. Namely, a caffeine pit stop at my favorite coffee and menswear shop in Brooklyn, Upstate Stock, plus a delicious pastrami sandwich at coffee shop The West and a trip for craft brews at Beer Street in advance of Saturday evening’s Brooklyn Steel show.

Sutro Footwear

And as to the show itself: A winner all-around, to say the least. As you might have expected from my winter trip to New Haven and my December trip to see The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, it’s very tough to top the excitement and buzz around checking out a new venue. In just its second full week of action, Brooklyn Steel — housed in a former steel fabrication shop and jammed with a crowd of 1,800  — didn’t disappoint. Critically, neither did Chairlift.  They’re perhaps most well-known for their hit song “Bruises,” of Apple commercial fame, but there’s more to it. The duo of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly embody making it in the Brooklyn music scene — by way of Colorado — and then sticking around long enough to build a strong local and global following.

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It’s a testament to the group’s unique sound that even in just three albums, they’ve amassed a deep catalogue. That catalogue includes the band’s 2016 release, “Moth,” which is their strongest yet — both brooding and light thanks to Polachek’s stellar voice, which helped make the evening a great one. It was a a special show, and a long day on my feet, but my Viberg Service Boots are breaking in nicely, and the show was absolutely worth it. Rest assured, Caroline Polachek’s work as a solo artist post-Chairlift will have a big-time fan in this live music enthusiast, and we should all be grateful for the music they’ve left us with.

Blending the sporty and the classic. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Stone Chinos by Taylor Stitch. Sneakers by Gola. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Sunday brought with it some much-needed relaxation to cap off a busy week — and a busy Saturday. But what would Sunday be without a little great style, ehh? And so, I broke out my slim, essential United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, featuring a pattern of neat mini-plus signs and a crisp blue color. The Wenlock Chambray Shirt complemented my Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone, made in Portugal and featuring the tailored fit one would expect from a brand that prides itself on quality. And Sunday also provided a prime chance to slip into my Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, a clean pair of retro-inspired trainers from a classic British brand. The entire ensemble was an effective high-low mix when matched up with everyday carry essentials like my  Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph. That timepiece is a hard-wearing watch made for just about anything (including more Williamsburg exploration of choice spots like menswear emporium The Hill-Side). And seemingly  as always, my Owen and Fred Flight Brief proved effective at hauling around all the essentials needed for a day of blogging.

The right gear for a Sunday in Brooklyn. Wenlock Chambray Shirt by United By Blue. Slim Chinos in Light Stone by Taylor Stitch. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Plimsoll Comet Trainers by Gola. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex x Todd Snyder. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Flight Brief by Owen and Fred.

And the next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, I’d say you’ve got another key stop to make. For one, who can resist an incredible donut …. or fried chicken … or both?? That’s where Pies ‘n’ Thighs comes in. The breakfast and lunch menus are packed with incredibly delicious, indulgent entrees (who wants an Insane Burger, ehh?) and you absolutely can’t pass up their donuts. Like, at all.

Beckett Simonon

Indeed, this past weekend really did provide just about everything I could ask for — even though it was a weekend spent at “home” in Brooklyn, home really is a great place to be. I can never pass up a chance to explore the borough, sip on some craft brews and wear my favorite menswear — all while checking out a great show and a venue that’s now very high on my list. It was a special first show at Brooklyn Steel, and I’ll absolutely be back. The fact that I was able to do all of this just by hopping on the subway across a matter of days really is quite unique and one-of-a-kind. So, as long as those subway trips culminate in great adventures, excellent live music and new opportunities, I’ll keep swiping my MetroCard.

Until next weekend — and until the next show!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Guide Recommends: JBL E55BT Headphones

Just a few of my favorite music essentials. I’d recommend you grab a pair of JBL E55BT Headphones and crank up The Orwells! Bottle opener by Owen and Fred. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear.

In terms of ongoing Style Guide series, the Style Guide Recommends is one that’s making just its second appearance today — so if you’re along for the ride, welcome! And if you caught entry number one in the series — why it’s worth it to buy a custom suit — you’re perhaps acquainted with what we’re going for here. In short, there’s only so much time in the day for menswear style suggestions or planning your next #OOTD. As much as I love a well-tailored suit or a stylish leather watch, there are other lifestyle matters that are worth your time, too.  For your Style Guide author, music falls quite neatly underneath that lifestyle umbrella — perhaps it’s the same for you. It’s about more than just dressing for a rock concert, though. Be it Governors Ball, Panorama or a weeknight Brooklyn concert by Chicago rockers The Orwells, it’s all fair game. Truly — as my buddy Joe at Dappered notes — music is but one area that can enrich your life with a little listening.
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I’ve certainly found that to be the case, especially living in New York City and getting the chance to see my favorite bands seemingly almost weekly. I’ve also been lucky enough to take my pursuit of beautiful, soulful and just plain fun music to the road as of late — everything from a Pittsburgh trip to see Local Natives to a February excursion to see Young the Giant. Now, what does all this travel and music have to with #menswear? As I always mention, there are certain style upgrades that, once you’ve made, cause you to think differently. And when it comes to your listening experience — be it a quiet podcast or the rollicking rock of Cold War Kids — you should be looking for a style upgrade, too. Which brings me to the ultimate Style Guide recommendation, something that’s going to kick your audio gear up a notch – the JBL E55BT Wireless Headphones,  recently released  and worthy of your time. Yes, that’s right. Headphones, folks.

Mark your calendars for the next concert, folks. Leatherback Writer by This Is Ground. Calendar by The Art of Manliness.

If you’ve ever fumbled around in your pocket for headphones at your desk or as you hustle around the city, you’ll know it can be a struggle and a hassle — a small struggle, but still. The JBL E55BT Wireless Headphones do more than solve tangled cords, though. The listening experience is as crisp, rich and clear as anything you’ll find on the market — particularly for under $150. The Harman headband and variety of color options are welcome design touches, and the over-ear functionality fits comfortably and solidly  — no danger of earbuds falling out here, folks. On one hand, seeing your favorite band can feel like stepping into a Spotify playlist — and listening to the JBL E55BT Wireless Headphones just might be the next best thing, at least for this music fan.

Beckett Simonon

It’s tough to top the nuance and substance of a band like The National — and certainly, the JBL E55BT Headphones provide just as great of a listening experience! Greenflex Chukkas by Astorflex. Shirt by The National

The listening experience is seriously one-of-a-kind — leave it to a new pair of headphones to make an excellent band like The National sound even better. Ultimately, it’s always refreshing to find pleasing additions to your lifestyle — adding a well-made pen or a beautiful notebook to your daily carry can evoke similar small but welcome touches. Such is the case with these headphones — they can turn any marathon blog writing session into a much more enjoyable one, and they make the crowded, hectic NYC commute more bearable. I’d wager they’ll add similar tranquility to your desk or home office — and the nice thing about the  JBL E55BT Wireless Headphones? They’re clean and simple — no chords to speak of, just a comfortable wearing experience, handy Bluetooth connectivity and  great audio quality. I can’t buy you tickets to your next rock show, but I can absolutely guarantee you’ll know all the words to your favorite songs if you buy these headphones. And another thing — your classic spring style ensemble looks even better without earbuds.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you find your listening experience similarly enriched.

Rock on!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.