Tag / affordable men’s fashion

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Nike Killshot, Affordable Menswear and Taylor Stitch

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.

So, we’re back again with another Friday Read — and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover, folks! It’s the first Friday Read of March, and that means the Style Guide’s annual Spring Style Wish List is incoming — look for it early next week. It also means we’re wrapping a busy week in the #menswear world, including my latest travel style post covering my trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant! It was an outstanding show, with beautiful lights, great energy and an outstanding set list. That’s a band you gotta see, and soon. If your next show, or the weekend ahead, involves hitting the road as well, grab a stylish leather weekender for the occasion.  And if your weekend involves more relaxation than travel, you’d do well to pick up the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, a recent Style Pick entry and as tailored and stylish a pair of sweats as you’ll find.  Oh, and as we await the transition to spring, don’t forget to stock up on essential men’s grooming products to keep your skin in shape before that next date. See, I said we had a lot of ground to cover. Of course, there’s plenty of business to take care of NYC this weekend, too — it’s New York City Beer Week, for one, and if there’s a more tightly concentrated metropolis of standout beer, I’ve yet to test it out. For now, let’s recap a few new men’s style releases and some choice news items. Check back tomorrow for the latest Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish in the meantime!

We’re keeping it brief this week on The Style Guide — but here’s one more before you go…
  • I don’t pass up the chance to write about Taylor Stitch very often — seriously. I covered the Taylor Stitch Merino Henley, and why you need it for classic spring style, for GearMoose.

OK, folks — let’s wrap up this Friday and try some new brews … see you out there!

-Beau

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Your New Favorite Polo

We try to keep things moving forward when it comes to our Style Suggestion series on the blog. That is, mixing up situations — including things like how to dress for winter travel — and certain occasions, like dressing for the polar vortex. Now that we’ve reached the start of March (pretty wild in and of itself), it’s time to turn our eyes toward spring style. We’re not necessarily all the way out of chilly weather yet, and rain likely beckons ahead in the forecast. But when you want to lighten things up, how do you do so in a way that’s crisp and yet easily wearable through the season? Easy. A long-sleeve polo. It’s got some “geezer style” connotations, but the long-sleeve polo is also a classic menswear piece worn with casual cool (and James Bond in “Casino Royale” even dons a navy long-sleeve rugby shirt). Luckily for us, we’re taking a great long-sleeve polo from Paul Fredrick and styling it accordingly today for spring weather. Read on, shop away and join us on Instagram and Twitter for plenty o’ daily #menswear inspiration.

The Long-Sleeve Polo: Paul Fredrick Silk, Cotton and Cashmere Polo Pullover — $79.50 [Get 20 percent off and free shipping on any order with code ‘IMSCBH’].

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

Part polo, part pullover and made with quite the luxurious blend of silk, cotton and cashmere, this Paul Fredrick long-sleeve polo is the way to go if you want breathability, comfort and style fit for spring weather. The navy colorway calls to mind what Bond himself wore, and it’s the right pick here in that it’s not too bright or loud — perfect for all types of style scenarios, including dressing for Sunday brunch. Plus, you can pick up it up for 20 percent off using the code above.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch Box Quilted Jacket — $130

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

Just as critical as your base or mid-layer — perhaps moreso — is a stylish spring jacket. As with its fall and winter offerings (like the rugged, essential Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt), the brand continues to build on its reputation as an essential company for today’s well-dressed guy. With unique takes on outerwear like the Box Quilted Jacket
you get a different look combined with comfort (the fleece lining helps with that). What’s more, the neat olive color is a nice way to transition from the darker hues of winter into the lighter shades of spring and summer.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

While you could use the pullover in a fashion similar to a V-neck sweater and layer up with a classic chambray shirt, it’s visually interesting enough on its own to merit the use of a simple (yet well-made) Mack Weldon undershirt. Call your Style Guide author crazy, but from the brand’s merino long-sleeve tees to the neat Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, these guys are a brand to know — and wear any time you need a comfortable base layer.
Yet another item to pick up from a brand that's getting better and better.

Yet another item to pick up from a brand that’s getting better and better.

 If you’re more likely to think of baggy cargo shorts — or pants — when you think of A&F than slim chinos, think again. The brand’s revamped focus centers around all manner of menswear staples, including what could be your new favorite pair of chinos (seriously — you just haven’t bought ’em yet). They feature what looks to be a straight, yet relatively tailored, cut. And the use of cotton and elastane should give them some comfortable stretch. Yes indeed, grab a stylish leather weekender bag and wear these bad boys when you hit the road this spring.
The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $180
An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

If these boots ring any bells, that’s great — crucially, they were the footwear pick of choice in a feature on how to layer up in style this winter. Casual leather chukka boots would also be a fine style move here — particularly if it’s rainy and you want to keep that suede safe — but these  Bitflex Chelsea Boots offer up both spring-appropriate texture and a bit of rich color. Don’t forget that Chelsea boots add a decidedly modern vibe to the more classic parts of this outfit (including khaki chinos and a long-sleeve polo).

The Watch:Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch — $549.98

A revamp of the pilot's watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

A revamp of the pilot’s watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

What do you get when the heritage leather goods makers at Tanner Goods decide to update a stunning pilot’s watch? Well, you get the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, another recent #OOTD accessory pick. It’s definitely got a lot going for it — and for that investment-worthy price, you can be darn sure I’m recommending you wear it as much as you can. Featuring a natural shell Cordovan strap that’ll age wonderfully each time you wear it, the Desert Tan face on the Ace Automatic Watch is also bold and unique. In short, the perfect timepiece for this outfit.

The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35 [Check out the full run of CHUP socks while we’re here].

Not your everyday socks -- and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

Not your everyday socks — and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

We never let stylish socks slide here at the blog — especially if they’re a pricey, yet well-made, pair like these CHUP Prairie Socks. The design offers a shot of unique color and pattern, and you get handmade quality via a wearable cotton blend. As always, your socks shouldn’t be an area you overlook.

 The Sunglasses: Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses — $44.98
Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Hey, recognize that accessory? Stylish men’s sunglasses?  Sure you do. We certainly haven’t hit full-on beach weather as of yet, but we’ll get there soon (hopefully). And you know what else is great? Well, the Dipseas Sunglasses from our friends at Sunski are unique, effective and affordably priced. They’re just the type of piece to offset a more casual look in a cool fashion — and that’s how every outfit should be finished off, right?
Frank & Oak
If you’re now amped and fully ready to step out in classic spring style, you’re not alone. From a sharp, revamped piece of spring outerwear to your new favorite long-sleeve polo and classic Mack Weldon basics, this outfit has something for everyone. Essential chinos provide classic contrast alongside the more modern Bitflex Chelsea Boots, and before you know it, you’ll be breaking out a neat pair of Dipseas Sunglasses (trust me on that). And as I said before, a durable and tough watch like the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch ties everything together very nicely indeed. Good luck getting ready for spring, and let me know what you think of today’s outfit in the comments.
See you around and stay stylish,
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Waxed Trucker Jacket You Need Now

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.

The men’s jacket you wear every single day needs an upgrade. Now, first of all — am I commanding you to buy a great waxed trucker jacket? Do you really need one? Maybe. Maybe not. But, hey — if you feel like that’s an outerwear addition to make here in late February, The Style Guide has you all set.  You’ll probably recognize the brand we’re featuring below, but that’s a side note to why this unique, rugged and yet easily wearable silhouette can work with different iterations of your #OOTD in the weeks to come. If we’re lucky, we’ll start to see slightly warmer temperatures in the weeks ahead — so, it’ll hopefully be time to shelve your polar vortex gear for pieces that are a little more temperate. That’s where a flannel-lined trucker jacket comes in. You’re getting both warmth and weather-beating functionality (in the event of a rainy spring day) with a bit of dashing and rugged appeal thrown in. And who doesn’t love that? The unique thing about the particular jacket shown below is the rock-n-roll edge it adds to the overall ensemble — but I won’t spoil it any further. Read ahead, skim if you must and follow yours truly over on Instagram and Twitter to keep up with the #menswear fun.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge -- and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

Mixing a heritage-quality jacket with a bit of rock-ready edge — and classic menswear essentials, to boot.

The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $198 — It’s a good thing there’s still plenty of stock left for this jacket. As I understand it, it’s been quite the hot seller over at Huckberry — if it’s sold out in your size, the JackThreads Stupp Suede Trucker Jacket provides a similarly edgy silhouette.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Garment Dye Oxford Shirt, $39 — I’d urge us all to try mixing a classic piece — like a timeless white Oxford — with an edgier staple (a tough trucker jacket) this season. It’ll work out just fine.

The Sweater: JackThreads Donegal Sweater, $29.98 — Spring weather might be around the corner *crosses fingers* … but we can’t shelve those sweaters yet. Pick up this nicely textured number for a bargain in case it’s chilly or rainy in the weeks ahead.

The Denim: JackThreads Slim Stretch Selvedge Denim, $44.98 —  Let’s make it two in a row with stylish JackThreads gear — this pair of stretch selvedge boasts a unique color and a slim fit.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Diplomat Boots in Cognac Suede, $199 — We love ourselves some Thursday Boots on the blog, and this particular pair feels and looks mobile and flexible for the approaching spring season.

The Socks: Flint and Tinder Inventor Socks, $17.98 (Three-pack)  —  Finish this outfit off with Flint and Tinder socks to complement that waxed trucker jacket.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, $79.98 [Also available in Brown Leather] — This Expedition watch — with its more rugged, outdoors-y vibe — is finished off handsomely with a beautiful Form-Function-Form Horween leather strap.

The Everyday Carry: Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen, $58.98 — Who doesn’t love a durable, useful pen — ehh? It should come in seriously handy every single day. If you’re out and about for a solo lunch, a notebook can be your best companion when it comes to brainstorming ideas (or just doodling).

Have you bookmarked any of the above pieces for later? If that’s the case, I think you’re gonna like the results.  The key to this look is starting with an unexpected piece of outerwear that’s actually highly versatile — the trucker jacket hits the sweet spot in terms of transitional, head-turning style. And we can all get more use out of everyday staples like a classic Oxford and a textured Donegal sweater. Of course, I’m never one to pass up a beautifully accented timepiece like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Expedition, and you might be surprised at how handy a small item like the Tactile Turn Stainless Steel Slider Pen can be. OK, ready for that snow to melt? That makes two of us. Stop by The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime, and join us for another applause-worthy men’s style post tomorrow.

Here’s to you and thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Home of the Strange: New Haven and Young the Giant

Gear for the road, Yale exploration and a rock show. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

Gear for the road, Yale exploration and a rock show. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

First off, don’t let the headline catch you off guard — New Haven isn’t as weird as it might sound; in fact, it was the perfect place to take in the latest stop on the “Home of the Strange” tour by indie rockers Young the Giant this past weekend! On the same page now? Good deal. Yes indeed, this late February weekend presented the perfect opportunity to hit the road again and travel in style to see another live show — it’s a real passion of mine, as you might recall from a fall trip to see Local Natives and my summer trip to see indie folk rockers Lucius, among others. And to be able to hit the road, bring along my favorite #menswear and see an awesome rock show is absolutely icing on the cake. The weather was a bit different than a winter road trip to Michigan, but not quite full-on spring territory — so, earbuds in and volume turned up, I grabbed my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender  — and the excellent, travel-ready Owen and Fred Flight Brief in Midnight — and set out for New Haven and College Street Music Hall (Editor’s note: For the next time you hit the road, here’s another bag that surely qualifies among the best travel gear for guys).

Gear for a Saturday on the road and a Saturday concert. Sweater by The Knit Project. Dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

Gear for a Saturday on the road and a Saturday concert. Sweater by The Knit Project. Dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

As has been the case with past East Coast road trips, I knew I’d have to dress for multiple potential scenarios — starting with a nice, temperate Saturday train ride from NYC to New Haven. I chose a light, breathable and innovative Fitted Merino Turtleneck from Bay Area start-up Knit Project. Made from luxurious Italian Merino wool from a company that’s focused on quality materials and a great fit, it was a neat layering touch under the Frank & Oak Marfa Slim-Fit Denim Shirt — yes, that’s right …. a turtleneck under a denim shirt.  It’s a move that’s a bit unique (and perhaps academically inspired for exploring Yale’s campus?), but works in this case thanks to the casual washed denim shirt and a well-fitting pair of  classic Frank & Oak selvedge denim. Plus, when it got breezier later on in the day, the combo worked well with no outfit change necessary. Given that I spent time on my feet exploring New Haven and drinking copious amounts of coffee from stops like Jojo’s Coffee and Tea, I needed to be able to get around effectively and on-time — that’s where my vintage-inspired Timex for J. Crew watch came in handy, along with helpful everyday carry pieces like my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet. Of course, I had to reach for a pair of sneakers that’s as comfortable as can be — yet with the functionality of durable boots. In this instance, my Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Tops were comfortable and effective for going from train to town to show.

All smiles in advance of Young the Giant. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

All smiles in advance of Young the Giant. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.

Again, these were all pieces that worked just as well for getting around New Haven as they did for a heck of an epic show from Young the Giant. Luckily, I had plenty of time to kill before lining up outside College Street Music Hall. The campus of Yale really is something else — at times medieval and at times modern, it’s filled with great vistas and excellent architecture. It’s quaint, historic and very cool to explore — as is the Yale University Art Gallery (even if you’re not an art buff — I’m certainly not, but hey … menswear’s more my bag).

It’s always wise to take local recommendations into account when traveling — such has been the case as I’ve explored Washington, D.C.  and braved the Grand Rapids winter. So one would be remiss not to stop into the delicious, quirky and renowned Louis’ Lunch for an original cheeseburger, ehh? They still know how to make ’em — considering they’re known for being the inventor of the hamburger, that’s quite the accomplishment. And I can confirm for a fact that there’s no better for fuel for a rock concert — or exploring a neat college town — than a premium stop like Cask Republic, a conveniently located spot near College Street Music Hall with multiple Northeast locations and an excellent selection of burgers and beers. Again, prime rock concert fuel, folks.

Beckett Simonon

And certainly if you’ve listened to Young the Giant or caught them on tour behind any of their three albums (including “Home of the Strange,”) you know what you’re going to get. That is, an energetic, powerful show with great showmanship from Sameer Gadhia, a heck of a lead singer with a great voice and the sort of synergy with his bandmates that comes from lots of time spent honing their craft. Hyperbole? Not when you’ve been at it since 2004, I’d say. They reliably packed their setlist with crowd-pleasers and a healthy dose of standout new material, all delivered with plenty of heart. Seriously, who hasn’t sung along to “My Body” or “Apartment” …. or “I Got” (the list goes on)… while cruising in their car? Ahh, just me? OK, then. But I can tell you this — that band brings great energy, joy and feeling to the stage. What a treat to see that in action — crowd favorites like “Cough Syrup” kicked things off early, while newer hits like “Silvertongue” helped close out the encore. In between, Sameer and Co. lit up the stage with an amazing light show (check out a photo or two on Twitter) and also worked in sleeper hits like “Mr. Know-It-All” and  “Titus Was Born” off of “Home of the Strange.” In short, it was a show I’d absolutely recommend seeing.

Mixing collegiate, comfortable style for a Sunday of exploration at Beinecke Plaza. Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sashiko Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Cashmere cap by Club Monaco. Glasses by Frameri.

Mixing collegiate, comfortable style for a Sunday of exploration at Beinecke Plaza. Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sashiko Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Cashmere cap by Club Monaco. Glasses by Frameri.

Without a doubt, it was certainly a treat to see them live. The group’s time on stage at world-famous venues like Radio City Music Hall absolutely shows, and you’d do well to catch them as they tour this summer with Cold War Kids! Tickets for that one will surely go fast– anxious as I might be about getting tickets for that tour, I wasn’t anxious about dressing for the cold in New Haven on Sunday (see what I did there?). Now, there wasn’t the excitement of a show ahead, but I still enjoyed a day around a bustling town, including some lovely time spent exploring the campus of Yale once again — it’s a beautiful institution in all respects. I also can’t recommend the premium, upscale Heirloom for brunch enough — get the Heritage Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich and thank me later. For hitting up spots like Blue State Coffee (again with the coffee), I grabbed unique-yet-functional layers, starting with my Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan . My finely textured, well-made Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt also complemented the cardigan nicely for temperatures in the 40s, what with its unique pattern and tailored fit.

Sunday layering, starting with a sharp Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

Sunday layering, starting with a sharp Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

The top half of my rig was offset nicely by casual, comfortable and athletic-inspired Kit Culture stretch twill pants. With roots in Los Angeles, Kit Culture makes gear for the active guy, with fits built for those of us on the go. With 5 percent stretch, these pants were exceptionally comfortable for navigating the city, and yet also proved stylish and crisp alongside my reliable-as-ever CAT Footwear Sutter Boots. The combo definitely merged some high-low style alongside perhaps my new favorite watch, the vintage-inspired, handsome Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch — it’s a timepiece that’s classic and eye-catching, and ever-so-slightly rugged. In short, the watch was the perfect everyday carry piece alongside my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet for exploring a bustling college town.

As is the case with many of my road trips, I feel they seem to go by too fast — and that’s definitely true considering this one packed a ton into a short amount of time! I’m always left feeling very grateful — if a bit tired — for the chance to travel to great cities, see excellent music and yes, pack my favorite menswear. I’d say no trip is too short to put your best foot forward — and who can resist bringing along everyday carry pieces like a stylish casual watch or a great weekender bag, anyways? Oh, and about Young the Giant. There are moments during every live show that get me smiling and singing, and the Saturday night show was definitely filled with them. They have no shortage of tour dates through the rest of the year, so go see ’em — don’t forget to pack some stylish rock concert gear, ehh?

Until the next trip — thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants

Flint and Tinder

Your next purchase from Flint and Tinder? Maybe. Hopefully? Best make it a great one!

Alright, let’s kick this off the right way here — yes indeed, you need some of the best men’s sweatpants for comfortable lounging through summer or any time of year at all. And that’s why we’re back with another Flint and Tinder Style Pick (yes yes, another one). But the reason we here at The Style Guide keep coming back to the brand is quite simple: We’re talking high-quality, versatile and durable #menswear that guys can wear any day of the week, any season. And shouldn’t that be the goal of your wardrobe?  With that being said, if you’ve been following along with the blog, you’re hopefully acquainted with what makes Flint and Tinder  so essential. I’ve gone to bat for the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, in addition to the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt, so it’s only fitting that  we’re rounding out your apparel wardrobe with the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants. As sold by Style Guide favorite Huckberry, they’re a steal of a deal when on-sale — considering they could be the last pair of sweats you need to buy for awhile, these Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are worth buying and wearing a ton. Seriously, they’re more versatile than you might think, and they’re made in and around L.A., to boot.  And considering that every aspect of your wardrobe is worth examining for upgrades — from men’s home goods to grooming gear — your off-duty, casual style should go under the microscope, too.

Flint and Tinder

Tailored sweats made in America from premium, ringspun cotton. Doesn’t get any better!

Now, I’m not necessarily recommending that you mash these sweatpants up with a navy blazer at the office. But I am indeed recommending that you take these ringspun cotton, garment-dyed sweatpants and use them to amp up your weekend menswear game. Lest you think we’re drifting into athleisure territory, rest assured … we’re not! The key is pairing them with equally well-fitting essentials — take something like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, for starters. You can even dress up the sweatshirt-sweatpants combo — take a classic, rugged-yet-casual chambray shirt and pair the whole thing with stylish leather sneakers for a crisp ensemble that’s fit for grabbing a quick coffee, picking up some groceries or … wait for it… nabbing some lunch with your buddies. Yes, a proper meal. Truly, it’s not as if these are baggy athletic sweats — crucially, the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are a tailored pair of sweats that’ll still have looking more put-together than your buddies as you recover from last night over a Bloody Mary (or is that just me?). Heck, the combo could look even more better if you add a stylish leather watch and a slim topcoat. That’s right — a topcoat. If that veers a bit too much into “GQ territory” for you, all well and good. These sweatpants are still a worthy gym gear upgrade — and hey, wearing them at home works just fine, too.

Are you on-board with upgrading your sweatpant game with Flint and Tinder? Or will you pass on these?

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Young the Giant, Star Wars and Cole Haan

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.

Where did the time go since last Friday? It was a beautiful three-day weekend here in NYC, so that certainly contributed to it. And with spring-like temperatures Saturday through Monday, it definitely got me planning ahead — I tried to enjoy the Brooklyn weather (plus delicious coffee and great menswear at Williamsburg’s Upstate Stock) as much as I could, but I couldn’t help but plan for this site’s Spring Style Wish List. Don’t worry — it’s on the way.  In the meantime, hopefully the team of one here at The Style Guide has given you plenty to read. If you didn’t catch this week’s brand profile on the inimitable Todd Snyder, do so now — and maybe pick up a great piece like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt in the process.
Frank & Oak
Know that we’ve also got a new way to wear a cardigan via this week’s #OOTD series, and of course, another entry in the Style Pick of the Week series. As for me, I’m taking a (slight) break from menswear writing for a quick road trip to the famed town of New Haven, home of Yale University and, perhaps more importantly, this weekend’s Young the Giant show at College Street Music Hall! I kid, I kid — Yale is quite the big deal, but I’m excited for the show nonetheless. Of course, I’ll be dressed in travel style, too. It’s definitely been pretty neat to go on East Coast adventures, explore new cities and see great shows in the process — from seeing Local Natives in Providence to catching The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, I’ve been quite lucky to be able to hit the road this past fall and winter! Of course, you can follow along with my travels via Instagram and Twitter. For now, let’s kick of the weekend with some #menswear fun, shall we? Read on and see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick.

Beckett Simonon

  • Speaking of Young the Giant, this next bit of news caused me to yell out loud in excitement at my desk at work this week — Cold War Kids are touring with  Young the Giant later this summer! Who’s pumped? And the tour includes an NYC stop in September — crucial for all of us city slickers. But seriously … how exciting is that??
  • If you’re a Star Wars fan — and a fan of the many planned offshoot movies — then you’re likely aware of this already, and yet … the new, as-yet-untitled Han Solo film started shooting this past week, and that’s reason for fans of the character and the Star Wars universe to get excited. See, we’re about more than just menswear (wink, wink).
  • Esquire tells us all about how the ’90s are back in style — in a big way — and how you can dress like the era without going too far back in time.

Want to really get a jump on your spring style?

With that, we’ll close the curtain on another Friday Read — see you in the front row!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Grooming Products to Buy

Gather ’round and step on up for another edition of the Online Shopping Picks series on your neighborhood #menswear blog, The Style Guide.  Just a few weeks ago, we were slammed with another Polar Vortex, and that made dressing for winter weather quite difficult indeed. As I trudged through the snow  — raise your hand if you had the same problem — it got me thinking about other essentials that we forgo during the winter season from time to time. Sure, we’re all likely loaded up with warm winter accessories and probably a tough pair of winter boots, but what about your grooming routine? Yes, skin care in the chilly weather is actually pretty vital. And if you let things run wild, your skin care situation can quickly take a dive. Caring for your hands, face, beard — the whole nine yards — is something to pay extra attention to, and as you’ll recall from last year’s winter grooming essentials round-up, there are a ton of products geared to help you out. So, read this year’s refresh below and chime in on Twitter (or follow yours truly on Instagram) for all your style needs.
Beckett Simonon

The Moisturizer: Tread for Men Firming Moisturizer — $15

An easy pick-up at a great price.

An easy pick-up at a great price.

There are certainly a whole host of products you could buy to jumpstart your grooming routine, but the folks at Tread for Men know how to get the job done effectively and affordably.  This moisturizer — conveniently sized to sit in your medicine cabinet or travel in your favorite dopp kit — really does make a noticeable difference in terms of skin quality, and eliminates dryness that plagues so many of us during the winter months.

The Lip Balm: Way of WILL 18 Hydrating Lip Balm — $17.98

Never lose that tube of ChapStick again with this handy three-pack.

Never lose that tube of ChapStick again with this handy three-pack.

What’s the most-overlooked item in a guy’s medicine cabinet? Is it lip balm? Maybe? Just maybe. Never forget a tube of ChapStick again with this handy three-pack from Way of WILL, designed to end chapped lips once and for all. It’s a small touch that’ll help avoid cold sores and, of course, dry lips. Oh, and you can shop around Huckberry while you pick up that lip balm, too.

The Hand Cream: Baxter of California Hydro Salve Hand Cream — $16

The more you use this, the more you'll wonder how you survived without it.

The more you use this, the more you’ll wonder how you survived without it.

Yet another underrated grooming product seems to be hand cream. But seriously — your hands take a beating when it’s cold outside, regardless of how often you break out stylish and functional winter gloves. This hand cream is made with utility and affordability in mind — you’d be surprised how often you’ll use it once you’ve got it. And we all know that the fine folks at Baxter of California do a tremendous job with top-notch grooming products for men.

The All-in-One Kit: Oars and Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit — $43.98

All the essentials you need in one handy kit.

All the essentials you need in one handy kit.

Sometimes, it helps to keep everything in one place in terms of your grooming essentials. And needless to say, you certainly get that functionality with the Oars and Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit, a heck of a handy product sold by our friends over at Huckberry. The touches in this kit are definitely unique, from a cleansing face stick to an odor-blocking deodorant and eye cream. Plus, the fact that you can snag the Athlete’s Grooming Kit for under $50 is a nice steal.

The Face Wipes: Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes — $24

A small package that packs a big punch in terms of utility.

A small package that packs a big punch in terms of utility.

You never know when you might be in need of a refresh — especially after a long flight or a long day at the office. Ursa Major takes care of the hard work for you with its handy Essential Face Wipes, made with cleanser, exfoliator, healer and hydrator for maximum utility. They’re again another smaller, underrated touch that’ll make a big impact. Feeling fresh yet?

The Deodorant: AXE 48-Hour Charge Up Protection Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick — Price Varies

So, AXE is back in the grooming mix? Absolutely — the brand has grown up and revamped its image, its look and its product. Make no mistake, this deodorant isn’t the spray can of yore — it’s got a clean, crisp scent and it really is effective. It’ll leave you smelling great, and that’s something you shouldn’t let fall by the wayside even in winter. Ya dig? Good.

If your medicine cabinet and dopp kit aren’t restocked yet, hopefully you take care of that soon. The above picks certainly don’t cover the full spectrum of grooming products you could bring along for the ride, but there are certainly more than enough choices to help you tackle winter grooming problems head on. A handy kit like the Oars and Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit  is a perfect pick-up if you need everything in one place, while hand cream, moisturizer and a great deodorant should definitely be part of your daily grooming routine. What are some of your favorite grooming products? Let me know in the comments below — stay warm out there!

-Beau

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The New Way to Wear a Cardigan This Winter

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.

OK, folks — back at it with another handy, helpful #OOTD entry today on The Style Guide.  As we deal with a strangely up-and-down winter — at least in my neck of the woods — perhaps you’re wondering about ways you can maximize your layering skills and versatility with staples you’ve already got. You know, like your favorite cold-weather cardigan or a trusty pair of classic dark blue denim.  That’s the starting point for our latest #OOTD — it’s taking crisp, casual pieces and shaking them up just a little bit (as you’ll see between the shirting and denim combination). It’s a good way to make your wardrobe work for you and last longer, without feeling like you’re in a style rut (wearing the same thing over and over … and over again). Plus, you’ll recognize a few picks — like the Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka — from past #menswear entries on this site. So with all that being said … check out the goods below and follow along for real-time men’s style looks via Instagram.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

The Cardigan: J. Crew Merino Wool Cardigan Sweater, $89.50 — Perhaps this very cardigan is one you’ve already got in your closet? Tailored and made from great fabric, it’s refined enough to dress down — if that makes sense.

The Shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $68 — Yes, you can definitely take that light chambray shirt and make it work for you in winter. Trust me.

The Parka: Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, $140.98 — You can pick up a versatile, tough parka and use it as a prime outer layer all season long — the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka is the one to buy.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Jeans in Bay Blue, $136.98 — One of the prime ways we’re mixing up this outfit? Injecting some casual, faded denim in the mix — they stand out just enough from the chambray shirt, and they’re offset nicely by the grey cardigan.
Huckberry

The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot, $149.98 — Reliable leather chukka boots are absolutely the way to go in nearly any style situation — especially a casual one. Luckily, the Emilio Chukka Boot does it all.

The Belt: J. Crew Classic Leather Dress Belt, $29.50 — If you’re already picking up a classic J. Crew cardigan, why not pick up a simple, effective leather belt to go with it?

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $17.98 — We all recognize these socks, right? Right. They’re solid, reliable, comfortable and a nice match for the hues of blue in this outfit.
The Watch: Seiko Dive Watch, $319.98 — Since we’re mixing high-low style in this outfit — the rugged chambray shirt + the faded Nudie Jeans denim in particular — a dive watch on a durable NATO strap is smart and sharp.
 Although there’s nothing too fancy or utterly eye-catching about this outfit, it’s grounded in classic staples mixed a bit unexpectedly. From the lighter shades of the chambray shirt to the light wash denim and the slightly dressier Emilio Chukka Boot, it takes advantage of twists on tried-and-true staples. It’s a combination that would work in the spring sans the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, and you’d always do well to pick up a handsome, rugged timepiece like the Seiko Dive Watch. With that being said, chime in via the comments below if you have alternate picks or styling suggestions — always looking forward to hearing from everyone, and many thanks for reading!
-Beau

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Todd Snyder

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

So, it’s been a bit of time since our last Style Guide brand profile. Quite a bit of time, in fact. But every so often, it’s nice to step back from the daily, ever-evolving process of crafting your latest #OOTD and get to know your favorite brands just a bit better. In this instance, that’s what we’re doing today with Todd Snyder.  It was a treat to check out the designer’s much-lauded Fall/Winter 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week: Men’s recently, and I can assure that more great gear is on the way. If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide regularly, you’ll surely recognize the designer’s namesake brand, keen eye for detail and sharp instincts when it comes to translating classic silhouettes into recognizable and easily wearable pieces. If that sounds like too tall a task for one designer to conquer, rest assured … it’s not.

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It's a keeper!

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It’s a keeper – read on for more!

The approach starts with a rather unique combination, namely his Midwestern roots and love of sports and classic menswear. Having interviewed Mr. Snyder on two occasions for The Manual, I can assure you he’s a true gentleman and as down-to-earth as it gets. As an Iowa native, he’s stuck with a unique formula that’s caught the eye of many a style blogger, writer, editor…. you name it. And it’s best summed up with updated takes on vintage staples — if that’s your thing, stick with us. Take, for example, last fall’s rendition of the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top, made with a sturdy military-grade canvas upper and featuring a tough rubber sole. They worked perfectly for me during a fall weekend in NYC, and if you were fortunate enough to pick up a pair, you’ll know they’re similarly versatile. That’s only the starting point for his work, however.

The designer's handiwork in action -- notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

The designer’s handiwork in action — notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

In fact, doesn’t even begin to cover the designer’s nuanced approach to other collaborations.  If you know Mr. Snyder for just one piece, it just might be the covetable, essential and casual Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Rest assured, you should snag one ASAP and make it your new weekend layering go-to. If spending nearly $100 on a crewneck sweatshirt is too much … just know that it’s worth the investment. The great thing is, it handsomely complements the designer’s other easily wearable staples (think less sportswear-inspired, more classic everyday pieces). We’re talking refined, versatile items like Japanese selvedge Oxfords and merino crewneck sweaters done in partnership with England’s John Smedley.  If there’s a designer that can do more while sticking to the same overall aesthetic, it’s tough to top Mr. Snyder.
Beckett Simonon

It nearly goes without saying that the brand’s accessories — from collaborations to third-party goods like rugged Red Wing leather boots — are all shoppable and enviable in their own right. In fact, the newly launched Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch is a perfect example of what the designer does best — take an older classic and bring it into the modern era. You should definitely team it with one of the brand’s Japanese chambray shirts — as seen in this site’s roundup of the best chambray shirts for men. Of course, the Timex + Todd Snyder Mod Watch as launched last summer was a hot-seller in its own right — and if you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I love mine. Again, we’re talking about a designer who can do it all.

Quite possibly the only suit you'll need to buy -- ehh?

Quite possibly the only suit you’ll need to buy — ehh?

It would be remiss to close out this piece without focusing on the fact that Snyder even takes care of your more formal evening and office wear via his fantastic, accessible and high-quality Todd Snyder White Label suiting line. While plenty of designers are dabbling in multiple categories nowadays, you won’t often find one who does a suit as well as he does a  crewneck sweatshirt. If you only had to buy one suit, I might make it the Todd Snyder Sutton Suit in Navy Wool — think of it like an upgraded J. Crew Ludlow suit, with premium components, great fabric and plenty of wearability.  Again, it’s rare to find a brand that excels in so many categories, but Todd Snyder is a perfect company to check out if you want classic, reliable and timeless goods made with heritage quality and modern style in mind. Sounds pretty good to me — how about you?

Do you own any Todd Snyder goods? What other brands would you like to see in this site’s Brand Profile series?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Eddie Bauer K-6 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.

eddie-bauer-hikers-edited

 

OK, quick — check the weather. What’s in the forecast? Snow? Slush? Rain? All three. That’s where the  Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot — this week’s prime #menswear pick — comes into play. Trust me, we’ve got a great one on our hands here, folks.  Now, Eddie Bauer has long been known as a brand that’s got the heart of the outdoors woven into its DNA — check out the Eddie Bauer x Pendleton Skyliner Jacket for further evidence of that — but lately, the brand has taken a bit of a different approach. It encompasses a full lifestyle line that I’ve found unique, rugged and stylish. I was fortunate enough to take the Snowbridge Cardigan with me on a winter trip to Baltimore, and I’ve been similarly pleased with the versatility and rugged appeal of the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot, a heck of a winter weekend style pick.  It’s a recent addition to the brand’s line, and it plays beautifully off the original silhouette first introduced by the brand all the way back in 1964. And if you haven’t picked up your favorite pair of winter boots, the K-6 Boot might handsomely fill that void — and then some.

For starters, these boots are about as tough and rugged as they come — absolutely perfect for surviving the polar vortex in style.  The Vibram outsole is sturdy, durable and highly functional, a huge help in navigating slushy, slippery terrain. Plus, the Goodyear welt is an added bonus you don’t find on too many hiking boots (or so it seems). What’s more, they’re about as stylish a pair of hikers as you’re going to find. That means they’ll work just as well with rugged blue or black denim and a chamois shirt as they will with a warm winter cardigan. The Paprika color in particular is rich and has aged well over time — and that’s going to be a critical style point to keep in mind as you dress for, say, a weekend coffee run. And with two lace options — either an eye-catching red pair of a yellow pair — it’s almost as if you’re getting two pairs of boots for the price of one. Take it from your Style Guide author — they’re definitely worth buying and wearing plenty throughout the last vestiges of winter (and well beyond).

What’s your take on the Eddie Bauer K-6 Boot? Would you buy ’em — and how would you wear them?

Beckett Simonon