May 20, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Travel Accessories

Where in the world (or across the country?) will you be heading this summer?

So with summer coming up quickly and Memorial Day approaching even faster, there’s a good chance you’ll be hitting the road in the coming weeks and months – be it for a music festival, a trip to see old friends, a summer wedding or some much-deserved R-and-R. Either way, how exactly are you going to get there and what are you going to bring? I’ll leave you to figure out your travel reservations — but in the meantime, get prepped to pack with all of the stylish essentials you’ll need, from a great weekender bag to the clothing you might want to throw in it.

The Weekender Bag: Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag — $200

The Navali Stowaway Weekender bag in Carafe. A different color than the version up on the site now, but still a great model.

While the version for sale on the brand’s site right now comes in different color options than the bag pictured above, the nuts and bolts are still the same. With a Navali bag, you get a unique combination of quality and a relatively affordable price — a bag you’re going to depend on for getting from point A to point B had better be reliable, well-built and good-looking to boot. It’s made from durable cotton canvas and features added reinforcement at key stress points and leather handles. If you’re in need of a larger or more business-friendly suitcase, you could pick up something sleek and minimal from Tumi.

The Dopp Kit: J. Crew Factory Carson Travel Kit — $34.50 And Toiletries — Brickell Men’s Products

J. Crew Factory’s Carson Travel Kit pictured with some other travel essentials. Rubber strap watch by Stuhrling. Stainless steel watch by Invicta. Toiletries by Brickell Men’s Products.

Once you’ve loaded up your weekender bag with budget style essentials fit for a trip, what are you going to do with those toiletries? Even doing something as simple as buying a nicer receptacle for that plastic Ziploc bag to get through security helps tie together the complete travel/style combination. J. Crew Factory’s Carson Travel Kit comes in rugged shades of olive, khaki or deep navy, any of which would be a fine (and durable) addition to your travel lineup. On the cheaper yet still nice-looking side, Target is also making a nice toiletries kit. As far as grooming supplies go, you can’t go wrong on the skin and body care front with some travel-sized essentials from Brickell Men’s Products — they’re affordably priced and they really do work wonders for your skin (full review here).

The Everyday Carry: Issara Laptop Sleeve (11″ or 13″) — $116.10 OR $125.10

Navy + leather = quality your laptop can appreciate.

For those of us who pack up the laptop when we hit the road, carrying around something with a bit of a luxe feel to it can be a nice upgrade. There are less expensive, sporty options out there but something made out of fine full-grain leather like this laptop sleeve feels great to the touch and befits a laptop that probably cost a pretty penny. This piece and others are available for pre-order now, so keep that in mind as you hit the road. On another note, the navy leather is another step up as far as travel gear goes. If that color isn’t your thing, it’s also available in cognac or black.

The Wallet: Linjer Leather Goods Mocha Billfold

Made out of vegetable-tanned leather and with enough room for everything you need to hit the road.

This accessory is another item that can easily become part of your everyday carry outside of travel, too. Linjer’s mocha billfold wallet is a beautifully crafted piece made out of supple leather. It’s got enough space for six cards and a nifty hidden pocket for important documents (or just extra cash). The site is taking pre-orders for those pieces currently, but if you travel exceptionally light and want a piece with some personality, The Hill-Side’s card cases combine excellent fabrics and leather in a slim profile. Of course, as part of your everday carry, it’d be wise to pack a sharp watch — best be on schedule!

The Reading Material: A great book

Weekend reading pictured. Would recommend a smaller book for travel. Leather valet tray by Made Supply Co. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

I’m a voracious reader in my spare time (if you’ve been following along with the weekly Friday Read pieces, you know that much), but getting into a great book is one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Picking up something digitally if you have a Kindle is definitely a nice option, and I also prefer excellent longform-focused sites like Narratively for digital perusal.

The Travel Outfit

An outfit that moves from place to place with easy. Unconstructed navy blazer by J. Crew. Chambray shirt by GAP. Suede wingtips by Oliberté. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Black denim by American Apparel.

What to wear while traveling is likely an entirely different post in and of itself (keep your eyes peeled for that!), but outfits that straddle the line between dressy and casual definitely seem to work the best — think something casual-cool, like the unconstructed blazer seen above with a four-season chambray shirt and black (or blue) denim for spring & summer travel. The goal would be to look good but be comfortable moving around and sitting — the suede wingtips seen above could easily be swapped out for white sneakers, while the chambray shirt could be traded in for a pocket tee; in the cold weather, a navy wool blazer would work just the same. Conversely, a great bomber jacket and a short-sleeve henley worn with dark denim works for spring and summer layering as you travel between chillier and hotter climes. Of course, if you’re bringing a suit to a destination, the best suggestion seems to be to simply wear it — more terrific suggestions on dressing for travel from the team at Dappered over here.

Now that you know the bag to grab and what to fill it with, let me know — what are your must-have travel essentials? What items not shown here would pack instead?

May 18, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Memorial Day

Memorial Day really is one of the first significant outdoor occasions of the spring and summer for many around the country – after a long winter, summer’s imminent, and the holiday might bring with it some travel and time with friends and family. Ideally though, it involves getting outdoors for a little bit of everything — maybe a barbecque, a trip to the water or a little exploring. But what do you wear for such an occasion? Tweaking the standard outdoor get-up doesn’t take that much work — and you can support some quality brands in the process.

The Shirt: Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Small design touches make this a better option than a regular tank top or ratty old T-shirt.

First seen not too long ago on this site’s roundup of the best T-shirts for spring and summer, this pick is much more than just a T-shirt. The deep navy color and slubby texture differentiate it from a plain old tee, and the rounded hem and slouchy collar are added design touches, too. The fact that it’s American-made doesn’t hurt, either. If the situations calls for a polo, you could always pick up a cheap yet well-designed option from this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration or perhaps a nice short-sleeve buttondown from Ernest Alexander.

The Shorts: J. Crew Factory Stadium Short in Chambray — $29.50

Sporty elements like the elastic waistband mesh with an airy chambray fabric in these shorts.

Some might argue that these are just a shorter version of jogger pants – why add in something like a drawstring waistband to a pair of shorts? Well, when you’re out and about on Memorial Day, you might find yourself playing catch, grilling or taking a hike — the elastic waistband adds a casual and functional element to these chambray shorts, while the fabric and construction are a notch above athletic shorts (no belt needed, either). If you find they’re still too casual, you could grab a more refined pair from this list.

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand White Wilson Sneakers — $49

A durable captoe and the crisp white color make these the perfect high-low sneaker option.

A full review of these sneakers can be found here — but in short, they’re the ideal combination of excellent looks for a stellar price. They’re quite a bit cheaper than a pair of similar white kicks from the revamped Converse Jack Purcell line, they look more crisp than a pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars (no pesky logo or side stripe on the sole), and they’re still functional enough to move around in — plus, at that price they can take a bit of a beating without too much worry. If you want a more no-frills option, you could always pick up a leather slip-on (the latest release from GREATS) or a beater pair of canvas Vans sneakers.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Beginner No-Show 2-pack — $15

No-show socks that’ll help your sneakers fit better and last longer.

No-show socks are among those essentials for the warmer weather that can make quite a big difference — they prolong the life of your sneakers and help your kicks fit better while avoiding the foot funk that can come from going barefoot with shoes. The simple design options for Richer Poorer socks mean these are a better choice than no-show or low-cut athletic socks, too.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Factory Tortoiseshell Sunglasses — $19.50

Mighty cheap but still stylish.

Some people are all about their sunglasses and really dig expensive pairs – if you’re not one of those people, or if you’re the type to lose them or sit on them throughout the summer, it doesn’t hurt to snag a pair or two of these cheap shades. You still get a unique frame shape, neat tortoiseshell pattern and the confidence of buying from J. Crew Factory — better than a drug store pair, right? You could always spring for a customizable pair of Ray-Ban’s New Wayfarers or an American classic, Randolph Engineering Aviators.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Slip-Thru Strap Watch — $40.45

A no-frills design that takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

Timex watches are renowned for the combo of price and durability they provide. The company doesn’t produce anything overly fancy, but its Weekender series works with plenty of NATO watch straps and provides a classic, clean design that’s not too casual or dressy. In this case, the red and blue stripes of the strap play off the blue in the shirt and the grey of the shorts, although a red floral NATO strap would also provide a fun pop of pattern and color. An efficient field watch would also work here.

With some slight tweaks, this same outfit template could work for nearly any warm-weather situation in your future — and either way, I hope your Memorial Day entails great times with friends and family … and maybe a cold beer or two.

What do you think of the above get-up?What will you be wearing (and doing!) for the long weekend?

May 16, 2015June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: GREATS Brand Wooster Leather Slip-on

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. Please note that the below post has been updated to reflect the pre-sale release date and price of these shoes.

Who needs laces indeed? The newest pending release from GREATS Brand. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

Summer time is almost here folks, and if you haven’t made the transition from your sturdy winter boots to some crisp white sneakers or classic runners, now is definitely the time to start doing so. All of this talk of transitioning seasonal styles is also bringing out some more unique footwear options — specifically the evermore ubiquitous slip-on sneaker. Some retailers like J. Crew have been producing this style for a while now, but there haven’t been many that combine so many nice elements into one package — like the soon-to-be-released Wooster leather slip-on from Brooklyn’s own GREATS. The pre-sale for these shoes launched today (Thursday, May 21) — and if you’re on the early access list, you can get the shoes here for $149 now.I’m a huge fan of the brand and the quality sneakers they produce for the price, so when I saw news of the latest release (named for #menswear icon Nick Wooster), I was effectively sold (on writing about them, at least!).

A close-up look at both the Blanco and Cadet versions. Photo courtesy of GREATS.

The brand has already produced multiple different runs of the same style using the Wooster name — two colors of a wool slip-on, a white bison leather version with accessories maker Parabellum and a Wooster x Lardini collaboration designed in conjunction with the style legend earlier this spring. The leather Wooster in particular looks like the best of the bunch though — five different colorways (a few of which also made it onto my Wish List Pinterest board linked in the Editor’s Note), beautiful-looking leather and the perfect mix of summer cool and sharp style. The Cadet or Blanco pairs in particular (that’s a deep navy and white for the uninitiated) could easily be styled with everything from shorts and a short-sleeve henley to chinos and an easygoing blazer-and-tee combo — keep your eyes peeled for the release of these early next week because if history tells us anything, they’ll go fast.

Have you picked up any sneakers from GREATS? Would you buy these? How might you style them?

May 11, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring & Summer T-Shirts

One of my favorite warm-weather T-shirts. Nautical printed shirt by J. Crew Factory. Navy herringbone shorts by Frank & Oak. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

Editor’s note: For more online shopping picks covering everything from great brands, gift guides and the best warm-weather blazers and shorts, head here.

A T-shirt’s a pretty simple item of clothing, right? Not too much to think about, certainly? When you look at it that way, any old graphic T-shirt will do. But so many brands and designers are upgrading this simple, iconic item of clothing with richer colors, better fabric and texture, more nuanced details and even wilder patterns that you would typically find on buttondown shirts. And that’s why it’s a better choice in this case to reach for something other than a plain ol’ white crewneck T-shirt or (particularly) a tank top. Some tanks are well-made and definitely work for some guys, but that’s beside the point — a T-shirt or short-sleeve henley just looks a bit better and could even be considered a bit more versatile. Here are five solid (non-tank) options to round out your warm-weather wardrobe.

#1. J. Crew Factory Slim Placed Stripe Tee — $24.50

An upgraded basic thanks to some small design details.

So this T-shirt will set you back a bit more than paying for a pack of classic white T-shirts — but there’s a reason for that upgraded price tag. J. Crew Factory’s quality is, by some accounts, on par with its elder sibling J. Crew when it comes to basics like this. This tee combines a slim fit with a nice shade of navy perfect for pairing with spring shorts or khaki chinos — the white, nautical-leaning stripe and chest pocket are also subtle design touches that differentiate it from a plain crewneck. Note that Old Navy has a nearly identical version of this piece for about half the price, although you lose out a bit on quality.

#2. Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley — $35

Changing up the typical crewneck or pocket T-shirt. Henley by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.

The second option on this list isn’t a plain pocket T-shirt, to be sure, but everyone needs some diversity in their warm-weather wardrobe (this coming from a guy who’s got about three crewneck pocket tees in his closet). And a henley is a perfectly rugged way to break up the typical short-sleeve shirt rotation. This pick from Pistol Lake is as solid a choice as you’re going to get — made from soft, breathable 6 oz. jersey cotton, it’s sturdy and well-constructed. The price is a tad higher than a standard pick, but you support American-made ingenuity and attention to detail.

#3. Buck Mason Navy Crew Slub Tee — $24

Slouchier collar, rounded shirttail and a deep navy color — definitely not the standard crewneck.

For all the talk here about breaking things up visually with a solid chest pocket, sometimes there are, in fact, crewneck options sans pocket that work well. In this case, the navy crew slub tee from Buck Mason combines a slightly wider collar with an inky indigo color and slubby texture for some different visual details. The rounded hem is a touch also not seen on other T-shirts, and it’s got the kind of easygoing vibe that just works in the spring and summer. Its price, again, goes toward supporting made-in-America production, which seems to be missing a lot of places these days.

#4. Bonobos Yarn Spun Heather Printed Tee — $45

An eye-popping pattern and a rather eye-popping price, too.

A couple of things might catch your eye about this T-shirt — for one, the price is pretty darn high for a basic. And that pattern will absolutely turn some heads (it’s also available in a green floral option). Bonobos is definitely to be applauded for its commitment to breaking away from just making pants; this T-shirt in particular shows that. It’s the kind of pattern that will work for some … and might not work for others. But if you’re heading to the beach or a fun summer party, this is one way to upgrade a plain tee or tank top.

#5. Gustin Pocket T-Shirt 2 or 3-Pack — $28 or $42

Three colors of this pocket T-shirt were available in the first run. Photo courtesy of Gustin.

Now this next option here is slightly tricky owing to the nature of Gustin’s business model. The San Franciso-based, US-production-led outfit produces runs of items only when they’re 100 percent funded — so if an item funds quicker than expected (or if it doesn’t fund at all — very rare), you miss out on the chance to buy it. However, new varieties of everything from T-shirts to denim are being added nearly daily, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stock up on a 2 or 3-pack of pocket T-shirts. Currently, the company is offering up a 2-pack of black or white pocket T-shirts — that pocket is the ideal way to break up the plain-ness of a white or black crewneck, although something like heather grey would be more versatile when it’s on tap again for the brand.

In any roundup, and particularly ones involving a basic item made nearly everywhere, there are going to be some left out. Bonobos’ Yarn Spun Striped Pocket Tee in a soft-washed red is a covetable choice thanks to that sunfaded color and subtle stripes, and even Buck Mason’s Army Green Crew Slub Tee was tough to pass up. The Slub-Knit Pocket Tee from Old Navy was also a close finisher, but just missed the cut — keep in mind that places like GAP also do simple, affordably priced basics.

What’s your go-to summer T-shirt? Will you be picking up (or have you already bought) any of the above picks?

May 9, 2015December 15, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Short-Sleeve Henley

A trim fit and vintage details make this short-sleeve henley from Pistol Lake a winner. Glasses by Warby Parker. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Braided leather belt by Target Merona.

First things first — yes, that headline is correct. And no, this post isn’t a repeat! Although an outstanding long-sleeve henley from the team at Pistol Lake was featured as a style pick earlier this year, the one discussed here is in fact a completely different shirt (alright, it’s still a henley) from the same company! (In full disclosure, William, Shane and Andrew were kind enough to send me this particular piece for another post). The Los Angeles-based brand, for those who aren’t familiar, is a sportswear and vintage-inspired outfit making durable, rugged and stylish basics right here in America. The attention to detail and craftsmanship with each piece I’ve received has been second to none — and that’s something that’s not lost with this short-sleeve henley in either presentation or construction.

Attention to detail in craftsmanship and packaging from the Pistol Lake team.

It’s crafted from 6 oz. 100% cotton jersey fabric, although the weave of this shirt feels lighter and thinner (in a good way) than its long-sleeve counterpart. It’s also available in a vintage-looking, yellow-leaning white and a faded black but I went with the olive option — a perfect three or four-season neutral when layered right (say, with a spring jacket or a shawl cardigan when it’s chillier). The three-button placket doesn’t feel too flimsy or stiff, sometimes a problem when it comes to henleys. The fit is trim across the chest and through the body, and the unfinished sleeves, which can easily be rolled up slightly, are a detail that give this garment-dyed henley an even more rugged, vintage look. Details like double-stitching through the chest seams also help with a trim fit and solid construction. While it’s a bit pricier than a standard short-sleeve henley you might pick up elsewhere, the difference in price is absurdly small for such a jump in quality. Summer’s almost here, and this just might be the perfect casual shirt for the season.

Have you bought anything from Pistol Lake? How would you style this henley?

Editor’s note: Got your shirt game in line but looking to upgrade your bag as part of your everyday carry? Check out what the team at Issara is doing, making ethically crafted, beautiful leather goods!

April 29, 2015June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: The Michael Bastian x Uniqlo Polo, 2015

Going in-person with the latest from the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo 2015 collection. Glasses by Warby Parker. Photo credit: Liz Todd.

When the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration was first announced way back in the spring of 2013, there was some uncertainty as to how the partnership between the fast-fashion outlet and the lauded American designer would sell — and more crucially, how it might be received (at least from this #menswear writer). Well, those questions were answered when polos flew off the shelves in-store and online. Last year’s collaboration polos offered more eclectic designs mixed with traditional prep-sportswear touches, but didn’t seem to sell nearly as well at first — so the question remained, would the collaboration return?

Washed polo by Michael Bastian x Uniqlo. Navy chinos by Bonobos. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta.

A look at the trim fit of a polo from this year’s collab. Navy chinos by Bonobos. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta.

It’s back in full force, and then some. This year’s run expands on the customary, well-designed polo set to include colorful T-shirts, tank tops and two styles of shorts – but the polos really caught this writer’s eye. There’s again a mix of quirky designs alongside classic prep polos, like ones with thick rugby stripes and open collars. I opted for a more middle-of-the road option, a washed pique polo in a medium royal blue with a buttondown chambray collar (also available in colors ranging from white to orange). As with last year’s offering, count me highly pleased with my pickup — perhaps the first of a few from the line.

A look at the rather substantial collar and small details, like a notched V & extra button at the biceps.

While one might expect a chambray collar to be floppy or lack structure, I’ve found it to be fairly substantial. It’s slightly larger than the typical polo collar, with a nice roll and the ability to stand up across the day thanks to that buttondown collar (in particular, that style from the brand in general is worth a look). The mix of light purple & blue stripes on the collar is a stylish and effective way to break things up visually, and I had no problem pairing it with a thicker-striped cream & navy belt (different pattern scales, see?). The dressier four-button placket gives the shirt a casual-but-polished feel. As a bonus, the washed pique fabric is soft and breathes pretty well for being a thicker material. It’s got a nice hint of stretch to it, and a Medium fit my six-foot, one-inch frame nicely — it was trim across the chest, through the shoulders and particularly at the sleeves (no baggy golf polo issues here). The V-shaped notch and extra button at the bicep is the sort of detail that design aficionados can appreciate, while the button-flap chest pocket is a neat visual touch, too.

One of the many ways this polo can be styled. Slim dark denim by Bonobos. White sneakers by GREATS. Striped webbed belt by J. Crew Factory. Silver dive watch by Invicta. See more on Instagram.

The color on this option is also a nice change of pace from more solid navy polos. There’s a marled-like texture to the fabric because of the pre-washing, and this shade of blue plays well off darker denim or navy chinos (as you can see here). This polo would also look right at home with light to medium-grey chinos or a deep tan khaki pair, too. The buttondown collar makes this one polo you can wear with white sneakers and a blazer — an unconstructed navy option (keep coming back to that one, right?) offers lots of easygoing polish.

Another look at how you could style pieces from the collaboration. Image courtesy Capsule Show.

I actually paired my selection with a light tan V-neck (similar to this J. Crew sweater) on a recent chilly spring day to great effect, too. The collar stood up throughout the day and the fit of the polo itself was trim enough to accomodate the extra top layer. As with last year’s polos, this is one designer collaboration worth looking into — it seems as if Uniqlo has really made that their forte, what with the recent reintroduction of the “Best of J+” collection with famed minimalist-minded designer Jil Sander. At the prices these polos are going for now (2 for just $39.90), I’d suggest you grab at least two — or perhaps more.

What do you think of the designs in this year’s collaboration? How many are you planning on picking up (if any)?

April 20, 2015May 18, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Rosen Sneakers

The GREATS Rosen Runner — a perfect casual sneaker for high-low wear. Short-sleeve mini-check shirt by H&M. Khaki chinos by Frank & Oak. Silver dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

In recent years, as high-low dressing has exploded and really gained more traction — think much more stylish iterations of the everday blazer-and-jeans combo, to start — sneaker options for guys have also really exploded as well. While there have always been classic options like Converse Jack Purcells, certain sneaker silhouettes have definitely swung back in style — especially the runner-style sneaker (see Exhibit A here). These types of sneakers mesh perfectly with everything from joggers (yes, joggers can work when worn casually) and a tee to chinos and a buttondown (asyou can see here). One of the more recent sneaker offerings from GREATS out of Brooklyn is cut from that same versatile cloth.

Getting out and about in Brooklyn with a versatile, casual shoe. Photo credit: Liz Tod.

GREATS has been featured on this site a few times already, but the quality of the last pair of sneakers I picked up was simply too good to pass up the chance at another pair. The Rosen Runner dropped in about mid-February to rather mixed reviews (if you follow Hypebeast comments, that is) but I snagged my pair in Cadet (a nice navy color) about a month back from the brand’s small Field House shop near Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The sneaker takes its styling cues from classic American runners and tips its cap to legendary track coach Al Rosen, born in Brooklyn himself. It’s also available in a nice deep Olive and a cream Nimbus color, but navy was my pick.

The combination of nylon and suede is surprisingly durable. Khaki chinos by Frank & Oak.

The sneaker brings to mind other kicks with the same silhouette, namely virtually any one of the pairs in the New Balance for J. Crew collaboration, although the shape of this shoe seems a bit trimmer. Design inspiration aside, these shoes look great, fit extremely well and provide tons of comfort — perhaps even moreso than the previous pair of GREATS sneakers in my closet. That comfort proved necessary during a long walk through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and an evening spent exploring Park Slope on foot, too. More importantly, they’ve paired perfectly on a few different outings with the khaki chinos seen here, as well as a Rust V-neck tee (from my pals at Pistol Lake) and a denim jacket for a casual lunch.

These sneakers would work just fine with longer, patterned socks, but no-show socks fit just fine.

As far as comfort, these shoes feel springy and surprisingly durable to move around in. The Vibram outsole and EVA midsole provide a very nice amount of cushion — this definitely doesn’t wear like a normal pair of canvas sneakers. While they could also be worn with longer patterned socks (like with this look), they were comfortable with some no-show socks, too. The bottom tread isn’t just for looks, as it’s grippy and adds to that springy feeling. And while I was initially wary of the combination of suede and nylon, the nylon stood up to a slight ice cream spill (the horror!) and cleaned up just fine, while the suede portions of the shoe have good color and a decent (not necessarily cheap) feel.

Subtle branding on the back heel.

The minimalism of these shoes and the lack of a logo on the side (in contrast to their New Balance counterparts) is a definite benefit — I’ve found them to be highly versatile because of that. There’s only a very small “G” emblazoned on the suede top of the tongue, and a lightly stamped “GREATS” arch logo across the suede on the back heel. While it’ll be interesting to see how the suede holds up with repeated wear, I’m not worried about the durability of the nylon or the construction of these shoes — they certainly don’t feel like a pair of sneakers you can pick up for less than $50. For the price, they’re an outstanding deal — maybe the best on the market right now.

What’s your experience been like with GREATS? How would you style this particular pair?

April 18, 2015April 18, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Clarke Pants

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 — like the pants discussed below. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Luxurious pants from an esteemed retailer.

So recent Style Picks have really centered around … shirts. Lots and lots of shirts, from a great henley to a nice set of pocket T-shirts and even a soft-looking French terry stadium jacket. It was high time to change things up in that department, and a trip to the excellent West Village Billy Reid store secured this week’s Style Pick (fear not — these beautiful pants are available online, too). And before you ask — I was not able to buy them; this Style Pick belongs in the expensive splurges category above). But, like much of the famed American designer’s work (including the covetable Bond peacoat), these are truly outstanding.

A tailored but more traditional cut.

Made of a ridiculously soft and luxurious-feeling 60% cotton, 40% silk (yes, silk), blend, these pants feature a single pleat (which has been building on the runways for a while now) and tab adjusters in lieu of a belt. The texture definitely feels similar to that of a knit tie, actually. Despite the pleats, these are the kind of pants that are trend-resistant, not fashion-forward — and for that eyepopping price tag ($395!), they better be. The cut is traditional but still looks tailored in an old-school sort of way. In the event that you’re able to buy these (maybe a nice tax refund came your way?), I could see them being worn with everything from an unconstructed blazer, dress shirt and striped tie to a high-low T-shirt & trousers combo. As a final note to tempt you, the brand is running a 20% Off deal for its SS15 collection through tomorrow night at midnight with the code: SS15. So, still pricey — but worth it?

Tell me: What’s on your Expensive Splurges list as of late? Would you ever consider buying these?

One last note: Before the weekend’s up, this site will transition to The Style Guide (if you haven’t gotten the previous memos!), covering the same great categories in men’s style and fashion.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

March 28, 2015March 28, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pistol Lake Henley

Up-close with Pistol Lake’s white henley. Watch by Timex, Horween watch strap by Form-Function-Form. Chinos by Frank & Oak. Glasses by Warby Parker.

There aren’t many items of clothing more rugged in terms of style or layering versatility than a white henley. Wear it with dark denim and a cardigan in the winter, lightwash denim and a jean jacket in the spring, or chinos across most of the rest of the year. The three-button placket is more visually interesting than a plain crewneck T-shirt, and if it’s made well, it can and should provide tons of styling potential. That’s why this week’s Style Pick of the Week goes to L.A.-based Pistol Lake, for the brand’s excellent (and incredibly affordable) take on this layering staple (note that the henley is available in a somewhat stunning six different colors, with plenty of sizes on tap).

Just one of the many ways to style Pistol Lake’s terrific white henley. Chinos by Frank & Oak. Horween watch strap by Form-Function-Form. Socks by Express. Sneakers by Billy Reid for K-Swiss.

I stumbled across this brand a few weeks ago and just had to reach out to them. William & Shane, the brand’s co-founders, were kind enough to send me the white henley seen here, as well as a V-neck tee (more on that in the coming weeks). They make everything right here in the good ol’ U.S.A., with quality that shows. This white henley is soft and yet manages to not feel flimsy at all — double stitching at stress points ensures that. The fit is spot-on: trim through the sleeves and upper arms, across the chest and through the body. And even the three-button placket is finished off with a nice touch — there’s the slightest amount of room between the top button and the shirt collar, creating a pleasing visual effect. So between the quality inherent in this piece and all kinds of wearability, this is one henley that’s absolutely worth buying.

Have you purchased anything from Pistol Lake? What’s your take on the brand?

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: J. Crew Cotton Sweater

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity 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.

Affordable. Spring-ready. And perfect for fall layering. All in one sweater.

This week’s style pick of the week is on a decidedly more affordable tilt than the somewhat pricey (but no less alluring) Stadium Jacket from Welcome Stranger featured last week. Specifically, the sweater above comes from standout everyman retailer (and personal favorite) J. Crew. The brand does a lot of things great, from its Ludlow suiting collection to casual washed buttondown shirts, sweaters and even a relatively new line of luggage & accessories.

You could absolutely get dressed head-to-toe in J. Crew and go just about anywhere (and I often do just that!). And this sweater would be a great place to start. It also comes in navy or a light tan or “pumice” color, but it’s the rich caramel shade that really caught my eye. The use of cotton should make this sweater light enough to wear in the spring over crewneck T-shirts or a basic buttondown, but that deep color would also fit well layered in the fall under a waxed coat with dark jeans. At $70, it’s a bit of a reach — sales and discounts by the brand should eventually drop that down into the low $50’s, hopefully. With the looks and potential for this piece, it might be gone before then though!

How would you style this sweater? How much J. Crew do you have in your wardrobe?

Stay stylish and have a great weekend!